Members of the fire service industry discussed funding priorities with their congressional representatives during the first annual Home Day events held April 17-21. Many of the activities took place at manufacturers' facilities where elected officials and their staffs got a first-hand opportunity to see the latest firefighting and emergency services products and to meet the people who build them.

Home Day was organized by the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association and the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association. It was co-partnered by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, International Association of Fire Chiefs and National Volunteer Fire Council to present a unified voice in presenting the top priorities of the fire service in 2006. The events coincided with the spring congressional recess, when most senators and representatives return to their home states to meet with constituents.

Full funding for the FIRE Grant Program was one of the most critical priorities discussed. Of immediate concern is the 2007 fiscal year budget where the president has proposed funding only $293 million of the $1 billion authorized. The FIRE Grants Program is considered especially valuable to the fire service because it provides funds directly to departments based on need and the most effective use of grant funds. Grant requests are judged by peers and experts in the fire service and are designed to provide basic equipment such as personal protective clothing, SCBA and replacements for old and out-of-date apparatus.

Other critical priorities include continued support of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program, which helps fire departments recruit and retain personnel to provide 24/7 coverage. The need for separate funding of the U.S. Fire Administration also was emphasized as being a more effective approach than including those funds within the Department of Homeland Security budget.

In Ocala, Fla., where more than 1,700 people are employed in emergency products manufacturing industries, Home Day drew more than 30 legislative staffers, local fire department officers, company representatives and other officials. E-ONE hosted the event at its headquarters facility, where hundreds of fire and rescue apparatus are delivered every year.

Ocala has become an important center of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment manufacturing in the United States and is home to many well-known companies with a total economic impact of $200 million per year. Among those participating in Home Day were E-ONE, Class 1/Hale, Pro Poly of America, United Plastics Fabricating, Classic Fire and Mako Compressor. Ocala's mayor, city council president and director of economic development also were present, as was the Marion County commission chairman. The event featured presentations and displays by the companies involved and emphasized the importance of the fire service as the primary responders for all types of emergencies.

Other Home Day events were held in Illinois, Wisconsin and several other states across the country.

Event sponsors plan to make Home Day an annual event in the spring and are already planning for next year's activities. It will be followed by Hill Day in the fall, when fire service personnel meet with their representatives in Washington, D.C., to continue the discussions and update them on the latest developments and needs.