Were you frustrated with the response to Hurricane Katrina? Consider the U.S. fire administrator.

R. David Paulison, the U.S. Fire Administrator, was told to stay in his office -- Katrina was a job for FEMA. Paulison did what he could, but after watching the chaos of Katrina's aftermath on television, frustration got the best of him. Last weekend, Paulison's staff helped him "sneak" down to Baton Rouge, where he spent time talking to firefighters and others involved with the operations to find out how he could help them.

Early Monday morning, as his staff anticipated repercussions, Paulison headed back to Washington, D.C. Sure enough, during a layover in Memphis a call came from the White House asking for Paulison's resume. By the time he landed in D.C., Paulison was met at the airport by Secret Service agents, who whisked him away for a five-hour meeting. By late afternoon, the White House announced that U.S. Fire Administrator David Paulison had been named FEMA's Acting Director, following the resignation of Mike Brown that morning.

From frustration to Acting FEMA Director in less than 24 hours -- pretty amazing, huh?

No, what's amazing is that it took yet another hurricane disaster to get an experienced emergency manager as the head of FEMA. It should have happened when the Bush administration replaced James Lee Witt with campaign manager Joe Albaugh or when Albaugh suggested his former college roommate Mike Brown as a replacement.

"Give the job to a first responder!" is what the fire and emergency services have been crying for years. So now that Paulison has had a diabolical mess handed to him, what happens? He digs in and starts shoveling.

Let the word out and give credit where credit is due. The U.S. fire and emergency services did respond in full force, from Maryland to California to Illinois and every state in between. Why did so many self-deploy? Because when neighboring fire departments need help, firefighters can't sit still. Look at how FEMA's request for 1,000 two-person firefighter teams backfired when firefighters learned they would be handing out phone numbers instead of truly helping.

While Paulison's appointment has been called a "victory for firefighters" this is a victory for all first responders. It's about putting training and experience to work.

The week before Paulison slipped down to Baton Rouge, the IAFC's top chiefs -- Bill Killen, Jim Harmes, Steve Westermann and Bob DiPoli -- were working the Congressional offices one-on-one and talking about preparedness and the needs of the emergency services. As word got out that fire chiefs were on the Hill, an invitation was received from the White House for a 45-minute meeting with top aides.

Coincidentally, a day after Paulison's appointment, 39 companies from the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association and the Fire Emergency Manufacturers & Services Association were meeting in D.C. for their second annual "Day on the Hill." This year however, FAMA and FEMSA members were warmly received by their Congressional representatives -- not just staffers. The aftermath of Katrina and the awareness of all-hazard preparedness is a hot topic on the Hill.

When you're hot, you're hot. Remember after 9/11 when the fire service had the focus of the nation? The light's on right now. Take a few minutes and send a letter, fax or e-mail to your Congressional representatives -- even President Bush -- and add an atta-boy for the appointment of an experienced FEMA director.

While his appointment receives cheers and support, Paulison has a major cleanup on his hands and it's not only in the Gulf area. Beware the reptiles, my friend. They're not just in the Louisiana waters.

Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
jwilmoth@primediabusiness.com