How secure is your job? Up until a couple months ago, I'm sure that House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert thought he was a shoe-in for another couple years. Longtime champion of the U.S. fire service Rep. Curt Weldon (Pa.) is currently in the fight for his political life as competitors resort to slinging a few mud pies to unseat him.

Not since going door-to-door for McGovern have I had any serious interest in the political system. Part of it was because my family lived overseas for a long time (we still voted), but more so because politicians have always seemed mired in unchecked favors and mudslinging. Some of the long-winded back-slappers at the Congressional Fire Services Institute dinner didn't help change my opinion.

This past year, FIRE CHIEF was actively involved in both the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association and Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association's Hill Day in Washington, D.C., and with Home Day in Illinois. Two separate organizations working with their local fire officials to educate Congressional leaders about the changing role of the emergency services and the need for funding.

Earlier this month, we visited the Washington offices of an Illinois senator and some Illinois representatives to talk to their chiefs of staff about fire service issues. It was quite a contrast to see how much these individual staffers really knew about the fire service. Each meeting — whether in Washington, D.C., or Illinois — was an eye-opener for me. I saw how little I knew about the political arena, but I'm trying to learn. We need to be involved in politics, but as service providers and manufacturers there is only so much we can do.

During recent FEMSA and FAMA meetings, we were asked pointedly if we know who our state Congressional leaders are and the names of their chiefs of staffs. I think this is a question for fire chiefs and officers, too. Do you know who your local political leaders are? More importantly, do they know who you are and the challenges you are facing? Are your senators and representative members of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, the largest caucus in Washington, D.C.? Check it out at the CFSI's Web site.

The FIRE Grant survived this year and is appropriated for next year, but I'm not sure how much longer that money will be available. If there were no FIRE Grants in 2008 or 2009, how would that affect the fire and emergency services? Will your local or state government step up and help fund your department? Maybe it's time to think about it.

Before you cast your vote in Tuesday's elections, ask yourself: "Where does this candidate stand on fire and emergency service issues?" It's your responsibility to vote — and make yourself known to your local political leaders and your Congressional representatives.

As the ads say, "Vote responsibly, but please — VOTE!" this Tuesday.

Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
janet@firechief.com