More than 2,000 state and national homeland security leaders are expected to attend the 18th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars on April 6 in Washington, D.C.. Hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the annual tribute will draw attention to protecting our nation's first responders through strong leadership at the local, state and national level.

"Leadership involves individuals and organizations emboldened to bring about positive changes to protect and prepare our nation's first responders, said CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb. "Our overriding goal should always be protecting lives and property, while at the same time ensuring that everyone goes home safe and sound. This is the message that should drive us in our missions and keep us committed to working together."

Information about the dinner and seminars is available on the CFSI Web site www.cfsi.org. The seminar schedule begins the afternoon of April 5 at the Hilton Washington and runs through the following morning and afternoon on Capitol Hill. A number of national fire service leaders and Administration officials are scheduled to take part, discussing a range of issues addressing federal programs and legislation, and safety and education initiatives.

The leadership of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus will continue the tradition of serving as honorary chairmen of the dinner, including senators Joe Biden, John McCain, Paul Sarbanes and Mike DeWine and congressmen Curt Weldon, Steny Hoyer, Sherwood Boehlert and Rob Andrews. CFSI will pay special tribute to Sarbanes, who announced his retirement effective at the end of this year. Sarbanes wrote the legislation that created the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

For current information about the CFSI dinner and seminars, visit the CFSI Web site, contact the CFSI at 202-371-1277 or e-mail cfsi@cfsi.org.