If there is one unifying force for the various factions of America's fire service, it is the Congressional Fire Services Institute in Washington, D.C. “In terms of mission, you could say we are the United Nations of the fire service,” says Bill Webb, a former Cabinet staffer for the first President Bush who took the reins as CFSI's executive director in 1985. Since 1989, the nonprofit policy institute has worked to build a fire service consensus on public safety issues and to develop with the leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus a legislative agenda that addresses the needs of the entire first response community.

FC: What do you see as CFSI's greatest accomplishments, and what is your current legislative priority on Capitol Hill?

Webb: Our greatest triumph is the FIRE Act. Obviously, Congressman Bill Pascrell deserves the lion's share of credit for introducing the legislation. And other members, such as Congressmen Curt Weldon and Steny Hoyer and Sen. John McCain, were very instrumental in guiding the measure through Congress. Among the fire service organizations, CFSI certainly has played an integral role by organizing the major fire organizations into a united front that has applied the necessary pressure on Congress to enact the measure and continue to fund the program.

As we move forward, our biggest challenge remains funding the FIRE Act. It appears that Congress will approve $750 million for fiscal year 2004, the same amount as this year. We are maintaining a constant vigilance on Capitol Hill and the White House to determine the direction both want to take the program — whether that means moving it to the Office of Domestic Preparedness or staying the course and allowing the U.S. Fire Administration to manage the program. Because they have demonstrated themselves effective, I'd like to see USFA continue to run the program. In addition, we'll be working to ensure that the FIRE Grant retains its original mission, which is addressing all hazards, not exclusively terrorism.

FC: What three things could fire chiefs do that would make a difference politically in Washington?

Webb: First, the fire chiefs of this country can do their part by speaking as one. Ascribing to the position of one of my colleagues, I believe that the three most important elements of any strategy are unity, unity and unity. The minute we diverge and speak in disparate voices, we will lose much of what we have achieved in recent years. We were able to create a major FIRE grant program because the fire service cast aside some of its differences that have impeded its progress in past years on Capitol Hill and has spoken with one voice.

I would encourage fire chiefs to visit both the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Web site [at www.iafc.org] and CFSI's Web site [at www.cfsi.org] and to subscribe to our biweekly summary to stay apprised of activities in Washington. Our service is provided for free. You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to Sean Carroll, CFSI Legislative Director, at scarroll@cfsi.org. Both services provide timely information and alerts notifying fire chiefs when they need to contact their members for support.

Moreover, it is imperative for fire chiefs to establish working relationships with their members of Congress, regardless of any diverging political views. Chiefs should meet with their members or staff regularly to offer a local spin on national issues. When meeting with members of Congress, be prepared for some questions that can be difficult to answer. For example, be able to tell your member why the federal government should play a larger role in funding a service traditionally funded by local government.

FC: The National Fire & Emergency Services Dinner held every spring is CFSI's major event of the year. It's a rare opportunity for fire chiefs from across the nation to hear about upcoming legislation and to personally and collectively bring their message to Washington. What impact does the number of uniforms showing up for the dinner have on legislation?

Webb: There is strength in numbers. Coalitions are much more effective in delivering a message than individuals. A good example of this is the Massachusetts fire service. Last year, the International Association of Fire Chiefs' First Vice President Bob DiPoli brought about 80 Massachusetts fire chiefs to Washington for the dinner, an impressive accomplishment in itself. But more importantly, he organized a lunch early that day attended by the chiefs and the Massachusetts congressional delegation. The entire delegation attended. Obviously, the members recognized the importance of meeting with this group.

It is very encouraging to see fire service officials become more engaged in the legislative process. As a result, we have made some significant strides, becoming more of a force nationally as well as locally. I realize there are limitations to what chiefs can say before they start getting phone calls from their superiors. However, there's no harm in educating their members of Congress.