Promising to continue grant funding, the renewal of canceled National Fire Academy classes, and reinstatement of the U.S. fire administrator position, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge addressed a full house at the Congressional Fire Services Institute's 15th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 30 in Washington, D.C.

“Fire responders will be receiving $750 million in direct FIRE Act assistance; signed, sealed, delivered and on the way,” Ridge said. “I think, as importantly, the president of the United States is committed to the continuation of the program. And to that end, he has proposed an additional $500 million in grants for the 2004 budget. At a time when we need more training for our firefighters, not less, we will also see to it that the National Fire Academy training classes continue. I know this is a high priority.”

The original cutbacks of 36 out of 89 classes scheduled at the NFA between May and September were announced in mid-April. “There was an approximate 11% cut across FEMA and it required us to contribute to the organization and make tough decisions,” said Tom Olshanski, NFA public information coordinator. On May 1 Olshanski said he was unclear as to how many and which classes would be reinstated.

In his speech, Ridge also pledged the presidential reappointment of the U.S. fire administrator's position, which had been eliminated when FEMA transitioned to the DHS.

“It is incumbent upon policy makers, whether they're in Congress or in the new department, to understand the everyday challenges and pressures of the firehouse before we make decisions that affect it,” Ridge said. “And at the same time, we need you to help ensure that the new resources are spent wisely, consistent with the state plan, with real needs and in recognition of the continuing need to combat the terrorist threat.”

Concern for the recent cutbacks had prompted the International Association of Fire Chiefs to ask all members to make immediate contact with their respective congressional representatives to express their position on legislative issues, including the future of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

For the full text of Ridge's speech, go to www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=593.