Congressman Mike Castle (R-Del.) was awarded the National Volunteer Fire Council Legislator of the Year Award at an April 4 reception in conjunction with the NVFC's 2006 Spring Meeting in Arlington, Va. Castle is a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and has worked closely with the NVFC on legislation to benefit the volunteer fire service of America.

"Congressman Castle has a long history of support for volunteer firefighters," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "Back in 2001 and 2002, he led the ultimately successful effort to lower the American flag on all federal buildings in conjunction with the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. In this Congress, he has introduced the Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act (H.R. 1088) and the Volunteer Fire and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act (H.R. 3949)."

Castle's flag-lowering law took effect in time to appropriately pay tribute to the firefighters who gave their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks. H.R. 1088 would limit the liability of companies and fire departments that donate surplus equipment to volunteer fire departments. H.R. 3949 protects, for up to 14 days a year, the jobs of volunteer emergency services personnel responding to a presidentially-declared national disaster.

"Congressman Castle has a long history of outstanding support for the fire and emergency services in Delaware," said Jim Monihan, chairman of NVFC's Legislative Committee and NVFC state director from Delaware. "Way back when he served in the state legislature, during his two terms as governor, and continuing on today, Mike Castle has never wavered in his support for the volunteer fire service."

Castle has been supportive of many other issues of importance to the fire service. Last year, he voted in favor of legislation setting a firm date for turning over radio spectrum to first responders for communications interoperability. He also has consistently championed the FIRE Grant and SAFER programs, signing a letter to House Appropriators earlier this year asking for increased funding for the programs.