On May 6, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge spoke at the National Volunteer Fire Council Spring Conference in Arlington, Va., and continued to assure America's fire service that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will keep its focus on basic needs even though it has moved to the Office for Domestic Preparedness.

Ridge also praised the efforts of the NVFC for working closely with the Department of Homeland Security.

"I'm honored to be here this morning with the men and women of the National Volunteer Fire Council -- an organization that continues to be a valued partner of our Department," he said.

Ridge went on to discuss the effort the Department of Homeland Security is taking on with the National Volunteer Fire Council and other organizations to build a 'Fire Corps' program that will be part of the Citizens Corps effort.

"We will offer citizens in every neighborhood across America an opportunity to support their local firehouse," he said. "Citizen volunteers can have an impact in a variety of ways. Some may choose to spread the word about fire prevention or educate the community on fire safety or help with routine administrative tasks. But all in choosing to serve they will give firefighters more time and resources to pursue their critical, highly skilled responsibilities on the front lines of emergency response where they are needed most."

He continued, "Fire Corps will be another way in which we can harness the spirit of volunteerism in our nation to empower citizens to make a difference in their communities and ultimately their country. The type of difference that those of you in this room make on a daily basis, the type of difference that generations of firefighters have made in constant, selfless service to others. The Department knows you'll play an instrumental role in establishing Fire Corps"

View the complete text of Secretary Ridge's comments at the NVFC Web site.