CFSI announced that Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge will serve as keynote speaker of the 15th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner which takes place April 30 at the Washington (D.C.) Hilton and Towers.

The theme of the dinner is "Securing Our Homeland" capturing the mission of local first responders to protect communities throughout the nation against future terrorist threats. Throughout the evening, attendees will hear speeches from both the secretary and congressional leaders on the progress being made to prepare our firefighters and rescue personnel to respond should our nation experience another major terrorist attack.

"We are truly honored to have Secretary Ridge serve as our keynote speaker and eager for him to address how his department will meet the growing challenges facing first responders at the local level," said CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb.

In addition, Chief Dennis Compton of Mesa, Ariz., was recently selected by the CFSI Board of Directors as the recipient of the 2003 CFSI/Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. He will receive the award at the dinner later this month. Active both nationally and at the state level, Compton serves on the executive board of the International Fire Service Training Association, as a board member of the National Fire Protection Association and immediate past chair of the CFSI National Advisory Committee. He retired last year as chief of the Mesa Fire Department. He has served for over 32 years in the fire service -- 27 years with the Phoenix Fire Department and five years as the Mesa chief. In recognition for his contributions in the state of Arizona, he was selected a charter member of the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame.

Hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the annual tribute to the fire and emergency services is expected to draw 2,000 fire and emergency services officials from throughout the nation. In addition to the secretary, the program will include remarks from the leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, including Chairman John McCain, Caucus founder Congressman Curt Weldon, Sen. Joe Biden, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, and Congressman Rob Andrews; and award presentations to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fire and emergency services.

For more information about the dinner and activities scheduled during the day, please contact CFSI at 202-371-1277.