The A Foam Authority delivered a message to city managers and administrators at the International City/County Management Association annual meeting in Milwaukee that compressed-air foam systems will not only save firefighters’ lives, but quicker extinguishment means less water and smoke damage.

Keith Klassen — president of the A Foam Authority and captain with the Summit (Ariz.) Fire Department — was part of a panel on “Fiscal Responsibility: Looking beyond our traditions,” during the meeting. He spoke with Editorial Director Janet Wilmoth about the group's message.