First Responders
As some branches of the U.S. Armed Forces are coming up short in their recruitment efforts, officials are looking at creative ways to connect students with recruitment officers, as well as programs that increase the likelihood students are prepared to pass rigorous military entrance... Read More »
The Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act (H.R. 3389) passed the last of its hurdles in the House this week, advancing out of the chamber on a bipartisan vote and raising the potential that firefighters may soon gain increased assets for wildfire emergencies.
Originally introduced by U.S.... Read More »
U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) recently introduced the Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act (S.4847), which would require the Department of Justice to create a new training curriculum.
This curriculum would, as the name implies, be... Read More »
Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed training in Reno, Nevada, Aug. 24 to conduct U.S. Embassy reinforcement and noncombatant evacuation operation missions.
The training was supported by the U.S. Department of State advisors at U.S. Army National Guard Base... Read More »
In order to fund operations throughout Fiscal Year 2024 and pursue network upgrades, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board last week approved a $451 million budget package.
This included $95 million for an operating budget, $95 million for reserves and $261 million for... Read More »
With wildfires more aggressive than ever, and climate change threatening worse to come, a bicameral collection of lawmakers introduced the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act (H.R. 5169) this week to boost recruitment, retention and well-being of federal firefighters.
Chief sponsor of... Read More »
A total of $50 million in awards will be split between 33 states and jurisdictions as an Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)-led effort to build up the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) network.
Such was the end result of the first-ever, competitive state, territory and... Read More »
U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) introduced the Fair Pay for Federal Firefighters Act (H.R. 4831) last week, offering a base pay raise for federal firefighters as a stopgap against U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pay cuts caused by lack of funds.
“Our firefighters... Read More »
U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Coons (D-DE) recently introduced legislation equipping law enforcement officers with trauma kits to respond if a civilian or officer experiences traumatic injury.
The American Law Enforcement Sustaining Aid... Read More »
Through introduction of the bipartisan Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art Alternatives Act (PFAS Alternatives Act), several federal lawmakers recently proposed authorizing $25 million annually through 2028 to support development of new materials, guidance and training for... Read More »
U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), John Barrasso (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Jon Tester (D-MT) recently introduced the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act (S.2272), which would equitably address Wildlands firefighter compensation... Read More »
U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) are espousing the benefits of legislation that improves hiring and increase retention of tribal law enforcement officers.
The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, which would also better protect native communities... Read More »
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has joined three colleagues to introduce legislation that would provide affordable housing incentives for volunteer firefighters and first responders.
The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act was introduced by Capito with U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI),... Read More »
Concerned about a spike of crime on reservations in their region, United States Sens. John Thune, Mike Rounds and Dusty Johnson (all R-SD) wrote to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland this week requesting additional Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) support for tribal law enforcement agencies.
They... Read More »
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently opened the TSA Academy West in Las Vegas, Nev., with a ribbon cutting event attended by TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
“The TSA Academy West expands our ability to train our new officers in an airport environment and provides them... Read More »
U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) joined 10 colleagues in forwarding correspondence to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs regarding wildland firefighter recruitment and retention.
"We urge the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and... Read More »
U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) have introduced legislation that would help local governments improve natural disaster response through enhanced training.
The lawmakers recently detailed the Emergency Management Support Act (H.R. 3626). It ensures local... Read More »
U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Mike Bost (R-IL) recently reintroduced legislation that would raise police officer salaries and hire more police officers.
The David Dorn Thin Blue Line Retention Act is named in honor of David Dorn, a retired St. Louis Police captain killed in June 2020 while... Read More »
U.S. Reps. Peter Stauber (R-MN) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) revived pro-unionization efforts for public safety officers nationwide last week with the reintroduction of the Public Safety Employer-Employee Act.
That bill would allow public safety officers to form labor unions, collectively bargain for... Read More »
U.S. Reps. David G. Valadao (R-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), John Curtis (R-UT) and Doug Lamborn (R-CO) recently introduced the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act, which would bolster firefighting technology initiatives.
The... Read More »
The House Homeland Security Committee took up a slew of bills this week, advancing five to the larger House’s consideration on cybersecurity, Chinese drones, approaches to weapons of mass destruction and support for first responders.
These bills included the Securing Open Source Software Act... Read More »
In an effort to reduce crime and increase public safety, the Invest to Protect Act was introduced by a bipartisan coalition in Congress this week, dangling the possibility of increased funding for police departments to recruit and retain officers, as well as outfit them.
Announced at the start... Read More »
Together with 38 Republican colleagues, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Back the Blue Act last week, which would mandate a new federal crime for offenses against federal officers and judges, limit court review of related challenges and expand officer rights.
The act would take four... Read More »
As part of efforts to invest in America, made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $63 million in wildfire barriers, or fuel breaks, to slow wildfires and protect firefighters.
“For... Read More »
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) is touting the benefits of recently introduced legislation he said seeks to offer wildland firefighter training to Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center students.
The Civilian Conservation Center Enhancement Act would create a pipeline for Montanans to enter into... Read More »
U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) are touting the recently introduced Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act, which seeks to aid those who respond to train derailments.
“Emergency personnel that respond to devastating accidents, including train... Read More »
Reps. Norma Torres (D-CA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently introduced a bill that focuses on addressing 9-1-1 call-taker and dispatcher health and wellness concerns.
The Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma (PROTECT) 911 Act... Read More »
The Fire Grants and Safety Act garnered enough votes to advance through the Senate last week, passing the question of extending federal support for local fire departments to the House, with the future of two grant programs and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) on the line.
Sponsored... Read More »
Textron Systems Corporation subsidiary Howe & Howe, Inc. will introduce its Thermite EV1 firefighting robot during the FDIC International conference on April 24-29 in Indianapolis, Ind.
“Our EV1 is a powerful force multiplier for our heroes in fire response,” Howe & Howe Senior Vice... Read More »
A group of lawmakers recently introduced a bill to enhance Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement personnel's mental health resources.
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act, which would... Read More »
Ships and teams gathered off the coast of Manzanillo, Mexico last month for a weeklong exercise under the North American Maritime Security Initiative (NAMSI), which brought together the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
"This exercise provides... Read More »
During a meeting with Lancaster, Pa. firefighters, Gov. Josh Shapiro used the opportunity to pitch his $36 million plan for equipment, training and staffing for firefighters and EMS providers, along with a more than $50 million proposal for county 9-1-1 systems.
According to the state,... Read More »
U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) has requested funding for the Canine Reimbursement Program, following President Joe Biden’s fiscal year 2024 budget determining the program was zeroed out.
Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson contacted Bacon when the president’s budget request was released.
“I... Read More »
In his first budget proposal, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called for more than $50 million for 9-1-1 dispatch systems and $36 million to staff, equip and train firefighters and EMS providers.
“I know firsthand how our local municipal and county governments are on the frontlines of keeping... Read More »
With a proposed $750 million grant program, the newly introduced FIRE STATION Act, put forth by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), as well as U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), pushes for modifications, upgrades and build-up of fire and EMS facilities across the... Read More »
