NYSAFC Reps Attend CFSI

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New York delegates met with U.S. Representative Peter King. The group included Lee Shurtleff (NYSAFC), Robert Kloepfer (NYSAFC), 1st Vice President Richard Messina (NYSAFC), 2nd Vice President Robert McConville (FASNY), President David Jacobowitz (FASNY), President Frank Sylvester (NYSAFC), Raymond Maguire (NYSAFC), 1st Vice President Tom Herlihy (AFDSNY), 2nd Vice President John Tighe (NYSAFC), Robert Knight (FASNY), Steven Klein (NYSAFC).

NYSAFC representatives joined emergency services colleagues from across the country from April 25-26, 2012 in Washington, D.C. for the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CFSI) 24th Annual National Fire & Emergency Services Dinner & Seminars program.

This program is an extraordinary opportunity for fire service representatives to engage Congressional leaders and administration officials in discussions about federal programs and legislation addressing the needs of local first responders.

Throughout the two-day event, CFSI hosts a series of seminars focusing on issues that directly relate to the safety of first responders. Covering important topics such as interoperable communications, federal grant programs, health and safety, and pending federal legislation, the seminar program helps fire service leaders understand the role of the federal government in training and equipping local first responders. With local governments facing tough economic challenges, the information presented at these seminars is of great benefit to fire officials.

CFSI encourages participants to meet with their members of Congress to exchange information and share ideas on how the federal government can support the fire and emergency services, both nationally and locally. Speaking in one voice, fire service leaders of every rank and from every region of the country can project a positive message to Congress about unity and how we are capable of working together to bring about positive change for our nation's one million first responders.

At this year's event, the CFSI and the International Fire Service Training Association at Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University presented the Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education to Meri-K Appy, former president of the non-profit Home Safety Council. Appy is widely regarded as the fire and emergency services' leading advocate for public safety education. The award is presented annually at the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner for outstanding achievement in fire safety education.

The theme of the 2012 program was, "Legacy of Leadership." NYSAFC was represented at CFSI by many officers and committee members. 

Click here to learn more about the CFSI and this annual event.