May 13, 2008
In this issue:
Only Two Days Left: Junior Firefighter Scholarship Applications Due May 15Applications for the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program are due by 5 pm EDT on May 15. The application and criteria for the competitive scholarships are available online at www.nvfc.org/ScholarshipProgram. Departments must be registered in order for their juniors to apply. Registration is free – sign up at www.nvfc.org/juniors and get your scholarship applications in today! Read full article. Draft National EMS Education Standards Open for CommentThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration have partnered with the National Association of EMS Educators to develop new national EMS education standards. Called for in The EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach, these standards will replace the current U.S. Department of Transportation National Standard Curricula and are currently open for comment. Read full article. D Block Hearing Examines Failures, Plans for FutureEarlier this month, the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to analyze the 700MHz spectrum auction. One major component of the auction was an area of spectrum known as the D Block, an important area of focus for the volunteer emergency services. If sold, the D Block would utilize 10MHz of spectrum specifically for public safety and the development of an interoperable communications system. Read full article. NEMSAC Holds Inaugural MeetingThe newly formed National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) met for the first time April 24 and 25 at Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, DC. Read full article. May 18-24 is National EMS WeekCelebrate the emergency medical services during National EMS Week from May 18-24. This week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's first responders. Read full article. Nominate a Deserving Firefighter for a New HomeExtreme Makeover: Home Edition is looking for a firefighter whose house and family need help. The show is accepting nominations for a firefighter who has displayed heroism or has proven to be a positive role model within the community, but whose family is in dire need of a new home. If there is a firefighter within your department or community that can benefit from a home makeover, nominate them today. Learn more and view nomination guidelines. 2007 NVFC Annual Report Now Available OnlineThe National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) 2007 Annual Report is now available for download. The report provides a summary of the NVFC’s activities throughout 2007, including sections on NVFC programs such as Fire Corps, the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, and the National Junior Firefighter Program, as well as legislative efforts, EMS initiatives, and more. Find out what the NVFC is doing for you and download the report now. Visit the NVFC at Fire ExpoThe National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is bringing its interactive exhibit to Fire Expo in Harrisburg, PA, from May 16-18. Stop by booth S21-S26 to get free health screenings as well as to learn about programs and resources that can benefit you and your department. Read full article. ICC Now Accepting Nominations for 2008 Fire Service AwardThe International Code Council (ICC) is calling for nominations for the 2008 ICC Fire Service Award, which will be presented at the ICC Annual Conference and Final Action Hearings in September. This award is given to a member of ICC whose service, professional abilities and leadership have been exemplary in the development of the ICC Fire Code and have served as an example to all fire prevention and fire protection professionals. The award is in honor of Robert W. Gain, a founder of the Uniform Fire Code and distinguished member of the organizations promulgating the fire code. Deadline for nominations is June 16. Learn more and download application. Office of EMS Seeks Highway Safety SpecialistThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of EMS is currently seeking a Highway Safety Specialist. This position will work primarily with the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services and the National EMS Advisory Council. The closing date is May 27. View full job announcement. NIOSH Seeks Safety and Occupational Health SpecialistThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Safety Research, has an immediate opening for a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist in the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program located in the NIOSH Morgantown, WV, facility. Qualified individuals seeking a challenging opportunity and future career in the prevention of firefighter deaths and injuries are encouraged to apply online at USA Jobs. The announcement will remain open until May 21. Current and former federal employees apply under HHS-CDC-T2-2008-0527. All US Citizens Apply Under HHS-CDC-D2-2008-0198. Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency ServicesThe NVFC relies on the assistance of its corporate and association partners to be able to provide a voice for the volunteer fire and emergency services in Washington. We encourage you to look at a list of our Corporate Members and support them with your business. Calendar of EventsBelow is a list of events that the NVFC will be attending, as well as nationally recognized dates which the NVFC would like to acknowledge. Fire Expo National EMS Week Firehouse Expo Fire-Rescue International National Firefighter Health Week National Preparedness Month NVFC Fall Meeting Fire Prevention Week FDSOA Annual Safety Forum Join the NVFC and support the voice of the volunteer. Find out more and join online at www.nvfc.org. To be removed from the NVFC E-Update list click here. |