Legislation and Funding
As part of the FireRescue1 Legislation & Funding topic, we highlight articles that will affect the bottom line of fire department budgets and operations.
If your fire department budget is stretched thin, every dollar matters
FEMA reversed a months-long freeze after determining key courses were critical to local and national emergency response efforts
The IAFC has formed a task force to ensure fire and EMS agencies have a voice in the future of emergency response and disaster preparedness
Highlighting the agency’s work, from the NERIS launch to international engagement
Similar to a hiring freeze Trump put in place eight years ago, officials worry the order will impact the federal government’s ability to hire seasonal wildland firefighters
Fire chiefs speak out about the controversial law that ties state funding to a transit, housing requirement for municipalities
The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection said it’s still in “the pre-rulemaking phase” while it finds money to alleviate the potential costs under the new requirements
A looming $2 trillion budget reduction means we will need to preserve funding streams where we can
The new plan, led by the Plaistow Fire Department, mirrors the former ALS service with additional benefits, including cost savings and enhanced training
Recruitment, the opioid epidemic, climate change and mental health challenges are just as significant for firefighters now as they were in the heat of the campaign
“By reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and expanding support for at-risk veterans and first responders, New York is leading the way,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said
Chief Kristin Crowley reportedly told staff she expected to be fired at her meeting with Mayor Karen Bass
A force of for-hire professionals is on the firelines for insurance companies and wealthy property owners
While Mayor Karen Bass’ budget called for a 2.7% reduction, she was also working on separate provisions that would grow the department by 7%
With Los Angeles fire departments stretched to their “maximum limits,” it’s time to once again ask how we got here
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley wrote in a Dec. 4 memo that “the reduction has severely limited the department’s capacity to respond to large-scale emergencies”
Know the newest fire- and EMS-related laws
The new law eliminates provisions that reduced benefits for retired police officers, firefighters, teachers and other public servants, offering retroactive and future payment increases
Five townships will be joining the South Madison Fire Protection Territory
Scottsdale officials approved 5% increases in a seven-step program
Former Londonderry Fire Chief Bo Butler chose to give up his job in October 2024 instead of reducing firefighter staffing to save money
The former president was instrumental in the creation of FEMA, pushing for heightened emergency response capabilities
Millions of first responders and other public employees would soon see a boost in their monthly payments after Congress repealed decades-old reductions
82% of U.S. fire departments are all or mostly volunteer and, often, their funding depends on people stepping up to help
The bill would repeal two policies that reduce or restrict Social Security benefits for retired first responders and other public employees
The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act is expected to be passed by Congress in the coming days
Flint Fire Chief Theron Wiggins considers the council’s delay on purchasing new SCBA “a full attack upon the residents of this community”
Sanford Fire Department’s new Station 5 will protect residential and industrial growth north of the city
A voter-approved levy funded a new training center for Spokane Valley firefighters and took a year to build
Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Delaney said the city saved thousands of dollars after finding an already-built Pierce fire engine
Baker County officials will use Interior Department funding to purchase water tanks for fire departments to place onto pickup truck beds
The proposed legislation would bring concerns about minimum staffing levels into collective bargaining discussions
Newport Township Fire Department’s new Pierce Saber fire engine replaces a 1974 Mack telesquirt
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