IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 818 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 8, 2009 Mr. King of New York (for himself, Mr. Hoyer, Mrs. Emerson, Mr. Andrews, and Mr. Pascrell) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Fire Prevention Week and the work of firefighters in educating and protecting the communities of this Nation.

Whereas since the organization of the first fire departments during the colonial era of this Nation, firefighters have maintained their dedication to protecting the health and safety of the American public; Whereas firefighters presently provide a multitude of services to our communities, including emergency medical services, special rescue response, hazardous material and terrorism response, and public safety education; Whereas 103 firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty in 2008; Whereas the Nation's fire departments respond to emergency calls nearly once per second and are dispatched to fire emergencies every 22 seconds; Whereas approximately 1,145,000 fires were reported in 2008; Whereas firefighters always respond with courage, whether they are confronted with acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies; Whereas Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record, as firefighters have been honored for their role in educating the American public since the first Fire Prevention Week was declared by President Warren G. Harding in 1922; Whereas the National Fire Protection Association has designated the week of October 4 through October 10, 2009, as Fire Prevention Week; and Whereas educating all Americans to “Stay Fire Smart” continues to be a priority for all firefighters: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the work of firefighters in educating and protecting the communities of this Nation; and (2)supports the goals and ideals of Fire Prevention Week.