[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E745-E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REMARKS BY BILL WEBB, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CONGRESSIONAL FIRE 
                           SERVICES INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2002

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would like to enclose in 
the Congressional Record the remarks of Bill Webb, Executive Director 
of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, during a ceremony 
honoring one of our colleagues, Nick Smith of Michigan, for his support 
of our Nation's fire and emergency service personnel.

       Good afternoon. My name is Bill Webb, Executive Director of 
     the Congressional Fire Services Institute. Established as a 
     nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute, CFSI serves a unique 
     role in Washington, DC educating Congress about the needs and 
     challenges of our Nation's fire and emergency services . . . 
     not the needs of one particular facet such as the career or 
     volunteer fire service or the chiefs, but all fire and 
     emergency services providers.

[[Page E746]]

       Each day, we work with a select group of members--allied 
     members so to speak--who understand the cooperative roles of 
     our Nation's fire service and the Federal Government in 
     protecting our communities. They represent both sides of the 
     political aisle. Our efforts are geared towards developing 
     legislation and influencing Federal policies for the 
     betterment of public safety.
       Today, we are honoring a true champion of our Nation's fire 
     and emergency services, Congressman Nick Smith. While 
     Congressman Smith represents the 7th district of Michigan, 
     his contributions to public safety go way beyond his 
     Congressional district, impacting the readiness of over 
     26,000 fire departments, nationwide.
       The fire service is greatly indebted to this individual for 
     championing many of our causes. For instance, two years ago, 
     Congress authorized for the first time a major grant program 
     specifically for local fire and emergency services 
     departments. This year, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant 
     program was funded at $360 million. It was through the 
     efforts of Congressman Smith and a select group of colleagues 
     that this program became a reality, enabling thousands of 
     departments to receive funding to help reduce the threat of 
     fire and other dangers within their local jurisdictions.
       Operating a fire department is not an easy task. Nor is 
     getting Federal programs established. The grant program was 
     no exception. I'll never forget a meeting I attended two 
     years ago in a Congressional office regarding this program. A 
     number of Congressmen and women were meeting with the OMB 
     Director to express their frustration with the budget 
     proposal which failed to include funding for this program. 
     One of the most vocal members at the meeting was Congressman 
     Smith, who was not shy about expressing his frustration over 
     the lack of funding. Two days later, the OMB Director had a 
     change of heart and placed $100 million in the budget for 
     this grant program. Everyone at the meeting would agree who 
     made the difference for the fire service that day.
       And before this program, Congressman Smith was working to 
     revitalize the mission of the United States Fire 
     Administration. In 1999, a blue ribbon panel charged with 
     reviewing the mission of the Fire Administration issued a 
     report questioning, among other things, an apparent lack of 
     leadership within the Administration. The report included 34 
     recommendations for improvement.
       Much of the problem had to do with a lack of funding--badly 
     needed funding for research, education and training. As Chair 
     of the Basic Research Subcommittee, which has oversight of 
     USFA, Congressman Smith was able to significantly increase 
     the funding authorization, enabling Congress to infuse a 
     financial dose of medicine into the staggering agency.
       That same year, I had the honor of attending the National 
     Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg, Maryland, 
     an annual event honoring the sacrifices of those firefighters 
     who fell in the line of duty that year. Congressman Smith 
     delivered the special address. I don't remember any 
     particular thing he said; but what I do recall is that he 
     didn't read from a prepared script, but rather spoke from the 
     heart. You could easily sense Nick Smith's admiration and 
     respect for all first responders.
       Congressman Smith is an individual of great character, a 
     man who is truly dedicated to supporting our Nation's fire 
     and emergency services. The events of September 11th have 
     made all of us work a little harder to ensure we are ready 
     for the next attack. In the case of Nick Smith, it has become 
     a passion, an unrelenting mission for which we should all be 
     grateful.
       I have just shared with you my observation of Nick Smith in 
     Washington. Now it is my pleasure to turn the microphone over 
     to Chief Victor Hilbert, of the Delta Township Fire 
     Department who will offer some insights into how the 
     Congressman's work has benefited public safety in his own 
     Congressional district.

     

                          ____________________