Issue Position: Homeland Security
Issue Position
FIREFIGHTER GRANTS
For the fifth consecutive year, I held a Firefighters Grant Seminar in March 2008 at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center to assist local fire departments apply for federal funding. Since 2003, more than 20 local fire departments have received over $2 million in federal grants, including Assistance to Firefighters Grants.
I also continue to support an increase in Assistance to Firefighters Grant programs, including the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) Grant programs that provides funding to fully staff Fire Service Departments.
DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS
The New York City area has one of the highest risks for future terrorist attacks as well as vulnerability to natural disasters. One of the lessons we learned from September 11th is that it is imperative that our first responders have the ability to communicate internally within their unit and with other first responder units in the area. This is why I introduced H.R. 1715, The Domestic Preparedness Act of 2007, to provide funding to local jurisdictions for local preparedness initiatives, including initiatives to purchase new equipment, provide additional training, or improve the interoperability of communication systems between first responders. This will allow first responders to immediately and effectively respond to the next large scale terror attack or natural disaster.
FIREFIGHTER CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK
In addition to the risk that firefighters face to ensure the safety of our communities, firefighters are also at a higher risk for four types of cancer: testicular cancer, non-Hodgkin's' lymphoma, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma. This is due to firefighters being exposed to harmful substances, including various particulates, gases, mists, and fumes at a fire scene as well as at the firehouse.
That is why I introduced H.Res. 1172, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. My resolution recognizes the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, which provides assistance to fire service members and their immediate families in the event of a cancer diagnosis. This organization also educates Fire Department members regarding the importance of cancer screenings and early detection.
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