Dodd Authored and Passed the SAFER Act to Help Communities Recruit and Hire New Fire Fighters. In 2003, Chris Dodd authored and passed the SAFER Act (The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act) which authorized federal grants to help communities recruit and hire new fire fighters. While these grants have provided communities with more than $150 million since 2005, Congress and the President are not fully funding the SAFER Act. That is why Chris Dodd is helping lead the effort to increase funding for the Act. After President Bush failed to include any funds for new SAFER grants in his recent budget proposal, Dodd authored legislation that added an additional $5 million to the Senate version of this year's Homeland Security spending bill for these grants.
The International Association of Fire Fighters Thanked Dodd for his Efforts to Increase Funding for SAFER Grants. Harold A. Schaitberger, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, wrote to Chris Dodd to thank him for his July 2007 legislation that increased funding for SAFER grants in the Senate Homeland Security spending bill. "These dollars will help ensure that our nation's domestic defenders have the personnel they need to respond to both everyday emergencies and large-scale disasters, and protect the public safety," Schaitberger wrote. "Your continued leadership is crucial to maintain strong funding for SAFER grants in the final version of this year's Appropriations Act. I look forward to working with you towards this end, and thank you for your continuing support of our nation's first responders."
Click here to see how the SAFER Act has helped fire departments in your state.
Dodd Authored and Passed the Landmark FIRE Act that has Helped Fire Fighters Get the Equipment and Training they Need and Deserve. Even before the September 11th attacks, Chris Dodd was working to provide needed resources to our nation’s fire fighters. In 1999 and 2000, he authored and passed the FIRE Act (The Firefighters Investment and Response Enhancement Act) which has provided more than $2.8 billion in federal funding to fire departments all over the country. This critical funding has been used to help departments train their fire fighters and provide them with state-of-the-art equipment – from personal protective gear to new fire fighting vehicles.
Dodd’s FIRE Act Praised by The International Association of Fire Fighters. Testifying before the House Committee on Science on behalf of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Kevin O’Connor called the FIRE Act "a true landmark in the history of fire service." O'Connor added, "Prior to its passage, the federal government had never fully acknowledged a responsibility to help protect the health and safety of its citizens from fires and other emergencies. With this initiative, the federal government, for the first time, became a partner with localities and with America’s fire service"
Dodd’s FIRE Act Praised by The International Association of Fire Chiefs. In 2004, the president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Chief Ernest Mitchell, Ret., praised the FIRE Act in testimony before the House Committee on Science. "Congressional, administration, and fire service officials alike have called the FIRE Act one of the very best federal grant programs," Mitchell stated. "The FIRE Act is an endeavor for which the taxpayers and the federal government can – and should – be proud."
The Congressional Fire Services Institute Named Dodd a "Legislator of the Year" for His Work on the FIRE Act. In 2001, the Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI) named Chris Dodd as one of their “Legislators of the Year” for his work on the FIRE Act. In addition, the Institute recently praised Dodd, stating that “he continues his efforts in the Senate, advocating for increased funding for the program, while also calling for increased support for the SAFER program. He has also been very supportive of programs conducted by both CFSI and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation on Capitol Hill."
Click here to see how the FIRE Act has helped fire departments in your state.
