WASHINGTON – Prior to the Congressional Fire Services Annual Dinner in Washington Thursday, leaders of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association (DVFA) met with U.S. Senator Chris Coons to discuss issues related to emergency-response services. DVFA was visiting Capitol Hill to meet with members of the Delaware Congressional delegation in the afternoon and attend their annual Congressional Fire Service dinner in the evening.
“When a disaster strikes, our brave firefighters are first on the scene to save lives, put out the flames and restore order,” Senator Coons said. “My meeting today with Delaware’s volunteer firefighters allowed for a constructive conversation on issues important to our state’s public safety, including new technology and appropriate funding levels. It is imperative that our first responders are equipped with the resources they need to respond to a wide range of emergencies. I pledge to continue to fight to ensure that all Delaware first responders can continue to protect our communities.”
In their meeting with Senator Coons today, DVFA members discussed the importance of the enactment of a law earlier this year that created a nationwide, interoperable broadband network for public safety officials. After nearly a decade of advocacy, this funding will allow for an extension of the D-block of electromagnetic spectrum to be set aside for improved communication between first responders.
The firefighters also talked about federal funding for help struggling fire departments remain open. The Assistance to Firefighters Grants and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Responders Grants have been the main sources of federal funding for volunteer fire departments.
The DVFA was founded in 1921 and currently has more than 6,000 volunteer firefighters serving in more than 60 Companies across the state. The mission of the DVFA is to serve, promote, advocate, coordinate, represent, and support the interests of the member Companies in the performance of providing community based Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical, and other emergency response related services to the citizens of the state of Delaware.
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