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Presidential Budget cuts 2.5M from vital grants!


I know that many of you are tired of hearing about the budget and the sequestration, fiscal cliffs and many many other things that are occurring in the federal budget.  Some of you don't care because it isn't currently affecting your department.  This is one budget update that you may want to pay attention to. 

In the President's 2013 budget, the SAFER and Assistance to Firefighter grant programs are not being funded to previous years levels.  Now that cut currently sits at 2.5 million out of a total of 335m per program.  However, and this is where I caution you any cuts can be a dangerous sign to the future of this program.  

As you know, emergency services (police, fire and ems) serves of America's first line of defense when it comes to dangerous situations.  These are the groups that are running towards the danger while others run out...i've always hated that quote, but it works.  Videos from the tragic events at the World Trade Center show just that.  People in uniform headed toward the site while other evacuated.  That is what is supposed to happen, but there are times when our agencies need help.  

There isn't many other times in history when our emergency services organizations were tasked with such specific events as to require equipment that would calculate into the millions of dollars.  During the months following the NYC attacks, continued attacks on the safety of American's was challenged as news reporters in New York were sent envelopes with potential anthrax which requires specialized equipment and training to respond to and mitigate scene involving such agents.  Even more our responders continue to expand interoperability which will allow cross communications, cross execution of response and an ability to share equipment to enhance protection. 

Many of these capabilities are available because the agencies have received vital funding through the AFG grants and personnel through the SAFER programs.  Cutting these programs will degrade the future response of our agencies.  

Work with your legislators to continue funding of the SAFER and AFG programs.  

Take Care and Stay Safe!
The Combomedic

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