May 18, 2012 – Assistant to the General President for Governmental and Public Affairs, Kevin O’Connor, told a Congressional panel May 18 that the United States Fire Administration (USFA) must evolve to meet the needs of the modern fire service. O’Connor delivered his remarks before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation along with U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell.

O’Connor remarked, “[A]s fire fighters have expanded their duties, responsibilities and capabilities to meet the needs of their communities and their citizens, so too must USFA evolve to meet the needs of the 21st century fire service.” He further explained that the prevalence of fire-based EMS throughout the country necessitates USFA better integrate EMS into its programs and policies, and suggested that the agency must also work to change the perception that it is only focused on fire.

The Subcommittee, led by Chairman Ben Quayle (R-AZ) and Ranking Member Donna Edwards (D-MD), solicited testimony on USFA to inform legislation reauthorizing the agency. Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs passed their version of such legislation; the House is expected to introduce their own reauthorization in the coming weeks.

Particular interest was paid to the IAFF’s recommendation that USFA, in conjunction with FEMA, establish a fire fighter credentialing system to ensure qualified personnel are deployed during a large-scale emergency. When O’Connor noted that such a system has been stalled at FEMA since 2006, Ranking Member Edwards committed to investigating the matter.

Repost – Courtesy of IAFF.org

Other topics at the hearing included procuring adequate funding for the agency and expanding local delivery of USFA training.

Read a full copy of O’Connor’s written testimony.