NVFC Report
As with the previous two openings from March-April and May-June issues, please refer to the OSHA’s new “Emergency Response Rule” update located in this edition. Some potentially good news on this for a change. There has been a lot of thinking and planning for the very worst in all of this, which has created fear and frustration of the unknown with many, and we need to dial all of that way back for the moment. The current article gets into that along with the reason to calm down. It is still important to get involved with crafting comments, but please read the third installment on this topic. It will explain why and hopefully you may step back from some of the emotions in all of this. In short, the current news is better (much better at the moment) for Missouri. Now to the rest of the NVFC news.
NVFC has enjoyed some exciting developments and received some great news on a grant. Just announced, the Tractor Supply Foundation has named NVFC one of ten lucky nonprofit organizations chosen to receive a $100,000 donation as part of a larger $1 million donation initiative to recognize and honor their Hometown Heroes program launch! Per our friends at the Tractor Supply Foundation, “Your mission to provide a unified voice for volunteer Fire/EMS organizations has a far-reaching impact on the lives of great Americans, and Tractor Supply is proud to support your work.”
The second was partnering with Mike Rowe on a podcast: In case you missed it, you can catch episode #387 Make Me a Firefighter with Candice McDonald and Jonathan Dayton. This stirred a lot of interest and gained some major media time for NVFC. Hard not to pass on things of interest with Mike Rowe but putting the fire service and Mike together becomes a major highlight.
As most are aware SAFER and AFG have been reauthorized. It passed in the Senate with 88 yes votes, 2 no votes, and 10 missing the vote. Both of our Senators voted yes. This was obviously a very bipartisan development and seemingly more infrequent. The amounts authorized versus the range of what is annually requested by these two grants remain at 12-15% of the need (the ask) and continue as a major work in process. Notice I did not say progress. These two combined programs have in fact received major cuts since first being introduced in 2009.
In other news, the NVFC 10th Annual Training Summit recently held in Buffalo, New York, was a major success with all available seats filled early and having a waitlist. There was a lot of new and unique information presented. Reminder that NERIS is replacing NFIRS and the launch will be in November 2024. They have an informational website that also offers training at fsri.org/programs/neris.
NVFC’s newly revised family guide has officially launched and can be viewed from this link www.nvfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Family-Guide-2nd-edition-online.pdf.
It is with some major disappointment that NVFC announced that Dr. Candice McDonald will be leaving NVFC in mid-July. She has been presented with an offer she simply could not refuse in returning to NASA at two grades higher than the position she left. As Candice was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (the No. 2 position), this may be an extended and detailed process for her replacement.
If you are not an NVFC Member and want more information on the many benefits or ready to join for just $21 (which goes up to $24 on January 1, 2025) go to www.nvfc.org/join-nvfc/.
Please review the Proposed Emergency Response Rule Update. Things are looking better for Missouri.
Thank you for your time plus allowing Rob and I to serve on your behalf with NVFC.
FFAM
