IAFF Testifies Before Congress on Reducing Fire Fighter Deaths

October 4, 2007 -- Captain Bob Livingston, legislative director for the Oregon State Council of Fire Fighters, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation on ways the United States Fire Administration (USFA) could help reduce fire fighter line-of-duty deaths.

Livingston told the Subcommittee that USFA should make it part of its core mission to ensure every fire department in America complies with fire safety standards, including standards for safe staffing and operations. Additionally, Livingston told the Subcommittee that all fire fighters must receive adequate training in compliance with national consensus standards.

While the number of civilian deaths from fire has plummeted since USFA’s inception in 1974, the annual number of line-of-duty deaths among fire fighters has remained stagnant for many years. In addition to promoting national fire safety standards, Captain Livingston also recommended that USFA invest more dollars in research for improved fire equipment and technology, and enhance its data collection efforts to better identify fire safety trends.

The hearing, which also featured U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory Cade, was convened to discuss the mission and programs of the U.S. Fire Administration. While witnesses presented a number of ideas as to how best to improve the agency, Captain Livingston’s suggestions generated significant interest from Subcommittee members.

Livingston also called on Congress to strengthen USFA’s programs to meet the 21st century needs of the modern fire service, including an increased emphasis on EMS and hazmat / WMD response.

The IAFF will continue lobbying Congress to implement Captain Livingston’s recommendations.

To read Livingston’s full testimony, click here.

To view a pre-recorded webcast of the hearing, click here.