The New
York-Long Island, CFSI Conference Coalition was formed about two years ago
by a group of Fire Chiefs from Nassau and Suffolk Counties while they met at
the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs conference in Lake George. The
coalition’s primary mission is to promote fire and EMS-related agendas to
our congressional representatives in Washington, D.C. While most fire
service organizations have a good rapport with their local governments, it
was felt there is a need to improve our connection with our elected
officials on Capitol Hill in Washington. By utilizing the Congressional Fire
Services Institute’s annual Dinner and Seminars, the planners saw an
opportunity to bring together members of the coalition for a united effort
in promoting our issues.
Since that first meeting between a few Chiefs from Long Island, the
Coalition has grown into a statewide effort with members from Westchester,
Monroe, and Erie Counties, which includes Chiefs, Commissioners, EMS
providers and private businesses who support the Coalition’s mission.
Recently, from April 1st to 4th, 135 members of the Coalition traveled to
Washington to meet with their representatives, take part in the dinner and
seminars, and enjoy the Capitol area during the annual Cherry Blossom
Festival. The CFSI had arranged for numerous firematic displays at the
National Mall, including the Firefighter Challenge competition.
On Tuesday morning, members of the Coalition met with Dave Finger from the
National Volunteer Fire Council for a discussion on issues facing the
volunteer fire service. Later that day, members of the Suffolk County Fire
Chiefs Council presented an award to Hal Bruno for his dedicated service as
Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
On Wednesday morning, some of the Coalition members met with Senator Dodd
from Connecticut. At noon, Congressman Tim Bishop, Congressman Steve Israel,
Congressman Peter King, and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy hosted a luncheon
for the Coalition. When these members of Congress arrived, they were greeted
by the impressive sight of over 115 members attending the luncheon in class
“A” uniform. Afternoon meetings were arranged with Senator Charles Schumer,
Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (Co-Chair of the CFSI), and Congressman Robert
Andrews (Co-Chair of the CFSI). That evening, the awards banquet and
entertainment, provided the perfect culmination of a very productive trip.
Members of the Coalition who traveled will tell you the trip was thoroughly
enjoyable. Even more important, we were able to interact with our elected
officials on some very important issues. As we all know, there is strength
in numbers. Every year we have attended the CFSI, our numbers have grown.
Help us grow stronger by joining us in the Coalition. There aren’t any dues.
There aren’t any meetings. What there is; is a network of information and
strength in unity to further the legislative goals that will help all of us
in the emergency services. Please send your contact information (Title,
Organization, Name, Address and email address) to
chiefholley@aol.com or write to Bob
Holley, PO Box 71, East Quogue, NY 11942.
