Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) introduced the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act this week, legislation to expand eligibility for qualified volunteer emergency responders to participate in certain federal housing assistance programs.
Original cosponsors of the legislation include Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-7), Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Representative Dan Kildee (D-MI-08), Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-03), Representative Derek Kilmer (D-AW-06), and Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24).
(Learn more, courtesy of Senator Tammy Baldwin and YouTube. Posted Jun 16, 2023.)
“Long Island relies almost entirely on volunteer firefighters to prevent, combat, and extinguish fires while also providing other emergency services and, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s 2017 U.S. Fire Department Profile, 65 percent of firefighters nationwide are volunteers,” explained Representative Garbarino.
“Recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters is critical for thousands of communities, yet local volunteer fire departments continue to find it difficult to meet staffing needs.”
“With a high cost of living making it more difficult than ever to buy a home, the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act would provide a helping hand to those who give their time, at great personal risk, to safeguarding our communities.”
Specifically, this bill would expand eligibility for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program.
The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program assists approved lenders in providing loans to low and moderate income households to build, rehabilitate or improve a home in eligible rural areas.
The income limit for the program is no more than 115% of the median household income.
The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act would allow volunteers to participate in the loan program even if their income exceeds the maximum allowable income level by up to $18,000.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program is an existing program that gives law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians a 50 percent discount from the list price of a home located in a revitalization area.
“Our brave volunteer first responders, including the volunteer firefighters that consist of so much of the Hudson Valley’s firefighting operation, have to contend with the absurd cost-of-living in New York State,” added Representative Lawler (NY-17).
“That’s why I’m proud to be introducing, with Congressman Garbarino, the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act, a critical piece of legislation that provides an $18,000 tax credit to help volunteer first responders offset housing costs.
“I was thrilled to pass a true 10% property tax cut for our volunteer first responders in the State Assembly in 2022.”
“With our firefighters and EMTs giving so much of themselves in service of our communities, this federal tax credit is a small token of our thanks, one that will go a long way towards keeping our first responders in New York.”
“Fire departments across mid-Michigan rely on local volunteers to serve as firefighters and emergency first responders. These brave men and women, like all Michiganders, deserve a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Congressman Kildee.
“I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation, alongside Democrats and Republicans, to help provide more affordable housing for Michigan first responders.”
“Rural communities across New York’s 24th District and the country rely on volunteer first responders to keep our communities safe,” added Representative Tenney.
“The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act will expand federal housing assistance to these dedicated individuals in the communities they serve to reduce response times by enabling volunteer fire-fighters and EMTs to live closer to their stations.”
“This bill provides much-needed and well-deserved housing incentives and benefits to our next generation of volunteer firefighters and EMTs so they can continue their brave work serving our communities.”
“I’d like to thank Rep. Garbarino for his leadership on this important bill,” said National Volunteer Fire Council Chair Steve Hirsch. “Many fire, EMS, and rescue departments are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain volunteer personnel.”
“Helping volunteer emergency responders buy or renovate homes is a fantastic retention incentive that makes it easier for volunteers to continue living in the communities they serve.”
“I thank Representative Garbarino for introducing the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act,” concluded Chief Donna Black, CFO, EFO, the president and board chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
“This legislation recognizes the important service that volunteer firefighters provide to their communities.
“Today, fire departments are facing recruitment and retention challenges. This bill provides an especially important incentive for interested volunteers at a time when mortgage rates are historically high.
“We ask the U.S. Senate to pass this legislation soon so that we may assist those individuals in our communities who are protecting our infrastructure and citizens.”
The complete text of the bill can be found here.
FDNY Honored for Excellence in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY)
Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response
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The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and is universally recognized as the world’s busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency.
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The FDNY’s main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs.
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Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department’s core values. To that end, FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property.
(See them in Action. “Fire, EMS, and dispatch did an extraordinary job rescuing several civilians, including an incredible roof rope rescue on the 20th floor. I cannot emphasize enough the extraordinary work of our members in unbelievably dangerous conditions,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh on the efforts by #FDNY members at a 3-alarm fire at 429 East 52nd Street in Manhattan on Saturday, November 5th, 2022. Courtesy of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and YouTube. Posted on Nov 9, 2022.)
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FDNY not only responds to more than a million emergencies every year, but its personnel also strive to prevent them by continually educating the public in fire, life safety, and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes.
Chief Richard Blatus
Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response
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For His Lifetime of Service to the City of New York
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Chief Richard Blatus is a 42+ year member of the FDNY, previously serving as the Acting Chief of Fire Operations with direct oversight of the daily operational and administrative duties of uniformed fire personnel.
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As a senior member of the agency, Chief Blatus has worked to advance initiatives in strategic and operational readiness.
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A strong proponent of training, Chief Blatus is a published author and has lectured nationally on topics ranging from homeland security to leadership and emergency management training.
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He holds a Master’s Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, which was also recognized in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, and degrees in both Fire and Business Administration.
Chief Joseph Jardin
Excellence in Public Safety
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For His Unwavering Efforts in Fire Prevention in NYC
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Currently assigned to the Bureau of Fire Operations, Chief Joseph Jardin formerly served as the Chief of Fire Prevention and FDNY’s Chief of Safety.
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With more than 35 years of service with the FDNY, much of Joe’s career was spent in Rescue Operations – Firefighter – Rescue Co. 2, Lieutenant – Squad 252, Captain in Rescue Operations, and Battalion Chief in the Rescue Battalion.
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Chief Jardin has served as one of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue’s (USAR) NY-TF1 Task Force Leaders, deploying to several significant incidents, including Hurricanes Katrina and Georges, as well as National Level Event standbys, and also served as Incident Support Team Leader and Deputy Incident Support Team Leader of the FEMA USAR Red Incident Support Team.
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A licensed Fire Protection Engineer, Chief Jardin formerly worked as a Life Safety Engineer for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and as a Fire Protection Engineer with Bechtel Power Corporation.
Chief Frank Leeb
Excellence in Public Safety
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For His Tireless Work on Preventing Cancer in Firefighters
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Chief Frank Leed is a Deputy Assistant Chief in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), and currently serves as the acting chief of training.
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Chief Leed has been a member of the FDNY since 1992, and also a member of the East Farmingdale Fire Department since 1983 (Long Island, NY).
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Chief Leed is a frequent author and speaker on several fire service topics, most notably topics concerning cancer in the fire service.
“We honor and remember our fallen by tracking the small failures and evolving and changing when necessary,” Frank Leeb, Chief of the FDNY Fire Academy shares. In this episode, we take a look at updates to training, technology, and equipment that provide firefighters with a readiness to respond. “All of the things, whether they’re small or large, literally translate to lives of people that are willing to give their life for you,” Rachael Ray, LFF Board Director shares. And learn how fire departments across the U.S. work to better prepare themselves for that next emergency. Courtesy of The Leary Firefighters Foundation and YouTube. Posted on Sep 2, 2021.)
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Chief Leed is the current chair of the FDNY Contamination Reduction Workgroup, a principal serving on NFPA Technical Committee Fire and Emergency Service Organization and Deployment-Career (NFPA 1710), a Principal serving on NFPA Technical Committee Emergency Responders Occupational Health (NFPA 1585), and a principal serving on NFPA Technical Committee on Cannabis Growing and Processing Facilities (NFPA 420).
Also recognized…
DRONERESPONDERS
Excellence in Public Safety and Disaster Response
DRONERESPONDERS is a non-profit program created to unite new aerial first responders, emergency managers, and search and rescue (SAR) specialists under a unified organization to help them to learn, train, and test with one another, with the ultimate objective of maximizing drone operations for public safety, and countering the growing threats of rogue drones.
(Catch a glimpse as to why DRONERESPONDERS is the world’s fasted growing non-profit program supporting public safety UAS! Courtesy of DRONERESPONDERS and YouTube.)
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DRONERESPONDERS ranks are growing each day as more organizations embrace the use of UAS for public safety missions.
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The DRONERESPONDERS program is led by Chief Charles Werner (ret.), who serves as the director, and is himself a 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winner for ‘Excellence in Public Safety.’
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Chief Werner is a Public Safety Advisor & Chair of the National Council on Public Safety UAS (NCPSU), a former Founder and Chair of the International Association of Fire Chief’s Technology Council (IFAC), a Public Safety Advisor for the National Center for Security & Preparedness at the University at Albany, and Fire Chief Chair Emeritus for the City of Charlottesville, in North Carolina.
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DRONERESPONDERS hosts the largest online Resource Center and the Global Public Safety Drone Directory/Dashboard. Membership and all resources are FREE.
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To learn more, or join up today, please visit www.droneresponders.org.
AST is pleased to announce that the 45th Police Commissioner for the City of New York, Keechant L. Sewell has agreed to participate in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon as a guest speaker.
Please join AST in Welcoming Former Commissioner Sewell to the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City.
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your Seat or reserve a Table and Receive a Special Early Bird Discount.
***Limited space available. There will be No On-Site registrations.
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.
So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!
(See some highlights of the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City during ISC East at the Javits Center. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
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| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
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Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.
These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.
Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.
The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event in the heart of New York City.
The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.
The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.
The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.
AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.
FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.
Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.
As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis, thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors.
The 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)
(Hear directly from Keith Terreri, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Services and Business Operations at NEC Corporation of America, on why NEC supports the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program and the value NEC receives for participating in the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program. Courtesy of NEC, American Security Today, and YouTube.)
And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:
ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,
IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!
In 2022, AST was pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police, as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).
The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.
Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.
ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:
Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government and firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh, compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, which is essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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