Interesting, Good or Bad ?

Friends in High Places

from Mutual Aid by Janet Wilmoth

Do public employees have the right to speak out about station closings or staffing changes without the fear of retribution or even demotion?
Like many communities, Franklin Park, Ill., is facing budget cuts. One area that was affected was the fire department pension program. When a captain brought the issue to local officials — and subsequently the press — he was demoted.
The fire department decided to push back at election time. A fire department ally ran for office and — with the efforts by local firefighters — defeated the mayor last week in a three-candidate race.
“We in the fire service are just now starting to realize the power we have when it comes to politics,” one officer from the department e-mailed me. “We all know that we will still have to endure the threats, passed over promotions and unfair treatment — but as they say, ‘the times they are a changing.’”
Franklin Park firefighters are just part of an overall move to get fire departments more involved in local politics. Congressional Fire Services Institute’s annual seminars features a legislative panel, “New Beginnings … New Opportunities,” that encouraged fire departments and emergency service organizations to work together to address a broad range of issues that benefit emergency response personnel. This move is a continuation of the “one voice” called for by former USFA Administrator Dave Paulison in 2001.
“You should call the office and identify the person best suited in the fire service area, so ask for the staff member who deals with Homeland Security and get his e-mail address,” said panelist Allison Moore, the government relations associate for the National Volunteer Fire Council.
Moore offered several other suggestions on how to communicate with government leaders:

• Send both e-mails and hard copy. “We send an email, then follow with a hard copy, often by fax to save time.” Postal security in Washington, D.C., can delay mail.
• Make an appointment. Don’t just stop in to an office.
• Stay in touch once you have made a connection, stay in touch.
• Send a thank-you note. “Legislators are human,” said Moore.
• Take advantage of photo ops. “If you invite your legislators to the fire department or an event, take photos with firefighters,” she said. “They love these photos for their Web sites.”
• Maintain credibility. “Don’t lie,” Moore said. “If you don’t know something about a particular issue, don’t make it up, but get back to them. It’s better to admit you don’t know.”

To help the fire service present concerns with a unified voice the IAFC, NVFC and International Association of Fire Fighters each offer a hot sheet of national efforts. “Make sure your talking points are in line with national efforts,” said Ken LaSala, director of government relations for the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “And offer anecdotes for your talking points.”
LaSala said that chiefs and officers should not be disappointed if they have to meet with congressional staffers instead of congressional leaders. “The staff is who put together the funding request, call the federal agencies and call on national fire organizations for details,” he said.
The first session of the 111th Congress includes many new senators and representatives who need to be brought up to speed on the needs of the nation’s fire and emergency services. If you don’t have a contact in your congressional leader’s local or Washington office, make that call. Visit www.senate.gov and www.house.gov to find your representatives.