JERSEY CITY – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) was today bestowed with the International Association of Fire Fighter’s (IAFF) top honor, the Alfred K Whitehead United States Congressional Leadership Award.  Rep. Pascrell, the author of the landmark Firefighter Investment and Response (FIRE) Act, thanked IAFF members for the award and commended their invaluable service to our communities.

“It is a profound honor for me to be recognized by America’s bravest,” stated Pascrell.  “I thank the uniformed fire fighters for this award, but more importantly I thank all of America’s fire fighters for their commitment to securing our communities.  We rely on you to stand tall on the front line of our homeland security.  America owes a deep debt of gratitude to the work you do everyday.”

“Congressman Pascrell’s Fire Act is the single most beneficial action the federal government has ever taken in regards to the uniformed fire fighters,” stated Joseph Krajnik, President of the Uniformed Fire Fighters Association of Jersey City, IAFF, Local 1066.  “On behalf of the Uniformed Fire Services Association of Jersey City, I am proud to present the Alfred K. Whitehead award to Congressman Bill Pascrell in appreciation of his tremendous leadership role on labor and professional fire service issues in Congress.”    

Pascrell’s “FIRE Act,” signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 2000, marked the first comprehensive national legislation dedicated to meet the special needs of America’s 32,000 volunteer, paid and part-paid fire departments.  With broad bipartisan support, Pascrell’s program has grown from $100 million in fiscal year 2001 to $545 million this year.  Since 2001, the FIRE Act has provided over $2.4 billion in grants to fire departments and first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles and fire prevention activities. 

“The FIRE grant has been an overwhelming national success story.  It has saved the lives of firefighters and fire victims all over the country, some in my very own district.  Jersey City alone has secured over $600,000 in FIRE Act grants.  But despite the proven success of our grant program, the Bush Administration has proposed cutting funds.  This is unacceptable and I am absolutely committed to fighting any proposed funding cuts.  Together, we have built this grant program from the ground up, and with your support I will lead Congress in expanding fire grant funding.” 
 
 
 

###