USA Freedom Corps.  Make a Difference.  Volunteer.Skip Navigation and Go Directly to Page Content
spacer
"We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self. We've been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass."
spacer

- President George W. Bush

USA Freedom Corps.  Make a Difference.  Volunteer.
USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network - Find a Volunteer Opportunity
spacer
   
spacer
     
spacer
     
spacer
     

Advanced Search

spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
RSS Feeds and Social Networking Font Size: Default | Large
spacer
AddThis Social Bookmark Button About USA Freedom Corps  > Newsroom >
Press Releases & Announcements
spacer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 12, 2004

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA Announces New Citizen Corps Publication for Leaders of First Responder Organizations

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the availability of a new U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) publication specifically designed for community leaders of first responder organizations. The Citizen Corps Opportunities for America's First Responders brochure provides a sampling of citizen advocate/volunteer activities, which can potentially assist local fire and EMS departments. This brochure is the result of a successful joint effort among federal, state, local, and private fire-service personnel, including FEMA and USFA staff.

This new material contains a comprehensive list of suggested citizen volunteer activities to support fire and EMS department efforts. Also included are brief overviews of the Citizen Corps mission, initiatives, and program components, such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, Medical Reserve Corps, Volunteers in Police Service and Neighborhood Watch, and basic information about Citizen Corps Councils.

"It is important to point out to the fire service leadership that Citizen Corps citizen advocates/volunteers do not, cannot, and will not take the place of fire, rescue, or emergency medical services personnel," said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. "These Citizen Corps members supplement and support our first responders by offering to do things that emergency service first responders cannot otherwise accomplish."

The U.S. Fire Administration has a mission to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies through leadership, advocacy, coordination and support. The USFA's role in Citizen Corps is to promote awareness and community support, and to provide technical assistance. This brochure is a valuable tool and should provide an understanding of Citizen Corps initiatives that involve America's fire and EMS departments. The brochure, publication number FA-263, can be obtained through the U.S. Fire Administration's Publications Online Catalog at www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/publications.  It is also available in PDF.

Citizen Corps is part of President Bush's USA Freedom Corps initiative that is administered by the Department of Homeland Security, Office for Domestic Preparedness. It is designed to bring awareness, public education, training and volunteer opportunities to the local level so that communities are safer and better prepared to handle threats of all kinds including crime, disasters, emergencies, and terrorism.

For more information regarding Citizen Corps opportunities for America's first responders, contact Marjean Meyer, Fire Program Specialist, Citizen and Community Preparedness Branch, at (301) 447-1871 or by email at marjean.meyer@dhs.gov.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

###