REP. ANDREWS SPEAKS AT ANNUAL NATIONAL FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES DINNER

On April 6, 2006 I spoke at the 18th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.   We have all witnessed the tremendous responsibility our first responders shouldered following 9-11 and Katrina.  What we must remember, however, is that these heroes serve the public every day and not only following terrorism and natural disasters.

It was an honor to speak about Congressional funding for these brave men and women and meet with South Jersey’s firefighters on Capitol Hill earlier in the day.  I am committed to ensuring our firefighters and emergency personnel have the equipment to both save lives and protect themselves.

As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I supported the legislation that strengthened the federal government's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. I am pleased to report that $1,984,482 in firefighter grants have been awarded to the First Congressional District of New Jersey in FY2005 and I have brought home $6,238,565 since the program’s inception in 2001.

I will not rest until all of our nation’s emergency services have the training and equipment necessary to carry out their vital mission.  On behalf of the First Congressional District of New Jersey I thank each and every first responder for their dedicated service.

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