Citizens Helping The Fire Service

V What is Fire Corps? Fire Corps is an exciting new initiative –Enhances the capacity of resource constrained fire departments and rescue squads by using citizens in non- operational roles –Provides a medium for citizens to find departments looking for help –Provides resources for departments to start or improve on programs

V Background Launched in December 2004 at the White House One of five Citizen Corps Partner Programs ( A partnership between: –International Association of Fire Chiefs –International Association of Fire Fighters –National Volunteer Fire Council

V Background (cont’d) Managed through the Fire Corps office in Washington DC Strategic Direction from National Advisory Committee Comprised of 15 Fire & Emergency Services Organizations

V Why take part? Relieves front line providers from many administrative tasks –Is not a threat to an organizations jobs as Fire Corps is only for non-operational tasks Enhances the ability to provide additional services Provides a link to the community

V Who’s eligible? The Requirements to register a program are minimal –Be a fire or emergency services department or directly affiliated to one –Have in place or implement a Fire Corps Citizen Advocate Program –Register at –Keep your information up to date –Work with your State, local or tribal Citizen Corps Council

V How Can Citizens Help? Citizens can help in many ways including but not limited to: –Administrative Functions –Life Safety Education –Fund Raising –Explorers –Data Entry –Bookkeeping –Canteen Services –Public Relations –Pre-Plan Research

V Is there help getting started? –Key for information and promotion of programs –Resources and FAQ’s –Where departments are listed –Vehicle for citizens to find interested departments

V Is there help getting started? Promotional materials Resource guide –Under development –Provides ideas for program development –Resource links –Best practice examples Program descriptions Documentation –Available Summer 2005

V Is there help getting started? Peer Connection –Resources through Fire Corps include examples and contacts of other departments to learn from other departments of ideas that work

V Is their money for this? Fire Corps intended to be low/no cost Fire Corps is eligible for Citizen Corps funds Potential opportunities within Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) for fire prevention programs Look at outside sources

V More Information Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Resources are at: Contact the Fire Corps offices at: Phone: Fax: th St NW Suite 490 Washington, DC 20036