1. Citizens Helping The Fire Service

2. V05.04.20 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

3. V05.04.20 Background Launched in December 2004 at the White House One of five Citizen Corps Partner Programs (www.citizencorps.gov) A partnership between: –International Association of Fire Chiefs –International Association of Fire Fighters –National Volunteer Fire Council

4. V05.04.20 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

5. V05.04.20 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

6. V05.04.20 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 www.firecorps.org –Keep your information up to date –Work with your State, local or tribal Citizen Corps Council

7. V05.04.20 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

8. V05.04.20 Is there help getting started? www.firecorps.org –Key for information and promotion of programs –Resources and FAQ’s –Where departments are listed –Vehicle for citizens to find interested departments

9. V05.04.20 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

10. V05.04.20 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

11. V05.04.20 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

12. V05.04.20 More Information Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Resources are at: www.firecorps.org Contact the Fire Corps offices at: E-mail: info@firecorps.org Phone: 202-887-4809 Fax: 202-887-5291 1050 17 th St NW Suite 490 Washington, DC 20036