CFSI dinner draws 2,000
Some 2,000 guests attended the Annual National Fire and Emergency Services dinner, hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), held on April 30, 1996, in Washington, D.C. Featured speakers included Vice President Al Gore and former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. Firefighters who battled the Long Island, New York, Wildfires of 1995–150 of whom were in attendance–were cited for “battling the unique wildfires that combined the fast-moving volatility of wildfires with the exposure risks of a densely populated area, including numerous houses, businesses, and defense installations.” Firefighters from more than 100 departments fought the fire for days.
The following awards were presented at the dinner:
The CFSI Partnership Award: The National Fire Protection Association for “its history of support for the CFSI and its long-standing dedication to fire and life safety.” Gen. George Miller, NFPA president, accepted the award, which also commemorated the NFPA`s 100th anniversary.
Legislator of the Year Award: Rep. Bill Emerson (R-MO) for “involving the fire service in the debate on the Natural Disaster Protection Partnership Act, which would reform the nation`s disaster insurance industry and dramatically increase funding for disaster mitigation efforts, including fire service training.”
The 1996 CFSI Fire Service Person of the Year Award: Steve Austin of Newark, Delaware, for “his service in many fire service organizations, including the Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark, Delaware; the International Association of Arson Investigators; and the Delaware Volunteer Firemen`s Association.” He has served as president of the CFSI National Advisory Committee for the past two years.
The CFSI Supporter of the Year Award: The Angelo Brothers Company, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for “its involvement in fire and life safety organizations through its SmartAlert product.”
