Fire Department Budgets Slashed -- Firefighter & Public Safety at Risk

Fire Suppression, Rescue Operations, and Emergency Medical Services will be reduced at Fire Departments around the country; there just isnt enough money to go around. A new non-profit, headquartered in Issaquah, WA, will help Fire Departments continue to deliver emergency services.

Fire Department Budgets Slashed -- Firefighter & Public Safety at Risk

Issaquah, WA. - December 26, 2002 -- Fire Suppression, Rescue Operations, and Emergency Medical Services will be reduced at Fire Departments around the country; there just isnt enough money to go around. A new non-profit, headquartered in Issaquah, WA, will help Fire Departments continue to deliver emergency services.

The United States Fire/Rescue Foundations mission is to help Firefighters and Fire Departments obtain the training and equipment necessary to safely and effectively deliver emergency services to the public.

A slow economy, falling tax revenues, and anti-tax initiatives have caused a major money shortage for Fire Departments. Training and equipment budgets are the first to get the ax. Fire, rescue and emergency medical services are directly proportional to the level and quality of training and equipment; without this, firefighters cannot deliver the goods in a safe or effective way", said Bob Pessemier, former Fire Department Lieutenant and now the foundations Chief Executive. This puts you, me, and firefighters at risk".

Firefighters are at risk when breathing apparatus are out of date or there arent enough of them to go around; when they have not been able to receive adequate training; when PASS devices (which sound a warning if they get trapped and saves lives) are not available.

You are at risk when first-in fire engines or aid cars break down and firefighters are delayed; when heart defibrillator equipment is unavailable to save sudden cardiac arrest victims; when thermal imaging scopes cannot be used to find someone quickly in a thick, smoky fire.

Firefighters deliver services that are critical for our safety and security. Firefighters and Fire Departments need your help", Pessemier said. The United States Fire/Rescue Foundation wants to hear from Fire Departments that have training and/or equipment needs; and they want to hear from anyone whos willing to help, financially or otherwise.

We intend to be very self-sufficient. We need to go begging right now for start-up capital and business partnerships, but long term we will be selling products and services to Fire Departments, businesses, and the public", Pessemier added. Buying products or services from U.S. Fire/Rescue benefits the buyer, Fire Departments, Firefighters, and the public, all at the same time."

For additional information or to arrange interviews, donate, or get involved please contact:

Robert Pessemier, Chief Executive, United States Fire/Rescue Foundation

Phone: 425-373-5432 Email: info@USFireRescue.org Web: USFireRescue.org

About the founder: Mr. Pessemier is a former Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Assistant Fire Marshal; received the Kent, WA, Fire Department Meritorious Service Medal for courage and bravery beyond the call of duty; is the author of Up In Smoke: A Business Guide to Fire and Life Safety; and has been in private business for over 14 years in technology hardware and software areas.