Charlie10
02-14-2006, 10:05 AM
FYI,
Funding Shortfalls Loom for Navy Fire Protection
February 10, 2006 - The United States Navy is projecting a $30 million shortfall for Navy Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) for fiscal year 2006. The announcement comes following three straight years of reductions in overall funding for F&ES, including the elimination of 11 structural engines and cross-staffing of structural and aircraft fire fighting apparatus at many locations.
A budget shortfall raises significant concerns for IAFF members working for the Navy as they continue to cope with the Navy's shift in priorities from capability-based protection to risk-based platforms.
Navy F&ES program managers confirm the $30 million shortfall in F&ES but have indicated that fiscal year 2006 funding for F&ES will be provided from other programs because "labor is a must-pay bill in the year of execution."
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger says, "If these shortfalls translate into overall staffing reductions, it could have serious consequences for our members in terms of capability and safety, as they are continually required to be prepared for more with less."
The IAFF is hopeful that Navy officials will fund these shortfalls as they have promised. Unfortunately, says IAFF 16th District Vice President Jim Johnson, "Navy Fire and Emergency Services funding is not adequately prioritized or protected from scavenging. By the time the funds spin through the system and reach the Navy facility, they may end up elsewhere."
Johnson also expresses concern that the Navy appears content to expend funds for private contractors to make recommendations regarding risk-based reductions - recommendations that are often based on flawed data.
"The IAFF will continue to voice its concerns to Congress in the hope that legislators will mandate that the Department of Defense protect the taxpayer's military assets by dedicating the necessary funding and oversight to allow our members to adequately protect our military personnel and facilities," says President Schaitberger.
Gary
Funding Shortfalls Loom for Navy Fire Protection
February 10, 2006 - The United States Navy is projecting a $30 million shortfall for Navy Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) for fiscal year 2006. The announcement comes following three straight years of reductions in overall funding for F&ES, including the elimination of 11 structural engines and cross-staffing of structural and aircraft fire fighting apparatus at many locations.
A budget shortfall raises significant concerns for IAFF members working for the Navy as they continue to cope with the Navy's shift in priorities from capability-based protection to risk-based platforms.
Navy F&ES program managers confirm the $30 million shortfall in F&ES but have indicated that fiscal year 2006 funding for F&ES will be provided from other programs because "labor is a must-pay bill in the year of execution."
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger says, "If these shortfalls translate into overall staffing reductions, it could have serious consequences for our members in terms of capability and safety, as they are continually required to be prepared for more with less."
The IAFF is hopeful that Navy officials will fund these shortfalls as they have promised. Unfortunately, says IAFF 16th District Vice President Jim Johnson, "Navy Fire and Emergency Services funding is not adequately prioritized or protected from scavenging. By the time the funds spin through the system and reach the Navy facility, they may end up elsewhere."
Johnson also expresses concern that the Navy appears content to expend funds for private contractors to make recommendations regarding risk-based reductions - recommendations that are often based on flawed data.
"The IAFF will continue to voice its concerns to Congress in the hope that legislators will mandate that the Department of Defense protect the taxpayer's military assets by dedicating the necessary funding and oversight to allow our members to adequately protect our military personnel and facilities," says President Schaitberger.
Gary