Fire Fighters Praise Confirmation of Ridge

Jan. 23, 2003
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) President Harold Schaitberger applauded Senate confirmation of Tom Ridge as the first secretary of the newly-created Homeland Security Department but said Ridge has a big job ahead of him.

Schaitberger warned that the nation's fire departments and other first responders are not prepared to handle a terrorist attack.

"Tom Ridge is the right man for the job and the IAFF looks forward to continuing to work with him on the vital issues of Homeland Security," said Schaitberger. "The IAFF will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our nation's first responders are ready for any crisis and we hope that Secretary Ridge will help the IAFF secure adequate funding for our nation's domestic defenders."

Schaitberger noted two-thirds of U.S. fire departments under-staffed and many lack the appropriate training and equipment to deal with an incident involving weapons of mass destruction. "We need to act now to provide them the resources they need – before the next attack," he added.

One of Ridge's first hurdles will be to translate President George W. Bush's ambitious proposals into reality, Schaitberger said. "After September 11, the president pledged $3.5 billion for first responders. Fire fighters, city and county governments, and the American public is still waiting," he commented.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

Sponsored Recommendations

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers and why do they matter?

March 13, 2025
From raw materials to final products, each supplier tier poses risks and liabilities that can impact your organization. Avetta's supply chain management software offers peace ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!