NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)

I recently published a NEEDA Newsletter piece on the new book "FORUM: The Secret Advantages of Successful Leaders," now available on Amazon.com.

As of today -- and only after a few days -- this book zoomed up on the best-seller rankings to reach as high as #5 on Tower Books "Top 100 Hardcover" list and #1,274 on Amazon.com -- which is in the top .001% of their books. When the book was first listed on Amazon, 98,000 copies were sold. The news story about the book was picked up in several places, including MSNBC and MarketWatch for The Wall Street Journal.

The author, Mo Fathelbab wrote NEEDA today: "I couldn't be more thrilled to see how well the book is being received; but I didn't want too much time to go by before taking a moment to thank you for making this possible. Your thoughtfulness for purchasing the book and sharing your kind comments about it are so appreciated!"

PLAINTIFFS IN FEDERAL SIGNAL CASES WITHDRAW FROM COURT IN ILLINOIS, MISSOURI, AND NEW YORK
Originally Posted: July 30, 2008 4:52 PM
Last Updated: July 30, 2008 4:52 PM

In cases before the Cook County, court Federal Signal Corporation (Oak Brook, IL), says the court entered an order yesterday dismissing all 39 firefighter plaintiffs that were set to go to trial in September, 2008. The plaintiffs' had asked the court to withdraw the cases.

If plaintiffs' counsel seeks to re-file these cases during the one year re-filing period, the Judge will hear Federal Signal's motion for sanctions, costs and
attorneys' fees.

Federal Signal's law firm in the litigation is Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP. Bartlit Beck attorney Phil Beck: "The dismissal of these 39 plaintiffs' claims, which follows on the 27 favorable jury verdicts for Federal Signal in April, 2008 is another sign that plaintiffs have been pursuing meritless cases, and represents a significant step forward in the Company's defense of this litigation."

Federal Signal has also won the voluntary dismissal of all pending firefighter claims in Missouri in May, 2008 and the dismissal of the New York firefighters' complaint in January, 2008.

Federal Signal recently sold E-One, as reported by NEEDA Newsletter. For more in Federal Signal and E-One use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.

MORE INFO? www.federalsignal.com

ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH WRITES RESPECTFUL "FIREFIGHTER DOWN BUT NEVER LEFT ALONE" TRIBUTE TO SEA OF BLUE FOR LOSS OF RYAN HUMMERT
Originally Posted: July 30, 2008 11:46 AM
Last Updated: July 30, 2008 11:46 AM

Firefighter Down, But Never Left Alone

by: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
July 27, 2008

From the moment Maplewood firefighter Ryan Hummert died, firefighters were there.

At first, it was his Maplewood crew, who, along with 22-year-old Hummert, had thought they were responding Monday to a routine car fire. Instead, they found themselves in the middle of a gunman’s killing field.

Before it was over, two police officers were shot, Hummert was killed and several other bullets barely missed their intended targets.

Minutes that seemed like hours passed until police could safely remove Hummert’s body. Then firefighters were there to carry him to an ambulance.

Clayton firefighter Brian Zinanni knew it was time to begin a firefighter’s tradition.

“We need somebody to stay with Ryan,” Zinanni told a visibly shaken crowd of firefighters.

Rock Hill Fire Chief Kevin Halloran and Clayton firefighter Ted Destatte volunteered and boarded an ambulance for a somber ride to the hospital.

“We wanted him to go in a fire department ambulance because it was the start of us taking care of him,” Halloran said.

When Hummert was pronounced dead at the hospital, firefighters were there.

When the medical examiner autopsied the body, firefighters were there.

Halloran and Destatte delivered Hummert to the funeral home, where other firefighters relieved them.

Nearly 12 hours had passed since Halloran had boarded the ambulance to escort a firefighter he barely knew through the post-mortem motions.

“I said I would do it not knowing fully what the day was going to entail,” Halloran said. “It was one of the biggest honors I’ve had in my career.”

Many felt the same way. Within hours of Hummert’s death, firefighters from across the country had called Zinanni to volunteer to stay with Hummert’s body at the funeral home.

“It’s a process of healing for firefighters as well as considered an honor to sit with a fallen comrade,” said Zinanni, team coordinator for the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Team. “And it’s a comfort to the family to know he was never alone.”

When funeral directors placed Hummert’s casket at the front of the funeral parlor, firefighters were there.

Two firefighters stayed with the casket for two-hour shifts. Often, the group grew to six as some stayed past their allotted time, or others just showed up. Some came in T-shirts and jeans. Others wore their dress blues.

They passed much of the time as they would at their respective firehouses, waiting for the next call. Talking shop. Sharing laughs. And sitting together.

It was their way of bringing the firehouse Hummert loved so much to him for his final moments among them.

Every once in a while, the group quieted. Their eyes turned to the casket.

“So he was only 22?” asked Grovespring, Mo., firefighter Brandon Miller during a shift that lasted until midnight Wednesday.

Maryland Heights firefighters nodded.

“Wow, that’s scary,” Miller said. “I’m only 20.”

Maryland Heights firefighters got a kick out of Miller and his fellow Grovespring firefighter Robert McClanahan. Their stories about life in a rural volunteer district south of Lebanon, Mo., kept the mood light. They discussed donating equipment to the volunteer department.

“Do you think we could come by for a tour of your station?” Miller asked. “I’ve never been in a paid fire department before.”

“Sure,” replied firefighter Larry Tennison.

Soon, Maryland Heights Capt. Bill Matzker’s eyes drifted once more to Hummert’s casket.

“So who was this Knobbe guy anyway?” he asked of the alleged gunman, Mark Knobbe.

The group shared what they knew: Knobbe was estranged from his family. He had worked for the Art Museum. He set his home on fire and shot himself in the head.

“Just senseless,” Matzker said.

About seven more shifts passed before the informal casket vigil gave way to a formal honor guard. Firefighters in full dress blues stood at both ends of the casket for 10-minute shifts during the seven-hour visitation.

Halloran took his post at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the foot of the casket. Brentwood firefighter Tim Hammer stood at the head.

Hummert’s tearful mother, father and sister were the first to visit. Firefighters were there.

They stood rigid until the next pair relieved them. But once in the hallway, their tears flowed.

The rotations continued until 10 p.m., even through a 40-minute procession of more than 600 firefighters, saluting the casket two by two.

Once the formal honor guard retired for the night, the informal watch resumed. Funeral directors dimmed the lights and told the firefighters where to find the restrooms and coffee.

When Hummert’s family arrived the next morning for the closing of the casket, firefighters were there.

Members of Hummert’s Rockwood Summit High School football team carried the casket to the door. From there, firefighters bore their brother to a pumper and then to Immaculate Conception Church.

Maplewood firefighters sat in the front rows to the right of the casket. The family sat to the left.

Firefighters delivered many of the nine eulogies.

Two nearby churches opened for the overflow. Firefighters from as far as New York, Nebraska, Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana quickly filled more than 800 chairs and stood in the aisles.

About 135 firetrucks escorted the casket to the cemetery.

The family waited at the grave site as more than 1,000 firefighters marched behind the pumper carrying Hummert’s casket. It’s a tradition called “the Sea of Blue.”

An honor guard stood at attention while Maplewood firefighters delivered the casket to its final destination.

More than a dozen firefighters on bagpipes played “Amazing Grace.” And firefighters on bugles played taps.

The Hummerts returned to a limousine, in awe of the firefighters’ role in their son’s final journey.

“We could have taken months and never planned anything as beautiful as this,” said Andy Hummert, Ryan Hummert’s father.

The limo pulled out, and the firetrucks lined up to exit. Cemetery workers prepared to lower the casket.

They pushed a mound of earth over Hummert’s grave.

And a firefighter was there.

HOLMATRO OFFERS VEHICLE EXTRICATION WEBCAST AUGUST 7, 2008
Originally Posted: July 30, 2008 11:29 AM
Last Updated: July 30, 2008 11:29 AM

"Slicin' and Dicin' Cutting Techniques for Vehicle Rescue" is the subject of a one hour webcast Thursday, August 7, 2008 1:00 PM EDT.

Speaker: Dave Dalrymple, Education Chair, Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee-US.

Dalrymple discusses cutting techniques and approaches for rescue situations in vehicle extrication.

Dave Dalrymple
Education Chair
Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee-US

Webcast Sponsors: Holmatro:

Holmatro has been manufacturing high performance rescue tools for 39 years. Through its dealer network Holmatro offers product, training, service and support to customers on every continent. Rescue and emergency services personnel around the world depend on Holmatro's technology to make their critical tasks easier, safer and more reliable.

MORE INFO? www.holmatro-usa.com/rescue.htm

SNOW MAKERS AND AIR TANKERS HELP FIREFIGHTERS CONFRONT WILDFIRE IN YOSEMITE
Originally Posted: July 30, 2008 11:12 AM
Last Updated: July 30, 2008 11:14 AM

A wildfire on 45 square miles in Yosemite National Park has destroyed 25 homes and forced the evacuation of 300 homes. California Department of Transportation closed entrances and nearby roads: electricity is out.

The fire is 10 percent contained forcing thousands of park visitors to leave while others arrived as ash was blown on them.

Yosemite's chief ranger Steve Shackelton: "If wind comes from the north, the embers from the pine could jump right across this canyon” . . . at which point a pine cone sent fire up the slope of dry grass with smoke spoiling the view.

Mikel Martin, chief of the Madera-Mariposa Unit: "This is some of the most difficult territory you can find in California for fighting fires."

As reported in NEEDA NEWSLETTER, this is the worst summer wildfire season in the history of California.

High winds are pushing the fire east toward the Grizzly Peaks subdivision which has been evacuated.

Air tankers and snow mobile snow-makers are being used to fight the fire, the Associated Press reported.

LA TIMES REPORTS FIREFIGHTERS SAY WATER DROPS ARE FOR PR, BOUY HOMEOWNERS HOPES IN WILDFIRE
Originally Posted: July 29, 2008 8:21 AM
Last Updated: July 29, 2008 8:21 AM

Helicopter water drops on a blazing ridge above Malibu, CA are reassuring sights to those in harm's way, but their use can be a needless and expensive exercise to appease politicians which California fire fightrs call 'CNN drops.'

Fire commanders say they are often pressured to order planes and helicopters into action on major fires even when the aircraft won't do any good. Such pressure has resulted in needless and costly air operations, experienced fire managers Julie Cart and Bettina Boxall, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers, reported in the second of a five part series.

LA Times: "While aerial drops of water and retardant make good television. They're a highly visible way for political leaders to show they're doing everything possible to quell a wildfire, even if it entails overriding the judgment of incident commanders on the ground."

Firefighters have developed their own vernacular for such spectacles. They call them "CNN drops."

LA Times: "Increased use of aircraft is helping to drive up the cost of fighting wildfires. The Forest Service spent $296 million on aerial firefighting last year, compared with $171 million in 2004. Aviation costs amount to about one-fifth of the agency's fire-suppression spending."

LA Times: "It costs up to $14,000 a day to keep an air tanker on call and as much as $4,200 per hour to put it in the air. Heavy-duty helicopters, the workhorses of aerial firefighting, can cost $32,000 a day on standby, plus $6,300 per hour of flight time."

LA Times: "Pressure to use aircraft has grown as wildfires have become larger and more dangerous, and as more subdivisions have sprung up in fire-prone canyons and woodlands. When a column of smoke appears in the distance, frightened homeowners want dramatic action, and an air tanker pouring red retardant on a blazing ridgeline is undeniably dramatic."

SCHWARZENEGGER ORDERS STOP PAYMENT ON AMOUNTS OWED TO VENDORS BUT ALLOWS CONTINUED SPENDING FOR EMERGENCY AND DISASTER RESPONSE
Originally Posted: July 24, 2008 5:28 AM
Last Updated: July 24, 2008 10:14 AM

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California, has drafted an Executive Order which will cut off payments to vendors and cut the pay of state workers. One of the reasons cited in the Executive Order is the cost of fighting wildfires and another reason is the state budget enactment deadline has passed.

The proposal has the following exemption for "emergency and disaster response":

"IT IS ORDERED that the services and functions of state government directly related to the preservation and protection of human life and safety, including but not limited to emergency and disaster response activities and the provision of 24-hour medical care, shall be deemed critical and exempt from this Order."

For a complete copy of the Governor's plan click on the headline of this NEEDA Newsletter. The entire Executive Order was made available to the public by the Sacramento Bee.

The Bee was the first to report that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to sign an executive order dropping the pay of 200,000 California state workers to $6.55 per hour. That is the federal minimum wage.

Schwarzenegger wants his order to apply to the August 08 pay period. But state Controller John Chiang says he will pay employees their full salaries.

The order could come as soon as Monday, with the governor arguing that the late budget creates "a real and substantial risk" of California running out of cash.

California state workers would get full back pay after a budget is signed!

That budget, already with a deficit of $15.2 billion – almost four weeks past the deadline.

SCHWARZENEGGER: COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT "HAS BEEN FANTASTIC"
Originally Posted: July 22, 2008 2:38 PM
Last Updated: July 22, 2008 2:38 PM

Administrator Paulison accompanied President Bush to California, meeting with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and surveying the damage done so far by wildfires that have been raging in the state since last month.

FEMA is working with state officials and other federal partners engaged in the response to the multiple wildfires.

The National Interagency Fire Center is coordinating federal resources, and FEMA continues to provide financial support and track resources for state and local agencies.

The governor of California and President Bush discussed the effective coordination of resources between California's local, state, and federal partners during this wildfire siege, which at its peak included more than 2,000 fires and has scorched more than 887,000 acres to date.

The president expressed thanks to those working on the federal response to the California wildfires. “I want to thank those who work for the federal government for their hard work….and willingness to respond quickly and their service to our country,” he said.

Schwarzenegger: "The cooperation during these unprecedented wildfires has been fantastic, and I appreciate the federal support and resources we have received. Thanks to this great coordination, we have been able to obtain and utilize resources from the federal government, 40 states, and a number of international partners. We face more challenges in the hot and dry summer months ahead [and] as we help people put their lives back together and stay prepared for inevitable future fires….”

MORE INFO? www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=45132

PETER GUILE, E-ONE CEO, WELCOMES AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS PURCHASE OF COMPANY
Originally Posted: July 22, 2008 6:57 AM
Last Updated: July 22, 2008 6:57 AM

Peter Guile, CEO of E-ONE: “We are delighted to have partnered with American Industrial Partners. AIP has demonstrated a deep understanding of the specialty vehicle market and brings a wealth of expertise in support of the E-ONE team. The E-ONE management team, with investment in the Company, has reinforced its commitment to the long-term success of E-ONE. This transaction will be beneficial to customers, dealers and employees alike as we work with AIP to strengthen our operations and continue to invest in technologies and provide industry leading fire apparatus and mission-critical vehicles.”

E-ONE will continue to be the exclusive supplier of Bronto articulating aerial platforms for the North American fire rescue market and integrate Federal Signal public safety interoperable software into Comms-ONE and larger command vehicles.

Guile: “With many talented employees, strong dealers, and loyal customers, E-ONE has maintained a longstanding reputation as a leader in the fire apparatus industry. We are exceptionally pleased with the new ownership agreement and see a bright future ahead for E-ONE fire apparatus.”

RESPONDING TO WILDFIRES? AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS “N95” or “P1000” MASKS
Originally Posted: July 22, 2008 6:43 AM
Last Updated: July 22, 2008 6:43 AM

Dangerous air pollution resulting from wildfires poses lethal health hazards to people living and working in the surrounding areas. Residents with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis and also those with chronic heart disease should take extra precautions during this time and call their physician immediately if problems develop.

Norman Edelman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association: “Even those without lung diseases are at risk during this time. With the rising air pollution levels we are seeing in the affected areas, there is increased risk of coughing and wheezing, asthma attacks, as well as heart attacks and strokes, especially for older adults and outdoor workers. Take special care to protect children. They are more susceptible to smoke, because their respiratory systems are still developing.”

The American Lung Association recommends people downwind of fire-stricken areas should stay indoors and avoid breathing heavy smoke or ash filled air. Those living in surrounding areas of the fires should avoid exercising outdoors, particularly if they smell smoke or notice eye or throat irritation. When driving through smoky areas, car windows and vents should be kept closed. Air conditioning should be set to “recirculate” to avoid exposure to unhealthy outside air.

Edelman: “People with respiratory problems and chronic heart disease are at greatest risk during this time. Due to the extremely high levels of pollutants, many people may be experiencing increased symptoms and should contact their doctor promptly, especially those using oxygen. People using oxygen are strongly cautioned to not adjust their levels of intake without consulting their doctor first.”

Those individuals with asthma are also encouraged to contact their physician regarding any changes in medication that may be needed to cope with smoky conditions. The American Lung Association advises asthma patients who cannot reach their doctor to continue to take their medication and closely follow their asthma action plan as prescribed.

People living near fire-stricken areas are encouraged to stay inside as much as possible, with doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut—with clean air circulating through air conditioners and/or air cleaners. The American Lung Association reminds residents to use the recirculation setting on their home air conditioners to avoid outdoor air contamination, but warns against using whole house fans, which can bring in unfiltered outside air.

Ordinary dust masks, designed to filter out large particles should not be used as they still allow the more dangerous, smaller particles resulting from the fires to pass through. Disposable particle masks available at hardware and home supply stores can better help filter out harmful fine particles. Look for masks labeled “N95” or “P1000” that come with two straps, which can be adjusted to fit tightly on the face. It should be noted that these types of masks can be difficult for people with lung disease to use, so a doctor should be consulted before purchasing.

The volunteer response for clean up has been tremendous and is commended by the American Lung Association. At the same time, the Association advises clean up workers to use caution to protect their lungs. Areas covered in dust and soot should be thoroughly wet prior to clean up as a means to reduce further air pollutants.

Workers should wear an N95 mask described above and replace it daily. Areas where asbestos and other hazardous materials are suspected should be avoided.

MORE INFO? www.lungusa.org

INFO ON AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS, NEW OWNERS OF E-ONE
Originally Posted: July 21, 2008 9:15 AM
Last Updated: July 21, 2008 9:41 AM

Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
KentonP1@aol.com

Several NEEDA Newsletter readers asked for more information on American Industrial Partners which bought E-One last week. Here below is some information from the AIP website. Thank you to those who contacted NEEDA today.

American Industrial Partners (AIP) is a middle market private equity firm which makes control investments in North American based industrial businesses.

AIP invests through the implementation of an operating agenda developed in collaboration with the company’s management team. AIP grows the earnings of its portfolio companies by applying the financial, operational, and technical expertise of its Partners and Advisory Board.

American Industrial Partners was founded in 1988 and has managed three prior investment funds which total $1 billion of equity capital. AIP is currently investing its fourth fund.

American Industrial Partners' uses collaborative application of operating, technical and financial experience when identifying investment opportunities and designing operating strategies for portfolio companies.

The result is to combine the judgment and value creation capabilities of a strategic buyer with the execution capabilities of an experienced financial buyer.

American Industrial Partners seeks investments in businesses where both the operating risks and opportunities are familiar to AIP partners. In particular, AIP pursues businesses which enjoy protected competitive positions, proprietary capabilities or leading market shares, yet have the potential for significant value enhancement through operating improvements, technological investments, global marketing and sourcing, or add-on investments.

American Industrial Partners is committed to supporting talented management teams in building their businesses. The AIP does not play a role in the daily operations of portfolio companies, but rather forms a true operating partnership with management teams.

By providing sound financial support and access to the Firm's resources, American Industrial Partners enables management to focus on business fundamentals and create long term value.

The Partners and Advisory Board members of American Industrial Partners have diverse backgrounds with complementary operating, technical and financial expertise. AIP professionals have individual expertise in operating and technical areas including: quality systems, product development and planning, engineering effectiveness, global manufacturing and procurement, equipment effectiveness, plant consolidations, ERP implementations and project management.

Through the AIP's portfolio companies, the professionals of AIP also have a base of experience in sourcing materials and generating revenues from developing countries. American Industrial Partners has been involved in developing joint ventures in Brazil and India, establishing a manufacturing presence in China and creating a multi-supplier component sourcing capability across Asia and Latin America.

Operating and technical expertise is complemented by financial expertise such as: replacing shared services at newly independent divisions, divesting non-core assets, integrating bolt-on acquisitions, recapitalizations, and public and private debt and equity financings.

American Industrial Partners focuses exclusively on North American headquartered industrial enterprises, which frequently have existing or potential global markets and procurement opportunities. AIP believes that industrial businesses are attractive because:

Acquisition candidates are plentiful?
There are common opportunities to implement operating improvements in a systematic way?
Financial characteristics of industrial companies are frequently less volatile than other investment categories?
Rapidly developing economies such as China and India are undergoing an industrial recapitalization that often serves as a significant revenue driver or low cost sourcing opportunity for targeted U.S. industrial companies?

AIP's knowledge of the industrial sector and its business models provides a competitive advantage in making and managing successful acquisitions.

In addition to acquiring E-One the company has also purchased Brooks Instruments, Micro-Poise Measurement Systems, Collins Industries, and sold Stolle Machinery Company to Littlejohn and Company.

Emerson (St. Louis, Mo) sold its Brooks Instrument unit on December 31, 2007, to American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV, L.P. ("AIP") for $100 million in cash.

Brooks, headquartered in Hatfield, PA, provides flow measurement and control devices to the low flow application market, and principally serves the chemical and semiconductor industries. Its sales in fiscal 2007 were approximately $90 million.

David N. Farr, Emerson chairman, CEO and president: "Brooks Instrument has performed well for Emerson. However, we believe Brooks' alignment within AIP's business provides the right synergy going forward for both companies."

The sale of Brooks is representative of Emerson's ongoing strategy to manage its business mix toward high-growth, high-return businesses that are strategic to its entire portfolio.

Over the past 18 months, Emerson sold several small businesses which included its Western Forge hand tool unit and Buehler materials testing business, and in recent weeks sold its joint venture interest in Industrial Motion Control (IMC).

Emerson also made other of strategic acquisitions in 07. Emerson in September 07 agreed to acquire Motorola's Embedded Communications Computing (ECC) business for $350 million. That transaction also closed on Dec. 31, 2007.

Emerson brings technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses.

Sales in fiscal 2007 were $22.6 billion.

Founded in 1988, American Industrial Partners is a private equity firm that makes control equity investments in mid-sized industrial companies that can benefit from the firm's systematic approach to implementing strategic and operational improvements.

Kim Marvin, Partner American Industrial Partners, 535 Fifth Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10017?212-627-2360 x209
kim@aip4.com

AMERICAN AIRLINES FLYS NY TO LA WITH NEW ANTI MISSILE PROTECTION
Originally Posted: July 21, 2008 8:28 AM
Last Updated: July 21, 2008 8:28 AM

Jeteye will be installed on two American Airlines 767-200 aircraft for daily cross-country flights between now and March 2009. But don't expect to experience live-fire testing during these flights!

BAE Systems’ Jeteye (Farnborough, England) infrared missile-defense system has completed its first flight on a scheduled American Airlines aircraft flying from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport.

The US Department of Homeland Security awarded BAE Systems a $29 million contract for the Counter-MANPADS anti missile program. The company has received $105 million in funding.

This is a precedent setting develoment in which civilian equipment is getting protection military-style.

AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS BUYS E-ONE FROM FEDERAL SIGNAL
Originally Posted: July 21, 2008 5:34 AM
Last Updated: July 21, 2008 5:34 AM

On July 16, 2008 Federal Signal agreed to sell E-ONE, Ocala, Florida for approximately $20 million to American Industrial Partners.

The transaction is expected to close within 30 days. E-One will be operated as an independent subsidiary of American Industrial Partners.

E-One, with 2007 sales of $218 million, produces a broad range of fire apparatus and mission critical vehicles at its facility located in Ocala, Florida. The sale was widely predicted and there are previous news stories about the possible E-One sale in NEEDA Newsletter. (Use the search application in the upper right of your NEEDA screen to find earlier reports.)

Federal Signal expects to receive proceeds from the sale, net of taxes, of approximately $20 million and will recognize a loss on the transaction. It is anticipated that the divestiture will be accretive to 2008 earnings. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.

LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE: FIND ALTERNATIVES TO STATE RULES THAT HURT SMALL BUSINESSES
Originally Posted: July 19, 2008 10:12 AM
Last Updated: July 19, 2008 10:12 AM

One new Federal rule that will hurt emergency equipment dealers is a law which allows state and local buyers to purchase fire and other products from the US General Services Administration (GSA multiple awards program). "If the Federal government had considered the impact of that law on small businesses it would have been rejected," commented Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA).

Louisiana Governor Jindal and the Louisiana state legislature have stepped up support for Louisiana’s 364,900 small businesses with the recent passage and signing of House Bill 368, the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Representative Rickey Nowlin (Natchitoches) was the bill’s primary author.

The new law requires state agencies to analyze the economic impact of proposed rules on small business and to consider less burdensome alternatives that still accomplish the regulatory goal. It also requires state agencies to notify small businesses of the costs associated with the proposed new rules.

“Our goal is to have state agencies really consider the impact of regulations on small businesses and to seek alternative ways for small businesses to comply with the regulatory objectives in a cost effective manner,” said Rep. Nowlin.

The passage and signing of H.B. 368 is a result of Representative Nowlin, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, and small business trade groups working together to find this common sense approach to regulatory reform.

Led by the National Federation of Independent Business/Louisiana, the trade groups included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.

“Regulatory reform and flexibility was one of our top priorities this legislative session,” said Renee Baker, state director of NFIB/Louisiana. “Our small businesses deserve a chance to respond to proposed new regulations that could cost them money and hurt their ability to grow and create jobs.”

Louisiana’s new law is based on model legislation developed by the SBA Office of Advocacy. Similar to the Federal Regulatory Flexibility Act, the model encourages entrepreneurial success by requiring state agencies to consider the impact of their regulations on small business before those regulations become final.

John McDowell (202) 205-6941 john.mcdowell@sba.gov or www.sba.gov/advo/laws/law_modeleg.html

BUSH TOURS CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES; "FEDS WILL DO THE BEST WE POSSIBLY CAN"
Originally Posted: July 18, 2008 9:21 AM
Last Updated: July 18, 2008 9:21 AM

President Bush took a helicopter tour of charred forests above Shasta Lake on Thursday, July 17, 2008 and vowed to do the "best … we possibly can" in directing federal assistance to help California respond to wildfires, according to the Scramento Bee.

With nearly 2,000 lightning fires since mid-June devouring more than 880,000 acres and burning a hole in the state budget, Bush promised not to leave California stranded, the Bee reported.

Federal disaster officials to date have pledged $31 million in direct reimbursements for California's firefighting costs, and the White House said Thursday that a total of $154 million in aid is on the way. The state has deployed more than 2,000 firefighters and support personnel while running up costs of more than $100 million since mid-June. Federal firefighting costs have surpassed $220 million.

The most recent fires come on the heels of the costliest fiscal year in California history. Major blazes near San Diego, Lake Tahoe and elsewhere last year helped push 2007-2008 state firefighting costs past $390 million, more than $310 million more than the state had budgeted.

The latest fires are exhausting firefighters and stretching resources from Butte County to Santa Barbara and from Big Sur to Whiskeytown.

Schwarzenegger: "We can fight 20, 30 fires at the same time," he added. "But when you hear that there are 2,000 fires at one given time, that's a little bit too much for us."

Senator Diane Feinstein, who accompanied the president on Air Force One along with Republican Reps. John Doolittle of Roseville and Wally Herger of Chico, has asked for an emergency appropriation of $610 million for the immediate needs of federal firefighters battling wildfires in California and elsewhere.

Feinstein, who met with Bush and officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security, is also seeking another $300 million for long-term fire prevention, including stationing more federal aircraft and manpower in California.

"I would say I'm optimistic at this stage," Feinstein said in an interview after discussing the fires with Bush. "I talked to the president. I think he understands."

Bush was briefed by officials including Ruben Grijalva, the director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and California National Guard Gen. William Wade.

After flying over jagged mountains scorched by the Motion fire near Shasta Lake, Bush turned to Schwarzenegger to say he knows California needs help to meet its rising needs.

"I always come to make sure that the federal government is coordinating closely with state government," Bush said. "I know Gov. Schwarzenegger well enough to tell you that if we weren't, he'd let me know."

MORE INFO? Peter Hecht, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5539.

US CHAMBER BUILDS COALITION FOR MAJOR US ENERGY POLICY CHANGES: NEEDA SAYS THE CHAMBER INITIATIVE IS GOOD FOR DEALERS
Originally Posted: July 16, 2008 9:09 PM
Last Updated: July 16, 2008 9:09 PM

In a July 16, 2008 meeting at the US Chamber of Commerce the Chamber’s Energy Institute announced recommendations to the next President and Congress for US energy policy.

In a statement issued in Washington DC following the presentation NEEDA praised the Chamber's initiative. "The Presidential debate this year has been vague on energy issues. The fire industry is dependent on moderately priced diesel fuel for fire trucks, ambulances, fire boats and aviation fuel for helicopters and tankers. This is no time to ignore the important public services and industries that cannot afford the dramatic fuel costs we face today. Action is necessary. The Chamber has thought it through and is on the right track. They have NEEDA's support," said Kenton Pattie, Executive Director. Representing emergency equipment dealers, Pattie has been attending the Chamber's meetings this year on national energy policy. He is a member of the US Chamber and for over ten years has served on the Chamber's Procurement Committee.

Tom Donohue, the U.S. Chamber’s President and CEO: In an open letter to the next president and Congress, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for 21st Century Energy unveiled 13 fundamental pillars to build a foundation for a new, strategic, and long-term energy policy for the United States.

“We are long overdue for energy solutions that will keep our nation on track and our economy strong. We are crafting ideas and building support to help our elected officials move forward in a constructive way.”

Tom Donohue and General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.), president and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy, and more than two dozen former senior executive and legislative branch leaders as well as industry officials urged America’s future political leadership to expand the nation’s supply of affordable fuel and power from traditional and alternative sources, bolster energy efficiency, and expand and modernize energy infrastructure.

“With a challenge as great and urgent as securing our energy future, America’s leaders must come together in support of a sensible long-term approach that promotes economic growth at home and strengthens our national security,” General Jones told today's meeting at the Chamber. “How we solve our energy challenges will define who we are as a nation in the 21st century.”

The bipartisan group of 27 signatories include former secretaries of Energy, State, Defense, Commerce, and Treasury; former members of Congress; and national security experts. Their collective public service spans over 300 years. The signatories are united in their views that energy is one of the most significant economic and national security challenges of this century.

Gen. Jones: “Our nation’s dependence on foreign oil poses unprecedented challenges to our economic prosperity and national security. The solutions to our energy challenges must begin with commonsense energy principles upon which a comprehensive, coherent energy policy can be based.”

The pillars encompass efforts to increase energy supplies, address growing demand, and enable advancements in technology and infrastructure.

The 13 energy principles outlined in the open letter include accelerating energy efficiency across all sectors; modernizing and expanding energy infrastructure; transforming the transportation sector including greater use of alternative and renewable fuels; and expanding the use of nuclear power, coal, and renewable energy as well as new domestic exploration and production of oil and natural gas.

The open letter advocates for reducing the environmental impact of energy use and increasing investments in climate change research. The pillars call for addressing critical shortages in scientists and engineers through education and training programs, incentives, and visa policies.

Above all, the open letter shows that this is America’s opportunity to demonstrate leadership in innovation and solve what is a global challenge.

In addition to these pillars, the open letter highlights the need for unprecedented bipartisan political leadership. By committing to the Institute’s 13 pillars, policymakers can chart a new course for America’s energy future by enhancing domestic energy resilience, preserving the environment, and creating new American jobs, industries, and technologies.

The signatories to the open letter include: Spencer Abraham, former Secretary of Energy and U.S. Senator (R-MI); Dr. David M. Abshire, former Ambassador to NATO and President and CEO of the Center for the Study of the Presidency; George F. Allen, former U.S. Senator (R-VA) and Governor of Virginia; Richard L. Armitage, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State; Howard H. Baker, Jr., former U.S. Senator (R-TN), White House Chief of Staff, and U.S. Ambassador to Japan; James A. Baker, III, former White House Chief of Staff, U.S. Secretary of State, and U.S. Secretary of Treasury; Gen. Charles G. Boyd, USAF (Ret.), president and CEO of Business Executives for National Security; Frank C. Carlucci, former U.S. Secretary of Defense; William S. Cohen, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, U.S. Senator and Representative (R-ME); Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Kenneth M. Duberstein, former White House Chief of Staff; Donald L. Evans former U.S. Secretary of Commerce; J. Bennett Johnston, former U.S. Senator (D-LA); General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.), president and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, former National Security Advisor and U.S. Secretary of State; Robert C. McFarlane, former National Security Advisor; Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, III, former Counselor to President Clinton, Special Envoy for the Americas, and White House Chief of Staff; Sam Nunn, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Threat Initiative and former U.S. Senator (D-GA); Dr. William J. Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense; Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), former U.S. Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and National Security Advisor; Charles S. Robb, former U.S. Senator (D-VA) and Governor of Virginia; Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of J.E. Robert Companies; Dr. James R. Schlesinger, former U.S. Secretary of Energy, U.S. Secretary of Defense, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, USAF (Ret.), former National Security Advisor; Dr. George P. Shultz, former U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Secretary of Labor; Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.), former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Chief of Naval Operations; and R. James Woolsey, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a commonsense energy strategy to help keep America safe, strong, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, consensus building, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels. To read more about the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, the signatories to this open letter, and to watch today’s event, visit www.energyxxi.org/.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations including small businesses.

MORE INFO?
www.uschamber.com

SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY POLITICAL RESEARCH CENTER, BOSTON: SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS TILT TOWARD MCCAIN
Originally Posted: July 16, 2008 8:49 PM
Last Updated: July 16, 2008 8:49 PM

Small business owners would select Republican McCain over Democrat Obama by 28% to 17% on the question: Which candidate has the best program for small businesses?

Small business owers picked Republican Mitt Romney as VP for McCain and Democrat Hillary Clinton as VP for Obama in the same poll

Half of all respondents said labor costs and inflation, especially gas and oil are larger problems than health care.

Seventy-two percent said Washington is bailing out big business amidst the economic downturn. Even more called for opening up oil reserves off Alaska, Florida and California coasts.

Four-fifths of small business respondents have "no idea how McCain and Obama plan to help them.

Other possible Democratic candidates appealing to small businesses are:
Virginia Sen. Jim Webb and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and retired General Wesley Clark for Obama.

And, also second tier choices for Republican Vice President are Louisiana Gov. Borry Jimdal, Gen David Petraeus (serving now in Afghanistan) and Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson for McCain.

FORUM: THE SECRET ADVANTAGE OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERS . . . NEW BOOK FOR DEALER OWNERS AND MANAGERS
Originally Posted: July 16, 2008 12:44 PM
Last Updated: July 16, 2008 12:44 PM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
KentonP1@aol.com

Ask thousands of entrepreneurs, presidents and CEOs: "What's the secret of your success?"

Their answer may surprise you: by far, the most powerful motivator is the real, practical knowledge executives gain from life experiences shared by their peers in a forum group.

As a long time member of a forum group, I can tell you it has worked remarkably for me. Through this experience I have come to know the author of this book who is an exceptional advisor to many company owners and business leaders. I highly recommend his new book which truly does reveal some very helpful ideas that really fit today's economy.

Challenging and deeply rewarding

Launching and sustaining an effective forum group is a challenge, but the rewards are unsurpassed. You can maximize the experience and avoid common pitfalls with careful planning and guidance from an experienced, professional facilitator.

You've got the keys. Here's how to use them: Forum Resources Network is a complete resource for forum learning and implementation.

Call on their professional, accredited facilitators to leverage their years of experience guiding thousands of groups through highly successful retreats and meetings.

Forum Resources Network facilitators are uniquely equipped to help you and your group have personalized, unforgettable team building experiences to become better leaders, make better decisions and get better results from sharing your experiences with each other.

Forum Resources Network facilitators provide retreat resources and planning tools your group needs to operate effectively and get the most powerful impact out of every meeting.

Hot Off the Press!

Mo Fathelbab’s new book, Forum: The Secret Advantage of Successful Leaders — your complete guide making your peer forum group work successfully — is now available for purchase!

To buy a copy for yourself, or several for your employees, management team, your friends or other colleagues for $29.95, go to Amazon.com.

Drew O'Malley Senior Manager, ARS writes: It was a pleasure meeting you at the ARS retreat last week. That was a very unique and oftentimes intense experience, and I deeply appreciate your help in making our forums rewarding. You have real gifts for empathy and understanding, and it's great to see that you can so directly make use of them in your business life.

MORE INFO? www.amazon.com or contact author Mo Fathelbab: Forum Resources Network • P.O. Box 25284 • Alexandria, VA 22313-5284 • (703) 836-7800

CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE FACILITY IN INDIANAPOLIS RECOVERS FROM FLOOD
Originally Posted: July 15, 2008 10:44 AM
Last Updated: July 15, 2008 10:45 AM

The June 7, 2008 flood, caused $100 million in damages to the 454,000 square-foot Cummins diesel engine Research and Development Center in Indianapolis, In.

But the company says work will resume there next week after hurry up repairs costing the company $2 million. The flood hit the basement and first floor destroying fiber optic and computer equipment.

Cummins has 38,000 employees who make diesel, power generators, filters, fuel systems, and turbochargers. Cummins’ last quarterly report showed they made $190 million on revenue of $3.47 billion.

WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA, NOW 288, GET NASA HELP FROM UNMANNED DRONE IMAGES
Originally Posted: July 15, 2008 9:23 AM
Last Updated: July 15, 2008 9:23 AM

In October 2007, NEEDA Newsletter reported that the US Air Force and the US National Aeronautics and Space agency flew unmanned craft over southern California to provide firefighters with images of burning and threatened wildfire areas.

Normally, the US military is prohibited from spying on US citizens but the use of spy in the sky equipment is permitted for national disasters such as the astonishing number of wildfires in California.

Federal unmanned picture-taking drones from NASA are again helping firefighters in 2008 fight against California’s worst wildfires.

The Ikhana UAV — a version of the Pentagon’s Predator B built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is flying from the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.

The images from the Ikhana sensor — developed and built by NASA’s Ames Research Center near San Jose, CA — are transmitted to a ground station where they are overlaid on maps. The images help firefighters locate hot spots otherwise shrouded by smoke.

NASA acquired the aircraft in 2006 from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in San Diego, CA, for use in aeronautics, climate and atmospheric research.

News in 2008 about the drones has appeared in Air Force Times, the Los Angeles Times and circulated by the Associated Press.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, after a tour, said the images obtained from drones by NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA are saving lives.

Schwarzenegger: "This unmanned plane is a true life-saver. But even though we get all this terrific help, California needs more resources, there's no two ways about it.”

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: 288 blazes in 2008 are burning 1,300 square miles, destroyed about 100 homes.

In October 2003, wildfires burned 1,155 square miles and killed 24 residents.

Los Padres National Forest fires have moved attention away from the California coast.

But, evacuation orders are in effect for coastal residents. As reported earlier this month by NEEDA Newsletter, the Governor is seeking a tax on property owners to pay the extra costs incurred in fighting wildfires.

AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS LEAGUE SAYS FEDERAL AGENCIES ARE DIVERTING $800 MILLION IN CONTRACTS AWAY FROM DEALERS WITH FEWER THAN 100 EMPLOYEES
Originally Posted: July 14, 2008 11:49 AM
Last Updated: July 14, 2008 11:49 AM

The American Small Business League (ASBL), a non-profit that advocates for firms with fewer than 100 employees, estimates that the diversion of federal small business contracts to large corporations during the Bush Administration could top $800 billion.

The ASBL cited a new Department of the Interior report that found "millions of dollars" in small business contracts actually went to Fortune 500 corporations such as Dell, GTSI, Home Depot, John Deere, McGraw-Hill, Ricoh, Sherwin Williams, Starwood Hotels, Waste Management Inc., Weyerhaeuser, World Wide Technology and Xerox Corp.

The General Accounting Office (now called the Government Accountability Office) first uncovered the diversion of federal small business contracts to Fortune 500 corporations in 2002, according to the ASBL, which also cited the "approximately a dozen federal investigations that have all found Fortune 500 firms and other large corporations were the actual recipients of billions of dollars in federal small business contracts every year."

As NEEDA NEWSLETTER reported recently, at the request of the Bush Administration, the Congress has OK'd letting local and state agencies buy through the US General Services Administration's multiple awards program.
While GSA will say small businesses may participate, in fact the GSA system is heavily weighted toward generating business for large companies. GSA often cuts small companies from their program because small companies don't generate enough volume of business to meet GSA expectations.

CALIFORNIA CONSIDERS ASKING TAXPAYERS FOR $130 MILLION TO PAY FIREFIGHTING COSTS
Originally Posted: July 14, 2008 5:40 AM
Last Updated: July 14, 2008 5:41 AM

Over the past three weeks, wildfires have scorched 631,000
acres and burned through at least $112 million in state money.

With the worst of the fire season still to come, and the state’s costs for fighting fires already up 41 percent over last year, several fund-raising measures have
been proposed.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R) 08-09 budget plan calls for an insurance surcharge on all home and business owners that would raise $130 million to help cover the state’s firefighting costs.

Are California taxpayers paying too much to protect the state’s natural resources or to bail out homeowners who’ve chosen to build their homes in fire-prone areas? This is a question the California Journal reports is circulating among legislators in Sacramento.

“The fact is the residents of California are simply not paying enough for fire
protection,” said Sen. Christine Kehoe (D). She believes that’s particularly true of those who live in rural areas that are highly susceptible to fires. So she’s introduced a bill proposing that such residents pay an annual firefighting fee.

The idea is similar to one advocated by the state’s nonpartisan Legislative
Analyst’s Office in a recent report, which stated: “Because the state provides a service — fire protection — that directly benefits a particular group...it is appropriate that those beneficiaries pay for a portion of the state’s cost for fire protection.” The Legislative Analyst's Office favors a property-tax surcharge on residents who live in areas protected by the state’s fire department, known as CalFire.

On top of the wildfires and the issue of who should pay for them, California officials have also been worrying about the rising cost of gas. With one of the largest state fleets in the nation — 40,000 passenger vehicles and 10,000 medium- and heavy- duty vehicles — few states have likely been hit as hard at the pump as California.

The state’s 50,000 vehicles are dispersed over 100 agencies with no central database tracking their use.

Only 40 percent of the fuel for these vehicles is bought in bulk. The rest is purchased at commercial pumps with credit cards.

Sen. President Pro Tem Don Perata (D) said the state needs to do a better job of
monitoring how much it’s spending “as we begin to pass $5 gas,” and he called the Department of General Services, which operates about 15 percent of the state fleet, a “mess.”

Will Bush “As California begins to look at its needs, we really do need to get a handle on where our vehicles are, what our vehicles cost us, the maintenance on them, fuel use,”

“The fact is the residents of California are simply not paying
enough for fire protection.”

“As California begins to look at its needs, we really do need to get
a handle on where our vehicles are, what our vehicles cost us, the
maintenance on them, fuel use.”

NO ICE FOR VICTIMS OF STORMS
Originally Posted: July 14, 2008 5:32 AM
Last Updated: July 14, 2008 5:32 AM

FEMA announced last month that it will no longer
hand out ice to victims of storms but will leave that task to states, although it said
it would reimburse states for some of the costs they incur. The agency said it will
only provide ice in medical emergencies or life threatening situations.

HAVING AN EXIT PLAN: THE BEST INVESTMENT A DEALER CAN MAKE
Originally Posted: July 11, 2008 6:53 PM
Last Updated: July 11, 2008 6:53 PM

When selling a dealership, many say goodbye under less than favorable circumstances, according to Enrique Brito, McLean, VA. "An exit strategy should be part of your business plan from the moment you launch your business. . . Most importatly, it will allow you to exit your business when and how you desire."

The plan includes your personal financial objectives and avoids leaving the company without a transfer of ownership method short of death, disability or bankruptcy.

Many dealers consider transferring ownership to heirs. This requires a comprehensive plan that covers taxation and financial security as well as non-monetary aspects such as the transitional period for the management of the business, a development program for the new owner and the careful definition of the appropriate roles for family members.

Single heir equals the less complicated way. With multiple heirs, dealers need a family council to define responsibilities and qualifications for the successor and an outside advisor to keep the process moving forward.

Dealers may also sell to an insider such as a long-time business partner or promising employee.

Or there is also the sale via an employee stock ownership plan: ESOP. This is a trust set up creating a market for the company. The ESOP is set up to buy the owner's stock. Full-time employees, by paying cash or having money deducted from their paychecks, can buy stock in the company.

This will take expert counsel to complete an ESOP plan.

The price of the business will depend on future performance, returns on alternative investments, the buyer's needs and market conditions. There may be a possible merget or acquisition opportunity.

Finally, one way to end the company is to liquidate. If the business owns valuable property, equipment or rights it may be better to sell these rather than keep the business going. Plus, there is value in furniture, fixtures, trade names, trademarks, customer lists, patents, or copyrighted material.

Many dealers delay decisions about exiting a business until it is too late to cover all these bases. Finishing the right way will take a lot of planning, patience and time and can't be accomplished quickly. Your exit plan may be the best investment you make.

MORE INFO? ebrito@mcleanllc.com or 703 827 5093

03 WILDFIRE DESTRUCTION OF 91,000 ACRES AND 1000 HOMES BEGINS WITH 2008 COMPUTER BASED GEOGRAPHIC SOLUTION TO FIND THE PROPERTY MARKERS
Originally Posted: July 11, 2008 6:33 PM
Last Updated: July 11, 2008 6:33 PM

Even as firefighters put down the 2008 wilfires, surveyers and planners worked on putting back together a community that was completely destroyced by wildfires in 2003. The "Old Fire" devastated the San Bernardina Mountains in Southern California burning 91,000 acres and 1,000 homes.

Hit hard was Cedar Glen on the southeast shore of Lake Arrowhead. This mountain town had 550 houses; some residents were permanent, others lived elsewhere. A lot of the damage was in Hook Creek Road which was spared by the 2007 Slide Fire but was a "graveyard" for house foundations, vacant lots, and charred tree stumps.

The San Bernardino County Redevelopment Agency is redeveloping Cedar Glan and providing water to Hook Creek Road properties with a waterline under the road.

Surveyors had the job of figuring out where the right of way is. Survey monuments were gone. Survey records were imprecise.

The county turned to Geographic Information Management System to figure out what used to be where in the 24,000 square mile county -- possibly the largest county in the United States.

Ryan Hunsicker, surveyor: "Instead of going out in the field with paper and maps and just searching for mounments blindly, we took all the historic documents from the Hook Creek Road area and transferred the date into Cadastral Editor. Then we used the least Squares adjustment to sort out the best solution for locating parcel corners and coordinates. Cadastral got us within a few feet of each monument and it has incrementally gotten better as we've found more monuments and have brought them into the cadastral fabric."

This has saved the county time and money.

MORE INFO? San Bernardino County Surveyor's Office or rhunsicker@dpw.sbcounty.gov

LARGEST EVER WILDFIRE FIGHTING FORCE CONFRONTS CONTINUED BLAZES THROUGHOUT THE STATE: CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD IN RARE WILDFIRE DEPLOYMENT
Originally Posted: July 11, 2008 3:25 PM
Last Updated: July 11, 2008 3:27 PM

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered 300 California National Guard forces,
for the first time in three decades to fight wildfires in the state.

State officials said “this is a national disaster.”

Firefighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection have contained scores of fires and made progress on many others, said spokesman Daniel Berlant.

About 300 Guardsmen are deployed to help with hand crews -- a move that Schwarzenegger described as a "big shot in the arm" to the professional fire teams that have been battling blazes on and off for the last six weeks.

It marks the first time since 1977 that National Guard ground troops have been used to fight fires. The Guard's aerial fleet, including Black Hawk helicopters out of Los Alamitos, has been fighting the fires for more than a week.

David Muraki, spokesman: The California Conservation Corps has in recent days sent nearly 800 young workers to help fight the blazes. It is the largest such firefighting deployment in the organization's history.

"This is a major natural disaster," Berlant said, describing one of the most widespread firefighting deployments in California history.

Nearly 19,000 firefighters from California and 41 other states have been on the front lines of the blazes, helped by more than 1,400 fire engines and scores of aircraft.

HEALTH CARE FOR DEALER EMPLOYEES TO GET MORE ATTENTION AS SMALL BUSINESSES FACE HIGHER AND HIGHER PREMIUMS; FEDERAL LEGISLATION SUPPORTED BY NEEDA & NFIB WILL HELP
Originally Posted: July 11, 2008 3:01 PM
Last Updated: July 11, 2008 3:01 PM

The US Congress is considering legislation to allow small businesses to buy health insurance jointly. Small businesses pay 18% more than large businesses for the same employee insurance, according to research at the Universioty of Chicago.

The bill, supported by the National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and other trade associations should be passed in 2008 but may have to be reintroduced in 2009.

Arizona gives tax credits to help small businesses provide health coverage for their employees.

New Mexico, Montana, Massachusetts and Colorado are all states looking for ways small businesses can work together to offer health coverage for employees that otherwise would not be possible. The Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell vetoed legislation to help small businesses form a pool for purchasing health insurance for employees. The Connecticut bill will come up again in 2009.

Indiividuals in Massachusetts can obtain affordable coverage through a plan which may be extended to small businesses; a state-supervised poll would be created. Connecticut has laws restricting large year to year jumps in premium costs.

Over 20 million employed by small businesses or self employed are getting attention from both Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain as the two candidates for President ponder what they will do for small businesses in 2009.

WILL ULTRALOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL SAVE THE DIESEL ENGINE USED IN FIRE TRUCKS?
Originally Posted: July 10, 2008 11:32 AM
Last Updated: July 10, 2008 11:32 AM

By Kenton Pattie, Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
KENTONP1@aol.com or 703 850- 8552

When I met with representatives of several major car and truck manufacturers earlier in 2008 their main focus was on producing cars that obtain 35 miles per gallon. When I asked about the future of diesel engines used in fire trucks, there was a stiff silence. Now, diesel is going to turn up in more cars, just as it has in Europe.

The fire service is not alone in its dependence on the diesel engine. Many industries whose vehicles you see on the Interstate every day are completely dependent on diesel engines for the future of their business.

But, since my meeting, fuel prices have soared so those same companies recommend Congress push for more “clean diesel vehicles.” Diesel may cost $5 a gallon but clean is the leading message presentation.

Volkswagen, Chrysler and other companies seek to boost diesel’s image as no longer foul-smelling, smog-forming fuel.

Clean diesel vehicles run on ultralow sulfur diesel that was mandated by the 2000 Clinton Administration. The Federal rules make ultralow sulfur diesel as the standard from 2006. Ultralow sulfur diesel contains 97 percent less sulfur than traditional diesel. Most service stations will sell it by 2010.
Vehicle manufacturers tell Congress that high fuel economy of clean diesel cars promotes a clean environment: 40 percent better fuel economy and 20 percent less emission than regular cars.

Norman Johnson, a lobbyist with Robert Bosch LLC: “Clean diesel is a solution that is here now. It can be deployed right now, and the benefits can accrue immediately” . . . while hybrids cost $3000 more than gas powered cars.”

Daimler Chrysler is offering three new clean diesel Mercedes-Benz BlueTec SUVs getting 600 miles to the tank and up to 40 percent better fuel efficiency than gasoline engines. Already, diesel powers a majority of new car sales in Europe: US is to follow.

STATES CONSIDER REQUIRING DEALERS TO OFFER PAID SICK LEAVE; OBAMA SUPPORTS PAID SICK LEAVE LEGISLATION IN THE US CONGRESS
Originally Posted: July 8, 2008 11:48 AM
Last Updated: July 8, 2008 11:53 AM

For 60 million Americans, there is no paid sick leave. California, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio are among states considering legislation to guarantee a minimum of sick leave. Similar legislation failed in Florida and failed in the Connecticut House.

Alaska, Missouri, Maine, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont have paid sick leave legislation that may be considered in the future.

San Francisco’s law was adopted in 2006 and has become the model for California to give employees one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Employees would be guaranteed five sick days per year.

Ohio is considering giving employees seven paid sick days per year. Labor organizations are among the most vocal supporters.

It will take Ohioans for Healthy Families 120,000 signatures to get this issue on the ballot November 2008.

Meanwhile the National Federation of Independent Busienss (NFIB) warns that such legislation will cost employers a lot of money . . . $4.6 billion in California alone. NFIB California says most of its 23,000 members offer their workers some form of flexible leave.

Western Region US Chamber of Commerce: “We don’t have a problem at all with paid sick leave, but we do think it should be between the employer and the employee to work out, with no government mandate.”

Institute for Women’s Policy Research says the California legislation will save businesses $1 billion a year. The question is will employees automatically use the leave every year or only use it when they need it? “Illicit sick leave is the number one fear of most employers” says the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce but the Chamber notes they have received few complaints since the San Francisco law went into effect.

Experts say companies may cut back on other employee benefits so as to make room for mandated sick leave dictated by state legislatures.

The Democrat’s Presidential Candidate Barack Obama supports sick leave legislation in the US Congress.

MATERIALS FOR OCTOBER 08 FIRE SAFETY MONTH
Originally Posted: July 8, 2008 11:29 AM
Last Updated: July 8, 2008 11:29 AM

Kidde and Danger Rangers are offering a discount during July, 08 on fire safety products and educational materials to help fire departments prepare for Fire Prevention Month: October, 2008.

Kidde, a manufacturer of fire safety products, is offering fire departments a smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

10 year tamper-proof, battery-operated ionization smoke alarm
Battery-operated photoelectric smoke alarm
Battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm with digital display

Danger Rangers' DVD and book series use Hollywood-style entertainment to make learning about fire safety and injury prevention more fun for children.

Fire safety resources:

"Mission 547" DVD - Comprehensive safety education at a great price!
"Blazin' Hot" illustrated storybook teaches fire safety in a non-threatening way.
"Blazin' Hot", 48-page coloring and activity book.

SHOULD FEES BE CHARGED FOR EMERGENCY AMBULANCE CALLS?
Originally Posted: July 7, 2008 6:27 PM
Last Updated: July 7, 2008 6:27 PM

A county in the Washington DC area is planning for the first time to begin charging for ambulance service. The volunteer ambulance force objects.

Some people may hesitate to call for help if fees are charged, opponents argue.

But the Montromery County, MD Executive is pushing for the fee to pay fire and emergency medical services. He and his staff told the Washington Post that the fee is designed to get health care companies to pay the fee, not residents.

Nearby Prince George's County has already imposed this fee for ambulance transportation.

The proposed fee will be $300 to $800 plus $7.50 per mile. The goal is to raise $15 million for the county fire and ambuance services.

Assistant Fire Chief Scott Graham said: "Nobody will be badgered" for the fees, rather the focus will be on getting iinsurance to pay.

A similar plan was proposed but rejected previously in the county. Fairfax County, Virginia has a plan but results have not been as high as expected.
Michae3l Neuhard, Fire Chief: "There are always little hiccups. But we don't ahve a lot of push back, complaints or problems once you get going."

DEALER QUARTERS AND RESIDENCES SHOULD BE PROTECTED WITH FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Originally Posted: July 7, 2008 6:18 PM
Last Updated: July 7, 2008 6:18 PM

By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
KentonP1@aol.com

One good reason for dealers and homeowners to have alarm systems: who is going to call the fire department automatically when you are away for the weekend or on vacation?

A $3 million, 10,000 square foot home was completely destroyed by fire on Sunday morning, July 6, 2008. No alarm was called; no one was in the home at the time and it was not until neighbors smelled the smoke and noticed the glow inside the home that the fire department was called in the Ashton Oaks subdivision of Montgomery County, Maryland. As the first responding fire crew pulled up in front around 3 AM the entire entrance portico collapsed, the fire and rescue spokesman told the Washington Post.

A neighbor: "It completely burt the house down. It was a very beautiful home."

GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER SAYS FIREFIGHTERS ARE STRETCHED THIN FACING 330 WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted: July 6, 2008 7:21 AM
Last Updated: July 6, 2008 7:57 AM

News media report 330 wilfires burning in California.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: "The firefighters are stretched thin, they are exhausted.”

Associated Press: “Fires have burned more than 800 square miles of land and destroyed at least 69 homes throughout California in the past two weeks.”

Los Angeles Times (and reported previously by NEEDA Newsletter): One volunteer firefighter, an ex-Marine, had a heart attack and died fighting fire.

Santa Barbara County's spokeswoman: "We've been pleased by some cooperative weather. The 'sundowner' (evening winds) that we were afraid could happen did not happen much tonight so that gave us an opportunity to fight the fire without fighting the winds."

Over 2,600 homes were under mandatory evacuation Saturday and people in another 1,400 were warned to be ready to flee if the flames gathered speed.

If you Google Southern California Wildfires you'll see the location of 30 fires. Some residents say the Google maps are good and should be more widely available but others say on internet sites that the fires are moving faster than the maps show. Residents do stress they need more information on the situation affecting their homes, family, exit routes and jobs.

A DC-10 air tanker was among the emergency equipment used to hit fire in the dry hills. Many homes have been evacuated, while others burned.

Associated Press: The fire, which had blackened 111 square miles, was only 5 percent contained with full containment not expected until July 30, but morning fog that moved in from the sea helped prevent it from advancing on Big Sur's famed restaurants and hotels.

Gregg DeNitto, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service told the Associated Press: "We're gaining ground, but we're nowhere near being done. There's still a lot of potential out there. The fire has been less active the last couple of days. We've had favorable weather; they are taking every opportunity to get some line on it. The fire still has the potential for movement and the potential to get out of our containment lines."

Experts project wildfires to continue in California through the month of July making this one of the worst wildfire seasons ever. Governor Schwarzenegger says resources are strained and because California has a year-round fire season the state needs money from a homeowner fee of about $1 a month.

Jesse McKinley, New York Times, reported: "Statewide, more than 19,000 firefighters and other workers have been fighting fires since June 20, 2008, when a line of storms and lightning sparked hundreds of blazes across the northern and central parts of the state. The blaze near Big Sur — known as the Basin Complex — is just one of some 1,100 confirmed fires on federal and state lands in California, according to CalFire, the state fire agency, though exact figures were hard to confirm. Hundreds of others have been contained or put out."

Costs rise as State officials spent $50 million on the current fires, according to CalFire. On Tuesday July 1, 2008 Gov. Schwarzenegger ordered 200 National Guard troops to support to firefighters.

The US Forest Service publishes a daily Fire Situation Report during significant fire activity and provides current information on the fire situation on national forest lands in California.

This report focuses upon fires on National Forest System lands in California. For information on fires in state and local jurisdiction please see the National Interagency Fire Center's Situation Report: http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf or the CAL FIRE fire information web site: http://fire.ca.gov

Weather

In Northern California, marine layer effects will become more widespread late today along the immediate coast, and further inland. This will provide high humidity for fires nearest the coast, but stronger sea breezes and variable wind effects a little farther inland. The switch back to a hotter and drier air mass Sunday through mid next week will lead to a return of very dry conditions, with a much shallower marine layer by Monday or Tuesday mornings.

In Southern California, the areas with the greatest potential for large fires will be the Santa Ynez range and I-5 corridor where gusty northerly winds will continue for the next night or so, and the southern mountains and deserts where a few isolated thunderstorms will be possible. High Risk days have not been added to the weather forecast for these areas due to the localized nature of these events. Expect light to moderate initial attack over the next few days due to the holiday weekend. Anticipated hot and dry conditions next week will elevate the large fire potential for Southern California starting Tuesday.

Totals for California:

Resource totals and acres include all agencies involved (state, federal, local and contract) and are derived from ICS 209 reports for each of the incidents. These numbers are constantly shifting as resources are deployed, shifted between incidents, and are pulled from fires for mandatory rest periods.

Uncontained wildfire acres: Approximately 520,831
Personnel committed: 19,925
Resources deployed:
Engines: 1,570
Crews: 631
Dozers: 327
Water Tenders: 417
Helicopters: 109
Airtankers: 31
MAFFs: 8
Incident Management Teams: 30
Overhead Personnel: 3,579

DRAMATIC WILDFIRE IN CA CLAIM VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER, A FORMER US MARINE
Originally Posted: July 5, 2008 6:47 PM
Last Updated: July 5, 2008 6:48 PM

Mary Engel: Los Angeles Times Staff Writer (July 5, 2008):

A volunteer firefighter who fell ill while battling a fire and died Thursday (July 1) at Ukiah Valley Medical Center apparently had a heart attack.

Robert Roland, 63, had joined the Anderson Valley Fire Department two months ago, said Chief Colin Wilson. He had breathing problems Wednesday on a fire line northwest of Philo in Mendocino County.

A former Marine and retired manager for an aeronautical engineering firm, Roland had recently moved to Anderson Valley from the San Diego area with his wife, Carol, Wilson said.

Retirees are a reliable source of recruits for volunteer departments, and the Anderson Valley department's roughly 40 firefighters range in age from 17 to 70. Roland had been assigned as a fire lookout, Wilson said.

The fire he was fighting had threatened a subdivision of 40 homes but is now contained, Wilson said.

The Anderson Valley department had been staffing fires continuously for 12 days before going on mandatory stand-down after Roland's death.

"When a member of a department dies, whether it's a big paid department or a small volunteer department, it always hits hard," Wilson said. "Everybody knows everybody. We know each others' families. We socialize together. Part of the draw of a volunteer department is the bond that we have with each other and with our community."

Heart attacks were the leading cause of wildfire-related deaths for volunteer firefighters and the third-leading cause of death for all wild-land firefighters, according to a 2007 report by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Of the 310 firefighters who died in wildfire operations between 1990 and 2006, 72 were killed in aircraft accidents, 71 in vehicle accidents, 68 by heart attacks and 64 by "burnovers." Volunteer firefighters accounted for 65% of heart attack deaths and 34% of all fatalities.

The Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI), to which NEEDA belongs, has supported legislation and executive action to reduce the loss of firefighters in such incidents. NEEDA appreciates the leadership of the Los Angeles Times in making this and similar incidents known to the public and their support for reducing firefighter deaths which far exceed reasonable standards.

HEMPSTEAD, NY FIRE DEPARTMENT TESTS BAE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
Originally Posted: July 5, 2008 5:58 PM
Last Updated: July 5, 2008 5:58 PM

Louis Chunovic, Senior Editor/Published of GSN says: "New York firemen have tested the BAE emergency communications system. The Hempstead and West Hempstead, NY fire departments have successfully completed three weeks of field trials of BAE Systems’ First InterComm, a communications system that enables first responders to communicate more effectively during emergencies.

"First InterComm allows first responders to communicate using existing radios and frequencies at incident scenes without the use of additional infrastructure, including construction of temporary towers. The system automatically provides interoperability and interconnectivity when multiple agencies arrive at an incident scene."

JAMES A. WILLIAMS, GSA COMMISSIONER: “ALL STATE AND LOCAL GRANTEES SHOULD BUY FROM GSA.” CONGRESS AGREES BY PASSING HR 3179
Originally Posted: July 3, 2008 12:52 PM
Last Updated: July 3, 2008 12:56 PM

by Kenton Pattie, Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
KentonP1@aol.com

James A. Williams, Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service, took over June 25, 06.

I met with Williams on Thursday afternoon, April 3, 2008 prior to the CFSI dinner. If you meet James Williams, General Services Administration,
it won’t take you long to discover he wants all Federal, state and local
procurement under his department.

He had been Director of the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology, Department of Homeland Security. He was Internal Revenue Service’s Deputy Associate Commissioner for Program Management, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for procurement and Director of Procurement at the IRS, Director of the Local Telecommunications Procurement Division at GSA.

Williams, was nominated by President Bush to be the Administrator of GSA on June 24, 2008. He supports the Local Preparedness Acquisitions Act HR 3179, which is opposed by the National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA). NEEDA has been opposed to a Federal take-over of the local and state fire equipment procurement since NEEDA was founded. Congress had previously said a firm no to Williams idea. But 9-11 and Katrina have moved the GSA dream plan to change a lot of minds in the Congess . . . enough to give Williams what he wants.

He insists that the lowest cost for all goods and services is the “schedules program” which is also known as the GSA multiple-awards – a list of companies that give GSA low prices and promise to pay GSA a percent of all sales that GSA generates. Under this program, Federal, state and local buyers pick from a list of suppliers and buy direct. There are no bids, no advertised bids or bid openings, or bid challenges.

Williams maintains he gets the best prices because the government sector is the biggest buyer in the United States of most products. He points out that his agency buys all 65,000 cars each year for the Federal government and gets better prices from a couple of auto manufacturers that no one else can get.

He stated this week “all state and local grantees should buy from GSA. I hope we can push that issue. Our state and local customers want this service.”

He adds: “We’ve opened up GSA schedules to state and local buyers – they love the items we can get for them. We’re making a major push to market to state and local governments.”

Williams continues: “We need more corporate and state officials to respond to GSA offers. I feel good about where we’re going . . . to make ours the trusted brand, something they can count on.”

As an example, he pointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that “fights wildfires.” Local governments that get help from FEMA to fight wildfires and other disasters can buy directly off the GSA schedules, he said. He also said under the 1122 program, local law enforcement agencies can buy off GSA schedules to get police equipment.

Williams: “Agencies like FEMA look at GSA for best value. We’re a business. We have to make a profit. That’s why we need more people to buy through GSA.”

With respect to small firms, he said: “GSA schedules are the best friend of small businesses. But when these small businesses don’t perform – when we don’t get enough business off of them, we kick them off. They write their Congressman to complain but we explain to Congress that these small firms don’t meet sales goals GSA sets.”

He said “We want for GSA to be a one-stop shop for all buyers.”

When he was asked about companies that don’t want to sell directly but rather go through dealers and distributors, he replied ‘That’s too bad. GSA gets the best price from the manufacturer on the schedule. We track discounts they offer to others so our customers get the best price from the manufacturer.”

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) received new authority to help state and local governments in purchasing homeland security equipment and services under the Local Preparedness Acquisitions Act (HB 3179) signed by President Bush on June 25, 2008. Fire and police equipment is included in the law: Public Law No: 110-248.

Acting GSA Administrator David Bibb “This is wonderful news for the American people and a big improvement to the status quo. State and local governments can now take advantage of GSA’s volume discounts for the supplies and services that will help keep our citizens secure.”

The new law authorizes the GSA Administrator to allow state, local, and tribal governments to buy homeland security goods and services through the cooperative purchasing program. Officials will be able to use GSA’s Schedule 84 to buy items such as: alarm systems, facility management systems, firefighting and rescue equipment, law enforcement and security equipment, and marine craft.

Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Jim Williams: “GSA’s ability to leverage the federal government’s enormous buying power enables us to provide goods and services at best value and pass the savings on to our client agencies. Now we can pass these discounts on to state and local governments, while also allowing for enhanced security through greater interoperability possibilities across the federal, state and local environment. That’s a win-win for our customers and the American taxpayers.”

GSA provides a centralized delivery system of products and services to the federal government, leveraging its enormous buying power to get the best value for taxpayers. Founded in 1949, GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government’s total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets, including 8,600 government-owned or leased buildings and 208,000 vehicles.

Del. Eleanor Norton [D-DC], speaking for HR 3179 said the bill, sponsored by Chairman Ed Towns (Democrat 10th district New York will: “permit state and local governments to purchase homeland security and public safety equipment from the Federal supply schedules maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA).

“Opening the Federal supply schedules to State and local governments has bipartisan support. In past years, contract schedules have been opened up for information technology and goods and services needed to respond or prevent terrorism to State and local governments.

“State and local governments should be able to enjoy the price and convenience advantages that the schedules provide. I commend my colleague for his leadership and urge Members to support this bill.”

Rep. Darrell Issa [R-49th CA]
“Mr. Towns and the entire Committee on Oversight and Government Reform recognized that the GSA schedule is more than just a list of things that can be bought at a given price. It is, in fact, the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
“GSA goes to great lengths to ensure that products are appropriate for purchase and that they are a good value. Leveraging that capability and the Federal money already spent to allow States and local governments to participate in this acquisition serves two good purposes. It increases the value of seeking a GSA schedule, and in fact, it saves money and overhead for State and local agencies.”

Rep. George Butterfield [D-1s District, NC]:
“ I come to the floor today to offer my support for H.R. 3179, the matter that has been introduced by Mr. Towns of New York, which is entitled the Local Preparedness Acquisition Act. This is a fine piece of legislation, and I urge our colleagues to vote "yes" on this matter.”

Norton: “One word more on this resolution introduced by Mr. Towns. I am Chair of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over GSA and, of course, its schedule. Perhaps the average person would believe that States would be in the same position as the United States Government because they buy a great deal of goods and services and the same kinds of costs and scale and efficiency which comes with ordering large amounts at the same time would come to States as well. That's not always the case, and even if it is, there is no State as large or that orders as much as the United States of America. And it does seem to me altogether appropriate that States and localities have the same access to the GSA schedule as the United States and its agencies have.

This ability to use the schedule on which firms have precompeted so as to guarantee the best value hastens what can be an arduous period of competition. In my own district, I see that in an effort to make sure that a competition has properly occurred, there can often be many delays. We cannot, of course, in some respects get around those inherent delays, but with respect to many goods and services that are on the GSA schedule, if the efficiencies that we are able to provide for the government can also be provided to States and localities, the United States and the States together will be in better shape saving taxpayers money.

Rep. Edolphus Towns [D-10 District NY]:
This is a bipartisan, good government bill that will permit state apd local governments to purchase homeland security and public safety equipment using General Services Administration contract schedules.

H.R. 3179 has the support of many state and local governments and the National Association of Counties. It will make it easier for local officials to purchase the items they need to improve safety in their communities, while saving money at the same time.

The GSA Schedules are catalogues of more than 4 million commercial goods and services currently available to federal agencies at negotiated discount prices. Since 2002, Congress has enacted "cooperative purchasing" legislation that authorized state and local governments to purchase IT equipment and disaster recovery items from GSA schedules.

This bill further expands that authority to purchase items such as bomb detection equipment, perimeter security systems, and other homeland security goods and services from GSA Schedule 84.

It is important to note that this bill imposes no federal mandate and requires no new spending. Participation in the cooperative purchasing program is voluntary for both state and local governments and vendors. The analysis prepared by the Congressional Budget Office indicates that the bill has no net impact on federal spending and is the opposite of an unfunded mandate--in fact, it is a benefit to state and local governments.

This bill was developed jointly with the ranking member of the Government Management Subcommittee, Mr. Bilbray.

Rep. Brian Bilbray R- 50 District CA:
“H.R. 3179 will allow State and local governments to purchase homeland security products and services at more reasonable prices by providing them access to the General Services Administration schedules. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001 our local and State governments have taken on more responsibility for emergency preparedness and homeland security. With this added responsibility, these local governments need to purchase a wider array of goods and services.

Under this legislation, these localities will be able to purchase many products such as access control and perimeter security systems, fire detection and suppression equipment, firefighting clothing and marine craft from the GSA schedules. With this option, the cost of many of these products will be less than the cost of purchasing them from State-approved purchasing lists or the open marketplace, saving these local governments valuable tax dollars.

Importantly, this legislation does not impose any requirements on States and localities to utilize the GSA schedules, instead offering an additional voluntary purchasing method.

This legislation has strong bipartisan support and was passed out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee by voice vote. Additionally, it has gained the endorsement of the National Association of Counties and many other outside organizations.

Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee D 18th District -TX:
“This important legislation amends title 40 of the United
States Code to authorize the use of Federal supply schedules for the acquisition of law enforcement, security, and certain other related items by State and local governments.

“In the post-September 11 era, with the advances in technology, communication and transportation, the likelihood of a situation escalating from an emergency to a disaster to a catastrophe has increased. This Nation is dependent upon the services of its first responders, and as such we cannot shirk responsibility for their well being when we put them in harm's way. Since the catastrophe of September 11, 2001, the need to anticipate and provide necessary resources to our emergency workers has been brought to Federal attention.

“The Federal Government has a responsibility to plan ahead and develop a strategy of what will occur should a catastrophic event ever take place. As can be seen with the World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical Monitoring Program, which was established in 2004 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, it has been insecure in its funding since its inception and is estimated to be out of outpatient awards by the end of FY 2007. This type of haphazard funding and insecurity about the program's future is not what our first responders risked their lives for.

“In order to enact any meaningful change, we must understand and identify the unique situations that face our first responders and then try to address any preventative pre-emptive actions that are possible. This includes Federal inquiry into the recognition and management of mental health defects, plans for short- and long-term health monitoring, quality of personal protective equipment, proposed research or lack thereof, and the national response plan. The necessity of inquiry into and improvement and solidification of these issues cannot be overstressed in looking to the future and how our Nation will deal with caring for the first responders during a disaster.

“Mr. Speaker, as we witnessed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, our Nation's first responders were not prepared for the realities of the catastrophes they faced. We can ensure future safety and protection of our first responders by making sure their personal protective equipment is sufficient to handle any future risks. It is our obligation to make sure the funds for the proper equipment is being received through Federal grant programs so that in the case of a catastrophe, they will be able to safely respond to hazardous materials, biological agents, and other harmful materials.

“This legislation is important because it amends title 40 of the United States Code to provide necessary equipment to our Nation's first responders. In the wake of the tragedies of September 11 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the necessity for the provision of appropriate technologies, including interoperable communications and the availability of emergency equipment, became painfully apparent. This legislation calls for the availability and provision of alarm and signal systems, facility management systems, firefighting and rescue equipment, law enforcement and security equipment, marine craft and related equipment, special purpose clothing, and related services. By amending title 40 of the United States Code, this legislation is an important step towards ensuring that America's first responders are adequately prepared for any situation that may arise.”

Bill was introduced July 25, 2007
Scheduled for Debate November 8, 2007
Passed in House December 17, 2007
Passed in the Senate June 10, 2008
Signed into Law by President Bush: June 26, 2008
Became Public Law No: 110-248: Jun 26, 2008:
6/10/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.

This measure has not been amended since it was introduced.

HR 3179 Local Preparedness Acquisition Act:

Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide for the use by state or local governments of federal supply schedules of the General Services Administration (GSA) for alarm and signal systems, facility management systems, firefighting and rescue equipment, law enforcement and security equipment, marine craft and related equipment, special purpose clothing, and related services (as contained in federal supply classification code group 84

BIRTH OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SERVICE: 1736 BY BEN FRANKLIN
Originally Posted: July 3, 2008 9:44 AM
Last Updated: July 3, 2008 9:44 AM

In 1736, Franklin, with a group of like-minded individuals, formed the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first organized fire company in the colonies. Describing the establishment of this organization, Franklin wrote in his autobiography:

"About this time I wrote a paper on the different accidents and carelessness by which houses were set on fire, with cautions against them, and means purposed of avoiding them. This was much spoken of as a useful piece, and gave rise to a project, which soon followed it, of forming a company for the more ready extinguishing of fires, and mutual assistance in removing and securing of goods when in danger. Associates in this scheme were presently found, amounting to thirty. Our articles of agreement obliged every member to keep always in good order, and fit for use, a certain number of leather buckets, with strong bags and baskets (for packing and transporting of goods), which were to be brought to every fire; and we agreed to meet once a month and spend a social evening together, in discoursing and communicating such ideas as occurred to us upon the subject of fires as might be useful in our conduct on such occasions."

From these humble begins, America's fire service was born. It was not long before Franklin's vision spread throughout Philadelphia, and eventually the Colonies.

US GOVERNORS: PLAN TO WITHHOLD 3% OF PAYMENTS OWED TO DEALERS IS "IMPRACTICAL, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, TO ACHIEVE"
Originally Posted: July 3, 2008 5:44 AM
Last Updated: July 3, 2008 5:44 AM

In previous NEEDA Newletter articles, for the past two years we have warned that the 3% withholding law is very bad for emergency equipment dealers. The National Governors Association sent a June 13, 2008 letter to IRS saying that "states cannot rationally plan for or begin to implement changes necessary to meet the statutory deadline of January 1, 2011."

The National Governors Association(NGA) has told the Internal Revenue Service that in its present form the 3% withholding law is currently not workable for the states.

In a letter from Raymond C. Scheppach, Executive Director, the Governors say "The Complexities and c osts associated with Section 3402(t) raise significant concerns for governors and other state and local government stakeholders. . . The provision was never the subject of a hearing or debate in the US House of Representatives or the US Senate . . . the section will operate as an unworkable, unfunded mandate and its compliance costs will far exceed any increase in collections realized at the federal, state or local levels. In addition, the impending deadline and the complexities of the state systems that must be altered or developed to comply with Section 3402(t) make implementation impractical, if not impossible, to achieve."

The 3% withholding law was included in the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 (Public Lw 109-22) during House-Senate Conference. There was never any debate on the provision in the US Senate or US House.

Already, the Defense Department states that implementation of Section 511 will cost DOD $17 billion over five years compared to the $7 billion in receipts DOD would receive from dealers and other companies which sell to local, state and Federal agencies.

SENATOR VOINOVICH CALLS FOR REPEAL OF LAW THAT TAKES 3% OF ALL SALES INCOME AWAY FROM EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Originally Posted: July 2, 2008 9:25 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2008 9:25 PM

US Senator Voinovich recently introduced the “MADE in the USA Tax Act.” The bill includes a large number of tax-related provisions, and one of the provisions is repeal of the 3% withholding law.

MADE in the USA Tax Act (Introduced in US Senate)

SEC. 104. REPEAL OF IMPOSITION OF WITHHOLDING ON CERTAIN PAYMENTS MADE TO VENDORS BY GOVERNMENT ENTITIES.
Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005, and the amendment made by such section, are repealed, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be applied and administered as if such amendment had never been enacted.

As you know by reading NEEDA Newsletter, NEEDA is strongly against the 3% withholding of all payments owed to emergency equipment dealers by local, state and federal buyers.

Therefore, we support the repeal of Section 511. Repeal of Sectoin 511 is urgently needed. Without repeal, every emergency equipment dealer will lose 3 percent of earned income, which will be kept by the US Treasury.

The Bush Administration has already moved to put Section 511 into practice through regulations being written by the US Treasury Department. The regulations would require all buyers to send money owed to dealers to the US Treasury.

So, if you are a dealer and want 100% of your earnings to come to you rather than to the Treasury, you are for repeal of Section 511 (the 3% withholding law). Note, I called this a "law" because Section 511 has been passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

What Voinovich and other Senators are trying to do is to repeal this law. Without repeal, the Bush Administration or the next Administration will begin taking 3% of all sales income away from dealers like you.

Whatever you think of the 3% withholding law, you should make your views know to your legislators.

DIESEL ENGINE CONFERENCE IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN AUG 4-7, 2008
Originally Posted: July 2, 2008 12:09 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2008 12:10 PM

NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie: "NEEDA is very concerned about the future of the diesel engine. The high cost of diesel fuel and the focus of the US government on research for passenger cars using hybrid or battery power indicates little attention is being given to the diesel engine. We expect the next Administration to focus more on the importance and wide use of the diesel engine, particularly in the fire and emergency service.

CLICK ON THE HEADLINE OF THIS NEEDA STORY FOR MORE INFO.

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS ON LONG TERM RECOVERY FROM MAJOR DISASTERS
Originally Posted: July 2, 2008 11:45 AM
Last Updated: July 2, 2008 11:45 AM

NEEDA is represented in the US Chamber of Commerce by Kenton Pattie, Executive Director.

George Haddow, deputy chief of staff under former FEMA Director?James Lee Witt:"Historically, long-term recovery planning starts the day after the event?occurs. It should be?pre-disaster."

Haddow and Jane Bullock, Witt's former chief of staff, co-wrote one of the?numerous essays in the report released July 1, 2008 titled “Re-Engineering?the Nation's Disaster Response Process," published by the US?Chamber's Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC).

Haddow and Bullock: "Building a long-term recovery plan identifies what impact a major disaster?will have on a community's residents, homes, infrastructure, economy, and?environment and develops processes and procedures to ensure that the community?is rebuilt safer and stronger."

They warn no community "has developed a?long-term recovery plan prior to disaster."

Haddow: The "nation's emergency management system is broken," and with a?new administration in 2009 "there's a great opportunity to start?incorporating" new ideas.

On the local, state and federal levels, Haddow said, hazard mitigation and?long-term recovery planning responsibilities should be taken away from emergency?management organizations.

Haddow: "Build a new entity that's focused on this kind of long-term recovery?planning and hazard mitigation. Therefore, they're not going to be?consumed -- as every emergency management organization is when the event occurs?-- by the response."

Kitty Taylor, the BCLC's senior manger of communications and?research: "We picked these diverse authors for the report because it is a?multi-stakeholder problem to improve the disaster response and recovery?process.”

"Nonprofits have learned a lot through their many years of being on the?ground after disasters; businesses have gotten ever more involved in disaster?response now; and, of course, government agencies have learned a lot and have?room for improvement as do all sectors."

In the report, the BCLC also makes its own recommendations for improving the?emergency response system.

The writers advise:
Finding the right balance between preparedness and mitigation, relief and?long-term recovery.
Ensuring that government, nonprofits and businesses work together before?and after a disaster.
Being more intelligent in recovery efforts.

Stephen C. Jordan, the BCLC's senior vice?president and executive director: "Historically, disasters have come and gone and people have thought, 'oh that?disaster was unique to itself.”

But what the organization "realized is that there are lessons learned that?can be useful for future disasters and what we've decided to do is try and?aggregate, from some of the leading experts in the country, lessons learned from?previous disasters so that we can apply [them] to future disaster response?processes," he said.