IAFC calls for agency improvements
FAIRFAX, Va. — After serving nearly six months as acting director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Chief R. David Paulison has been nominated by President George W. Bush to permanently head the agency.
Paulison was head of the U.S. Fire Administration when President Bush tapped him last September to replace then-FEMA director Michael Brown in the aftermath of the gulf hurricane disasters.
“FEMA needs a successful emergency services manager with a sound understanding of the political scene and who is recognized as someone of influence. Chief Paulison has established himself as a credible, knowledgeable professional in fire and emergency services and understands how to obtain resources and legislation necessary to provide quality delivery,” said Chief Bill Killen, president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Since Paulison assumed the reigns of FEMA, he has led the agency with tremendous dedication and skill during the most challenging time in its history. He has actively overseen the efforts to re-tool FEMA, successfully coordinated the federal response to Hurricanes Rita and Wilma, and overseen the efforts for 25 disaster declarations.
“Now that a permanent director has been nominated, it is important that the president and Congress take the appropriate measures to support Paulison in his new position and improve FEMA operations and the federal response to future natural and man-made disasters,” said Killen. “No matter where FEMA resides, specific changes need to be made to FEMA’s operating structure to make it an efficient agency.”
Among several recommendations, the IAFC believes the FEMA director should report directly to the president during major incidents (as defined under the Stafford Act) so that all resources of the federal government and any authorities the director may require will be available without delay.
FEMA should also draw upon the expertise of fire and EMS leaders in planning, training and responding to disasters. “We are the local experts on response to all hazards. Our departments must be ready to respond to events ranging from structural fires to tornadoes, hurricanes and terrorist attacks. Why not use us?” said Killen.
“The IAFC is extremely pleased with the Paulison nomination and we know he is the right individual to guide the agency through changes that we see as necessary for the future safety and protection of our nation’s people. We are looking forward to supporting his nomination in the confirmation process in the Senate,” said Killen.