WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, has received the "Legislator of the Year Award" from the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). CFSI, a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute established in 1989 which seeks to promote Congress' awareness of the needs of first responders, presented the award to Senator Collins in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
The Award is a distinction given to a member of Congress who the organization deems to have made a "significant contribution to the fire service." CFSI said Senator Collins was given this award because of her legislative efforts to support firefighters, including her support of the U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act, the Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act, and the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act. In addition, Senator Collins has long been an advocate of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which has provided invaluable funding for Maine fire departments to update their equipment and improve training and safety.
"It is our honor to present this award to a member of Congress who has stood with us for so many years. Senator Collins is a tireless advocate for firefighters in her home state of Maine and across the entire nation," said Bill Webb, CFSI's Executive Director. "Her leadership and commitment to public safety have made a difference on so many issues, enabling legislation to move through the Senate that have had a direct benefit on our nation's fire and emergency services."
"Our nation's career and volunteer firefighters are among our brave first responders, constantly putting themselves in harm's way to help keep our communities safe," Senator Collins said. "We can only dimly grasp the skill and discipline it takes to rescue and tend to a fire or an accident victim in the midst of confusion and danger. We owe them a debt of gratitude, and we must continue to work to help ensure that they are kept as safe as possible as they protect each of us."
Photo linked here.