Funding Alternatives for Fire and EMS

Emmitsburg, MD. – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), supported by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Health Affairs (OHA), and in partnership with the International Fire Services Training Association (IFSTA), announce the revision and release of Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services (PDF, 3.7 Mb). The latest edition provides the most up to date information regarding funding for local level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire departments.  The document includes sources of federal funding as well as other new and innovative funding sources not discussed in previous editions.

"Adequate funding is one of the most challenging issues facing EMS and fire departments today," said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell. "This document provides valuable information for local-level departments facing financial challenges."

A key part of the project initiative was an enhanced study of critical funding issues for both fire and non-fire service based EMS systems.

"OHA is pleased to provide guidance on this important topic," said Dr. Alexander G. Garza, DHS Assistant Secretary for OHA and Chief Medical Officer.  "Funding is critical for the successful operation of EMS response agencies – key to this nation's homeland security."

EMS and fire departments require funding for expenses such as equipment, training, and salaries in order to provide necessary protection to their respective communities. However, with tighter budgets, less government subsidies, and fewer donations, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for fire and emergency services departments to meet greater and more complex demands for its services.
"IFSTA was proud to work with USFA and OHA to provide this much needed information," said Mike Wieder, IFSTA Executive Director.

Further information on USFA's EMS research initiatives may be found on the USFA website.

Hammarlund HQ-129

Bringing back memories of my Novice days, this receiver was my replacement for a BC-348.

This unit was very sensitive and gave the user the opportunity to hear the world.  If I remember right, there was also crystal filters that improved selectivity.

At any rate, thanks for the memories.  Someone will have a good receiver.

Hammarlund HQ-129-X in pristine condition - For Sale:

Is Bank of America losing in Social Media? @BofA_help

Reports from media and social media, especially, would lead one to believe that Bank of America is lost in cyberspace.


Bank of America gun – Topsy: search shows the majority of the post are from customers who are telling Bank of America ... either in general terms anyone can read or in messages directed to @BofA_help ... that their business relationship with the financial institution is in jeopardy.  At this writing, over 400 tweets about this subject were sent in one day.  In 19 pages, there's been no observable support for Bank of America.


As of this writing, there were no responses to any tweets.  In fact, 14 hours was the last tweet from their account.  There were similar results from the other social media accounts listed.  The financial giant awoke to send "¡BofA§Help: ¡kc5fm We are here to help, listen, and learn from our customers and are glad to assist with any account related inquiries. Übm" after this was written and more tweets are coming forth.  Also, more statements were coming from Twitter hours after the fact, ex. "Bank of America does not have policies that prohibit us from providing banking services to this client’s industry. ^bm"

When asked for more information, the Bank tweeted:  "We can’t comment on an individual client but we do not have a policy that prohibits us doing business with this industry. ^bm

Apr 21, 9:46 AM via CRM"

Given that it is Saturday night after the Twitter event started, there's over 1K likes on the McMillan page on Facebook.  A number of posts on the Bank of America wall have been deleted (according to Twitter and discussion on the McMillan page).


Now Bank of America is claiming the McMillan accusation is false.


Over on Google+, the issue is not trending but it's there with no challenge from Bank of America.


This is an example of how stories develop and are enhanced by social media.  Is this becoming an example how social media magnification can work against someone not engaged in social media?


Engagement means answering tweets and other social media challenges.  The Stream does not sleep.


(Insert verbiage for Virtual Operations Support Teams here)