NDFA Discussion Forums

Should the State of ND be doing more to help the fire service in ND? Maybe it's time that we look at lobbying for statewide assistance programs for FDs. I am not thinking of direct grants but other programs that would assist with apparatus (and maybe facility) purchases/upgrades. Maybe a loan program administered by the Bank of ND that would give FDs long term, low or no interest loans. Ten years at zero percent interest would be very beneficial to department that might be needing to make upgrades. Plus maybe a program could be set-up where prison inmates build smaller apparatus for ND fire departments. They could do grass rigs, mini-rescues and tanker/tenders and save on labor.

Good thought Todd: Maybe some State funds to extend the Forest Service 90/10 program, the Feds might see that as a reason to increase funds for RFA instead of abandoning the program, or maybe funds for insurance for firefighters, we just purchased some for our firefighters, thats money that was used for equipment etc,. How about incentives for firefighter certification, or extra funds for Fire School, or help with fuel costs, which is kind of a big thing now. Fire depts. are being called on to do more now days than ever before and are always the first to get funds cut and last to receive any benefits, but who gets called first?