Fully Involved: January 24, 2022

GSFA • January 24, 2022
Fully Involved: January 24, 2022
GSFA LOGO

Members of GSFA:

 

We look forward to holding our business meeting during the 50th Annual Firefighter Recognition Day.   As the last two years have shown us, flexibility and adaptability are necessary when navigating current times.   This year’s Recognition Day will look a bit different. The Capital Building is not currently open to outside group’s events and we determined that using an outdoor plaza for the ceremonies would be a gamble due to weather conditions.  The solution was determined to combine the Recognition Day ceremonies with the Legislative Dinner on Tuesday evening. 

 

Prior to that, GSFA will hold the first session of our Annual Meeting, have a presentation from Bearers of the Oath by Shane Bentley, swearing in of fire marshals, and a fire service Unification Partners’ Meeting. These events will take place at the Georgia Municipal Association Offices located at 201 Pryor St. SW.  There is limited parking available there, but several public parking lots nearby. On Wednesday morning, GSFA will hold a second session of our business meeting. 

 

Due to multiple agencies being on travel restriction due to COVID or staffing issues, the inability of our bylaws provide a fair and well represented election electronically, and fairness issues if a candidate or potential candidate cannot attend due to the current circumstances, the Board has voted to not hold the election for Board positions during the business meetings.    We want to use the time that we meet to discuss the elections process, how to conduct a fair election, and to form a committee to research and review any identified challenges, ideas, or solutions for future elections and present back to the membership  any potential bylaws changes to be presented at the fall conference Columbus?.

 

If anyone cannot attend or does not feel comfortable attending, the meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday will be broadcasted virtually. We do ask that if you attend in person, that you respect the wishes of those you interact with concerning masking and social distancing. 

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Board of Directors

Georgia State Firefighters Association


Rural EMS Training Grant Program

 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will award grants of up to $200,000 each to support the recruitment and training of EMS clinicians in rural areas.

 

The grant program has a focus on addressing mental and substance use disorders, and the training efforts the grants fund can last up to a year. 

 

SAMHSA grants totaling $5,400,000 are available to fund rural EMS training. (Getty)

 

“SAMHSA recognizes the great need for emergency services in rural areas and the critical role EMS personnel serve across the country,” an agency statement reads.

 

The total dollar amount of anticipated available funding is $5,400,000 and SAMHSA expects to award 27 grants.

 

Rural EMS agencies operated by local or tribal governments and nonprofit EMS agencies are eligible. Fire department-based agencies that meet those criteria also are eligible.

 

 Applicants also must send a Public Health System Impact Statement to the appropriate state and local health agencies by the application deadline.

 

The deadline to apply to the Rural EMS Training Grant program is Feb. 14.

 

https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/ti-22-001

GSFA News

Fully Involved: An important update from us. 4.17.25
By GSFA April 17, 2025
Attend a private screening of The Next Right Thing on May 3 in Marietta, GA. This documentary explores the opioid crisis through local stories and highlights transportation’s role in recovery. Q&A and donations to Davis Direction Foundation follow.
2025 Georgia Fire Service Conference - Call for Papers
By GSFA April 15, 2025
This year’s conference is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with a great turnout expected. We strongly encourage departments to send multiple members to attend and take advantage of the new offerings.
Fully Involved: An important update from us. 4.10.25
By GSFA April 10, 2025
Chief Morgan, known as the Grandfather of Georgia Fire Service, leaves behind a powerful legacy of leadership, advocacy, and service. His work shaped fire safety and emergency response statewide.
Fully Involved: An important update from us. 4.9.25
By GSFA April 9, 2025
NVFC seeks volunteers for a FEMA-backed study on firefighter recruitment and retention. Sign up for interviews and free EV/AFV training in NC.
Fully Involved: An important update from us. 3.17.25
By GSFA March 17, 2025
Honor fallen firefighters by participating in Bells Across America on May 3-4, 2025. Join fire departments and communities nationwide in ringing bells to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Keep their legacy alive.
Box Alarm Alert (3/13/25)
By GSFA March 14, 2025
The Georgia State Firefighters Association urges action to reopen the National Fire Academy after federal spending cuts forced class cancellations. First responders rely on this training for public safety. Contact Congress and make your voice heard today.
Fully Involved: An important update from us. 3.7.25
By GSFA March 7, 2025
FEMA is reviewing agency programs, leading to the cancellation of all in-person National Fire Academy training. Some courses will continue virtually, while others may be rescheduled after the review. Updates will be provided as available.
By GSFA March 6, 2025
Senate Bill LC 56 0297 proposes changes to the Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund, adjusting retirement eligibility and investment options. The bill allows earlier retirement and expanded investment opportunities for the fund. Read the State Auditor's certification.
Fully Involved: An important update from us. 3.5.25
By GSFA March 5, 2025
Valor Station-Augusta, a First Responder-exclusive intensive outpatient recovery facility, officially opens on April 1st in historic downtown Augusta. Our nonprofit supports firefighters, law enforcement, medics, corrections officers, and 911 operators. Learn more or donate today.
Fully Involved: An important update from us. 2.26.25
By GSFA February 26, 2025
Support Georgia's first responders and veterans! | Learn about HB 578 to improve 9-1-1 services, join the 'Supporting Our Veterans' Golf Tournament, and stay updated on crucial firefighter initiatives. Get involved today!
Show More