I want to take this opportunity to personally thank all of the Regional and State Advocates for all the hard work you have demonstrated to help reduce firefighter line-of-duty deaths and make our industry safer.

I know many of you did not have the opportunity to attend the Everyone Goes Home® Safety Summit that was held last month in Emmitsburg. It proved to be a huge success not only by the numbers of those who did attend, or the speakers who presented, but by the follow-up that has occurred. Several new Advocates have been added, with many more expressing an interest to participate in the program. I've always believed that success in a conference comes afterwards and not during. Please take time to thank Rich Marinucci, Linda Stone, Laurie Hazime, Ron Dennis, and Steve Kimple for all the great work they did, as did many others, in making the Summit a great event.

As you know, our nation faces one of the most difficult economic situations in decades. With that being said, there is NO guarantee that funding from the Department of Homeland Security will occur for the next grant period. Therefore, we have to focus on the communication and the grass roots efforts of spreading the message. While funding is needed to develop new and better programs for you to use, please know that your primary responsibility is to be the voice in your state and region. Communicate, coordinate, follow-up, and communicate more. Not only do our brothers and sisters whom have made the ultimate sacrifice deserve it, but those that may occur today or tomorrow do as well.

Celebrate success! I know that is not a popular thing to say when we still are losing firefighters. Many times the numbers don't reflect your efforts, but you have to imagine how much higher they might be without your efforts. The Everyone Goes Home® program has become one of the most popular firefighter safety programs in the country and is present at every major fire service conference. We are doing unprecedented things and trying to change the fire service culture with a relatively small group of Advocates in a small amount of time. You are making it happen and it is my honor to be a part of such a select and dedicated group. I personally thank you. I know we have a long way to go, and I know we have the right team to make it happen. You are the best.

If there is anything that Steve Kimple or I can do for you, please feel free to call upon us!

Yours through life safety and fire prevention,
Billy D. Hayes, Advocate Manager