National Advisory Committee
The strength of CFSI lies in its National Advisory Committee (NAC), comprising 38 trade groups, issue organizations, and professional associations including the leading fire service organizations in the country. The NAC convenes semiannually in Washington, DC to discuss federal issues that impact the interest of all first responders. When agreement is formed, the NAC can pass resolutions calling for Congress to address particular issues. Funding for the United States Fire Administration and the AFG/SAFER grant programs, reallocation of spectrum for first responders, and greater involvement of first responders in disaster mitigation are examples of the types of issues the NAC has supported at recent meetings. Only NAC members can introduce resolutions for consideration by the committee. The Chairman of the NAC is Eddie Buchanan of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors. The Vice Chairman is Jim Dalton of the National Fire Sprinkler Association. Open to the public, the meetings are scheduled in the spring (the day after the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner) and the fall of each year.