By Steve Moody

A man dies in an unprotected trench when it collapses on him. Afterwards? A full assault on training requirements for workers, zero tolerance for shoring procedures, and funds provided to fire departments for equipment.

Unbelievable but true. This real life example is often how we go about providing additional funds for the fire service. But no event has had more effect on fire service funding than September 11, 2001.

Before Osama Bin Laden’s attack on the World Trade Center buildings there was zero – let me say that again – ZERO – federal funds given to the fire service.

Afterwards? Millions and millions and millions…

All it took was 2,996 deaths – 343 firefighters. Why?

It’s unfortunate, but America has a tendency to reward failure. Law enforcement is probably the best example. Crime goes up? We add more police officers. And, we add more sophisticated crime fighting equipment – and on and on.

It’s also unfortunate, but America has a tendency to punish success. Fire service is probably the best example. Fire prevention programs and stricter building requirements have reduced the number of fires. Fires go down? We reduce firefighters. And, we provide no funds for equipment – and on and on.

The solution? Quit rewarding failure and start rewarding success.

Bulk up Prevention – don’t bulk up Emergency Response. And, when the emergency response numbers go down? Don’t immediately gut the emergency response ranks. Firefighter numbers have already been depleted.

Let’s provide emergency service funding in a more sensible fashion. Fire service funding shouldn’t take a monster.

Steve Moody is the Emergency Management Director of Stafford County. He is the former Leavenworth Fire Chief and served as Deputy Fire Chief during his 28 years at the Salina Fire Department. Stafford County Emergency Management Blog