For too many years, there has been a continual depletion of revenues dedicated to the fire services and our identity as a vital resource to the state had been diminished. The coalition was formed to make the fire services a priority within the Legislature and the Executive office. As a result of the coalition efforts, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued an executive directive establishing the Bureau of Fire Services in November. Governor Granholm stated "This directive will establish a process for the consolidation of resources to allow our fire service personnel to more effective and efficient which, in turn, will strengthen Michigan's emergency management and homeland security efforts."

Not only was it important to have the Governor on board, but we also needed to garner the support of the legislature. The Fire Services Coalition helped to build one of the largest Bipartisan Bicameral Legislative caucuses, second only to the Sportsmen's Caucus. Currently, 111 members in the House and Senate have signed a mission statement to participate in the caucus. The caucus is being spearheaded by Representatives David Farhat and Chris Kolb and Senators Mike Prusi and Valde Garcia. With their leadership, a package of 26 bills will be introduced by the middle of February which codifies the creation of the Bureau of Fire Services. The legislators are hopeful that bills will be delivered to the Governors' desk for her signature by April 1, 2006.

A letterhead was developed that will be used to represent the Michigan Fire Service Coalition when we communicate with the governor and legislators on fire service issues. We also have a WEB page that will provide current information to participating organizations and their members on Coalition issues. The WEB page will provide information and talking points for members to use when contacting legislators on important fire service issues.

Periodic updates will be provided to the leadership of the Fire Coalition membership. Please remember the wheels of state government move slowly and it takes time and patience to change the traditional way of doing business in Lansing. If you have not heard from us and need information on an issue, please contact one of the Coalition members to receive an update or go to the WEB site (michiganfireservicecoalition.org). We'll have the WEB site operational very soon.

We are at the beginning steps in the legislative process but it is very important that we are all on the same page and working together to make this happen. We are moving in a very positive direction for the firefighters, fire chiefs, inspectors, instructors and all other members of the fire service in Michigan. Thanks for all of your support. Now that we have Michigan's fire service organizations working together, we have a strong and effective presence at the Capitol.