FCAM Newsletter: March 2026

56 Fire Chiefs attended the Congressional Fire Service Institute Symposium in Washington D.C. from March 18^th through the 20^th, marking the 25^th year that FCAM has had a presence at the annual event.   The annual Breakfast was held at the Library of Congress, where the Chiefs were joined by representatives from our sponsors – National Fire Protection Association, National Fire Sprinkler Association, Next Nav, and Brycer/IROL. The Breakfast was hosted by Congressman Steven Lynch, and Maeve McNamara from his office assisted with all the reservations and details. Besides Congressman Lynch, Congressman McGovern and Congresswoman Pressley spoke to the attendees. We also had the members of the Executive Board from IAFC, and representatives from NEDIAFC, New Hampshire Fire Chiefs, First Due, Public Safety Broadband Technology Association, and San Bernadino County Fire/Rescue join us. After the Breakfast, members went up to Capitol Hill to meet with our members of Congress and/or their staffs.  Members were able to meet personally with 7 of our State’s 9 Representatives, and Leadership met with both of our Senators. Staff from the other two Representatives met with the Chiefs from their Districts. We had a listing of our Federal Legislative priorities that we shared, and at each meeting we stressed the single stairwell issue and the importance of reauthorizing the Public Safety Broadband Network funding. The proceedings concluded with the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner where FCAM had 5+ tables, and we were the largest Fire Chiefs association in attendance.  This was recognized in the dinner program where FCAM was listed as a Gold Sponsor. Vice-President Nardelli, Vice-President Norris, S/T Partridge and GAD Scoble attended a pre-dinner reception hosted by CFSI due to our Gold level of support.  As soon as we get confirmation for the 2027 dates we will pass them along – it would be great to have an even larger number of Chiefs next year.