A resolution supporting the work of firefighters to educate and protect the Nation's communities, and the goals and ideals of Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2007, as designated by the National Fire Protection Association.

Whereas firefighters have maintained their dedication to the health and safety of the American public since the first American fire departments were organized in the colonial era;

Whereas today’s firefighters provide a multitude of services, including emergency medical services, special rescue response, hazardous material and terrorism response, and public safety education;

Whereas more than 1,130,000 firefighters protect the United States through their heroic service;

Whereas the Nation’s fire departments respond to emergency calls nearly once per second and dispatch to fire emergencies every 20 seconds;

Whereas approximately 1,600,000 fires are reported annually;

Whereas firefighters respond with courage to all disasters, whether they be acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies;

Whereas 343 firefighters sacrificed their lives responding heroically to the events of September 11, 2001;

Whereas firefighters from across the Nation responded with remarkable selflessness throughout the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina;

Whereas 89 firefighters lost their lives in 2006, and over 80,000 were injured in the line of duty;

Whereas we have honored firefighters for educating the American public since President Harding declared the first Fire Prevention Week in 1922;

Whereas the National Fire Protection Association has designated the week of October 7–13, 2007 as Fire Prevention Week; and

Whereas educating Americans on methods of fire prevention and escape planning continues to be a priority for all firefighters: Now, therefore, be it