The most important aspect of this year’s Firefighters Day at the Capitol was what was missing.
No solemn ceremony to commemorate the deaths of firefighters last year was needed. No firefighter in Missouri lost his life in the line of duty in 2007. The annual gathering of firefighters from across the state changed a few years ago, so that the deaths of firefighters killed on the job could be remembered.
Governor Blunt, in an address in the Capitol Rotunda, said the achievement was due to the training and safety measures the state’s fire departments insist upon. The governor’s office also has pointed out that the State Fire Marshal developed the "Everyone Goes Home" program to increase safety training. Funding for firefighter training jumped by 46% in the current state budget. The governor has recommended another 32% increase this year.
Download/listen Gov. Blunt addresses Firefighter Day (5:40 MP3)
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