Dear Chief,

I'm sure you know, but the 2005 Fire Grant deadline is rapidly approaching. Any grant requests must be submitted between March 7th and April 8th. I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how your fire department would be able to use the grant money to address the NFPA 1561 standard for resource and personal accountability. At the Elmwood Fire Department we purchased a great accountability solution called fireTRAX by Salamander Technologies almost ten years ago. Here are just some of the things I really like about fireTRAX and how it has helped me:

• Really easy to learn.
• Cut down on "freelancing" at the scene because it lets me know who is there. It also tells me what qualifications mutual aid responders have, & more importantly, where everyone is on scene.
• Updates my NFIRS and creates personal accountability reports.
• Ensures my department is in full compliance with the NFPA 1561and all NIMS standards.

Just go to www.salamandertechnologies.com to take a look. While you're there download the free sample grant request letter. Just click on the link for a sample quote under the 2005 Fire Grant headline and you're all set. You'll also find a link to submit your fire grant request there when you're ready. If you have any questions or would like some help:

• Call Salamander Technologies at (231) 932-4397
• Or e-mail them at info@salamandertechnologies.com

I really feel the fireTRAX system is great at taking care of the safety of your firefighters at a scene. After all, that's what's really important, isn't it?

Ray Haring
Fire Chief -- Elmwood Fire Department
Elmwood, MI