Resolution 2017-11: Emergency Firefighter Employment

WHEREAS, Ruby and many villages in the TCC Region have an expertly trained Emergency Firefighter Crew; and

WHEREAS, This past summer has yielded few threatening fires in Alaska, thus greatly affecting the employment of emergency firefighters; and

WHEREAS, These emergency firefighters support their families and many others in their villages; and

WHEREAS, These emergency firefighters are at the ready to leave sometimes with only hours’ notice for huge emergencies; and

WHEREAS, Each emergency firefighter is required to pass a rigorous physical test and therefore is in top physical health; and

WHEREAS, These emergency firefighters are drug and alcohol free upon and during hire; and

WHEREAS, These emergency firefighters are in financial straits due to the lack of firefighting work in Alaska this past summer.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Tanana Chiefs Conference Full Board of Directors hereby directs staff to advocate the Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service and the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency , to employ emergency firefighters in natural disaster cleanup, road work, and other physical labor all year long.

Submitted by:  Ruby Tribal Council