SAMPLE LETTER TO PRESIDENT

Honorable George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write to request you reconsider your recent decision to phase out a new
program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency designed to
assist fire departments with training, staffing and the acquisition of badly
needed safety equipment.  This program, authorized by law, will allow us to
enhance our ability to protect the communities we are sworn to serve.

Authorized are $300 million in FY 2002 to continue this vital program.  We
strongly disagree with the statement in your budget proposal that says this
program is "unneeded."

America's fire service is the primary provider of life safety services in
all communities.  We are responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical
services, technical rescue and hazardous materials response, among other
duties.  We urge you to support the FIRE program that is so badly needed.

Sincerely,
(Your name here)