December 11, 2003

The Honorable John W. Warner
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Warner:

I am writing to you for two reasons.  The first is to convey thanks on behalf of the over 6,000 members of Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.  Your sponsorship of the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Fire Fighter Act was the key to its final passage.  This bill represents to our membership your continued support and emphasis for fire fighter safety.

Secondly, we would like Virginia to be first in line to benefit from this historic legislation.  I have asked Governor Warner to please consider providing state funding to assist our localities all over Virginia with the necessary matching funds.  In its history, Virginia has never had a line in the general fund for our occupation and we are hoping he will consider this.  So, I am asking you to lend your honorable name in support of our request.  We will be most appreciative if you would also please consider contacting Senator John Chichester, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and Delegate Vincent Callahan, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee to solicit their support.  We believe that with their essential support, your efforts on our behalf can result in optimal benefits for Virginia fire fighters.

If you have any further questions, please have a member of your staff call me.

Respectfully,

R. Michael Mohler 
President

Cc:  Harold A. Schaitberger, President IAFF

       Board of Directors, VPFF

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