The University of New Haven (UNH) Fire Science Club sent nine students and their advisor, Connecticut Deputy Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Wayne Sandford-who is also a retired East Haven fire chief-to the Congressional Fire Services Institute Dinner and Seminars in Washington D.C. on April 2 and 3.
While in Washington D.C., the UNH Fire Science Club members met with staff members of Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman and Representatives Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, John Larson, and Christopher Murphy. They had the opportunity to speak about the mission of experiential education at UNH and the fire science major as well. The students were also able to experience firsthand how laws relating to the fire service are passed and the process for obtaining federal grants for firefighter safety, prevention programs, and maintaining fire department staffing levels.
Fire Science Club members also sat in on a hearing of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Following the opening remarks of Senator Lieberman, the UNH Fire Science Club was recognized as a special guest. Club members also met UNH alumnus, Steven Sawyer, a senior fire service specialist for the National Fire Protection Association. Steven is the son of Bob Sawyer, a former director of the fire science program at UNH.
The UNH Fire Science Club was the sole student group represented at the Congressional Fire Services Institute dinner and seminars, where the club was praised for its professionalism and the students who represented UNH.