Recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters have resonated globally.
The devastation from both natural and human-made catastrophes confronts us instantly as live footage and images spread worldwide.
Throughout my two decades in Congress, I made it a priority to be on-site within hours of every major disaster—including Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Hugo, and Sandy; the Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes; wildland fires; floods; the Exxon Valdez oil spill; the Murrah Building bombing; and the World Trade Center attacks in ’93 and ’01.
My visits were not for photo opportunities or political gain but to assist, observe, learn, and gather recommendations from those who understand disasters best—our firefighters and EMS personnel.
As a lifelong firefighter and fire chief, I united America’s one million firefighters and EMS workers by founding and leading the Fire/EMS/Disaster Caucus in 1987 as a freshman congressman.
Over the past three decades, hundreds of members have joined together in support of our domestic defenders. But more needs to be done.
Through bipartisan efforts, Congress established programs allocating billions to support America’s firefighters and EMS through their 30,000 local paid and volunteer organizations.
However, it’s time to revolutionize the disaster response paradigm in the U.S. and worldwide—and that change is now underway.
As Oversight Chair for Military Technology, I witnessed incredible capabilities designed and utilized by our military, all of which I supported.
Many of these military technologies have immense dual-use potential that can transform disaster management by introducing prediction and prevention.
Satellites can detect wildfires with pinpoint accuracy; software algorithms can assess moisture content in forests; prevailing wind forecasts from our nuclear labs can map and control fire paths; ocean sensing systems combined with NASA data can warn regions months ahead of severe weather.
Data fusion systems used to track terrorists can identify and control pandemics.
Had we implemented vertical/horizontal GPS and vital sign transmission for first responders—as advocated in our National Defense Legislation’s “Dual-Use” mandate in the 1990s—six Worcester firefighters (and countless others) might still be alive today.
I unveiled this new disaster paradigm shift at the World Economic Forum after leaving Congress, but its implementation has taken years to develop. It’s time for the new President to lead.
I have briefed the White House and the opposition candidate, and I am calling for the first-ever White House Conference on Firefighters/EMS in 2025, which includes establishing seven Presidential Task Forces:
Firefighters and EMS professionals worldwide may speak different languages, but we are all the same.
Not driven by power or money, we can—and will—change the world. We have a common mission, a common purpose—One world for life!
Curt Weldon, former Vice Chair of the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, served 20 years in Congress and championed First Responders.
A firefighter and author, he led during the 1975 Marcus Hook tanker disaster.
Weldon founded Congress’s Fire/EMS Caucus, co-chaired by leaders like Biden and McCain.
His book, Awakening the Sleeping Giant, inspires a forthcoming Hollywood documentary.
The 2025 Influencers Special Edition of Fire and Safety Journal Americas is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry.
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