By Susan Nicol

While he may be the new guy at the U.S. Fire Administration, Glenn Gaines needs no introduction to the Everyone Goes Home® program or the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

"I love and admire what they do," said Gaines, the new Deputy Administrator of the USFA.

Gaines, who was fire chief in Fairfax County, Va. for eight years, said he is impressed by the compassion of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation staff and survivors for families of fallen heroes.

Gaines, who is acting USFA Administrator until someone is selected by President Obama, said he will do whatever it takes to reduce the staggering number of firefighter injuries and deaths.

"It breaks my heart to have to sign a letter to the family of a fallen firefighter. It's so sad. I can't imagine the pain..."

That's why Gaines said he's so committed to helping prevent another family from getting one of those letters.

"There are many things that we can do to promote firefighter safety," he said, adding that he has already spoken with officials at the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss program.

Gaines said he is interested to learn the top issues or situations that resulted in near-misses. He'll use that information to develop a plan.

"I believe situation awareness is essential to protecting personnel. Firefighters need to do a correct size-up before making decisions about what should happen in the next few moments..."

Gaines said the USFA staff is committed to making sure everyone goes home after their shifts, and includes safety messages in every course offered by the National Fire Academy whether it's taught on campus, online or regionally.

"We have to keep smart people in our ranks," he said, adding that they understand the importance of safe practices.

He also believes the fire service pulls out all the stops to promote health and fitness. "People have to be ready and capable of doing their jobs, which are stressful enough."

Gaines said he's disturbed by the number of responders who die of heart attacks and strokes. "We need to focus our efforts on prevention and promoting a healthy lifestyle."

He also is concerned about the ever increasing number of personnel killed in crashes. "The majority of these deaths are preventable... you can't help the public if you don't arrive safely..."

Gaines said officers have to step up, and enforce the rules. The use of seat belts, stopping at intersections and controlling speed are among things he believes would stem the rising tide of crashes.

He said it is important personnel are prepared, and ready to get out the door quickly when the call is dispatched. "You can't make up the time on the road."

Gaines said he's looking forward to strengthening partnerships to ensure that Everyone Goes Home®.