Yeah, and this is what creates the stick. There's a Federal bureaucracy that clunks along, creating regulations and increasing mandates regardless of which party is in power. I work in the fire service, and in between unfunded mandates from the state and Feds and the increasing reach of the Department of Homeland Security, some cities are going to "through the window" firefighting. The regulations are becoming so onerous that it's easier to let the building burn. Ten years ago I could outfit a firefighter for around $3000. That's bunker gear, helmet, boots and SCBA. Today, it's about $7000. The self contained breathing apparatus is over five grand of that, and it's shared across the three shifts, but with the two in two out rule (there must be four firefighters on scene before making entry) that's $28000 in stuff the guys are wearing before they even start fighting fire. The equipment is better, and there's been some inflation, but the majority comes from increased regulatory standards.
Unfortunately, the fire departments have brought this upon themselves. After 9/11, the Feds unleashed massive amounts of money in the form of grants, and departments scooped up the money while asking for more. The Feds complied, but the usual strings were attached. You take the money, they own you.