The Flight Crew was disappointed when CFR personnel failed and/or refused to communicate directly with them when they responded to an emergency declaration due to smoke emanating from the right engine. Cited the need for timely information regarding the nature and level of threat to the passengers and crew.

Narrative

Taxiing out on both engines; the flight behind us reported our right engine was smoking a lot out the top and bottom; but there was no fire. We cleared the conga line; faced north and got out of the flow of traffic in case we had to evacuate. We shut down the engine; declared an emergency with ATC and had the Fire Department check us out. I had the Flight Attendants check to see if there was any visible smoke or flames around the engine; and they reported that it was fine. Once the fire crews arrived; they checked out the engine and apparently reported no problems. I say apparently; because we had no communication with them at all. None. This was an unacceptable procedure; by the way. We needed them to either talk to us on the radio or connect on the headset. I needed to know if I should evacuate or not. This should be resolved at IAD. CFR MUST COMMUNICATE WITH THE PILOTS. MUST. After receiving the 'all clear' from the Airport Operations guys who WOULD talk to us on the radio; we taxied back to the gate on one engine. The maintenance folks told us we had what looked like a bearing seal failure; there was oil all over the back end of the engine.