IAFF Local 801

What's New at IAFF 801

Governor M. Jodi Rell Signs RYAN WHITE BILL INTO LAW

Updated On: Jul 01, 2009 (19:12:00)

July 1, 2009 – Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill requiring hospitals to promptly notify paramedics, fire fighters, police and other emergency responders when a patient they have treated or handled has been diagnosed with an infectious disease.

“This bill will help protect the lives of those whose job it is to save lives,” Governor Rell said. “It is vital they know as soon as possible when one of their patients has a serious infectious disease, such as tuberculosis. The law ensures they have access to that information and are promptly notified.”

Senate Bill 1010, An Act Concerning Exposure to Infectious Diseases and Emergency Responders, mandates that hospitals notify emergency service organizations – within 48 hours verbally and 72 hours in writing – after a patient has been diagnosed with an infectious pulmonary disease. The bill also adds exemption from liability.

The bill also restores the protective language for emergency workers that was inadvertently stripped from the federal Ryan White Act of 1990 when it was reauthorized in 2006. The omission created a significant safety issue for emergency responders, who are exposed to diseases when they treat patients in uncontrolled environments.

NYC Mayor Says No Rank and Affiliation on 9/11 Memorial

Posted On: Jun 30, 2009 (19:41:41)

Tell Bloomberg that FDNY fire fighters deserve proper recognition

June 29, 2009 – The National September 11 Memorial Foundation has informed Michael Burke and other families of FDNY fire fighters killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks that ranks and affiliation will not be included on the Memorial Wall in New York City because New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, chair of the Memorial Foundation Board, believes such distinctions will cause visitors to mourn the death of the plane's captain or a fire captain more than the death of the plane's passengers or the civilian the fire fighter was trying to rescue.

"This is a disgrace," says IAFF 1st District Vice President Kevin Gallagher. "To not honor our fallen brothers with their rank is wrong. We cannot let their sacrifice go without the proper recognition for the courageous acts they performed."

Burke's brother, William F. Burke Jr., was a captain in Engine Co. 21. Michael requested to meet with the board about the decision to omit ranks and was told no. "This is a public entity supported by public funds. I am the voice of a guy who gave his life on 9/11, but I cannot meet with the board," writes Burke in his message, "Denying My Brother's Identity" posted on the FDNY web site. "I don’t know where any of them were on September 11."

The IAFF is encouraging members to send a loud and clear message to Mayor Bloomberg and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Foundation that listing the rank and company affiliation of FDNY fire fighters who gave their lives that dark day is about honoring them and that disallowing it is inexcusable.

The sample letter below can be copied, pasted and sent to Mayor Bloomberg at joe@national911memorial.org. Please copy eNews@theBravest.com or ranksmatter@hotmail.com for their records. National September 11 Memorial Museum CEO Joe Daniels can also be reached by phone at (212) 312-8800 or by FAX at (212) 227-7931.

For more information, click here.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Chairman
National September 11 Memorial and Museum Foundation

Mr. Joseph Daniels
President/CEO
National September 11 Memorial and Museum

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

Why aren't the ranks of those killed in the 9/11 terrorists attacks being included on the memorial wall at the National September 11th Memorial in
New York City?

We are told it is because the Memorial Foundation Board, chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, believes these distinctions would
cause visitors to mourn the death of the plane's captain or a fire captain more than the death of the plane's passengers or the civilian the fire fighter was
trying to rescue.

To Mayor Bloomberg and the Board, we say that is not only wrong it is insulting. It is not Mayor Bloomberg's nor the Foundation Board's place to dictate
to America what visitors should know of 9/11 when they visit the World Trade Center site in order to control what they should think and feel. It is only our place at this historic place to recognize what happened here, to faithfully preserve and convey the meaning, magnitude and impact of the attacks and confront the evil that men are capable of and the destruction and the death they cause and, in response, the sacrifice.

The memorial must speak to future generations as equally as it does to us. As such, the 406 first responders at the World Trade Center, the military personal at the Pentagon and the flight crews who died in service to their city, their country and humanity on 9/11 must be identified by the rank they earned with
their lives.

The world is coming to the site for 9/11, not a lesson in contemporary notions of political correctness from Mayor Bloomberg and anonymous board
members. History demands it; honor demands it and we demand it.

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone

U.S. Supreme Court Reverses Lower Court Decision in Ricci v. DeStefano Case

Posted On: Jun 29, 2009 (15:44:55)

U.S. Supreme Court Reverses Lower Court Decision in Ricci v. DeStefano Case

Eighteen New Haven, Connecticut, fire fighters who filed suit in federal court against the City of New Haven after the City threw out the results of promotional exams prevailed over the City today when the United States Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote, reversed a lower court’s decision.

In the case, Ricci v. DeStefano, the Supreme Court ruled that the City of New Haven could not throw out the results of a promotional exam simply because it feared the outcome of a test could potentially leave it vulnerable to lawsuits from minority fire fighters who did not qualify for promotion as a result of a test, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The IAFF recognizes that promotional systems are developed locally, where virtually every fire department in the country uses its own, unique system to best fit the needs of that community and its fire department. The IAFF also recognizes the fact that a variety of valid promotional testing processes have been developed that place emphasis on different elements of the testing procedure – including written and oral testing, seniority, table top scenarios, efficiency ratings and job-related skills, to name a few.

“Fire fighting involves life and death situations on a regular basis, so any system that is used to hire or promote must be completely unbiased and ensure that candidates are truly qualified to do the job,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “It’s a tough balancing act for jurisdictions in developing their procedures, but they have a responsibility not to fail on either account because lives are at stake.”

In addition, the IAFF supports and advocates for unbiased, job-related, validated hiring and promotional systems for fire fighters on the basis of their skill and ability in the technical and demanding work of fire fighting and emergency response without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.

In the New Haven case, the Supreme Court reversed the decision of the lower courts, saying that the City could not throw out the results of a promotional test based on “fear of litigation alone.” The City believed that applying the test scores would result in a disparate impact on minority test takers who did not qualify for promotion based on the test results.

The Court further said that “absent a strong basis in evidence that the tests were deficient and that discarding the results is necessary to avoid violating the disparate impact provision,” the results could not be thrown out.

The case has been remanded back to federal district court to determine final action consistent with the decision of the Supreme Court.

The IAFF will be preparing a more detailed analysis of the ruling and will post it once it’s completed.

Danbury Fire Fighter Helps His Counterparts in Colombia

Updated On: Jun 25, 2009 (09:22:00)

DANBURY -- During a visit to Colombia two years ago, Danbury firefighter Walter Artega was shocked to see the equipment his counterparts were using.

So the seven-year veteran of the city's fire department took it upon himself to get them better equipment.

"They don't get nearly the kind of funding that departments around here do," he said. "Luckily, they also don't get the same amount of structure fires, due to the masonry construction. "The department I visited said when they first started 12 years ago, they would attach a garden hose to the sink to fight fires."

When he returned from Colombia, Artega recruited fellow city firefighter Joe Kovalsky to help him find equipment that departments in the region weren't using.

Kovalsky connected Artega with a department in New Hackensack, N.Y., that had about 20 sets of turnout gear, including pants and coats, as well as about a dozen helmets it no longer needed. "I know during tough economic times it's difficult to justify getting rid of old equipment, but with some of the newer, flame-retardant fabrics out there, some of the old stuff is being left by the wayside," Artega said.

"Our used and outdated stuff is still a lot better than what they have in Colombia."

In March, shortly before taking another trip south, Artega spent about $500 of his own money to have the equipment shipped to Colombia. It's something he would love to do again if given the opportunity, he said.

"If anyone has leftover gear sitting in the corner of their firehouse, I'd be more than happy to ship it to Colombia if it's still usable," he said. On Saturday, Artega plans to leave for Colombia, where he will visit family members. He's also going to pick up a plaque the fire department there made to thank New Hackensack officials for their generosity. Danbury Fire Chief Geoff Herald said Artega's efforts don't come as any surprise to his fellow firefighters. "It's in his nature," he said. "His generosity is very admirable. They are desperately in need of gear in that part of the world."

Herald said Artega also helps members of the local community. The firefighter often participates in outreach efforts to Latino residents, he said, and provides assistance during emergency situations when translations are required.

"He's been a great asset to the department," Herald said. "We're lucky to have him."

511 Tactical Golf Shirt

Posted On: Jun 14, 2009 (19:06:10)

At the June 11, 2009 Union meeting, the members approved going to the “511 Tactical Shirt.”

Local 801’s Uniform Committee discussed the Golf Shirt change with Chief Herald and he has approved the following:

1. Golf Shirts to remain Navy Blue in color.

2. Silk Screen on back of shirt to remain as currently in use.

3. FF’s will use name only on right breast.

4. Captain and Lieutenant will be spelled out with name under rank.

5. White horns 1 for Lieutenant, 2 for Captain, 3 Gold Horns for A/C.

6. 511 Tactical Shirt for use now and the only model after July 2010.

7. Model numbers 71048 and 72048 long and short sleeve.

8. Outer Banks shirts light blue and Navy Blue can be worn until unserviceable,

beyond the July 2010 date.

NOTE: One minor question needs to be answered in regards to the bottom panel of the Maltese cross. Can that be filled with Truck, Engine 21, Squad 23, etc. the committee should have an answer shortly.

WHO Raises H1N1 Flu Threat Level to Highest Level

Posted On: Jun 12, 2009 (10:59:38)

June 11, 2009 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the global outbreak of the novel H1N1 influenza virus to be in Phase 6 -- a full-scale pandemic.

The announcement warns the World Health Organization's 194 member nations to expect the arrival of the new flu strain, which is likely to infect up to one-third of the population in the first wave and return in later waves over the next several years. Simultaneously, the World Health Organization is advising the world's makers of influenza vaccine to quickly prepare commercial-scale pandemic vaccine of this H1N1 virus.

The move to Phase 6, the highest level in the World Health Organization's graduated scale of pandemic alerts, has been expected for weeks and in the opinion of many experts is overdue. By definition, it means that the virus is showing "community-level transmission," which means it is being passed from person to person without an easily traceable chain of infection, in two or more regions of the world.

The IAFF has developed an online resource with guidance on the H1N1 virus to remind members to take the necessary precautions for responding safely and effectively during this outbreak.

President Obama will honor picket lines

Posted On: Jun 06, 2009 (22:15:00)

The Obama administration will honor picket lines planned by Providence, RI Local 799 for the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Annual Meeting being held June 12-16 in Providence, where our affiliate has been in a long-running dispute with that city's anti-union mayor, David Cicilline.

For more information:

IAFF Press Release: IAFF Thanks Obama Administration for Supporting Providence Fire Fighters

Associated Press: Obama team skipping mayors' event over picket line

Providence Journal: Pickets prompt Biden, others to cancel their visit

I spoke directly with Vice President Joe Biden about the situation in Providence. And when the vice president offered to attempt to resolve the dispute amicably -- to see if we could avoid the picket lines -- and after discussions with Local 799 President Paul Doughty, we agreed to the proposed resolution. However, Mayor Cicilline refused any fair-minded discussions outright and insisted on continuing the dispute.

Based on that reaction, the vice president, Attorney General Eric Holder, senior Obama Adviser Valerie Jarrett, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and other administration officials informed the National Conference of Mayors that they will not cross our picket lines, cancelling the attendance of a number of administration officials.

We appreciate the Obama administration's support of fire fighters and our union. Just as important, please let your mayor know that the picket lines will be up, that President Obama and Vice President Biden have stated their refusal to cross our lines, and that they have a choice to make, as well.

Fraternally,

Harold Schaitberger
General President

Firefighters Night

Updated On: Jun 25, 2009 (18:06:00)

The annual firefighters night at the Danbury Westerners baseball game is rescheduled for Wednesday July 22. Gametime is at 6:30 pm. All Local 801 members and their families are invited to attend. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. Come see Firefighter Rich Gallagher throw out the first pitch. In between innings we will run games for the kids to participate in.

NFPA Releases Fire Fighter Injury Report

Posted On: Jun 03, 2009 (19:24:11)

June 3, 2009 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released an analysis of fire fighter injury data from the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). The analysis was undertaken to examine factors that are beyond the scope of the results obtained in the annual NFPA injury survey.

Results were analyzed for the 2003-2006 period, during which there was an estimated annual average of 40,270 fire fighter fire ground injuries in the United States. Of these, an average of 29,710 were classified as minor, and 10,560 were classified as moderate or severe.

The statistics in this report demonstrate that fire fighting presents substantial risk of personal injury to fire fighters. Click here for a complete copy of the report.

Save Our Orlando Fire Fighters

Posted On: Jun 01, 2009 (08:21:54)

May 21, 2009 – Orlando, FL Local 1365 is encouraging IAFF members and citizens to join its "Save Your Orlando Firefighters" Facebook group to help prevent the layoff of 46 fire fighters that the city announced it is cutting, along with 300 other city employees. The Facebook page invites friends, co-workers and family send an invitation to their friends to join the group and to contact Mayor Buddy Dyer and city commissioners to oppose these layoffs. Already, the page has generated nearly 9,500 members.

Mayor Buddy Dyer says the layoffs, which would save the city $34 million, are necessary to overcome a property tax shortfall. But Orlando, FL Local 1365 and other labor unions that are fighting to prevent the layoffs, say there is plenty of money in the city's emergency reserve account -- more than $100 million -- that could be used for public safety, but that the city is against dipping into these funds because it would hurt its ability to finance new community venues such as the Magic Arena, the performing arts center and Citrus Bowl stadium.

"If you're not going to use your reserves on rainy days to save fire fighters or police officers -- or any other city service -- you should just give the money back to the citizens," Local 1365 President Steve Clelland told the Orlando Sentinel.

The Dyer administration's threatened layoffs are intended to put pressure on the unions to cut job losses by giving up wage increases or accept salary reductions. Union leaders say they're willing to forgo raises to save jobs, but aren't willing to completely ignore the three-year labor contracts signed in December 2008.

Both public safety unions and the unions that represent more than 1,000 white collar workers are also bringing their case straight to Orlando residents by going door to door, picketing City Hall and broadcasting radio ads.

Join the "Save Your Orlando Firefighters" Facebook group.

Other links:

Rescue Orlando

Fire Fighter Losing Job Gets Death Threats

IAFF Sounds the Alarm on High Blood Pressure

Posted On: May 19, 2009 (18:47:01)
The International Association of Fire Fighters - Sounds the Alarm on High Blood Pressure through National Initiative - View Press Release....

Marine Corps Marathon

Posted On: May 19, 2009 (18:41:57)

As a charity partner of the Marine Corps Marathon, the IAFF Burn Foundation has reserved a limited number of entries for IAFF members and supporters to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC on October 25, 2009, as a member of the IAFF Burn Foundation Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Team.

Runners accepted for the IAFF Burn Foundation MCM Team must commit to raise $1,000 by October 25 (race day), with proceeds benefiting the IAFF Burn Foundation.

The registration fee is $100. Once you register, you will be directed to our online donation service to set up your own fundraising page. Click here to register.

Team members receive an official IAFF Burn Foundation MCM Team race singlet and T-shirt and are invited to a pasta party the night before the race. In addition, the IAFF Burn Foundation sponsors a hospitality tent in the Charity Partners Village at the race finish for team members and their families. Team runners will also receive a Marine Corps Marathon participant T-shirt, champion chip and goodie bag.

For more information, contact the IAFF Burn Foundation at (202) 824-8620 or email burnfoundation@iaff.org.

Funding to Protect Fire Fighter Jobs Moves Forward

Updated On: May 16, 2009 (12:43:00)

May 15, 2009 – Legislation to provide federal financial assistance to enable local fire departments to rehire laid off fire fighters and avoid staffing cuts has moved forward in both the House and Senate.

The IAFF was successful in working with congressional leaders to include language in a special supplemental appropriation bill that would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to waive current requirements on SAFER grants that stipulate the grants may only be used to pay the salaries of newly hired, additional fire fighters.

“In the current economic environment, the IAFF has placed the highest priority on saving our members jobs,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “We believe that these waivers will go a long way toward bringing back our laid off brothers and sisters, and will help other communities retain safe staffing levels.”

The supplemental appropriation bill, which funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, moved forward in both the House and Senate, keeping it on track for final passage in early June. The full House of Representatives adopted HR 2346 by a vote of 368-60.

Advocating that the provision be included in the bill, Representative Betty Sutton (D-OH) said, “Because of the current recession, many communities, including Elyria in my district, are being forced to lay off fire fighters, resulting in dangerously low staffing levels. I am proud to say that we have worked on language to include in this bill that will allow SAFER grants to be used to rehire and retain much-needed fire fighters.”

While the House debate continued, the legislation was also moving forward in the Senate. The Senate Committee on Appropriations approved its version of the supplemental appropriation by voice vote. The IAFF worked with Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, to ensure that the SAFER waiver authority was included in the Senate bill.

The full Senate is expected to take up the legislation next week, with a House-Senate Conference Committee is likely to convene after Congress returns from its week-long Memorial Day recess. The IAFF expects the new waiver authority could be applied to SAFER grants that will be awarded this year. DHS has not yet announced a timetable for applying for SAFER grants, but in past years the application season has begun in June.

Last year, Congress approved $210 million for SAFER grants, but because of the current requirements, few fire departments were expected to apply for the funding. The new wavier authority will enable the $210 million to be used to save fire fighter jobs, in addition to helping those communities that are able to add new personnel.

S.B. #1010 - INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Posted On: May 15, 2009 (06:59:12)

S.B. #1010, AN ACT CONCERNING EXPOSURE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS, successfully passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 143 - 0 Thursday May 14 at approximately 5 PM. The Senate previously passed this bill unanimously on 4/22. The bill now moves to the Governor for her signature.

This is a critical piece of legislation that provides our members the RIGHT to know if they have been exposed to an infectious disease in the course of their work.

It should be noted that this legislation includes all the diseases previously covered by the original Ryan White Act AND ADDS Hepatitis A, Hepatitis C, Pandemic Flu, & Methicicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) as reportable diseases. This legislation is effective on Oct 1, 2009.

PSOB Benefits Will Be Paid

Posted On: May 09, 2009 (19:00:47)

PSOB Benefits Will Be Paid
Fox News Report Is Wrong

A May 7 FOX News report suggesting that that the Obama budget proposal for FY 2010 cuts spending on the Public Safety Officers Benefit Act (PSOB) from $110 million to $60 million is misguided and inaccurate.

The PSOB (Hometown Heroes) program is an entitlement program, which means that 100 percent of benefits must be paid by law to every family that qualifies. The “cut” that FOX News is reporting is an estimate of what the program will pay out and is based on the predicted number of line-of-duty death claims.

“There has been no cut to the PSOB program,” states IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “The families of fire fighters who die in the line of duty will receive the full benefit. Whether there are half as many deaths or three times as many deaths, all claims will be paid.”

In 1976, following nearly eight years of lobbying, the IAFF succeeded in persuading President Gerald Ford to sign the original bill, which at that time provided a death benefit of $50,000. Since then, the IAFF has been the principal author of every amendment to the act affecting members’ coverage and benefit amounts.

As a result of these efforts, benefit amounts doubled after September 11 and are now adjusted annually. In 2003, the IAFF succeeded in expanding coverage to include heart attacks and strokes. The benefit is now $315,746 as of October 1, 2008.

“It has been a long and sometimes frustrating journey, with attempts to water down or shelf the legislation and to propose amendments that would have made it ineffective,” says Schaitberger. “We put these benefits in place so that if one of our members makes that ultimate sacrifice, the family doesn’t have to worry -- the benefit will be paid.”

Retirement Richard Gerlach

Updated On: May 09, 2009 (18:58:00)

The Officers and Members of Local 801, extend our Congratulations to

Fire Dispatcher Richard Gerlach on his recent retirement from the Danbury Fire Department, and wish Rick and his family well during his retirement.

President Obama Calls for Doubling Funding for SAFER

Posted On: May 08, 2009 (19:44:28)

President Responds to IAFF Priority

May 8, 2009 – In his first formal budget request, President Barack Obama fulfilled a campaign commitment by proposing a huge funding increase for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, the IAFF’s signature program. The Obama budget proposed $420 million for SAFER, doubling the funding that the program received last year.

During the campaign, Obama often noted his strong disagreement with President Bush’s efforts to kill the SAFER program, and promised IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger that he would robustly fund the program if elected.

“President Obama has demonstrated that he clearly understands what we have long maintained: that adequate staffing is the critical component to effective response and civilian and fire fighter safety,” says Schaitberger. “Simply put, boots on the rigs are more important than fancy equipment and bells and whistles.”

The funding proposal is especially significant in light of separate legislation that would expand the uses of SAFER grants. Language contained in a supplemental appropriation bill currently moving through Congress would allow fire departments to use SAFER funds to rehire fire fighters who were laid off and restore cuts made to staffing as a result of the financial crisis, in addition to providing grants to grow fire departments.

Notably, SAFER was one of the very few homeland security programs to receive an increase, with other first responder programs either level funded or cut. One of the biggest cuts was to the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE Act) grant program, which provides training and equipment grants to fire departments. Last year, the FIRE Act was funded at $565 million, but the Obama budget slashes the program to $170 million.

Even with the significant cut to the FIRE Act program, the $590 million total spending that President Obama proposed for fire departments is nearly double the $300 million proposed by President Bush in his last budget request. Congress traditionally exceeded Bush’s request for both FIRE Act and SAFER grants, and it may similarly increase the levels proposed by Obama.

The Obama budget proposes funding levels for several other programs of concern to the nation’s fire fighters. The State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) was funded at $950 million -- the same as last year -- while the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) received a slight increase to $887 million. Grants for Interoperable radio equipment was also maintained at $50 million.

The president's budget proposal now goes to Capitol Hill where 12 Appropriations Subcommittees in both the House and Senate will begin crafting detailed spending bills. While Congress is expected to follow the administration's recommendations in some areas, they are also sure to put their own stamp on the spending levels for various programs.

The IAFF will be working with its allies on Capitol Hill to preserve the Obama request for the SAFER program, and will also be seeking to increase the funding level for FIRE Act grants.

Red Cross Honors Local Heros

Updated On: May 06, 2009 (20:57:00)
On Wednesday, May 6, the American Red Cross of Western Connecticut honored several Danbury area heros. Among them were FF Adam Horosky, and Retired Communitcations Supervisor Fred Visconti.

FF Horosky, also known as SSgt. Horosky, USAF Reserve was recognized for his committment to the security of this nation, as well as his committment to the safety of the citizens of the City of Danbury. Adam recently returned from a deployment to the Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq, where in addition to his Air Force duties of Crash Rescue and Fire Fighting, he assisted in the training of Iraqi personnel in modern fire fighting techniques. Connecticut State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal presented the award to Adam.

Retired Commications Supervisor Visconti was recognized for his rescue of a teen age boy from a burning house last summer. Fred was at home, when he noticed smoke coming from a neighbors house. He told his wife to call 911, and went to investigate. Finding fire venting from a second floor window, Fred went to the front door, and was met by one teen age boy leaving the building. The boy told Fred his brother was still upstairs. Fred sprung into action, and going to his hands and knees began to search the upper floors. He found the boy asleep in his bedroom, and was able to sucessfully remove him from the building, the boy escaping with burns to his hands and feet. As if that wasn't enough, Fred put a garden hose into operation, and held the fire at bay until first in companies were able to get line in place and extinquish the fire. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton presented the award to Fred.

Local 801 wishes to congradulate Brother Horosky and Retired Brother Visconti on their recognition.

Adam revceives award from Atty General Blumenthal

Fred receives award from Mayor Boughton

IAFF Response to H1N1 (swine) Flu Outbreak

Posted On: Apr 30, 2009 (19:53:59)

IAFF Response to H1N1 (swine) Flu Outbreak

Remember the Basics

Before the Run

Ensure that you have your PPE readily available (respirators,
medical gloves, face/eye protection, gowns or garments)

During the Run

Assume patients with respiratory symptoms have the flu
Don your PPE before entering the patient area
Strictly limit the number of crew members having direct patient contact
Put a mask on the patient
Create or promote good ventilation

After the Run

Properly dispose of/clean exposed PPE
Sanitize or wash your hands
Properly clean/disinfect reusable medical equipment
Decontaminate other equipment and vehicles
Do not continue to wear contaminated clothing, and
do not take any contaminated items, including uniforms, home
Take care of your physical health (diet, rest)
If you are exposed, report it

And Finally

Do not go to work if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms

National League of Cities Ignores Science… and Turns its Back on Fire Fighters

Posted On: Apr 29, 2009 (19:12:34)

IAFF - IAFC Release - View Release....

U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency for Swine Flu

Posted On: Apr 28, 2009 (18:40:36)

April 27, 2009 – In response to the increasing number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency. The federal government is prepared to mobilize and activate its stockpile of antiviral drugs for quick delivery to the states in the event they're needed.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza. Swine flu viruses in humans are rare. Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to those of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Cases of swine flu have now been confirmed in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Spain and New Zealand.

The IAFF will continue to monitor this emergency situation and provide updates as they become available.

Click here to download IAFF Pandemic: Informational Bulletin for Emergency Responders.

For the latest information from the Department of Health and Human Services, click here.

Fire vs. Police Softball Challenge

Posted On: Apr 20, 2009 (18:56:21)
Fire vs. Police Softball Challenge - Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 1:35 p.m. at the New Britain Stadium - View Flyer..

Firefighter's and Heart Disease

Posted On: Apr 04, 2009 (17:45:51)

A recent study of firefighters aged 40 and over conducted in Atlanta, GA has found that firefighters have a three hundred percent increased risk for cardiac disease as compared to other segments of the population. "Preliminary findings show that one third of firefighters had heart disease that is unrelated to traditional risk factors, such as high cholesterol," says Dr. H. Robert Superko. "Those results are astounding and point at job duties and environment as the primary determinants for early death in our country's first responders."

To Read Report - Visit: http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=63115&sectionId=46

NIOSH Research Demonstrates That Uniform Pants Are Safe

Posted On: Mar 18, 2009 (12:33:17)

March 13, 2009 – The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) has completed its evaluation of station uniform pants using the fabric FireWear™.

This fabric, which is used by many uniform manufacturers, is a blend of cotton and modacrylic fibers that use antimony compounds for fire retarding. Boca Raton, FL Local 1560 members were found to have high antimony levels in hair samples that were evaluated locally.

NIOSH was requested to provide further scientific and medical assistance to determine if the wearing of these station uniform pants could expose the fire fighters to antimony.

NIOSH has released its initial findings and provided a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document that provides details on the results of the evaluation.

IAFF Looks Forward to Working With Fugate to Continue to Improve FEMA

Posted On: Mar 05, 2009 (13:23:40)

The IAFF and the Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) have issued the following statement on President Obama's choice of Craig Fugate to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"Craig Fugate's performance in his role as head of Florida's Division of Emergency Management received high marks and praise from [the Florida Professional Firefighters]," IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger said. "Secretary Napolitano has confidence that Fugate will perform well in carrying out the mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and President Obama, and we fully support them in their work to protect our nation. Mr. Fugate has our full support in his new role and we look forward to working with him to continue improving FEMA."

Fugate has worked with the 24,000 members of the Florida Professional Firefighters since taking over the Florida Division of Emergency Management in 2001.

"Florida's professional fire fighters established a solid working relationship with Craig Fugate, and he did everything he could to ensure that we had the resources we needed to protect the people in our state and protect ourselves," said Robert Carver, president of the Florida Professional Firefighters.

The IAFF sharply criticized FEMA's response following hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005, and has long encouraged FEMA to work more closely with state and local first responders.

"We expect that as the head of FEMA, Fugate will now do everything he can to ensure that fire fighters across the nation have the resources they need to protect people across the country and protect professional fire fighters across the country," Carver said.

The IAFF has been a vocal advocate for keeping FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security.

"We expect that Craig Fugate will be an excellent addition to the senior leadership team at DHS, and we urge the Senate to confirm him swiftly," Schaitberger said.

IAFF President finds friendlier White House

Posted On: Feb 18, 2009 (14:18:40)
Harold Schaitberger joked that after eight years of the Bush administration, he "forgot what the White House looked like." Read Article

Key Provisions Provide Aid to Struggling Communities

Updated On: Feb 19, 2009 (19:57:00)

Key Provisions Provide Aid to Struggling Communities

Congressional leaders and the Obama administration have agreed on a compromise economic stimulus package that will provide more than $200 billion to states and localities facing budget shortfalls. This critically needed funding will help alleviate the pressure on fire department budgets in communities across the nation. The legislation is expected to pass Congress this week, and be quickly signed into law by President Obama.

Several items championed by the IAFF are included in the final compromise agreement. Most notably, nearly $8.8 billion was provided to states to address "high priority needs, such as public safety and other critical services?." Other items benefiting the fire service include $210 million for fire station construction and a waiver of the matching requirements for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants.

"We applaud Congress and the Obama administration for their swift response to the economic crisis facing fire departments across America," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "This funding will provide immediate aid to struggling communities, but even more importantly, it will be critical to helping jumpstart our ailing economy."

The $8.8 billion available to public safety agencies is part of a $54 billion State Fiscal Stabilization Fund that was originally created to support local school systems. The IAFF led the effort to expand the funding to assist local public safety services. The funding will be distributed to states based a population formula, and governors will then be empowered allocate the dollars to local communities.

The IAFF developed the proposal for fire station construction with two purposes in mind. By improving fire stations, the fund will protect the health and safety of fire fighters and enhance emergency response capabilities. And it will create thousands of good paying construction jobs that will help boost the local economy.

The SAFER waiver language was added to help communities that need to hire additional fire fighters but are unable to do so because of the current economic downturn. Under the provision, communities will not have to provide matching funds for grants issued in the next two years.

In addition to fire fighter-specific programs, the IAFF also supported a number of provisions that will aid all middle-income Americans. An immediate tax cut of $800 for families earning less than $200,000, an expansion of the child tax credit, relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and college tuition assistance are some of the dozens of provisions that will also benefit the nation's professional fire fighters.

IAFF members who have been laid off will also be eligible for expanded health care coverage and extended unemployment insurance.

"The Obama administration and congressional leadership fully understand the dire situation our members – and all working Americans – are facing," Schaitberger notes. "This is an ambitious and comprehensive approach to an unprecedented crisis."

New Study Focuses on Crew Size

Posted On: Feb 11, 2009 (20:25:04)

Funded by a FIRE Act grant, a new study is being conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in cooperation with Worcester Polytechnic Institute and International Association of Fire Fighters to determine if crew size really does make a difference when it comes to saving lives and property. Your To view the article please click on the link below:

http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=62634

Start Planning Now for Safety, Health and Survival Week

Posted On: Feb 07, 2009 (18:40:08)

February 4, 2009 – The International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs encourages all IAFF affiliates and their fire departments to participate in the 2009 Safety, Health and Survival Week, scheduled for June 14-20, 2009.

Using the the theme, "Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility," this week is an opportunity for fire and EMS departments to review safety policies, evaluate the progress of existing initiatives and discuss health and wellness practices, and to use the week to correct safety deficiences and to provide training as needed.

An entire week is set aside to ensure that every crew/shift can spend one day focusing on fire fighter safety, health and survival.

This program is designed to help fire and EMS personnel manage risk and improve health and safety.

"The Safety, Health an Survival Week is a unique opportunity for labor and management to work together to take defensive action against dangers that can be controlled or prevented, and make a long-term commitment to staying safe and healthy," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

Recommended areas of focus include:

• Emergency Vehicle Safety
• Heart Disease and Cancer Education and Prevention
• Stop, Drop and Control High Blood Pressure Campaign
• National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System

Other resources:

Working to Death: Leading Causes of Death Among First Responders
"Working to Death" is a series of articles in the International Fire Fighter that examine the health risks fire fighters face. More importantly, the series looks at what can be done to prevent fire fighter deaths and illustrates how some are improving the health and safety of fire fighters.

Fit to Survive
A Fire Fighter's Online Guide to Health and Nutrition

IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative

IAFF Division of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine

Melody-Halas Memorial

Posted On: Jan 16, 2009 (14:22:29)
We have Melody-Halas Memorial T-shirts, the (Gray) ones. They are $20.00 each. I know some of the new guys asked for them. Please contact Joe Halas, Sean Delohery, or Mike Tyskiewicz.

At this time we are also collecting brick orders for the spring. Right now we have 4 bricks ordered; we need 20 more to complete an order. Bricks are $75.00; please contact Sean Delohery or Mike Tyskiewicz, or you can call the Union Office @ 203.743.2415.

We also have memorial award bars for your class A uniform. At this time I am not sure of the amount left. I will try and find out soon. These are $50.00; please see your E-board member as they are in the Union cabinet @ HQ.