INTERNATIONAL MAY/JUNE 2009

PRESUMPTIVE PROTECTIONS — PAGE 20 contents MAY/JUNE 2009 JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS / VOL 92. NO. 3 FEATURES ON THE COVER: New SAFER Rules Grants will save jobs, protect staffing ...... 23

Rights Upheld for Florida Union Leader Full relief granted for Jude Diaz ...... 13

Working to Live Fire fighters and heart disease ...... 14 P. 10 IAFF members on the frontlines

FIREPA C and Political Action A winning combination for locals ...... 16 General President’s Message

Presumptive Protections Elections Matter ...... 3 New and better coverage ...... 20 General Secretary-Treasurer’s Message Deflationary Trends ...... 5 Letters to the Editor ...... 6 Local Scene ...... 8 Always On the Frontline ...... 23 Across the IAFF ...... 25 Fully Involved ...... 31 On the Road Belleair fire fighters campaign ...... 34 P. 12 for candidates Retirees ...... 35 In Memoriam/Last Alarm ...... 38

On The Cover SAFER Victory

—story page 23 P. 30 Burnaby Local 323 Secretary Miles Ritchie, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, Fire Engineering magazine Editor in Chief Bobby Halton and Local 323 member Jeff Clark at the FDIC in Indianapolis, IN.

2 May/June 2009 From the General President Elections Matter n Providence, Rhode Island, our members in Local Congress has approved an IAFF proposal that 799 have been engulfed in a bitter fight with the would allow the use of federal funding through the Imayor of that city, David Cicilline — a mayor they Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response supported because of his promise to fix their (SAFER) grant program to rehire laid-off fire contract problems once he was elected in 2002. fighters and prevent reductions in force at U.S. fire The mayor quickly turned on them. Cicilline has departments. become one of the most anti-union mayors in the This bill is part of the president’s Supplemental country, fostering ill-will by introducing state Appropriation and it contains language that allows legislation and city ordinances against Providence the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to waive fire fighters and forcing Local 799 to arbitrate its last the current rules for SAFER grants that have seven collective agreements. To our local’s credit, it prevented their use to save the jobs of IAFF members. has beaten Cicilline in virtually every arbitration and Once President Obama signs the bill — and he legal battle along the way . has assured me he will sign it — this will be a Clearly, helping this mayor win his initial significant victory, and it gives me hope that we will Harold A. election didn’t help our members. But the story be able to provide some relief to the economic Schaitberger gets much better. storm that has battered affiliates and which still The U.S. Conference of Mayors decided, at Cicilline’s looms threateningly on the horizon as next year’s urging, to hold its 2009 annual meeting in Providence. budgets move through the process. And it invited Vice President Joe Biden and as many I met with DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, another members of the Obama administration as it could. good friend of this union, the week of May 18 to “Yes, elections Ultimately, Vice President Biden, Attorney General discuss how the new flexibility will be used to protect Eric Holder, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor the jobs of fire fighters. Secretary Napolitano agreed matter. And Secretary Hilda Solis , senior Obama adviser Valerie to postpone the 2009 application process for SAFER now, with this Jarrett, six other cabinet members and more than 25 grants until the new waiver authority is in place. administration staffers were set to attend the Mayors’ This move will assure that the full $210 million that president, meeting in Providence, hosted by Cicilline. Congress appropriated for SAFER for 2009 can be When we alerted the administration to the dispute used to address the current wave of staffing cuts. unions matter and that our members would be walking picket lines So , where we have experienced layoffs or reductions throughout the event , the administration worked in force through attrition , we need to be ready to once again, diligently with us in an attempt to negotiate a resolution. push your departments to apply for the unrestricted even in the And when Cicilline refused any and all overtures SAFER funds. by the administration to reach an amicable solution, We know that in many instances in the past, highest office the White House immediately informed us, Mayor departments didn’t apply for the SAFER funds Cicilline and the U .S. Conference of Mayors that no because they judged the terms of the grants to be too in the land.” member of the Obama leadership team would cross narrow. So, this time around, you’ll need to make your the picket line to participate. I also had a personal employer and command understand that the rules conversation with Vice President Biden to discuss the have totally changed. And in the current economic overall issue. Without hesitation, Vice President atmosphere, it’s incumbent upon all of us to do Biden reiterated the administration’s position and everything we can to ensure that no money is left on proudly told me that he has never — and would the table when your department budgets are developed. never — cross a picket line. Command has to know the SAFER money is there That’s a powerful message coming directly from the to get your staffing levels up to where they should be. president and vice president of the United States. There’s no excuse for not applying , and we have to They’ve said clearly, we support the Providence fire ensure that they pursue the program to keep our fighters. We support the IAFF, workers and labor. members riding safe. Yes, elections matter. And now, with this president, This change in SAFER was made because of our unions matter once again, even in the highest office strong, vocal and very visible gold-and-black in the land . presence in the last election. Yes, elections matter. President Obama hasn’t stopped there in standing And to top it off, the president’s budget, which he strong with us, as we stood strong for him in the last sent to Congress last month , includes a doubling of election. To put it mildly, the past several months funding for SAFER for fiscal year 2010, taking it have been difficult for the economy in the United from $210 million in 2009 to $420 million beginning States, and that has had a negative impact on a next October 1. number of affiliates. While the last administration continuously zeroed While Canada has been largely spared from the out the budget for this program , in President Barack recession thus far, in towns and cities throughout the Obama’s first budget proposal of his new United States, the financial crisis has forced layoffs, administration , he’s doubling SAFER funding — and threatens to cause more layoffs and reductions in allowing us to help re-write the rules — and is force in the coming weeks and months. changing the authorization language that will help These cuts, in turn, are resulting in crew size your departments gain easier access to that funding. reductions, brownouts, and company and station closures. It’s a vicious, dangerous cycle on which we Yes , elections do make a difference . have focused our attention in Washington, DC, since the new administration took office and the new Congress was seated. And there is good news to report on this front, as well.

International Fire Fighter 3 INTERNATIONAL

Harold A. Schaitberger General President Vincent J. Bollon Harold A. Schaitberger Jeff Zack Editor General Secretary-Treasurer Supervising Editor IAFF EXECUTIVE BOARD 10th District Jane Blume James T. Ferguson Managing Editor 1st District Kristin Craine 3029 Buchanan Street Staff Writer Kevin Gallagher Bill Glanz San Francisco, CA 94103 Staff Writer (415) 621-7103 (Office) Kristin Davis 2004 E. 29th Street Graphic Artist Brooklyn, NY 11229 (415) 346-7919 (Home) Katie Shelton 11th District (718) 934-4933 (Office) Administrative Assistant Sandy McGhee Craig Renfro (917) 767-9639 (Cell) Advertising Director • (972) 416-9782 • [email protected] (718) 332-0001 (Fax) 1283 S. Detroit Avenue Periodical postage paid at Postmasters send changes 2nd District Tulsa, OK 74120 Washington DC of address to Mark Woolbright (918) 599-8176 (Office) Published bi-monthly. 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Suite 900 Kevin O’Connor PMB 303 Assistant to the (604) 868-8730 (Cell) 350 Sparks St. Suite 403 Beavercreek, OH 45434 General President for (604) 513-9884 (Fax) Governmental Affairs Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1R7S8 7th District (937) 470-4340 (Cell) Jeff Zack (613) 567-8988 (Office) Assistant to the General Ricky Walsh (937) 429-5536 (Fax) (613) 567-8986 (Fax) President for Communications IAFF Alumni Coordinator TRUSTEES and Media Dominick Barbera P.O. Box 5604 Mark S. Ouellette Erick Genser West Richland, WA 99353 Administrative (786) 423-1401(Cell) (509) 627-2872 (Office) 2681 Sicily Drive Assistant to the General Secretary- Treasurer (954) 434-3850 (Home/Office) (509) 627-3134 (Fax) New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 Don Copley (509) 999-3090 (Cell) (603) 422-5081 (Cell) Assistant to the 8th District Alex Forrest General Secretary-Treasurer for Thomas H. Miller Budget and Finance 303-83 Garry Street Send your address changes to [email protected] 533 N. Edmondson Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3C-419 Canada (204) 783-1733 (Office) EMERITI OFFICERS Indianapolis, IN 46219-4713 Dominick C. DiPaulo (317) 357-5080 (Home) (204) 791-4980 (Cell) President Emeritus (204) 255-0383 (Home) Robert E. Palmer (317) 443-2130 (Cell) Alfred K. Whitehead Charles L. Buss 9th District (204) 253-0496 (Station) Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus (204) 772-2531 (Fax) Gerald O. Holland Randall (Randy) Atkinson Frank A. Palumbo Anthony Mejia Vice President Emeritus Michael J. Crouse 7964 South Pennsylvania Drive Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass 3451 Julian Avenue Littleton, CO 80122 Ray Hemmert Long Beach, CA 90808 Terry A. Ritchie (303) 738-9338 (Home) (562) 989-3667 (Office) Charley Hall Dominick F. Barbera (303) 880-1329 (Cell) (562) 212-2055 (Cell) Russell P. Cerami Trustee Emeritus James L. Hill GENERAL COUNSEL William McGrane Elliott Hastings Thomas Woodley Dennis Lloyd John K. Stephens Woodley & McGillivary

May/June 2009 4 From the General Secretary-Treasurer Deflationary Trends and Impact on Your Per Capita he global economic downturn that has played In other economic news, the credit card reform bill out over the last several months has caused adopted by Congress and signed by President Obama Twidespread financial hardship. Layoffs are just before Memorial Day requires credit card taking place at an alarming rate, workers’ wages are companies to clearly inform cardholders exactly what being frozen or reduced and employers are imposing they are being charged in terms of interest rates, fees cuts in retirement plans and other benefits. and penalties, and bars industry practices that have The U.S. Department of Labor’s Consumer Price long been considered unfair. Index (CPI), a standard measure of inflation, has Some of the more significant provisions of the declined by approximately 1 percent over the legislation prohibit card-issuing companies from: 12-month period from April 1, 2008, to March 31, raising the interest rate on outstanding balances 2009. This means that the market basket of goods without giving the cardholder at least 45 days notice; and services that the CPI tracks costs less as of March raising the interest rate if the cardholder is less than Vincent J. Bollon 31 than it did at the same time one year earlier. 60 days late in paying; raising the rate simply because Year-over-year changes in the CPI have a significant the cardholder was late in paying credit card charges effect on programs, benefits and services both inside on an account with a different company; or charging and outside the government sector. Of particular fees for paying credit card bills by phone or online relevance to IAFF members is the impact of the through an electronic transfer. change in the CPI on the monthly per capita that is While these reforms will put an end to harsh and paid to the International. deceptive credit card practices, card issuers may Resolution 1 adopted by the delegates at the 2008 implement other measures that will be costly to IAFF Convention provided that, effective September consumers, particularly those who adhere to good 1, 2009, the monthly per capita would increase by credit practices, in order to recoup at least some the percentage increase in the CPI over the 12-month of the revenue they stand to lose as a result of period from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 (capped this legislation. at 4.5 percent). Since the CPI did not increase in this Industry analysts say these new measures could 12-month measuring period, Resolution 1 does not include higher costs for cardholders who pay their generate a per capita increase in September. balances in full, including once again imposing IAFF per capita will still increase, but only by a annual account fees, eliminating or slashing reward small amount as a result of the adoption of programs and assessing interest on charges during Resolution 21 at the 2008 IAFF Convention, which the grace period (i.e., during the time from the date provided for 10 cents additional per capita each of purchase to the account payment due date ). month from active members and 5 cents from active- To date, the IAFF credit card has offered reasonable retired members beginning in September 2009 to terms and generous benefits to members, and we help fund IAFF’s increased ownership share in the will continue to insist that those terms and benefits Washington, DC headquarters and to help pay for be maintained. needed renovations to this building. Consequently, as of September 1, per capita will be $10.90 per month for active members and $5.45 for NOTICE OF LOCAL SUSPENSION active-retired members. Pursuant to Resolution 76 adopted at the 1986 Convention the following locals are under Pay Your Per Capita Online! secure web site. After clicking the send button, the suspension per Article XIII Section 2 for nonpayment of per amount is electronically deposited in the IAFF bank capita tax: ntil now, most locals have paid the per account and debited from the local’s account. An capita owed to the International by sending email confirmation of the transaction is then sent to Local F-307, Mechanicsburg, PA a check every month. Several months ago, the officer within minutes. U Local 2469, Gastonia, NC the IAFF implemented a pilot program in which a The per capita invoices that are mailed to locals small group of affiliates began paying their per during the first week of each month will continue Local 3271, North Chicago, IL capita through an online (Internet) transaction. to be mailed regardless of which method is used to This program has proved extremely successful, make the payment, so that locals know exactly how Local 4043, Rockwood, TN and is now open to any IAFF affiliate that wishes to each month’s per capita payment obligation was Local 4101, Escambia County, AL eliminate the time, effort and cost of writing and determined and have a paper record for their files. mailing a check to the IAFF for its per capita Affiliates that were selected to test this program and Local 4103, Cary, NC payments each month. that have made their per capita payments electronically Local 4389, Orlando Airport, FL After completing a simple set-up procedure with for several months have found the system to be simple the assistance of an IAFF staff member, a local to use and extremely efficient. These locals have Local 4461, Peninsula, CA secretary-treasurer or treasurer can make the per provided nothing but positive feedback. Local 4572, Spring Lake, NC capita payment online each month through a link on If your local wishes to begin paying its monthly the officers’ page of the IAFF web site in just a few per capita payment electronically, please call Local 4595, Horseshoe Bay, TX Demetrius Williams at (202) 824-8634. The entire easy steps. The officer enters the payment amount Local 4610, Emergency Medical and bank information from his/her computer on a set-up process takes only a few minutes. Services, NJ

www.iaff.org 5 Letters Fire Fighters In Office years to come. He ended our conversation with, “Some New Heights for MDA Dear President Schaitberger: things are just bigger than us.” After months of pounding Dear IAFF Members, On April 8, 2009, 200 fire these challenges, I am aski One of the most remarka ng fighters gathered to observe the pavement, knocking on ble you to commit to anoth things about our great u er history in the making as doors, filming television nion record-setting year of and profession is the uni Oregon’s Governor Ted commercials, debating, que fundraising for MDA. bond that brings together Kulongski signed SB 2420A, distributing lawn signs and a fire Just as our union and fighters and emergency the joining our state with others few tons of campaign rest of North America are workers everywhere. Litera that have adopted cancer literature, November finally lly, struggling in this econom any one of our members y, rolled around. Members of can our MDA family is hav presumption. Cancer go anywhere in North A ing a the community gathered merica hard time, as well. So presumption relates workers’ and be welcomed as f me amily in sponsors have redu compensation claims for cancer together and watched as an IAFF firehouse. ced their commitment to Jerry’s by fire fighters, amending an Matthews claimed victory What makes me extrem Kids at ely the same time individu already existing Oregon over a 13-year incumbent by proud is that so many o al f you donations are down. Revised Statute (656.802) to a large margin. By the look have extended that bond, that But regardless of the e establish cancer as presumed to on Matthews’ face, I think family-style warmth, by conomy, also muscular dystrophy k be job related if manifested he was more surprised than embracing the Muscu eeps lar tearing at the bodie the crowd. I wanted to do Dystrophy Associat s and lives of during a fire fighter’s career ion (MDA) those with this te what fire fighters do and and Jerry’s Kids. rrible disease. (see story on page 20). While I know ach celebrate. But Matthews Because of your ieving this The purpose of my letter is level will not easy, I’m was already talking about commitment as a union two-fold. The first is to give hope confident that by proper the cancer bill, which was spread across two countrie to my brothers and sisters s, planning and through t we have raised incredibl he residing in states that do not neglected by out-of-touch e recruitment of even m amounts of money for ore have cancer presumption. Maybe representatives who, quite MDA members to join in o to fund the research t ur you are the fire fighter to fight frankly, didn’t understand hat is fundraising effort, developing effective we can be for this initiative for your state. the fire fighter community. successful again this ye treatments and working ar. The second part of this letter Matthews is a lieutenant IAFF’s support of MD toward the cure. We are A is a is to share a unique perspective at one of the busiest true labor of love, one helping MDA clinicians that’s as a member of Gresham, OR stations in our city. endured since 1954. Je provide comprehensive rry’s During his house session, Kids need us now mo Local 1062. I am sure our medical care that enha re than nces the ever. I hope you wil department is like so many he has an hour drive lives every single day l step up of tens of and do your part. mid-sized departments around each way on a daily basis. thousands of people with the country. It is a great place to To fight for this bill, he muscular dystrop hy. In Solidarity, work and I love the people I am used trades, vacation Last year, before the recession privileged to work with, one of and leave without pay. really took hold, IAFF members whom is Greg Matthews. He trades a suit and tie raised an astounding $27.5 Matthews is a 12-year member for his bunker gear at million for MDA. and now president of Local night and does it all I know there are many 1062. Vice President Jeff over when he wakes in pressures on each of us that Harold A. Schaitberger Hamilton, who also serves on the morning. His family are truly challenging our IAFF General President the Oregon State Fire Fighters sees him for brief resolve, but in the midst of Council, took Matthews under periods on weekends his wing after he was elected when he is not working president. It wasn’t long before or conducting charity Matthews became one of the events. Matthews is the kind of next to them. Maybe you are training offered by the most dynamic union leaders person who will do anything that person. International for HazMat and Local 1062 has seen, making for his family and, yes, I am We now have cancer WMD. I am writing this letter sound and timely decisions. talking about the department presumption in Oregon because to express to you how valuable Community leaders began to family as well. He never of the hard work and dedication it was for me personally and for notice his abilities as a public complains about the long hours of a few. Matthews was right, my department. speaker and leader and for his and never-ending work. this is bigger than any of us. The Town of Florence Fire unwavering ethical values. There are a few images that Thank you, Representative Department is a small rural Before long, Matthews was will be etched in my memory Matthews, for everything you municipal fire department; we approached to run as District 50 for as long as I live. One will be have done for us. have 21 full-time fire fighters (Gresham) State Representative. Matthews holding a soot- who work at two stations. Our Matthews called to tell me he covered fire helmet on the Eric Stevenson population is less than 10,000, was thinking about running house floor with tears in his Gresham, OR but we have the potential to and he wanted to know what I eyes explaining to the other Local 1062 experience hazardous materials thought. I immediately thought representatives that he had just incidents. Our town is the about his beautiful wife and received news of another Training Keeps Us Safe County Seat and is the location three daughters and responded, cancer death of one of our of all government buildings, “Don’t do it.” brothers that morning. Dear President Schaitberger: including the courthouse and Matthews reminded me of the We need fire fighters in office My name is Jim Walter and I county jail. We’ve had some thousands of fire fighters so we can support bills such as am the president of Florence, high-profile cases in the state of statewide and the unforeseen cancer presumption. There are AZ Local 4512. I am also a Arizona come through our percentage who will be diagnosed a select few that are willing to captain with the department. In court. We also have a train with cancer this year and the fight for the guy/gal standing February, we recieved the free route that carries hazardous

LETTERS May/June 2009 6 | materials that could cause an received is priceless to me. I Within five days, Greg had because of pity, or because he incident. hope that in the future we will collected a few sample rescue felt he owed me anything. I know that we do not have be able to continue these types harnesses and drove them from None of those was true and, the appeal that a larger city of training opportunities despite Maryland directly to my home indeed, none truly mattered. would for a WMD attack, but the size of our department. in Chesapeake, Virginia . He He did it because he felt it we could certainly be called on also brought rescue equipment was the right thing to do, to assist if it happened outside Jim Walter, President catalogs to demonstrate what because he knew he had the our jurisdiction. Florence, AZ Local 4512 additional accessories might be expertise as a fire fighter to do The class was presented by necessary . it, and because he would do it John Teefy, a member of Life Altering Actions Not only did Greg find the for anyone who had the need. Phoenix, AZ Local 493 and Alex right harness, but he ordered it, That is the selfless spirit of fire Rangel, a member of Tempe, AZ Dear President Schaitberger: personally altered it so that I fighters that I could only read Local 493. They did an I am writing to share my could enter and exit myself about before — and now I have outstanding job to make the gratitude for the overwhelming without assistance, and then lived it myself. content more specific to our professionalism and shipped the harness to me. And what a life-altering response area. Their teaching compassion of Greg Russell, Within two weeks of calling change that spirit has made in style engaged the class and made president of the National Greg Russell, I had a workable the rest of my life. it easy to understand. I was Capital Professional Federal harness in my hands. And to I can’t thank him or your personally faced with a call after Fire Fighters Local F -121. top it all off, he wouldn’t allow brotherhood of fire fighters the class which made me realize Quite simply, he changed my me to reimburse him for the enough. what I had possibly missed for life, and no one could have cost of the harness, buckles, years. It was a simple smoke done this but a selfless fire alterations or shipping . Sincerely, condition at our local high fighter like him. I always understood that Greg Greg A. Harris school. A science experiment For more than 20 years, I’ve wasn’t doing all this because we had complications and filled a struggled with Inclusion Body were life-long friends, or wing with light smoke. In the Myositis, which is a form of past, I would have conducted muscular dystrophy. My muscles Political Action Prevails support. We were able to ventilation and allowed the have continued to atrophy to the establish relationships with the students back in when it cleared. point where I can rarely rise Dear President Schaitberger: current council and This is the first time that I from my bed or walk under my It is with great appreciation prominent members of the considered using a gas detector own power. In order to continue that I forward this letter to you. community. inside, which revealed that there to live independently, I would I am the president of Penticton, As a result, the city council were high levels of CO that require a ceiling lift from BC Local 1399. Our Local adopted a plan to increase our lasted about 90 minutes after I bedroom to bathroom. And at consists of 36 members (five staffing, beginning with the would have normally allowed age 41, the only other option dispatcher, three fire prevention hiring of four more fire fighters the students back. was to live in a nursing home — and 28 fire fighters). We this year, to bring our I realize I possibly averted for the rest of my life. respond from two fire stations, minimum staffing levels exposing these students to a Even as I made arrangements and our city has had a policy of initially to three at each station. hazard I never would have to have a lift installed, I minimum staffing at those This was included in a budget considered. I am grateful for couldn’t find a patient sling stations of two each. of a 0 percent tax increase that the training that I received. I with the proper amount of For more than 17 years, our featured layoffs and cutbacks in have also significantly changed support for my body. And administration and local every other department in the my response to a hazardous without a fitted sling that I executive have brought city. We were able to make our materials call, as have other could operate myself, I would forward concerns of issues a priority in these trying captains who I spoke to who most certainly require around- understaffing to our city economic times. were in attendance. the-clock care. After trying council. There have been Although we are not yet at I never considered many of multiple slings to no avail , the several studies and consultant NFPA 1710 levels, we have the points that were brought situation was looking dire. reports commissioned by the made a giant step from the up by the instructors who are However, I had one last idea city, as well as the IAFF report, 1979 established minimums. more experienced in this area. I — a rescue harness. I thought that have all identified that we We owe this to the help and used to employ the rule of of the proud tradition of fire are understaffed, yet council support of our brothers and thumb when approaching a fighters here in Chesapeake, has not made any changes. sisters at all levels of the IAFF HazMat scene — quite literally where I was raised, and then I With the assistance of 6th and especially you and your — but now realize that I was thought of Greg Russell. District Vice President Lorne team’s political philosophy of actually jeopardizing safety of Greg is a friend from high West, Assistant to the General supporting those who support the people who rely on my school with whom I had President Jim Lee and British us. This was and will continue service. But with the training I recently become reacquainted Columbia Professional Fire to be an example of how received, I feel confident that I on Facebook — we hadn’t Fighters Association President successful that approach is. can keep my crew safe and actually spoken since graduation Mike Hurley, we launched an On behalf of the members of protect the community. in 1985. I called his cell phone, in-depth political action Local 1399, thank you. I understand that we did not and found him shopping with campaign during last year’s have a large class and many of his children. Greg stopped what civic elections. We brought Mike Richards our members could not attend. he was doing, told me not to our issues to the candidates President But the valuable information worry, and that he would be and received incredible Penticton Local 1399 that those who did attend glad to help me.

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International Fire Fighter LETTERS | 7 Local Scene Massachusetts Fire Fighters Rally to Protect Jobs and Resources

ore than 1,500 Massachusetts fire Professional Fire fighters descended on Boston Fighters of MApril 14 to call Governor Devel Massachusetts Patrick’s attention to several serious issues, President Bob including fire fighter layoffs and McCarthy and more equipment and training budget cuts. The than 1,500 fire Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts fighters from across (PFFM) led a march in the streets around the state marched the state house, stopping on the building’s to City Hall to call attention to layoffs front steps to hold the rally and press and station closures conference. that are putting Speaking to the crowd, Professional Fire public safety at risk. Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) President Robert McCarthy said, “Today, we sound the alarm on the dire state of the fire service. With more layoffs, station closings and unsafe staffing levels, every day the public is put more and more at risk.” recently laid-off New Bedford Local 841 job. The Office of the Secretary of Public “The economic downturn has meant less and Fall River Local 1314 fire fighters. Safety has announced that the grant money coming from the state to aid our In the meeting, Massachusetts fire applications will be sent to fire cities and towns, and the result has been fighters encouraged the governor to use departments in July. Additionally, the devastating,” says IAFF 3rd District Vice federal stimulus money to help rehire governor has proposed in the state’s fiscal President Mike Mullane. “More than 120 laid-off fire fighters. The governor may 2010 budget $4 million from an fire fighters have been laid off in New allocate 18.2 percent ($180 million) of the assessment of the fire insurance industry Bedford, Fall River, Worcester, Amesbury State Stabilization Fund ($1.3 billion) to to fund fire fighter education grant and Shirley. More fire fighter jobs are at assist public safety under the stimulus bill. programs, continued funding for risk as of July 1.” Governor Patrick listened and later hazardous materials response teams, After the press conference and rally, assured fire fighters that he is committed critical incident stress management and Governor Patrick agreed to meet privately to allocating $21.4 million from the fire fighter training.  with the PFFM Executive Board and 50 stimulus to put fire fighters back on the

United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Los Angeles City Fire Fighters Descend on City Hall (UFLAC) Local 112 President Pat ore than 500 Los Angeles City, CA organized after the city administration McOsker says a fire department cut of Local 112 fire fighters marched to proposed to cut $40 million from the Los that magnitude would have a devastating MCity Hall and into city council Angeles Fire Department budget to help effect on the safety of the fire fighters and chambers May 18, demanding that city make up for the city’s expected $530 million the citizens they protect and serve. leaders put public safety first. The event was shortfall for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. “The fire chief has said he’d have to shut down 20 companies a day in order to accommodate the proposed cuts,” says McOsker. “If that happens, people are going to die in our city and we cannot let that happen. While we understand sacrifices will have to be made, we cannot make these drastic cuts to our resources.” When fire fighters reached city hall, about 300 fire fighters went inside, where McOsker and UFLAC 2nd Vice President Frank Lima addressed the city council and voiced their concerns about what the cuts would do to pubic and fire fighter safety. The council listened and took immediate action, voting to reject a proposal to freeze fire department hiring. However, since Local 112 is currently in contract negotiations with the city and because other cost-cutting measures are being considered, no decisions were made regarding the fire department budget. Visit the UFLAC web site at www.uflac.org to view a video from the march and for updates on budget Los Angeles City, CA Local 112 marched into City Hall to demand city leaders put decisions.  public safety first. Local 112 President Pat McOsker called the proposed budget cuts “devastating.”

LOCAL SCENE May/June 2009 8 | Save Orlando’s Fire Fighters officers — or any other city service — you Industrial Relations (CIR) order. should just give the money back to the “Judge Teresa Luther’s decision was a true rlando, FL Local 1365 is encouraging citizens,” Local 1365 President Steve victory for Grand Island fire fighters,” says IAFF members and citizens to join Clelland told the Orlando Sentinel . Scott Kuehl, president of Grand Island Oits “ Save Your Orlando Firefighters “ The Dyer administration’s threatened Local 647. “If the sick hours had been paid Facebook group to help prevent the layoff of layoffs are intended to put pressure on the out in dollars, the city would have owed us 46 fire fighters that the city unions to cut job losses by giving up wage $680,000. We simply wanted them to announced it is cutting, along increases or accepting salary reductions. adhere to the CIR decision.” CIR hears all with 300 other city employees. Union leaders say they’re willing to forgo government labor contract disputes. The Facebook page invites raises to save jobs, but aren’t willing to In September 2006, when contract friends, co-workers and family completely ignore the three-year labor negotiations between Local 647 and the to send an invitation to their contracts signed in December 2008. city came to a standstill, Grand Island fire friends to join the group and to contact Both public safety unions and the unions fighters took their case to the CIR. Mayor Buddy Dyer and city commissioners that represent more than 1,000 white collar In May 2007, the CIR ruled that the city’s to oppose these layoffs. The page has workers are also bringing their case new pay step plan (which included an attracted nearly 9,500 members. straight to Orlando residents by going additional step) failed to give fire fighters Mayor Buddy Dyer says the layoffs, which door to door, picketing city hall and credit for years of service and good job would save the city $34 million, are necessary broadcasting radio ads.  performance evaluations. Additionally, the to overcome a property tax shortfall. But commission ruled that accumulated sick leave Orlando, FL Local 1365 and other labor Nebraska Fire Fighters Win should total no more than 1,567 hours, but the city had been allowing up to 2,880 hours. unions that are fighting to prevent the layoffs Sick Pay Dispute say there is plenty of money in the city’s After the ruling, the city took away sick emergency reserve account — more than hours from all fire fighters who had $100 million — that could be used for public Hall County, Nebraska, District accumulated more than 1,567 hours. But, safety. But the city is against dipping into Court judge has ruled that the city of it was Local 647’s position that its these funds because it would hurt its ability to AGrand Island must return earned sick members had earned the extra sick hours finance new community venues such as the hours and pay step increases to Grand Island during the previous contract which Magic Arena, the performing arts center and Local 647 fire fighters. The ruling came as allowed for 2,880 hours. Citrus Bowl stadium. the result of a dispute between Local 647 Additionally, the city was not allowing “If you’re not going to use your reserves and the city over whether or not the city had some of Grand Island Fire Department’s on rainy days to save fire fighters or police properly implemented a Commission of Continued on Page 11

www.iaff.org LOCAL SCENE | 9 Local Scene IAFF Members On the Frontlines

IFSTA Donates Training Materials to Iraqi Fire Fighters

he International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) — which has Tworked with the IAFF on various projects — has donated introductory fire fighting textbooks and accompanying materials to the Iraqi Joint Fire Academy. The academy was launched last year with the help of Henderson, NV Local 1883 member Garren Fulmer, who is currently serving as a Sergeant Major with the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion. Through his position in the United States Army, Fulmer was appointed to organize Iraqi fire fighters will be able to and advise the Iraqi Civil Defense establish a training program, thanks Waterloo Member Helps Fire Directorate (the National Fire to IAFF members Garren Fulmer and Fighters in Afghanistan Department). While Iraqis had an adequate Bruce Evans. amount of fire service equipment, they ike Schipper, a member of were severely lacking in training materials. clip art disks, instructor outlines, Waterloo, IA Local 66 was “We had some training textbooks PowerPoint presentations, activity sheets, Mmobilized for active duty in available to us, but they really weren’t quizzes and test questions. Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy. satisfactory for our needs,” says Fulmer. “I was surprised how fast the materials During his tour, Schipper helped the “We needed to establish a core program arrived, which was great because it city of Asadabad, Afghanistan’s fire that could be sustainable after we leave.” allowed us to get started,” says Fulmer. fighters with a donation of 16 basic Through former Local 1883 member “Since then, the training has been going fire fighting manuals from the and current North Las Vegas, NV Local great. The translation has also been going Hazardous Materials Regional 1607 member Bruce Evans, Fulmer was well, but there is so much material that Training Center in Waterloo, where he put in contact with IFSTA Assistant the oversight of that project may fall into works part time as an instructor. Local Director Mike Wieder. the hands of my replacement when my 66 shipped the manuals to Schipper at “We really wanted to help out, and our tour here is complete.” Bagram Airfield. The Afghan fire chief operating officer gave the go-ahead IFSTA’s umbrella organization is Fire fighters and local tribal leaders were to donate materials,” says Wieder. Protection Publications (FPP), the world’s appreciative of the training manuals. Fulmer found a translator who could leading publisher of training materials for Schipper has since returned home, and translate the materials into Arabic. “This the fire and emergency services. The FFP is started back to work.  was great news to IFSTA because many of a department of the College of our materials have been translated into Engineering, Architecture, and Technology various languages, but none of them have (CEAT) at Oklahoma State University Information Resources Lori Moore-Merrell been translated into Arabic,” says Wieder. (OSU). IAFF Assistant to the General serves on the IFSTA Executive Board.  IFSTA sent several textbooks, as well as President for Technical Assistance and

IAFF Members Deployed to Sather Air Base

AFF members from across the United States serving in the Air National Guard with 447th Expeditionary Civil R E

I Engineer fire fighters at Sather Air Base, Iraq, include:

R I R

U Back row, from left: Technical Sergeant David Childs C

A (Aliquippa, PA Local 802); Staff Sergeant Sam Deverell D N

A (Letterkenny Army Depot, PA Local F-170); Staff Sergeant M A

T Ed Barstow (Altoona, PA Local 299); and Technical Sergeant N A

E James Robbins (Hanscom Air Force Base, MA Local F-78). G R

E Front row, from left: Staff Sergeant Carlos Chavez Jr. S F

F (Dinuba, CA Local 3936); Senior Airman Kevin Jones (Air A T

S National Guard Base, Martinsburg, WV Local F-276); Y B Technical Sergeant Peter Mickiewicz (Cambridge, MA Local O T

O 30); and Senior Airman Josh Carder (Martinsburg, WV H P

Y Local F-276).  B O T O H P

May/June 2009 10 be moved to top pay. Those same fire driving record prior to becoming a fire Continued from Page 9 most senior fire fighters to advance to fighters are entitled to back pay retroactive fighter had caused the city’s insurance the top step. to the current contract’s start date.  company to refuse to cover Johnson to Based on those two issues, Local 647 filed operate fire department vehicles. suit against the city in District Court in Maine Fire Fighter Back to However, the PFFM and Local 2303 October 2007. Work After Unjust Termination argued that not only had Johnson fully After recently hearing the case, Judge Luther disclosed his driving record before being hired, the local’s contract with the city ruled in favor of the fire fighters, saying that hanks to the support of the does not list insurability as a condition of any sick leave accrued before October 2006 Professional Fire Fighters of Maine employment. qualifies as deferred compensation and T(PFFM) and Gardiner, ME Local “This was not only a victory for Gardiner should not have been taken away. Those 2303, fire fighter Josh Johnson is back on fire fighters, but a victory for all of Maine’s hours were ordered to be returned. the job after being unjustly fired by the city fire fighters,” says PFFM President John She also said that time served should be of Gardiner. Martell. “If the city had prevailed, it could considered in the new pay scale and, Johnson, a Local 2303 member, was therefore, some senior fire fighters should terminated after the city alleged that his Continued on Page 12 Rockingham Chief Threatens Violence Against Fire Fighters

ockingham Fire Chief Charles Gardner has fired two fire fighters Rand suspended two others since Rockingham, NC Local 4702 filed a lawsuit against the city for unlawfully withholding overtime pay from the city’s first responders. Fire fighters held a rally to protest Colorado “Chief Gardner’s pattern of abusive Governor Bill Ritter’s veto of a bill that would behavior is in retaliation for the decision have given them collective bargaining rights. by Rockingham fire fighters to form a union,” says IAFF 12th District Vice Governor Betrays President Larry Osborne. “Forming a Colorado Fire Fighters union is a legally protected right in our country. Abusive retaliation against olorado Governor Bill Ritter has workers for any reason is not legal.” Robbie Barber, president of Rockingham vetoed a bill that would have given Gardner fired Local 4702 President Robbie Barber on May 26 for allegedly Local 4702 (left), with Rodney Gandy, Cfire fighters collective bargaining secretary-treasurer of Local 4702. without local government approval. Senate failing to respond to a turn-in alarm Bill 180, which passed the state legislature while off duty. He fired Local 4702 in May, would have allowed fire fighters’ Treasurer Rodney Gandy on April 24, been unfairly singled out for retaliatory unions with a minimum of 50 employees also for allegedly failing to respond to a discipline. to have equal negotiating status with turn-in alarm while off duty. Chief Gardner has denied the use of management in decisions on pay, benefits Ten members of the Rockingham Fire earned vacation leave and canceled and working conditions — but not the Department formed Rockingham Local vacation leave that had already been right to strike. During his campaign in 4702 on October 1, 2008. On March 13, approved and scheduled. And, he has 2006, Ritter had promised to support state- 2009, attorneys for Rockingham fire failed to pay fire fighters for responding wide collective bargaining for fire fighters. fighters filed a lawsuit in federal district to off-duty turn-in alarms, even though “Every day, Colorado’s fire fighters risk court seeking unpaid wages unlawfully they are entitled to receive pay when their lives to protect the public, but Governor withheld from the fire fighters. they respond. Ritter has refused to stand up for them,” says Withholding overtime pay violates the The department’s two non-union fire IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). All 10 fighters have not been disciplined since “Despite making campaign promises to members of Local 4702 are named as the lawsuit was filed and reportedly have support fire fighters, he has turned his back plaintiffs in the lawsuit. been offered double compensation by on the men and women who risk their lives “Chief Gardner has little regard for the the chief to cover the shifts of the Local for others. This veto is a rejection of the law or the civil rights of fire fighters in 4702 fire fighters he has suspended. labor movement’s core philosophy and robs the union,” says David Anders, president Chief Gardner also has a violent, fire fighters across the state of having a of the Professional Fire Fighters and well-documented past. voice in their safety. Come election time, Paramedics of North Carolina. “Chief “Chief Gardner is a classic bully and we will remember that the governor Gardner’s tyrannical behavior is un- incapable of serving in a management abandoned us on this critical issue.” American, and it’s time to shed light on capacity,” says Anders. “In light of At a rally held following the governor’s veto his illegal actions.” his history and overt threats, it is of the bill, IAFF 9th District Vice President Since the lawsuit was filed and the incumbent on the city of Rockingham and Colorado Professional Fire Fighters chief learned of the existence of Local to step in and keep its fire fighters Association President Randy Atkinson said, 4702 and the names of those in the safe from the chief who was sworn to “Today is a very disappointing day for us. We union, every union officer and a protect them.”  have been let down by someone we thought majority of the union members have was our supporter.”  www.iaff.org LOCAL SCENE | 11 Local Scene “The minimum [staffing] IAFF 7th District Holds requirements are that you District-Wide Fire Ops have a high school diploma he IAFF 7th District hosted its fifth and a valid driver’s license. Fire Ops at the HAMMER training Tfacility in Richland, Washington. The city’s decision to fire Thirty six decision-makers and media Johnson was in clear traveled from various points in Washington, Montana and Idaho to violation of the contract.” participate. “This program is as much about —Rich Kindelan, Local 2303 President education as it is about relationship- have set the precedent that fire fighters could building,” says IAFF 7th District Vice “This is a huge event that requires about be arbitrarily terminated based on whether President Ricky Walsh. Accordingly, locals 100 of our members to conduct, so it or not the city thinks the fire fighter is must send members to accompany its takes a lot of coordination,” says Walsh. “I insurable — especially when there is no participants. am really fortunate to have the HAMMER contract language to support the practice.” This year’s participants completed six facility nearby for us to use.” During pre-employment screening, evolutions: live burn, search and rescue, The HAMMER provides hands-on Johnson was subject to a background EMS, propane emergency, roof operations training for emergency service check which included his driving record. and extrication. It was covered well in professionals for high-risk tasks and to He did have some moving violations, but both print publications and television learn how to use technologies. the city did not find his record to be cause news stations.  for concern and hired him in February 2008. Johnson completed his probationary termination, saying he was uninsurable. The city’s decision to fire Johnson was in period of six months with high marks. “Nowhere in our contract does it clear violation of the contract.” Meanwhile, the city’s insurance company stipulate that an employee must be PFFM Staff Representative Bob Bourgault conducted an audit of city employee driving insurable,” says Rich Kindelan, president of and PFFM 3rd District Vice President Mike records. The company notified the city that Local 2303. “In fact, the minimum Scott stepped in to assist Local 2303 and it could no longer insure Johnson. The city requirements are that you have a high Johnson through the grievance process.  responded by giving Johnson a notice of school diploma and a valid driver’s license.

LOCAL SCENE May/June 2009 12 | “The IAFF will not tolerate retaliation against local leaders who step out to organize and support an affiliate. The full relief granted by PERC to Diaz is the type of justice that the International pursues against employers who retaliate against our affiliate leaders for the exercising their rights.” —General President Harold Schaitberger

he only employee to ever be denied leave without pay by the city of Plantation, Florida, has prevailed in an unfair labor practice suit charging that he was fired for This union activities. The Florida Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) has upheld a hearing officer’s findings that the city of Plantation fired Local 4430 Secretary Jude Diaz and has ordered the city to reinstate Diaz, compensate him for lost wages and benefits and post a notice in the workplace informing all employees that it will cease and desist from firing employees for participating in union activities. PERC’s decision is significant in light of the city of From top left: Plantation Local 4430 members Rachel Diaz and Plantation’s history of anti-union behavior. Rosa Allen-Meizoso, former Local 4430 President Jeff Poole, The Rescue Division of the Plantation Fire Department had Attorney Douglas Steele and Local 4430 members Sivy Del tried to organize for some time and was finally successful in Rosario and Rita Adams. From bottom left: former Local 4430 Treasurer Tom Neri, former Local 4430 Secretary Jude Diaz and 2005. Local 4430 is comprised solely of EMTs, paramedics and Local 4430 member James Williams. rescue lieutenants. Fire fighters in Plantation are volunteers. In 2005, Diaz and more than a dozen other employees filed “I wanted to come back to work, but my doctor had not suit against the city for unpaid overtime. City attorneys approved me to do so,” says Diaz. “The city did not see it refused to settle the suit for more than a year until a U.S. that way.” District Court ruled that the city had violated the Fair Labor In December 2007, the department discharged Diaz, Standards Act (FLSA) for more than two years. The city paid ostensibly because of his extended absence. Evidence showed out $100,000 in overtime, plus legal fees. that the city had, in fact, terminated him for his protected As a result of that case, the city retaliated against the union activities. plaintiffs by firing or disciplining union organizers, including “When all of the union-busting activity began, several of us President Jeff Poole, Secretary Jude Diaz, Treasurer Tom Neri, began documenting everything,” notes Diaz. “This proved to be Vice President Suzette Terheun, Sivy Del Rosario, Bernard invaluable as our cases moved forward. I would advise anyone Tribie and Stephanie Kluver. finding themselves in a similar situation to do the same. The IAFF initiated further legal action, filing a federal court After the filing of unfair labor practice charges, a hearing action lawsuit claiming retaliation and discrimination in officer issued a decision, concluding that the assistant chief violation of their First Amendment rights to free association and fire chief had not provided credible testimony justifying and free speech, and for having pursued their entitlements to the discharge of Diaz. Instead, the hearing officer found that overtime pay. Diaz was terminated because of his union leadership role. He “The IAFF will not tolerate retaliation against local leaders ordered the city to reinstate Diaz to his former job, and to pay who step out to organize and support an affiliate,” says IAFF him all lost wages and benefits, with interest. General President Harold Schaitberger. “The full relief granted On appeal by the city, PERC upheld all of the hearing by PERC to Diaz is the type of justice that the International officer’s findings and award of full relief. In addition, because pursues against employers who retaliate against our affiliate PERC determined that the city “knew or should have known leaders for the exercising their rights.” that its conduct was unlawful,” it awarded attorneys’ fees and In addition to the federal court action lawsuit filed by IAFF costs against the city, a rare action for state PERCs, which do General Counsel Tom Woodley, Local 4430 filed a not typically grant requests for attorneys’ fees and expenses. representation petition with PERC. The city, along with The PERC also ordered the city to cease and desist from several chiefs, launched a campaign to break the union — dismissing employees for engaging in union activities, and to targeting the officers and members of the local with threats, stop otherwise interfering with or coercing its employees in suspensions and multiple firings. the exercise of their rights. The city is also required to post a Diaz, one of the few local leaders who remained employed notice in workplace areas for 60 days, notifying the employees in the city’s Rescue Division, faced continuous harassment at that it will no longer engage in illegal conduct. work. In the fall of 2007, when he took sick leave to recover “This has been a very difficult process,” says Diaz. “I am very from knee surgery, his subsequent request for light duty was thankful that the IAFF and its general counsel have not only denied twice, as was his request for leave without pay. stood by me, but all of us.” 

International Fire Fighter 13 disease. Fire fighters experience psychological stress more frequently and intensely than the general population or in most other occupations. They are confronted on a daily basis with the death and injury of civilians, mass casualty fires and fear of their own injury and death. The negative effects of stress on the heart need to continue to be studied. Only a few studies document stress among fire fighters and its effect on cardiovascular disease, but all of them have demonstrated that fire fighters suffer from increased psychological stress — frequently accompanied by physical changes, including increased heart rate. A recent analysis of data on fire fighting and heart disease , conducted by Dr. Stefanos Kales and colleagues at the Harvard School of Public Health, reaffirms the link between death from cardiovascular disease and fire fighting with conclusive In 2005, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal evidence that the risk of death from heart Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Assistance to disease is significantly higher during fire suppression, responding to alarms, Firefighters Grants (AFG) office began funding research and returning from alarms and during certain development studies designed to help reduce fire fighter deaths and physical training activities. injuries. This is the second in a series of articles that will review fire And, in a report released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and fighter health and safety issues, as well as the findings of some of Health (NIOSH ), based on its own these AFG-supported research and development activities. research, recognized that cardiovascular disease among fire fighters is due to a ardiovascular disease takes an from heart disease than the general combination of personal and workplace enormous toll on the fire service, population. A 2006 study by investigators at factors. The report also noted that hiring Caccounting for approximately 43 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and and maintaining medically and physically percent of all line-of-duty deaths, according Prevention (CDC) that examined 1,141 fire fit fire fighters is an important step in to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). fighters who died while on duty during 1994- reducing cardiovascular disease . Among all occupational groups in the 2004 found sudden cardiac death as a leading United States, fire fighters suffer the highest cause of death among career fire fighters. Chemicals Toxic to the Heart mortality rate due to cardiovascular events Still, studies comparing fire fighters to the The fire environment also contains a on the job. general population most likely underestimate number of potentially dangerous toxins to While statistics point to heart attacks and the health differences between the two the heart, including carbon monoxide, strokes as causes of these deaths, there is populations. This is because of what’s called which is present at virtually every fire and much more to learn about the underlying the “Healthy Worker Effect.” Fire fighters is believed to accelerate coronary artery causes that make fire fighters suffer overall tend to be healthier than the general disease and be directly toxic to the heart. disproportionately. population by nature of the job prerequisites When carbon monoxide is inhaled and Clearly, the very nature of fire fighting — a factor that these studies do not take into absorbed into the blood stream, red blood places extraordinary strain on consideration. cells are then unable to take up oxygen and cardiovascular systems. Within 15-30 In a re-analysis of 23 fire fighter vital organs — such as the heart — are seconds after the fire alarm sounds, mortality studies, Dr. Bernard Choi, senior starved of oxygen. Carbon monoxide research studies have found that a fire research scientist at the Public Health is thought to accelerate atherosclerosis, fighter’s heart rate can increase by as much Agency of Canada, adjusted for the the process by which arteries narrow, clog as 117 beats per minute, and continues to Healthy Worker Effect in four studies that and harden. beat at twice its normal rate throughout had previously showed no increased Other frequent exposures affecting the the entire fire fighting operation. association between fire fighting and cardiovascular system include polycyclic This strenuous physical activity is made cardiovascular mortality, and discovered aromatic hydrocarbons, cyanide, benzene more burdensome by protective clothing that these studies did, in fact, show a link and hydrochloric acid. Arsenic, as well as and breathing apparatus, which add 45 to between heart disease and fire fighting. other toxic metals, organic solvents and 65 pounds. Temperature extremes from many other toxins may also be present below freezing to between 100 degrees and Increased Physical Demands and depending on the products of combustion 500 degrees Fahrenheit at the fire itself also Psychological Stress and conditions at the scene. are a factor. The more precisely the reasons for the This unique combination of factors is disproportionate risk of line-of-duty death Multiple Studies Have Diverse Approaches unlike that of any other occupation, and due to cardiovascular disease in fire Studying cardiovascular disease among fire leads to an increased risk of death due to fighters are identified, the more fire fighter fighters is an enormous undertaking. New heart disease among fire fighters compared lives can be saved. research efforts are necessary for several to the general population. In addition to the physical demands of reasons, including the ability to involve fire In fact, there is strong evidence that fire the job, there is also a clear link between fighters and fire departments from different fighters have a greater occurrence of death psychological stress and cardiovascular regions and with differing emergency activity.

May/June 2009 14 Brian Cowan, director of the FEMA how tasks at different emergencies affect the The fire service also needs to hire Assistance to Firefighter Grant program cardiovascular and respiratory system. The medically and physically able individuals office, says, “A great deal is already project team collected and evaluated and maintain their health, wellness and understood about cardiovascular disease. It normative physiological data for multiple fitness throughout their career. The WFI is the application to the fire service that fire ground tasks, including fire attack, was introduced 12 years ago, and clearly needs to continue. The research and search and rescue, exterior ventilation and saves fire fighters’ lives. Despite the fact development investment and the return on overhaul activities. that it has been recognized as the major that investment in terms of fire fighter Brown found that substantial time is tool for reducing fire fighter fatalities, most health and safety are huge.” required to metabolize hormones and to fire departments have not adopted it. With AFG support, the Harvard University dissipate heat, allowing physiological stress The entire Wellness-Fitness Initiative, team, in partnership with numerous fire to linger. Again, this study found that the including the CPAT, Peer Fitness Trainer departments nationwide, is continuing the physical and emotional triggers for heart certification program and the Fit to tracking of risk factors for heart disease, attack stay with the fire fighter for some Survive online resource, as well as new such as obesity and hypertension. With time after an emergency incident, presenting programs to reduce high blood pressure approximately 2,000 fire fighters nationwide a potential trigger for cardiovascular events. are available free to IAFF members and the participating, this research effort examines These and other studies of cardiovascular fire service. The IAFF continues to push the links between risk factors and cardiac disease among fire fighters hold great for the full adoption of these medically events. Dr. Kales’ studies on obesity and promise for multi-faceted interventions that proven and cost-saving programs. hypertension in the fire service provide will help prevent conditions that are so tragic There is strong consensus among further direction for physicians to pay today. Some of the Assistance to Firefighters researchers regarding standards for special attention to the work stress and Grant program studies will take years to acceptable and unacceptable levels of cardiovascular needs of fire fighters. complete, with follow up for those that show cardiac risk. However, these researchers, Working with the IAFF, the National Fire the most promising results for developing working with fire service partners, only Protection Association (NFPA) and other effective methods for dissemination, take the first step. They aim to identify fire service experts, Dr. Jeffrey Burgess of adoption implementation and evaluation. key factors related to cardiac risk and the University of Arizona is examining new Further, work will continue in addressing develop evidence-based prevention or ways to conduct cardiac screening that is approaches for better recovery from fire intervention strategies. effective with early diagnosis. Dr. Burgess’ fighting, including fitness based on Ultimately, it is up to the fire service prior research led to the fire service’s building muscle strength or improving and its respective jurisdictions to decide to improved understanding of the health risks cardiovascular aerobic training, changes in adopt evidence-based approaches and to linked to overhaul tasks. nutrition and diet that positively influence fully implement those programs and cardiovascular risk factors and identifying standards that will reduce fire fighter deaths Leading the Way to Intervention efficient and effective rehydration methods. from cardiovascular and other diseases.  At the Firefighter Life Safety Research The IAFF continues to address the issues Center at the University of Illinois, Doctors of heart disease under a number of Denise Smith and Gavin Horn used an programs that are funded, in part, by the Work to Live AFG grant to study the effect of heat stress Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. on cardiovascular variables. Their unique The International has also developed Resources approach to understanding cardiovascular significant resources — including events offers important insights. Smith and curriculum — to address fire ground WELLNESS-FITNESS INITIATIVE Horn studied why fire fighters have higher rehabilitation. This rehabilitation effort Resources for the safety, health and cardiac-related mortality on the job than provides tools to detect and address severely medical needs of IAFF members other occupational groups, such as police. elevated cardiovascular or respiratory www.iaff.org/HS/Well While both groups experience high-stress responses during fire ground operations. situations daily, only fire fighters This effort works hand–in-hand with TFhITeTfiOreSfiUghRtVerIV’sEguide to health experience extreme heat conditions. decades-long work to improve fire fighter and nutrition Fire fighters from more than 40 fire protective clothing and equipment, departments in Illinois participated in this including early efforts in the IAFF Project www.iaff.org/hs/fts study to observe the behavior of the FIRES program — where most of today’s cardiovascular system and blood clotting fire fighting gear derived — and the STOP•DROP•CONTROL HIGH factors under heat conditions typical of Project HEROES program, which is BIALFOFOcDamPpRaEigSnStUoRcoE ntrol high fire fighting training. working to provide protection in an all- blood pressure Results demonstrated several changes in hazards environment while at the same blood coagulatory variables, indicating that time reducing physiological stress. www.iaff.org/sdc fire fighting increased clotting potential Furthermore, the next generation self CAMPAIGN FOR A and risk for thrombus formation. Most contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) SMOKE-FREE UNION heart attacks occur when a blood clot program will provide new technology to Encourages IAFF members and blocks a coronary artery; thus, increased effectively and significantly reduce the their families to quit tobacco clotting potential may explain the weight and profile of current SCBA. www.iaff.org/smokefree/ increased risk of heart attacks during and But the most significant project that the shortly after fire suppression activities. IAFF has developed — in partnership with The studies and research articles Dr. Jim Brown, lead researcher for a the IAFC — is the Wellness-Fitness Initiative addressed in this story are available one-year AFG grant at Indiana (WFI) and the programs under the WFI at www.iaff.org/library/library. University-Bloomington , and his colleagues, umbrella. As current research has found, in cooperation with the Indianapolis Fire annual medical evaluations and sound For more information, contact the Department and Indianapolis Local 416, physical training programs are critical ways to IAFF Division of Occupational investigated the physical rigor of real fire prevent and reduce line-of-duty deaths due to Health, Safety and Medicine at response and on-scene work to determine heart attacks and cardiovascular disea se. (202) 824-1571 . www.iaff.org 15 As public employees, fire fighters are realizing that the best way to positively influence the policies that govern their profession is to engage their elected officials and become politically active. or many IAFF members, political Leffingwell was voted into office by an action is already a way of life, and the impressive margin. Fproof is in the results. “When we endorse a candidate, we don’t Springfield, MO Local 152, for example, just lend them our name,” says Stephen learned quickly the power of political Truesdell, president of Local 975. “We donate action. Four years ago, Springfield fire a lot of time toward well-planned campaign fighters played a significant part in helping activity, ensuring that our candidate will pass legislation have the best possible requiring the city chance of victory.” of Springfield to Concerned that fund its pension voter turnout would system. Since then, be low, the Local 975 “When we endorse a Local 152 has Political Action maintained a high Committee’s strategy candidate, we don’t just profile in local included a strong Get- politics and, in Out-The-Vote effort lend them our name, April of this year, focused on 11 key we donate a lot of time was successful in precincts. As a result, electing both of its Leffingwell won all 11 toward well-planned endorsed candidates to city council. of those precincts, seven of them earning Local 152 used several campaign strategies him more than 50 percent of the vote. campaign activity, to help elect the two fire fighter-friendly Overall, Leffingwell took 47 percent of the ensuring that our candidates, including radio ads, yard signs, vote, nearly 20 percentage points ahead of door-to-door visits and mailers. Local 152 his closest competitor. candidate will have the President Tony Kelley says, “These “With the election of Mayor Leffingwell candidates expressed a commitment to and the re-election of City Council Member best possible chance public safety and a willingness to listen to Mike Martinez — a former Local 975 any of our concerns with an open mind. We president — we are well-positioned to have of victory.” were happy to throw our support behind our voice heard on issues important to fire them and look forward to working with fighters,” says Mike Bewley, communications them in the future.” director for the Austin Local 975 PAC. —Stephen Truesdell, Similarly, Austin, TX Local 975 took its Following hard campaigning efforts by political action efforts up a notch to elect Belleair Bluffs Fire Rescue Fire Fighters President of Austin, TX Local 975 the candidate it supported for mayor. Lee (represented by Clearwater, FL Local 1158),

May/June 2009 16 all four of the candidates it endorsed won their seats on the city commission. “With only 12 members, everyone had to put in a lot of work,” says Macho Liberti, Belleair Bluffs fire fighter and member of Local 1158. Belleair Bluffs fire fighters turned to the IAFF Recruiting and Endorsing Candidates online resource to build their campaign plan, which included distributing campaign literature, running advertisements Belleair Bluffs, FL and hosting campaign events. Local 1158 fire fighters On Election Day, approximately 100 fire campaigned to elect fighters from IAFF locals around the four fire fighter friendly candidates to the city region traveled to Belleair Bluffs to help commission. fire fighters there wave signs promoting their candidates. “The turnout was amazing,” says Liberti. “You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing a fire fighter.” Belleair Bluffs voters re-elected Mayor Chris Arbutine and three commissioners. Shortly after the election, the city lost its contract to provide fire service for a neighboring city. Liberti says the Belleair Bluffs Fire Department could merge with a bigger department nearby as a result. “We are now looking to our mayor and new commissioners to make the right decision concerning a merger,” he says. “Our pensions, salaries and ranks are all in jeopardy. We are hopeful that all our hard work to get these leaders elected pays off.” For some IAFF affiliates, political action has significantly improved labor- management relations. Case in point: members of United Mesa Fire Fighters Local 2260 now have meet and confer rights, thanks to their hard work to help elect a new fire chief in 20 08. Local 2260 President Bryan Jeffries says this victory is particularly significant, The Politics of Politics considering Apache Junction’s long history of tense labor-management relations. “I cranton, PA Local 60 has been feuding with its believe a combination of strong political mayor for years. When the mayor was up for action and a new, more open-minded fire Sre-election this spring, the Local put its chief were the two things that led to the support behind another candidate and, with the unanimous vote by the Apache Junction backing of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fire District,” says Jeffries. Fighters Association, nearly pulled off one of the In 2008, Local 2260 also endorsed three biggest upsets in recent city history. candidates to serve on the fire district While Scranton fire fighters may not board. In support, fire fighters walked have defeated the mayor, there were other positive neighborhoods, made phone calls and outcomes that the local can point to with pride, implemented several other campaign particularly in becoming a major player in its strategies. As a result, all three candidates municapal elections that future candidates won’t be were elected. With at least three-fifths of able to ignore. the board on its side, Local 2260 developed First, Local 60’s efforts denied the mayor the local a meet and confer proposal and submitted Democratic party endorsement — which he has regularly it to the board. enjoyed in the past. Second, Local 60 was successful in defeating Apache Junction fire fighters expect to two of the mayor’s closest allies on council, including one who served as council begin negotiating their first Memorandum president. In addition, another vacancy will occur on the council as one of the members of Understanding (MOU) later this year. has been elected tax collector. The council will vote to appoint the replacement. Local In Alice, Texas, Local 4102 faced fierce 60 has already met with the incoming council president to discuss the vacancy and is opposition to pass a ballot initiative to give hopeful that it will have a super-majority on council (four or five) once the seat is filled. fire fighters the right to collectively bargain Finally, the close mayoral race may have taken the luster from the mayor’s star — he with their employer. had been considered a possible running mate for lieutenant governor in the fall. Pat Canales, president of Local 4102, says, Scranton Local 60 Vice President David Gervasi, who participated in the 2009 “We faced tough odds in this process, but we Political Training Academy, says he was able to use what he learned to the local’s campaign efforts in these races. Continued on Page 18

International Fire Fighter 17 triumphed in the end. It was well worth it.” By a vote of 1,051 to 1,010, voters Fire Fighter Support Prominent adopted Texas State Statue 174, giving fire fighters the right to organize and negotiate in British Columbia Election for better working conditions, benefits and wages. “The Alice fire fighters are very proud of AFF affiliates in British Columbia have election. We were aggressive in this victory,” Canales says. Local 4102 is ready set the stage for a new round of supporting key cabinet ministers and that to negotiate its first contract later this year. Ilegislative victories with a focused and will help us with our cancer presumption In addition to endorsing and highly successful political action and other issues.” campaigning on behalf of fire fighter- campaign leading up to the province’s In keeping with the IAFF philosophy of friendly candidates, a growing cadre of May 12 election. non-partisanship and supporting IAFF members have sought public elective In all, the British Columbia those who support fire fighter office for themselves. Today, the ranks of Professional Fire Fighters issues, the BCPFFA also IAFF members and immediate family Association (BCPFFA) backed 22 of the 27 members who hold office has swelled to helped elect 29 of the elected New Democratic nearly 400. 32 successful Liberal Party (NDP) legislators A number of these candidates graduated candidates who will who will form the from the IAFF Political Training Academy, form the province’s official opposition, including several who were successful in majority including Opposition elections earlier this year. government, Leader Carole James. In Illinois, 14 IAFF members ran for including Premier In 2005, the BCPFFA office and seven won (see chart on page Gordon Campbell and won presumptive cancer 17). The most notable was Robert Lovero, a several influential legislation after a member of Berwyn Local 506, who took on cabinet ministers. coordinated political the incumbent mayor, easily defeating him. Support for fire fighter- action campaign which led In addition, Theodore “Teddy” Polashek, a friendly candidates came in the to a commitment from the Liberal member of Cicero Local 717 won a seat on form of direct campaign contributions, government just prior to the last the Berwyn city council. These victories as well as money spent on signs, leaflets provincial election. now give the fire fighters two of their own and manpower during the campaign. The That legislation was recently updated as city leaders and a voice on council that money used in the initiative was a with the addition of lung and testicular knows the fire department’s unique needs combination of funds from BCPFFA cancer. The BCPFFA is currently lobbying and the demands of the job. FIREPAC and funds requested through for esophageal cancer coverage, increased In Elgin, Illinois, Local 439 member FIREPAC Canada . medical roles for fire fighters, mandatory Richard Dunne was elected to the Elgin “We had a very successful campaign,” blood testing and disclosure in the event city council, finishing first in a field of 10 says BCPFFA President Mike Hurley. “We of workplace exposures to bodily fluids candidates. He was the top vote-getter in had established a relationship with this and improved in-building radio the race, besting two incumbents. Elgin government prior to this election and I communication capabilities. Local 439 President John Fahey says, “This think we’ve built on that with this proves that fire fighters can be successful — even as first-time candidates.” He adds that what he learned at the Political Training Academy was a great resource during the campaign. David Tomlinson, a member of Champaign Local 1260, and Tommy Thomson, a member of Franklin Park Local 1526 — both past participants in the M

O Political Training Academy — were C . Y

H successful in their re-election and election to P A

R the Champaign School Board and Franklin G O

T Park Village Clerk, respectively. Another O H

P Franklin Park member, Nicholas Steker, was S E

H elected as Westchester Village Trustee. G U

H For Andy Drwal, a member of Lorain, Y R

R OH Local 267 and Second District Vice E T .

W President of the Ohio Association of W

W Professional Fire Fighters, a seat on the : T I

D city council is virtually assured. Drwal E R

C defeated an incumbent city council O T member in the Democratic primary and is O H

P running unopposed in the November From left: BCPFFA President Mike Hurley, British Columbia Public Safety Minister general election. and Solicitor General John van Dongen, British Columbia Labour Minister Iain Black “I’m just elated that the voters found it and BCPFFA Secretary-Treasurer Larry Thomas. The two politicians, pictured here fit to put me in office,” he says. “I’m excited at the BCPFFA Legislative Conference in March, were among dozens re-elected about working to get the city to move with support from the BCPFFA and its affiliates in the province’s May 12 election. forward.” Drwal was a participant in the

May/June 2009 18 United Mesa, AZ FIREPAC Donor Listing Corrections Local 2260 was able to improve labor- In the March-April 2009 issue of the management International Fire Fighter , in the list of relations with its FIREPAC donors for calendar year 2008, political action a few inadvertent errors were made. The efforts, ultimately corrections are listed below. FIREPAC winning meet and apologizes for the errors. confer rights.

Leadership Trust ($500 - $999)  Arthur J. Richard, Lynn, MA Local 739 Founder’s Circle ($200 - $499) Political Training Academy held this year. who has been successful running for elected Cindy Payne, IAFF Executive Secretary  The political campaign knowledge that office — the best person to represent fire President’s Club the Political Training Academy brings to fighters on a city or county council, as mayor ($100 - $199) IAFF members about running successful or in the state legislature is a fire fighter.  Jeremy Roberston, Salt Lake County, campaigns is paramount, but no campaign The IAFF is committed to providing the UT Local 1696 can be successful without the financial resources necessary to member candidates resources to be competitive. Therefore, in and local leadership in their political  J. Chris Cage, Salt Lake County, UT addition to the technical support that the endeavors. Local 1696 IAFF provides affiliates and their For a complete list of FIREPAC-endorsed candidates, FIREPAC and FIREPAC candidates and IAFF member candidates Capitol Club ($50 - $99) Canada have made campaign who won in the November 2008 election,  Bill Moeller, Mountain View, CA contributions to assist in these efforts. visit www.iaff.org/08News/Election .  Local 1965 Ask Lovero, Polashek, Dunne, Tomlinson, Thomson, Steker or any other IAFF member
HERE’S MY FIREPAC CONTRIBUTION

      Please pay online at www.iaff.org $500 $200 $100 $50 $25 Other $______in 2009. or mail to the appropriate address below: U.S. Members return to: Canadian Members:  Enclosed is my check payable to FIREPAC. IAFF FIREPAC FIREPAC Canada    Charge my: VISA MasterCard 1750 New York Avenue, NW 350 Sparks Street, Suite 403 Washington, DC 20006 Ottawa, ON K1R 7S8 Card Number ______Make Checks/Money Orders Payable to: FIREPAC

U.S. Members Only: Exp. Date______Signature______FIREPAC can only accept personal checks, money orders or personal credit cards. Federal election laws prohibit FIREPAC from accepting business or Name: ______union dues (treasury) account checks. Contributions to FIREPAC do not qualify as charitable contributions for Membership No. ______federal income tax purposes.

Local No. ______

Address: ______

City, State, Zip: ______Leadership Trust Founderʼs Circle

Phone: (H)______(C)______

*Email: ______*Required in order to process your FIREPAC contribution and track shipping of donor pins. Presidentʼs Club Capitol Club FIREPAC Supporter

PAPER2009

www.iaff.org 19 s IAFF members respond to emergencies ranging from fires to Aemergency medical assistance, fire fighters and paramedics can unknowingly be exposed to a number of cancer and disease-causing agents. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and taking other safety precautions are not a 100 percent guarantee that fire fighters and paramedics won’t get sick on the job and, too often, they do. Because it impossible to determine the exact place and time where a fire fighter was exposed to the toxin or infectious disease that caused the illness, fire fighters cannot depend on workers’ compensation to obtain the medical assistance or disability benefits they need. The IAFF has lobbied hard on the New Mexico now presumes some cancers and national, state and provincial level for the diseases are job related. Governor Bill Richardson passage of presumptive laws to ensure that signed the bill into law in April 2009. its members are protected. Forty-two states and seven provinces have some form of event they get sick on the job is “The New Mexico Professional Fire presumptive law. Thanks to efforts by the abandoning those who have sacrificed for Fighters Association worked hard to win the IAFF and its affiliates, those laws are their community .” support of the legislature,” says President expanding to cover more illnesses. New Mexico became the most recent Emily Kane. “What ultimately caused many “It is a scientific fact that because fire state to presume certain cancers and of our senators and representatives to give fighters are exposed to toxins at a higher diseases are job-related for fire fighters their votes were the facts surrounding fire rate than employees in most other when Governor Bill Richardson signed a fighter exposure to carcinogens and other professions, there is a higher incidence of law in April covering 11 cancers and five disease-causing agents.” many occupational diseases,” says IAFF infectious diseases. To be covered for The New Mexico Professional Fire General President Harold Schaitberger. cardiac disease, fire fighters must Fighters Association’s lobbying efforts took “Denying fire fighters a safety net in the participate in a wellness-fitness program. several months, but were given a significant leg-up when Kane was appointed by Governor Richardson to the “The IAFF has been very supportive throughout this Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council. There, she was able to address concerns process. They provided much of the crucial data we and answer questions. needed to illustrate the importance of this bill and to battle While New Mexico was passing its first presumptive legislation, Indiana became our opposition, including providing expert testimony.” the first state to presume Parkinson’s disease to be job-related for fire fighters. —John Martell, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine

May/June 2009 20 Association President Dave Naaykens says Oregon fire fighters, Gresham, OR Local the successful campaign for the two new 1062 President Greg Matthews defeated an “It is a scientific fact that cancers was a result of political action and incumbent for the Oregon House District the close relationship the province’s IAFF 50 seat in November 2008. because fire fighters are affiliates have forged with the New In Maine, presumptive protections for Democratic Party government and Premier fire fighters are already in place in case of exposed to toxins at a Gary Doer, as well as evidence of increased cardiovascular, pulmonary and infectious higher rate than employees risk of the diseases among professional disease. However, legislation which would fire fighters. offer rebuttable presumption in case of in most other professions, “With this added legislation, Manitoba kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, should have the best presumptive colon cancer, leukemia, brain cancer, there is a higher incidence legislation for fire fighters across North bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, prostate America, possibly across the world,” he cancer and testicular cancer is making its of many occupational says, also crediting the work that way through the Maine legislature. Winnipeg, MB Local 867 President Alex Thus far, the bill has met with diseases. Denying fire Forrest has done on the issue in Manitoba. tremendous support. It passed the House Naaykens also praised the way the IAFF’s 114-33 and has moved to the Special fighters a safety net in the provincial associations have worked Appropriations Table because it has a event they get sick on the together across Canada since 2002, potential fiscal note attached. Next, the building on each others’ work in the legislation will move to the state senate for job is abandoning those pursuit of presumptive legislation and, vote and to the governor’s desk for signing. when achieved, in the pursuit of better and “The IAFF has been very supportive who have sacrificed for better coverage. throughout this process,” says Professional Before Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski Fire Fighters of Maine President John their community.” signed state legislation, Oregon law Martell. “They provided much of the crucial covered heart and lung disease only. HB data we needed to illustrate the importance —General President Harold Schaitberger 2420 adds 12 types of cancer. “We made of this bill and to battle our opposition, this bill our top priority because when fire including providing expert testimony.” Senate Bill 376 requires Parkinson’s fighters get sick on the job, the last thing On the federal level, the IAFF has made disease to be treated as a line-of-duty they need to worry about is whether or not progress on two initiatives that, if enacted, disability under an emergency responders’ their medical expenses will be covered,” will help fire fighters who get sick on the pension and disability plan. says Oregon State Fire Fighters Council job — the Federal Fire Fighters Fairness Act Throughout the legislative process, the (OSFFC) President Kelly Bach. and the Ryan White Notification provision. bill was championed by Professional Fire OSFFC’s political action strategy The Federal Fire Fighters Fairness Fighters Union of Indiana (PFFUI) included reaching out to employer groups Act would establish a rebuttable President Tom Hanify, retired Indianapolis, and electing a fire fighter to the state presumption that heart disease, lung IN Local 416 fire fighter Gary Coons legislature. With support from his fellow (diagnosed with Parkison’s at age 33), Continued on Page 22 State Representative Mary Ann Sullivan (D-Indianapolis) and State Senator James IAFF Debunks Anti-Cancer Presumption Claim Merritt (R-Indianapolis). he International Association of Fire legislation in 30 states and seven PFFUI President Hanify says this bill is Fighters and the International provinces based on the reams of scientific the one thing fire fighters hopes is TAssociation of Fire Chiefs are united research available on this subject” contagious. “This could be a precedent- against a TriData paper commissioned by Using subjective and highly setting initiative, leading the way for similar the National League of Cities (NLC). The questionable methods the NLC paper laws to be passed in other states,” he says . paper is a part of the NLC’s latest efforts maintains there is a lack of substantive The other wide-reaching effect of this bill is to thwart the correlation between fire evidence that fire fighters are more that it may call further attention to the fighting and cancer. susceptible to job-related cancers than dangers of chemical exposures on the job. The paper ignores the extensive data the general population. In the Canadian province of Manitoba which clearly demonstrate how fire This is despite the fact that dozens of and the states of Oregon and Maine, the fighters are at a greater risk of epidemiological studies reveal marked list of cancers presumed to be job-related contracting cancer because of their risk elevations in incidence of certain cancers have been or are about to be expanded . of on-the-job exposures to carcinogens. in fire fighters, which could not be In 2002, Manitoba became the first “This document is not credible,” says explained by causes other than Canadian province to enact occupational IAFF General President Harold workplace exposure. disease legislation. This year , at the urging Schaitberger. “The new paper produced The NLC opposition is not new. The of the Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters for NLC by TriData is reminiscent of the organization has fought every piece of Association, Manitoba Premier Gary Doer strategy and spin once used by the presumptive legislation advocated by and Labor and Immigration Minister tobacco industry, which denied for years the IAFF. Nancy Allan, the provincial government that smoking causes lung disease and Schaitberger says, “This union will moved to expand fire fighter occupational that nicotine is addictive. The NLC’s continue to fight those who oppose disease coverage to include testicular and paper is just as intellectually dishonest presumptive legislation and deny our esophageal cancer. today as those cigarette company claims members the safety net they deserve for Brain, bladder, kidney, non-Hodgkin’s were back then.” serving their community.” lymphoma, leukemia, ureter, colon, rectal The IAFF has successfully lobbied for and lung cancers are already covered. the passage of cancer presumptive Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters

International Fire Fighter 21 place, fire fighters may still have to fight municipalities that do not adhere to the law. In Oklahoma, Edmond Local 2359 fire fighter Tim Vernon fought against the city of Edmond for three years before he began receiving workers’ compensation benefits for the cancer he contracted on the job. Vernon was diagnosed in July 2006 with stage four colon cancer. Despite following proper filing procedures, the city claimed that his case did not fall under the conditions of the state’s presumptive law. Winnipeg, MB Local Vernon took the city to court three times, 867 President each time receiving a favorable ruling. Alex Forrest with In April, in a last-ditch effort to deny fire fighter and Vernon benefits, city officials petitioned esophageal cancer the Oklahoma Supreme Court to review survivor Ron the three earlier rulings. The court denied Morden and widow the review, effectively returning Vernon his Betty Martin. benefits. Additionally, the court’s review and denial could set a precedent and Act with the Ryan White Notification prevent future challenges to Oklahoma’s Continued from Page 21 disease, certain cancers and certain provision added as an amendment was presumption law. infectious diseases are occupational adopted by the Senate Committee on While the IAFF is encouraged by recent illnesses for fire fighters. Homeland Security and Governmental progress, there is still work to be done in The Ryan White Notification provision Affairs. Working with Senator Tom obtaining presumptive protections for its enables fire fighters to learn if they have Coburn (R-OK), the IAFF was members. Eight U.S. states, three Canadian been exposed to an infectious disease. It particularly instrumental in crafting provinces and three Canadian territories was originally part of the Ryan White Act, the amendment language. have no presumptive protections. a comprehensive law addressing the spread The bill must still pass both the Senate For more information on current of HIV-AIDS; however, the notification and the House before heading to President presumptive legislation, visit language was removed several years ago. Obama’s desk for signing. www.iaff.org/HS/phi .  In May, the Federal Fire Fighters Fairness Even when presumptive laws are put in

May/June 2009 22 Always on the Frontline New Rules Allow SAFER says Schaitberger. “In Obama’s very first May 14 as part of the committee’s efforts budget proposal, he has included double the to update federal laws addressing the Grants to Prevent funds for the program to save our members’ transportation of hazardous materials. Layoffs, Restore Cuts jobs. If anyone still wonders why we Elizabeth Harman, director of the IAFF supported Barack Obama for president of Hazardous Materials/WMD Training ongress has voted to allow the use of the United States, this is your answer.”  Department, discussed the importance of federal funding to rehire laid-off fire hazardous materials response training and Cfighters and prevent fire department IAFF Testifies on Improving the need to improve hazardous materials staffing reductions. The new rules for Staffing Hazardous Materials Safety identification tools for fire fighters. for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Harman discussed the current challenges (SAFER) grants make funding available to he IAFF testified before the U.S. facing fire departments, noting that only help keep IAFF members safe and on the job, House Subcommittee on Railroads, 29 percent of fire departments have their and bring back those who have been laid off TPipelines and Hazardous Materials as a result of the current financial crisis. The Continued on Page 24 bill is now on its way to the White House. “The IAFF made it an urgent priority to pass this proposal to waive current IAFF Efforts Yield Real Results requirements and allow SAFER grants to hile ensuring fire departments the FAA to update its antiquated fire be used to save our members’ jobs and have sufficient funds to avoid protection standards and assure that restore cuts made to staffing,” says IAFF Wlayoffs and staffing reductions airports have adequate fire fighting General President Harold Schaitberger. the IAFF continues to work on a myriad personnel to carry out their mission. “With the passage of this waiver, fire of additional legislative issues. The IAFF proposal is strongly opposed departments can use this money to prevent With Democrats in control of Congress by airport executives, and Representative layoffs and ensure adequate staffing.” and the White House for the first time Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) filed an Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a generation, long-delayed issues have amendment to strike the provision Secretary Janet Napolitano agreed to moved quickly to the forefront. from the bill. Working with its allies postpone the 2009 application process for Thanks to Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) in congressional leadership, the IAFF SAFER grants until the new waiver and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), IAFF was successful in derailing the Lummis authority is in place. This assures that the legislation granting federal fire fighters amendment, and the bill went on to $210 million that Congress appropriated for presumptive disability coverage for pass the full House with the IAFF’s SAFER can be used to address the current occupational illnesses was adopted by the provision intact. wave of staffing cuts. The IAFF is working Senate Committee and Homeland The IAFF is also playing a major role as with DHS to establish the new rules and Security and Governmental Affairs Congress prepares for an historic debate will post information on the application Committee. The Federal Firefighters over health care reform. As the nation’s period online as soon as it is available. Fairness Act, S.599, would establish a leading providers of emergency medical SAFER was also one of the very few rebuttable presumption that heart disease, care, fire fighters understand firsthand the homeland security programs to receive an lung disease, certain cancers need to expand health coverage to every increase — with other first responder and certain infectious diseases are American. programs either level funded or cut. occupational illnesses linked to fire fighting. The IAFF is working to ensure that The IAFF strongly urges affiliates to work As the Committee considered S. 599, it legislation being crafted in the House with their fire departments to apply for also made progress on a second IAFF and Senate will expand coverage and SAFER money. “As we all know, adequate priority: restoring the emergency reduce costs while preserving the staffing is critical to effective response and fire responder notification provisions of the employer-provided health care system fighter and public safety,” says Schaitberger. Ryan White Act, a comprehensive law that provides excellent health benefits for Under the original law — passed in 2004 enacted in 1990 to address the spread of many IAFF members. — communities could only receive a HIV-AIDS which originally contained a In addition to these early high-profile SAFER grant if they planned to increase provision providing for notification to battles, the IAFF is laying the groundwork fire department staffing levels. Fire fighters emergency responders who are exposed for even more fire fighter legislative hired with SAFER grants had to be retained to an infectious disease while initiatives in the coming months. IAFF for at least five years, and the fire administering patient care. In an apparent legislative priorities for the remainder of department couldn’t reduce staffing levels oversight, this notification language was the year include enacting a collective during this period. These restrictions have removed from the law a few years ago. bargaining bill, reauthorizing the FIRE combined to prohibit fire departments Working with Senator Tom Coburn (R- Act and SAFER grant programs, from using SAFER grants to prevent layoffs, OK), the IAFF crafted language to restore expanding federal hazardous materials and have discouraged fire departments the provision. Coburn offered the Ryan training programs and pursuing enhanced from applying for SAFER grants during White language as an amendment to compliance with fire fighter safety this current economic recession. S.599 during committee consideration, standards. The rule changes eliminate the language and the amendment was approved “Thanks to our many friends in that has prevented using this money to unanimously. Congress and in the administration, the alleviate the need to lay off a fire fighter. In As the Senate was considering the IAFF is well-positioned to achieve many addition, President Obama is proposing Fairness Act, the House of Representatives of its legislative priorities this year,” says $420 million for SAFER in his Fiscal Year took up legislation to reauthorize the Schaitberger. “President Obama and the 2010 budget. This critically needed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 111th Congress have demonstrated their funding will continue to help ease the Reauthorization Act, H.R. 915, which commitment to our nation’s fire fighters, pressure on fire department budgets in included an IAFF proposal to update and and we will continue working with our communities across the nation. strengthen aircraft rescue and fire fighting allies in both parties to ensure our “President Bush tried to abolish the SAFER (ARFF) standards. The provision directs members’ needs are addressed.” program each year in his budget proposal,” 

International Fire Fighter ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE | 23 Always on the Frontline Largest-Ever Canadian Legislative Conference Generates Commitments on IAFF Issues

he IAFF is counting numerous commitments to act on fire fighter Tissues in the wake of the 16th Canadian Legislative Conference, including a concrete commitment from the Liberal Party to enact the top two issues on the IAFF Canadian legislative IAFF Director of Hazardous agenda if it forms the government in the Materials/WMD Training Elizabeth Harman next election. testified before a U.S. House committee regarding the importance of training for This year’s conference, which took place first responders for hazmat calls. April 26-29 in Ottawa, was the largest ever with 140 delegates from across Canada. IAFF General President Harold Continued from Page 23 Schaitberger opened the conference by personnel trained in even the basics of urging delegates not to relent in their hazardous materials response, and that pursuit of the IAFF Canadian legislative training needs are growing due to the agenda, even in uncertain economic times. current economy. “Don’t let politicians use the economic Liberal Party Leader Michael Ignatieff She advocated for increased funding for promised to support the IAFF Canadian downturn as an excuse not to act on our legislative agenda if elected to government. hazardous materials training programs, priorities. Don’t let them put a price on including the hazardous materials training the public’s safety and, more importantly, President Charles Momy also addressed provided by the IAFF. “Many local the safety of your members,” Schaitberger delegates. Keynote speaker, former Liberal communities facing reduced revenues are said, citing the recent legislative success of MP and deputy prime minister Sheila choosing to cut funds for training,” said $2.5 million in funding from the Canadian Copps, reaffirmed that the IAFF’s non- Harman. “Increased funding would help government to conduct the IAFF Haz-mat partisan approach to lobbying works best. states and organizations — such as the and CBRN response training programs in On lobby day, fire fighters met with IAFF —increase the number of students Canada over five years as an example that more than 150 MPs and senators on trained to overcome the current knowledge persistence pays off. Parliament Hill, generating a whirlwind gap, as well as help fill the unmet needs of “Now’s not the time to start accepting of discussion about the issues on the local fire departments.” ‘no’ for an answer,” he said. IAFF legislative agenda. Harman also advocated for minimum Speaking to delegates during the Delegates reported strong support across training standards for fire fighters trained conference, Liberal Party Leader Michael party lines for a majority of the issues with federal funds, noting that the level of Ignatieff set the bar high when he raised, and the IAFF is following up on training provided to emergency responders committed that his party would establish numerous offers from MPs and senators in many states and localities is at the a national Public Safety Officer to help advance the legislative issues. “awareness” level. Compensation (PSOC) benefit and create More than 130 MPs and senators attended “While [awareness level] training would a national office for fire service statistics the IAFF Parliamentary Reception. be appropriately provided to, for example, if elected to government. Also in attendance during the a rail worker, this level of training is wholly The IAFF is also lobbying for conference as guests of the IAFF were inadequate to prepare first responders for a amendments to the Canada Pension Plan Michel Crevier, president of the Montreal hazmat call,” she said. and National Building Code, as well as Firefighters Association, and Executive The IAFF delivers operations-level the establishment of a mechanism for Board member Chris Ross. The hazardous materials response training that third-party investigations of fire fighter association, which belonged to the IAFF is also NFPA 472 compliant, but many line-of-duty deaths. until the 1970s, represents 2,300 fire responder training programs fail to meet Also speaking during an action-packed fighters in Montreal. even this minimum competency level. session were New Democratic Party Ross updated the conference on an Additional topics considered by the (NDP) Leader Jack Layton, Public Safety ongoing case that involves a recent ruling Subcommittee included the development Minister Peter Van Loan, Liberal member that fire fighters won from Quebec’s of new hazardous materials identification of Parliament (MP) and former London, provincial health and safety authority tools and information-sharing initiatives ON Local 142 member Glen Pearson and ordering the city to adhere to NFPA 1710 such as the National Hazardous Materials Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. and staff its ladder trucks and pumpers Fusion Center. The NDP is a longtime ally of the with four personnel. The city is trying to While supportive of such efforts, Harman IAFF and supporter of IAFF issues, and fight the ruling in court but its latest warned of their inherent limitations and the Green Party, appearing at the request for an injunction was denied on insisted that such endeavors must be in Canadian Legislative Conference for the April 29. addition to current identification methods, first time, issued a press release April 28 More hearings in the precedent-setting such as placards, shipping papers and indicating its support for the IAFF’s case are scheduled in the near future, and training requirements.  entire legislative agenda. the IAFF is following the case closely and Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs will report the outcome to affiliates as Vice President Rob Simonds of Saint information becomes available.  John and Canadian Police Association

ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE May/June 2009 24 | Across the IAFF H1N1 Flu Response USA Membership Pays Off for Lucky IAFF Sportsman ovel influenza A (H1N1), a new flu s an avid outdoorsman and virus of swine origin that was first dedicated member of Charleston, detected in April 2009, is infecting N AWV Local 317, Myron Boggess people and spreading from person-to- jumped at the chance to join the Union person, sparking a growing outbreak of Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) at the 2009 illness in the United States and IAFF Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative internationally as well. Conference in Washington, DC. The World Health Organization has “I’m a proud union fire fighter who declared the virus to be in Phase 6 — a loves the outdoors,” says Boggess. “So an full-scale pandemic. This flu spreads in the organization like the USA that benefits same way that regular seasonal influenza union workers and sportsmen is a great viruses spread — mainly through people thing in my book.” who are sick with the virus. It’s still not The USA is North America’s premier clear how severe this swine flu outbreak hunting and fishing club exclusively for will be in terms of illness and death union members, retirees and their compared with other influenza viruses. families. As a program of the Theodore Because this is a new virus, most people Roosevelt Conservation Partnership will not have immunity to it, and illness (TRCP) and its 20 AFL-CIO affiliated may be more severe and widespread as a union partners , including the IAFF, the result. In addition, currently there is no Charleston, WV Local 317 member USA extends union member benefits vaccine to protect against the H1N1 virus. Myron Boggess was the winner in a beyond the workplace to the woods and To assist IAFF affiliates in protecting their USA gun raffle held at the IAFF water. One of those benefits is ongoing Legislative Conference. members, the IAFF has developed an giveaways for USA members, including online resource with guidance on the issue, gun raffles at union events, such as the including reminders to take the necessary great organization, and winning the IAFF Legislative Conference . precautions for responding safely and Remington 770 is the cherry on top.” When Boggess joined the USA at the effectively during this outbreak. For more information about the Union March Legislative Conference, he also For more information, visit Sportsmen’s Alliance and how to win a received a complimentary gun raffle ticket. www.iaff.org/09news/swineflu .  firearm every month or a brand-new “I have entered a lot of gun raffles in Chevy Silverado, visit my life, but this is the first time I’ve ever Mortgage Refinance Programs www.UnionSportsmen.org .  won,” he says. “I knew I had joined a oday’s news continues to be filled with stories on changes and trends in refinance to a lower interest rate. There is This article is for informational purposes Tthe U.S. home market. Nationwide also help for some homeowners who have only and is not meant to be lending advice. Advantage Mortgage Company, the seen their property values decline below Please consult with a mortgage professional mortgage member benefit provider for the what they owe on their mortgage (often for advice on mortgage products and with IAFF, has provided advice and guidance for referred to as being “upside-down” on a the servicer of your loan with any questions IAFF members regarding the mortgage ). regarding potential eligibility for a sweeping changes in the home The Home Affordable Modification modification of your existing loan. real estate market.  Program is designed to assist Through a broad national homeowners who are behind on strategy called the “Making A Tribute to Two Fallen their mortgage payments or facing Homes Affordable Program, ” financial difficulty. Houston Fire Fighters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Call Nationwide Advantage the nation’s largest secondary Mortgage® at 1-888-630-9099 , your housands of market investors, have developed loan servicer or other participating lender family and friends two initiatives to help keep more families if you have additional questions about the Tgathered at the in their homes and stabilize communities Home Affordable Refinance Program . Grace Community during this difficult time. Call your loan servicer if you have Church April 16 in The Home Affordable Refinance Program additional questions about the Home Houston, Texas, to allows eligible homeowners who are Affordable Modification Program. remember fallen current on their mortgage payments to Houston Local 341 fire fighters James Harlow, Damion Hobbs To determine if you qualify for either program: 50, and Damion Hobbs, 29. The two died  Gather information about your loan: lender name, account number, balance, monthly responding to a house payments, as well as information about any second mortgages. fire on Easter Sunday morning.  Visit the official U.S. Treasury site at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov to see if you From Houston’s fire are among the millions of homeowners who may qualify for these programs . station 26, where Harlow and Hobbs both worked,  Find out if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your mortgage at a sea of fire fighters http://loanlookup.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/ and marched while the two James Harlow https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/ Continued on Page 28 www.iaff.org ACROSS THE IAFF | 25 May/June 2009 26 www.iaff.org 27 Across the IAFF among the first to respond to the early Continued from Page 25 caskets were escorted by two ladder trucks to morning house fire. Upon arriving at the IAFF Welcomes the church. scene, the two went inside with other fire IAFF General President Harold fighters to conduct an interior attack and New Locals Schaitberger attended the service and to search for any trapped victims. When the fire became too intense, a call offered words in remembrance of the two The new IAFF affiliates listed Local 341 members. “Each one of our to evacuate was issued, but Harlow and Hobbs never made it out. The residents of below joined the International fallen is a great and tragic loss. Each one in March and April 2009. requires our undivided celebration and the home made it out safely. attention; thus we gather from across two The deaths of the two fire fighters, the Local 2329 Local 4740 great nations to honor and celebrate their seventh in the Houston Fire Department since 2000, are under investigation by Somerset Professional Orange County lives and mourn their loss,” he said. Fire Fighters Professional Fire Schaitberger later added, “I know James federal and state fire authorities. An Nancy, KY Fighters Association and Damion considered themselves lucky to internal inquiry is also being conducted by President: Samuel Orange, TX be part of the Houston Fire Department and the Houston Fire Department. Hudson President: Local 341, but the truth is, we were the lucky Both posthumously received the Medals 14 members Kendall Barron 6 members ones to have had them among our ranks.” of Honor from the IAFF and the Houston Fire Department. Local 4297 Harlow, a 30-year veteran fire fighter, and  Los Lunas Fire Fighters Local 4741 Hobbs, a rookie on his first fire, were Los Lunas, NM Sycuan Professional President: David Adame Fire Fighters 9 members El Cajon, CA President: Obama Administration Honors Local 4731 Zachary Carrillo Eustis Professional 34 members Providence Fire Fighters Picket Line Fire Fighters Umatilla, FL Local 4742 ice President Joe Biden and more new era to have a White House that takes President: Dan Sawchuk Apple Valley than 25 members of the Obama labor seriously.” 15 members Professional Fire Vadministration canceled plans to Local 799, which has been in a Fighters Association attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors long-running dispute with Mayor Local 4732 Apple Valley, CA June 12-16 in Providence, Rhode Island, Cicilline over contract matters, had told Big Sky Fire Fighters President: rather than cross a picket line protesting the Obama administration that it would Big Sky, MT Jake Salgado President: 37 members Mayor David Cicilline’s treatment of call off its picket if Cicilline stayed away Matthew Mohr Providence Local 799 fire fighters. from the Conference, but the mayor 9 members Local 4744 Vice President Biden, Attorney General declined to do so. Liberty Hill Professional Eric Holder, Senior Obama Adviser Doughty says the mayor’s refusal to skip Local 4734 Fire Fighters Association Valerie Jarrett, Commerce Secretary Gary the Conference highlights what has been West Plains Liberty Hill, TX Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, going on for years. Fire Fighters President: West Plains, MO Brandon Herring Homeland Security Secretary Janet Providence fire fighters supported President: Robbie Smith 7 members Napolitano, and other cabinet members Cicilline in his initial run for mayor after 6 members and senior-level Obama administration he promised he would negotiate a fair Local 4745 staffers announced they would not contract. But Mayor Cicilline has Local 4735 Willow Park Fire participate in the event in order to consistently opposed fire fighters since Eastside Professional Fighters Association respect the picket. Senator Mark Begich his election in 2002. Fire Fighters Weatherford, TX Baton Rouge, LA President: (D-AK) and Representative Chaka Fattah Local 799’s last contract expired in 2005 President: Larry John Schneider (D-PA) also decided not to cross the and Providence fire fighters have been Montelaro 6 members picket line. forced to arbitrate their last seven 9 members “That’s a powerful message coming collective agreements. Mayor Cicilline has Local 4748 directly from the president and vice fought Local 799 in arbitration and lost Local 4736 Sugar Grove president of the Unites States,” says IAFF nearly every battle. The mayor has also Point Pleasant Professional Fire Professional Fire Fighters Union General President Harold Schaitberger. fostered additional ill-will by introducing Fighters Sugar Grove, IL “This is another example of the state legislation and city ordinances Erlanger, KY President: administration’s unqualified support for against Providence fire fighters. President: John P. Brendan Moran workers and organized labor.” “We tried to settle our differences with Wiseman 20 members Paul Doughty, president of Local 799, the mayor, but he continues to 7 members also praised the Obama administration antagonize the hard-working fire fighters Local 4749 Local 4737 Elburn Professional for agreeing to honor the picket. “It’s a of Local 799,” says Doughty.  Brotherhood of Sunland Fire Fighters Association Park Fire Fighters Elburn, IL Sunland Park, NM President: President: Michael Sheahan Joseph Mayorga 20 members 8 members

Local 4738 Brighton Area Association of Fire Fighters Brighton, MI President: Curt Ruf 6 members

ACROSS THE IAFF May/June 2009 28 | Obesity in Fire Department Recruits Needs Further Study he IAFF has reviewed the findings of Of the 210 fire department advocated for the passage of changes in a study conducted by Boston state laws and was successful in adding TUniversity’s School of Medicine, the recruits, 50 percent were fitness and wellness standards for Boston Medical Center and the Cambridge candidate and incumbent fire fighters Health Alliance and concurs with the found to be overweight and (Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 31: study’s authors that there needs to be 30 percent to be obese. Section 61A; Police officer and fire fighter prompt public health intervention on the health and physical fitness standards ). issue of hiring medically and physically fit and become fire fighters . Once hired, the Unfortunately, after continued attempts, candidates for the fire service. IAFF further supports that all fire the state legislature never funded the The study, which found that three out of departments adopt the IAFF/IAFC Wellness- adopted law and the problems remain. four paramedic, EMT and fire fighter Fitness Initiative (WFI). More than 720 fire IAFF General President Harold recruits in the Boston, Massachusetts, area departments are licensed to use the CPAT in Schaitberger is calling on the state were overweight , reviewed pre-placement the United States and Canada, yet no legislature and every municipality in medical exams for 210 career fire fighter Massachusetts fire departments use the Massachusetts to adopt the CPAT and the recruits from three municipal fire CPAT, nor is it used by the state fire WFI. “Even in these economic times, departments and 160 recruits from one academy. Similarly, no fire departments in adoption of these programs makes public EMS and two private EMS services Massachusetts have fully adopted the WFI. economic sense,” he says. “Implementation over three years between October 2004 and However, Massachusetts IAFF members, will provide significant cost savings by June 200 7. The average age for the fire led by the Professional Fire Fighters of reducing occupational claims while fighter recruits was 27 and ranged from 21 Massachusetts (PFFM), have been strong simultaneously improving the quality and to 34 years old. Recruits older than 35 advocates for the health, wellness and longevity of a fire fighter’s life.” years of age were excluded from the study. fitness of fire fighters and support the For a full copy of the study, contact the Of the 210 fire department recruits, 50 statewide ban on hiring smokers. IAFF Division of Occupational Health, percent were found to be overweight and In 1987, the PFFM proposed and Safety and Medicine at (202) 824-1571.  30 percent to be obese. For purposes of this study, the findings of normal weight (see box), overweight and obese were based on body mass index (BMI) — a Fire Fighters and Body Composition measure of body fat based on height and weight (see box). ody composition measurements bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), While BMI characterizations have are a necessary part of a fitness skinfold measurements, body mass index limitations in that they may overestimate Bevaluation, differentiating (BMI) and dual energy x-ray body fat in athletes and others who have a between the relative amounts of adipose absorptiometry (DEXA). muscular build, the study found those who tissue (fat) and lean body mass (LBM). The accuracy, reliability and had high BMIs also had high cholesterol LBM consists of muscle, bone, organs, practicality of these methods vary. The levels, higher blood pressure and a lower nervous tissue and skin. Although some WFI has selected skinfold measurement exercise tolerance. Sixteen percent of the body fat is considered essential, excess as a realistic method of assessing body recruits were classified as smokers, but all body fat increases the workload and composition. Skinfold measurement is a in this group had quit smoking within 12 amplifies heat stress by preventing relatively accurate and inexpensive months before taking the exam. By state the efficient dissipation of heat option, provided that the trainer is law, newly hired fire fighters are prohibited during exercise. proficient with the technique. The from smoking on or off the job. In addition, added body fat elevates the accuracy of this estimation process Researchers also excluded from the study energy cost of weight-dependent tasks, depends on the ability to identify all recruit prospects who failed any aspect of such as climbing ladders and walking up and measure the sites defined by the medical evaluation . Further, after passing stairs, and contributes to injuries and an anatomical landmarks. the medical evaluation, these individuals increased risk of many chronic diseases. To see how the BMI was used then had to pass the state’s recruit physical In fact, obesity is associated with an in the study, for further information ability test before going onto the 12-week increased risk for many chronic diseases , on BMI categories and to state fire academy program. including cardiovascular disease, calculate your BMI, go to This study provides a picture of three hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure, www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm .  municipal fire departments ’ hiring diabetes, several types of cancer, asthma practices, but with 107 other jurisdictions and chronic lung diseases, obstructive in the state using the state candidate hiring sleep apnea, dementia, arthritis and procedures, there are no data to suggest gastro esophageal reflux disease. that the findings are similar statewide. Obesity is defined as more than 30 However, it is clear from this study that percent body fat for women and more this issue must be further addressed in than 25 percent body fat for men. It is Massachusetts and across the country. important to determine the amount and The IAFF has supported the use of the distribution of body fat to monitor the IAFF/IAFC Candidate Physical Ability Test health risk associated with obesity. (CPAT) and the NFPA 1582 Standard on There are many methods for estimating Comprehensive Occupational Medical body composition, including Program for Fire Departments (2007 edition) circumferential measurements, for evaluating the medical and physical hydrostatic weighing, BodPod, ability of those who want to be trained as www.iaff.org ACROSS THE IAFF | 29 Across the IAFF Burnaby Fire Fighters Hold Torch for World Police & Fire Games t was a vision that grew from friendly raising some cold bevies with friends, as banter between a few fire fighters during well as funds for our charitable society Ithe 2001 World Police & Fire Games which donates to more than 40 charities in (WPFG) in Indianapolis, Indiana. The the lower mainland.” experience at these Games had lit a fire None of this would have become a reality under Burnaby Local 323 Secretary Miles without the support of numerous IAFF and Ritchie and Local 323 member Jeff Clark, fire service leaders and members, including who quickly set a goal to bring the WPFG then-6th District Vice President Terry A. to British Columbia in 2009. Ritchie, Burnaby Fire Chief John Stewart, “Where else can you ski, water ski and golf July 31-August 9, 2009 Burnaby fire fighter and WPFG Federation all in the same afternoon?” they both ask. Director Dave Kent (also director of the 1989 IAFF members have attended the Games British Columbia, Canada Games in Vancouver), retired Vancouver since 1985. “We attended our first Games www.2009wpfg.ca Local 18 captain and a director of the 1989 in 1995 in Melbourne, Australia,” says and 2009 WPFG Games Mike Gilmore and Ritchie. He and Clark wanted other fire Campbell announced he would match current 6th District Vice President Lorne fighters in the province and across Canada Burnaby’s $1.5 million. “We used a lot of West (also a director for the 1989 Games and who might not have the financial means or political clout that we had built over the presenter of the water skiing/wakeboard time away from their families to be able to years with municipal and provincial venue during the bid process). experience the camaraderie, sportsmanship leaders,” Ritchie notes. “In less than four Their continual support and insight has and the opportunity to make lifelong days, we had $3 million in cash and were been incredible, say Clark and Ritchie. “We friendships at this international event. off and running! We thought that was also made some valuable friendships in 2003 The duo submitted a bid to host the Games pretty good for a couple of fire fighters.” with fellow fire fighters in Adelaide and need with a $5,000 deposit to the WPFG IAFF 6th District Vice President Lorne West to thank South Australian Metropolitan Fire Federation on the Friday before the closing remarks, “Burnaby Local 323 and specifically Service fire fighters Neil Manglesdorf, deadline and, to their great surprise, were told Miles Ritchie and Jeff Clark are responsible Anthony Keain, Bill Jamieson, Darren Scott, that it was the only bid for the 2009 Games. for the successful bid to host the Games.” Mark Haylock and Fire Chief Grant Lupton The bid process required a for their perspective of the WPFG proposal outlining what the bid and retrospect.” state/province could and would In addition, IAFF General do as the host, followed by President Harold Schaitberger, the three days of venue tours and a British Columbia Professional Fire day of pitches from leaders and Fighters Association (BCPFFA), other stakeholders throughout Assistant to the General President British Columbia. Jim Lee and the IAFF Canadian “We approached Burnaby’s office assisted and supported the deputy city manager, and efforts to bring the WPFG to together we went to Mayor British Columbia. Derek Corrigan who agreed to “We hope we have the front us the cash for our bid opportunity to see General presentation,” says Ritchie. “We President Schaitberger at our did this knowing that if we lost opening ceremonies this our bid presentation, the summer,” say Clark and Ritchie. Federation could still open it Team British Columbia won the silver medal in flag football in They both add that, in these up to other bidders.” Indianapolis and a bronze medal in Quebec City. turbulent economic times, these The Federation had agreed to Games will bring more than $50 allow them to conduct the bid presentation Following the bid presentation, the British million to the local economy. at home instead of in Barcelona, Spain, in Columbia 2009 WPFG Board immediately Clark and Ritchie also wish their brothers the summer of 2003. “This trip would have went to work promoting the Games at the and sisters in New York all the best in 2011, cost us more than $250,000, but we were WPFG in Barcelona in 2003, Quebec City as well as good luck to the 2015 bidders in able to do the bid for the small sum of in 2005 and Adelaide, Australia, in 2007. Toronto, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and $87,000,” Clark says. “We hired our first paid employee in Fairfax, Virginia. And special thanks to During the first night of the presentation, February 2007,” says Clark. A few months Burnaby Local 323 members and President Mayor Derek Corrigan pulled Ritchie and later, the city of Vancouver came on board Michael Hurley and Burnaby’s fire chiefs for Clark aside and announced he would fund and hired two sports managers — Adam their continued help and support. an additional $1.5 million in cash, plus all Ryan and Mike Canaday, both members of Held biennially, the Games are open to all in-kind services. On the final day, the Vancouver Local 18. full-time or retired professional fire fighters, WPFG Federation remarked that it had “It has been a bumpy ride at times,” admits law enforcement, and customs and never seen a better presentation, which Ritchie. “Our once-in-a-lifetime experience correctional officers from around the world. included speeches from Burnaby Mayor has taken a few unexpected turns.” The size and scope of the Games continue to Corrigan, Vancouver Mayor Larry To date, 9,200 athletes have registered to grow, with both the attendance and number Campbell (now a senator), British compete in 63 sports at 40 venues across of participating countries steadily increasing. Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell and British Columbia. Burnaby Local 323 was The Games will be held in New York City John Furlong, CEO of the 2010 Winter awarded to host the beer gardens and serve in 2011. Olympics, as well as Ritchie and Clark. food and refreshments. Clark and Ritchie For more information, visit Another surprise came when Premier both agree: “We are looking forward to www.2009wpfg.ca . 

ACROSS THE IAFF May/June 2009 30 | Fully Involved

College Courses Without a Long-Term Commitment

he National Labor College (NLC) information requests and bargaining is offering union skills unit surveys to gather information. The Tcurriculum, an educational class will explore the relationship of option for IAFF members to learn new arbitration to the grievance procedure skills or master a particular subject and avoiding arbitration. without committing to a long-term degree program. Union skills courses  October 25- 30, 2009 — Negotiating provide college-level instruction at the & Writing Contract Language NLC campus in Silver Spring, introduces case studies to teach Maryland, at satellite locations across students how to develop effective Anne Arundel County Local 1563 President Keith Wright and family. the United States and online. bargaining strategies, identify issues in Courses from the union skills developing proposals and write curriculum, including Managing Local contract language. Retired IAFF Officer Stays Unions , Negotiating and Writing The NLC also offers union skills Contract Language , Effective courses designed specifically to meet Dedicated to Labor at NLC Communication Skills for Trade the unique learning needs of secretary- Unionists and Spreadsheets for treasurers. Secretary-Treasurer’s Total fter former Anne Arundel Contract Costing, provide students Solution , scheduled for June 22- 26, County, MD Local 1563 with practical knowledge they can 2009, and November 16- 20, 2009 , APresident Keith Wright retired immediately apply to their unions. provides a hands-on computer course because of a job-related injury, he knew Union skills courses are formatted for to ensure the prudent handling of he wanted to continue working within one-week of in-person class time and funds and compliance with all the labor movement. To achieve his are held year-round. Courses that have regulatory requirements of the Internal goal, Wright went back to college with a been assessed for two credits may be Revenue Service and the Department of little help from scholarships available taken for three credits by arranging for Labor. Secretary-Treasurer’s LM-2 through Union Plus. additional assignments with Requirements , scheduled for In 2002, Wright injured his upper back the faculty. September 21-25, 2009, will teach on the job. After three years of light students how to navigate through the duty, returning to regular duty seemed Upcoming courses include: new LM-2 Labor Department reporting unlikely, and he retired on disability. requirements . After spending a few months catching  September 20-25, 2009 — up on household projects, he was ready Arbitration Preparation & to go back to school. Presentation — Level I focuses “I tried community college until a on elements of just cause in fellow IAFF member encouraged me to disciplinary cases for students at check into the National Labor College,” various levels. says Wright. “After looking into its labor New advocates with no education degree, I felt confident that arbitration experience will learn this was the direction I’d like to go.” how to conduct a hearing while Union Plus awarded Wright a advanced advocates will gain Students who successfully complete scholarship for his first year that he intensive practice with their union skills courses can apply course could use to attend any institution of existing hearing skills. The class credits towards earning a certificate in higher learning. In 2009, he received a will analyze a sample disciplinary Union Administration , Labor Safety scholarship specific to the labor college. case and practice opening and Health , Organizing , Labor The Union Plus NLC Scholarship has statements and direct and Education or Capital Stewardship . provided more than $172,000 since its cross-examination. Students will IAFF members pay an AFL-CIO- inception in 2002. The NLC is the participate in mock arbitrations before subsidized tuition rate. Fire fighters in nation’s only accredited college a real arbitrator and receive helpful good standing with the IAFF are exclusively dedicated to the education of critiques of their work. eligible to apply for the annual IAFF union members, leaders and staff. scholarship for members attending the “I have been very grateful to Union  October 25-30, 2009 — Arbitration NLC. The deadline to apply for the Plus for their assistance,” says Wright. Preparation & Presentation — Level II IAFF scholarship is July 1, 2009. “Having a family adds a whole new builds on the Level I course by focusing To enroll, prospective students dynamic to obtaining higher education. on a case involving past practice. complete an abbreviated application Not only am I financially responsible Students will analyze a sample case form and register for classes. No formal for my education, but also my two sons’ and use documentary evidence admissions process is required .  education.” Union members — including IAFF members — have access to scholarships and other benefits through Union Plus, from car rentals to legal services. For more information, visit: www.nlc.edu and For more information, visit www.iaff.org/et/scholarships www.unionplus.org . 

International Fire Fighter FULLY INVOLVED | 31 Fully Involved Use the IAFF Menu Planner A Daily Dose of Near returned from this search function are the Miss Is Good for You “just like us” accounts that resonate with for Your Fire Station Meals fire fighters. Instructors, company officers and fire fighters using the system have he company drill is as much a daily he IAFF Fit to Survive Menu reported that the advanced search kept routine in fire stations as anything Planner continues to be updated them focused on the task or topic and less else. The foundation of any company Tand features simple, healthy meals T likely to assume “this couldn’t happen to performance and the competence of any you can prepare on the job. The menu me because… [example] I’m not from a fire fighter is based on training. Given the planner also helps you plan ahead for each combination fire department.” mission of today’s fire fighter, training day, week and month, and includes recipes Visit www.firefighternearmiss.com before begins to look like pieces of a jigsaw with complete nutrition information. Each giving a daily drill to enhance the puzzle. Putting these pieces day’s meals add up to approximately 2,200 delivery, quality and the together is a challenge for any calories. Additionally, a “Portion retention of the knowledge company officer in terms of Distortion” feature helps you control and skill sets being taught. meeting the mandates of portions and avoid unnecessary calories. Manchester, CT Local 1579 the department, making In addition to the Menu Planner, the Fit President Dominic Cutaia the training interesting, to Survive web site offers expert advice says, “ The National Fire challenging and valuable and practical information on staying fit Fighter Near-Miss to the members, and and healthy, with special emphasis on how Reporting System allows fire finding the time to develop to follow a healthy diet to help reduce the fighters and fire officers to quality drills. risk of heart disease and other chronic realize cause and effect without The National Fire Fighter diseases. having to suffer possible mental or Near-Miss Reporting System is a Kevin Rose, member of Marin County, physical trauma through personal valuable resource company officers can use CA Local 1775, uses the menu planner experience. Reading through the reports in advance to enhance a pre-determined both at the station and at home. He reinforces the many lurking dangers and drill topic or to provide a high-impact, explains, “For fire fighters, heart disease is pitfalls that exist in our world and in many superior-quality drill in short notice. our number -one killer. This menu planner instances opens our eyes to a chain of The Near Miss Reporting System is provides a way to eat wholesome, delicious events that had not occurred to us designed to improve the safety of fire meals on and off the job .” previously.” fighters by the sharing of lessons from One of the toughest challenges Rose faces The tools of the fire fighter’s trade are near-miss incidents, collect ing data that is deciding what his crew is kept sharpest when exercised on a daily can be used to improve fire fighter safety eating that day. “We have basis. That daily exercise is even further and provid ing fire fighters with a conduit six people trying to enhanced with a dose of reality added. for reporting near-miss events. agree on one thing to Reviewing near-miss reports as a This online resource opens the door to eat,” explains Rose. component of daily drill programs brings more than 2,500 accounts in the ever- “We have to one element of reality to training where no growing database of near-miss reports. As consider likes and risks are taken in the name of knowledge the number of reports continues to dislikes, food allergies and the ‘I just had that gained, but lessons for a career are learned. increase, the list of topics is also growing. last night at home’ issues. It’s very difficult to For more information or to submit a Lessons from near-miss reports can be prepare a meal we will all eat. That is why we report, visit www.firefighternearmiss.com.  use the Fit to Survive Menu Planner.” infused into a drill at the beginning to set The Menu Planner has also helped Rose the stage and tone, appropriately inserted and his shift choose easy to prepare, in the body of the drill to emphasize a ALTS and Human Relations nutritious meals that they can all eat . “Before point or be discussed at the end to Conference Together in 2010 you know it, our meals are planned for the punctuate the lesson. At the beginning of the drill, near-miss day,” continues Rose . “ The food tastes great ark your calendars for the Affiliate reports can provide a vivid introduction to and the directions are so easy that even the Leadership Training Summit the topic, begin the process of recalling rookies can follow them,” Rose quips. M(ALTS) and Ernest A. “Buddy” individual experiences and establish the Rose’s family has benefited from the Mass Human Relations Conference, to be proper mindset for the drill. Introduced Menu Planner as well. “Because the Menu held back-to-back in Lake Buena Vista, in the middle of a drill, near-miss reports Planner is online and available at home, it Florida, the week of January 24-29, 2010. can be used to emphasize or reinforce an helps my family plan our weekly shopping These conferences offer essential courses important point. Closing a drill with a list. We don’t follow it day to day , but it for affiliate officers to be successful in their near-miss report expedites the learning does help stir up ideas for what to eat that role as union leaders. curve and validates what has already been the whole family can enjoy,” he says . “ The The Human Relations Conference, experienced or witnessed. kids especially like the ice cream nights. ” scheduled for January 24-27, 2010, focuses To ensure the near-miss report selected to Rose encourages other IAFF members to on a variety of important topics in human enhance the daily drill provides the use the Menu Planner. “The next time you relations, including cross-cultural and greatest impact possible, use the keyword are stuck trying to decide what to eat, go to generational communications, mentoring search to find a report that deals with the the Menu Planner. It helps our shift and it programs and serving diverse specific topic of the day. For example, if could help plan your next healthy meal.” communities. New this year, members of the drill for the day is a review of pump He adds, “The best part is that it gives the Elected Human Relations Committee operations, entering “pump panel” in the you the portion sizes to eat while supplying will be available during the conference to keyword text box returns 29 reports. you with a 2 ,000+ calorie a day meal plan.” meet individually with affiliate leaders to The advanced search options helps you The Menu Planner is available on the Fit discuss human relations issues. find reports that match discriminating to Survive web site at ALTS, which follows the Human criteria unique to your department, rank, www.iaff.org/HS/FTS/fts.  Relations Conference on January 27-29, work schedule and other factors . Reports 2010, offers a variety of new classes, from

FULLY INVOLVED May/June 2009 32 | contract language to pensions to political Health Insurance 101 is a newly developed provides essential information for new action. The New Leadership Seminar, a online learning module addressing the affiliate leaders to be effective in their pre-conference session for new affiliate fundamentals of health insurance. Health roles. This module is ideal for affiliate leaders, will be held on January 26. Insurance 101 provides a high-level leaders with up to two years of Throughout ALTS, affiliate leaders can also overview of health insurance key experience or for seasoned veterans request to meet with IAFF staff for components and is geared toward who want to refresh their skills. individualized consultation on local issues. members who have limited Overview of Membership Services Both events offer affiliate leaders the exposure to health insurance examines the various IAFF opportunity to exchange ideas and concepts beyond their own coverage. With departments/divisions and the services network with union leaders from across many locals facing layoffs and reductions in provided to members. This module is the United States and Canada. benefits, there has never been a better time customized to include informa tion on state Details and registration information are to become knowledgeable about the health and provincial associations. coming soon.  insurance industry. To help improve and provide curricula to Recruiting and Endorsing Candidates has affiliate leaders, the IAFF continually DOJ Accepting Nominations been developed as both an online and strives to improve and enhance the online instructor-led module. Both modules and instructor-led modules it develops. In for Public Safety Officer provide affiliate leaders insight into the 2009, the IAFF will focus on developing Medal of Valor process of a political campaign and provide more advanced-level classes, as well as an understanding of the importance of revising workshops on political action, he U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is becoming politically active, establish a pensions and contract negotiations. accepting nominations for the Public political action committee and develop a For a complete listing of education TSafety Officer Medal of Valor. This campaign plan in order to recruit and modules, visit www.iaff.org/et/index.htm medal is the highest national award that can endorse fire fighter-friendly candidates. or contact the IAFF Department of be bestowed on a civilian public safety Overview of Membership Services Education and Training at officer. It is awarded by the president of the is an instructor-led module that (202) 824-1533.  United States to officers who have exhibited extraordinary courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect Burn Community Converges on San Antonio human life. “We depend on public safety officers for ach year, IAFF members who share and prevention. The ABA has more than our safety and security — and they return a passion for donating their time to 3,500 members in the United States, our trust by standing guard on our nation’s Ethe burn community across North Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America, frontlines, working to ensure the safety of America come together at the annual including physicians, nurses, occupational its citizens,” says Attorney General Eric American Burn Association (ABA) and physical therapists, researchers, social Holder Jr. “Every day, in ways that never meeting. This year, it was held in San workers, fire fighters and hospitals with make the front page, public safety officers Antonio, Texas, March 23 -27. burn centers. put themselves at risk. We must honor The ABA and its members dedicate their This multidisciplinary membership these heroes appropriately.” efforts and resources to promoting and enhances the ability to work toward Under the Public Safety Officer Medal of supporting burn-related advocacy, common goals with other organizations Valor Act, up to five awards are presented research, education, care, rehabilitation on education and prevention programs. each year. To be considered for the 2009 In partnership with the ABA Burn Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, an Prevention Committee and Federation of officer must be nominated for actions that Burn Foundations, and with support occurred between June 1, 2008, and May from the Home Safety Council, the IAFF 31, 2009. Nominations must be submitted Burn Foundation assisted in providing online by the chief executive officer of the topics for education sessions at the nominee’s employing department no later meeting, such as burn prevention than 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 31, 2009. education, fire safe cigarette legislation, All nominations meeting submission chemical retardant legislation, residential requirements will be considered by the fire sprinkler systems, burn camps, burn Medal of Valor Review Board, composed of centers and fire fighter ensembles. current and former state and local public safety officials. The Review Board will Fire Fighters Donate to recommend award recipients to the IAFF Burn Foundation attorney general and the president. Join the IAFF Burn More than $50,000 was donated to the For more information about the Medal of Foundation Marine Corps IAFF Burn Foundation from various Valor, visit www.ojp.usdoj.gov/medalofvalor. groups around North America. The Marathon Team Firefighters Burn Institute in New Curriculum for Sacramento, California, the largest Sign up for the IAFF Burn contributor at the conference, donated Affiliate Leaders Foundation Marine Corps Marathon $15,000 to support the work of the IAFF Team, or sponsor a runner at Burn Foundation.  he IAFF continues to develop new and http://burn.iaff.org/marathon updated curriculum modules for For more information, contact the Special thanks to San Antonio, TX Taffiliates and their members. Curricula IAFF Burn Foundation at Local 624 President Christopher Steele cover a variety of topics and are delivered via (202) 824-8620 or email and his members for a warm welcome Partnership Education Program (PEP) [email protected] and support throughout the conference. instructor-led classes or as online modules.

International Fire Fighter FULLY INVOLVED | 33 On The Road With The General President Throughout his travels on behalf of the IAFF and its affiliates...

General President Harold Schaitberger visits firehouses and union halls and attends other state and provincial events.

In Iowa, President Schaitberger joined other IAFF leaders as Iowa General President Schaitberger and New Mexico Professional Fire Governor Chet Culver signed Senate File 226 into law. The measure Fighters Association President Emily Kane were on hand as New says that if fire fighters and police officers are diagnosed with cancer Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed a new law which will or certain infectious diseases, it will be presumed to be contracted on presume 11 cancers and five infectious diseases are work-related the job. The law also ensures disability or retirement death benefits. for fire fighters. The law also covers fire fighters who suffer a Schaitberger is pictured with Iowa Governor Chet Culver and (from stroke or heart attack within 24 hours of fighting a fire. left) Iowa Professional Fire Fighters President Rick Scofield, Vice President Eric Nurnberg, State Representative Kerry Burt (member of Waterloo, IA Local 66), State Senator Jeff Danielson (member of Cedar Falls, IA Local 1366), Iowa Professional Fire Fighters Trustee Jacob Schweitzer and Des Moines Fire Chief John TeKippe.

While in town for the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters convention, President Schaitberger visited with members of Coon Rapids, MN Local 1935 . From left: Local 1935 President Tom Johnson, Local 1935 Secretary James Ktytor and Local 1935 fire fighter Rick Bangert.

During the FDIC Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, President Schaitberger spoke to more than 5,000 IAFF members and fire service representatives who were among the more than 26,000 attendees. He is pictured with IAFF 8th District Vice President Tom Miller, Fire Engineering magazine Editor in Chief Bobby Halton and Indianapolis Local 416 President Wayne Smith.

General President Schaitberger spoke at and attended an April labor-sponsored fundraiser event for Massachusetts State Senator Kenneth Donnelly (former secretary-treasurer of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts) at Florian Hall in Boston. With the support of the IAFF, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts President Schaitbergerʼs travels to Whistler, British Columbia, for and other Massachusetts labor organizations, Donnelly was elected the Western Canadian Conference, included an opportunity to meet to the state senate in November 2008. From left: Professional Fire with members of Whistler Local 3944. He is shown here with (from Fighters of Massachusetts President Robert McCarthy, Boston left) Whistler, BC Local 3944 fire fighters Caine Tsujimura, David Local 718 President Ed Kelly, Senator Ken Donnelly, IAFF 3rd Rushbrook, Dan Kauffman, Australian exchange fire fighter Mick District Vice President Mike Mullane and Massachusetts AFL-CIO Elder, Local 3944 fire fighter Keith Mellor, Local 3944 President President Robert Haynes. Mitch Hunter and Local 3944 fire fighters Brian Buchholz, Jason Houlding, Tony Delbosco and Chris Nelson. ON THE ROAD May/June 2009 34 | Koenig, L2057 Orange Co. Professional Fire Fighters— David Cohen, Thomas Lester, L2315 Davie Professional Fire Fighters— Cyrus Cramer, Daniel Frost, Larry Pasko, L2424 Cape Coral Professional Fire Fighters— Robert Souza, L2427 Largo Professional Fire Fighters Assoc.— Gary Foss, L2497 Professional Fire Fighters Of Margate— Patrick Tobey, L2546 Suncoast Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics— Rick Gamber, Gloyd Stadel, L2794 Spring Hill— Dana Panozzo, L2928 Professional Fire Fighters & ALABAMA L1349 Mobile— Douglas Harlan, Robert Heaston, Kenneth Mannshardt, John Paramedics Of Palm Beach Co.— Ray Luisi, Dean Johnson, Teddie Waddill, L1444 Pierce, Clifford Spediacci, L1270 Salinas— David Jeffery Malley, L2959 Professional Fire Fighters Montgomery— Phillip Hethcox, Eddie Stephens, Hernandez, Gary Robinson, L1289 Modesto— and Paramedics of Martin Co.— Glenn Baker, L2528 Dothan— Randal Helms, Phillip Prince, James Adams, Kenneth Dillinger, L1354 Robert Bushman, Moetahar Padellan, Scott L3231 Adamsville— James Adkins, L3663 Redlands— John Burke, James Drabinski, Larry Potter, Thomas Reinis, L2980 Palm Demopolis— James Rhone, L4035 Hoover— Egan, Greg Hostetler, Mitch McKee, Chris Harbor/Oldsmar Professional Fire Fighters— Charles Erwin Medina, Ralph Morrison, Paul Simpson, Leonard Kevin Ratzmann, L3080 Metro-Broward ALBERTA L0209 Edmonton Fire Fighters Temby, James Teter, L1699 Milpitas— Michael Professional Fire Fighters— Jerald Gross, Union— Darrel Marchuk, Keith Woodruff, L0237 Saenz, L1775 Marin Professional Fire Fighters— Kenneth Hodge, Richard Rueth, L3529 Putnam Lethbridge— Greg Hamilton, Robert Herman, K. Jackie Crawford, Mark Fairbanks, Alexander Co. EMS Assoc.— Timothy Gilmore, Melanie Sawatsky, George Sherring, Chris Vanderlee Harvey, Leon MacDonald, Fred Potter, Ronald Wells, L3574 Volusia Co. Fire Fighters Assoc.— ARIZONA L0493 Phoenix— John Anderson, Reher, Darrell White, Ronald Whitehead, L1909 Charles Creech, Timothy Maher, L4337 Flagler George Ferrero, Gary Wolf, L1505 Flagstaff— Hayward— Kathryn Leonard, Joseph Masquelier, Co. Professional Fire Fighters Assoc. Inc.— John Olson, L2763 Nogales— Ramon Astorga, Allum Ndiaye, Lynne Podesta, Barry Reed, George Huhn L2974 Lake Havasu— Don Schneider, L3066 Eugene Rodriques, Mark Stanton, Jeffrey Urnes, GEORGIA L0134 Atlanta— Michael Alford, United Yavapai— Theodore Galde, L3560 Sun James Ward, L2046 Santa Barbara Co.— Timothy Louis Bell, John Cambareri, Joshua Capes, Tyre Lakes— Scott MacPhail, James Metcalf, Joe Baal, Wesley Herman, Richard Vatter, David Chapman, Stephen Cook, Christian Coons, Venditto, L3690 Sedona-Verde— David Ahern, Walters, Curtis Warner, L2216 Compton— Roger Wendell Cox, Logan Dean, Daniel Frye, Dudley Jerry Doerksen, Mark Etter, Jeffrey McCutcheon, Poche, L2400 San Mateo Co.— Walter Black, Garrett, Mathew Goodson, Connie Gragg, Rudy Michael Rigsby Wayde Rice, L2744 National City— Dean Nunley, Handspike, Ronald Hargett, Jackson Harris, Jerry ARKANSAS L0034 Little Rock— R. L. Cochran, L2881 CDF Fire Fighters— Andrew Creasey, Heard, Henry Hitt, Robert Howard, David Phillip Hays, L2030 Jacksonville— Johnny Jacqueline Scoggin, L3546 San Ramon Valley— Inman, Kenneth Jordan, David Moore, Matt Bradley Christopher Bailey, Bradford Haux, Mary Moseley, Ronald Pagnotta, Willie Partridge, Evans BRITISH COLUMBIA L0018 Vancouver— Raymond, L3605 P.F.F.A. Of Santa Cruz Co.— Pollard, Curtis Raines, James Reid, David Rucker, Lorne Cook, Michael Gibbons, Kenneth Swan, Gene Benson, Dave Martone, Leonard Negro, Steve Skaggs, Steven Smith, Jan Theil, Curtis L0730 Victoria— Neil Aldous, Mike Donald, John Ritchey, L3631 Orange Co. Professional Fire Walther, Dave Warner, Gregory Wilkinson, Jamey L1253 Cranbrook— Ron Bailey, L1271 Surrey— Fighters Assoc.— Vincent Acosta, Joseph Cady, Willis, David Wingfield, William Wright Dale Beaton, Guyle Hobbs, Alan Roberts, L1668 David Dorn, James Fowler, Stephen Griffis, Mark HAWAII L1463 Hawaiian Islands— Job Harris Campbell River— Halyna Perron, Jennifer Hess, Charles Kohlberg, Tom Litton, Patrick ILLINOIS F0037 Great Lakes Naval Training Ritchie, L1763 Delta Firefighters— James Wible, Rod Wood, L3730 Carlsbad— Jack Center— Thomas Purcell, Timothy Taylor, L0002 Wilkins, L1782 Coquitlam— P. Wayne Hamilton, Crabtree, Joe Harden, Dan Sprague, Jim Torretto, Chicago— Richard Anderson, Kirby Bruno, Roderick MacDonald, Steve Merry, L2864 L4110 Auburn City— John Bailey, L4437 UC Fire Thomas Caradine, Terrence Clancy, Kevin Coffey, Abbotsford Fire Fighters Assoc.— Robert Scruton Fighters— Louis Cherko Gregory Dairyko, David Dziobas, David Garcia, CALIFORNIA F0053 Edwards Air Force Base— COLORADO L0858 Denver— Richard Balkwill, Kevin Grant, James Harney, David Krogstad, Thomas Simanek, Christopher Vullo, F0116 James Kretschmar, Edward Sainz, L1290 Bernard Malnarick, William Malone, Kevin Vandenberg Professional Fire Fighters— Charles Aurora— Scott Mills, L1309 West Metro Fire McDonald, Alfonso McGill, Eric Mitchell, Brooks, Gerald Thompson, L0055 Oakland Fighters— Thomas Richards, Dorothea Scalise, Anthony Plummer, Michael Sitkiewicz, Jeffrey Alameda Co. And Emeryville— John Kiely, Craig Stevens, L2086 Littleton— Eric Sondeen Smith, Margaro Torres, Roger Willis, L0026 Rock Dennis LeGear, L0112 Los Angeles City— Waldie CONNECTICUT L0760 Hartford— Frank Carter, Island— Jerry Wiesman, L0044 Joliet— James Brangham, Craig Brewster, Christopher Burton, Salvatore Pagliorello, L0834 Bridgeport— Reynoldo Hedrick, L1255 Alton— Steven Angelo, Donald Terence DePackh, Craig Evans, Jesse Franco, Rodriguez, L1042 Greenwich— Christopher Doyle, Bruce, Ken Grabner, Michael Harvey, Jeff Julian, Dennis Frazier, Jerry Golding, Barry Hedberg, George Hannigan, Gary Mead, John Sabito, Ron H. J. Shewmake, John Sowders, John Sumpter, Elton Johnson, John Keys, Wayne Langner, Thomas, L2533 Branford— Barth McGow Gregory Walker, John Wardle, L1999 Zion Annalise Mulford, John Nelson, Ronald Olivieri, DELAWARE F0135 Dover Air Force Base— Professional Fire Fighters Assoc.— Tim Poulsen, Ricardo Price, Gary Stameisen, Gregory Stone, James Cain L2369 Joliet Officers— Michael Bessette, George Michael Taylor, Michael Theule, Jerry Thomas, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA L0036 Bode, Timothy Carlin, David Conner, Thomas Jay Turner, George Valenzuela, John Vickers, Washington— Kevin Rogan Douglas, Richard Marose, Michael Skole, L2720 Raymond Walker, Timothy Wilson, L0522 FLORIDA L0587 Miami Assoc. Of Fire Country Club Hills Fire Fighters Union— Janet Sacramento— Loren Abbott, Brian Barry, Tony Fighters— John Carlton, M. A. Castillo, Willie Tesch, L2986 Lisle/Woodridge— David Bermudez, Paul Dougherty, Jeff Ramsdell, David Davis, Richard Graziano, Michael Hosmer, E. McWilliams, L3022 Streamwood— Joanne Sherlock, Kriss Usherwood, Michael Wetklow, Jarrell, Christopher Musser, Albert Patelsky, Terry Lorkowski, Jeff Sobotka, L3039 Oak Forest— L0689 Alameda— Stephen Dossey, Kevin Helms, Remland, L0765 Fort Lauderdale— Ralph Diaz, Leonard Bonnevier, L3075 Rolling L0753 Fresno— Carlos Ramirez, L1067 Riverside Steve Kastner, Thomas Lanzi, William Ledegang, Meadows— Donald Fuller, Ronald Johnson, City— Charles Luna, L1138 Torrance— Darrell Stephen Pritchard, James Sheehan, Sylvester L3079 Wheeling— Bart Burns, L3144 Auxier, L1165 Santa Clara Co.— Dennis Moore, Staten, L1510 Fire Fighters Of Miami Beach— Taylorville— G. Michael Crews, L3405 Oak L1230 Contra Costa Co.— Edward Borden, Otto Ramirez, Sam Spadone, Richard Zalewski, Lawn— Edward Brand, L3766 Dolton— Robert Charles Fischer, Mike Giambona, Denise Hansen, L1951 Melbourne Fire Fighters Assoc.— James Brija, L4092 Schaumburg— Richard Schmit, www.iaff.org RETIREES | 35 Steve Weir, L4119 Mount Prospect— Thomas Force Base— Robert Moretto, L0146 Lawrence— Arlint, Steven Edlin, L3228 Gladstone— David O’neill, L4211 Des Plaines Professional Fire William Lannon, L0172 Salem— John Burke, Cheney Fighters Union— Dave Dionne, Randy Hemple, George Croteau, L0718 Boston— Stephen MONTANA L0008 Great Falls— Charles Butler James Kedroski, Steve Lay, Scott Williams, L4344 Cloonan, John Conway, William Dennehy, Patrick NEBRASKA L0644 Lincoln— Mark Munger Sauget Fire Fighters Assoc.— Billy Bethea Ellard, Paul Hicks, Walter James, Gerald Jenkins, NEVADA L0731 Reno— Woody Adams, Carl INDIANA L0360 Mishawaka— Robert Saros, David Lang, William Nelson, Moses Pitts, Calamusa, Margurite Elder, Russell Grow, L1285 L0362 South Bend— Richard Jasinski, Dennis Lawrence Rocci, Robert Rull, Charles Santangelo, Las Vegas— Joseph Baldi, John Banks, William Stafford, L0396 Kokomo— Steve Beatty, Brad Walter Townsend, L0863 Newton— Francis Combs, S. John Darnell, Mark Fleischmann, Chaplin, Dave Duncan, James Dunlap, Steve Capello, Stephen Mandile, James Spaulding, Timothy Jolly, Paul Kalani, Mark Kennedy, Sandra Elkins, Patrick Fleming, Jeffrey Harvey, David L0902 Malden— Stephen Carroll, L1009 Kirkwood, Randall Marsh, James McAllister, Burt Kinney, Tim Laird, Jack Morgan, Larry Newell, Worcester— Michael Kane, Tracy Kohler, Thomas McGinty, Christopher Reed, Billy Streand, John Daniel Smith, Charles Sosbe, Gary Stevens, Marchand, Mark Stomski, L1011 Haverhill— Torgerson, L1883 Henderson— Ronald Hague, Gordon Wilber, L0586 Professional Fire Fighters David Turner, L1297 Arlington— Paul Doherty, L1908 Clark Co.— Vance Higbee, Timothy Of Bloomington— Dennis Goen, David Oney, Michael Walsh, Richard Weismann, L1314 Fall Kjenstad, James Neel James Washel, L1262 Anderson— Lance River— Deane Kimball, Henry Klek, Gerald NEW BRUNSWICK L1576 Oromocto— Daniel Carpenter, Randolph Doster, L1649 Alexandria— Leandro, L1391 Taunton— Norman Menard, Kenny, Malcolm Toole Mike Hensley, L2205 Connersville— Michael L1617 Melrose— Stephen Jancsy, L1652 NEW HAMPSHIRE L3160 Londonderry— Devor, Donald Foreman, Joseph Salyer, L3433 Framingham— Kenneth Brown, L1658 Jesse Roberts, L3288 Professional Fire Fighters Of Franklin Fire Department— Tim Coble, John Andover— George Milne, Lawrence Pierce, Hanover— James Belanger, Michael Clark, David Hash, Dan Weddle George Thomson, L1710 Chicopee— Michael Goodrich, David Hautaniemi IOWA L0004 Des Moines— Michael Hiltbunner, Lemelin, L1840 Ludlow— Alberto Crisostomo, NEW JERSEY F0103 Fort Monmouth— John Hollie Smith, L0007 Sioux City— Robert Mahr, William Dicarlo, Stanley Gosciminski, L1994 Fowler, L0384 Asbury Park— Angelo Petillo, L0015 Council Bluffs— Anne Brunko, L0041 Westwood— Mark Reilly, L2346 Centerville- L1064 Jersey City Fire Officers— Robert Keating, Mason City— Gregory Miller, L0066 Waterloo— Osterville— Fred Lewis, L2472 Lynnfield— Harold Keith Noesges, L1860 Newark Fire Officers— Stanley Mingus, Michael Schmitz, L0678 Hall, L2519 Mashpee—Howland Evora, L2611 Mark Cahill, Kenneth Uveges, L2578 Camden Boone— Randy Craven, L2607 Cedar Rapids Bridgewater—John Dowd, James Wood, L3126 Officers— James Johnston, Paul Price, L3950 Airport— Douglas Cole Westford—James Sheridan, L3128 Fitchburg— North Hudson— Robert Baldino, Gustavo Baxes, KANSAS L0083 Topeka— Robert Martin, Richard Hawthorne, Michael Murphy, L3189 Brian Canetti, James Hodge, John Kelly, Steven Richard Woltkamp, L0135 Wichita— Michael Clinton—Anthony Urraro, L3213 Freetown— Mirabelli, David Palmer, John Palombini, William Custer, James Kilpatrick, Nicholas Mendoza, Eugene Rymszewicz, L3660 Weston—John Renner, Gary Stanke, L4687 Evesham Township Kurtis Vogel, L2542 Olathe— Dave Plummer Finnerty, Charles MacLeod, Louis Young, Paul Professional Fire Fighters Assoc.— Anthony KENTUCKY L0345 Louisville— Porter Cottrell, Young Ambricco Bryan Harris, L0706 Ashland— Sam Watkins, MICHIGAN L0335 Battle Creek— Kenneth NEW MEXICO L0244 Albuquerque— Louise L0870 Owensboro— David Ballard, Daniel Smith, L0344 Detroit— James Black, Dennis Archibeque, David Clark, Gabriel Serna, Michael Bennett, Ray Best, Jerry Kessinger, Paul Lehecka, Dermidoff, Patrick Hayden, James Hoze, Henry Valencia, Steven Villescas, L2430 Silver City— L0927 Bowling Green— Justin Reesy, L3952 Taplin, Lawrence Taylor, L0356 Wyandotte— Robert Lopez, Ray Muniz, Richard Ray Franklin Co. Fire Department— Alex Smither, Lawrence Blicharski, L0376 Pontiac— Emmett NEW YORK L0086 Troy— Paul Gallerie, David L4484 Walton Professional Fire Fighters— Lucille Elliott, L1029 Southfield— Timothy Moore, Gavitt, L0094 Uniformed Fire Fighters Assoc. Of McIntyre L1164 Livonia— Michael Riesterer, Clarence New York— Richard Ahern, Philip Benigno, John LOUISIANA L0514 Shreveport— Donald Rivard, L1306 Jackson— Jeffrey Collver, L1381 Biondi, Joseph Brennan, James Brierley, Marc Richardson, L0619 Lafayette— Steve Alleman, Clinton Township— Guy Hall, Daniel Sears, Bruni, Glenn Cloherty, David DelValle, Michael Mike Thibodeaux, L0632 New Orleans— Joseph L1830 Ypsilanti Township— William Houle, Dorgan, William Els, William Ferrara, Robert Dominick, Edward Stringer, Nicholas Ward, David Stachlewitz, L2289 Canton— John Hunter, Johnson, Scott Lane, Anthony Leonick, Eric L1374 Jefferson Parish— Ray Froeba, L1405 L2431 Hastings— Jerry McDonald, L3299 Moller, Paul Pirraglia, Daniel Pyle, Robert Rohan, Houma— Jerry Labouve Washington Township— Reid Sheeley Paul Ruane, Philip Ruggiero, Philip Scarfi, Mark MAINE L0785 Lewiston— Donald Bannister, MINNESOTA L0021 Saint Paul— Larry Schuler, Gregory Scott, William Smith, Frank George Wright, L0797 Auburn— J. H. Downing, Christopherson, Daniel Cimenski, Patrick Spaldo, Richard Stewart, Gregory Straub, Joseph Richard Francoeur, Craig Gerry, David Flanagan, Bernard Moe, Michael Newbauer, Swick, Mark Verdi, William Wheeler, Charles McKenney, Gary Simard, Richard Theriault, Jeffrey Nottum, Mark Poechmann, William Zachman, Edward Zebrowski, L0191 L1650 Augusta— William Cusick, Robert Moody, Saatzer, Mark Slaikeu, Michael Tauer, Timothy Watertown— Donald Howell, L0282 Buffalo— Charles Squires Wirth, Michael Wisniewski, L0520 Rochester— Frank Balester, Joseph Brocato, George Coates, MANITOBA L0867 Winnipeg— Les Heinrichs, Loren Hewitt, L0575 Winona— Larry Strange, Robert Gee, Tyrone King, Joseph Romano, L. M. Milian, B. Wenden, R. K. Yeo L3939 Saint Paul Fire Supervisory Assoc.— Michael Whitfield, Dennis Wright, L0616 MARYLAND F0161 N.I.S.T. Gaithersburg— Michael Gulner, L4481 Burnsville Fire Dunkirk— Thomas Brown, L0628 Yonkers Raymond Poole, L0734 Baltimore— Richard Supervisors— John Deutsch, Johnnie Knutson Mutual Aid Assoc.— Robert Marranzino, L0694 Bisasky, Michael Brice, Mark Bruzdzinski, MISSOURI L0042 Kansas City— Ricky Black, Rome— Michael Biondi, Dennis Lemon, Gary Bradford Bulloch, Leslie Davis, Richard Dieter, Joseph Zachery, L0073 Union of Prof. Fire Semo, L0719 Gloversville— Kevin Quinn, L0729 DeAndre Dorsey, Marty Ernst, Charlene Gayo, Fighters Paramedics EMT’s and Dispatchers of Binghamton— J. C. Greco, Spero Zervos, L0859 John Gill, Robert Hicks, William Little, Michelle St. Louis Mo— Charles Horn, Andrew Vining, Tonawanda— Dan Marohn, L0916 Eastchester— Lloyd, Ceasar Medley, Steven Stewart, L1311 Timothy Wolff, L0152 Springfield— Stanley Timothy Harte, L0963 Lockport— Kenneth Roth, Baltimore Co.— William Gilbert, Hugh Laurie, Budzyna, Charles Bush, Daniel Dougherty, Gary L1027 Middletown— James Owen, Harold Pierre Thode, L1664 Montgomery Co.— Mark Helvey, John House, Randy Lasater, Charles Wickham, L1446 Auburn— Gary Winslow, L1772 Bird, Matthew Buckley, Eric Carlson, Gregory Wilson, L0757 Saint Charles— Glen Taylor, L1055 Jamestown— Brian Boehm, Steven Landy, L2007 Dekle, Brian Dredger, Mark Fortin, David Columbia— Daniel Comegys, L2001 Professional Albany— Kenneth Dott, Brian Struwe, Michael Horwat, Sharon Jarrell, Kathleen Matheny, James Fire Fighters Of Southwest Missouri— James Tobler, L2421 Plattsburgh— Mark Gadway, Pollard, Shannon Sledgeski, L2000 Howard Co.— Abner, L2665 Professional Fire Fighters of Richard Tucker, L2562 Cohoes— James Weir, Caitlin Foster, Mikaela Gardner, Robert Shimer Eastern Missouri— Fred Cain, Robin Jobe, L3792 Gates Career Fire Fighters & MASSACHUSSETTS F0078 Hanscom Air Dwight Stevens, L3133 Central Jack— David Dispatchers— David Tytler, S0025 Buffalo-

RETIREES May/June 2009 36 | Niagara Airport— Jeffrey Jozwiak PENNSYLVANIA F0109 Cumberland Valley— James Pettit, L1390 Laredo— Jesus Cazares, NORTH CAROLINA L3287 Wilson— Archie Lawrence Davidson, L0001 Pittsburgh— Lawrence Henry Rodriguez, Roberto Sandoval, Homero Artis Banks, Wayne Lester, John Maydak, Edward Venegas, L1954 Richardson— Joe Jones, L2690 NOVA SCOTIA L0268 Halifax— Daniel Fortune McFarren, John Popp, Bruce Wagoner, L0022 Nacogdoches— Gary Anthony, K. K. Faulkner, OHIO L0048 Cincinnati— Timothy Smith, L0067 Philadelphia— Israel Bells, John Boerner, Brian L2999 Duncanville— Eric Johnson, Pat Columbus— Gary Evans, John Janoski, Richard Byers, Frank Carey, Joseph Cella, Michael Coyle, McGinnis, Larry Phillips, Travis Tooker, L3991 Niemann, David Walter, L0092 Toledo— Richard David Crompton, Anthony Cubbage, John Curcio, Georgetown— Mark Moss Boyd, Gerald DeBien, Richard Knight, Jeff Anthony Dabrowski, Robert Davenport, Thomas UTAH L0593 Provo— James Guynn, Keith Hall, Martin, Jeffrey Mayer, Carla Stachura, L0093 Donovan, Brian Findlay, Robert Fromhold, L1645 Salt Lake City— Karleen Montanez Cleveland— John Cavanagh, L0109 Newark— Anthony Giampietro, Thomas Harrigan, Dennis VIRGINIA F0173 Fort Eustis— Jackie Leeson, John Weber, L0136 Dayton— Thomas McGill, Iller, Reginald Irby, Robert Karch, Samuel Marks, L0539 Portsmouth— M. L. Eddins, L0995 Richard Mitchell, L0249 Canton— Donald James Marshall, Edward McCall, Dennis McNeill, Richmond— Ross Anderson, Kyle Kyger, George Gordon, Roger Nye, L0252 Piqua— Jeff Nadine Meehan, Angel Navarro, Edward Nolan, McCall, Thomas Price, Stephen Richardson, Meckstroth, L0267 Lorain— Lonnie George, Frank O’Donnell, Timothy O’Neill, Gregory Thomas Williams, L1132 Roanoke— Audie Ferris, L0330 Akron— Dennis Carpenter, Andrew Pridgen, Anne Raven, Vincent Regan, Bernard L1568 Henrico Co.— Debbie Elam, Cameron Heape, L0381 Findlay— Terry Coppes, L0382 Rooney, Robert Ruff, Richard Salber, Carl Schmied, Sellers, David Woods, L2068 Fairfax Co. Lakewood— James Birkley, James Helbig, Daniel Robert Shaw, William Shovlin, Michael Stroback, Professional Fire Fighters And Paramedics— Waitkus, L0434 Painesville— Tim Ulle, L0474 Jon Theisen, Kevin Welsh, George Wetzel, L0515 William Bertone, Timothy Dunaway, Delbert Elyria— Mark Horton, John Zielinski, L0494 Meadville— Larendo Hedrick, L0840 Luzerne Feaster, Wesley Gallahan, Charles Hile, David Cuyahoga Falls— Cathy Brightman, Richard Co.— Leonard Baltruchitis, L2045 Hanover— McKernan, Shannon Oswald, Robert Rhoads, Schrop, L0681 Van Wert— Michael Fackler, Bill Wayne Bollinger John Sherer, L2141 Alexandria— William Greene, L1057 Fairview Park— Frank Bolger, RHODE ISLAND L0732 Woonsocket— Konecheck, Robert Whitmore, L2499 Bristol— L1235 Fairborn— Paul Salyer, L1441 Franklin Kenneth Finlay, Thomas Papa, L0850 East Walter Ford, Thomas Helton, L2598 Prince Township— Richard Gould, Thomas Newton, Providence— Howard Courtemanche, Kenneth William Professional Fire Fighters Inc.— Stephen L1521 Upper Arlington— Larry Long, L1662 Ledo, L0850 East Providence— Walter Moore, Boulton, Charles Foster, L2800 Arlington Co.— Stow— Richard Henkel, L1723 Norwich L1104 West Warwick— Gerard Tellier, L1950 Mark Girard, Wilbur Gray, Kevin Griffin, L4145 Township— William Midgley, L2380 Highland Johnston— Charles Cavallaro, Henry Frederick Co. Professional Fire Fighters Assoc.— Heights— Ed Bencin, L2492 Shelby— Patrick Courtemanche, Kenneth Fellela, James Jacavone, Gary Keplinger Fought, L3025 West Licking Professional Fire John Jasper, Michael Mallette, Arthur Moretti, WASHINGTON F0282 Puget Sound Federal Fighters— Richard Sellers, L3036 Washington Thomas Ricci, L2748 Warwick— Thomas Fire Fighters— Thomas Cardoza, William Hutto, Township(Dublin)— Robert Bishop, L3369 Choiniere, Kevin Fraser, Stephen Hay, Steven Vincent Livingston, Richard Maxwell, L0315 Washington Township(Centerville)— Terence Hughes, Arthur Lowe, Ronald Macomber, Ralph Hoquiam— Jim Heikel, L0864 Renton— Bob Conley, L3824 Monroe Professional Fire Matteson, Jeffery Noble, Paul St. Jean, L3240 Jensen, L1296 Kennewick— Daniel Birkhimer, Fighters— Kenny Ellis, L3932 Goshen Coventry— Lonnie St. Jean L1352 Valley Fire Fighters— Kurt Vogel, L1433 Township— David Books, L4055 Hamilton SASKATCHEWAN L0080 Saskatoon— Ronald Pasco— Michael Rowe, L1604 Bellevue— Henry Township Career— Greg Hauser, L4168 Huron Thomas, L0510 Prince Albert— Calvin Peneff, Lombard, L2024 South King Co. Professional Professional Fire Fighters— Steven Dircks L0553 Moose Jaw— Neil Ingalls Fire Fighters— Mark Mannard, Robert Stinnett, OKLAHOMA L0157 Oklahoma City— Kevin SOUTH CAROLINA L0369 Spartanburg— L2032 East Jefferson Professional Fire Fighters— Burge, Kristi Davis, Mark Hart, Kenneth Loveless, Jackie Millwood, Rocky Pollard, L3697 Saint Ronald Wadkins, L2088 Tukwila— Theodore Troy Rawls, Cort Smith, James Williams, L0176 Andrews— Wendell Glover Fehr, L2105 University Place— Tim Pitz, L2409 Tulsa— Joey Ashley, Jeffrey Biggs, Mark Dix, R. E. TENNESSEE L0140 Nashville— John Richardson, Tumwater— Dennis Presley, Mike Routley, Robert Littlefield, Richard Wright, L2067 Norman— L0820 Chattanooga— Glenda Boatwright, Richard Sapp, Pamela Webberley, L2545 Kirkland— Kenneth McCage, L2095 Stillwater— Dale Martin, L1346 Oak Ridge— James Dyer, L1784 Thomas Stoves, L2819 Kitsap Co.— Jason Gear, Parrish, L2359 Edmond— Maryann Srbljan, Memphis— Dannie Jones, David Langley, Robert L2919 City Of Seatac— Bob Hamilton Micah Weaver, L2551 Broken Arrow— Dale Neal, L3583 Bartlett— Louis Vaden, L4592 Newport WEST VIRGINIA L0012 Wheeling— Mark Brooks, Frank Rowell, Robert Seawright, Ron Professional Fire Fighters Assoc.— Pat Proffitt Knuth, L0089 Clarksburg— John Keough, Robert Shaw, L2907 Anadarko Professional Fire Fighters TEXAS L0051 El Paso— Mitchell Farley, Michael Webb, L0317 Charleston— Timothy Berry, Daniel Assoc.— Robert Arrington Navarrete, Juan Sanchez, L0058 Dallas— James Shaffer, L0347 Bluefield— James Turner, L0805 ONTARIO L0162 Ottawa— Peter Cory, Gary Anderson, L0170 Cleburne— Curry Reagan, Martinsburg— Scott Stroop Foster, Danny Johncox, Douglas Kightley, Perry L0341 Houston— Ronny Allen, Clarence Batey, WISCONSIN L0141 Green Bay— Larry McConnell, Robert Relyea, Preston Stevens, Leon Beaty, Gilbert Bennett, Delbert Burleson, Erdmann, L0215 Milwaukee— John Craney, L0193 Thunder Bay— Bob Greer, L0288 James Crowder, Joe Davis, Rauley Duplechin, Richard Mraz, L0257 Appleton— James Bruckner, Hamilton— John Dove, Thomas Hinchliffe, Len Farest Foroi, William Frankum, James Galindo, L0407 Waukesha— Alan Watt, L0414 Kenosha Robillard, L0457 Kitchener— Blake Bernard, Larry Hawkins, Clyde Hubbard, Joseph Hundl, Professional Fire Fighters— Carl Pierce, L0580 Chad Dawe, Harry Holst, Donald Kaufman, Peter Jerry Jaynes, Julian Kowis, Roney Lewis, Howard Janesville— Joe Flister, L1848 Oak Creek— David McGough, Gary Stemmler, Arthur Warkentin, Livesay, Jimmie Miles, Joe Muirhead, Bruce Shafer, L1998 De Pere— Mitch Scray, L2386 L0460 Brantford— Richard Butcher, L0481 Pylant, Edward Reid, John Resendez, Raul Reyes, Beloit Township— Wayne Endthoff, L2739 Welland— Henry Labenski, L0485 St. William Robertson, August Schatz, Eugene Scott, Oconto— Dennis Ladwig, L2939 Professional Catharines— Morris Farmer, Dave Platts, L0488 Gerry Sowell, Bob Villarreal, Thomas Ward, Fire Fighters Of Mount Pleasant— Paul Fredrich, Pembroke— Claude Belec, L0492 Sarnia— James Gregory Warfield, L0397 Port Arthur— Chester Keith Webster Gough, L0519 Peterborough— Daniel Carroll, Navarre, L0440 Fort Worth— Donnie Carney, WYOMING L0279 Cheyenne— Kyle Berg, Keith Ronald Pogue, L1068 Brampton— Robert Finney, L0542 Amarillo— Michael Cummings, Mike Tipsword, L0946 Laramie— Scott Davis, Ann J. Thomas Strutz, L1351 Elliot Lake— Rene Guite, Kelley, Billy Young, L0571 Galveston— J. L. Clark, Pond, Current Retirements Reported L1957 Richmond Hill— Dave Olsen, L4152 Ronald Hansen, John Ochoa, L0936 Corpus Whitchurch-Stouffville— Eric Blundon Christi— Loren Kasper, Sergio Perez, Miguel Rios, OREGON L0043 Portland— James Beery, Kirk L1044 Abilene— Gary Cheek, L1293 Garland— Schaffer, L1817 Rogue Valley Professional Fire Frank Bickel, John Elzner, L1329 Fighters— Mark Moran Arlington— John Allen, Mitchell Musgrove,

International Fire Fighter RETIREES | 37 IN MEMORIAM

F0037 Steven Kennedy ...... Great Lakes Naval Training Center ...... IL L341 Rodney Waters ...... Houston ...... TX F0109 Dennis Day ...... Cumberland Valley ...... PA L345 Edward Rachford ...... Louisville ...... KY I0068 Mark Stone ...... Sikorsky Aircraft ...... CT L396 Bruce Reed ...... Kokomo ...... IN L2 Stanley Adamczyk ...... Chicago ...... IL L416 John Harkins ...... Indianapolis ...... IN L2 Warren Bruce ...... Chicago ...... IL L416 Paul McGrevy ...... Indianapolis ...... IN L2 George Chicvera ...... Chicago ...... IL L507 Joseph Maduro ...... Hazleton ...... PA L2 Robert Clawson ...... Chicago ...... IL L556 Richard Kulas ...... Hammond ...... IN L2 Donald Cunningham ...... Chicago ...... IL L616 Leonard Nasca ...... Dunkirk ...... NY L2 Addel De Jesus ...... Chicago ...... IL L616 Mickey Romance ...... Dunkirk ...... NY L2 Michael Gavin ...... Chicago ...... IL L627 Larry Leader ...... York ...... PA L2 Kevin Gray ...... Chicago ...... IL L632 Eugene Barilleaux ...... New Orleans ...... LA L2 William Hendricks ...... Chicago ...... IL L632 Gerald Schneider ...... New Orleans ...... LA L2 Leroy Klode ...... Chicago ...... IL L718 William Burke ...... Boston ...... MA L2 John Pemberton ...... Chicago ...... IL L718 Jean Dunham ...... Boston ...... MA L2 Henry Sajdak ...... Chicago ...... IL L718 Kevin Golden ...... Boston ...... MA L2 Francis Schwantner ...... Chicago ...... IL L718 Paul Mullen ...... Boston ...... MA L22 Jack Arnold ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L734 Robert Brown ...... Baltimore ...... MD L22 Francis Baer ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L734 George Haas ...... Baltimore ...... MD L22 Joseph Bolduc ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L734 Anthony Marski ...... Baltimore ...... MD L22 Frank Bryan ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L734 Steven Messiora ...... Baltimore ...... MD L22 Victor Curlett ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L734 Richard Ritter ...... Baltimore ...... MD L22 John Dembitsky ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L734 Michael Seta ...... Baltimore ...... MD L22 John DeRose ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L734 Edward Underwood ...... Baltimore ...... MD L22 Theodore Ferkle ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L753 Jack Reddeman ...... Fresno ...... CA L22 Ralph Gardner ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L825 Patrick Reardon ...... New Haven ...... CT L22 Douglas Gordon ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L867 D. D. Logan ...... Winnipeg ...... MB L22 George Hummel ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L888 Bill Sharrah ...... Greeley ...... CO L22 Charles Hunt ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L936 Baldemar Saenz ...... Corpus Christi ...... TX L22 Ralph Keys ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L936 Phillip Sensinger ...... Corpus Christi ...... TX L22 William MacLain ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L995 A. B. Burch ...... Richmond ...... VA L22 Mitchell McCalin ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L995 Donald Etheridge ...... Richmond ...... VA L22 John Mueller ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L995 J. D. Isbell ...... Richmond ...... VA L22 Alfred Operacz ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L995 Cecil Pearson ...... Richmond ...... VA L22 George Peters ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1027 Bill Woodruff ...... Middletown ...... NY L22 Robert Seddon ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1040 Daniel Olson ...... Rapid City ...... SD L22 Francis Sienko ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1158 Sean Duff ...... Clearwater ...... FL L22 Charles Skinner ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1165 James McCluskey ...... Santa Clara County ...... CA L22 Raymond Smith ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1230 David Garrett ...... Contra Costa County ...... CA L22 Robert Underwood ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1289 Antwan Moore ...... Modesto ...... CA L22 Joseph Wajda ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1311 Randy Meyer ...... Baltimore County ...... MD L22 Isaiah Whitby ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1311 Michael Whittaker ...... Baltimore County ...... MD L22 Charles Woelpper ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1463 Paul Silva ...... Hawaiian Islands ...... HI L22 Joseph Zakaluzny ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1784 Archie Cook ...... Memphis ...... TN L36 Kenneth Martin ...... Washington ...... DC L1784 Donald Hall ...... Memphis ...... TN L36 Dante Paire ...... Washington ...... DC L1784 Gerald Hooker ...... Memphis ...... TN L36 Victor Rollins ...... Washington ...... DC L1784 Lewis Ramsey ...... Memphis ...... TN L42 William Roberts ...... Kansas City ...... MO L1784 Gerald Tatum ...... Memphis ...... TN L42 Gary Zellmer ...... Kansas City ...... MO L1889 Alexander Scheuer ...... Mehlville ...... MO L48 Clarence Brinker ...... Cincinnati ...... OH L1904 Leo Hayes ...... Acton ...... MA L55 Thomas Green ...... Oakland, Alameda Co. &Emeryville .... CA L1908 Dennis Law ...... Clark County ...... NV L60 Robert Shea ...... Scranton ...... PA L2029 Peter Evans ...... Rye ...... NY L94 Salvatore Scarentino ...... UFFA Of New York ...... NY L2033 Earl Fransen ...... Southington ...... CT L140 Walter Demonbreun ...... Nashville ...... TN L2033 John Mikosz ...... Southington ...... CT L140 Joseph Wright ...... Nashville ...... TN L2057 Michael Priester ...... Orange County ...... FL L144 William Donovan ...... Brockton ...... MA L2205 Devon Huntsman ...... Connersville ...... IN L200 Frank Butler ...... Bartlesville ...... OK L2430 Louie Escamilla ...... Silver City ...... NM L200 Floyd Crabtree ...... Bartlesville ...... OK L2687 Arthur Heriot ...... Hamden ...... CT L215 Kane Krause ...... Milwaukee ...... WI L2687 Christopher Moreland ...... Hamden ...... CT L215 Jeffrey Landry ...... Milwaukee ...... WI L2800 Elbert Thomas ...... Arlington County ...... VA L215 Thomas Stier ...... Milwaukee ...... WI L2926 Mark Johnson ...... Huber Heights Fire Fighters ...... OH L279 Keith Henning ...... Cheyenne ...... WY L2928 George Shupe ...... Palm Beach County ...... FL L302 Mario DʼAnnibale ...... Allentown ...... PA L3858 Kevin Cardosi ...... Germantown ...... TN L302 Lawrence McGee ...... Allentown ...... PA L4017 Richard Smith ...... Mc Kinney ...... TX L317 Emory Cavender ...... Charleston ...... WV IN MEMORIAM May/June 2009 38 | NOTE: Children of IAFF members killed in the line of duty are eligible to receive the W. H. "Howie" McClennan scholarship which provides financial assistance to attend a university accredited college or other institution of higher learning. For more information contact the IAFF Department of Education at (202) 824-1533

39 INTERNATIONAL MAY/JUNE 2009

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