INTERNATIONAL JULY/AUGUST 2009

SOCIAL NETWORKING MEDIA: NEW TOOLS OF THE TRADE — 16 contents JULY/AUGUST 2009 JOURNALOFTHEINTERNATIONALASSOCIATIONOFFIREFIGHTERS / VOL 92. NO. 4 FEATURES

ON THE COVER: IAFF Media Awards Contest Winners ...... 12 New Tools of the Trade Use social networking media to boost your PR efforts...... 16

Favorable Ruling in Maine Fire Fighters Case Arbitrator finds suspensions unjust ...... 19 P. 16

Working to Live Improving safety and resource deployment ...... 20 General President’s Message

Bipartisan Support for Collective Bargaining ...... 3 General Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Refinancing Your Mortgage ...... 5 Letters to the Editor ...... 7 Local Scene ...... 8 Always On the Frontline ...... 22 Across the IAFF ...... 27 Fully Involved ...... 29 Members of Waukegan, IL P. 9 Local 473 rallied at City Hall On the Road ...... 34 Retirees ...... 35 In Memoriam/Last Alarm ...... 38

On The Cover IAFF Announces Media Awards Contest Winners.

—page 12

Country music benefits P. 27 IAFF Disaster Relief Fund

2 July/August 2009 From the General President Bipartisan Politics Yields Bipartisan Support for Collective Bargaining

e’re nearly there. We reintroduced our closely divided Senate, not a single Republican is collective bargaining bill — the Employer- supporting the Employee Free Choice Act. “Here’s a WEmployee Cooperation Act — in the U.S. In contrast, when our bill was introduced August 7, simple statistic Senate on August 7 — hours before the Senate began with Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) as its main its August recess. sponsor, Senator Collins immediately signed on as a to punctuate In a stunning show of support for a labor bill — or co-sponsor, along with Senators Olympia Snowe (R- for any bill these days in the very polarized politics ME), Mel Martinez (R-FL) and Mike Johanns the main that currently prevail in the Capitol — five (R-NE), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Chris Dodd (D-CT), reason: fewer Republican senators and four Democrats Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Tom Harkin (D-IA). cosponsored the legislation. We have cultivated those relationships for decades. fire fighters That level of GOP support for our union’s number- Now, with a critical piece of legislation on the line one legislative priority is a clear signal that our for our members, that hard work is about to bear and civilians non-partisan approach on Capitol Hill works. fruit. And it’s all because we understand the To illustrate how important this non-partisan importance of bipartisanship. die in fires in political philosophy is to our legislative work on your As a result, soon, our bill will pass, and President states that behalf, compare the support for our Barack Obama has promised to sign it collective bargaining bill to that for into law. permit fire the Employee Free Choice Act, a very The bill will grant the nation’s fire important piece of legislation that fighters a basic right that has been fighters our union strongly supports, along enjoyed by most Americans for more to discuss with the rest of the labor movement, than 70 years — the right to negotiate with the AFL-CIO taking the lead. with their employer, to set the safety, workplace It’s common knowledge that the health, wages, hours and working AFL-CIO has taken very strong conditions so important to your issues with political stands in every election in dangerous job. recent memory. So has the IAFF. Our bill is about representation and their employer.” However, in virtually every single ending the discrimination that race the AFL-CIO has weighed in on, prohibits fire fighters from having it has sided with the Democrat in the collective bargaining. race (all you have to do is check the Harold A. The bill will improve public safety Federal Election Commission’s Schaitberger by giving rank-and-file fire fighters a reports or the AFL-CIO’s own voice in how they protect their political endorsements). communities. In stark contrast, our union has a track record Why is this important? Here’s a simple statistic to (again, born out by FEC records) of supporting more punctuate the main reason: fewer fire fighters and Republicans than any other union. Quite simply, our civilians die in fires in states that permit fire fighters philosophy is that parties don’t matter — we only to discuss workplace issues with their employer. In care where a candidate stands on the issues that 2006, the fatality rate for fire fighters in states affect fire fighters and emergency services. If a without collective bargaining rights was one-third candidate stands with us, we stand with them. higher than in states that extend collective bargaining Our political philosophy has, many times, resulted rights to fire fighters. in our union supporting candidates that the AFL- Americans living in states that do not permit CIO is opposing. The most notable example for this collective bargaining are 22 percent more likely to die comparison is Maine Senator Susan Collins’ run for in a home fire than people in other states. re-election in 2008. In that race, the AFL-CIO sent In short, collective bargaining has produced thousands of activists and spent hundreds of measurable staffing, training, equipment, health and thousands of dollars trying to unseat Senator Collins safety improvements throughout the nation’s fire and in their support for the Democrat. departments, resulting in safer fire fighters and The IAFF and our Maine state association and improved local emergency response capabilities. affiliates stood strong, loud and proud, putting the We all know that you deserve collective bargaining. full force of our union’s trademark gold and black And because of our nonpartisan political philosophy, “Fire Fighters For” campaign behind Senator Collins. Democrats and Republicans are supporting us in our We worked hard to get her re-elected because of her work to finally make that happen.  lengthy record of support on a number of the IAFF’s legislative initiatives that had come before the U.S. Senate. Senator Collins won re-election by a landslide. The result, when every single vote matters in a

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 94123-4201 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. IAFF (918) 599-9176 (Fax) 115 McMennamy Road Subscription price $18 per year. 1750 New York Avenue NW (918) 855-8228 (Cell) St. Peters, MO 63376 International Fire Fighter Washington, D.C. 20006 12th District (314) 393-9755 (Cell) (ISSN 0020-6733) Larry Osborne (636) 397-1572 (Office) Official publication of and © Copyright (636) 397-3809 (Fax) 8743 Ricardo Lane 2009 by the 3rd District INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF Printed in USA Jacksonville, FL 32216-3536 ® A. Michael Mullane (904) 641-5407 (Home) FIRE FIGHTERS (904) 219-8656 (Cell) Publications Mail Agreement No. 1492438 Return undeliverable Canadian 50 North Bayfield Road 13th District addresses to: P.O. Box 122 Niagara Falls Ontario L2E658 Email: North Quincy, MA 02171 Bruce Carpenter [email protected] (617) 328-7202 (Home) INTERNATIONAL STAFF (617) 288-2100 (Office) 12 Lockview Crescent Peter L. Gorman Ken Long 4th District St. Catharines, ON L2M 2T3 Chief of Staff Assistant to the Baldwin Robertson William V. Taylor (905) 687-2455 (Cell) Legal Counsel General Secretary-Treasurer for 14th District Rich Duffy Assistant to the Human Resources and General 206 Inlet Drive Danny Todd Administration Pasadena, MD 21122 General President for Occupational Joan Dubiel 3740 Northcliffe Drive Health Safety and Medicine (410) 317-5546 (Office) Eric Lamar Auxiliary President to the IAFF (410) 317-5548 (Fax) Memphis, TN 38128 Assistant to the General President for Information 8826 Black Horse Rd (443) 324-2529 (Cell) (901) 377-6549 (Home) Baytown, TX 77523 15th District Technology 5th District Jim Lee (281) 573-3285 James A. Fennell Joseph M. Conway Jr. Assistant to the General www.aiaff.org President for Canadian Operations Thomas Mulcrone 821 Williamson St. 181 Ellerdale St. Lori Moore-Merrell Assistant to IAFF Chaplain Madison, WI 53703-3547 St. John East, NB E2J 2L8 the General President for Member IAFF Headquarters Office (608) 257-2030 (Office) (506) 693-9710 (Home) Services Technical Assistance and 6th District (506) 658-2955 (Office/Station) Information Resources 1750 New York Ave. NW 16th District Patrick J. Morrison Washington, DC 20006 Lorne West Assistant to James B. Johnson (202) 737-8484 (Office) the General President for Education Box 581 Stn. Ft. Langley (202) 737-8418 (Fax) Training and Human Relations IAFF Canadian Office Langley, BC, Canada V1M2R9 3195 Dayton-Xenia Rd. Suite 900 Kevin O’Connor PMB 303 Assistant to the (604) 574-5785 (Office) 350 Sparks St. Suite 403 Beavercreek, OH 45434 General President for (604) 868-8730 (Cell) Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1R7S8 (937) 470-4340 (Cell) Governmental Affairs (604) 513-9884 (Fax) Jeff Zack (613) 567-8988 (Office) Assistant to the General 7th District (937) 429-5536 (Fax) (613) 567-8986 (Fax) President for Communications IAFF Alumni Coordinator Ricky Walsh TRUSTEES and Media Dominick Barbera Mark S. Ouellette Erick Genser P.O. Box 5604 Administrative (786) 423-1401(Cell) West Richland, WA 99353 2681 Sicily Drive Assistant to the General Secretary- Treasurer (954) 434-3850 (Home/Office) (509) 627-2872 (Office) New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 Don Copley (509) 627-3134 (Fax) (603) 422-5081 (Cell) Assistant to the (509) 999-3090 (Cell) Alex Forrest General Secretary-Treasurer for 8th District Budget and Finance 303-83 Garry Street Send your address changes to [email protected] Thomas H. Miller Winnipeg, MB R3C-419 Canada (204) 783-1733 (Office) EMERITI OFFICERS 533 N. Edmondson Ave. Dominick C. DiPaulo (204) 791-4980 (Cell) President Emeritus Indianapolis, IN 46219-4713 Robert E. Palmer (317) 357-5080 (Home) (204) 255-0383 (Home) (204) 253-0496 (Station) Secretary-TreasurerAlfred K. Whitehead Emeritus Charles L. Buss (317) 443-2130 (Cell) Gerald O. Holland 9th District (204) 772-2531 (Fax) Anthony Mejia Frank A. Palumbo Michael J. Crouse Randall (Randy) Atkinson Vice President Emeritus Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass 3451 Julian Avenue 7964 South Pennsylvania Drive Ray Hemmert Long Beach, CA 90808 Terry A. Ritchie Littleton, CO 80122 (562) 989-3667 (Office) Charley Hall Dominick F. Barbera (303) 738-9338 (Home) (562) 212-2055 (Cell) Russell P. Cerami Trustee Emeritus (303) 880-1329 (Cell) James L. Hill GENERAL COUNSEL William McGrane Elliott Hastings Thomas Woodley Dennis Lloyd John K. Stephens Woodley & McGillivary

July/August 2009 4 From the General Secretary-Treasurer Refinancing Your Mortgage? The IAFF-FC Can Help

he home mortgage industry has gotten a lot of Points (fees paid up front that can reduce the negative publicity over the last 12-18 months, mortgage interest rate) is another factor to consider Tdue in part to the role that subprime when refinancing a mortgage. The amount a mortgages played in sparking the economic homeowner pays in points as part of the mortgage downturn. However, there is a brighter side to this process is generally tax deductible over the life of the story — one that could provide increased spendable mortgage. When refinancing in the future, the value income for many. of points from an existing mortgage that were not yet With the economic downturn has come a decline in deducted on prior year tax returns can then be fully interest rates, including home mortgage interest deducted in the year the new mortgage is obtained. rates. This has prompted many people to refinance However, as is often the case, there is an exception the existing mortgage on their home. Refinancing to this rule. If you refinance with the same lender that can provide a number of financial benefits. It can gave you your prior mortgage, the old points are not lower monthly mortgage payments, shorten the time immediately deductible. The not-yet-deducted points it takes to own your home free and clear of any debt, must be combined with the new points and deducted or provide homeowners with a source over the life of the new mortgage. of cash for home improvements, These are just some of the issues that college expenses or reducing other arise when refinancing an existing debt, such as credit card debt. mortgage. A good place to start if While mortgage interest rates have you’re thinking about refinancing is crept up in recent weeks, they are still the IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF- quite low by historical standards. If you FC). Visit www.iaff-fc.com and click on currently have a mortgage that carries “home mortgage program” for an interest rate of 6 percent or more, information and easy-to-use financial refinancing may be a smart strategy for tools to help you decide if refinancing you. Of course, consult a reputable makes sense for you. financial advisor, however, to make At the same time, the IAFF-FC in sure that refinancing is financially conjunction with Nationwide advantageous for you and that you Vincent J. Bollon Advantage Mortgage Corporation maximize the tax benefits that go along (NAMC), has made available to IAFF with refinancing. members and their families a home When refinancing, the simplest way mortgage and refinancing program to continue receiving the tax benefits associated with that is easy to use, extremely competitive from a cost home mortgages is through a straight replacement standpoint and stress-free. loan. For example, assume you currently have a For instance, IAFF members are not charged an mortgage with a $200,000 balance and a 6.25 percent origination or broker fee from NAMC on home interest rate. Refinancing that balance with a 5 mortgages, and the processing fees (e.g., percent mortgage allows you to deduct all of the commitment fee and fees for home appraisal and interest payments (and reduce your overall monthly title search) are extremely reasonable. payment). The IAFF-FC makes applying for an original However, it becomes a little more complicated if, mortgage or refinancing fast and efficient, as it when refinancing, you take on a larger mortgage provides members with a streamlined application than what you currently own on your home. Assume process, an ability to review and compare all NOTICE OF LOCAL that you obtain a new mortgage for $250,000 and, of mortgage products that a member is eligible for, a SUSPENSION that amount, $200,000 will go to pay off the old streamlined appraisal process and quick decisions on Pursuant to Resolution 76 mortgage, $20,000 will be used to make applications (sometimes in just minutes rather than adopted at the 1986 Convention improvements to your house and $30,000 will be hours or days). the following locals are under suspension per Article XIII used to pay for a child’s college tuition. Whether refinancing your current mortgage is Section 2 for nonpayment of per Under the U.S. tax code, the interest on $220,000, right for you depends on a number of factors. The capita tax: the $200,000 to pay off the old mortgage and the IAFF-FC provides IAFF members the information $20,000 for home improvements — is tax deductible. and financial tools to make an informed decision, as F-288, Sugar Grove, WVA The $30,000 for college tuition is considered home well as products that are competitively priced in the Local 2469, Gastonia, NC equity debt, which is tax deductible to the extent that marketplace. Local 2565, Cushing, OK a taxpayer has no more than $100,000 of home equity For more information, visit www.iaff-fc.com or call Local 2851, Douglas County, GA debt outstanding. This can become a factor if you (888) 630-9099. Local 3384, Millington, TN have a previously existing balance on a home equity Local 3697, Saint Andrews, SC line of credit. Also, for interest on home equity debt Local 3861, Sanford, NC to be fully tax deductible, the total mortgage debt on Local 3905, Rolla, MO the house — including home equity debt — cannot Local 4050, Spencer, OK be more than the value of the house. Local 4158, North Charleston, SC Local 4374, Islamorada, FL Local 4719, Isles of Capri, FL Local 4726, East Niceville, FL S-25, Buffalo-Niagara Airport, NY www.iaff.org 5

Letters Country First socialized health care, a weakened Protecting Large and Small Mike Scott. national defense and huge John, Mike and I had many Dear President Schaitberger: increases on taxation are pushed General President Schaitberger: dealings throughout this whole It is with heavy heart that I am down our throats. We are on the On behalf of Rumford, ME process, and they have been compelled to write this letter. frontline — the first to respond Local 1601, I want to express my professional, reassuring and As a 17-year proud member of and the first to die. It is time to gratitude for your decision to supportive throughout. I want to this union, I feel it is time to stop being a lap dog for those grant us the Guardian Policy. We thank PFFM staff representative speak out. There is a notion that who tear at the very fabric of this won our arbitration (see story, Robert Bourgalt for the countless our union endorses candidates country, disregard our “Arbitrator Rules Suspension of hours and reassurance that we solely on their record of voting in constitution, break every Fire Fighters Unjust” on page 17). would get a “fair shake.”Going regards to fire service issues. This campaign promise and show This is just another example of into arbitration with a man like union was founded on the core such disdain for everything that I our union at work and going to that would put anyone at ease. principles of honor, courage, hold so dear, everything this bat for a local of 11 members. I feel we had excellent local integrity, duty and love of union has stood for — or at least The actions imposed on us by the representation from the start, and country, just to name a few. There did in the past. Town for being politically active then the assistance of Richard are things in this world that are It is time to stand up and show dealt a blow to the already low Bialczak from Woodley & larger than one person or one this country the honor and morale, due to the ongoing McGillivary was once again an union. It is time to show real courage this union has, to show attacks from management. example of the ongoing support leadership, courage and honor. true leadership in the face of The help of 3rd District Vice from the International. Richard More importantly than all, it is adversity. It is time to stand on President Michael Mullane and showed professional leadership time to show our love of this our honor, integrity and love of the Professional Fire Fighters of and knowledge to an already great country. country; time to have the courage Maine (PFFM) during the great team. I would also like to When I was in the service, I to say “not now,”“not on Guardian Policy procedure was recognize each individual’s took an oath to serve, protect and our watch.” immeasurable from day one, all families for enduring time away defend the constitution of the God bless every brother and the way through the process. In a from their loved ones; we all United States. I place my hand sister who puts on the uniform time of such confusion and shock know this is a long process and over my heart when I recite the and takes the oath of service. It’s they paved the way for success. affects everyone. I am sure there Pledge of Allegiance to this great time to do the right thing… time I would like to take this are people behind the scenes who republic. I salute my flag when to put our country first. opportunity to recognize all I never met or knew where the National Anthem is sung. The involved. First, it was PFFM involved, but I am thankful for principles of faith, duty, honor, Fraternally yours, President John Martell who put them as well. courage and freedom, I hold dear. John S. Cinque the play in motion for the It has been a very long process I can no longer sit by and watch East Haven, CT Local 1205 Guardian Policy, along with — stretching almost an entire as unsustainable spending, PFFM 3rd District Vice President year. We have taken the high road throughout this process, although On the Frontlines of Safety it was very hard to do at times. I Dear President Schaitberger: days observing the class. The and the instructors of the am certain that this case will set Thank you for the recent IAFF program content was excellent Frontline Safety course that was the standard for many IAFF Frontline Safety course. and the students appeared to be provided to Washington, DC affiliates across the nation. Instructors Richard Blohm and actively engaged with the Local 36. This class was the first When I took office, I never Ignacio Ayala presented the class, instructors. course presented by IAFF expected to be involved in such a and I had the opportunity to It may be difficult to measure instructors at our union hall and case. It has been an educational spend time with them both. They the positive effect that this class was a huge success. In total, 13 process that has made us stronger are true professionals in how they will have on safety, but there is no members participated in this and more knowledgeable. were able to present the material doubt in my mind that there will critical training from extremely In closing, I want to once again and keep the audience involved be countless injuries (or worse) knowledgeable and engaging thank everyone involved and and interested. prevented because of the “safety instructors. express our thanks. Thank you, too, for selecting first” attitude and mindset that These instructors knew the our local for the class. I am very students leave the class with. audience and tailored the course Mark Tripp impressed with the continuing I also wanted to let you know to adapt to the needs of our President education that the IAFF that I believe that the IAFF is department. After two days of Rumford, ME Local 1601 continues to offer to its members. very fortunate to have Nick Del instruction, they left us to think Re and Cruz Tapia teaching this about our roles in safety and Corrections Thanks again, class. sparked dialogue on how to “In Memoriam,”May-June Christopher Alexander This experience was just another move forward. It is refreshing to 2009: President example of why I am so proud to know that our union is stepping Connecticut Police and Fire be a member of the IAFF. up to the plate to provide Michael T. Whittaker Union Local S-15 training resources that continue (Baltimore, MD Local 1311) is Terrence H. Chesney to keep its members safely listed incorrectly as deceased. Dear President Schaitberger: Secretary-Treasurer operating in the ever-changing It is James T. Whittaker Thank you for allowing us to Michigan Professional Fire fire service. (Baltimore, MD Local 1311) who is deceased. host the new IAFF Frontline Fighters Union Safety course in Michigan. We James Gordon Elbert “BJ” Thomas (Arlington had 28 students attend from 22 Dear President Schaitberger: Safety Committee Chair locals. I did not attend as a I just wanted to send a quick Washington, DC Local 36 County, VA Local 2800) is student, but spent time on both note of appreciation to the IAFF listed incorrectly as deceased.

Email your letters to [email protected] OR mail them to: Letters to the Editor c/o International Fire Fighter 1750 New York Ave NW Washington DC 20006

International Fire Fighter LETTERS | 7 Local Scene Connecticut Bill Protects Emergency Responders Against Infectious Disease

onnecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill requiring hospitals Cto promptly notify paramedics, fire fighters, police and other emergency responders when a patient they have treated or handled has been diagnosed with an infectious disease. organizations — within 48 hours verbally was reauthorized in 2006. The omission “This bill will help protect the lives of and 72 hours in writing — after a patient created a significant safety issue for those whose job it is to save lives,” has been diagnosed with an infectious emergency responders who are exposed to Governor Rell said. pulmonary disease. The bill also adds diseases when they treat patients in Senate Bill 1010, An Act Concerning exemption from liability and restores the uncontrolled environments.  Exposure to Infectious Diseases and protective language for emergency workers Emergency Responders, mandates that that was inadvertently stripped from the hospitals notify emergency service federal Ryan White Act of 1990 when it Local Credits New Firehall to Political Action

New Death Benefits Protect Missouri Fire Fighter Families fter numerous delays, the City of Barrie, Ontario, is finally getting hanks to the hard work and says MSCFF President Sherwood Smith. Afunds for a new firehall and dedication of the Missouri State “No one should ever have to worry about emergency operations centre, thanks to TCouncil of Fire Fighters (MSCFF) mounting financial issues while they are political action by Barrie Local 1753. and its Legislative Director Mark Habbas, grieving for their fallen loved one. I am Funding for the project was announced the families of Missouri’s fire fighters, law very proud of MSCFF Legislative Affairs June 5 by local Member of Parliament (MP) enforcement officers, emergency medical Director Mark Habbas and others who Patrick Brown, Member of Provincial technicians, air ambulance pilots and air worked tirelessly to make this happen.” Parliament Aileen Carroll and Barrie Mayor ambulance registered nurses are now Missouri’s fire fighters began targeted Dave Aspden. The cost of the $14 million protected by the Line of Duty efforts toward creating the line-of-duty building will be split between the federal, Compensation Act. The death benefit death benefit in the previous legislative provincial and local governments. claim, which can be filed with the session while Woolbright was still serving Barrie Local 1753 Political Action Division of Workers’ Compensation, pays as MSCFF legislative affairs director. This Committee chair Kevin White explains that a benefit of $25,000. legislative session, Habbas picked up when city councillors and the City’s fire Governor Jay Nixon signed House Bill where Woolbright left off. “This bill was chief learned the firehall project was being 580 at Kansas City fire station 19. “With my top priority this year,” he states. “With considered as part of a stimulus package the signing of this bill, when one of our the full support of District Vice President for the City, they contacted the fire fighters own falls, it is reassuring that the families Woolbright and the MSCFF Executive to speed up the process. of the fallen will receive the assistance they Board, we lobbied many state senators “A call was placed to our extremely deserve in their time of tragedy and need,” and representatives to support this bill.” supportive MP Patrick Brown,” White says. says IAFF 2nd District Vice President HB 580 began in the State House Public “He quickly put a plan into action, and Mark Woolbright. “We are grateful to the Safety Committee, chaired by the bill’s within a couple of weeks our City had the General Assembly and applaud the sponsor, Representative Mark Bruns, a funding that our department required to governor for expediting and signing this retired member of Jefferson City, MO go ahead with the fire station project.” critically important piece of legislation.” Local 671. It quickly gained enough The new building is expected to be “The hope is that none of our fire support to move out of committee and completed by 2011. fighter families will have to use this new onto the state House floor. Local 1753 had worked with Brown in the benefit, but we also know this law must In June 2009, Governor Nixon signed past to raise awareness about fire fighter be in place in case the worst happens,” the bill which became effective issues, including local issues and the IAFF immediately. The bill federal legislative agenda. Members of the signing ceremony was local met with Brown at the recent 16th attended by state Canadian Legislative Conference in Ottawa.  legislators, fire fighters, law enforcement officers and other interested South Tucson Fire Fighters parties. Negotiate First MOU To determine eligible claims, the bill defines welve South Tucson, Arizona, fire “killed in the line of fighters — all members of Tucson duty” and excludes TLocal 479 — have negotiated their first deaths resulting from Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) willful misconduct and with the City of South Tucson. Local 479 intoxication.  Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (far right behind podium) and members report the most significant thing MSCFF Legislative Director Mark Habbas (at podium) to come from the new agreement is the announce details of a new death benefit. new open line of communication between labor and management.

LOCAL SCENE July/August 2009 8 | “Anytime fire fighters gain the right to collectively bargain, it is a feather in the Waukegan Fire Fighters Work to Stop Layoffs cap for the labor movement,” says Roger Tamietti, president of Local 479. “This is a he Coalition of Waukegan Unions two options: increase charges for pre- proud moment for us.” — which includes Waukegan, IL hospital services or reduce non-personnel Seeking to take advantage of the City’s TLocal 473 and the City’s other expenses by holding off on equipment meet and confer ordinance, Local 479 fire unions — and many citizens descended upgrades and other costs. fighters reached out to South Tucson City on the Waukegan City Council meeting Waukegan fire fighters made it clear that Manager Enrique Serna, who expressed July 6 to speak out against proposed fire the City could do one or the other or some immediate interest in the possible fighter layoffs and other budget cuts that combination of the two without imposing development of a MOU. South Tucson could threaten public safety. layoffs. “We are already understaffed, so Chapter Vice President Andy Luna and “No dime saved is worth risking the any more cuts would likely mean a station Tucson Local 479 Vice President Brian lives of our citizens and fire fighters,” says closure,”says Buntrock. Delfs, also an IAFF District Field Service Brad Buntrock, president of Local 473. To call attention to the public safety Representative and Professional Fire “We will fight as long as we have to issue, Local 473, the Coalition of Fighters of Arizona (PFFA) Trustee, protect the resources that protect our Waukegan Unions and concerned citizens represented the interests of the South City’s citizens.” conducted an informational picket before Tucson fire fighters during negotiations. Due to a projected budget shortfall of the meeting and packed the city council “We were pleased that the city manager up to $6.2 million, the City of Waukegan chamber during the meeting. was open to discussing issues important to notified Local 473 fire fighters in June it “The message came across pretty clear us,”says Luna. “Because of this MOU, we was planning to make severe cuts to fire that the citizens do not want layoffs,” says can now discuss training, equipment and department resources. City Buntrock.  safety issues. And, eventually, we will be able administration officials presented two to discuss the possibility of a wage increase.” proposals: lay off 16 In addition, the fire fighters negotiated fire fighters or four-person engine companies. Before the implement wage MOU, engines were required to have four reductions equaling 12 fire fighters per engine, but in cases of short percent and lay off staffing due to fire fighter leave, off-duty fire three fire fighters. fighters were not called back to duty. Seeking alternate “Now, no engine will leave the firehouse solutions, Local 473 without four fire fighters on it,” says Delfs. first turned to the IAFF “This new provision alone will keep our for a municipal fire fighters safer on the job.” financial analysis. Next,  Local 473 leaders sat down with the city’s Fire and Police Merger fire administration Stopped in Harper Woods officials to discuss cuts with less risk to public Members of Waukegan, IL Local 473 rallied at City Hall to he city of Harper Woods, Michigan, safety. They devised oppose proposed layoffs and wage cuts. will not be merging fire and police Tdepartments or creating a third cross-trained department. That is the This time, City Manager Jim Leidlein plan because it violated the City Charter. ruling from a Wayne County Circuit tried to circumvent the Charter language In the case, Judge Ziolkowksi said that Court judge. by making the creation of a new public the City’s plan did indeed violate the Harper Woods Local 1188 filed a suit safety model combining fire and police Charter and issued an order prohibiting against the City for violating the City part of the contract negotiation process. the City from implementing any public Charter by implementing a public safety “The City leaders thought consolidation safety model and from using cross-trained department that combines police and fire would be a quick fix to lower costs, arguing workers. fighters. The charter language reads: that combined fire and police services are “This is an important victory,” says “There shall be maintained both a police more efficient and, therefore, an Rollison. “We have a responsibility to department and a fire department, which improvement in the overall delivery of ensure that the public and fire fighter departments shall not be combined.” public safety,”says Pat Rollison, president of safety is not compromised. Therefore, we IAFF Field Service Representative Mark Local 1188. “But consolidation simply could not stand by and watch the City Docherty has been assisting the local redistributes existing resources in a way that implement a plan that put citizens and throughout the legal process. “It is often leaves life and property unprotected.” their property in harm’s way.” important — for the public’s safety — that When the city offered a five-year contract Despite the judge’s ruling, City Manager this Charter language remains intact,” he with a 5 percent raise each year and an Leidlein has submitted paperwork for an says. “Both fire fighters and police officers additional 5 percent raise if cross-trained, appeal. The City has also already formed a offer very specialized, life-saving services to the police officers took the deal. However, committee to explore putting the public the community. Keeping the two separate Local 1188 fire fighters said no. They knew safety model on the November ballot. departments ensures citizens will continue the combined department would lead to a “We are prepared, no matter what they to receive those services from experts in lower level of service and the already decide to do,” says Rollinson. In fact, Local their field.” financially distressed City would not be 1188 is already moving to increase the Attempts by the City to remove the able to pay out the raises offered. number of supportive city council charter language began nearly 15 years ago Harper Woods fire fighters then filed suit members by endorsing three candidates in when the City tried to pass a ballot in Wayne County Circuit court asking Judge the next election.  initiative, which failed. Robert Ziolkowski to stop the cross-train www.iaff.org LOCAL SCENE | 9 Local Scene EMS Transition on actually used the provincial funds to hire shape, Macdonald notes that the AFFA Agenda for Alberta’s new fire fighter-paramedics. In some of plans to take a coordinated approach to Alberta’s dual-mode departments, such as the issue. Because the province’s locals First Provincial Lobby Fort McMurray and Red Deer, IAFF have differences in their system, members affiliates successfully convinced their fire will be consulted heavily before any ecuring the long-term future of seven chief or city to stay in the ambulance service position is formally brought forward to the fire-based ambulance services staffed by emphasizing the merits of the system. Alberta government. And an effort will be Sby IAFF members will be on the In all, some 62 of the 78 ambulance service made to bring the province’s fire chiefs on agenda when the Alberta Fire Fighters providers in Alberta jumped at the chance to board and benefit from the added voice. Association (AFFA) holds its first-ever lobby sign the interim contracts, a number that The AFFA has successfully lobbied of the provincial government later this year. Macdonald says surprised the province. individual issues, such as presumptive The EMS concerns are the result of a The experience for the AFFA’s newest cancer legislation, in the past at the hastily-made decision by the Alberta affiliate, Canmore Local 4705, was as an provincial level. The AFFA inaugural government last year to take over example of the merits of affiliation and Legislative Conference takes place in responsibility for land ambulance services political action, Macdonald notes. When October, and other issues on the agenda from municipalities. The government’s the City hinted at shedding its fire-based will include adding esophageal, testicular move came with few details about how the ambulance service due to the transition, and breast cancer coverage and other transition was to take place — for members of the local — after a quick pep health and safety issues.  example, how a provincial ambulance talk on lobbying by the AFFA — convinced funding model would impact an integrated the City to keep it, saving the full-time fire Connecticut Local President fire-EMS service run by a municipality. department at the same time. The transition moved forward on April 1, “If you looked at this from up in the sky, Promoted After Legal Battle and all land ambulances are now provincially all you would see is positives,”Macdonald funded and subject to two-year interim says. “But what happens in the next two ew Britain, CT Local 992 President contracts under their previous providers. years — that’ll be the big question. So that’s Ed Preece has been promoted to fire Three months after the transition, “the sky where we work over the next two years, Nlieutenant after a nearly two-year hasn’t fallen yet,”says AFFA President Craig putting on a lobby and bringing it forward.” legal battle with the City of New Britain. Macdonald. Despite some operational When the interim contracts expire in Subsequent to two pretrial conference hurdles in some departments, the change 2011, individual municipalities will decide sessions, the City dropped its appeal to the has in fact resulted in a number of positives. whether to stay in the EMS business or Connecticut State Board of Labor For example, instead of using the new shed it and potentially open the door to a Relations ruling, which called for Preece’s provincial funds to cover existing private operator. immediate promotion. ambulance costs, some Alberta cities have As its lobby on the EMS transition takes In a settlement with the City, Preece was advanced to the higher position retroactive to October 10, 2007, with seniority and Canadian Locals Raise Money back pay. Preece and the City also came to With Hockey Competition an agreement over overtime pay losses. “This was a long fight, but the ending Eleven teams, including five teams of IAFF was just,” says Preece. “I am very pleased members from the Toronto area, raised that the ruling by the Connecticut State $15,000 competing in the 2009 Camp Bucko Board of Labor Relations late last year now Ball Hockey Challenge Cup on May 31. Two stands. And more importantly, I am glad to teams from Toronto Local 3888 and teams from Oakville Local 1582, Markham Local be serving New Britain’s citizens in my new 2727 and Brampton Local 1068 (which won position on Engine 4.” the cup) participated. Camp Bucko, located in Tension between Local 992 and fire Ontario’s cottage country north of Toronto, is department management began after Mark a camp for burn survivors aged seven to 17. Carr was appointed fire chief in 2004. Funds raised through the Camp Bucko Ball Among other things, Chief Carr took little Hockey Challenge Cup help send the kids to camp at no cost to them and their families. action regarding safety concerns raised by Organizers of the tournament hope to have fire fighters in 2005. 16 teams participate next year. For more Also in 2005, Chief Carr twice proposed a information about the tournament, visit new performance evaluation system and www.buckochallengecup.org. sent a draft to Local 992. The local’s executive board and membership did not support the new system. “The main issue is that we already have a method of evaluation in place through the City’s civil service system,” says Preece. “Per the rules of civil service, any changes have to be made through the negotiation process. Carr did not want to negotiate.” On January 1, 2006, a vacancy for lieutenant became available. Under the City’s civil service rules, candidates are promoted from a “list of five plus three,” (i.e., a list of the top five candidates on the written exam, plus three candidates who are residents of New Britain).

LOCAL SCENE July/August 2009 10 | After the City failed to internally announce the vacancy or conduct the New Strategies in Maine Bring Success written promotional examination, Local Cancer presumptions and expanded membership services benefit members 992 filed a grievance in May 2006 and won in arbitration in April 2007. he recent passage of legislation After the promotional exam was finally protecting Maine fire fighters if they conducted in spring 2007, Preece — a 13-year Tcontract certain cancers on the job veteran fire fighter — ranked first among is one of many recent victories for the the 15 fire fighters who passed the written Professional Fire Fighters of Maine exam. Still, Preece did not get the promotion. (PFFM). Particularly over the past two Preece was also passed over for the five years, the PFFM has implemented new other lieutenant vacancies. Chief Carr said it strategies to not only strengthen their was because the Local 992 president was not presence as a political powerhouse, but From left: Bangor, ME Local 772 member specific enough in his answers to interview also their ability to provide efficient, Ron Green, Sanford, ME Local 1624 questions and that he was not knowledgeable effective services to their members. President Gerald Gay, State Senator Stan enough about health and safety. Paving the way toward positive change is Gerzofsky (behind the governor), PFFM President John Martell. “None of Governor John Baldacci, PFFM President The case went before the Connecticut State John Martell, Senator Phil Bartlett Board of Labor Relations in December 2008. the Maine fire fighters’ successes could have come about without the support and (behind Martell), IAFF General President After hearing evidence from both sides, the Harold Schaitberger, Brunswick, ME board ruled,“We find that the City hard work of all of our leaders and Local 1718 Treasurer Tom Bull and IAFF discriminated against Preece in the locals,” says Martell. “I am proud of how 3rd District Vice President Mike Mullane. this organization has come together as promotional process for his union activities.” one to accomplish our objectives.” 16th District Vice President Emeritus); Further, the board ruled that Preece be Martell began his state-level work in 2004 PFFM 2nd District Vice President Mike promoted immediately to lieutenant and when the PFFM was facing a major threat Williams; PFFM 3rd District Vice awarded back pay for the position. to jobs. The “Palesky Proposal,”named President Mike Scott; and PFFM 4th The City appealed the decision to after the person who led the campaign, District Vice President Ronnie Green. Connecticut Superior Court. However, was a referendum calling for property tax The four now are now fully engaged in upon hearing pretrial arguments in April limitations that would significantly reduce providing direct service to the locals in 2009, the city dropped its appeal and the revenue for municipalities. This put an their districts, as well as direct links to Preece was promoted.  estimated 400 of the 950 PFFM members’ IAFF services, including the IAFF jobs in jeopardy. Guardian Policy and IAFF-provided Florida Fire Fighters Test The PFFM — with Martell’s help — education and training. Recently, the IAFF and the PFFM pooled Ocean Rescue Skills was able to squash the referendum through a television advertising and their resources to rally to bring back 23 grassroots campaign. “The campaign laid-off fire fighters in Portland. At the fter St. Johns County, FL Local 3865 really helped unify Maine’s affiliates,” says event, IAFF General President Harold fire fighters began cross-training in Martell. “We all wanted to save jobs, so Schaitberger called on the City of Portland Aocean rescue earlier this year, six everyone did their part.” to work with the IAFF and its fire fighters members decided to put their skills to the Coming off the success of that campaign to find a solution to the budgetary crisis. test. Local 3865 Treasurer Max Schafer and and others, Martell, Portland Local 740 Politically, the PFFM has hit its stride. members Jason Green, Jason Baer, Arend member Dick Wurfel, South Portland Two IAFF members were elected to the Wesseling, Steven Anderson and Pete Local 1476 member Mike Williams (now Maine House of Representatives — Groleau entered the 16th Annual PFFM 2nd District Vice President) and retired Lewiston Local 785 member Mike Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Challenge. Bangor Local 772 member Ronnie Green Lajoie and Old Town Local 1655 fire Local 3865’s team was one of 16 (now PFFM 4th District Vice President) fighter Benjamin Pratt. And among the worked together to push legislation that national campaigns, the PFFM was very would give retired fire fighters and cops a instrumental in the re-election of Senator stipend for health care after leaving the job. Susan Collins, among others. And their efforts paid off. Additionally, three bills supported by After being elected president of the PFFM the PFFM in the state legislature were in 2007, one of Martell’s first goals was to passed, including the cancer bill. improve and expand services to members Beginning September 12, fire fighters by making some structural changes. Each diagnosed with kidney, prostate, breast, of the four districts was reconfigured to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular, IAFF members from St. John’s County, FL colon, brain, bladder, leukemia or Local 3865 improve their ocean rescue skills. include the same number of locals and each district vice president was given multiply myeloma cancers will be eligible competing in several events, including more authority to assist their affiliates. for workers’ compensation benefits. effecting a rescue, beach relay, board race, Included on the Executive Board are: Maine already has presumptive rescue tube race and beach flags race. Secretary-Treasurer Dave Bickford, PFFM protection for cardiovascular, pulmonary “It was a true challenge because all of the 1st District Vice President Michael and infectious diseases.  other teams were comprised mainly of Crouse (former IAFF Chief of Staff and experienced lifeguards, but we represented the fire fighting profession well,” says St. Johns County Local 3865 covers the Local 3865’s ocean rescue team plans to Schafer. Local 3865 was the only team of county’s coastline, which includes St. return next year for the 17th Annual professional fire fighters. Augustine, a popular vacation spot. Since Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Challenge. While the team did not place high in completing the ocean rescue training, For more information, email Max Schafer at overall competition, Schafer says it was a Local 3865 fire fighters have made several [email protected]  good opportunity to network and get ideas. calls to distressed boats and swimmers. www.iaff.org LOCAL SCENE | 11 INTERNATIONALASSOCIATIONOFFIREFIGHTERS 2009 Media Awards Contest

very day, in largely unpredictable carries Princess the puppy to safety. She was Submitted by: Bradford, PA Local 655 locations, the vital work of fire fighters caged in a house that caught fire when no one Fire fighter Scott Plowman looks out of a Eand rescue workers comes alive in news was home. second-story window where he is fighting a photos and stories, in newspapers, on television, residential fire. There were no injuries because, radio and the web. What IAFF members “North End Blaze” according to the fire captain, the boy in the accomplish — at work sites not of their own Winnipeg Free Press home “did exactly what we teach them to do in choosing or timing — becomes vividly apparent Photo by: Boris Minkevich schools, and it made the knockdown a lot easier to viewers and readers well beyond the local. Yet Submitted by: Winnipeg, MB Local 867 for us.” many of the stories and pictures honored here Although no injuries occurred, a fire in underscore something equally valuable: they put Winnipeg’s North End termed suspicious in a face on these fire fighters, documenting their origin completely destroyed a home that had humanity as citizens who contribute to their been vacated the prior week. communities in their off hours, as well. The IAFF Media Awards Contest pays tribute “Comforting a Child” to those who, in the public media and through Daily Herald their affiliates, document these varied and Photo by: Bill O’Neill valued facets of fire fighters. This year, the Submitted by: Elgin, IL Local 439 contest attracted 244 entries. For full contest Elgin fire fighter J.P. Fahy comforts one of the results and photos, visit www.iaff.org. children thrown from a vehicle that rolled several times in a crash on Interstate 90.

NEWS PHOTO News Photo (circulation over 100,000) (Circulation Under 100,000) First Place Tie — “Stymied Drivers”

FIRST PLACE NEWS STORY “More Air” (Circulation Over 100,000) The Daily Gleaner Photo by: Stephen MacGillivray FIRST PLACE Submitted by: Fredericton, NB Local 1053 “Cancer Takes Heavy Toll on Seattle Before heading back to battle the blaze, a Firefighters” Fredericton fire fighter checks his regulator as Seattle Post-Intelligencer his air bottle is changed by a fellow fire fighter. Written by: Kathy Mulady and Casey McNerthney News Photo (circulation over 100,000) SECOND PLACE Submitted by: Seattle, WA Local 27 First Place Tie — “Fire and Ice” “Remembering Brent Lovrien” Washington state law assumes that seven forms The Los Angeles Firefighter of cancer are assumed to be job related for fire NEWS PHOTO Photo by: Mike Meadows fighters. This feature profiles Dave Jacobs, who (Circulation Over 100,000) Submitted by: Los Angeles City, CA Local 112 suffers from esophageal cancer. A service at Cathedral of Our Lady of the FIRST PLACE (TIE) Angels honored fire fighter Brent A. Lovrien, SECOND PLACE “Fire and Ice” who died investigating a series of explosions “Fashioning ‘skin suits’ for burn-ravaged bodies” Toronto Sun near Los Angeles International Airport. Toronto Star Pho to by: John Hanley Written by: Tanya Talaga Submitted by: Toronto, ON Local 3888 HONORABLE MENTIONS Submitted by: Toronto, ON Local 3888 A six-alarm inferno with repeated flare-ups “Seven Dates for the Prom” A woman who sews “skin suits” — pressure destroyed apartments and shops in an historic, Twinsburg Sun News garments for the dermis layers of skin — is trendy block of Queen Street in Toronto. Photo by: John Knaus profiled in this article in a three-part series on Submitted by: Twinsburg, OH Local 3630 burn victims. “Stymied Drivers” Seven fire fighters escorted Stephanie Royster, Hamilton Spectator who has muscular dystrophy, to the Twinsburg HONORABLE MENTION Photo by: David Ritchie High School prom in grand style. “He was never alone” Submitted by: Burlington, ON Local 1552 St. Louis Post-Dispatch The season’s first snowfall contributed to a “Residential Fire” Written by: Christine Byers collision between a van and truck. Two fire Rutland Herald Submitted by: Professional Fire Fighters of departments were involved in extracting four Photo by: Cassandra Hotaling Eastern Missouri Local 2665 passengers. Submitted by: Vermont Professional Fire Fire fighter-paramedic Ryan Hummert, victim Fighters of a shooter after responding to what seemed a SECOND PLACE A fire in an apartment building spread to a routine car fire, had the continuous company of “Commercial Fire” third-floor attic and left four Rutland families his comrades in the ambulance to the hospital, Toronto Sun homeless. at his autopsy and at a vigil by his body at the Photo by: John Hanley funeral home until he was buried. Submitted by: Clarington, ON Local 3139 “Dramatic Rescue Effort” Several hose lines hit the deep-seated fire that The Telegram NEWS STORY destroyed several downtown businesses in Photo by: Joe Gibbons (Circulation Under 100,000) Bowmanville, Ontario. Submitted by: St. John’s, NF Local 1075 Fire fighters Peter Tucker (left) and Steve FIRST PLACE HONORABLE MENTIONS Pittman (right) help Don Jarvis as he checks for “Brownout of Fire Station #21 will have “Princess Rescued” the pulse of a man pulled from a house fire. citywide impact” Miami Herald Plain Press Photo by: Mike Jachles “Get Me a Hook” Written by: Joe Narkin Submitted by: Broward County, FL Local 4321 The Bradford Era Submitted by: Cleveland, OH Local 93 Captain Hal Mudick of Sunrise Fire Rescue Photo by: Jay K. Bradish Home base for the city’s only fireboat, Fire Station

MEDIA AWARDS July/August 2009 12 | 21 would have brownout days when fewer than “Fire Ops 101” 187 frontline fire fighters were available for duty. Fox 29 Reported by Claudia Gomez SECOND PLACE Submitted by: Philadelphia, PA Local 22 “W-B firefighter staffing questioned” “What fire fighters live and die for” is what the Times Leader mayor, city council members, a U.S. Written by: Bill O’Boyle representative and the reporter learned about in Submitted by: Wilkes-Barre, PA Local 104 Fire Ops 101, as they suit up and “train” with “The less are doing more, but it may not be the help of Engine Co. 180. enough,” said Tom Makar, president of Local 104, commenting on reduced staffing levels. “Pheasant Hunting with a Fire Fighter” The Outdoor Channel HONORABLE MENTIONS News Photo (circulation over 100,000) Second Place — “Commercial Fire” Rep orted by: Keith Mark and Tim Mahoney “Every Parent’s Nightmare—A School Bus Submitted by: Kansas City, KS Local 64 Tragedy” of them for fire fighters in real distress. Before it The Kansas City Fire Department and Local 64 Macon County Chronicle was extinguished, the fire threatened a second join MacMillan River Adventures host Keith Written by: Misty Gammons apartment building and a church. Mark on a pheasant hunt. The host also visits the Submitted by: Gallatin, TN Local 4501 fire station, where he highlights the brotherhood, On a December Saturday, emergency workers HONORABLE MENTION honor and importance of fire fighting. from various departments and numerous “Ice Rescue” counties met at a high school to learn not only All Boston TV Stations about the construction and safety components Reported by: Robert Stella of buses but also how to rescue passengers Submitted by: Hingham, MA Local 2398 trapped inside or outside the bus. Ice, not fire, brought four fire fighters in survival suits to a pond in Weymouth. There, at 2:00 “Firefighters must obey speed limit” a.m., they rescued a screaming, drowning man Burlington Post who never should have been on the frozen pond. Written by: Jason Misner Submitted by: Burlington, ON Local 1552 TV NEWS FEATURE/DOCUMENTARY A new policy mandates that fire trucks and other department vehicles must follow the FIRST PLACE posted speed limit. Fire Chief Steve Thurlow “First Response said that over the past five years, the department WBFF-TV had a 60 percent rise in accidents. Rep orted by: Steve Levine News Photo (circulation under 100,000) First Place — “More Air” Submitted by: Baltimore City, MD Local 734 EDITORIAL OR COLUMN Funding problems jeopardize the availability of medic units, so Baltimore fire fighters use a RADIO NEWS STORY OR EDITORIAL FIRST PLACE “critical alert” system to provide more of them. “Fellow firefighters, city owe gratitude to Raffa, This report, however, shows that in using this FIRST PLACE Courtney” system, the fire department is playing Russian “Touring the Simulator” Worcester Sunday Telegram roulette with fire suppression. KWPC Radio Written by: Nick Kotsopoulos Reported by: Charles Potter Submitted by: Worcester, MA Local 1009 SECOND PLACE Submitted by: Muscatine, IA Local 608 “A tough act to follow” is what this columnist “Fueling the Fire” A local reporter toured an activated interior fire called Local 1009’s president and vice president, WSVN-TV attack simulator that was on loan from the state who had led it since 1997 but opted not to run Reported by: Dave Kartunan, Chris Volz and fire marshal. As a training tool, the simulator for re-election. Kevin McCarthy creates a number of scenarios for house fires. Submitted by: Broward County, FL Local 4321 SECOND PLACE This report sent a clear message on the importance SECOND PLACE “A long road to healing” of training for fire fighters, but also reinforced to “Queen Street Fire” Winnipeg Sun viewers the danger of living near fuel tanks. CFRB News Talk 1010 Written by: Ross Romaniuk Reported by: Ryan Bird Submitted by: Winnipeg, MB Local 867 HONORABLE MENTIONS Submitted by: Toronto, ON Local 3888 A year after two fire fighters died on the job, an “Recruit Academy 2008” Radio brought the details to life in the case of a entire community of emergency workers AFD Magazine Video Center six-alarm blaze in downtown Toronto. More continues to suffer and grieve. “This is a tragedy Produced by: Molly McCoy and John Crabb than 100 fire fighters were on the scene of the that keeps going,” the local’s president said. Submitted by: Anchorage, AK Local 1264 fast-spreading fire. However, the tragedy has led to improvements, In this three-disc documentary, viewers get an such as new waterproof radio microphones. in-depth look at what it takes to be a fire fighter NEWS STORY ON WEB-BASED SITE or EMT for the Anchorage Fire Department, TV NEWS STORY from the first testing to the final station FIRST PLACE assignments. “Wildlife Training” FIRST PLACE www.1rbn.com “Queen Street Fire” Rep orted by: Mark Treglio Citytv Breakfast Television Submitted by: Jacksonville, FL Local 122 Reported by: Tracy Moore This photo report covered a one-week class in Submitted by: Toronto, ON Local 3888 spring 2008 that gave fire fighters a leg up in Because this early-morning fire was just a few preparing for the wildfire season. After the class, blocks from the Citytv studios, Breakfast the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Television was first on the scene to cover it. The had more than 300 forestry certified fire fighters. live coverage included a recap of the relevant issues with fire fighting. SECOND PLACE “Arson Fire” SECOND PLACE www.firehouse.com “Mount Pleasant Street Fire” Rep orted by: Jay K. Bradish WUSA-TV Submitted by: Bradford, PA Local 655 Reported by: David Statter; Vito Maggiolo, The occupant of a Bradford house was arrested photographer on charges including arson after a two-alarm News Photo (circulation under 100,000) Submitted by: Washington, DC Local 36 Second Place — “Remembering Brent Lovrien” fire destroyed his house and caused exposure An apartment fire led to five mayday calls, two damage in the neighborhood.

International Fire Fighter MEDIA AWARDS | 13 FIRE SERVICE PHOTO ON Submitted by: Palm Beach County, FL Local 2928 www.pffg.org WEB-BASED NEWS SITE Produced quarterly, this four-color magazine Produc ed by: Richard L. O’Brien promotes “One union, one family.” The April- Submitted by: Greensboro, NC Local 947 FIRST PLACE May-June issue featured a legal column and an Billing itself as “the voice on the job for “Elgin Dive Box — Icy Fox River” interview with the newest bagpiper. Greensboro’s bravest,” this site quickly links www.elginet.com members to IAFF news, local resources, Pho to by: Bill O’Neill The Hawaii Fire Fighter upcoming events and a host of other important Submitted by: Elgin, IL Local 439 Produc ed by: Robert H. Lee links at every level. Two Local 439 divers Cy Mikleson and Bill Submitted by: Hawaiian Islands, HI Local 1463 Nangle in ice rescue suits investigate a submerged In the June issue of this two-color tabloid, the SECOND PLACE Porsche. It turned out to be stolen, and there was suit filed by the Hawaii Fire Department www.cpf.org no one to rescue. Hoffman Estates Local 2061 also battalion chiefs for rank-for-rank privileges took Produc ed by: Lou Paulson responded. center stage. Each article examined it from a Submitted by: California Professional different perspective of consequence to members. Firefighters Complemented by crisp illustrations, a California Professional Firefighters well-composed homepage enables the state Produced by: Lou Paulson group to serve the needs of members, the fire Submitted by: California Professional service and the public media. Firefighters Four times a year, this four-color tabloid brings HONORABLE MENTIONS news and views to its members statewide. The www.iafflocal738.org third-quarter issue featured a special insert for Produc ed by: Doug Boczek the November general election with Submitted by: Mount Vernon, IL Local 738 recommendations on propositions as well as Shift calendars are just the beginning of what a endorsements of senate and assembly candidates. visitor can access from the home page. A video taken during an arson investigation training Fire Service Photo on Web-Based News Site — Backdraft graphically illustrates how rapidly a fire can First Place “Elgin Dive Box — Icy Fox River” Produc ed by: Darren L. Orr spread in a normal room. Submitted by: Salt Lake City, UT Local 1645 SECOND PLACE Four-color printing makes photos pop in this www.uflac.org “Fire in the Hole” magazine published three times a year. It’s also Produc ed by: Mike Bullis www.firefightingnews.com rich in features, with recipes, crosswords and Submitted by: Los Angeles City, CA Local 112 Pho to by: Bruce Garner activity pages just for kids. Not only news but also UFLAC videos and Submitted by: Chattanooga, TN Local 820 webcasts are available from the homepage of “Just when we thought we were making progress, this site. A box for breaking news gives the fire would pop up again in another part of the headlines for fires in progress. attic,” said battalion chief Mike Knox about this house fire that flared up when no one was home. www.iaff2067.org Produced by: Tim McDermott HONORABLE MENTION Submitted by: Norman, OK Local 2067 “Warehouse Fire” Union business, international news and BSO News Blog department news are easy to access at the top of Pho to by: Mike Jachles Local 2067’s homepage. Droll warnings greet Submitted by: Broward County, FL Local 4321 nonmembers who stray to the members-only Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews man a hand portion of the site. line on a two-alarm fire in a warehouse, where acetylene tanks were burning. About 30 fire AFFILIATE PUBLIC fighters battled the blaze for a half hour. Fire Service Photo on Web-Based News Site — RELATIONS CAMPAIGN Second Place “Fire in the Hole” AFFILIATE PUBLICATION FIRST PLACE (Circulation Over 1,000) AFFILIATE PUBLICATION “Firefighters on Your Side” (Circulation Under 1,000) Produc ed by: Lou Paulson and California FIRST PLACE Professional Firefighters Tailboard Talk FIRST PLACE Submitted by: California Professional Firefighters Produc ed by: Pat Davaney The Hamilton County Fire Fighter The importance of planning and practicing a Submitted by: Associated Fire Fighters of Produc ed by: Anthony L. Murray fire escape plan come to life in this public safety Illinois Submitted by: Hamilton County, IN Local 4416 campaign. Print, video, television and web site This two-color, twice-yearly newsletter is “All the articles and info you had before and components are all bilingual, given that more dedicated to keeping 15,000 Illinois members much more,” boasts the first issue of a new than one-third of the state’s population is apprised not only of local activities but also the bimonthly newsletter for Local 4416. Latino. Numerous interviews that CPF secured likely impact of legislation pending in Springfield. were consolidated onto a CD. SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE (TIE) Alaska Professional Fire Fighters The Helmet Produced by: Mark Drygas Produced by: Ted Waldroup Submitted by: Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Submitted by: Indianapolis, IN Local 416 The November elections dominated the fall In its October/November 2008 issue, Local 416 edition of this compact, four-color newsletter. In celebrates paying off its building, making the addition to candidate endorsements, the issue local debt free after 20 years. noted all contributors to the Alaska Fire Pac.

The Houston Fire Fighter AFFILIATE WEB SITE Produc ed by: Michael Bingham Submitted by: Houston, TX Local 341 FIRST PLACE (TIE) Member classifieds and civic advertising further www.savepfd.com the usefulness of this monthly, which runs 40 Produc ed by: Dave Kearney pages or more. Members’ activities on and off Submitted by: Philadelphia, PA Local 22 the job come to life in stories and pictures. This site focuses on community activism: to educate and inform the public about the HONORABLE MENTIONS dangers and results of closing fire companies. The Backdraft Visitors can sign up for email alerts or click Fire Service Photo — First Place TIe Produced by: Palm Beach County, FL Local 2928 through to the Facebook cause. “Pediatric Resuscitation”

MEDIA AWARDS July/August 2009 14 | “Philadelphia Fire Fighters’ Union IAFF Local 22 SECOND PLACE 2009 Calendar” “Grand Forks Fire Ops 101” Produc ed by: Dave Kearney Produc ed by: Grand Forks, ND Local 242 and Submitted by: Philadelphia, PA Local 22 Professional Fire Fighters of North Dakota Platoon schedules, health plan contacts and a Submitted by: Grand Forks, ND Local 242 and directory are some of the useful add-ons to this Professional Fire Fighters of North Dakota four-color calendar. It’s sent to both active and In this brief video montage, officials at all levels retired members. of government became “trainees” at a Fire Ops 101. Local 242 members helped them progress AFFILIATE SPECIAL/ONE-TIME/ from sitting in classroom lectures to actually ANNUAL PUBLICATION OR PROJECT extinguishing a fire. FIRST PLACE FIRE SERVICE PHOTO “Lakewood Fire District 2 Trading Cards” (Non-published, taken by an IAFF member) Pr oduced by: Michael Dobbs and Rick Snodgrass Submitted by: Lakewood, WA Local 1488 FIRST PLACE (TIE) Fire Service Photo — First Place TIe A set of 12 cards showcases District 2 fire “Pediatric Resuscitation” “From Above” apparatus, units and stations. After securing Photo by: Mark Treglio funding through local sponsors, the district Submitted by: Jacksonville, FL Local 122 SECOND PLACE (TIE) produced the four-color cards. Each trading card Local 122 first used this staged photo to help “A Life Safety Message” acknowledges a sponsor and promotes a defeat Amendment 1 last January and now Produced by: Jason Davis particular safety message. allows the photo to be used for public relations Submitted by: Metro-Dade, FL Local 1403 campaigns elsewhere in Florida. “Vote no — punch #241,” urges Local 1403 in SECOND PLACE (TIE) this series of videos distributed on CDs. “Pictures of Us: The Anchorage Fire Department” “From Above” “Response time means survival,” it tells viewers Produc ed by: David Denslow Pho to by: Brian Bastinelli as it takes them through the probable impact on Submitted by: Anchorage, AK Local 1264 Submitted by: Harrisburg, PA Local 428 EMS, fire staff, locations and the budget. Every decade, Local 1264 produces this Lieutenant Doug Bair works to open the interior hardbound book. In four-color photography, it and check for hidden fire during this two-alarm “Christmas Eve in Yonkers” presents its many employees — noting years of house fire. An arson fire, police were able to Produced by: Patrick Brady service — and faithfully documents the local’s apprehend the suspect. Submitted by: Yonkers, NY Local 628 several units, charitable activities throughout the An ad in The Journal News details the four hours years and milestones of every kind. after a 9-1-1 call comes into Yonkers Fire Dispatch on Christmas Eve. The message to “Station 10 in Action” readers: the anticipated cuts to the department Produced by: Mark Treglio would have affected a series of actual emergency Submitted by: Jacksonville, FL Local 122 calls answered that afternoon. “Just as soon as I belong, then it’s time I disappear,” sings the background track for this HONORABLE MENTIONS four-minute video, which captures the highlights “Save Alameda Firehouses” of a Station 10 fire response from start to finish. Produced by: Don Pemberton Submitted by: Alameda, CA Local 689 HONORABLE MENTIONS Fire Service Photo — Second Place The site www.savealamedafirehouses.com “California Firefighters Memorial Booklet 2008” “Metro Rail Rescue” proclaims, “It’s a burning issue,” and that issue Produced by: Lou Paulson was probable cuts to street-level fire and Submitted by: California Professional Firefighters SECOND PLACE emergency services in the city of Alameda. On October 18, the California Firefighters “Metro Rail Rescue” Memorial Ceremony took place in Sacramento, Photo by: Ignatius (Iggy) Carroll Jr. “Do You?” adding 26 names of fallen fire fighters — one Submitted by: Miami, FL Local 587 Produced by: Rick Snodgrass dating back to the 1940s — to the memorial After a man falls onto the rail tracks, a technical Submitted by: Lakewood, WA Local 1488 wall. Each one of them was profiled in the rescue team goes to work, executing a confined- To promote recruitment, a quartet of posters 20-page program book. space rescue under a train car. features action shots of fire fighters. One poster HONORABLE MENTIONS showing a fire fighter with a hose on a crane “Generations of Struggle” “A Fire Fighter and His Son” asks, “We aim to please … do you?” Produced by: Philadelphia, PA Local 22 Submitted by: Philadelphia, PA Local 22 Photo by: Gregory W. Bennett Submitted by: Seattle, WA Local 27 AFFILIATE CALENDAR Local 22 produced this DVD in anticipation of arbitration. Philadelphia has lost more fire Seattle fire fighter Tony Knox of the E26/D platoon fighters than any other city since 1980, the video seems to be telling his oldest child, four-year—old FIRST PLACE Kysen, “Someday, son, this will be all yours.” “Monticello Fire Department Firefighters: points out, and is also the only major city that Calendar of Local Heroes” does not provide full retiree health care to its retiring fire fighters. “Nice Night as Long as It Doesn’t Get Cold” Produc ed by: Corey Nolan Pho to by: David Butterfield Submitted by: Monticello, IN Local 2278 PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN FOR Submitted by: Saskatoon, SK Local 80 For the fourth year, Local 2278 sent proceeds FIRE OPS 101 As the ubiquitous ice suggests, it was 5° from this locally sponsored, large-format Fahrenheit on the December night when Chau’s calendar to the Hoosier Burn Camp. FIRST PLACE Commodore Restaurant caught fire in Saskatoon. SECOND PLACE (TIE) “Fire Ops 101” “Seattle Fire Fighters Union Local 27 2009 Prod uced by: Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont Submitted by: Professional Fire Fighters of “Feel the Heat” Calendar” Photo by: Jon Tamlin Produc ed by: Seattle Fire Fighters Union Vermont In the introduction to this video, Vermont’s Submitted by: Toronto, ON Local 3888 Submitted by: Seattle, WA Local 27 Fire fighters at the Toronto academy train under Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie said he had In addition to photos depicting members on the circumstances that are as close to real as job, this calendar shows them engaging the public “never stuck my nose into a real fire.” Last possible, and this photo captures the intensity in safety and rescue demonstrations, enjoying a September in Pittsford, he and many other and drama of a critical moment. family picnic and supporting a signature cause — government officials and local reporters got their the Muscular Dystrophy Association. chance to suit up and see what it might be like. “Man versus Machine” Pho to by: Rick Snodgrass Submitted by: Lakewood, WA Local 1488 Lakewood fire fighters work to extricate a man trapped under a paving machine. The worker went to the hospital with serious leg injuries.  www.iaff.org MEDIA AWARDS | 15 earlier this year, developed the Facebook group to enlist the community’s help to prevent the layoffs that the City announced. The layoffs were to become effective October 2, 2009. In a matter of weeks, the page attracted nearly 20,000 members, and it is still growing. “We were able to get information to thousands of people and send a message to the City that it could not ignore,” says Clelland. The page includes a link to a witter and Facebook are among the message and increase its impact by reaching “Rescue Orlando Fire” web site, which most popular, powerful new tools a broader audience — an audience that can provides additional information. in the social networking media also actually participate in the conversation. Similarly, San Francisco, CA Local 798 Tuniverse, and an increasing number of The best part? These new technologies and used Facebook as part of an aggressive IAFF affiliates are using them to get their tools won’t break the bank. and offensive strategy to keep firehouses messages out. Mikel Bullis, president of UnionCentrics, open and fully staffed. Twitter enables users to send and read “Facebook is a fantastic tool,” says Local messages known as tweets — text-based “Our Facebook page has 798 Treasurer Tom O’Connor. posts with a limited number of been extremely effective. With San Francisco facing a budget characters. Facebook, the largest social deficit of nearly $600 million, the City network, boasts 250 million active users. We were able to get threatened to close firehouses. But Local Twitter is without a doubt one of, if not 798 feared it was losing its older base of the fastest-growing web application. information to thousands activists as families moved to the suburbs Both have become indispensable in the of people and send a for better schools and other services. digital world. “We needed to reach a new generation “Twitter fits the American lifestyle,” says message to the City that of renters,” explains O’Connor. “Our Jay Lowry, who uses Twitter to follow and campaign blended old-school politicking report on fire fighters and fire departments it could not ignore.” with new online social networking tools.” around the world through his web site and Local 798 used traditional media — blog at firefighterhourly.com. “It is brief —Steve Clelland, President such as bus stop and newspaper ads — to and it is fast — you have 140 characters, so Orlando, FL Local 1365 drive supporters to Facebook, which you’ve got to get to the point.” asked “friends” to go to rallies, make calls With attention spans getting shorter, which provides custom web design and to politicians and attend meetings at City Twitter and Facebook can quickly send a hosting for IAFF affiliates — among Hall. In addition, Local 798 used online message to a group of people, and others — is seeing rising interest in social ads in the San Francisco Chronicle and remove any filters (such as local networking media. “I encourage IAFF San Francisco Examiner to move people governments and the media) between locals to use Facebook and Twitter,” he online. “I never thought Internet ads you and your intended audience. “Twitter says, especially as web sites alone become would actually work, but they did,” and other new social media level the less effective. “Web sites are a ‘one-trick O’Connor admits. playing field and put fire fighters in the pony.’ I tell my clients ‘to go where the With more than 8,000 friends on its same ball game with respect to messages,” pond is well stocked’ and leverage “Save Our Firehouses” page, Local 798 Lowry says. Facebook or other social networks to quickly turned hundreds of citizens This is particularly good news for IAFF drive traffic to their web site.” into activists by giving out T-shirts affiliates, which are increasingly using “Our Facebook page has been extremely to anyone who lived in the City and Facebook and Twitter as miniature blogs effective,” reports Steve Clelland, called their supervisor. to spread their president of Orlando, FL Local 1365. In addition, the local made robo calls — Local 1365 member Matt Magee, one of including calls in Chinese — that put 46 fire fighters receiving pink slips citizens through to their supervisor by pressing “1.” “Supervisors received 100 phone calls in Chinese!” says O’Connor. “The City backed off,” he reports. “At the end of our budgetary battle, we ended up not losing any stations and avoiding brownouts and layoffs. We even received a three percent raise. It’s truly amazing.” When Reno, Nevada, implemented rolling brownouts late last year, Reno Local 731 began using Twitter to tell the public what stations are closed each

16 Lowry, who included the Columbia fire fighters’ story in his firefighterhourly.com blog, says, “Social media has the ability to take what would otherwise be a small incident and share it with the world.” The blog helped bring Columbia Local 793’s issue to the local media’s attention. “In this case and others, the entire world is now able to listen to both sides,” he says. “Our local media are following us on Twitter,” says Doug Boczek, secretary for Mount Vernon, IL Local 738. “They had no idea what was going on.” Local 738, which uses Twitter and Facebook to communicate directly with the public, is seeing a dramatic increase in fans and followers. “It’s growing very quickly,” notes Boczek. These examples illustrate how social day. “It’s been extremely effective,” says department budget. Using Twitter — in networking tools can help IAFF affiliates Local 731 President Bradley Jensen. “We combination with traditional media — do a better job of sharing information, can update citizens about station closures Local 793 was able to make significant connecting with the public on a personal that the City won’t talk about.” strides with local media and elected city level and interacting directly with those The City, which is shutting down rigs, leaders about fire department and public in their network. “Nobody in the fire denies that it is closing fire stations. The safety concerns. service will say there’s nothing to talk apparatus remain in the station bays, but Local 793 President Mike Cosola says about,” notes Lowry. “Social media gives are out of service. “People see the rigs Twitter was a way to broadcast the fire them a voice and a means of sharing and don’t know that shutting down fighters’ message to as many people as a information, supporting each other and engine companies effectively shuts down major media network. “Previously having a common voice.” the fire station,” Jensen explains. ‘unreachable’ elected council members are Bullis adds, “Another benefit is that it “When the local news channel now contacting us to discuss the current puts a face to people in the union and interviewed residents about the closings, and upcoming budget year,” says Cosola. reflects positively on the local.” Even they didn’t know anything about it,” he The Twitter page also helps the local better, social media can help track and continues. But because of Facebook and keep up with local news without having influence your own reputation or Twitter, Jensen says people now realize to constantly update the web page. public image. that they were only getting one side. “Essentially, immediate and pressing But it’s important to keep it To spread the word to the public about news and information can now be sent professional. daily brownouts in Los Angeles instantaneously to everyone following Lowry cautions, “New media is out neighborhoods, Los Angeles, CA Local 112 Local 793’s Twitter page,” says Cosola. there for anyone to find, so be sure has posted an interactive “Brownout He adds that social media has helped the information you put up is factual.” Closure Map” on its web site for citizens traditional newspaper and television Anything can be used for the to use to find out when brownouts hit news sources to air both sides of the wrong reason. their community. “It has proved story. “Now, citizens and fire fighters Another big issue is the lack of control invaluable in our current fight to stop alike have a single place they can go to over content. Some would say it’s a losing these closures,” says Local 112 President educate themselves about public safety game. “Using social networking media Pat McOsker. “It’s getting thousands of issues in Columbia.” requires a change in mindset and giving hits and it’s driving elected officials crazy!” up the control that we’re used to,” Frustrated over fire station closures in its says Bullis.” city, Anchorage, AK Local 1264, also took In Orlando Local 1365’s case, it did matters to Twitter. “The City wasn’t doing not want its Facebook page to appear enough to tell neighborhoods which censored. “Some of the posts are not stations would be closed for the day,” says supportive of the fire fighters, but we Tom Westcott, president of Local 1264. did not delete them,” says Clelland, “From the City’s standpoint, it is not who notes that there is not much politically popular to publicize that it is sympathy in these hard economic closing down 20 percent of the times for not wanting to take cuts. department’s fire apparatus on a given “It’s a very dangerous PR walk down this day,” says Westcott. But now — thanks path,” he says. to Twitter — on a daily basis, anyone However, Clelland remains optimistic who wants to know what apparatus are that the 46 jobs can be saved, as well as shut down, is informed. an additional 24 vacant positions. “We In Columbia, South Carolina, Local are working with the City towards a 793 created a Twitter page as part of its solution that would include forgoing public relations campaign to correct raises,” he says. “We recognize what’s misperceptions concerning the fire Continued on Page 18

17 cellular platform, and all forms of as social networking technology Continued from Page 17 information delivery will need to be continues to mature, there will be even happening nationally and, while not mobile,” predicts Bullis. more ways to deliver information ideal, it will save jobs and protect Whatever happens, one thing is certain: at a click.  public safety.” Reno Local 731, which was successful in removing the previous fire chief following a vote of no confidence, has dialed back its political action efforts and The Social Medium softened its Twitter updates and is working to support the new chief. “It’s  Facebook (www.facebook.com) used to gain an introduction to time to make things right,” says Jensen, Facebook is a friendly online platform someone you wish to know through a whose members have made more than that allows users to connect with others mutual, trusted contact and find jobs, $500,000 in concessions and given up based on common interests. Users can people and business opportunities raises to prevent fire fighter layoffs. He join networks organized by city, recommended by someone in one’s notes, however, that he’s ready to ramp it workplace, school or region and can contact network. up again if necessary. add friends, send messages, and update Social media is still in its infancy and their personal profiles to notify friends  Flickr (www.flickr.com) despite these success stories, there is still about themselves. Flickr is an image and video hosting a good amount of reluctance to use these web site and online community for new technologies. “It’s fear of the  Twitter (www.twitter.com) users to share personal photographs unknown,” says Bullis. “Today’s younger Twitter is a web-based service that and videos. The service is also widely generation is very technologically savvy, allows users to send short text messages used by bloggers as a photo repository. but the older guys find it intimidating. (tweets) to a group of people They think it’s too late for them.” (followers) at the same time. People  StumbleUpon (www.stumbleupon.com) “Using Twitter and Facebook is not sign up to follow and then receive these StumbleUpon is an Internet community difficult,” says Lowry. “If you don’t use it, posts of up to 140 characters on their that allows its users to discover and rate those going after fire fighters and the cell phones, computers or PDAs. web pages, photos and videos. It is a unions will figure it out and use it.” Sending messages is called tweeting personalized recommendation engine Darius Barns, of Unions America, (messages are called tweets). Followers which uses peer and social networking which offers Internet services to labor can tweet back. Twitter is principles. Web pages are presented unions, including many IAFF affiliates, a way to get instant feedback or when the user clicks the “Stumble!” believes that once more people realize information. button on the browser’s toolbar. social media provides a way for more people to see information, more will use  YouTube (www.youtube.com)  Google Bookmarks (www.google.com/ig) it. “As long as members are actively using YouTube is a video sharing web site Google Bookmarks is an online service it, it offers a valuable benefit,” he says. where users can upload and share that lets you save your favorite sites and Boczek has found Twitter to be videos. YouTube uses Adobe Flash video attach labels and annotations. Unlike especially useful for updating Local 738’s technology to display a wide variety of the bookmark feature from your web site and Facebook page. “Before, I user-generated video content, including browser, Google bookmarks are stored had to be at a computer and logged in to movie clips, television clips and music securely online, so they are accessible update our site. Now I can do it with videos, as well as amateur content such even if you’re using other computers. Twitter using my cell phone.” as video blogging and short original The most important features that set Clearly, communication is no longer videos. Most of the content on YouTube Google Bookmarks apart is that all your one channel, URL, medium or platform. has been uploaded by individuals. bookmarks are private (nobody else can Some experts anticipate that the laptop Unregistered users can watch the see them) and fully searchable and you computer will no longer even be videos, while registered users are can search the entire page. necessary. “Everything is moving to a permitted to upload an unlimited number of videos.  MySpace (www.myspace.com) MySpace is a social networking web site  LinkedIn like Facebook with an interactive, user- (www.linkedin.com) submitted network of friends, personal LinkedIn is a business- profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music oriented social networking and videos. site mainly used for professional networking. The  Plaxo (www.plaxo.com) purpose of the site is to allow Plaxo is an online address book and registered users to maintain a social networking service. It provides list of contact details of automatic updating of contact people they know and trust in information. Contacts are stored in the business. The people in the central location, making it possible to list are called Connections. list connections between contacts and The IAFF Facebook Group — I.A.F.F Users can invite anyone (whether a site access the address book from anywhere. Professional Firefighters — is a user or not) to become a connection. closed group. You must be an This list of connections can then be IAFF member to join.

18 Arbitrator Rules Suspensions of Fire Fighters Unjust

favorable ruling in an IAFF Guardian Belanger demanded that the “instigators” be Policy case ensures that Rumford, ME fired and the “supporters” be suspended without ALocal 1601 fire fighters’ right to take pay. Soon after, the town manager sent letters political action is protected. An arbitrator notifying Mark Tripp that he would be ruled that the town did not have just cause to suspended for one week without pay and that suspend the fire fighters and did not follow nine Local 1601 fire fighters would be suspended disciplinary procedures as dictated in the for one day without pay. labor-management contract. The suspensions were implemented without

“Our Local 1601 members were able to fight and win their case. As a result, they received a fair and just ruling.” —Professional Fire Fighters of Maine (PFFM) President John Martell

The case arose after Local 1601 publically following Local 1601’s contract disciplinary endorsed two Town Board of Selectmen guidelines, which state the town must have just candidates last year. “Our Rumford fire fighters cause and must conduct a pre-determination were acting entirely within their rights as union hearing before taking disciplinary action. The members,” says IAFF General President Harold town also failed to take into account fire fighters’ Schaitberger. rights to free speech and free association He adds, “The IAFF will never stand idly by protected by the First and Fourteenth when member rights have been violated. The Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. International was proud to stand behind these “We knew we had not violated any rules and fire fighters and is pleased with the arbitrator’s that the town had clearly acted against ruling.” provisions of our contract,” says Tripp. “We Professional Fire Fighters of Maine (PFFM) needed to take legal action and immediately.” President John Martell agrees. “With the strong Local 1601 filed grievances protesting the backing from the IAFF, IAFF 3rd District Vice suspensions, and the Rumford fire fighters’ cases President Mike Mullane and the PFFM, our eventually landed in arbitration, where they were Local 1601 members were able to fight and win represented by IAFF General Counsel of their case. As a result, they received a fair and Woodley and McGillivary and PFFM just ruling.” Representative Bob Bourgault under the IAFF As candidates for the Town Board of Selectmen Guardian Policy. launched their campaigns for the June 9, 2008, After hearing both sides of the case, the election, Rumford Local 1601 carefully assessed arbitrator ruled that the town did not have just which two candidates it would endorse. After cause to discipline Tripp and the other fire sending all of the candidates surveys to fighters because it failed to conduct the pre- determine how each stood on issues important determination hearings. The arbitrator also said to the Town of Rumford and its fire fighters, the ordinance against political activity was Local 1601 members voted to endorse “improper interference with protected union incumbent Greg Buccina and newcomer Robert activities” because it is preempted by the state’s Cameron. Municipal Public Employee Labor Relations Act. Local 1601 President Mark Tripp sent a letter In the award, the arbitrator said that the fire to the editor of a local newspaper, explaining fighters must be made whole with any loss of why the fire fighters were supporting the two pay or overtime due to the suspensions, any candidates. Incumbent Selectmen Mark Belanger record of the suspensions must be stricken — who did not receive an endorsement from the from the fire fighters’ employment files and fire fighters — issued a complaint to the town the town is now ordered not to interfere with manager, claiming that Local 1601 had violated any protected union activity, including an ordinance prohibiting town employees from political activity.  political activity.

19 WORKING TO LIVE

responding to and handling events. “This is a study many fire industry leaders have dreamed of for several years,” says Chief Dennis Compton of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) who is also a technical advisor to the project. “Until now, it has simply not been possible, due to the complexity of the tasks proposed and the costs involved.” Over the past 15 years, other studies have consistently supported the importance of In 2005, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency adequate staffing per piece of apparatus in the efficacy and safety of fire fighters Management Agency (FEMA), the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) office during emergency response and fire began funding research and development studies designed to help reduce fire suppression. fighter deaths and injuries. This is the third in a series of articles that will review Two studies in particular look closely at which distinct tasks could be performed fire fighter health and safety issues, as well as the findings of some of these safely and effectively by three- and four- AFG-supported research and development activities. person fire companies. Following a series of common fire ground simulations, ire departments across the nation are ultimately provide scientific evidence to investigators from the Austin Fire challenged by the economic crisis, guide local government decision-makers in Department assessed the physiological Frising call volume, personnel and making informed choices regarding fire effects and injury rates among the variably equipment shortages, security issues and fighter safety. staffed fire crews. the overall expectation to do more with The multi-year project, a collaboration of In these simulations, an increase from a less. These and other factors put IAFF five top fire research organizations, three- to four-person crew resulted in members at increased risk for line-of-duty including the IAFF, the Commission on marked improvements in time-to-task injury and death. Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), completion in a two-story residential fire As part of the effort to improve fire the International Association of Fire Chiefs drill, aerial ladder evolution and high-rise fighter safety and resources, the IAFF is (IAFC), the National Institute of Standards fire drill. Researchers concluded that — participating in a multi-phase study to and Technology (NIST) and Worcester independent of fire fighter experience, design an acceptable resource deployment Polytechnic Institute (WPI), will establish preparation or training — loss of life and model based on contemporary community a technical basis for risk evaluation and property increases when an insufficient risks and type of service delivery. The study deployment of resources by local fire number of personnel are conducting the seeks to determine the technical basis for departments, create tools to better assess required tasks. Injury reports from the deployment vs. risk decisions and what the risks and hazards in their communities, Austin Fire Department further revealed factors help improve such decisions in light plan adequate resource deployment to that the injury rate for three-person of available funding and the level of service respond to and mitigate emergency events companies in the four years preceding the the community expects. The study will and measure the effectiveness in study was nearly 1.5 times more than for

July/August 2009 20 crews staffed with four or more fire fighters. In a sequence of similar tests, the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario also found that three-person fire companies were unable to safely perform deployment of back-up protection lines, interior suppression or rescue operations, ventilation operations that required access to the roof of the involved structure, use of large hand-held hose lines or a water supply from a static source without additional assistance and within the time limits of the study. In addition, the Ontario study noted that three-person crews were also at increased risk for exhaustion due to insufficient relief at fire scenes, and made recommendations for minimum staffing levels per apparatus for suppression and rescue-related tasks. These studies demonstrate that crew size clearly affects the comprehensive dynamics of a fire crew’s response capacity, ability to perform fire operations and fire fighter injury rates. However, there is an ongoing need to update and further quantify the required tasks, event sequences and necessary response times for effective fire suppression in order to determine with accuracy the full Study In Progress effects of either a reduction or increase in he intent of the fire fighter safety important factors in determining fire company staffing. and resource deployment study is to appropriate deployment to varied levels of Over the past three decades, fire Tdetermine how well fire service adverse risk events occurring in a department response has expanded to decision-makers match resources to risk, community. include emergency medical services, and identify what factors are important in These data will be used to develop terrorism attacks, hazardous materials establishing these matches in the future — software that can determine appropriate incidents and mitigation, natural disasters, recognizing that decisions are made based deployment-to-risk events in a specialized rescue and other community on available funding in the community community in order to limit fire fighter incidents. This expansion of responsibility and the level of service the community injury and death, civilian injury and death has not always been matched with an expects. and economic impact. optimal deployment of resources. The overall goal is to reduce fire fighter More than 400 U.S. fire departments are A report for the NIST stressed the and civilian injury and death and increase participating in the study by entering continuing need to address the relationship property conservation by improving incident data into a web-based survey. between crew size and personnel injury rates, resource deployment in a risk-filled Data analysis from the online survey will stating that “a scientific study on the environment. The study includes three be coupled with data from the field relationship between the number of fire phases: experiments in Phase II (now complete), fighters per engine and the incidence of which were conducted for both fire and injuries would resolve a long-standing Phase I - Develop a scientifically-based EMS events (see www.firereporting.org ). question concerning staffing and safety.”  community risk assessment and The Montgomery County, Maryland, In much the same way that earlier resource deployment model. and Fairfax County, Virginia fire environmental assessments of a departments participated in the field community’s fire risk emphasized that Phase II - Conduct field experiments to experiments conducted at the demographics and building characteristics  assess resource deployment, including Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services can radically alter the types of emergency crew size and time-to-task analysis. Training Academy. Relevant NFPA situations fire fighters face, an increasing standards, including NFPA 1403 and body of literature has shown that Phase III - Develop performance NFPA 1500, were followed during the deployment will impact the overall  evaluation tools for fire departments to experiments. The resulting data are now quality and effectiveness of emergency assess how well they match their being analyzed and will be used to develop service delivery. community risk level to resources educational products and materials for Factors such as fire fighter training, deployed. dissemination to local government health, wellness and fitness, pre-incident decision-makers. The overall study results, planning and mutual aid agreements also Based on analysis of data collected in report and the education products are play key roles with respect to a fire crew’s Phase I (currently underway), anticipated for release in the fall of 2009. ability to perform fire suppression investigators will look at fire fighter injury For more information, visit activities and in terms of fire fighter safety and death, civilian injury and death and www.firereporting.org. and larger occupational health risks.  economic impact and identify the most

www.iaff.org 21 Always on the Frontline “If we can expand health Reforming the Nation’s Health Care System care coverage and ew groups of Americans understand Congress and the Obama administration reduce costs without the problems of the nation’s health grapple with proposals to overhaul the Fcare system as well as professional nation’s health care system. Congress is taxing middle income fire fighters. IAFF members, virtually all of now working to finalize a comprehensive whom have health insurance, face out-of- proposal which will remake the American taxpayers or adding to control health care costs at the bargaining health care system. As you’ve no doubt the federal deficit, we table, as escalating insurance premiums seen, the news coverage of the debate that crowd out wages and other benefits. IAFF is raging across the county on this issue has will have done the nation members also face daily the realities of the been extensive. a great service and uninsured who are forced to rely on the 9- 1-1 emergency system as their primary Taxation of Health Benefits provided our children health care provider. As municipal budgets Tops Priority List with a brighter future.” get tighter, non-emergency 9-1-1 medical At the core of the debate is the issue of calls strain already overburdened fire how to pay for reform. Early on in the — General President Harold Schaitberger departments. process the chair of the U.S. Senate Moreover, affordable health insurance is a Finance Committee decided that the best in new revenue because President Obama growing need among retired fire fighters way to generate revenue would be to tax says he will not sign a bill that adds to the who often lose coverage under their workers on the value of employer-provided deficit. Senators face the difficult task of employer-provided plan when they separate health care. finding this revenue without raising taxes from service. In many jurisdictions, retirees The IAFF led an aggressive lobbying or taxing employer-provided benefits. Key are dropped from the health plan entirely campaign against the tax proposal, noting Senate leaders from both sides of the or are required to pay exorbitant that it would have catastrophic political aisle are looking to put together a premiums. For IAFF members who retire consequences for fire fighters and their package of revenue raisers that could 10 or 15 years before they are eligible for families and would violate President include a tax on some health insurance Medicare, access to affordable health care is Obama’s campaign pledge not to raise companies that offer high-priced the key to a secure retirement. taxes on middle-income taxpayers. “Cadillac” policies to CEOs and executives. The dual role of our members as both The IAFF’s efforts and vocal opposition Controversy also remains over whether consumers and providers of health care from President Obama convinced senators the federal government should create an places the IAFF in a pivotal position as to seek alternative sources of revenue. insurance plan that would compete with In fact, Senate private companies on the open market. Majority Leader Such a public agency might be able to offer Harry Reid (D-NV) comprehensive insurance at lower rates, and Senate which could prove especially beneficial to leadership fire fighters and others who retire before instructed the they are eligible to participate in Medicare, Senate Finance but many people remain skeptical that a Committee to government run program would be remove any tax efficient or effective and don’t like the proposal from idea at all. consideration. Another contentious issue is whether to White House require employers to contribute toward the Deputy Chief of health care of their employees. Although Staff Jim Messina most Americans who have insurance get it has also promised through their employer, more and more IAFF General employers are refusing to offer health President Harold benefits to their workers. Schaitberger that Some of the health care plans also being the idea “is off debated in Congress contain a provision the table.” known as “pay or play,” which tells companies they must either provide health Controversies insurance coverage or pay a fee to the Remain government, with the money being used to Despite general help those workers afford insurance. agreement that our “There is no easy solution, and the IAFF health care system remains committed to improving the needs to be fixed, nation’s health care delivery system, but we controversies must do so the right way,” says IAFF remain which could General President Harold Schaitberger. “If still derail the we can expand health care coverage and legislation. reduce costs without taxing middle income Paying for health taxpayers or adding to the federal deficit, care will require we will have done the nation a great service hundreds of and provided our children with a billions of dollars brighter future.” 

ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE July/August 2009 22 | British Columbia Fire Fighters Win Pension Breakthrough maximize retirement income. But as fire fighter salaries rose over the rofessional fire fighters in British years, the supplementary plan began to Columbia have taken a major step “I’m pleased that after six exceed the maximum allowed under Ptoward solving a longstanding years of hard work, we federal pension regulations. Further rule pension problem — a step that takes full changes in 2003 meant that 30 per cent of advantage of a regulatory change the IAFF have an improved pension the supplementary pension income was won at the federal level in Canada in 2003. cut, and contributions to the plan were On June 16, Surrey, BC Local 1271 signed benefit that’s stable and being refunded. a landmark agreement with its employer to Coincidentally, in December of that year, move into a newly-created group within the productive for our Canada’s Income Tax Act regulations were provincial pension plan that covers members for the long rewritten in direct response to IAFF municipal employees. The group qualifies lobbying to specify that fire fighters can for an increased annual pension accrual rate term. It allows our benefit from a 2.33 per cent annual pension of 2.33 per cent for each year of credited accrual rate, thus making it a viable option service, compared to the 2 per cent available members to retire at full to improve fire fighters’ pensions within to most working Canadians. The higher pension after 30 years of provincial pension plans. Thomas says the accrual rate will significantly improve a increased accrual rate became the new goal retired fire fighter’s monthly pension. service, and that gives for British Columbia fire fighters right away. Local 1271 President Larry Thomas, who “It kind of fell on our lap at the same is also secretary-treasurer of the British them more time to enjoy time, so we started a grassroots lobby Columbia Professional Fire Fighters within the pension plan to make the 2.33 Association (BCPFFA), says a handful of their retirement.” an option available,” he says. other affiliates in the province are close to Wisely, the fire fighters and police, who also signing similar agreements, and it’s hoped —Surrey Local 1271 President Larry Thomas qualify for the increased pension rate, hired that most of the province’s 49 IAFF locals actuaries to look at the existing plan and will eventually be able to negotiate the 2.33 assist with strategic advice. Though per cent accrual rate with their employers the six-year battle to create the new 2.33 expensive, it proved worthwhile, as the now that it’s available. group. He explains that previously, most actuaries provided them with extremely Thomas, the fire and police representative British Columbia fire fighters enjoyed a valuable information, such as the fact on British Columbia’s Municipal Employees defined benefit pension plan, as well as a that fire fighters were in fact subsidizing other Pension Committee, was instrumental in supplemental defined contribution plan, to plan members’ pensions and that switching fire fighters to the new 2.33 per cent accrual rate would actually cost employers less. IAFF to Weigh In On Proposed The more fire fighters learned about their pension system, the easier it became to Canada Pension Plan Amendments counter arguments made by the employer representatives on the pension committee. he IAFF is studying proposed make up for the resulting loss in Fire fighters discovered that the employers’ amendments to the Canada Pension retirement income, the IAFF successfully initial arguments against the increased TPlan (CPP) and preparing to voice lobbied the Canadian government in accrual rate were often based on mistaken opposition to any changes that could 2003 to amend national pension information and a lack of detailed negatively affect professional fire fighters. regulations to specify that fire fighters knowledge about how the pension plan The proposed changes stemmed from a can benefit from an increased annual actually worked. May 2009 meeting of Canada’s federal and pension accrual rate. Ultimately, creation of the new group provincial finance ministers. Scheduled to The CPP is supported by contributions within the plan required buy-in from the take effect in two to three years, these from all Canadian workers and from three partners on the province’s pension changes include the ability to contribute to investment income and is intended to committee: the provincial government, the CPP and earn benefits while still complement other retirement income other unions and the employers. The first working after age 60, an increase in the sources, such as registered pensions and two groups agreed with the new formula number of low-income years dropped out Registered Retirement Savings Plans because it didn’t affect their members, but of a workers’ benefit calculation and an (RRSPs) or other investments. Workers the employers, represented by the Union of increased penalty for benefits drawn after are eligible to apply for reduced CPP British Columbia Municipalities, were a age 60 but before age 65. benefits at age 60 and full benefits at age tougher sell. While some of the proposed changes 65. The current maximum monthly “Once we could show them it was cost- will benefit fire fighters and all Canadian benefit is $908.75, or $10,905 annually. neutral to other plan members and we workers, the IAFF will make a submission To assist the minority of Canadian IAFF would be funding the new pension rate to the Canadian government during an members whose pension plans aren’t ourselves, they were okay with it,” Thomas upcoming consultative process to ensure structured to qualify for the increased says. The rule change was made within the fire fighters who have unique retirement accrual rate, the IAFF has been lobbying pension plan in November 2008, shifting rules under the Income Tax Act aren’t for amendments to the CPP that would the focus to negotiating the new system at negatively affected by any of the enable fire fighters to access reduced the local level, which is now beginning in proposed changes. benefits at age 55 and unreduced benefits earnest across British Columbia. Fire fighters are identified as members at age 60 — five years earlier than other With the new accrual rate, employer of a public safety occupation and workers. The IAFF submission will contributions actually drop by .61 per cent permitted to retire early at age 55 and emphasize the importance of this issue of each fire fighter’s pensionable earnings qualify for their registered pensions. To during the consultative process as well.  Continued on Page 24 International Fire Fighter ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE | 23 Always on the Frontline working Canadians. The 2.33 per cent accrual about how to fund the compensation also Continued from Page 23 compared to the previous system. Surrey rate would bring a retiring fire fighter up to caused delays. Local 1271 was successful in negotiating 70 per cent of pre-retirement income. But those hurdles were overcome and a that fire fighters should be paid that The increased accrual rate is available to new bill was passed in June, followed by amount as a supplemental pension pay fire fighters who have defined benefit plans the regulations in July. The province’s allowance after pointing to existing labour that are integrated with the Canada professional fire fighters now have arbitrations that have awarded such Pension Plan, such as in British Columbia coverage for primary site brain, bladder, amounts to employees, not employers. and Ontario. For fire fighters who don’t colorectal, esophageal, kidney, testicular “I’m pleased that after six years of hard have defined benefit plans, the IAFF is and ureter cancer, in addition to leukemia, work, we have an improved pension benefit pursuing changes to the Canada Pension non-Hodgkins lymphoma and lung cancer that’s stable and productive for our members Plan that would give them earlier access to in fire fighters who were non-smokers for for the long term,” Thomas says. “It allows their benefits than other workers.  at least 10 years prior to diagnosis. our members to retire at full pension after Doug LeBlanc, president of Fredericton, 30 years of service, and that gives them more New Brunswick Presumptive NB Local 1053 and recently-elected president time to enjoy their retirement.” Legislation Finally In Place of the Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire IAFF 6th District Vice President Lorne Fighters Association (APPFFA), says he is West, also a Surrey fire fighter, commends proud to see the coverage finally in place, and ew Brunswick is now officially the credits APPFFA Past President John Thomas for his work on the issue and seventh Canadian province to enact remarks how a challenge in this case was McCarthy (Saint John Local 771) and Npresumptive legislation for APPFFA New Brunswick Vice President John turned into an opportunity. “At the end of professional fire fighters. Courtney (Moncton Local 999) for their the day, it was the tenacity the fire fighters Regulations specifying coverage for 10 showed that made this happen,” West says. work on the issue. cancers plus heart injuries that occur “It was a long battle,” LeBlanc says. “And At the national level, the IAFF has been within 24 hours of duty are now in place, lobbying to reform fire fighters’ pensions in we give great thanks to all of the other giving the province’s 482 IAFF members provincial jurisdictions who laid the Canada since the 1940s (see box on page 23). this important protection. Previous regulations permitted fire fighters to groundwork for us.” The New Brunswick government Manitoba was the first Canadian retire early, but there was no mechanism to originally passed a bill regarding make up for the resulting loss in fire fighters’ province to enact presumptive cancer presumptive cancer and heart legislation in legislation for fire fighters in 2002. It was retirement income. In a typical scenario, a fire December 2007, but the accompanying fighter retired with a pension that was 60 per followed by Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova regulations — which are needed in order Scotia, British Columbia, Ontario and now cent of pre-retirement income, below the 70 to specify details about the coverage — per cent that is considered adequate for New Brunswick. stalled at the bureaucratic level. Questions The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador remains the last Canadian Display the Gold and Black candidates. The public trusts and values province with IAFF affiliates that don’t fire fighters and therefore also values have presumptive legislation. The IAFF has ver the past decade, the political their political endorsements. Equally been assisting St. John’s Local 1075 in its “brands” of various unions have important, candidates covet the ongoing lobby for the legislation. In Obecome familiar in a variety of endorsement of their fire fighters. August 2008, IAFF General President campaigns, from the White House to City If your local is making an endorsement, Harold Schaitberger wrote a letter to Hall. Green T-shirts represent the back it up by proudly showing the Newfoundland and Labrador Premier American Federation of State, County political colors of the IAFF and using the Danny Williams urging him to recognize and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); “Fire Fighters For” gold and black brand what other provinces have done and to purple identifies the Service Employees in the campaign with T-shirts, bumper enact presumptive legislation. It was International Union stickers, yard signs, followed by a letter signed by all of the (SEIU); red is the buttons, banners IAFF Canadian District Vice Presidents signature of the and other items. and provincial presidents urging the same. Laborers’ IAFF affiliates can go to LeBlanc says helping Newfoundland and International Union. the IAFF Online Store to Labrador achieve presumptive legislation For the IAFF, gold purchase a variety of will be a “main focus” for the APPFFA in and black ? political items to support the coming months. distinguishes this their candidates and help Elsewhere in Canada, the members of union as a political strengthen their campaign. Whitehorse, YK Local 2217 are currently power house. Visit the IAFF Online Store at lobbying their territorial government for The gold and black has dotted www.iaff.org. presumptive cancer legislation, with campaign events since the 1996 election Before ordering any items, the IAFF assistance from Winnipeg Local 867 season, and gained national notoriety recommends that you review state and President Alex Forrest, who was in the 2004 presidential campaign when local election laws to ensure compliance instrumental in securing Manitoba’s in nearly every public campaign with disclaimer language, independent legislation in 2002.  appearance that John Kerry made, fire expenditures versus in-kind fighters and the gold and black were contributions, and to make sure the Apply for the IAFF Political clearly visible. appropriate funds pay for the items Training Academy The color of a T-shirt or yard sign is (usually PAC funds). For more information, contact the important for branding and credibility, he IAFF is accepting applications IAFF Political Action Department at and the gold and black publicly beginning September 8 for the 2010 (202) 824-1582. demonstrate support for IAFF-endorsed  TPolitical Training Academy, scheduled for February 28-March 5 in

ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE July/August 2009 24 | Baltimore, Maryland. The application period closes November 6. Fire Fighters Help Elect Labour-Friendly The Political Training Academy is a NDP Government in Nova Scotia week-long, hands-on campaign course that focuses on the key elements of modern-day ova Scotia has a new labour- campaigning and conducting winning friendly New Democratic campaigns. Whether you’re a candidate for NParty (NDP) government, public office, running your local’s political thanks in part to support from the operation or assisting a candidate’s IAFF and affiliates in the province. campaign, the Political Training Academy The NDP, under Premier and gives you the skills and understanding to longtime IAFF ally Darrell Dexter, run an effective operation. surged to power in the province’s The Political Training Academy focuses June 9 election, replacing a minority on all aspects of political campaigns: Conservative government. The NDP including campaign planning and took 31 seats in the election budgeting; candidate and PAC fundraising; compared to the Liberals’ 11 and the Political Action Committee Chair Chris reading and understanding polling data; Conservatives’ 10. The result was Camp (left) and Halifax Local 268 member significant in that it marked the first Brad Connors (right) present a cheque to recruiting, screening and endorsing Nova Scotia New Democratic Party Leader candidates; building an effective press time an NDP government has been Darrell Dexter during the province's recent operation; campaign material elected east of Ontario. election campaign. Dexter was development; using the Internet; research; The NDP victory has Nova Scotia elected Premier of Nova Scotia on June 9. targeting voters; and developing an fire fighters excited about the effective get-out-the-vote program. potential to build on their recent In addition to the classroom learning, political action successes, which have is a major step.” participants also prepare a mock campaign included presumptive cancer legislation He credits the hard work and tenacity plan and budget, and participate in their in 2005 and, more recently, legislation of the local’s Political Action own press conference to practice their specifying mandatory binding Committee. “The committee did not public speaking skills and learn to think on arbitration for contract disputes. give up and kept working away even their feet in front of a camera. The IAFF and Halifax Local 268, the when it seemed futile,” he says. The Political Training Academy has province’s largest IAFF local with more Local 268 Treasurer and Political trained more than 650 participants — than 400 members, supported Dexter Action Committee Chair Chris Camp many of whom have become successful and the NDP with FIREPAC Canada says it would have been easy for the local candidates for public office. In just the past contributions every year for a number to ignore the NDP when it was in two years, several IAFF members have been of years. opposition, but instead “we took the elected to office, including Greg Matthews During the campaign, Halifax Local example from the IAFF and started to (Gresham, OR Local 1062) and Ty Cobb 268 channelled its support through the build relationships with all members of (Columbia, TN Local 4381). Both were provincial NDP office, which proved to the legislative assembly and those who elected to the state legislature in their be an effective way to assist the party advise them,” he says. “We simply asked respective states this past November. and its candidates. The party directed to open up the lines of communication In addition, Mike Wissman (Memphis, fire fighters where resources were on fire fighter issues and for a voice at TN Local 1783) was elected to serve on needed most, and would show up as a the table, and the NDP was the party the school board. Andy Drwal (Lorain, OH “task group,” wearing IAFF T-shirts. that obliged us.” Local 267) was elected to city council, Local 268 President Paul Boyle hopes Elsewhere in Nova Scotia, the IAFF while John Fahy, president of Elgin, IL the NDP win will mean that fire fighter assisted Truro Local 1627, which Local 439 led an effort to elect one of issues will be heard more readily in the endorsed successful NDP candidate his own members, Richard Dunne, to provincial legislature. “We now feel Lenore Zann. city council. confident that when we try to bring Sydney Local 2779 assisted NDP Due to the interactive nature of the important fire fighter issues to the candidate Gordie Gosse, and in keeping Political Training Academy, class size is government we will have someone with the IAFF’s philosophy of non- limited to 50 participants. Only one member listening to us in a positive way, and that partisanship and supporting per affiliate is accepted in any one year. those who support fire In addition to submitting the online fighters, supported Liberal application, applicants must also submit to candidate Manny MacDonald a letter of recommendation from their and Conservative candidate local president. Applications without a Cecil Clarke. letter of recommendation will not be All three candidates were considered. Successful applicants must supportive of the successful commit to attending the entire program push for binding arbitration and should schedule their travel for Nova Scotia fire fighters, accordingly. and all three were re-elected, Participants are responsible for their ensuring that the IAFF has transportation costs to and from friends in three political parties Baltimore and any additional lodging days in the province’s legislature.  outside of the conference. Lodging, meals Halifax Local 268 members Santiago Salgueiro and conference materials are provided by (left) and Julie Read (right) with Becky the IAFF. Kent, member of the Nova Scotia Legislative For more information, visit Assembly. www.iaff.org/politics/pa/training. www.iaff.org ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE | 25 Always on the Frontline Virginia Fire Fighters Endorse Collective Bargaining Bill Creigh Deeds for Governor

Is Re-Introduced in U.S. Senate he Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) has endorsed he IAFF’s national collective unprecedented grassroots effort. Elected Tstate Senator Creigh Deeds in his bargaining bill, the Public Safety officials on both sides of the aisle have election bid to be the next governor of TEmployer-Employee Cooperation responded with support year after year. the Commonwealth of Virginia this Act (S 1611) was reintroduced by U.S. But this year, all of the pieces are in place November. Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ted for the bill to finally become law. Senator Deeds has served for 18 years Kennedy (D-MA), just moments before “This is yet another important in the Virginia legislature as a state the Senate adjourned for its month-long milestone on the road to a national delegate representing a diverse summer recess. collective bargaining law,” says population that demonstrates his The bill is currently sponsored by Schaitberger. “Judd Gregg and Ted proven ability to work with citizens a bipartisan group of nine senators. Kennedy have been stalwart champions from all walks of life and political In addition to Gregg and Kennedy, of this effort and our union owes them parties to get things done. other sponsors include Senators Susan our deepest gratitude. With their help Senator Deeds, who is the son of a Collins (R-ME), Chris Dodd (D-CT), and with the White House on our side, former Richmond, Virginia, police Tom Harkin (D-IA), Mel Martinez victory is within our reach in the officer, learned the value of public (R-FL), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), 111th Congress.” service and sacrifice at an early age. In Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Mike Last Congress, the full House of 1991, he ran a successful campaign for Johanns (R-NE). Representatives approved HR 980, the Virginia House of Delegates and The reintroduction of the bill brings introduced by Representative Dale served nine of his 18 years in public the IAFF one step closer to guaranteeing Kildee (D-MI), by a convincing vote office in the House of Delegates before that every fire fighter in the nation has of 314 to 97, with a majority of becoming a senator. the right to bargain collectively. For both parties voting to pass the bill. more than a decade, the IAFF’s chief S 2123, the Senate counterpart, legislative priority has been to enact carried similar support, winning an legislation guaranteeing collective astounding 69 votes, including 17 bargaining rights for professional fire Republicans, on a procedural vote to fighters nationwide. IAFF affiliates across bring the bill to the floor for the country — in collective bargaining consideration last May. and non-collective bargaining states alike The billed stalled when Senator — have worked tirelessly as part of this Kennedy fell ill.  “This is yet another important milestone on the road to a national collective bargaining law. Judd As an advocate for public safety on Gregg and Ted Kennedy have been stalwart the local and state level, Deeds has had a 100 percent voting record on fire champions of this effort and our union owes fighter issues for more than a decade them both our deepest gratitude. With their help and has been the chief sponsor of several pieces of legislation important and with the White House on our side, victory is to the VPFF, including a bill that within our reach in the 111th Congress.” ensures health insurance for the families of killed or disabled public safety officers and legislation to —General President Harold Schaitberger include heart attacks or stroke within 24 hours of a duty period as a For more information about the Gregg-Kennedy collective bargaining bill, visit line-of-duty death. www.iaff.org/Politics/Legislative/Bargain.htm. A life-long sportsman and hunter, Deeds’ passion for hunting and fishing also led him to sponsor and pass the INSURANCE PLANS Protection for you and your family Virginia Constitutional Amendment that guarantees the right of all Virginians to hunt and fish. “Senator Deeds has shown his INDIVIDUAL TERM AND INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE  support of fire fighters through his UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE Retirees and their families  actions in the Virginia General  Available in 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 Traditional copayment plans  Assembly,” says VPFF President Mike year terms Short Term medical plans  Mohler. “It is now our turn to Coverage from $100,000 to repay the debt.” $1,000,000 For a free quote call   Coverage available to family IAFF-FC Insurance Division at members 1-866-423-3757  Available to Retirees (specific age ADMINISTERED BY S. F. & C. INSURANCE requirement) ASSOCIATES, INC.

ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE July/August 2009 26 | Across the IAFF NRS Finance Participates in Court Confirms City has No authority to require all city fire fighters to FIRE Ops 101 Authority to Conduct Criminal submit to criminal background checks every three years. Checks on Fire Fighters The Ontario Superior Court decision, ince 2003, the IAFF Financial handed down July 6, is a confirmation of Corporation (IAFF-FC) and ttawa Local 162 is celebrating a fire fighters’ individual privacy rights and SNationwide Retirement Solutions landmark court decision that makes important and unequivocal (NRS) have worked together to bring tens Ocreates important case law that will statements about the fact that employers of thousands of IAFF members a quality assist IAFF affiliates across Canada. The can’t force fire fighters to surrender those deferred compensation plan for their court decision upholds a 2007 arbitration rights as a condition of their employment supplemental retirement savings. award which ruled its employer had no The success of this relationship is in large Continued on Page 28 part because of the dedication and professionalism of the NRS field Country Music Recording(s) Benefit IAFF Disaster Relief Fund representatives who work with IAFF members every day. One of these NRS n these tough economic times, there’s a representatives, Michelle Murphy, had the bit of good news. BLEVE Entertainment opportunity to participate in a FIRE Ops IGroup, LLC will market music to benefit 101 program, gaining new appreciation for the IAFF’s and Fraternal Order of Police’s the profession. (FOP) disaster relief funds. “I thought my job was tough!” she says. The debut single, “My First Ride,” features “As a retirement specialist with Nationwide BLEVE recording artist Ronnie Milsap and Retirement Solutions, I work hard to help Capital recording artist Trace Adkins in a clients save for retirement.” But when she fun, rocking duet. The single, which hit the was invited to participate in a Fire Ops airwaves September 1, will be included on a program in Allenton, Pennsylvania, in multi-artist compilation CD available conjunction with IAFF affiliates and their beginning November 1. fire departments in Bethlehem, Allentown, “The money generated by the sale and Easton and Wilson Townships, she didn’t performance of these songs will benefit our know what she was getting into.” members and their families at a time when a song generates, the more radio play it The Fire Ops program gave Murphy a they need it most,” says IAFF General receives,” explains. “We want to hit it from privileged opportunity to experience what President Harold Schaitberger. both ends. Our goal here is to get as fire fighters experience on the job. “The BLEVE Entertainment CEO Mickey much attention to this project as possible, fire fighters warned me that I would be Milam, a retired Metro Nashville police because that is going to put money in the doing ‘everything’ they do,” she says. officer, says, “I started this record label relief funds.” Suited up in full gear, Murphy’s first task because I want to help these two great “My First Ride” is available on all major was to climb a ladder up the side of a organizations be the first on the scene music sites, such as iTunes, CDBaby and building. Next, Murphy entered a basement for their members when they need Amazon, as well as on the BLEVE filled with smoke and was instructed to find disaster relief.” Entertainment web site, and drag a victim to safety. She was given a The label will donate a significant www.blevemusic.com, beginning special camera to find victims when there is portion of the sales for every CD, September 1, 2009. no visibility. “I couldn’t even see my hands!” download and concert ticket sold to the IAFF members can sign-in to the she says. “If it were not for the camera, I two disaster relief funds. member page at www.blevemusic.com to would never have found the victim.” “We want to see this single race up the receive access to inside information and Murphy’s most difficult challenge was to country charts,” says Milam. “The more exclusive offers from BLEVE enter a burning building and carry a hose publicity the project gets, the more revenue Entertainment and Ronnie Milsap. up a flight of stairs to a room engulfed in for the funds.” Members of the site will be automatically fire and put out the flames. Contrarily, she IAFF members can call their local country entered in a drawing to win a guitar signed says the most fun she had was using the radio stations and request “My First Ride.” by Ronnie Milsap. The winner will be Jaws of Life to take the roof off of a car. Together, the IAFF and the FOP have a drawn on November 1, 2009. The day provided Murphy new insight combined strength of 600,000 members. The IAFF has been granted open access into the dangers and challenges fire “That is a powerful sales force,” states to the label’s books to ensure that fighters face, all to protect human life and Milam. “If every member calls their local contributions make their way to the property. “I now have new admiration for radio station and requests ‘My First Ride’ — Disaster Relief Fund, where they can be these great professionals having walked in and has their friends and family do the used to assist members in the United their shoes,” she says.  same — we could dominate the charts.” States and Canada who suffer financial Calling radio stations is important hardship as the result of a federally because radio drives sales. Contacting the declared disaster area or in the cases of stations is easy. Visit www.blevemusic.com natural or man-made disasters such as for phone numbers and emails of local floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, country music stations. fires or civil disturbances. “We hope that everyone will put their The IAFF Disaster Relief Fund has local radio station on speed dial, and help provided support to members and their Michelle Murphy, a retirement us drive this song to the top of the families following the September 11 specialist for Nationwide charts,” Milam says. attacks and Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, Rita, Retirement Solutions, learns With this first single, members can Wilma, as well as a number of other what it takes to be a fire fighter. request radio play or purchase a incidents.  download. “The more sales or downloads

International Fire Fighter ACROSS THE IAFF | 27 Across the IAFF or in any other manner that falls outside “As it stands now, the application of CA Local 112 is fighting to end station the strict provisions of Ontario’s Municipal police record checks to other Ottawa brownouts and company closures. It has Freedom of Information and Protection of employee groups is suspect, and this launched an aggressive campaign to warn Privacy Act. will have repercussions for cities across the public about the increased response The City policy, introduced in April 2007, Canada that engage in such intrusive acts times and other dangers resulting from the would have required all Ottawa fire fighters of invasion of privacy,” Kennedy says.  reduction in fire and emergency response to provide written consent to allow the services. City to conduct criminal record checks Surviving the Economic Crisis Meanwhile, if Pennsylvania state through the Ottawa Police Department lawmakers do not approve legislation every three years. Ottawa Local 162 grieved ven as the news about the health of creating more revenue for the City of the policy immediately. the U.S. economy gets a little better, Philadelphia, the mayor plans to The original arbitration decision, handed EIAFF affiliates are still being asked to implement a so-called “doomsday down in September 2007, stated there “is give up pay raises and pay more for health budget.” This includes as many as 200 fire simply no evidence to sustain the conclusion care and other benefits in order to prevent fighter layoffs. that the duties and responsibilities of fire reductions in staffing, personnel layoffs If these proposed cuts are made, six fighters are such as to require or justify a and other cuts that threaten fire fighter engine companies, three ladder companies blanket invasion of privacy.” and public safety. In and five ALS medic units will most likely The City, which had argued that the many instances, be on the chopping policy was justified under the management municipal officials block. rights clause in the collective agreement, are making staffing In the case of looked to the courts to overturn the cuts without input Columbus, OH Local arbitration award and filed for a judicial from our affiliates, 67, it was able to avert review. The resulting July 6 court decision public safety be hundreds of personnel was welcome news for the 900-member damned. cuts by working to Local 162, which did not object to “We know the help pass a proposal to pre-employment criminal checks. current economic raise the City’s Ottawa Local 162 President Peter Kennedy reality,” says IAFF tax rate. says the strong wording of the court General President For more updates on decision showed that the City “bit off more Harold Schaitberger. “But too many times, how the current financial crisis is affecting than it could chew” when it asked for a tough decisions about fire department IAFF affiliates and what they are doing to judicial review “of a very sound decision by resources are being made without address these challenges, visit www.iaff.org a respected arbitrator.” consideration for the safety and well-being for links to economic crisis news articles The case makes the point that the of our members or the public.” related to cuts in fire department inherent requirements of provincial privacy In Los Angeles, where the City faces a resources. legislation are such that only case-by-case $59.5 million budget shortfall, Los Angeles, requests can be considered. IAFF Members Compete Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Unveils in 2009 World Police Partnership With Bass Tourney Group and Fire Games

he Union Sportsmen’s Alliance John Glenn, a he 2009 World Police and Fire (USA) and American Bass Anglers member of Games — which took place in T(ABA) have teamed up to create a Nashville, TN British Columbia July 31-August 9 Local 140, was T partnership to give union members the — is the largest in the event’s 26-year chance to compete in some of the nation’s instrumental in developing the history with 10,577 registered athletes. best amateur bass tournaments against partnership Burnaby Local 323 Secretary Miles Ritchie fellow union brothers and sisters. between USA and Local 323 member Jeff Clark, with the ABA hosts more than 1,100 bass fishing and ABA. support of numerous IAFF and fire service tournaments each year in 41 states. leaders and members, help to bring the Designed for the weekend angler, these Games to British Columbia. tournaments enable fishermen to compete Several IAFF members won gold medals. locally while being ranked nationally and For full results, visit www.2009wpfg.ca. against members of their service team. Ritchie and Jeff Clark submitted the bid Service teams include Army, Navy, Air to host the Games and, with the support of Force, Marine, Homeland Security, Lady the IAFF and Burnaby’s local government, Angler, Couples — and now USA. discounted membership fee of $18. won the opportunity to host the games. ABA provides newcomers to the sport “Bass fishing is a passion shared by Held biennially, the Games are open to all the chance fish and compete as non- many of our members,” says USA full-time or retired professional fire boaters, an inexpensive way to learn Executive Director Fred Myers. “We’re fighters, law enforcement and customs and different techniques and tactics from enthusiastic about our new affiliation with correction officers from around the world. some really good fisherman who enjoy ABA, which will connect union anglers The size and scope of the Games continue sharing years of experience with those through friendly competition and shine a to grow, with both the attendance and who are hungry to learn. stronger light on the need to protect number of participating countries To join the USA service team, an critical fish habitat.” steadily increasing. individual must be a member of the USA For more information about the USA The Games will be held in New York City and ABA. Thanks to this new partnership, partnership with ABA, visit August 26-September 5 in 2011.  USA members can join ABA for a www.unionsportsmen.org. 

ACROSS THE IAFF July/August 2009 28 | Five IAFF Members Graduate from IAFF Welcomes the National Labor College New Locals ive IAFF members received degrees Association (UA) of Plumbers and during the National Labor College’s Pipefitters member Jeff Zubler also spoke. The new IAFF affiliates listed F(NLC) 11th commencement Mullins, who earned a degree in labor below joined the International ceremony on Saturday, June 27, 2009 in health and safety, says, “In my remarks, I in May and June 2009. Silver Spring, Maryland. Michael Mullins discussed how my time at the NLC gave and Paul Pureza both of Virginia Beach, me a new appreciation of the labor Local A-0010 Local 4751 VA Local 2924, Michael Rogers of movement as a whole, and how the college Hawaii State Fire Peru Professional Charlottesville, VA Local 2363, Tracey is uniquely designed to help union Fighters Association Fire Fighters LaBass of Prince William County, VA Local members like me further their education.” President: Robert H. Peru,IL 2598 and Chris Rogers earned his Lee President: Richard Anderson of Tucson, degree, in part, by Abbott AZ Local 479 were receiving academic Local I-88 4 members Hamilton Sundstrand among the 102 credit for some of Emergency Services Local 4754 graduates who the IAFF hazardous Officers Association Georgetown earned bachelor’s materials training Hamilton, CT Professional Fire degrees in various courses he had taken. President: Timothy Fighters Association labor studies The IAFF, as a union Bartlett Georgetown, CA disciplines. partner to the NLC, offers courses through 17 members President: Rob Poseley Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis delivered the Partnership Education Program (PEP) Local 1373 4 members this year’s commencement address. In the and Hazardous Material/Weapons of Mass Camden Professional address she announced the creation of Destruction training programs that have Fire Fighters Local 4755 nearly 670 new jobs to fulfill the been assessed for credit. Association Berks Professional Department of Labor’s mission to protect The NLC is the nation’s only accredited Camden, AR Fire Fighters and advance the rights and opportunities higher education institution devoted President: Ronald Berks, PA of workers. Solis, the daughter of union exclusively to educating union leaders, Alan Nash President: Gary L. 15 members Riegel member parents, was confirmed as members and activists. Originally founded 8 members Secretary in February 2009. by the AFL-CIO in 1969 as the George Local 2947 The graduating IAFF members all Meany Center for Labor Studies, the center Socorro Fire Fighters Local 4756 reported that they were able to became a degree-granting college in 1997. Association Sherwood Fire immediately apply what they had learned For more information about the NLC, its Socorro, NM Fighters Association at the NLC to their jobs. Local 2363 programs and admissions and graduation President: Nicolas Lyon Sherwood, AR 12 members President: John P. HazMat Team leader Rogers earned a requirements, visit www.nlc.edu/. Sawyer degree in labor health and safety with an The IAFF offers three scholarships Local 4730 15 members emphasis on hazardous materials. Pureza annually for members pursuing studies at Professional and Anderson also earned degrees in labor the NLC. The scholarship covers the cost Association of Local 4757 health and safety, while LaBass earned a of tuition for one semester (up to nine Paramedics of Tulare County degree in labor studies. credits), room and board, and provides Sedgwick County Professional Fire Local 2924 fire fighter Mullins, who is the $1,000 for travel and incidental expenses. Conway Springs, KS Fighters Association President: Jim Visalia, CA first member of his family to earn a college For more information about the NLC Brozovich President: Pete degree, was selected as one of two class IAFF scholarship, visit 15 members Gonzalez speakers who addressed their fellow www.iaff.org/et/scholarships/NLC_scholar 71 members graduates and attendees. United ship.htm.  Local 4743 Altoona Professional Local 4758 Virginia Beach, VA Fire Fighters Ketchum Fire Local 2924 fire fighter Altoona, IA Fighters Michael Mullins (right) President: Joseph Ketchum, ID and United Association Bonewitz President: John (UA) of Plumbers and 6 members Rathfon Pipefitters member 9 members Jeff Zubler led the Local 4746 procession of Mashantucket Pequot Local 4759 graduates into the Fire Fighters La Mesa Fire Fighters ceremony before they Ledyard, CT Union both spoke on behalf President: Douglas La Mesa, CA of the class. Foster President: Eric A. 18 members Danell 42 members Local 4750 Peters Township Local 4676 Professional Fire Watauga Professional Fighters Association Fire Fighters Canonsburg, PA Association President: David J. Fort Worth, TX Holovak President: Brian C. 11 members Gardner 18 members www.iaff.org ACROSS THE IAFF | 29 Fully Involved The Economics of Fire-Based EMS

he most effective means of “We must always remind protecting fire-based EMS Toperations ultimately resides in the ourselves that the most political ability to get those in power to support fire, rescue and emergency effective way to ensure medical service. we have a seat at the This was the message from IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger to delegates table when decisions are during the opening plenary session at the 2009 Dominick F. Barbera EMS made about our Conference, held June 6-10 in Miami profession…about EMS Beach, Florida. He advised, “We must always remind ourselves that the most integration…about an all effective way to ensure we have a seat at the table when decisions are made about Colonel Tom Kolditz presented a keynote hazards approach to our profession…about EMS integration… address linking military leadership skills resource deployment is about an all hazards approach to resource to the work of fire fighters. deployment is to educate the public and to educate the public and elect to office those who will embrace our “Extreme life-and-death situations offer views and work to defeat those who do not profound lessons for leaders in the fire elect to office those who have our interests at heart.” service,” he said, explaining how his will embrace our views The opening plenary session also featured research shows that leadership skills and Dr. Jon Krohmer, acting assistant secretary principles evident in combat or other and work to defeat those for health affairs and chief medical officer military settings also apply to everyday life. at the Department of Homeland Security For more information, visit who do not have our (DHS), who briefed participants on the http://inextremisleadership.com. interests at heart.” role of EMS within DHS, and Josh Bivens Also during the opening plenary session, of the Economic Policy Institute who General President Schaitberger recognized provided an overview on the state of the 12th District Vice President Emeritus —General President Harold Schaitberger current economy. Dominick Barbera, for whom the EMS The keynote address came from Colonel Conference is named, as a great trade firearms instructor for numerous federal Thomas Kolditz, professor and head of the unionist and fire-based EMS pioneer who agencies, including the FBI National Department of Behavioral Sciences and represented IAFF members for more than Academy, described the after-incident Leadership at the U.S. Military Academy at 30 years. forensic reports from the Mumbai, Beslan, West Point. Colonel Kolditz led Conference The closing session engaged delegates in a and Virginia Tech terrorism incidents as participants through the steps in his book, first-hand account of three internationally part of his presentation about how law In Extremis Leadership: Leading as if Your renowned terrorism events. John Giduck, a enforcement and fire fighters can prepare Life Depended on It. Special Forces hand-to-hand combat and for terror attacks on American soil. Also at the June EMS Conference, the IAFF announced a joint health and safety initiative between the IAFF and Masimo to educate fire fighters about duty-related dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and how to reduce known risk factors that kill and injure hundreds of fire fighters each year. The Conference also featured a pre- conference Fire Ops 101 event hosted by Miami Local 587 and the Miami Fire and Rescue Department. More than 20 elected public officials and candidates participated in the event. In addition, two of the candidates running for Miami City Council spoke at the opening plenary session about the experience, noting that it changed their mindset about fire fighting and safety. If elected, both promised to never take for granted the work that fire fighters are called to do and the inherent dangers of the job. 

City leaders and other political candidates participated in a pre-conference Fire-Ops 101 event hosted by Miami Local 587 and the Miami Fire and Rescue Department.

FULLY INVOLVED July/August 2009 30 | Running With A Reason IAFF Burn Foundation Marine Corps Marathon Team last year, understands why ith 29 states and one province the IAFF Burn Foundation needs support. represented in the As he trained for the 26.2-mile run, he W2009 IAFF Burn learned that Tim Capps, also a Foundation Marine recruit fire fighter with Local 36, Corps Marathon Team, sustained burns to his hands, 81 IAFF members, right thigh and left knee family and friends are during a training exercise at running for a reason. the fire academy. Capps, a Each runner has set a fourth generation fire fighter, personal goal for the was admitted to the Washington Hospital Burn run, scheduled for Help send a burn survivor to camp. October 25, but is also Center where he was treated excited to be supporting with great care. Help Heal Bodies, Hearts a cause near and dear to Burns are a life-altering and life fire fighters’ hearts — changing experience and fire and Souls the IAFF Burn fighters — by nature of the job Foundation. — are at a higher risk for very year, campers and counselors Team members have each pledged to sustaining burns than other occupations. from across North America travel to raise a minimum of $1,000 to support These runners are running to raise funds to EWashington, DC, to experience a IAFF Burn Foundation programs, prevent injuries and to improve the lives of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the IAFF including the International Burn Camp those who have sustained burns. You can Burn Foundation International Burn Camp. held each September. help by making a pledge to a runner in your Scheduled for September 19-25, 2009, the Washington, DC Local 36 recruit fire state or province by going to IAFF encourages affiliates and members to fighter Dan Rivas, who participated on the www.active.com/donate/IAFFBurnMCM09.  support this wonderful opportunity by hosting a fundraiser in their area and sponsoring a burn survivor to attend camp. Each year, the costs to the run the camp increase, and this year the IAFF anticipates it Coming Soon: IAFF Human Relations Conference will cost $5,000 per camper. and Affiliate Leadership Training Summit For more information on how you can help, visit burn.iaff.org, email [email protected] or call he Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human (202) 824-8620. Relations Conference and the TAffiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS) will be held back-to- Survey Confirms Flu back in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Both Pandemic Issues Important events will focus on providing tools to to Canadian IAFF Members help combat the effects of the economic crisis on IAFF affiliates. The Human Relations Conference, reliminary results from a landmark taking place January 24-27, 2010, is a survey conducted by the IAFF three-day Conference offering Pconfirm that an overwhelming workshops designed to help affiliate Lake Buena Vista Palace Hotel majority of Canada’s professional fire fighters are strongly concerned about their leaders maintain and encourage diversity participants how to deliver their own health and safety during a flu pandemic. in these difficult economic times. Other Fire Ops 101 program. Fire Ops 101 is The survey of 1,712 Canadian IAFF topics include generational differences, one of the most effective ways an IAFF members from across Canada was overview of employment law, updates local can build relationships with elected conducted during the month of May by on Title VII, mediation and work/life officials, the media and department the IAFF, in partnership with the research balance. management. The New Leadership firm Harris-Decima. The survey will help The Affiliate Leadership Training Seminar will be held January 27, 2010, the IAFF ensure that fire fighters and their Summit follows January 27-29 and offers and provides essential information for families are protected in a flu pandemic. more than 50 workshops on a variety of new affiliate leaders to understand their The IAFF expects to release specific survey topics, including how to prepare for roles more effectively. results in the coming months once budget cuts and possible work force Both the Human Relations Conference tabulation is complete. reductions and protect benefits and safe and ALTS bring an unparalleled IAFF Assistant to the General President for working conditions. opportunity for IAFF affiliate leaders to Canadian Operations Jim Lee says the All workshops are designed to provide network with others from across the findings show a high level of awareness affiliate leaders with skills to be more United States and Canada to share ideas about pandemic issues among Canadian effective in their roles. and experiences. IAFF members and about the role ALTS also features two pre-conference Online registration is available professional fire fighters would play in their events: Fire Ops 101 (Train-the-Trainer) beginning in September 2009 at communities in a serious and growing and the New Leadership Seminar. Fire www.iaff.org/alts and pandemic. Ops 101 (Train-the-Trainer) will be held www.iaff.org/hrconference.  January 26, 2010, and will teach The IAFF has been researching pandemic issues as they pertain to the fire service for

International Fire Fighter FULLY INVOLVED | 31 Fully Involved several years, and has pandemic resources for fire fighters available online at www.iaff.org/09news/swineflu.htm. PPV Blower Blades Shear Off While Repositioning The IAFF began preparations for the Canadian Pandemic survey in early 2009, This National Near-Miss Reporting To view the pictures go to, just a couple of months before it would System report discusses a PPV blower www.firefighternearmiss.com, click on become apparent that the H1N1 virus that was moved while operating. Four of the resources tab, scroll down to videos was spreading into Canada and around the six fan blades were sheared off. This and photos, click on more, scroll down to the world. could happen in any department with 08-667 PPV Blower failure. Remarkably, the H1N1 virus started to this type of blower and a lack of make international headlines one week training. A picture is worth a thousand Discussion Questions: before the scheduled launch of the IAFF words and we have the pictures.  Fire fighters, have you ever moved a survey, adding a heightened sense of PPV blower while it was operating? urgency to the issue and confirming that a here are a number of different PPV dangerous flu virus can strike quickly and blowers in the field today. Some  Fire fighters, are you familiar with the from unexpected quarters. Thave plastic fan blades and some manufacturer’s recommendations for Lee adds he is grateful to the IAFF’s have metal. It’s important to understand your PPV blowers? Canadian leadership and general the force and power at work. The Officers, what are the training membership for the overwhelming support manufacturers create warnings and  procedures for this equipment and do the survey received all across Canada. The recommendations for a reason. It’s they include the manufacturer’s 1,712 respondents represented more than critical to know the limits of equipment warnings and operating manuals? eight per cent of the IAFF’s 21,000 and recognize the potential for injury members in Canada. when used against the manufacturer’s  Chiefs, when new equipment is advice. This report and pictures create purchased, do the manufacturers Reserve Your 2010 IAFF Burn the visual effect for what can go wrong. provide training or videos and are they Foundation Calendars provided to the entire department? “The fan started without hesitation, and Where are the manufacturer’s e ready for the New Year — nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I shut recommendations and operating pre-order your copies of the 2010 off the choke and started to reposition the manuals kept in your department? BIAFF Burn Foundation Calendar fan to face the doorway. In doing so, I (Most can be obtained on the Internet) and help support the IAFF Burn pushed at the wheel and pulled the handle Foundation. in the opposite direction to get the fan to Note: The questions posed by the reviewers The 2010 IAFF Burn Foundation spin toward the doorway. At this time, the are designed to generate discussion and Calendar features full-color photos from fan made a loud noise and was no longer thought in the name of promoting fire fighter the annual IAFF Media Awards Contest. spinning. I thought the motor was starting safety. They are not intended to pass Each month depicts the dangerous but to seize so I covered up and shut down the judgment on the actions and performance of rewarding work of professional fire fighters throttle. It wasn’t until I shut down the individuals in the reports. across the United States and Canada. motor that I realized that the shroud was The 2009 IAFF Burn Foundation shredded in a few areas. I found four out of Stay safe — Don’t forget to enter your Calendar makes a great gift! Be sure to six fan blades were sheared off. I found near-miss report — also order copies for your local’s firehouses some pieces of the blades both inside and www.firefighternearmiss.com  and union halls and for members of your outside the shroud. The blades were made community as a reminder of the important of composite metal. A big lesson that was work fire fighters and emergency medical learned is not to move a PPV fan while it personnel do. is running.” These calendars provide great visibility for your local and professional fire fighters To read the entire report go to, across North America and communicate www.firefighternearmiss.com, click on the critical need for a strong, well-trained search reports, and in the keyword search professional fire service while helping the type “PPV fan.” Curser down to report IAFF help burn survivors. number 08-667. To pre-order, visit burn.iaff.org.  ALL PHOTOS ALL FROM WWW.FIREFIGHTERNEARMISS.COM 08-667 PPV Blower failure.

FULLY INVOLVED July/August 2009 32 | IAFF Health and Safety Conference Will Focus on Economics of Fire Fighter Safety

othing matters more to the IAFF Conference will also feature the Fire than the health and safety of its Ground Survival Practical Program, a Nmembers. The 2009 IAFF Redmond hands-on workshop to train fire fighters to Symposium, scheduled for November 8-12, perform potentially life-saving actions if 2009, in Los Angeles, California, they become lost, disoriented, injured, reflects the IAFF’s commitment to low on air or trapped. explore the cause of every IAFF Committed to protecting member’s death, injury or members beyond their career illness and address solutions and into their retirement, the to further protect members. IAFF has coordinated a panel The IAFF and the John P. of experts to discuss the Redmond Foundation have rebuttal developed by the IAFF been on the frontline of every for the flawed National League of major health and safety initiative Cities/TriData paper on cancer in the fire service. In these tough presumptive laws. This topic will be economic times, it is more important than addressed in a briefing session. Similar ever to ensure that the health and safety briefings will be conducted on the IAFF programs that protect members and their Stop, Drop and Control blood pressure families are safeguarded and fire fighter program and carbon monoxide program. safety remains a priority as cities balance As in past years, the Symposium includes their budgets . exhibits from fire service and fitness The 2009 Symposium offers programs manufacturers, and will have a fully that address critical and timely issues, functional gym with structured fitness including: the economics of fire fighter classes. For more information, visit safety, wellness and fitness programs and www.iaff.org.  the functionality of such programs. The
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www.iaff.org 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 Edmonton, Alberta, where he spoke at the Metro Fire Chiefs conference, General President Schaitberger visited Edmonton Local While attending the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters 209 President Greg Holubowich (third from right of Schaitberger) Conference in Wenatchee, President Schaitberger posed with and a few Local 209 members at Station 2. members of Wenatchee Local 453 and Douglas County Local 4197 in front of a 1909 ladder truck used in the early years of the Wenatchee Fire Department. Included in the photo are Local 453 President Kelly Lindemann and Local 4197 President Jeffrey Stephens.

After speaking at the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters Convention, President Schaitberger, along with IAFF 11th District Vice President Sandy McGhee, visited Richardson Local 1954 President Noel Saldivar and some of his members at Station 4. Following the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association meeting in Utica, Schaitberger visited Utica Local 32 President Robert Wenner and Local 32 fire fighters at the central fire station.

In town to witness the signing of Maine’s landmark cancer bill and support Portland, ME Local 740 in its fight to prevent nine layoffs, President Schaitberger met with Gardiner Local 2303 President Rich Kindelan and Local 2303 members (right) and Saco Local 2300 President Matt Webb Traveling to New Brunswick for the Atlantic Provinces Professional and other Local 2300 Fire Fighters Association conference, President Schaitberger visited members (above) at Kennebecasis Local 3591 President Reg Verner and his members at their respective central stations. IAFF 3rd District Vice President Station 1 (above top) and Saint John Local 771 President Larry Cook Michael Mullane is pictured with Local 2300 members. and his members at Station 1. IAFF 15th District Vice President James Fennell joined Schaitberger on his stop in Kennebecasis.

ON THE ROAD July/August 2009 34 | Of Titusville—Ross Griffith, L2446 Palm Bay Prof. Fire Fighters—Samual Edwards, Steve Wojcik, L2546 Suncoast Prof. Fire Fighters & Paramedics—Randy Goffe, Scott Knight, L2794 Spring Hill—Judith Frank, Gilbert Knauff, Charles Mitchell, L2928 Prof. Fire Fighters & Paramedics Of Palm Beach County—Marshall Bishop, Toby Bivins, Raymond Carter, Richard Densmore, Joaquin Hernandez, Donna Pursifull, L2959 Prof. Fire Fighters and Paramedics of Martin County— W. Eric Johnson, Rebecca Pickering, Mike Pipes, L2969 Brevard County Prof. Fire Fighters— Ronald Johnson, L3043 Jackson County Fire ALABAMA L508 Anniston—James Thacker, Fletcher, Douglas Gentry, John Hayes, Michael Fighters Assoc.—Wayne Cherry, Bobby Lee, L1349 Mobile—Charles Carpenter, L1444 Haynes, Randall Lewis, David Lomas, Ramon Kilmer White, L3163 Longwood Prof. Fire Fighters Montgomery—Sean Meadors, James Wynn, Maestas, Roy Main, Max Martinez, Harvey Merrell, Assoc.—Michael Clelland, L3254 Seminole L4035 Hoover—Homer Driver Doyle Moyers, Richard Naus, Jeff Racicot, Wade County Prof. Fire Fighters Assoc.—Walt Bryant, ALASKA L1264 Anchorage—James Fisher, Steve Roberts, Sergio Rodriquez, Jessie Rodriquez, David Calvin Gentry, Sanford Graves, Michael Klauck, Joynt, Jack Kurtzman, Jame Nolan, Ernest Slate, Ross, Andrew Shanklin, Wesley Unfried, Jeffrey Van Terry McGuire, Mark Pollack, L3516 South Walton Roger Storrs Andel, C. Doug Wagner, Darryl Whisnand, L1364 Prof. Fire Fighters Assoc.—Wayne Watts ALBERTA L255 Calgary—Lynn Boechler, Dale Ventura County—Timothy Pearson, L1401 Santa GEORGIA L1460 Marietta—Jeff Fellabaum Ferber, Donald Fofonoff, Paul Gough, T. Rosa—Peter Lange, Kelley Slater, L1415 HAWAII L1463 Hawaiian Islands—D. D. Bicoy, McFadden, D. Moulton, C. W. Penner, Gary Petaluma—Charles Goucher, Daniel Graveman, Patrick Cassidy, James Sutherland Pozzo, Richard Rehn, Kenneth Schiavetta, John Lord, George Vedder, L1592 Roseville Fire IDAHO L149 Boise—Robert Lambrou, Jeff Donald Shannon, L263 Medicine Hat—Robert Fighters—William Rose, L1775 Marin Prof. Fire Ramey, Dan Templeman, L1565 Idaho Falls— Collier, Douglas Gehring, L2494 Ft. Fighters—Mark Larroque, L2400 San Mateo Gene Rockwood, L1773 Lewiston—Tom Hatley McMurray—Mike Hoffman County—David Gillette, L2744 National City— ILLINOIS L2 Chicago—Craig Kuhnly, L63 ARIZONA L493 Phoenix—Tommy Bates, Eric Hanson, L2881 CDF Fire Fighters—Clifford Quincy—Steven Phillips, L99 Aurora—Robert Harlan Boor, Michael Corcoran, Suzanne Gaw, Boyd, Mark Braley, Gerald Brownell, Don Bruns, Russell Glass, L742 Evanston—Geoffrey Robert Jaime, Bobby Jaime, Rebecca Joy, Keith Burbulys, Daniel Chacon, Allen Columbro, Teresa Block, Peter Casey, Kurt Dickman, Dale Fochs, Kennedy, Walter Kostelnik, Lance Mallow, Aris Edmondson, Steven Fowler, Steven Lotspeich, Thomas Janetske, Thomas Kavanagh, Gregory Scarla, Ronald Shroyer, Tom Underwood, Michael Padilla, Carson Phillips, Jerry Slates, James Klaiber, Brian McCafferty, Patrick Reif, Jude Randolph Waltenburg, Mark Walter, Daniel Wich, Toy, L3058 North Monterey County—Craig Rodriguez, L1894 Northbrook—Thomas Peters, L1234 Yuma—Lawrence Simmons, L2260 Machado, L4029 Woodland—Michael Calista L1961 Carbondale—Kerry Braswell, L2402 West COLORADO Mesa—Richard Apple, Warner Fleger, Robert L3 Pueblo—John Nemick, L5 Frankfort—Tom Jordan, L3009 Lombard— Hedrick, John McDowell, Grant Perry, Robert Colorado Springs—Gregory Schawe, L1290 Richard Warren, L3033 Skokie—Wayne Stuart Wheaton, Steve Younker, L2974 Lake Havasu— Aurora—Stephen Blackwood, L1309 West Metro L3074 Alsip—Joseph Schmitt, L3074 Alsip—Terry Joseph Boscola, John Kayser, Patrick McCormack, Fire Fighters—Thomas Reynolds, L2808 Grand Vrshek, L3192 Carol Stream—Joseph Gilles, L3272 L3066 United Yavapai—Steve Dibble Junction—Hank Masterson Bloomingdale—Dieter Bove, Victor Nistor, L3437 ARKANSAS CONNECTICUT L34 Little Rock—Anthony Quinn L760 Hartford—Raymond Darien-Woodridge—Thomas Mahn, L4109 South BRISTISH COLUMBIA L18 Vancouver— Brown, Ronald Cote, Anthony D’Onofrio, Dion Holland—Peter Renz, L4480 Palos Prof. Fire Robert Chapman, Wayne Humphry, Michael Hightower, Brian Pertillar, L801 Danbury— Fighters—Michael Condux, L4727 Addison Prof. McGuire, Ralph Renzetti, David Wood, L256 New Richard Gerlach, L830 Norwalk—Kenneth Ehlers, Fire Fighters Union—Les Taylor Westminster—Bill Hanella, L967 Saanich—Mike Edward Isaacs, John O’Donnell, Andre Williams, IOWA L17 Davenport—Linda Brookhart, Jones, L1271 Surrey—Charlene Purdy, L1286 L834 Bridgeport—Bruce Elander, James Quinn, Dennis Congdon, L66 Waterloo—John Frost, Richmond—Peter Hocaloski, Roger Scott, L1668 James Stadt, L1326 Wallingford—Edward Drozd, L353 Dubuque—Ronald Ruden, Ron Swartz, Campbell River—Ken Bellefleur, Terry Falk, Peter Larese, S0015 Connecticut Police and Fire L1457 Newton—Michael Black L1782 Coquitlam—Robert Macdonald, L1782 Union—Robert Farmer, Benjamin Sonstrom KANSAS L135 Wichita—John Singleton, Steven FLORIDA Coquitlam—David Ross L122 Jacksonville Assoc. Of Fire Willig, L179 Hutchinson—Randy Penner CALIFORNIA F0085 Federal Fire Fighters Fighters—Raymond Burns, Ronnie Christopher, LOUISIANA L514 Shreveport—David Barron, Assoc.—Karen Hinshilwood, F0145 Presidio Of Rodney Jones, Joseph Moore, Donald Sapp, L587 Kenneth Conly, Randall Dunklin, William Eason, San Francisco—Terence Drennan, F0309 Miami Assoc. Of Fire Fighters—L. V. Sanchez, James Freeman, Richard Mann, Patrick Miciotto, Concord Federal Prof. Fire Fighters—Mark John Tolbert, L727 West Palm Beach Assoc. Of Fire L755 New Iberia—Malcolm Derouen Conners, L112 Los Angeles City—Frank Comfort, Fighters—Timothy Cook, George May, L765 Fort MAINE L740 Portland—Donald Torrey, L797 Richard Cooper, Benjamin Gonzalez, James Lauderdale—Bruce Evans, John Galarneau, Varion Auburn—Paul L’heureux, L2303 Gardiner— Hynes, William Koenig, Richard Male, Mark Harris, Steve McInerny, Richard Seabrook, Bruce Rick Cody Villasenor, Reginald Williams, L456 Stockton— Wade, L1102 Hialeah Assoc. Of Fire Fighters— MANTIOBA L867 Winnipeg—T. H. Dyson, David Hafey, L522 Sacramento—Rodney Miguel Cano, Otto Drozd, L1158 Clearwater Fire Brad Harlos, Richard Jones, B. W. Parkes, John Beckwith, Scott Castill, Molina Feaster, Michael Fighters Assoc.—Gary Costa, David Hogan, Chris Pirie, Garry Rondeau Haug, Michael Morgan, William Rosson, Kevin Menendez, Bernard Revelia, James Ruggiero, MARYLAND L734 Baltimore—Timothy Byrd, Trost, L689 Alameda—Kenneth Rankin, Ricci L1162 Daytona Beach Fire/Rescue—Glenn Christopher Johnson, Kevin Kelly, Lisa Phillips, Zombeck, L753 Fresno—Louie Aguilar, Stephen McKinley, L1403 Metropolitan Dade County Roger Reed, Richard Schluderberg, Edward Ciccarelli, Raymond Long, John Sandoval, L776 Assoc. Of Fire Fighters—Willie Latimore, L1560 Shreve, James Stanley, John Workman, L1311 Glendale—Ron Stanick, L1165 Santa Clara Fire Fighters Of Boca Raton—Mike Loeb, L2057 Baltimore County—Donald Becker, Raymond County—Bob Hagg, Paul Jonkey, James Orange County Prof. Fire Fighters—Charles Mills, Kinsey, Wayne Reeb, Steven Sowa, L1619 Prince Tringham, Vincent Hochderffer, Kevin Morrow, Byron Rhodes, L2193 Pinellas Park Fire Fighters George’s County—Ernest Alsop, Tyone Bristol, Arne Peterson, Donna Rayon, L1289 Modesto— Assoc.—Michael Ciaramello, Dan Glidden, Steve Charles Brown, Jeffrey Chandler, Sedgwich Vince Basulto, Wesley Dickens, Gary Ewert, Mullen, L2267 Safety Harbor Prof. Fire Fighters Crawford, Rodenard Davis, Sean Eames, Victor Andrew Lopez, Russell Potts, Robert Smith, Mark Assoc.—Christopher Cooke, L2339 Prof. Fire Ferreira, William Folks, Sean Kirby, Frederick Stone, Doug Webb, Thomas Wilson, L1301 Kern Fighters Of Tallahassee—Charles Atkins, Thomas Lyles, Deborah Norton, Douglas Osterhouse, County—Steven Barulich, Thomas Blackmon, Reese, L2416 Cocoa Fire Fighters Assoc.—John Lawrence Sedgwick, James Strain, Lloyd Thrasher Kenneth Bonner, Dennis Carroll, Allen Cline, John Greene, Brad Smith, L2424 Cape Coral Prof. Fire MASSACHUSETTS L30 Cambridge—John Copus, Thomas Dodd, William Dodson, Thomas Fighters—Steve Haston, L2445 Prof. Fire Fighters

International Fire Fighter RETIREES | 35 Kenney, L108 Northampton—John Favaro, Bahlman, David Zaski John Meehan, James Miller, Joseph Minicozzi, Michael Wade, L718 Boston—Stephen Bowen, NEW BRUNSWICK L999 Moncton—Larry Joseph Minogue, Albert Molinaro, Jeffrey Monsen, Matthew DeVental, Walter Duggan, Thomas Allen, Aurele LeBlanc, Peter McGee, Donald Frank Montera, James Montgomery, Lawrence Flaherty, Edward Forty, James Gallagher, Judy Melanson, Stuart Phillips, L1053 Fredericton— Montrose, Stephen Mullady, Patrick Murtagh, John Hansford, Robert Hardiman, John Hillery, Laurin Dunn, Robert Gilchrist, James Miles Napolitano, Thomas Narducci, Paul Nicolosi, Edward Jackson, Gerald LaVey, William NEW HAMPSHIRE L1571 Claremont—Steve Douglas Nixon, John O’Hagan, Michael O’Keefe, McGourty, Lawrence O’Donnell, Daniel Lizotte, L2892 Salem—Neil Carney, William Patrick O’Sullivan, Dennis Otton, Gregory Papa, Patterson, James Prokop, William Rice, Francis Warnock, L3160 Londonderry—George Phillip Parker, Thomas Porcella, Edward Power, Roumacher, Frederick Sullivan, Cornelius Walsh, Calligandes, L4392 United Prof. Fire Fighters of John Pritchard, Michael Quinn, George Quinn, L841 New Bedford—Paul Coderre, L902 Derry—Gordon Greenway Miguel Ramos, Charles Rauch, Steven Reilly, Malden—David Endicott, Mark McSweeney, NEW JERSEY F0106 McGuire Air Force Charles Reilly, John Reilly, Andrew Richter, Gary L950 Brookline—Warren Campbell, Thomas Fay, Base—Edmond Turmelle, L1860 Newark Fire Rishell, John Rokee, Cosmo Romeo, Peter Salatino, Thomas Griffin, Ronald LeBlanc, Gerald Murphy, Officers—Joseph D’Alise, Richard Reddick, James Schade, Edward Schollmeier, Robert Scott, Walter Sullivan, Joseph Ward, George Williams, L2578 Camden Officers—Terrence Crowder, Brian Sheehan, Adam Simms, Michael Sitler, John Stephen Worton, L971 Woburn—Robert Nelson, L3260 Englewood Prof. Fire Fighters— Spiech, Donald Spiegel, Gary Stanzoni, Jeffrey William Sweeney, L1111 Westfield—Richard Christopher Murphy, L3950 North Straub, John Sudnik, Daniel Taylor, Louis Terrusa, Baker, Roderick Maslauskas, Richard Strong, Hudson—Michael Cocciadiferro Michael Thomson, Richard Tobin, Gerald Tracy, L1116 Milton—Michael Hanafin, John Noris, NEW MEXICO L2362 Las Cruces—Jimmy Anthony Tricarico, Hector Tyler, Thomas Van L1347 Watertown—Renato Barrilla, Daniel Walsh, Benham, Ray Garcia Doran, Charles Vanchieri, Nicholas Visconti, John Wiltshire, L1464 Scituate—Kenneth Souther, NEW YORK L28 Schenectady—Donald Gage, Marco Vitolo, Kevin Wagner, Kevin Wallace, Kerry L1512 Stoughton—John Fallon, Brian McCarthy, L94 Uniformed Fire Fighters Assoc. Of New Walsh, William Walsh, Neil Walsh, William Walsh, L1564 Winchester—David O’Leary, L1652 York—Nicholas Baratta, Alejandro Bartley, Daniel Walsh, Michael Waters, David Weisberg, Framingham—Gerald Bradley, L1656 Everett— Richard Berkhout, Paul Bessler, Stanely Brzezinski, John Weisheit, Walter Werner, Justin Werner, Joseph Albano, John Chanley, James McCabe, Vincent Cammarasana, John Maniaci, Mark Thomas Whyte, David Wiener, Charles Williams, Gerard O’Hearn, William Pietrantonio, L1669 Nicola, Thomas Pushkal, Darrell Shephard, Raymond Ziegler, L859 Tonawanda—Timothy Beverly—Stuart Holden, L1707 Natick—John Stephen Sperduto, Ronald Svec, Salvatore Fedeson, L916 Eastchester—John Condon, Arena, Dennis Fosberg, Steven McAuley, Gary Ventimiglia, L273 New Rochelle—Brian Reidy, Lawrence Mignone, L1071 Rochester—Ronald Parsons, Eugene Ward, L1876 Easthampton— L461 Kingston—Michael Glotzl, Michael LeFevre, Bianchi, Lester Bowens, John LeBeau, Michael Alexander Kwolek, L1973 Agawam—James Michael Sass, L694 Rome—Thomas Viscosi, L714 Maglier, L1636 Monroe County Airport—Gregory Brown, L2313 Burlington—Donald MacDonald, Niagara Falls—Joseph Casero, L854 New York Helfer, L3063 Fulton—John Pafumi, S0025 L2398 Hingham—Victor Bernan, L2810 Wareham Uniformed Fire Officers Assoc.—John Buffalo-Niagara Airport—Dean Golde Fire Fighters Assoc.—Robert Bourne Abbruzzese, Joseph Anzalone, Salvatore Anzalone, NORTH CARLONIA L1915 Burlington Fire MICHIGAN L102 Saginaw—Michael Brand, L335 Lawrence Archer, Joseph Baccari, Edward Baggott, Fighters Assoc.—Victor Gant, L2469 Gastonia— Battle Creek—Charles Asher, Stuart Olsen, L344 Arthur Barnett, Bruce Barvels, Frank Bavaro, Brian John Boswell, Alfred Cook, Randy Deal, James Detroit—Derek Brooks, Lester Fuller, Frank Polk, Becker, Robert Bell, John Belnavis, Steven Bernius, Sciba, L3448 Kernersville—David Davenport Charles Pritchett, Alvin Robinson, Charles Webb, Ronald Boyce, John Brunner, Kenneth Burbulak, NOVA SCOTIA L268 Halifax—David Nauss Larry Young, L352 Flint—Robert Christenson, James Byrnes, Kevin Calhoun, Thomas Calkins, OHIO L24 East Liverpool—J. H. Yager, L67 Jeffrey George, Yasuko Hall, Amy Lindman, Albert Paul Caltabellotta, Peter Campbell, Douglas Columbus—Patrick Barrett, Andrew Conti, McBride, Mark Warren, L366 Grand Rapids— Candella, William Carew, Peter Carino, Michael Timothy Hartman, L92 Toledo—Jerry Bush, Rodney Feguer, L911 Birmingham—David Carletti, George Carlin, Howard Carlson, John Marcellus Edwards, Lionel Moore, Richard Mansfield, L1306 Jackson—William Lackey, L1381 Clacher, Joseph Cleary, Peter Clifford, Gerard Rulton, L93 Cleveland—Roy Bruder, Kerry Good, Clinton Township—Paul Cieslak, L1383 Warren— Clinton, William Collins, John Collins, Daniel James Smith, L109 Newark—James Hutchinson, Daniel DeClerck, Kenneth Hickey, Larry McCuen, Conklin, Kevin Corrigan, Michael Currid, L136 Dayton—Roscoe Duncan, Michael Mark Schimanski, Daniel Soldenski, Karl Anthony Dabnis, John De Girolamo, John Del McCarthy, Daniel Minneman, Patrick Reed, L165 Szymanski, Gerald Tignanelli, L2658 South Grosso, Paul Di Georgio, John Doherty, Paul Ashtabula—Gerald Senger, L204 Warren— Haven—Robert Garvison, L3045 Bloomfield Dombrowsky, Kevin Dunn, Bruce Edwards, Ralph Richard Starr, L312 Youngstown—Hubert Clardy, Township—Steven Kuzmanovich, Robert Snyder Fago, Michael Falcone, Brian Farrell, Patrick Victor Eck, Edward Holcomb, Conrad Lockiec, MINNESOTA L520 Rochester—Edward Capek, Featherston, Michael Feminella, Rocco Fertoli, George Zordich, L320 Niles—Michael Skocik, L724 South Metro Fire Fighters Assoc.—Kevin Michael Finelli, Michael Finer, Martin Fullam, L330 Akron—David Clopton, Brent Combs, Ledman Joseph Fusaro, George Gabriel, Philip Gaetani, Richard Small, Richard Stokich, Donald Winnen, MISSISSIPPI L207 Laurel—David Blackledge, James Gallagher, Kevin Ganun, Gregory Gargiso, L381 Findlay—Robin Cooper, L474 Elyria— David Hinton, Mike Hodge, Ken Keyes, George Robert Garofalo, Stephen Gaudet, Daniel Gillis, Gary Clark, David Hribal, L639 Parma—Timothy Lyons, Danny Madison, Greg McCree, Richard Ronnie Gilyard, Richard Gleave, Raymond Kennedy, L1232 Circleville—John Brown, L1235 Pippen, James Russell, David Schutz, Jesse Goldbach, Gary Gorman, Kenneth Grabowski, Fairborn—Mark Thompson, L1267 North Thompson, L3290 Gautier—James Anderson John Grasso, John Graziano, John Gremse, John Olmsted—James Miller, L1638 Troy—Gene MISSOURI L42 Kansas City—Richard White, L73 Gulotta, James Gunning, Neil Halpin, James Hanly, Owen, L2507 Madison Township (Groveport)— Union of Prof. Fire Fighters Paramedics EMT’s Matthew Hanson, James Harkins, Victor Harris, Ronald Thomas, L2882 Strongsville Fire Fighters and Dispatchers of St. Louis Mo—Jerry Moore, Peter Hart, Robert Higgins, Jonathan Hilton, Assoc.—Ray Haren, Robert Janiak, L2927 Green L152 Springfield—Michael Rust, L671 Jefferson Christopher Hogan, Kevin Hogan, George Hosle, Township Prof. Fire Fighters Union—Thomas City—Terry Drennan, L781 Prof. Fire Fighters of Keith Hulse, William Hydo, Alan Jacobs, Gary Elsbernd, L3915 Colerain Township—Hollis Independence—William Beeny, Francis Presler, Jacobson, David Johnson, Carl Jost, Joseph Joy, Love, L4498 Sharonville Prof. Fire Fighters— L2195 Lee’s Summit—Jeff Kohler, L2665 Prof. Fire Brian Kearney, John Keenan, Joseph Kennedy, Edward Gault, David Lupp Fighters of Eastern Missouri—Gregory Cady, Gary Daniel Kenny, James Kerley, Robert Knoop, OKLAHOMA L157 Oklahoma City—Terry Marshall, L3112 South Metro—Rick Mays Richard Kobbe, John Koch, Robert Koster, David Edge, Kevin Reece, Joseph Roberts, Daniel Tice, MONTANA L630 Livingston—Bill Spannring, Koyles, Peter Krebs, James Krieger, Gary Lamb, L176 Tulsa—Jeffrey Adsit, Tray Caldwell, William Pat Wagman, Richard Wood Thomas Landau, Vincent Leahy, Kirk Lester, John Osburn, L1628 Shawnee—Robert Branson, NEVADA L731 Reno—Christine Baring, Bob Loeber, Michael Lopez, Frank Losauro, James L1882 Lawton—Ricky Chapman, George Fisher, Masters, Gilbert Ramirez, Bernadette Terry, Lovett, Michael Lynch, John Lynn, Robert L2298 Ada—Chris Sutton, L2551 Broken L1265 Sparks—Scott Christianson, Mark Magnusen, Joseph Mahoney, Michael Maloney, Arrow—Michael Heisten, Ben Thomas, L2814 Garrigan, Tom Garrison, Barry Hagen, Mark Robert Marcoux, Vincent Massa, Joseph Vinita Fire Fighters Assoc.—Jimmy Butcher, Rumble, L1883 Henderson—Tyler Stacy, Bodi McAllister, Sean McBrien, Kevin McCabe, Michael L4236 Weatherford—Chuck Meyer Wallace, L1908 Clark County—Steve McDonald, Edward McDonough, Patrick ONTARIO L162 Ottawa—Gregory Birtch, Peter McClintock, L2139 North Lake Tahoe—Robert McGreen, Kevin McKenna, Blake McLoughlin, Collins, Clancy Foubert, Pete Lemery, Barry

RETIREES July/August 2009 36 | MacDonald, John Nesbitt, Brian Smith, Myron Fighters—Richard Grant, L4529 Lexington VIRGINIA L539 Portsmouth—B. K. Harrell, Steeves, Paul Whitney, L193 Thunder Bay—Brian County Prof. Fire Fighters Assoc.—Roger Frick, L1146 Lynchburg Fire Fighters Assoc.—Jeff Duncan, L447 St. Thomas—Robert Almost, L460 William Young Stern, L2068 Fairfax County Prof. Fire Fighters Brantford—Steve Hogg, L492 Sarnia—Brian SOUTH DAKOTA L814 Sioux Falls—Larry And Paramedics—Robert Helmus, Scott Egan, L499 Cambridge—Roy Alder, L534 Friestad, Arlyn Groen, Ronald Harris, Jens McHenry, Michael Stock, Kate Weatherby, L2141 Stratford—Randy Petrie, L938 Collingwood— Naglestad, Mike Nelson, David Osheim, David Alexandria—Joseph Warner, Thomas Wheatley, Robert Prosser, L1068 Brampton—Albert Haines, Renli, Donald Vanderhoff, Kristian Voth L2598 Prince William Prof. Fire Fighters Inc.— Albert Jeffries, Jake Jongkind, John Porter, Douglas TENNESSEE L140 Nashville—Michael Calvin, Timothy Melton, Gary Roberts, L2702 Fairfax Presant, L1632 Pickering—Francine Dimelow, Walter Davis, Robert Gift, William Parker, Robert City—Joel Hendelman, Gary Lewis, Scott Poole, L2307 Port Colborne—Howard Reid, L2511 Parker, Debra Pruett, L1346 Oak Ridge—Gary L2801 Suffolk Prof. Fire And Rescue—William Central York—Barry Abbott, Gregory Larizza Powell, L1784 Memphis—Gary Kirk, Michael Nichols, L2803 Chesterfield County Prof. Fire OREGON L43 Portland—Evererdo Gomez, Pellegra, Marvin Pender, L3836 Morristown Prof. Fighters Assn.—Mark Bennett, L3306 James City Charles Hanning, Mark Hansen, James Harder, Fire Fighters—Paul Ailey, Billy Gregory County Prof. Fire Fighters—John Alpers, Robert Gordon Johnson, Michael O’Keeffe, Michael TEXAS L58 Dallas—John Bass, Larry Bassett, Damian, George Grayson, Gregory Johnson, John Pastorino, Kevin Rice, Douglas Rowland, Samuel Charles Bell, Carlton Evans, L. D. Fox, James Richardson, Larry Waltrip Steele, Keith Taylor, Jon Thompson, Robert Weaver, Jackson, Rickey Lipe, John Meredith, Jerry Minter, WASHINGTON L437 Bremerton—Jeff Childs, Mitchell Williams, L1159 Clackamas County— Allen Richards, George Snowden, Marion Thomas, L452 Vancouver—Donald Woodhouse, L726 Timothy Dahl, L1395 Springfield—Ron Koozer, William Watson, Jon Whatley, M. L. Williams, Pierce County Prof. Fire Fighters—Jack Andren, L3215 Saint Helens—John Klem, L3242 Western Nathan Young, L341 Houston—Kendal Bryan, John Glen Luebke, Doug Willis, L876 Spokane Lane E.M.T.—George Lydick, Newt Megown Burton, Steve DelBello, Omar Garcia, Jimmie Gill, Valley—Terry Gese, Dan Wittenberg, L1257 PENNSYLVANIA L22 Philadelphia—Mack Jody Harris, James Pavlock, Arthur Ross, William Seatac Airport—James (Ed) Campbell, L1296 Abdul Lateff, Thomas Crouse, Joseph Hitchens, Vaughn, John Zepeda, L399 Beaumont—David Kennewick—Jeffrey Smith, L1352 Valley Fire Francis McCloskey, Daniel Nolan, David Scott, Hooks, Dean Lanclos, William Randall, Larry Fighters—Doug DeGraff, L1828 Edmonds— L104 Wilkes Barre—James Clarke, Gordon Krute, Shannon, L440 Fort Worth—Jerry Brooks, Daniel Marc Petrella, Todd Smith, L2595 King County Ronald Saba, Lawrence Schultz, L463 Cedillo, Randy Parker, Michael Smith, L970 Paramedics—Jed Jankowski, Kelly Scotchler, Johnstown—Mark Piljay, L1400 Chester—Frank Brownsville—Jesus Lopez, Tim Mejorado, Carlos L3390 Gig Harbor Peninsula—David Johnston Samsel, L1835 Warren—Ronald Caldwell Mendez, Rosendo Rodriquez, L1044 Abilene—F. V. WEST VIRGINIA F0276 167th Prof. Fire RHODE ISLAND F0100 N.E.T.C.Naval Base - Alvarez, Tom Fletcher, Larry Sutton, L1665 Fighters—Stewart Gore, L317 Charleston— Newport—James Tynan, L1589 Narragansett— Odessa—Brent Amonett, Freddy Rodriquez, Steven Terrence Hanson, James Peterson, Glen Smith Jonathan Smith, L1950 Johnston—Edward Schwab, L2149 Plano—Steve Duffy, L2505 WISCONSIN L215 Milwaukee—Robert Bett, Tutalo, John Wooley, L2725 Cumberland Rescue Killeen—John Bush, L2917 Jacksonville Prof. Fire Charles Goins, Gregory Ptak, Steven Quam, Service—Jeffrey Meunier, L2748 Warwick— Fighters Assoc.—Jesse Hooker, L3358 Rowlett— Jeffrey Quezaire, Phillip Quigley, Richard Richard Williams, L3372 Central Coventry Fire James Cunningham, L3713 Port Neches—Michael Schuyler, Paul Singer, John Van Auken, L368 District—Donald Roderick Smith, L4376 Alvarado Prof. Fire Fighter Assoc.— Manitowoc—Kevin Waak, L407 Waukesha— SASKATCHEWAN L510 Prince Albert—Keith Shawn McGunagill, Brandon Mullins, L4623 Snyder David Walter Stieb, L1756 North Battleford—Terry Christianson Prof. Fire Fighters Assoc.—Ronnie Clawson WYOMING L279 Cheyenne—L. Pat Fernandez, SOUTH CAROLINA L3883 St. John’s Prof. Fire UTAH L1645 Salt Lake City—Philip Peterson L1499 Rock Springs—John Rodiack, Bill Shalata

www.iaff.org RETIREES | 37 IN MEMORIAM

F0053 Ira Brooks ...... Edwards Air Force Base...... CA L0632 Lance Tingler ...... New Orleans ...... LA L0003 Richard Mark ...... Pueblo ...... CO L0718 James Clark ...... Boston ...... MA L0022 Robert Lyons ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0718 John Creedon...... Boston ...... MA L0022 William OʼKeefe ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0718 Louis Crifo...... Boston ...... MA L0022 Horace Silbert...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0718 Donald Flynn ...... Boston ...... MA L0022 Melton Waddell...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0718 Thomas Higgins ...... Boston ...... MA L0022 Leroy Wahl ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0718 Louis Paulino ...... Boston ...... MA L0031 William Colwell ...... Tacoma ...... WA L0718 William Savickas ...... Boston ...... MA L0036 Charles Barchers ...... Washington ...... DC L0718 Alfred Sears ...... Boston ...... MA L0036 Richard Bassani ...... Washington ...... DC L0734 Christian Addicks ...... Baltimore ...... MD L0036 H. P. Mikules...... Washington ...... DC L0734 Benjamin Barrell...... Baltimore ...... MD L0036 Walter Ramsey...... Washington ...... DC L0734 Charles Holmes ...... Baltimore ...... MD L0036 Timothy Russell ...... Washington ...... DC L0734 Mitchell Paris ...... Baltimore ...... MD L0073 Elmer Bram...... St. Louis ...... MO L0734 Melvin Santmyer...... Baltimore ...... MD L0094 Christopher Velez...... UFFA Of New York ...... NY L0734 Joseph Uhlhorn ...... Baltimore ...... MD L0103 Clinton Franklin...... Sedalia ...... MO L0765 Joseph Richter ...... Fort Lauderdale ...... FL L0109 Timothy Curry...... Newark ...... OH L0854 Steven Jaeger ...... New York UFOA ...... NY L0112 Andrew Sauceda ...... Los Angeles City ...... CA L0854 Douglas Mercereau ...... New York UFOA ...... NY L0140 Carl Teal ...... Nashville...... TN L0858 Willis Bealmear...... Denver...... CO L0144 Malcolm Rice ...... Brockton ...... MA L0858 Angelo Molliconi ...... Denver...... CO L0144 William Stack ...... Brockton ...... MA L0877 Earl Nienow ...... Watertown ...... WI L0144 Harry Thibeault...... Brockton ...... MA L0950 William McCarthy ...... Brookline ...... MA L0157 Gary Barton ...... Oklahoma City...... OK L0964 Albert Rosenberger ...... BFOA...... MD L0157 Maurice Holloway...... Oklahoma City...... OK L1230 Joseph Cadorette...... Contra Costa County ...... CA L0157 Marvin Nelson...... Oklahoma City...... OK L1290 Maurice Richards ...... Aurora ...... CO L0157 Albert Sanders ...... Oklahoma City...... OK L1301 Grant Young ...... Kern County...... CA L0215 Kenneth Celoni...... Milwaukee ...... WI L1338 Eric Carpenter ...... Shelby Township ...... MI L0215 Joseph Kardach ...... Milwaukee ...... WI L1349 Herbert Horton ...... Mobile ...... AL L0215 Kenneth Rude ...... Milwaukee ...... WI L1400 William Suter...... Chester...... PA L0215 Earl Tarnowski ...... Milwaukee ...... WI L1403 Charles Miller ...... Metropolitan Dade County...... FL L0255 Cliff Robinson ...... Calgary...... AB L1463 Elmer Akau ...... Hawaiian Islands...... HI L0291 William Gundelfinger ...... Lancaster...... OH L1463 Edward Ku ...... Hawaiian Islands...... HI L0291 Mike Mosier ...... Lancaster...... OH L1463 Tsuneo Nomura ...... Hawaiian Islands...... HI L0399 Harold Felps ...... Beaumont...... TX L1630 Roman Stankiewicz ...... Clay Fire Fighters ...... IN L0399 Jerald Johnson...... Beaumont...... TX L1784 Darrell Allen...... Memphis ...... TN L0479 Luis Martinez ...... Tucson ...... AZ L1784 Charles Criddle...... Memphis ...... TN L0505 William Horve ...... Decatur...... IL L1784 Dorsey Jerden ...... Memphis ...... TN L0522 Michael George ...... Sacramento ...... CA L1784 Albert Myers ...... Memphis ...... TN L0539 Steve Wise ...... Portsmouth...... VA L1828 Art DeLisle ...... Edmonds...... WA L0616 Francis Katta...... Dunkirk...... NY L1998 Adam Van Rite ...... De Pere ...... WI L0627 George Coble...... York...... PA L2768 Robert Fairburn ...... East Bridgewater ...... MA L0632 Joseph Bernard ...... New Orleans ...... LA L2768 Donald Sherman ...... East Bridgewater ...... MA L0632 Merlin Smith ...... New Orleans ...... LA L2881 Dan Campbell...... CDF Fire Fighters ...... CA L0632 Gilbert St. Germain ...... New Orleans ...... LA L2928 Nancy Simpson ...... Palm Beach County...... FL

IN MEMORIAM July/August 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 JULY/AUGUST 2009

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