Welcome to the IAFF Frontline News Brief, distributed twice a month to IAFF affiliate leaders and IAFF members. We encourage you to forward this news to your members and others in the fire service.

The Frontline News Brief is delivered directly by email and is also published on the IAFF web site. You can view past issues at http://www.iaff.org/Comm/frontline/news.htm.

Your feedback is also welcome - email pr@iaff.org with questions and comments.

 

"IAFF Responds to Fox News Report on PSOB Benefit Funding" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Suicide Among Police, Fire Fighters Is On The Rise" (CBS 2 Chicago )
"Obama Calls for Doubling Funding for SAFER" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"IAFF/IAFC Condemns NLC Propaganda" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Firefighters Union Bill Headed to Governor" (Denver Channel)
"Governor Threatens Cuts to Firefighters" (SF Gate)
"Canadian Labour Congress Reopens Annual Intensive Program" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Death Puts Focus on Firefighter Cutbacks" (Flint Journal (MI))
"Oregon Governor Signs Fire Fighter Cancer Presumption Bill" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Parkinson's Disease Presumed Job-Related in Indiana" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Lorain Local 267 Member Andy Drwal Elected to City Council" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Politicians See What It Takes to Fight Fires" (FOX 12 Oregon)
"Rockingham Chief Threatens Violence Against Fire Fighters" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Firefighter Layoffs Are Not Saving City a Dime" (Woonsocket Call)
"Missouri Fire Fighters Help Elect City Councilmen" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Firefighter Beats the Odds" (Toronto Globe & Mail (Canada))
"New CPR skills prevent tragedy " (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
"Vt. Firefighters Want Ban on Fire Retardant" (WCAX-TV 3 (Burlington, VT))
"Order Forces Woonsocket Firefighters to Get OK for Second Job" (Providence Journal (RI))
"Most Fire Board Rules Kept Intact" (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (IN))
"Cleveland firefighter class begins 11 years late" (WTOL 11 Toledo)

IAFF Responds to Fox News Report on PSOB Benefit Funding
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/08/09)

A May 7 FOX News report suggesting that that the Obama budget proposal for FY 2010 cuts spending on the Public Safety Officers Benefit Act (PSOB) from $110 million to $60 million is misguided and inaccurate. The PSOB program is an entitlement program, which means that 100 percent of benefits must be paid by law to every family that qualifies. The "cut" that FOX News is reporting is an estimate of what the program will pay out and is based on the predicted number of line-of-duty death claims. 
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Suicide Among Police, Fire Fighters Is On The Rise
CBS 2 Chicago (05/12/09); Blakley, Derrick

Among emergency workers, it's a topic that's almost taboo: suicide by police officers and fire fighters. But a recent surge in suicides by Chicago fire fighters has sparked increased efforts to bring the topic out of the shadows. Within the last 18 months, among Chicago fire fighters, there were seven suicides. And sources say several others attempted to take their own lives.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Obama Calls for Doubling Funding for SAFER
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/08/09)

In his first formal budget request, President Barack Obama fulfilled a campaign commitment by proposing a huge funding increase for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, the IAFF's signature program. The Obama budget proposed $420 million for SAFER, doubling the funding that the program received last year. During the campaign, Obama often noted his strong disagreement with President Bush's efforts to kill the SAFER program, and promised IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger that he would robustly fund the program if elected.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

IAFF/IAFC Condemns NLC Propaganda
International Association of Fire Fighters (04/29/09)

The IAFF and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) issued this statement concerning the tobacco industry-style cancer presumption assessment that the National League of Cities (NLC) paid management consulting firm, TriData, to produce.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Firefighters Union Bill Headed to Governor
Denver Channel (05/01/09)

A Colorado bill that would allow fire fighters to form unions without local approval has passed the state legislature and awaits the governor’s approval, but it is unclear whether it will be signed into law. Governor Bill Ritter said he would need the support of local officials before signing the bill, and the Colorado Municipal League is against it.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Governor Threatens Cuts to Firefighters
SF Gate (05/05/09); Yi, Matthew

If voters do not approve key ballot measures in California’s May 19 special election, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is threatening to lay off more than 1,700 fire fighters and close several fire stations in order to cut $80.8 million from the CAL Fire budget. While some say the governor’s threat is a blatant scare tactic, the administration says it is merely preparing for the worst case scenario if the ballot measures, which are intended to help the government get through a $42 billion budget shortfall, do not pass. The layoffs would affect response times in a state that had more than 2,700 wildfires at the peak of last year’s fire season. The CDF Firefighters union has endorsed the ballot measures, and spokesman Terence McHale says the governor “recognizes that we need to have these kinds of discussions — what kind of cuts can be made without undermining the integrity of CAL Fire's response.”
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Canadian Labour Congress Reopens Annual Intensive Program
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/12/09)

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has announced that the Labour College of Canada (LCC) is resuming its annual Intensive Program following significant changes to course design and delivery. The IAFF will sponsor one participant for the upcoming four-week session beginning January 3, 2010. The sponsorship covers the cost of tuition, plus $1,000 for travel and incidental expenses. IAFF members in good standing will be evaluated based on demonstrated active participation within their local.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Death Puts Focus on Firefighter Cutbacks
Flint Journal (MI) (04/29/09); Mickle, Bryn

A man died in a house fire in Flint, Michigan, and fire fighters say that the recent layoff of 22 fire fighters had an effect on the department’s ability to rescue the man. The first to arrive on the scene were fire fighters from a station that had no water pumper, forcing them to enter the home without a hose. The fire flashed over them and forced them to retreat and wait for more trucks to arrive, but by then it was too late. Neighbors said the man could have been saved if there was a closer fire station with a water truck, and while fire fighters could not say for sure, they said it was likely they would have reached the man on their first attempt if they had a hose. “We knew something like this would happen,” said Mark Kovach, vice president of Flint, MI Local 352. Kovach received burns to his back, and another fire fighter will miss three weeks of work due to burns on his hands and wrist. City spokesman Bob Campbell said officials are working with the union to rehire some fire fighters, but that it will be difficult due to a shrinking tax base. The city has 100 fewer fire fighters than it did eight years ago. Union President Ray Barton said union members would rather see pay cuts than lose more positions.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Oregon Governor Signs Fire Fighter Cancer Presumption Bill
International Association of Fire Fighters (04/28/09)

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has signed state legislation (HB 2420) expanding the list of cancers presumed to be work-related for Oregon fire fighters. The law is effective January 1, 2010. "This was a very proud moment for Oregon fire fighters," says Oregon State Fire Fighters Council (OSFFC) President Kelly Bach. "Over the last two legislative sessions, the OSFFC has really ramped up its political action. We can now see that all of that work has paid off."
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Parkinson's Disease Presumed Job-Related in Indiana
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/08/09)

Indiana became the first state to presume Parkinson's disease to be job-related for fire fighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement officers when Governor Mitch Daniels signed Senate Bill 376 into law May 1. The law requires Parkinson's disease to be treated as a line-of-duty disability under an emergency responder's pension and disability plan.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Lorain Local 267 Member Andy Drwal Elected to City Council
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/06/09)

Andy Drwal, a member of Lorain, OH Local 267 and second district vice president of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, defeated incumbent City Councilman Dennis Flores for a seat on the Lorain City Council, representing the Second Ward. Drwal defeated Flores by a vote of 225 to 194 in the May 5 primary, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Politicians See What It Takes to Fight Fires
FOX 12 Oregon (05/06/09)

Dozens of politicians from Washington state, Idaho, Montana and Alaska had an opportunity to try out fire fighting at a Fire Ops event sponsored by the IAFF 7th District ...and found it's not as easy as it looks.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Rockingham Chief Threatens Violence Against Fire Fighters
International Association of Fire Fighters (04/30/09)

Rockingham, North Carolina Fire Chief Charles Gardner has suspended two Rockingham Local 4702 fire fighters and fired another after Local 4702 filed a lawsuit against the city for unlawfully withholding overtime pay from the city's first responders. "Chief Gardner's pattern of abusive behavior is in retaliation for the decision by Rockingham fire fighters to form a union," says IAFF 12th District Vice President Larry Osborne. 
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Firefighter Layoffs Are Not Saving City a Dime
Woonsocket Call (04/23/09); Olivo, Russ

Members of Mayor Susan Menard's administration in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, have acknowledged that the controversial layoff of 11 fire fighters in March has not resulted in saving money. The city had hoped to save money on salaries, health care benefits and pension contributions from the layoffs, but planning director Joel Mathews said that increased overtime costs have absorbed any savings. Captain Gary Lataille, treasurer of Woonsocket, RI Local 732, said the city has spent $65,649 in the six weeks since the layoffs took effect. The city is unlikely to call back the laid off fire fighters, however, because deficits may force the city of Woonsocket to make even more cuts, including the possibility of closing one of its five fire stations.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Missouri Fire Fighters Help Elect City Councilmen
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/01/09)

Both Springfield, Missouri City Council candidates endorsed by Springfield Local 152 won their seats in an April 7 election. John Rush earned 51 percent of the votes, defeating his competition, Fred Ellison, and Bob Stephens came away with 52 percent of the votes, beating Tom Martz. 
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Firefighter Beats the Odds
Toronto Globe & Mail (Canada) (04/24/09)

A Vernon, BC Local 1517 fire fighter has returned to full fire fighting duties only a year and two months after undergoing heart transplant surgery. Brian Parsons' stress and physical fitness test results were high enough to place the fire fighter back on full-time duty. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, Parsons is only the second professional fire fighter in North America to return to frontline fire fighting duties after a transplant.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

New CPR skills prevent tragedy
Tampa Bay Newspapers (04/21/09); Michalski, Thomas

A grandmother, who less than two hours before had completed a fire department-sponsored CPR course, was credited along with a Pinellas Park police officer on April 18 with saving the life of her two-year-old grandson who was discovered on the bottom of the family swimming pool. Fire officials said for all intents and purposes little Kevon Johnson of St. Petersburg was dead when he was pulled from the above-ground swimming pool. Susan Boiszert, fire department spokesperson, said the bizarre chain of events began about 9:00 a.m. when Denise Smith, 48, attended the CPR life saving course at Fire Station 35. The class ended about 1:00 p.m. and Smith went home where adults and children were already enjoying a birthday party for another child, Noah, 7, who is Kevon's brother.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Vt. Firefighters Want Ban on Fire Retardant
WCAX-TV 3 (Burlington, VT) (04/24/09); Potter, Andy

The Professional Firefighters of Vermont joined three other fire fighter organizations at the State House to support a bill that would ban the sale of PBDEs, a fire retardant that fire fighters say causes cancer. Professional Firefighters of Vermont President Matt Vinci acknowledged the service group's strange position in decrying a flame retardant. However, he said, "The products of this flame retardant have been known to be harmful to fire fighters and the general public." Fire fighters also spoke out against claims the chemical is not harmful and has not been linked to cancer in fire fighters.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Order Forces Woonsocket Firefighters to Get OK for Second Job
Providence Journal (RI) (05/02/09); Hill, John

Beginning May 11, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, fire fighters will need the approval of the chief or the public safety director before taking on a second job. Christopher Lambert, a labor relations attorney for the city, told fire fighters union officials that fire fighters who still have their jobs must be diligent and available to work now that the fire department has reduced its workforce. Woonsocket, RI Local 732 President Steven Reilly accused the city of seeking "retaliation" against fire fighters because they do not have a contract.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Most Fire Board Rules Kept Intact
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (IN) (05/05/09); Iacone, Amanda

Despite months of work to change the way Fort Wayne, Indiana, hires, promotes and disciplines fire fighters, the city’s merit commission has officially adopted regulations that essentially keep current practices intact. The five-member commission met with Fire Chief Pete Kelly and representatives of Fort Wayne, IN Local 124 to revise the rules, which now allow fire fighters to choose two members of the commission. Only minor changes were made to the rules, such as how seniority and test results will be weighted and allowing the chief to choose among the top three candidates for a promotion rather than requiring him to choose the top candidate. Local 124 President Jim Ridley said Fort Wayne has the most progressive promotion process in the country and he is pleased with how well all parties worked together to finalize the new rules.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

Cleveland firefighter class begins 11 years late
WTOL 11 Toledo (04/22/09)

Fire academy recruits who always wanted to be Cleveland fire fighters have had an extra 11 years to think about their goal. Twenty-seven cadets selected in 1998 began their 17-week training class last week. The class was delayed while Cleveland laid off workers and struggled to pay existing employees. Now the city has the money and, because of retirements, has a need for more fire fighters.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines