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Jay Colbert - 3rd District Vice President

3rd District Report

Jay Colbert
3rd District Vice President

Convention Reports

Pursuant to the Constitution & By-Laws of the IAFF, (Article VI, Section 7) I am submitting this report for the activities in the Third District for the period between September 1, 2024, and June 1, 2026, to General President Edward Kelly, General Secretary Frank Líma, all IAFF Executive Board members, officers and delegates in attendance at the 58th International Convention. Throughout that time, I have attended all the Executive Board meetings and carried out all the assignments given to me by General President Kelly. 

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the IAFF Third District Vice President, representing 24,000 fire fighters across New England. For the past two years, I have engaged in a host of activities in and around the District, including but not limited to organizing, legislative matters, arbitrations, state meetings, local meetings, state conventions, retiree meetings, political campaigning, legal inquiries, and member representation.  

I have been appointed by the General President, and am currently serving on the following committees, Chairman of Health and Safety, Chairman of the Interim Resolutions, Vice Chair of Budget and Finance, Canadian Affairs, Communications, Legal Services, Policy, Occupational Health and Safety, and Staff and Employee Pension.  

Since we left the last Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, the Third District has been the recipient of a full menu of assistance from the IAFF offices of both General President Kelly and General Secretary Treasurer Líma. I would like to thank them both for their continued support. 

A partial summary of some of the assistance provided: 

16 GIS projects 

40 Municipal Financial Analysis 

11 Strategic Campaigns 

10 Wage Comparisons 

6 Haz Mat classes provided 

Numerous SAFER and AFG reviews 

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in FIREPAC contributions 

Multiple Guardian Policy, FLSA, and Legal Opinions. 

Several MAP opinions from CMO 

Countless requests of Membership Dept. 

Dozens of EIN assistance projects 

The list goes on and on. Thank you to the entire IAFF staff for your quick and immediate responses to all of our District’s needs. 

On behalf of the entire Third District, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to all the delegates and guests to the 2026 IAFF 58th Convention in Arlington, Texas. 

VERMONT 

The Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont (PFFV), led by President Chris Dube and Secretary Treasurer Will Laliberty, continue to work wonders in Montpelier with legislative victories that protect their members’ health and safety concerns each and every session. 

This past session, the PFFV secured victories that remove PFAS from their turnout protective gear/equipment by January 1, 2029. This was after earlier in the session making sure that all turnout gear and station wear purchased after January 1, 2026, had to contain labels stating that this clothing contains these forever chemicals. 

The PFFV passed strong legislation securing confidentiality in all peer support communications, ensuring that any conversations held in a peer support session could not be used against an employee. This safeguards all of their members from having confidential discussions in a clinical setting from being weaponized against them by anyone in the future. 

The PFFV also secured a million dollars in funding for Early Detection Cancer Screening for all fire fighters in the state. Screenings will include ultrasounds and blood tests. This program is slated to be up and running by the end of August 2026. 

The PFFV worked in conjunction with the State Treasurer to increase the state PSOB SURVIVOR BENEFIT from $50,000 to $80,000 and also provided input on legislation to develop a Vermont Discount Prescription Drug Program. 

The PFFV, along with many other unions, fought successfully to get Proposal 3 on this November’s ballot. Proposal 3, which is an amendment to the Vermont Constitution, would allow employees the right to organize, join a union, collectively bargain and negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions. If passed, Vermont will be one of the first states to amend and codify these conditions into a state constitution by a ballot question and not legislation. 

The PFFV also secured a big win in Brattleboro for Local 4439 to go from a 56-hour work week to a 42-hour work week. This will also increase personnel. Local 4439 also saw an agreement to ensure EMS transport services are done by the Local. This service had previously been done by a private company for over 60 years. 

Four locals, Hartford Local 2905, South Burlington Local 3671, Burlington Local 3044, and Saint Johnsbury Local 2934, all enjoyed increases to staffing. 

Finally, I would like to commend PFFV President Chris Dube for stepping up and running for the Vermont State Senate, Windsor District. Chris’s candidacy has garnered a lot of support from labor unions across the state. 

MASSACHUSETTS 

President Rich MacKinnon and Secretary Billy Cabral 

In December 2025, the PFFM proudly celebrated its 80th anniversary as a state association. 

The PFFM has an active 13,000-member delegation that serves many of the PFFM committees, including COPE, Legal Defense Fund, Human Relations, Pension, Joint Labor Management Committee, Funeral, Staffing, USERRA, EMS, and Health and Welfare. 

The PFFM recently added a PFFM Retiree Group led by John Dwyer, retired from Worcester Local 1009, with a focus on educating retirees on Medicare, pensions, estate planning, health screenings, and other relevant issues. 

The PFFM has focused on new leadership development by launching Contract Negotiations 101, headed by PFFM DVP Matt Reddy, for new union leaders. This program has already paid dividends for many at the bargaining table. 

The PFFM passed the first legislation in the District banning PFAS in turnout gear effective January 1, 2027. The PFFM is also advancing legislation for minimum per-piece staffing funded by homeowners’ insurance (driven by tragedies in Fall River and Amherst), strengthening military buyback provisions for pensions, and mandating health insurers operating in Massachusetts to cover cancer screening for all fire fighters. 

The PFFM has built a strong partnership called the Direct Connect Program with one of the country’s preeminent cancer hospitals, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This program provides PFFM members and their families with direct access to world-class cancer care. This is in addition to offering free or discounted cancer detection for blood testing and body scans through the PFFM Foundation (501c3) and private sponsorships and donations. 

Unfortunately, sometimes these screenings have bad news that can arrive too late for some. Such was the case for Local 1619 President Jimmy McLachlan, who was diagnosed with late-stage lymphoma in October of 2024 and, despite a courageous battle, succumbed to occupational cancer on May 8, 2026. 

The PFFM, the Third District, and the IAFF suffered an immeasurable loss on May 23, 2026, with the LODD death of Bobby “BK” Kilduff, a third-generation 24-year Boston fire fighter who succumbed to injuries suffered in a fall while operating at a third-alarm fire in Dorchester. BK, who was a 15-year staff employee of the PFFM, was a proud father to his son Mason and daughter Hanna Jane and had a huge impact on many people across the IAFF and will be sorely missed by many in the firefighting community. 

Lastly, the PFFM is proud that the PFFM Secretary Treasurer Billy Cabral continues to serve as the elected Secretary Treasurer of the Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters. 

MAINE 

The PFFMAINE was chartered by the IAFF 76 years ago and has consistently been a force for fire fighters and first responders across Maine in labor-management relations, legislative and political affairs, and behavioral health initiatives. State President Michael Scott and Secretary-Treasurer Michael Crouse are both dedicated and unwavering in their commitment to serving their members and their families across the state.  

A recent surge in membership has resulted in a total of 51 IAFF affiliates and over 1,400 members statewide. This expansion has fostered a more diverse and representative leadership structure, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the organization from locals both big and small. 

PFFMAINE is organized into six districts that include one dedicated to federal and private sector first responders as well as another to retirees. This ensures all members, regardless of sector and stage of life, are represented on the Executive Board. 

The Executive Board continues to be instrumental in driving and enhancing member benefits and cultural change. 

Successful collective bargaining efforts with local affiliates on key issues have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving fair and safe working conditions for all members. 

The PFFMaine has a tremendous Behavioral Health Response Program that continues to showcase their commitment to supporting members during times of need. They have a comprehensive system to address behavioral health issues both on an individual and collective level. 

The PFFMaine continues to hold its own legislatively, by passing good legislation and preventing bad legislation from becoming law. Binding Arbitration for all public unions continues to be the number one legislative priority for public sector unions. This is crucial for all affiliates as it ensures a fair and impartial process for resolving labor disputes and providing quality emergency services for all communities.  

Outgoing Democratic Governor Janet Mills unfortunately vetoed binding arbitration twice when it got to her desk, and to that end, PFFMaine remains active in supporting and electing candidates who are not only fire fighter supporters but more importantly, fire fighter advocates. No better example of that is the candidacy of PFFMaine President Michael Scott, who is the Democratic Party nominee for a State Senate seat in the Maine Senate District 20. His election would go a long way in ensuring that fire fighter issues like binding arbitration are preeminent on the minds of politicians in Augusta. Good luck in your endeavor, President Scott.  

CONNECTICUT  

The UPFFA, led by President Pete Brown, Secretary Lou Demici, and Treasurer Steve Michalovic continue to add to their long list of accomplishments from the last couple of years 

Since we last met, the UPFFA has had some solid legislative victories at the Capitol in Hartford. Some of the highlights are: 

  • $100,000 statewide LODD benefits with healthcare coverage. 
  • Expansion of cancer coverage to include skin cancer. 
  • $.05 surcharge on all phone lines to fully fund the Firefighter Cancer Relief Program 

UPFFA also helped pass an Emergency Certification Bill with several fire fighter priorities such as: 

  • No pension offset when receiving workers compensation benefitsInjury leave payments that must be included in pension calculations. 
  • Mandatory pensions for Fire Department and Police Department study Comptroller 

Some additional bills also passed included: 

  • Free tuition at State Universities for fire fighters. 
  • Banning the use of single means of egress in high rise residencies. 
  • Created a separate job classification for State Fire Instructors 

POLITICAL ACTION VICTORIES 

  • Successfully removed an anti-fire fighter incumbent Mayor in Stratford.  
  • Over 85% success rate for UPFFA endorsed candidates 
  • Elected one active IAFF member to the Statehouse. 
  • Elected one retired IAFF member in Statehouse. 

NEW INITIATIVES 

Added a Political Director to handle UPFFA political action and election support team. 

Restructured the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control to add union representatives 

Created a Communication Director position to improve internal and external communications. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

The PFFNH, under the leadership of President Brian Ryll and Secretary Treasurer John McAllister, has been active and very successful in the past two years up in the state capitol in what is a very challenging political climate. Here are some highlights: 

LEGISLATION 

  • Passed HB1352 prohibiting PFAS laden station wear/uniforms based on IAFF study and giving preference to PFAS free turnout gear 
  • All bill sponsors in the House of Representatives are dues paying IAFF members 
  • Passed SB350, a gap health insurance bill for presumptive workers comp claims.   
  • Insurance must continue to cover costs on denied claims until appeals process has been exhausted (18 months of coverage) 
  • Passed legislation to increase the critical injury benefit for first responders from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per biennium 
  • Passed SB352, $5 million in state funding for fire fighter cancer screenings. These screenings include  
  • Ultrasound 
  • Low-dose lung CT 
  • Grail test 
  • Passed HB282 Restoring $234 million in pension benefits lost in 2011 
  • Total of $330+ million restored by the PFFNH in the last 3 years 
  • Expanded PTSD presumption to be “date of last exposure” so that claims don’t get timed out and denied 
  • Killed Right to Work legislation for 40th straight year along with other anti-labor bills 

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS  

  • Organized four new locals 
  • Established a partnership with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to conduct and publish a prospective study on our cancer screenings (funded by PFFM Pan-Mass) 
  • Continue to manage our own tax-deferred retirement savings plan for members with nearly $50m in assets under management 
  • The Plan now offers free financial planning for our members 
  • PFFNH Endorsed Governor Ayotte for her reelection bid 
  • Endorsed Chris Pappas for U.S. Senate 

RHODE ISLAND 

President Joe Andriole and the members of RISAFF although the smallest geographically have certainly produced big results for their members across Rhode Island. 

Below are highlights of some accomplishments and activity, for the past two years from the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters: 

  • Successfully negotiated many multi-year collective bargaining agreements throughout the state. 
  • Successfully processed many grievances, including arbitration cases covering a vast variety of labor relation issues, including disciplinary actions and terminations throughout the state. 
  • Provided Rights Arbitration and Interest Arbitration representation throughout the state. 
  • Represented Fire Fighter, EMS and Public Safety issues at many venues, including state boards and commissions throughout the state. 
  • Held our annual Health, Safety and Labor Relations seminars. 
  • Maintained a strong pro-union position with the Rhode Island Department Health, regarding fire-based EMS delivery system within the state. 
  • Defeated an attempt by the Rhode Island Airport Authority Corporation to privatize the fire fighters at the state airport. 
  • Fought and won, to have all the Training Instructors at the Rhode Island State Fire Academy, properly paid via an IRS W-2 Form verses a 1099 Form as a private contractor classification. 
  • Fought and won, to have all the Training Instructors at the Rhode Island State Fire Academy, to be recognized as state employees and be provided “Workers Compensation Benefits” if they are injured while working at the Fire Academy. 
  • Successfully achieved, staffing, longevity, salary and other benefits for Fire Fighters, that were lost over a decade ago during a municipal bankruptcy in the City of Central Falls. 
  • Passed legislation adding EMS personnel to our Cancer Presumptive Law. 
  • Passed legislation adding Municipal Private Pensions to our Cancer Presumptive Law. 
  • Passed legislation correcting negative language in our Fire Fighters Workers Compensation Law (RIGL 45-19-1). 
  • Passed legislation that allows collective bargaining agreements to remain in effect after their expiration date, while the parties are negotiating and/or arbitrating for a new contract. 
  • Passed legislation banning “Foam” that contains PFAS chemicals. 
  • Passed legislation banning the sale of all “PPE Gear” containing PFAS chemicals, effective January 1, 2027. 
  • Defeated proposed anti-fire legislation pertaining to “one stairway” in multi-unit housing. 
  • Defeated many other proposed anti-fire pieces of legislation. 
  • Successfully held our Biennial Convention of the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters on January 21, 2026. 
  • Successfully held our annual legislative dinner of the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters with our entire congressional delegation in attendance on March 9, 2026, during the IAFF legislative conference in Washington, DC. 
  • Celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters, (Organized May 5, 1951) 

The members of Third District always have, and always will, continue to lead from the front and play an integral role in defending and protecting all the benefits and achievements that the great Labor leaders who came before us have achieved. I would like to take this time and thank all those in the IAFF, especially General President Edward Kelly and his staff in the General Presidents office, General Secretary Treasurer Frank Líma, and his staff in the General Secretary-Treasurers office, as well as all of the other staff and employees at headquarters who continue to make this IAFF the premier labor organization in the world. I would certainly like to acknowledge all of the Third District Service Reps, who have assisted me in my duties, with special recognition to DFSRs Rob Green and Matt Reddy who have communicated with me daily to try and fulfill the thousands of requests received via phone calls and emails from the more than 430 IAFF locals across New England. Your continued support and partnership have made my job as the Third District Vice President, serving the members across New England, the most rewarding experience of my professional career. I hope everyone has a productive and successful Convention.