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January 27, 2012
  IAFF LOCAL NEWSWIRE  
 
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Updated: Jan. 27 (17:10)

National Experts: "NH cant afford a Defined Contribution Plan"
Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire
2012 Hunting Ticket
McKeesport Firefighters
UPDATE: Regional Technical Rescue - Saftey Stand Down - RESCINDED
IAFF local 1111
Wills for Heroes 2012
IAFF Local 1784
First Line of Defense
Foxborough Professional Fire Fighters
Dupage County Mayors and Managers at it Again
IAFF Local 4727
 
     
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AFFILIATES
Branford Local 2533 - Bridgeport - Local 834 - Bristol - Local 773 - Town of Colchester Fire Department - Local 3831 Cromwell Professional Fire Fighters, Salem - Local 4662 Danbury - Local 801 East Hartford - Local 1548 East Haven - Local 1205 East Lyme - Local 3377 Professional Uniformed Firefighters of Enfield District #1 - Local 3912 Fairfield, Easton - Local 1426 Farmington - Local 3103 Greenwich - Local 1042 Groton - Local 1964 Guilford Fire Fighters - Local 4177 Hamden - Local 2687 Hamilton Sundstrands - Local I-88 Hartford Fire Fighters - Local 760 Ledyard - Local 3167 Litchfield County Dispatchers - Local 4419 Manchester - Local 1579 Mansfield - Local 4120 Mashantucket Pequot - Local 4746 Meriden - Local 1148 Middletown - Local 1073 Milford - Local 944 Milford Dispatchers - Local 4260 Montville - Local 3386 Naugatuck - Local 1219 New Britain - Local 992 New Canaan - Local 3224 New Haven - Local 825 New London - Local 1522 North Haven - Local 2987 Norwalk Fire Fighters - Local 830 Norwich - Local 892 Poquonnock Bridge - Local 2704 Pratt & Whitney - Local I-0069 PSEC - Protective Services Employees Coalition - Local S-15 Ridgefield - Local 1739 Sikorsky - Local I-0068 South Fire District - Local 3918 Somers Fire - Local 4284 Southington - Local 2033 Stratford - Local 998 West Hartford - Local 1241 Suffield - Local 3565 Thompsonville Fire Dept. Shaker Pines - Local 3059 Tolland Fire Department - Local 3954 Torrington - Local 1567 Wallingford - Local 1326 Waterbury - Local 1339 Waterford - Local 4629 West Haven, Allington, West Shore - Local 1198 West Hartford - Local 1241 Westport - Local 1081 Willimantic - Local 1033 Wilton - Local 2233

 

 

 

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October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention

October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention

October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention

October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
October 24-26, 2011: 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention
Stratford Professional Firefighters Burn Foundation

The Stratford Professional Firefighters Burn Foundation, partnering with the New London Firefighters Burn Foundation, the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut and the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation are undertaking a fundraising campaign to support the cost of building a suite within the Connecticut Burn Center.

 This suite will afford a family the opportunity to stay within this center where they can stay close to their loved one as they are being treated. 

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59KCafiCrnw&feature=player_embedded

Stratford Professional Firefighters Burn Foundation: http://spffafightingburns.org/bridgeporthospitalsuite.html  

 

Wine Tasting
To Benefit the Connecticut Burn Center

at Bridgeport Hospital

Bridgeport, CT

Thursday, February 16, 2012

View Flyer

 6:00 - 9:00 PM

  

UPFFA Programs
" AMERICA'S BRAVEST"

 

 
License Plate Program
You can support the UPFFA at the State Capitol by showing
 Professional Fire Fighter solidarity every day!

 
DOWNLOAD THE FOLLOWING FILE.

2011 License Plate Application


RETURN COMPLETED FORMS TO THE U.P.F.F.A. AT THE ADDRESS LISTED ON APPLICATION.
 
DO NOT RETURN TO THE D.M.V. AS THEY CANNOT PROCESS THESE FORMS.

  If you have any questions please contact: Paul J. Rapanault at 203.934.0105       
 

∞∞∞∞ 

 

ATTENTION MEMBERS
 

The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut has partnered with Discount Power, one of Connecticut's leading low-cost electricity suppliers, to create a program that generates on-going funds to the UPFFA of CT while saving you on the cost of your electricity.  Enroll now, and for as long as you remain enrolled in our program, your participation generates a monthly donation directly to UPFFA of CT*-and up to 20% savings on the cost of your electricity.

The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut has established an Emergency Relief Fund to support you and your family in time of need.  In addition, our goals are to educate fire fighters on Health and Safety issues, increase public awareness regarding fire emergencies and to raise funds for various charities which include MDA, UPFFA of CT Scholarship Fund and our Health and Safety Committee, just to name a few.


So grab a copy of your electric bill and enroll at www.upffapower.org to start saving NOW-and start supporting the UPFFA of CT at no cost to you.   

Thank you for your support.

 

UPFFA of Connecticut Pension Conference
Pensions Under Attack!!!!!

IF YOUR LOCAL IS FACING ATTACKS ON YOUR PENSIONS AND BENEFITS CALL THE UPFFA OF CT

WE HAVE THE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP Y0U

UPFFA "On the Road", Coming to a Union Meeting Near You!

Groton, Local 1964 - April 20, 2011

North Haven, Local 2987 - June 6, 2011

Manchester, Local 1579 - November 17, 2011

Willimantic, Local 1033 - March 12, 2012

UPFFA Web Site Registration

Attention Connecticut IAFF-UPFFA Members!!!!

Keep informed of the crucial issues that affect you and your family’s future.  As an active member and future retiree you need to know what is happening in departments across our state and at our State Capitol.  Join our email and telephone notification network for important bulletins and information and future email newsletter.  See what the IAFF-UPFFA is doing to protect your benefits and the services we provide to you as an IAFF-UPFFA member on a daily basis. To Register on the UPFFA Web Site, it's easy, Just Go To the "Member Log-In" section of the site (top Right Column in and follow the directions).

  If you are a Member of Local 786  and are having trouble accessing our web site, please contact

President Peter S. Carozza, Jr. 


What's New at UPFFA
Arrangements for Lieutenant Tom McCabe's Services

Arrangements for Lieutenant Tom McCabe's services are as follows:


Wake: January 27, 2012
Friday 15:00-20:00
Galello and Luchansky
2220 Main Street 
Stratford, CT 06615-5969 

Funeral Service: January 28, 2012
Saturday 10:00
St Mark's Parish 
500 Wigwam Lane 
Stratford, CT 06614-2490

Interment 
Immediately following the Funeral Service
Union Cemetery 
23 Temple Ct 
Stratford, CT 06615

Donations are requested in lieu of flowers or baskets. Donations should be made to:

Stratford Firefighters Benevolent Association 
P.O. BOX 252, STRATFORD, CT 06615

  

January 2012: Open Letter to Connecticut IAFF Members from President Carozza

January 2012

Dear Connecticut IAFF Member:

On behalf of the Officers, Executive Board and Staff of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut I would like to thank the leadership and entire membership of our Connecticut affiliated IAFF locals for your continued support. VIEW LETTER  Vi      Veiwwwiwoirewoiu

Congratulations Peter Brown, Norwalk Fire Fighters, Local 830

The Officers, Executive Board, and Staff congratulates Peter Brown, Norwalk Fire Fighters, Local 830 on his recent election to the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut Executive Board and appointment as the Vice President of District 4.

  

March 19 & 20, 2012: New Haven Fire Fighters & the UPFFA 1st Annual Safety & Leadership Seminar

New Haven Fire Fighters & the UPFFA of Ct. 1st Annual "Safety & Leadership Seminar

Monday & Tuesday: March 19-20, 2012: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

New Haven Training School - View Flyer

Thank You - Ed Butkus, Wallingford Fire Fighters, Local 1326

The Officers, Executive Board, and Staff would like to take this opportunity to thank Ed Butkus, Wallingford Fire Fighters, Local 1326 for his years of service to the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut. 

AFL-CIO Launches Campaign, TV Ads in Austin
AFL-CIO Launches Campaign, TV Ads in Austin to Connect Americans through Shared Values around Work Effort includes innovative new website www.workconnectsusall.org  http://youtu.be/JQQCoxcwgeY    Austin, Texas – “Work Connects Us All” is the message of a new campaign from the AFL-CIO launched today in Austin. Read More...
IAFF 51st Convention: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - July 2012

 

To All IAFF Affiliates:

You are hereby notified that pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the International Association of Fire Fighters, the 51st Convention of the International Association of Fire Fighters will be held at the Sheraton Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, beginning at 9:00 a.m., Monday, July 23, 2012, and will remain in session day-to-day until the business of the Convention is completed.

Convention information, including the Convention Call (login required), a legal memorandum of convention guidelines, a listing of important dates as well as convention fast facts is available here. 

 

January 12, 2012: Ct. Fire Departments Awarded Safer Grants
WASHINGTON – Connecticut Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and Jim Himes (CT-4) announced Wednesday that fire departments in Branford, Poquonock, Ridgefield, and Bridgeport will receive a total of over $450,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program (AFG). Read More...
Passing of Mrs. Carolyn Hustek

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Carolyn Hustek,  Mother of Robert Smith, President, Local 1426. Mrs. Hustek passed away this morning.

Funeral Arrangements are Private.

A Memorial Mass will be held on January 21, 2012 

In Loving Memory of Carolyn Hustek

Carolyn Britt Hustek

Born in Bridgeport on Apr. 11, 1942
Departed on Dec. 25, 2011 and resided in Bridgeport, CT.

 

Service:

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012

 

Cemetery:

Private  

 

Hustek-Carolyn Hustek, age 69 of Bridgeport, beloved wife to the late John C. Hustek, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at Bridgeport Hospital.

She will be remembered by her son Robert F. Smith Jr. (Fairfield Fire Dept.), and his wife, Jen Mockalis Smith, of Fairfield; her daughter, Katherine Smith Mucherino, and her husband, James, of Bridgeport; one step daughter, Kathleen Hustek, of Clinton; three grandchildren, Richard, James and Cara Mucherino, all of Bridgeport; one sister, Helen Iwasczyszyn, and her husband, John, of Stratford; many nieces , nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was also predeceased by four sisters Jeanne Britt, Margaret Cole, Winifred Laposka, Barbara Hatrick, and a brother Tom Britt.

Carolyn was born in Bridgeport to the late Thomas and Ruth Fox Britt and had been a life long area resident. She had worked for the Connecticut National Bank for thirty years as the branch manager and then went on to work for Candee Construction as an office manager for over twenty years prior to her retirement.

In addition to her being a dedicated, loving mother and grandmother, Carolyn was a devout Catholic. As a past time, she enjoyed following horse races, and never missed seeing a Red Sox baseball game. She was loved by her family, and will be missed.

Her Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday January 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Emery Church, 838 Kings Highway, in Fairfield

Memorial donations may be directed to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted the LESKO & POLKE FUNERAL HOME, 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center.

To order flowers online, travel directions, or to sign her guest register, order flowers, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com

Jennifer Morgan
Fairfield Fire Department
Fire Marshal's Office
140 Reef Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-4720 Office
(203) 254-4724 Fax
jmorgan@town.fairfield.ct.us
 

Our thoughts are with Bob and his family. 

 

IAFF Scores Huge Congressional Victory
IAFF Scores Huge Congressional Victory December 17, 2011 – In one of its final actions in 2011, Congress has passed an Omnibus Appropriations Bill that makes more than $742 million in Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants available to struggling communities and extends the “SAFER waivers” for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012. Read More...
UPFFA of Ct. Pension Survey

The UPFFA of Ct. has mailed to each affiliated Local President a Memo containing a pension survey, which you should be receive the week of December 12th, this information is vital per the convention resolution adopted during the 17th UPFFA Biennial Convention in October of 2011.

 

Upon receipt of this memo, we are asking that each affiliated local respond to the survey no later than January 15, 2012 

One Hundred Club Presentation

Fred Garrity, Chairman UPFFA United Ride, Rueben Bradford, Commissioner of Public Safety State of Connecticut, Bernard Sullivan, President Hundred Club of Connecticut, Peter S Carozza, Jr., President Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut attend the Hundred Club meeting and presented a check for 10,500.00, President Carozza is a member of the Hundred Club Board of Directors. 

Fire Fighter Michael Passero, elected Council President

UPFFA of Ct. President Peter S. Carozza, Jr., Michael Passero, President of the New London Connecticut City Council and Rocco Basilica, President of Local 1522, IAFF New London Fire Fighters after the oath of office was administered to the Mayor, City Council and Board of Education on Monday December 5, 2011.

Michael Passero is a Fire Fighter with the New London Fire Department   Local 1522, IAFF and the new President of the City Council.
 

 

 

Andrew J. Flanagan Memorial Scholarship - 2011-2012 Academic Year

Andrew J. Flanagan Scholarship for the 2011-2012 Academic Year.  Any firefighter enrolled in fire related college courses, either full or part time, is eligible to apply for a Scholarship.

View Cover Letter

View Application

NIST and USFA Issue Report on SCBA Facepiece Lenses and Thermal Degradation
NIST and USFA Issue Report on SCBA Facepiece Lenses and Thermal Degradation November 30, 2011 -- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with funding from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), has released its final report on a study conducted to determine at what temperatures and conditions self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) facepiece lenses melt or degrade. Read More...
February 16, 2012: 16th Annual Firefighter Ski Muster

16th Annual - FIREFIGHTER SKI MUSTER - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012 - View Flyer

 

"Bob McCarthy for Senate"

"Bob McCarthy for Senate"
Harold A. Schaitberger, General President, IAFF – Peter S. Carozza, Jr., President, UPFFA of Ct – John Matell, President, Professional Fire Fighters of Maine – Ed Kelly, President, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts 

2011 Ct. United Ride Donations

On November 11, 2011 Fred Garrity, Ct. United Ride and Peter S. Carozza, Jr., President, UPFFA distributed $38,500.00 to various Connecticut State, Local Fire, Police affiliates and the United Way from the 2011 Ct. United Ride.

 

 

MDA Goodwill Ambassador - Visit to Waterbury Fire Department

 

Logan Caruso is the MDA Goodwill Ambassador from Wolcott, Ct., recently Logan and his family visited the Waterbury Fire Department for a tour of the fire station with members of the Waterbury Fire Fighters Union, Local 1339.

 

 

Ohioans Vote No on Issue 2, Preserve Collective Bargaining for Fire Fighters
 

 

 

 

 


Ohioans Vote No on Issue 2, Preserve Collective Bargaining for Fire Fighters

Ohio voters have delivered a resounding message to their governor – one that will likely reverberate across the nation in the coming months – soundly rejecting his effort to destroy collective bargaining for fire fighters and other public employees.

In a turnout that was heavy for an off-year ballot measure, Ohioans – by vote of 61 percent to 39 percent -- selected “No” on Issue 2, repealing Governor John Kasich’s signature reform measure that eliminated many rights of public employees – also known as Senate Bill 5.

The outcome in Ohio is not only a huge blow to extremist politicians who have launched anti-worker agendas -- defeating Issue 2 is also a momentum-shifting victory for the IAFF and other labor groups.

“The people of Ohio have spoken and John Kasich and those of his ilk can't help but notice," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “Senate Bill 5 in Ohio was an overreach by those who thought they could strip proud workers of their rights as Americans - that's why Ohioans resoundingly killed it.

"Maybe extremist politicians who try to take advantage of a tough economic time for our country by targeting the basic core values and rights of those who work for a living will finally start to work toward real solutions that move this country forward through cooperation and bipartisanship, because that's what the American people want and that's what this vote reinforced," adds Schaitberger.

IAFF members demonstrated their clear feelings in the astounding response on Facebook to the news:

"The people of Ohio are getting wise to these thug governors...."

"Strong work Brothers and Sisters of Ohio! Thank you from the rest of the country!!"

"Great victory for labor!! Let's take this momentum into 2012."


"From Cincinnati Local 48, thank you for all the support from the International and everyone outside Ohio. It was a hard-fought win, but it's just one win. This type of attack on unions and collective bargaining WILL continue throughout the country and we need to be very prepared for it."

"Congrats Ohio! Let's hope Wisconsin follows."

"Another battle won...now on to the next. Good job Ohio!"

"Well done, Ohio - now the rest of America needs to wake up and get with the game! Let's go back to Wisconsin and boot Walker out of the statehouse!"

"A victory for the working class. Union solidarity and the efforts of our brothers and sisters educating the public of the true nature of the Republican agenda won out over the scare tactics and the race to the bottom."

"Bravo! But keep the guard up. They'll be back for sure."

"Never give up! Congrats Ohio! You've got Kasich on the run and scared. The whole country is watching."


"Great job but, sadly, I think our livelihoods will continue to be attacked until the end of our lives. This is just round one, but we are off to a good start."

"Congrats brothers and sisters to a job well done. There will be more attacks, however, the point was made. The voters made the decision. Voters do not like dirty politics."

"This is a great victory for all public service workers! It helps restore some faith that there are still people in the public who support us. We as the working class need to band together to take down these crook politicians who are against us."


Though polls leading up to the election suggested Ohioans would vote to end SB 5, labor groups – including the IAFF – left nothing to chance. The IAFF contributed significant resources to the “Vote No on Issue 2” efforts, including a potent advertising and get-out-the-vote campaign. And, We Are Ohio, a coalition of AFL-CIO labor unions that the IAFF assisted, conducted a huge grassroots and media campaign to convince voters to Vote No on Issue 2.

“SB 5 was nothing short of a brazen effort to cripple labor’s influence in Ohio and give more power to deep-pocketed corporate donors,” says IAFF 8th District Vice President Paul Hufnagel.

"In Ohio, there are no standards or safety regulations that govern the job we do, so we rely on collective bargaining agreements to make sure we have a voice, and the vote demonstrates that citizens understand the importance of that fact,” says President of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF) Mark Sanders. 

 

AFL-IO Endorsed Boycotts List

Attached is the updated AFL-IO Endorsed Boycotts list. View

‘In Honor of Those Serving Us"

The IAFF has partnered with BLEVE Entertainment  http://www.helpthegoodguys.com to raise money for the IAFF Fire Fighter Charitable Foundation which provides financial support to the families of Fire Fighters injured or killed in the line of duty. When Fire Fighters suffer burns, the IAFF Foundation works to improve the quality of life for these and the more than 500,000 burn survivors across North America whose lives are changed each year.  When an IAFF member is killed in the line of duty, the IAFF Foundation provides support and assistance for the families and offers funding for children of the fallen to pursue post-secondary education. 

The IAFF has created a video featuring  ‘In Honor of Those Serving Us" by Randy Owen.  Please watch this video and click the SHARE link under the video and share the video with your FACEBOOK friends.The video can be viewed here:  http://youtu.be/tUJByOSspHM    

If each of our 300,000 IAFF members took a couple of minutes and forwarded this email to ten friends--THREE MILLION PEOPLE would have the opportunity to view this video. If 25% of the viewer's purchase a CD--that will raise THREE MILLION DOLLARS for the FOUNDATION.  Everyone wins---Our Friends receive a great CD and the Foundation Funds are replenished to support IAFF members. 

Three Connecticut Locals Host 4th Successful Fire Ops

Three Connecticut Locals Host 4th Successful Fire Ops

October 17, 2011 – Three Connecticut affiliates – Fairfield Local 1426, Westport Local 1198 and Stratford Local 998 –held a joint Fire Ops 101 at the Fairfield Regional Fire School. At the event, local decision makers and media learned about the challenges first responders face on a daily basis.

Participants included Fairfield Board of Finance Vice Chairman and First Selectman candidate Robert Bellitto Jr., Fairfield Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Moderator Jeffrey Steele (R-2) and Stratford Councilmen Dave Fuller (D-6) and John Dempsey (R-5), along with newspaper reporters Jason Bagley and Mike Lauterborn. The Fairfield RTM is an elected body of 50 residents who vote on the town budget, town ordinances and labor agreements.

“After going through the evolutions, the decision-makers all commented on how they really did not understand how difficult our job was until now,” says IAFF Local 1426 President Bob Smith, a co-organizer of the event. Stratford IAFF Local 998 President Bill Hanson and Westport IAFF Local 1198 President Nate Gibbons also helped arrange the event.

Smith adds, “The hope is that they will keep this experience in mind as they make decisions about our funding and resources.”

The evolutions included vehicle extrication, ladder maneuvers, ventilating a building and a live burn. 

October 1, 2011: New Study Finds Pensions are Preferred Retirement Plan

New Public Sector Employees Overwhelmingly Select Pensions Over Individual Retirement Accounts; Pension Cost Efficiencies Cited as Key Advantage - View

September 28, 2011: Ohio State Association

Fellow State Association Leaders,

As you well know, Ohio Fire Fighters and public employees are in a battle for our livelihoods. Our collective bargaining rights are under attack in the form of Ohio Senate Bill 5. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to repeal this damaging legislation in November by defeating Issue 2.    View

Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital

The Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is currently undergoing a $1.5 million dollar renovation.  When completed the Connecticut Burn Center as it will be renamed, will serve all of the residents in the State of Connecticut and surrounding states. This nationally certified burn center, recognized by the American Burn Association is the only certified burn center in the State of Connecticut. It will be undergoing a complete modernization of the entire unit and updated with the most advanced equipment. This center has a highly trained and caring staff where patients being treated can be given the best care anywhere.
   
The Stratford Professional Firefighters Burn Foundation, partnering with the New London Firefighters Burn Foundation, the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut and the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation are undertaking a fundraising campaign to support the cost of building a suite within the Connecticut Burn Center.


This suite will afford a family the opportunity to stay within this center where they can stay close to their loved one as they are being treated.

Please consider a donation in support of our efforts. Donations can be made by clicking on the Pay Pal icon or mailing a check made payable to SPFFBF and mailed to:


 

SPFFBF
P.O. Box 682
Stratford, CT 06615

You may also donate via PayPal by visiting:

http://spffafightingburns.org/bridgeporthospren.html

Please include Bridgeport Hospital Suite on your checks memo line. 
Donations are tax deductible under I.R.S. Guidelines  and a letter will be sent to you for this purpose.

  

Gov. Malloy Appoints Members of S.T.O.R.M. Irene Panel
Governor Dannel P. Malloy today appointed members to the State Team Organized for the Review of Management of Irene (S.T.O.R.M. Irene) assessment team. The team, which is comprised of a group of people with diverse professional backgrounds in the military, disaster relief, municipal government, non-profit and labor sectors, will review the performance of the state and its partners – including the utilities and municipalities – in terms of the preparedness and response and recovery efforts related to Tropical Storm Irene.
 
For more information, please visit Governor Malloy's website: http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?a=4010&Q=486676 
September 13, 2011: New Online Career Education Opportunity for IAFF Members
. Read More...
World Trade Center and Fire Fighter Cancer Study Released

World Trade Center and Fire Fighter Cancer Study Released

 

September 2, 2011 -- The study of cancer incidence of New York City fire fighters and fire officers and the association with exposures at the World Trade Center has been released. Researchers have found an increase of cancer in fire fighters and fire officers who were exposed to the toxic mix found at the World Trade Center. The exposed fire fighters had a 10 percent higher overall cancer incidence than the general male population in the United States and a 32 percent higher incidence than in non-exposed fire fighters.

Click here to download the study.

“This is the first definitive study of the cancer experience of our FDNY members,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "As we approach the 10th anniversary of the most horrific day in our history, we must never forget the 347 IAFF members lost that day, as well as the 33 fire fighters who have now died from their World Trade Center exposures and the hundreds of members who now have cancer as identified in this report.”

IAFF members of the FDNY, as well as members from across North America, were exposed to toxic combustion byproduct and a mix of asbestos, cement dust and pulverized building materials for days, weeks and months at the World Trade Center site and often without proper respiratory and personal protection. Many have retired because they are unable to continue working, and many others have suffered debilitating health effects, including cancer, and continue to receive medical treatment. Unfortunately, the IAFF expects this to continue.

The study does point out the need for expanded research, as well as continued fire fighter cancer screening and prevention strategies. However, this study, as well as the medical monitoring and medical intervention of FDNY members by FDNY’s Medical Division, were a direct result of efforts by the FDNY, the Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 94 and Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854 as part of the IAFF/IAFC Joint Labor-Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI).

IAFF Local 94 and Local 854 - along with the FDNY - are not only original Task Force members of the WFI, but fully implemented the provisions of the program when released in 1997.

“All FDNY fire fighters had WFI medicals before 9/11, and they continue on an annual basis to this day,” says IAFF Assistant to the General President of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine Rich Duffy. "Lives were saved, careers continued and the collection of WFI medical data allows such definitive studies like this to be completed.”

Dr. Jim Melius, chair of the IAFF Medical Advisory Board, provided commentary published in conjunction with this study. Dr. Melius observes that all fire fighters have substantial exposure to toxic materials (including carcinogens) and bear a high burden of other illnesses as a result of their occupational exposures. He notes, "This report and future cancer studies should provide reassurance that medical follow-up is being done in a way that will detect new disease patterns in a timely manner and, hopefully, while there is time to intervene."

This study was published in The Lancet, a renowned medical journal. This edition provides additional medical-related reflections on the events of 9/11, and provides some of the research, review and opinion pieces on the short-term and long-term physical, mental and public health consequences of the terrorist attacks. It also includes an audio interview with FDNY Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Prezant, one of the study authors. Dr. Prezant discusses increased cancer risk among 9/11 fire fighters and future efforts in addressing the health risks of fire fighters exposed at the World Trade Center.
 

Update on Severe Weather and Reporting of Insurance Claims

 


Update on Severe Weather and Reporting of Insurance Claims


In the aftermath of this weekend’s storm, our priority at Liberty Mutual is to keep our customers safe and to restore their lives as quickly as possible. Our affinity partners’ safety is our utmost priority, so please make sure you, your members and their families are following all safety announcements that are issued for your area. 
 
24-Hour Claims Assistance
Liberty Mutual has deployed hundreds of claims representatives in the field and in our 24-hour call centers to meet our customers’ needs. We’re working hard to exceed our customers’ expectations, but we ask for patience as our call volume is high.
 
If a vehicle or property loss has been experienced as a result of the severe weather, a claim can be reported at any time online or by calling 1-800-2CLAIMS (1-800-225-2467).

Safety Tips
The aftermath of severe weather can be as dangerous as the storm itself. Liberty Mutual suggests the following tips to help keep you, your members, their families and property safe during the storm recovery.

  • For information about disaster relief, contact:
    Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (www.fema.gov)
    American Red Cross (www.redcross.org)
  • Wait for an “OK” from the police or official agency before re-entering an evacuated home.
  • Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking and cooking.
  • Turn on circuit breakers only after power returns.
  • Avoid downed power lines.
  • If you discover a gas leak, notify the gas company and evacuate the property.
  • Pump out flooded basements gradually to minimize structural damage.
  • Be alert for animals - especially snakes - that may have entered your home with floodwater.
  • Throw out food, canned goods and medicines touched by floodwater.
  • Let your car dry out before trying to start it.
  • Take an inventory of damaged property and possessions.
For more information about weather safety, click here
 
Thank you for choosing Liberty Mutual as your auto and home insurance program provider. We truly value our relationship and will strive to exceed our customers’ expectations during this emergency.

 

 

Pensions & Defined Contributions

Institutional Investor - Pensions & Defined Contributionss - View

September 14, 2011: Ceremony Honoring Connecticut’s 9-11 First Responders

Invitation to all Police, State Troopers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Personnel & their Families

Ceremony Honoring Connecticut’s 9-11 First Responders

 

Please join David Fein, United States Attorney; Commissioner Reuben Bradford, Emergency Services & Public Protection; and Mary Fetchet, Executive Director of Voices of September 11th; on September 14, 2011, to honor all first responders and volunteers, particularly the first responders and volunteers who responded to lower Manhattan and to other locations after the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001, and participated in the recovery and relief efforts in the days that followed.

We request this invitation be disseminated to all active and retired members.  Please notify Tom Carson with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (203) 821-3722, or by e-mail: Thomas.Carson@usdoj.govno later than September 12th with the names of those attending who were directly involved with the recovery and relief efforts.

The ceremony will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.at Connecticut's 9-11 Living Memorial, Sherwood Island State Park, Westport Connecticut.

  

Taxing Health and Pension Benefits, and Mandatory Social Security Coverage

Congress will be considering deficit reduction legislation after the Summer recess.  Taxing Health and Pension Benefits, and Mandatory Social Security Coverage are two proposals to raise revenue that would target fire fighters.

For the next four weeks, Members of Congress will be back in their districts to meet with their constituents.  We encourage you to either schedule a one-on-one appointment with them, and if that is not possible, to attend one of their scheduled town hall type meetings to educate them on these two important issues.

We need you to encourage your members of Congress to Fight Back and be a strong advocate for our nation’s fire fighters

Please call or email Thomas McEachinme at 202-824-1301 or tmeachin@iaff.org to get additional information and to report on the results of your meetings. 

August 9, 2011: NFPA to Offer Code Access to FIRE Act Grant Applicants

NFPA to Offer Code Access to FIRE Act Grant Applicants

August 9, 2011 -- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE Act) grant applicants will have complimentary online access to 27 NFPA codes referenced in the grant program. Access is available through a special web portal through the end of the grant application period on September 9.

Click here to download these codes.

FIRE Act grants provide financial assistance directly to fire departments and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance capabilities with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The primary goal is to help fire departments and non-affiliated EMS organizations meet their fire fighting and emergency response needs. Click here for more information or visit NFPA's web site.

Related story
 

The 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Guidance Is Available NOw
. Read More...
Bridgeport Hospital Burn Center - Fundraising Program

Whether structures fire, extrication, medical call or other emergency involving loss of property, loss of life or injury, as firefighters, we are witness to a human beings worst moments of their life. We are charged to protect life and property. We cannot control the aftermath of an incident. Sometimes, people die or are injured or in some instances, severely burned.

The Bridgeport Hospital Burn Center is currently undergoing a $1.5 million dollar renovation. The New London Firefighters Burn Foundation, Uniformed Professional Firefighters of Connecticut, the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation and our foundation, The Stratford Professional Firefighters Burn Foundation, have undertaken a $150,000-$200,000 fundraising program to support a suite which will be built within this center. 

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Ct. AFL-CIO - “We Are One”

Ct. AFL-CIO - As part of the national “We Are One” actions taking place across the country, the Ct. AFL-CIO will be holding roundtable meetings with our congressional delegation with a focus on jobs and the economy.  We have an agenda planned with assigned speakers, but I want to invite you to attend these meetings.  If you are interested in attending, please send any RSVPs to David Dal Zin at ddalzin@ctaflcio.org or 860.571.6191, x232.

Agenda  

September 14 & 15 - IED Counterterrorism Workshop

 IED Counterterrorism Workshop (2 days) - September 14th and 15th - 0830-1700 hrs. - View Flyer 

We Need YOU to Get Involved!
We Need YOU to Get Involved!   A new song released by BLEVE Entertainment will benefit the IAFF Foundation and IAFF affiliates. Read More...
IAFF Freezes Federal FIREPAC Contributions
  Brothers and Sisters, The International Association of Fire Fighters has grown into a political powerhouse in the Nation’s Capitol and in state houses, county and city halls across the country. Read More...
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Submit Your Local Scene Stories and Requests to ldemici@upffa.org

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