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.
 

"Watch General President Schaitberger on MSNBC's Hardball May 21" (MSNBC Hardball )
"Cancer Presumption Bill Protects Vermont Fire Fighters " (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Colorado Governor Signs Cancer Presumptive Legislation " (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Truck turmoil continues" (Newton Tab)
"Workers' Comp Measure Gains Panel's Nod" (Stamford Advocate (CT))
"Portsmouth, NH: '08 Candidates Seek IAFF Support" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Waterbury Fire Fighter Dies In Two-Fire Truck Collision " (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Chief Goodwin takes a hit in firefighters' vote" (Baltimore Sun)
"HELPS Retirees Act to Include Self-Insured Health Plans " (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Sens. McCain and Obama Fail With Firefighters' Union" (The Hill Newspaper)
"House Panel Doubles SAFER Funding" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Groundbreaking Agreement Puts Paramedics on Winnipeg Fire Trucks " (International Association of Fire Fighters )
"Safety and Staffing Included In Oregon Collective Bargaining" (International Association of Fire Fighters )
"Don't weaken St. Paul fire chief criteria; help people climb" (Pioneer Press)
"Firefighters Keep Watch on Hot Topics" (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
"Turmoil Lingers Between Virginia Paid and Volunteer Firefighters" (The Free Lance Star)
"California Has Most Female Firefighters in Country" (ABC30 Action News)
"Labor unions and conservation groups team up in bid to influence farm policy " (The Hill Newspaper)
"DHS Awards Over $2 Million to Prevent Fire Death and Injury" (Homeland Security Department Documents and Publications)
"Mayor plans to block scheduled 2008 raises" (The Monitor)
"Aurora Fire Chief Retires After CBS4 Investigation" (CBS4 Denver )
"Firefighters Battle a Silent Killer" (South Bend Tribune (IN))
"New Burglar Alarms a Hazard to Responders" (Fire Chief)
"Bravest Hike Is Hot $tuff " (New York Post)

Watch General President Schaitberger on MSNBC's Hardball May 21
MSNBC Hardball (05/21/07)

Chris Matthews talks with Harold Schaitberger about the 2008 presidential race.
(Web Link)
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Cancer Presumption Bill Protects Vermont Fire Fighters
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/22/07)

Vermont is the third state in as many weeks to pass presumptive legislation for fire fighters. The IAFF and the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont (PFFV) worked hard to get the support of Governor Jim Douglas and state lawmakers to pass S.194, which covers several different cancers. Governor Douglas signed the legislation into law May 22 at the Montpelier fire station. The new law covers leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma, and cancers originating in the bladder, brain, colon, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, liver, pancreas, skin or testicles. Fire fighters diagnosed with one of the presumed cancers are eligible for benefits for up to 10 years after retirement.
(Web Link)
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Colorado Governor Signs Cancer Presumptive Legislation
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/21/07)

Thanks to aggressive lobbying efforts by IAFF 9th District Vice President Randy Atkinson, the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters (CPFF) and the IAFF, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed presumptive legislation May 17, 2007, that determines certain cancers to be job related for fire fighters.  The Workers Compensation Act of Colorado now provides benefits to fire fighters who contract cancer of the brain, skin, digestive system, hematological system or genitourinary system as the result of on-the-job exposures. Claims can only be denied if proven the fire fighter had a pre-existing condition.
(Web Link)
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Truck turmoil continues
Newton Tab (05/22/07); Lebeaux, Rachael

A fire truck that injured Newton, MA Local 863 Lt. Richard Geary will not be put back into service, according to Fire Chief Joseph LaCroix. With spare Engine 13 off the road, and the only remaining spare currently filling in for Engine 3, which is out of service due to mechanical problems, the city will be running short on engines for the foreseeable future. The truck shortage comes as renewed scrutiny focuses on the fire department's equipment and replacement program in the wake of Geary's accident, as well as two injuries sustained on spare Ladder 4, which was permanently taken out of service April 25. Local 863 President Fran Capello has charged that the city is not keeping up with routine maintenance and the purchase of new trucks as they are needed.
(Web Link)
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Workers' Comp Measure Gains Panel's Nod
Stamford Advocate (CT) (05/15/07); Lockhart, Brian

A bill enabling fire fighters and police to obtain workers compensation for work-related illnesses is proceeding to a Connecticut General Assembly vote. If passed, municipalities would assume that certain types of cancer, tuberculosis, hepatitis or meningitis were contracted by emergency professionals while on active duty; the bill would also compensate emergency personnel suffering from heart disease or hypertension. Advocates explain that such a bill would prevent families from undergoing long legal battles to obtain benefits. James Kelly, legislative representative for the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association, is pleased by the bill's progress, and notes that, "Our job is more than just fighting fire. And especially, post-9/11, now people, I believe, understand what we are exposed to."
(Web Link)
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Portsmouth, NH: '08 Candidates Seek IAFF Support
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/22/07)

Watch video of 2008 presidential hopefuls who met with leaders from IAFF state associations May 10-11, 2007, in conjunction with the 2007 Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
(Web Link)
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Waterbury Fire Fighter Dies In Two-Fire Truck Collision
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/22/07)

Waterbury, CT Local 1339 Captain John Keane has died following injuries suffered in a collision involving two fire trucks May 19, 2007. Keane, secretary of Local 1339, was a 12-year veteran fire fighter.
(Web Link)
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Chief Goodwin takes a hit in firefighters' vote
Baltimore Sun (05/16/07)

Ninety-five percent of the Baltimore, Maryland, fire fighters who participated in a no-confidence vote on Baltimore's fire chief disapprove of his leadership. Union leaders mailed paper ballots to 1,629 of their members, and said that 53 percent responded. Ninety-five percent -- or 820 -- of those who voted supported the no-confidence measure.
(Web Link)
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HELPS Retirees Act to Include Self-Insured Health Plans
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/18/07)

In a reversal from its previous position, the U.S. Treasury Department has announced that self-insured health plans will be eligible to participate in the Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety (HELPS) Retirees Act. Under the previous interpretation, many fire fighter health plans were not eligible to receive the pre-tax payments under the HELPS program because they do not use an outside insurance company to provide health benefits.
(Web Link)
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Sens. McCain and Obama Fail With Firefighters' Union
The Hill Newspaper (05/10/07); Youngman, Sam

A survey conducted in March by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) found that Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL) did not win over the association during a day of speeches from presidential candidates, according  to IAFF President Harold Schaitberger. The survey determined, however, that Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), former Senator John Edwards (D-NC), and Governor Bill Richardson (D) of New Mexico all rated very well. Schaitberger said that McCain did not have the "passion" the union members wanted, and that Obama was "less on-point on our issues." Schaitberger also noted that Biden and Dodd "connected" with the crowd, while Clinton's presentation was favorably viewed. The survey was performed at the conclusion of the day. IAFF members were asked to evaluate every candidate's speech on overall opinion, how well the candidate would do as president, and whether or not a member would "consider supporting" a candidate, among other questions. The survey's results are the first step in the union's endorsement procedure.
(Web Link)
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House Panel Doubles SAFER Funding
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/18/07)

A House Appropriations Subcommittee has approved legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security, doubling funding for the SAFER grant program. The spending bill, sponsored by Subcommittee Chairman David Price (D-NC), also provides increased funding for the FIRE Act grant program and funds a new interoperable communications grant program. The bill provides $230 million for SAFER grants, doubling the $115 million allocated for 2007. Additionally, the bill provides $570 million for FIRE Act grants, an increase of $23 million over current funding levels.
(Web Link)
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Groundbreaking Agreement Puts Paramedics on Winnipeg Fire Trucks
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/16/07)

A groundbreaking agreement that places fire fighter-paramedics on city fire trucks in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is being hailed as a major boost for public safety in the city and a model for other Canadian cities to follow. Under the landmark agreement, 80 Primary Care fire fighter-paramedics -- who belong to IAFF Local 867, the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) -- are now riding on 11 city fire trucks, a number that will increase to 35 trucks over two years.
(Web Link)
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Safety and Staffing Included In Oregon Collective Bargaining
International Association of Fire Fighters (05/18/07)

Strong lobbying by the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council (OSFFC) has paid off. Beginning in January 2008, fire fighters will be able to negotiate for increased safety and staffing measures. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski signed a bill into law granting fire fighters, police and corrections officers this right.
(Web Link)
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Don't weaken St. Paul fire chief criteria; help people climb
Pioneer Press (05/21/07)

Pushed by a recent independent audit of the fire department and presented with the unexpected opportunity to choose a new fire chief, the St. Paul Fire Department is poised for a new start. D epartment management and fire fighters are working together on a plan that will guide their work for the next two decades. The department's internal committee, made up of department managers and representatives of the two fire fighter unions, is working well, according to Ann Mulholland, chief of staff for Mayor Chris Coleman.
(Web Link)
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Firefighters Keep Watch on Hot Topics
Bluefield Daily Telegraph (05/11/07); Toler, Tammie

Approximately 80 fire fighters attended the annual Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia (PFFWV) convention in Princeton, West Virginia, May 10. Their primary concerns involved safety, pensions and salaries and featured several business meetings intended to prepare for the 2008 legislative session. Brian Jones, president of PFFWV, said the fire fighter's pension fund seems to be insufficiently funded at a state level, compelling local governments to make up for the shortfall or forcing fire fighters to go without adequate pensions. This is despite a $748,038 infusion from September 2005 to September 2006 to the fire and police pension funds. Those funds were derived from a premium 1 percent tax on fire and casualty insurance policies in the state. Steve Broyles, captain of the Princeton Fire Department noted that, "Being part of a union, as fire fighters, we don't have the same rights as other unions to strike or take other action. Conventions like this are how we take care of retirement concerns and work toward safety legislation."
(Web Link)
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Turmoil Lingers Between Virginia Paid and Volunteer Firefighters
The Free Lance Star (05/18/07); Cotter, Meghann

An outside expert will review emergency procedures at a Stafford County, Virginia, house fire in the wake of a conflict between paid and volunteer units responding to the blaze. The review comes amid lingering turmoil between fire and rescue's paid and volunteer workers. Lt. Erick Kling, union president for Stafford County Professional Firefighter's Association, said he is "pleased to know there will be a review of the conduct for the fire that happened on May 15."  
(Web Link)
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California Has Most Female Firefighters in Country
ABC30 Action News (05/15/07); Park, Christine

Women fire fighters are progressing up the ladder in the male-dominated fire service field, though they still must struggle to do so. Progress is evident in California, where more female fire fighters work than in any other state in the nation. In addition, in March 2007, Kate Dargan was appointed California's first female Fire Marshall. Christine Wilson began as a fire fighter in Fresno, but has worked her way up the ranks to arson investigator. For female fire fighters, public perception is one of the biggest barriers. Amber Storey, a Fresno County fire fighter, says she has to prove herself to her peers to gain their respect. Becky Robertson, a recently retired top-ranking fire official, explains that women "learn the politics of it. You learn what you need to do to get along and to move forward and to contribute."
(Web Link)
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Labor unions and conservation groups team up in bid to influence farm policy
The Hill Newspaper (05/17/07); Swanson, Ian and Bogardus, Kevin

The AFL-CIO and other major labor unions for the first time are aiming to influence farm policy by partnering with conservation groups that seek greater funding for programs benefiting hunters and fishers. The bill is creating some strange bedfellows. Budget watchdogs, environmental groups and one of Washington state's largest trade associations, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, have put their weight behind legislation that would change drastically the farm-subsidy system and in turn fund more conservation and nutrition programs across the country. Unions signaled their heavy involvement in the debate for the first time in a May 15 letter to Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. In the letter, the AFL-CIO and 16 other unions endorsed recommendations from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). Other unions signing the letter include the United Steelworkers of America, the International Association of Fire Fighters and the United Mine Workers of America.
(Web Link)
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DHS Awards Over $2 Million to Prevent Fire Death and Injury
Homeland Security Department Documents and Publications (05/11/07)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $2 million to fire departments and fire prevention organizations nationwide. The 29 grants comprise FEMA's second round of Fiscal Year 2006 Fire Prevention and Safety (FPandS) grants, which support two categories of projects. The first category, fire prevention and safety, focuses on averting fire-related injuries to high-risk groups like children, seniors and fire fighters through various educational campaigns. Projects include arson, wildfire and burn prevention, media campaigns and smoke alarm distribution. FPandS also supports studies that seek to improve fire fighter safety and health, such as data collection and analysis, sociological projects, and technology reviews. FPandS also encourages the development of novel solutions to fire prevention.
(Web Link)
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Mayor plans to block scheduled 2008 raises
The Monitor (05/19/07); Roebuck, Jeremy

A vote to repeal collective bargaining rights for the Pharr, Texas, police and fire fighter unions may also cancel future pay increases approved in both groups' current contracts, according to Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios. Pharr residents voted May 12 to halt future contract negotiations between the unions and city representatives. Fire fighter union President Matthew Garcia argues the vote to repeal collective bargaining rights should have no effect on contracts already approved by the City Commission.
(Web Link)
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Aurora Fire Chief Retires After CBS4 Investigation
CBS4 Denver

Aurora, Colorado Fire Chief Casey Jones is retiring as of May 11, two weeks after the city suspended him in the face of evidence he was playing golf on city time and accusations he had an affair with a subordinate.
(Web Link)
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Firefighters Battle a Silent Killer
South Bend Tribune (IN)(05/10/07); Cheatham, Kelli

A new study reveals that heart disease causes nearly 50 percent of all fire fighter deaths, making heart disease the number one killer of fire fighters. Moreover, during a fire, a fire fighter's risk of cardiac death is 10 times to 100 times higher. To battle heart disease, several fire departments have established fitness programs. For example, the Clay Township (Indiana) Fire Department has 80 percent enrollment in its program, and a certified fitness trainer available during every shift. A nutritionist is also working with the fire professionals to improve their eating habits. According to physician's assistant Carrie Barbus, major risk factors include a family history of heart disease, hypertension, smoking and smokeless tobacco.
(Web Link)
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New Burglar Alarms a Hazard to Responders
Fire Chief (05/07)

Some fire fighters are concerned about a new type of security system that releases thick smoke to thwart trespassers. The idea behind the system is that by creating a blinding smoke screen, a fire alarm would be activated that triggers a fire department response. The International Fire Code forbids the use of these systems, and the National Fire Protection Association 101 Safety to Life standard has provisions that prohibit anything from impeding escape from a building. "In essence, a complement of 15 to 20 fire fighters is sent to a report of smoke in a building, but when they arrive, they have a burglary in progress with a perpetrator who may be armed at worst and disoriented and confused at best," says International Association of Fire Chiefs President Jim Harmes. "The entire fire response lends itself to multiple situations where a fire fighter or citizen can lose their lives, all because a burglar alarm was activated, generating a false fire alarm response."
(Web Link)
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Bravest Hike Is Hot $tuff
New York Post (05/11/05)

Probationary fire fighters are getting a huge pay hike -- up to $36,400 a year -- under a newly ratified contract that puts their salary well above their rookie police counterparts. "This is far and away the best contract negotiated by any municipal labor union with this city in this current round of bargaining," said Steven Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of New York Local 94.
(Web Link)
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