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.
 

"Retired Montana Fire Fighter Elected as State House Speaker" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Iowa Fire Fighter Re-elected in Recount" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Stockton Fire Fighters Offer Pay Cut to Help Budget" (News 10)
"Fire Union Votes to Sacrifice Day of Pay" (Arizona Republic)
"Arizona Local Settles First Contract With City" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"Oklahoma Leader and Pioneer Dies" (International Association of Fire Fighters)
"More Fire Protection Is Major Issue in Contract Negotiations" (Chillicothe Gazette)
"Firefighter's Deadly Cancer Was Work-Related: WorkSafeBC" (Vancouver Sun (Canada))
"Detroit Firefighter Dies in Early Blaze" (Detroit Free Press (MI))
"Thousands of Cops and Firefighters Gathered at Jamel Sears' Funeral" (New York Daily News)
"Raises Awarded to Fire Fighters" (Times Leader)
"Firefighters Back Fired Chief" (Lake Sun Leader)
"Sparks Fly Over Future Of Uniontown Fire Fighters" (WPXI (Pittsburgh))
"Firefighters: Nutter Reversing Course" (The Bulletin)
"Iowa Suit Aims to Stop Deceptive Charity Marketing Practices" (Des Moines Register)
"Fire Fighters Remembered 40 Years After Their Deaths" (Kansas Channel 33)
"Jefferson Fire Fighters Sue Over Release Of Data" (WDSU)
"New Fire Station Opens at Site of Worcester Tragedy" (Boston Globe)
"Will Atlanta Furlough Fire Fighters?" (WSB News)
"Louisville Wants to Change Firefighter Pay" (Louisville Courier Journal (KY))
"Tribal Firefighters 'Commit' to Union Effort" (TheDay.com)

Retired Montana Fire Fighter Elected as State House Speaker
International Association of Fire Fighters (11/21/08)

When retired member of Harve, MT Local 601 Bob Bergren takes his position as Montana Speaker of the House on January 5, 2009, he will be the first IAFF member to hold the position of Speaker. IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger has long emphasized the importance of electing fire fighters to office. "In these uncertain economic times especially, we need to have political office holders who will work to protect fire fighters and public safety resources," says Schaitberger. "There's no better way than to elect our own." Bergren says, "I am very humbled to be elected to this position." 
(Web Link)
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Iowa Fire Fighter Re-elected in Recount
International Association of Fire Fighters (11/24/08)

There were many close races in the 2008 elections, including the re-election campaign of Iowa State Senator Jeff Danielson (D), a Cedar Falls, IA Local 1366 fire fighter. A recount confirmed today that Danielson has defeated his challenger, Walt Rogers, by 22 votes. The recount results also confirm that Danielson will serve as president pro tem of the Iowa State Senate, the number-three leadership post in the state senate. "There is nothing better than having one of our own in a high position of influence," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "Danielson has fought hard for Iowa fire fighters and I know after today's victory, he will continue to do so."
(Web Link)
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Stockton Fire Fighters Offer Pay Cut to Help Budget
News 10 (11/21/08)

It's just not the type of offer you hear these days: someone willing to take less money for the work they do. But that's what Stockton fire fighters have offered as the city tries to solve it's $23 million deficit. "This is an actual pay cut. We have a deal out there to save the city $10.3 million," said firefighter and union representative Dave Macedo. Macedo said union members will vote on giving back a 3.6 percent pay increase that began over the summer. He was confident the offer will be accepted because the alternative (equipment and personnel cuts) wasn't popular.
(Web Link)
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Fire Union Votes to Sacrifice Day of Pay
Arizona Republic (11/21/08); Walsh, Jim

Mesa fire fighters are willing to sacrifice at least one day's pay a year to save the city enough money to avoid cutbacks in fire engines. Members of two shifts of United Mesa Firefighters Association members, along with civilian employees, voted unanimously to sacrifice pay, said Bryan Jeffries, the association's president. "It shows the community's safety always comes first. They are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to maintain that safety," he said.  
(Web Link)
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Arizona Local Settles First Contract With City
International Association of Fire Fighters (11/24/08)

After re-gaining its meet and confer rights earlier this year, Maricopa, AZ Local 4561 has recently negotiated its first contract with the City. The contract makes provisions for improved wages, benefits and working conditions. "It was no easy task coming to an agreement, but this contract is fair and will give fire fighters the same security they had with the fire district," says Richard Jackson, president of Local 4561.
(Web Link)
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Oklahoma Leader and Pioneer Dies
International Association of Fire Fighters (11/13/08)

The IAFF regrets to report the death of Thomas Jefferson Riddle Jr. Riddle, 79, died November 12. A former president of Oklahoma City, OK Local 157 and the Professional Fire Fighters of Oklahoma (PFFO), Riddle will be remembered as a leader, mentor and labor-movement pioneer. IAFF 11th District Vice President Sandy McGhee remembers, "Tom Riddle taught me a long time ago that if you are a fire fighter in trouble, no matter what kind of trouble, he was your friend. "Thanks to Riddle, 77 IAFF locals in Oklahoma have collective bargaining," says Rick Beams, president of the PFFO. "Since then, the PFFO has worked hard to ensure those bargaining agreements are honored. But we owe more than just our bargaining rights to Riddle. We have relied heavily on his direction over the years and we will be lost without him for a while." 
(Web Link)
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More Fire Protection Is Major Issue in Contract Negotiations
Chillicothe Gazette (11/16/08); Genson, Loren and Phillips, Ashley

In a fire or medical emergency, does the current staffing within the Chillicothe Fire Department adequately protect residents in the city? Should the city administration agree to raise minimum staffing requirements on each fire department shift? In tight economic times, can the city afford to pay for an increase in minimum staffing and, if necessary, would voters support an attempt at a safety services levy to boost staffing? These are all questions likely to arise when the city and International Association of Firefighters Local 300 return to the bargaining table early next year to begin work on a new contract. At stake, according to the union, ultimately is the safety of Chillicothe residents. But the answers to those questions -- particularly during a tough economic downturn and with more challenges on the horizon -- aren't easy to find.
(Web Link)
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Firefighter's Deadly Cancer Was Work-Related: WorkSafeBC
Vancouver Sun (Canada) (11/20/08); O'Brian, Amy

WorkSafeBC has accepted that Surrey fire fighter Patrick Glendinning's esophageal cancer was work-related two weeks before his death, and his family, friends and colleagues hope that his case will bolster fire fighters' wish to have British Columbia recognize esophageal cancer as a job-related disease. "It should add to our science and our history, and I hope it would aid our claim," stated British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association President Michael Hurley. Eight cancers are currently acknowledged by the province to be occupational diseases consistent with long-term exposure to the toxins and chemicals associated with fire fighting, and Hurley and his colleagues would like to see esophageal cancer and lung cancer in non-smokers awarded the same status. Once an illness or condition is added to the list, it becomes WorkSafeBC's responsibility to prove why a sick fire fighter should not qualify for compensation, rather than the fire fighter's responsibility to prove his eligibility. Hurley said the process is underway in British Columbia to have esophageal cancer listed as an occupational hazard of fire fighting, noting that Ontario already recognizes the disease as such and Manitoba will soon acknowledge it as well.

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Detroit Firefighter Dies in Early Blaze
Detroit Free Press (MI) (11/15/08); McGraw, Bill

Walter Harris, a fire fighter in Detroit, died on November 15 after being injured by a collapsed roof in a vacant building. Officials say the fire that Harris battled in east Detroit was set deliberately. Four other fire fighters were hospitalized but later released. Harris worked for the Detroit Fire Department for 17 years. He was slated to become sergeant within weeks and had responded to thousands of fires during his career. Unlike some other departments, it is customary for Detroit crews to storm burning houses. The heavy wood from the ceiling trapped Harris face down on the floor. His colleagues used their hands, saws and tools to extricate Harris.
(Web Link)
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Thousands of Cops and Firefighters Gathered at Jamel Sears' Funeral
New York Daily News (11/19/08); O'Shaughnessy, Patrice

Thousands of fire fighters, police officers and family members attended the funeral of probationary fire fighter Jamel Sears on November 18. Sears collapsed at the New York Fire Academy on November 10 and died the next day. The 33-year-old is the first FDNY probationary fire fighter to die while in training. The cause of death has not yet been determined. Sears was a life-long resident of the Bronx, joining the FDNY after serving in the U.S. Navy. Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke at the funeral and described sears as "compassionate, dedicated, fearless."
(Web Link)
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Raises Awarded to Fire Fighters
Times Leader (11/25/08); O'Boyle, Bill

An arbitration panel has awarded the city fire fighters union a seven-year contract that calls for a 3 percent pay hike every six months through 2014. Mayor Chris Doherty said the decision will be overturned on appeal. Attorney Thomas W. Jennings, counsel for the 150-member Firefighters Local 60, said the mayor is wrong and said it is regrettable the litigation is continuing. Dave Gervasi, vice president of Local 60, said the courts will have to decide the case.
(Web Link)
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Firefighters Back Fired Chief
Lake Sun Leader (11/14/08); Miller, Joyce

In early November, Jeff Dorhauer was dismissed from his post as Osage Beach (Missouri) Fire Protection District Chief. The firing appears to be linked to a dispute over budget issues and the district's handling of them. Many paid fire fighters support Dorhauer and want him reinstated. Dorhauer was fired after a recent executive session took place that was called by two board members. A third member, Tom Kasmarzik, left the executive session and eventually resigned. Kasmarzik asserts that Dorhauer did nothing wrong and sought only to benefit the district.
(Web Link)
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Sparks Fly Over Future Of Uniontown Fire Fighters
WPXI Pittsburgh (11/22/08)

Fire fighters were trying to get their jobs back amidst budget troubles and threats of tax increases in Uniontown. Due to a city deficit of nearly $1.3 million, the mayor laid off a total of 41 city employees. Six of them were fire fighters.
(Web Link)
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Firefighters: Nutter Reversing Course
The Bulletin (11/13/08); Tremoglie, Michael P.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter’s proposed cuts to the fire department budget are leaving fire fighters feeling betrayed, because Nutter fought against similar cuts when he served as a city councilman in 2004. "We're disappointed in the mayor. He did not include us in the process," says Dave Kearney, recording secretary of Philadelphia, PA Local 22. Nutter met with Local 22 President Brian McBride in early November to discuss the budget cuts and assured him there would be no layoffs, the Local said in a statement. Nutter will be closing several Engine and Ladder companies and eliminating 148 vacant positions, but while Nutter has said that firehouses will not close, Kearney points out that companies in those firehouses will close and Nutter’s comments are therefore deceptive. The reductions will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the affected firehouses and are therefore “life-threatening,” Kearney says.
(Web Link)
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Iowa Suit Aims to Stop Deceptive Charity Marketing Practices
Des Moines Register (11/14/08); Rood, Lee

An Arizona fundraising company used ex-felons to solicit donations on behalf of Iowa narcotics officers and families of missing children, then misled donors to believe the money would go to the organizations, according to a lawsuit filed by the Iowa Attorney General's Office. Company telemarketers will no longer lead would-be donors to believe they are members of charitable organizations, such as the Firefighters Charitable Foundation of Farmingdale, New York.
(Web Link)
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Fire Fighters Remembered 40 Years After Their Deaths
Kansas Channel 33 (11/20/08); Cornish, Roger

Wichita got a tragic reminder 40-years-ago how dangerous a job can be for those serving in uniform. During the evening of November 21, 1968, a small fire started at the Yingling Chevrolet dealership. Employees took time to move cars out of the building before calling the fire department. It would prove to be a deadly delay. Wichita Fire Chief Tom McGaughey and three others were among the fire fighters to respond. Retired Battalion Chief Ed Bennett says, "They were actually standing in the middle of that sales floor area, they were discussing the need to pull the ceiling down, and it caved it. Just like that." Chief McGaughey was killed along with inspector Merril Wells, and fire fighters Jimmy Austin and Dale Mishler.
(Web Link)
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Jefferson Fire Fighters Sue Over Release Of Data
WDSU (11/17/08)

Attorneys representing the union for hundreds of Jefferson Parish fire fighters filed a lawsuit alleging the parish and a public relations firm violated the privacy of union members by publishing personal information. The lawsuit is the newest salvo in an escalating conflict focused on pay and benefits in the East Bank Consolidated Fire Department. In an effort to demonstrate the need for the restructuring, the parish and its public relations contractor, The Ehrhardt Group, developed a web site making the case for the parish. At one point, the web site published both the Social Security numbers and incomes of top-paid fire fighters.
(Web Link)
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New Fire Station Opens at Site of Worcester Tragedy
Boston Globe (11/20/08); Foskett Jr., Steven H.

On December 3, 1999, six fire fighters died in a fire at the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co., in Worcester, Massachusetts. The damaged site was subsequently cleared, and a new firehouse was built there by the city. November 19 marked the official unveiling of the new 15,000-square-foot, three-bay station, where 68 fire fighters will work. Frank Raffa, president of Worcester, MA Local 1009, noted that the station took a long time to complete, but honors the memory of the six fallen fire fighters. "This is a great tribute, this is a new beginning," Raffa said.
(Web Link)
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Will Atlanta Furlough Fire Fighters?
WSB News (11/19/08); Lewis, Jon

The city of Atlanta is in the midst of a budget crunch and public safety may be a victim of the numbers. The city is looking at ways to save money and has not ruled out fire fighter furloughs or closing fire stations. The idea drew criticism from residents at a public meeting in southwest Atlanta.
(Web Link)
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Louisville Wants to Change Firefighter Pay
Louisville Courier Journal (KY) (11/20/08); Halladay, Jessie

Louisville, Kentucky, metro government has decided to cease handling state incentive pay for fire fighters after an unfavorable ruling in the state Supreme Court, and union representatives for Louisville fire fighters call this a form of retribution. A spokesman for Mayor Jerry Abramson said Louisville taxpayers will save $1 million annually, which is how much the metro government thinks it will cost, at minimum, to pay overtime on the $3,100 in incentive pay the state apportions to each fire fighter per year. Louisville's fire fighters average 56 hours a week because they work shifts of 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off, and the fire fighters argue that the city needs to compute overtime pay based on a 40-hour work week and incorporate income from the state training incentive, longevity and bonuses into their base pay. This contention has been the subject of an eight-year court battle that the Kentucky Supreme Court concluded with a decision favoring the fire fighters. The incentive pay will not be included in paychecks starting December 1, and Abramson's spokesman says the city would rather have fire fighters receive the incentive through a direct payment by the state. Louisville, KY Local 345 President Craig Willman says there is no existing mechanism to pay the incentive directly to fire fighters.
(Web Link)
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Tribal Firefighters 'Commit' to Union Effort
TheDay.com (11/20/08); Hallenbeck, Brian

Paid fire fighters with the Mashantucket Pequot Fire Department in Connecticut have launched a process that could enable union membership. The fire fighters filled out "commitment cards" in mid-November to show their interest in joining the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut (UPFFA), according to people familiar with department matters. The move was prompted by fire fighters' concerns about staffing, job descriptions and scheduling, the sources said. As of November 19, it was unclear whether UPFFA had received the commitment cards. It is expected that once the union receives the cards, it will start organizing an official vote among the fire fighters. The Mashantucket Pequot Fire Department largely serves the tribe-owned Foxwoods Resort Casino. The department's roster includes 25 fire fighters who work four shifts under a captain. In the past, eight men were placed on each shift, but that number has been reduced to five, according to a source, who added, "that's not safe for those of us working, residents or guests [of Foxwoods]."
(Web Link)
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