IAFF members are twice as likely as the general population to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring addictions. That’s why a treatment center specifically for the fire service is more important now than ever before. The IAFF Center of Excellence provides evidence-based care for addiction and co-occurring disorders, including PTSD, anxiety and depression. Through an ess...

by Matthew Lopez, Election Chair - First, I would like to thank the members of the committee who came out this afternoon to assist in validating, sorting and counting the over 1,000 ballots received for the 2017 Battalion Representative Election.   The members who deserve special recognition are: John Harris, Clayton "Smoke" Thompson, Kendall Thompson, Tim Walker, Richie  Cunningham...

IAFF LODD - Robert Rosenlund,  L0018, Vancouver, BC - It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain Robert Rosenlund of IAFF District 6 Local 18, Vancouver, BC. Brother Rosenlund, 53, passed away on April 7, 2017 from colon cancer. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, 969 Burrad Street, Vancouve...

IAFF NEWS - After a sustained campaign by the IAFF, and pursuant to passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will study the potential risks of certain flame retardants to human health and the environment. Specifically, the EPA will include flame retardants in the Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster as one of th...

IAFF LODD - Arthur O. Peters, II, L0414, Kenosha, WI - It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Apparatus Operator Arthur Otto Peters, II of IAFF District 5 Local 414, Kenosha, WI. Brother Peters, 57, passed away on April 9, 2017 from throat cancer. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017, at the Marina Shores, 302-58th Street (phone 262-675-1166) from 10:...

IAFF NEWS - Legislation to reauthorize the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE Act) grant programs was introduced this week in the U.S. Senate. S. 829, sponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tom Carper (D-DE), would extend the authorization for the both programs through 2023. SAFER and FIRE ar...

IAFF LODD - James Jablonsky, L3531, Polk County, FL - It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain James Jablonsky of IAFF District 12 Local 3531, Polk City, FL. Brother Jablonsky, 54, passed away from colon cancer on April 6, 2017. The visitation will take place from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, Thursday, April 13, 2017 at NorthRidge Church, 2250 SR 17, South, Haines Cit...

IAFF LODD - Charles R. Gentilcore, L1664, Montgomery County, MD - It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Charles R. Gentilcore of IAFF Local 1664, Montgomery County, MD. Brother Gentilcore, 52, passed away on April 7, 2017 of cardiac arrest. The viewing will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Hom...

IAFF LODD - Timothy Anderson, L0522, Sacramento, CA - It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain Timothy Anderson of IAFF Local 522, Sacramento, CA. Brother Anderson, 39, passed away from cancer on April 4, 2017. The funeral will be held on April 18, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Divine Savior Church, 9079 Greenback Lane, Orangevale, CA 95662; phone 916-989-7400. Ex...

IAFF NEWS -  Tragedy and trauma are an everyday reality for fire fighters and paramedics, and can lead to behavioral health issues, including addiction, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. A host of additional behavioral health issues can also emerge, including anxiety, depression and even suicide. You Are Not Alone - Help Is Here The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral H...

IAFF NEWS - 2017 IAFF Media Awards Contest Now Open!   1) Bragging Rights. Everyone loves a winner. Submit your best work in communicating with your members, elected leaders and the public - you could win an IAFF Media Award and be recognized among the best in the IAFF.   2) Tell Your Story. The Media Awards contest is a great way to share your story about the work IAFF members do in you...

IAFF NEWS - The tradition of collecting for MDA in North Providence, Rhode Island, two weeks before Labor Day pre-dates John Laurie’s career.   Now president of North Providence Local 2334, Laurie says local members were filling the boot well before he joined the fire service 28 years ago, and continue to this day in droves and with a level of enthusiasm and efficiency the community has come ...

Fairfax, VA -  One man’s trash is another one’s treasure, but for fire fighters, too much of it packed into a home will turn all of it into dangerous fuel for active fires.   “Fire fighters are increasingly battling fires made vastly more hazardous by hoarding,” says John Niemiec, President of Fairfax County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics. Hoarders collect and keep large...

The IAFF  welcomes the federal government’s announcement of $80 million for a national Community Heroes benefit for the families of Canada’s fallen fire fighters and other public safety officers. The announcement, made March 22 in Ottawa, is the culmination of a longstanding IAFF lobby for a public safety officer compensation ( PSOC ) benefit. The IAFF commends Prime Minister Justin Trud...

IAFF LODD - Anthony Spano, L1710, Chicopee, MA - It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Anthony Spano of IAFF Local 1710, Chicopee, MA. Brother Spano, 47, passed away on March 30, 2017 from a heart attack. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Cierpial Funeral Home, 67 East Street, Chicopee MA, 01020; phone 4...