Funding & Staffing

“We Never Had A Fire” A Moving Video by the Redwood City Firefighters

Check out this superbly done video by the Redwood City, CA Firefighters. If this video doesn't send chills up your back you simply don't get it. If not for anything else, this is a great marketing tool that other fire departments might think about doing. Connect with people who you have had an affect on. Reach out to them and ask for their help in telling their story. After all, most people don't have a clue what we do on a regular basis....and most of the people we help never have fires either.

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Madison Firefighters Lead the Way in the Fight Against Union Busting

The measure had been moving quickly through the Wisconsin state legislature on its way to Governor Walker’s desk. Despite several attempts to amend the bill, it sailed through the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee in a 12-4 vote. Governor Walker has indicated that he wants the budget bill signed into law by February 22 before he begins work on the next year’s budget. IAFF 5th District Vice President Joe Conway says he expects more attacks on public sector unions in the next budget proposal as well.

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When Will They Learn What We Already Know About Firefighting?

Watch this video on a couple of fires. The story from Ipswich really hits home. Firefighter Rick Smith tells the story of pulling up to a fire by himself on a half million dollar fire truck that seats 6. 3 people died. I can't even imagine what that was like. I don't want to experience it. I don't want others to experience it...and the public deserves better.

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3 Banger in VA, Pension Attacks, Albuquerque Helmet Stickers, Austin Applicant Issues, and More

3 banger in Alexandria, helmet sticker controversy in Albuquerque, application woes in Austin, fire service product reviews, the Firemom weighs in on Ohio Senate Bill 5, Hosed humor on volunteer firefighters, bonus fire footage from Westerly, Rhode Island,firefighter fired after stealing, and Ed Schultz and Harold Schaitberger weigh in on firefighter pension attacks....check it out!

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Firefighter Applicants Disqualified After Inability to Follow Directions

While there is probably little the applicants can do in this situation, if indeed they were not notified until showing up or already on their way the fault lays in the lap of the Fire Department. This is something that should have been addressed way before tickets were bought or travel arrangements were made. If they were told they were welcome to take the test, the door should not have been shut in their face.

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The IAFF and MSNBC’s ED Schultz Take a Stand Against Attacks on Firefighters Pensions.

Unless you live under a rock, you should know by now that firefighters pensions are under attack. This is just the newest attack on firefighters. Not that all the others have gone away...that is far from the truth. Firefighters are still battling staffing cuts, pay cuts, rolling brownouts, increased employee contributions to pensions, decreased funding, increased insurance costs, station closures, and much more...yet our phone number (911) is still the number that anyone and everyone calls when they need help.

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Coverage of the Chicago LODD's and 9/11 Health Bill

Today is very bitter... Chicago Firefighters are joined by firefighters everywhere as we mourn the death of Firefighters Corey Ankum and Edward Stringer. These deaths occur on the anniversary of two other very well known LODD fires. Today is also very sweet... Many firefighters are rejoicing with the passing of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

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Update: James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act Passes Senate

There is speculation on why it passed through the Senate after having been shot down just days ago. Some people think it might have something to do with The Daily Show's Jon Stewart's hilarious political jabs at the Republicans who filibustered the bill. It really makes you wonder what the catalyst was. After all, the bill was rewritten removing over $2 billion in cost. Republicans have caught a bad rap on the whole deal...maybe they realized how damaging the bad press could get. Then again, maybe the nay sayers just did the right thing...we may never know.

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