Tag Archives: IAFF

Can Philadelphia afford to continue cutbacks in the fire department? Yeah, Philly doesn't need firefighters. Hell, the City might as well continue to cut positions, brownout, and close stations. I don't see any need in them....then again, check out these two 5 alarm fires within 24 hours of each other and ask yourself that question again. There were around 150 firefighters on scene of each of these fires... I doubt even this could open some of the council member's eyes!

IAFF General President Harold Shaitberger weighs in on the Holidays, the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and the Recent LODD's in Chicago.

What if there was something on the fireground killing firefighters that you cannot see, you cannot feel, you cannot smell, and you cannot hear. What if I told that that it could increase your chances of a heart attack and/or stroke even up to 72 hours AFTER you leave the fireground AND your exposure to it happens after MOST of the danger on the fireground is over. What if I told you that it can kill you immediately.

This morning, I was checking out FiregroundVideo.com (another site I run that is auto-fed youtube videos on fire service topics). One video caught my eye about dancing firefighters. I watched it and it led me to Fashion on Fire (FashiononFire.com). Fashion on Fire is a charity event hosted by the Edmonton Firefighters. All I can say is WOW! These guys really know how to raise money, have fun, and entertain the crowd. These guys have obviously put a lot of time and effort into this event, choreographing, and practicing.

Philadelphia paramedics are getting the boot from the State Labor Relations Board. The paramedics will no longer be allowed to be members of the Philadelphia Firefighters Union Local 22 because they are not cross-trained in firefighting.

What Union will they join? The IAFF? I don't think the IAFF will be happy with firefighters being paid w/o benefits! After all, the IAFF does not support volunteer firefighters...with the exception of the two hatters who are career firefighters and volunteer firefighters. What will the Union contract say? Will they soon be more like "paid" firefighters instead of "volunteer" firefighters?

The Boston Local is on to something....I promise you that! What I recommend is your Local/Department/Crew doing the same thing. Oh, and one other thing...there should be a backlog of every Boston Firefighter waiting for their mug and info to show up on FireFightTheSmears.com!!!!

These organizations were formed for a common goal, agenda, or purpose. They were built by firefighters, EMT's, and other public safety members. Many of them don't have any full time employees and rely on members volunteering their time to "work" for the organization. Even the organizations which do employ full time staff, they thrive off of volunteers to keep the organization moving. They cannot afford to pay everyone for their positions and utilize members who are passionate about their cause.

IAFF Local 341’s slideshow of Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial ceremony on Sept. 19, 2009. With the Pipes playing of course!

Check out these videos of Pipes and Drums at the 2009 IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event was held yesterday. Man do I love the Pipes and Drums. Enjoy…