Tag Archives: International Association of Fire Fighters

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.

The interesting thing is the comments both on Statter911 and youtube. While most firefighters have enjoyed the parody, some have been throwing around the career (and/or IAFF) vs. volunteer firefighter argument. As for me, I think it is hilarious and some or most of it is probably true in some parts of the Nation. Even if the truth behind the humor only represents a small percentage of volunteers out there...and yes, paid firefighters can act like idiots too (but this show isn't about them).

Before dying of cancer at just 45 a week and a half ago, Matt Durham helped plan his own formal line-of-duty memorial service, according to one of his fellow Woodinville Fire and Rescue firefighters speaking at that service today. “I want to do it for the boys,” Battalion Chief Greg Ahearn quoted Matt as saying – so that his young sons would see the support and the love showed by their father’s firefighter family, as well as that of their own relatives and friends.

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.

Apparently, Harold Schaitberger has the National Right To Work Committee (NRTWC) shaking in their penny loafers. The committee, who is vehemently against the IAFF, has just posted a video to YouTube showing their disdain for Schaitberger, the IAFF, and the ...