Current news directly from IAFF locals, councils, and state/province associations in the US and Canada.

Ypsilanti officials remain split on denial of public presentation against hybrid safety department 05/23/13 - Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union May 23, 2013: Ypsilanti City Council members remain divided by a decision to not allow firefighters and state fire officials make a public presentation against the creation of a hybrid police and fire department. The issue was brought back into the spotlight after Ypsilanti Fire Union President Ken Hobbs spoke during council's Tuesday public participation portion of the meeting.

HELP IAFF MEMBERS DEVASTATED BY TORNADOS 05/23/13 - Professional Firefighters of Maine HELP IAFF MEMBERS DEVASTATED BY TORNADOS To make a $10 donation, text DISASTER to 50555* or click the donate now button to make an online donation More than 500 IAFF members are located in the path of the massive tornados that devastated Moore, Oklahoma and a number of other Oklahoma cities, as well as several communities in Kansas.

This is a letter written by the wife of a Firefighter, asking the simple question, 'What is a Firefighter worth?' This letter is a must read, please take the time to read this letter and share it with everyone you know. 05/23/13 - IAFF Local 772 What is a firefighter worth? There has been so much talk recently about things like containing costs, lowering taxes, and those who work in public safety being overpaid - particularly firefighters - that it could make your head spin. We've all done the "simple math," crunched the numbers, and it all seems to boil down to a simple question. What are firefighters worth.

MAY 28th Union Meeting 05/22/13 - IAFF Local 3598 REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING NOTICE To: Gurnee Firefighters Local 3598 Members From: Jeremy Hagstrom Date: Tuesday May 28th, 2013 (BLACK Shift) Time: 7:00 P.M. Location: Holiday Inn ***NO BREAKFAST RECAP***.

Fire department gets side scan sonar training 05/22/13 - Medicine Hat Fire Fighters Association Local 263 Black laser Learning® conducted an intensive two-day side scan sonar training for the Medicine Hat Fire Department on May 21 & 22, 2013. Company owner Vince Capone from Delaware is a 30-year diver and 20-year ROV pilot, has over 22 years of commercial/military/Homeland Security side scan experience in most every environment with all types of sonars.

Tornado Disaster Relief 05/22/13 - Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters To make a $10 donation, text DISASTER to 50555* Click donate now to make an online donation More than 500 IAFF members are located in the path of the massive tornados that devastated Moore, Oklahoma and a number of other Oklahoma cities, as well as several communities in Kansas.

What Is A Firefighter Worth? 05/22/13 - IAFF local 613

What is a Firefighter Worth? Must read 05/22/13 - BFFA 3044 What is a firefighter worth? There has been so much talk recently about things like containing costs, lowering taxes, and those who work in public safety being overpaid - particularly firefighters - that it could make your head spin. We've all done the "simple math," crunched the numbers, and it all seems to boil down to a simple question. What are firefighters worth.

Tornado Disaster Relief 05/22/13 - IAFF Local 801 Tornado Disaster Relief To make a $10 donation, text DISASTER to 50555* Click donate now to make an online donation More than 500 IAFF members are located in the path of the massive tornados that devastated Moore, Oklahoma and a number of other Oklahoma cities, as well as several communities in Kansas.

Tornado Disaster Relief 05/22/13 - UPFFA Tornado Disaster Relief To make a $10 donation, text DISASTER to 50555* Click donate now to make an online donation More than 500 IAFF members are located in the path of the massive tornados that devastated Moore, Oklahoma and a number of other Oklahoma cities, as well as several communities in Kansas.

MDA Boot Drive - June 8th 05/22/13 - Nashua Fire Fighters Union June 8th 9:30 - 1:30 DW Highway at Spitbrook Road Please bring a Boot, Vest, and Smile.

Honoring a Fallen Soldier 05/22/13 - IAFF Local 2647   Used by permission from Iberkshires.com http://www.iberkshires.com/story/44047/Hundreds-Line-Pittsfield-Streets-to-Mourn-Fallen-Soldier.html         Hundreds Line Pittsfield Streets to Mourn Fallen Soldier By Andy McKeever iBerkshires Staff 04:00PM / Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Army Spec.

Oklahoma Tornadoes 05/22/13 - Billerica Firefighters All those affected by the tornadoes have been in the thoughts and prayers of the Billerica Firefighters Local 1495. Specifically, Dennis Grove of Moore, Oklahoma. Dennis is an instructor for the IAFF and has conducted training for the Billerica Fire Department in the areas of Confined Space Rescue and Hazardous Materials.

IAFF Tornado Disaster Relief 05/22/13 - Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire IAFF Tornado Disaster Relief To make a $10 donation, text DISASTER to 50555* Click here to make an online donation More than 500 IAFF members are located in the path of the massive tornados that devastated Moore, Oklahoma and a number of other Oklahoma cities, as well as several communities in Kansas.

IAFF Disaster Relief Fund 05/22/13 - Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters To make a $10 donation, text DISASTER to 50555* Click donate now to make an online donation More than 500 IAFF members are located in the path of the massive tornados that devastated Moore, Oklahoma and a number of other Oklahoma cities, as well as several communities in Kansas.

IAFF response to deadly tornado outbreak in Oklahoma 05/22/13 - P F F P N C   Here is an update regarding the IAFF response to the deadly tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. To start with, first responders are being asked not to self-dispatch themselves to Oklahoma. You will only be turned away. There are enough fire fighters on scene to handle the job. Assessments are still being made as to how many members are affected and what they will need.

Local 31 LODD 05/22/13 - IAFF 3711 It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that we have lost Brother Albert Nehmeh on the line of duty.  Albert, who worked for Tacoma, was working a code when he himself went into cardiac arrest.  Albert later passed away.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.  The memorial service will be Friday May 31st, 2013 at 1300.

Welcome Brother Grytdal 05/22/13 - IAFF 3711 Through a cooperative effort between the Local and the District our long time mechanic, Mike Grytdal, has been reclassified to a Firefighter/Maintenance Technician.  Mike is now a proud member of Local 3711.

DEATH NOTICE 05/22/13 - Cambridge Fire Fighters We regret to inform you of the death of   Firefighter Timothy C. Latson Jr.; Engine Co. 8, Retired   Visiting Hours Friday May 24, 2013 1700 to 2000 hours Davis Funeral Home 89 Walnut Avenue Roxbury, MA   Funeral Service Saturday May 25, 2013 1000 hours St.

Orr: 6 weeks to gauge whether Detroit can be fixed outside bankruptcy court 05/21/13 - Paul Hufnagel Sounding at once hopeful and deadly serious about the city he’s trying to turn around, emergency manager Kevyn Orr said Monday he’ll know in as soon as six weeks — after good-faith talks with creditors, unions and others — whether Detroit’s financial meltdown can be resolved outside of a municipal bankruptcy.

Oklahoma disaster 05/21/13 - IAFF Local 1014 Oklahoma Tornado Disaster Relief How can we help? To make a $10 donation, text DISASTER to 50555* Yesterday we watched on the news the loss of life and property, those precious things we are sworn to protect, destroyed in Oklahoma. The sad news is at least 24 people, including nine children, were killed, according to the Oklahoma state medical examiner's office.

What bankruptcy looks like: Lessons for Detroit from California | Bridge Magazine 05/21/13 - Paul Hufnagel Here in Stockton, the standard postcards show a palm-lined City Center, without revealing that under those palm trees, the homeless sometimes outnumber the homed.

Saginaw grapples with proposed public safety cuts; to reconsider city budget next week 05/21/13 - Paul Hufnagel SAGINAW, MI — In a tie vote Monday, May 20, Saginaw City Council resolved not to pass a budget that would result in deep cuts to public safety staffing for the fiscal year starting July 1.

Police officers, firefighters spared cuts in 2014 Flint budget that eliminates 27 jobs 05/21/13 - Paul Hufnagel FLINT, MI – Police and firefighters are spared the budget-cutting ax in a 2014 budget that lays off fewer than 30 city workers. Flint officials detailed the balanced budget for the Flint City Council on Monday, May 20.

Volunteers 05/21/13 - Laredo Fire Fighters Hello members, The Local is asking for members(and spouses/families, if they wish to participate) who want to volunteer in helping to organize and plan our 2nd Annual Family Picnic.  They will be involved in organizing and running this event.

Memorial For Brother Albert A. Nejmeh 05/21/13 - Pierce County Professional Fire Fighters

LODD Memorial Service 05/21/13 - IAFF Local 1296 Line-of-Duty Death It is with great sorrow that WSCFF and IAFF Local 31 Tacoma report the Line-of-Duty death of Albert A. Nejmeh. Tacoma Firefighter Al Nejmeh died in the line of duty of a heart attack the evening of May 14, 2013. Al passed away while performing CPR on a citizen of Tacoma. Al served faithfully on Tacoma Fire Department Ladder 2 since January of 2001.

URGENT NEED TO CONTACT YOUR SENATORS 05/21/13 - IAFF Somerville Fire Local 76

Do you have a CalPERS Long-term Care Policy? 05/21/13 - Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Do you have a CalPERS Long-Term Care Policy? In October of 2012, the CalPERS Board of Administration approved an 85% premium increase to be spread over two years (2015 and 2016), for some, but not all Long Term-Care policies. The first deadline for making changes to a CalPERS Long-Term care policy is May 29, 2013.

Al Nejmeh LODD Service Info 05/21/13 - IAFF Local 2819

Local 21 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service 05/21/13 - IAFF Local 21 The 2013 Local 21 Memorial Service will be on Saturday, May 25 at 0830. This years ceremony will be at Oakland Cemetery located at Sycamore and Jackson. All department members, families and friends are encouraged to attend.

Update for Brother Nejmeh's Memorial Service 05/21/13 - IAFF 7th District The memorial service for brother Albert Nehmeh with be held Friday, May 31, 2013 at  1:00 pm in the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall located at 2727East D Street Tacoma, WA 98421.  Class A uniform requested is requested by the family and Local 31.  There will NOT be an apparatus procession.  Parking is available on site, including apparatus parking*.

PERA's View of Pension Maximization 05/21/13 - Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Below is an Article from the PERA Web Site. Pension Maximization Think twice before substituting insurance for survivor benefits The pitch can be so persuasive. "Maximize" your pension by foregoing PERA’s Survivor Options and, instead, protect your loved one by purchasing life insurance.

Fire Fighter Night with the Rainiers 05/21/13 - IAFF Local 2819

MEMORIAL SUNDAY 05/21/13 - Cambridge Fire Fighters

Guns vs Hoses 05/21/13 - CDA Fire Fighters 1st Annual Guns vs. Hoses Benefit Hockey Game We are pleased to announce that on June 21, 2013 at Frontier Ice Arena (3525 W. Seltice Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho), local Idaho Law Enforcement and Idaho Fire Fighters will be playing in a benefit hockey game to raise money for two local charities.

What's been Happening! 05/21/13 - IAFF Local 794 There have been several updates to the member's section of the website recently. Updates include paying dues online, joining the local online, call for presenters at the Firefighting Symposium, and ordering T-shirts & window decals online.

ACBC SUMMER CAMP PHOENIX 05/21/13 - Northern Ohio Fire Fighters

Lincoln EMS slated to take over July 1 05/21/13 - IAFF Local 3038 Lincoln-East Millinocket Ambulance Service, a joint venture between East Millinocket and Lincoln, is scheduled to take over area EMS responses July 1. PVH has approved a measure which will end their EMS service and donate their ambulances to East Millinocket and Howland.

URGENT NEED TO CONTACT YOUR SENATORS ASAP 05/21/13 - IAFF 1032 To:        ALL PFFM Members From:   The Office of the President Date:     May 21, 2013 RE:   URGENT NEED TO CONTACT YOUR SENATORS Brothers and Sisters, As the Senate debates the FY 2014 budget this week, PFFM Members have two extremely important amendments that require you to contact your Senator and ask for their support.

Disaster Relief 05/21/13 - Odessa Fire Fighters Association Our hearts and prayers go out to Dave's family in his time of need. We all hear of tragedies like this on a regular basis, but when one of your own brothers’ gets affected it really hits home. Two months ago in the March meeting we approved to start putting $2 per member into a disaster relief fund every month.

Police officers, firefighters spared cuts in 2014 Flint budget that eliminates 27 jobs 05/21/13 - Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union May 21, 2013: Police and firefighters are spared the budget-cutting ax in a 2014 budget that lays off fewer than 30 city workers. Flint officials detailed the balanced budget for the Flint City Council on Monday, May 20.

Dave Davis 05/21/13 - Odessa Fire Fighters Association    Our hearts and prayers go out to Dave's family in his time of need. We all hear of tragedies like this on a regular basis, but when one of your own brothers’ gets affected it really hits home. Two months ago in the March meeting we approved to start putting $2 per member into a disaster relief fund every month.

295 Rescue Box 05/21/13 - IAFF Local F-281 At approximately 0630 hours Tuesday May 21st, 2013 IAFF Local 281 Members responded with Truck 45 on the initial dispatch of a Rescue Box on the Baltimore Washington Parkway. Truck 45 and Anne Arundle County Engine 291 arrived simultaneously to find one vehicle off the roadway, approximately 30 feet down a ravine with at least one trapped in the vehicle.

Garrison Commander is a Firefighter for a day! 05/21/13 - IAFF Local F-281 On Monday May 20th, 2013 Fort Meade Garrison Commander Colonel Rothstein was a Firefighter for the day, or at least a few hours. Although there were no calls for him to respond to during his time at the station, the Colonel did assist the Driver of Engine 452 with his daily preventive maintenance checks and performed other duties while he was at the station.

FF Joe Mawn 05/21/13 - IAFF Local 1631

Second House Fire In A Week Strikes Westport 05/21/13 - Westport Fire Local1802  From www.everythingwestport.com05/08/2013 – Fire destroys Jillian Way home. Tragedy struck twice in one week as another Westport family lost their home to a fast-moving fire that started on an outside deck, according to Public Information Officer, Captain Michael P. Silvia.