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IAFF News & Events

CHICAGO LOCAL 2 PROVIDES FREE CANCER SCREENINGS TO MEMBERS

More than 1,400 active and retired Chicago Local 2 members have received free cancer screenings thanks to a partnership between Local 2 and the Rush Lung Center.

“More than 75 percent of the names that go up on the walls of the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial are due to occupational cancer,” said General President Edward Kelly. “Early screenings can save lives and keep names off that wall. I applaud the great work being done by Local 2 and the Rush Lung Center.”

Local 2 Vice President Pat Cleary got the idea to offer free cancer screenings for active and retired members after hearing retired member Bill Nolan’s story. Nolan, who survived two bouts with lung cancer, was speaking on the importance of early cancer screenings, especially for fire fighters.

“As our members contract cancer at a much higher rate than the average population, we should be tested earlier and more often. After hearing Brother Nolan’s story, I wanted to see what Local 2 could do to make that happen,” said Cleary. “I reached out to Dr. Christopher Seder, a thoracic surgeon at the Rush Lung Center, to determine what could be done on behalf of our members.”

From there, Local 2 and the Rush Lung Center solidified their partnership. There was still a question of funding, however, as specific criteria must be met for annual cancer screenings to be covered by health insurance. So Local 2 agreed to pick up the cost for those members who do not meet the criteria.

The first of the screenings were held in March 2022 and have continued with regularity. Technicians primarily check for lung cancer, but the process also includes screening for markers (i.e. high levels of calcium, etc.) of other cancers and heart attack risk.

“These screenings are especially important for our older members who were on the job when protective gear was either of a lesser quality than we have today or nonexistent,” said Cleary. “I truly believe these screenings have already saved lives.”

While some of these screenings have come up clean, others have found early stages of cancer, advanced cancer needing emergency surgery to remove tumor(s), and some at risk for a heart attack.

“It will take all of us to battle the scourge of cancer within our ranks,” said Kelly. “This unique partnership in Chicago can serve as a model for other local affiliates to serve their brothers and sisters.”

The IAFF and the American Cancer Society are working together to prevent cancer in fire fighters and support those currently battling the disease. Go to iaff.org/fightcancer to learn more.

February 15, 2023

IAFF MEMBERS SEARCH FOR SURVIVORS IN TURKEY AND SYRIA

Three Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams containing IAFF members continue to search for survivors in the aftermath of the deadly Feb. 6 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The death toll has now surpassed 36,000.

“Our USAR team members are dedicated fire fighters trained to work in harrowing situations,” said General President Edward Kelly. “Their training and resources are vital to supporting disaster operations.

“We pray for their safety as they work to help others,” he said, “and we keep the people of Turkey and Syria in our prayers as they recover from this devastating earthquake.”

“The people our members are assisting are facing an unimaginable level of devastation. But what our members’ are doing is important. They are bringing trapped victims to safety and giving hope to Turkish and Syrian citizens,” said General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma. “I know our members will stay focused and do everything they can to perform this vital work safely. The IAFF is proud of our USAR members and thanks them for everything they do.”

Virginia Task Force 1 (Fairfax County, VA Local 2068 members), the Los Angeles County Fire Department USAR Team (Los Angeles County, CA Local 1014 members), and Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue (Burnaby, BC Local 323 and White Rock Local 2407) were on the ground within 48 hours of the 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes.

The teams – which also include doctors, structural engineers, and search dogs – have searched thousands of structures. 

Victims are still being found alive. On Feb. 10, the Burnaby USAR Team found and rescued a female survivor from a collapsed apartment building. Team members say her presence was detected by one of the dogs. It took more than five hours to get her safely from under the rubble.

The U.S. and Canadian teams are expected to remain on the ground at least another week, assisting with the search and humanitarian efforts.

February 13, 2023

VA LOCAL RATIFIES STATE’S FIRST CONTRACT IN 40 YEARS

Alexandria, VA Local 2141 became the first Virginia IAFF affiliate in more than four decades to ratify a contract with its employer when the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously Jan. 24 to approve the historic agreement. 

“Congratulations to our Alexandria 2141 members on a job well done,” said General President Edward Kelly. “First contracts do not come easy, and the road to victory was not short, but that never dissuaded them.” 

“Local 2141 President Josh Turner and his team did an outstanding job bargaining their first contract,” said 4th District Vice President Andrew Pantelis. “I am very proud of all their hard work. You have paved the way for our other Virginia affiliates to follow suit.” 

The Virginia state Supreme Court ruled collective bargaining unconstitutional in 1977. Recent lobbying efforts by the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters led to legislation allowing local governments to create ordinances recognizing their employees’ labor unions, thereby allowing collective bargaining for public workers. 

 The newly approved agreement will be effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026. 

“Collective bargaining has created a path for labor and management to discuss and resolve issues,” said Turner, the local president. “We believe that the provisions of this contract show that we all want to serve our community by ensuring that resources are in place to keep the citizens of Alexandria safe.” 

“We are proud of the collaborative work that went into making this agreement possible,” said Alexandria City Mayor Justin Wilson. “City staff, alongside Local 2141 leadership, were committed to finding common ground in the interest of public safety, as well as elevating the collective voice of the department.” 

The contract calls for a 5 percent pay increase for fire fighter and fire/paramedic positions and an additional 10 percent increase for fire and EMS lieutenant captain positions. There will also be an annual raise of 2 percent and merit increases for eligible employees. 

The agreement provides a path to reduce shifts from 56 to 50 hours per week by July 30, 2025. That effort will be supported by $12.52 million through fiscal year 2026 to add 52 positions.  

“No one fights for us like we fight for ourselves,” said Kelly. “That’s why collective bargaining matters. It gives us a voice to better protect the public, our members, and our families. Local 2141’s successful campaign is the start of what we know will be many more wins in Virginia.” 

Four other local governments in the state have passed collective bargaining ordinances.  Arlington County Local 2800, Fairfax County Local 2068, Loudoun County Local 3756, and Richmond Local 995 are all working toward their first contracts. 

February 10, 2023

IAFF FOUNDATION EXPANDS MISSION

Created By Fire Fighters For Fire Fighters, the IAFF Foundation is expanding its philanthropic efforts with a new look, new leadership and more ways to help IAFF members and their families in times of need.

With a new design and easy-to-navigate website, the IAFF Foundation is giving those with generous hearts more opportunities to help IAFF members and in their communities.

“IAFF members are on the frontlines every day, putting the needs of others before their own,” says General President Edward Kelly. “But what happens when they are the ones who need help? The IAFF Foundation is here to assist our members following natural disasters, burn injuries and occupational illness, as well as to provide scholarships to children of fallen fire fighters and assist families attending the annual Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial service.”

The IAFF Foundation relies on charitable contributions to fund its important mission: To Help Those Who Help Others. Programs funded by the IAFF Foundation include Disaster Relief, Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, Burn Support and Summer Camp, Survivor Scholarships, Behavioral Health and Wellness and Occupational Cancer Support.

“I am proud to support the IAFF Foundation’s mission to assist those who put their lives on the line every day to help others. From cancer to trauma exposure, from natural disasters to burn injury, IAFF members can depend on the Foundation to be there for them,” says Deputy Director of Foundation Management for the IAFF Foundation Jenny Hanie.

For more information, visit the IAFF Foundation website or contact Jenny Hanie at [email protected].

April 5, 2022

​IAFF STANDS WITH UKRAINIAN FIRE FIGHTERS

The IAFF is rising in support and solidarity with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. As their country remains under Russian attack, fire fighters are standing strong on the frontlines, not in battle, but protecting the lives of Ukrainian citizens.

“It is difficult to imagine the challenges fire fighters there are facing as they continue to respond during a military invasion,” says IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “This union is proud to stand with them as they continue to serve their communities without hesitation. We pray they stay safe.”

As the Ukraine military is doing its job, fire fighters there are responding to structure fires caused by missile strikes and searching for survivors in blown out buildings.

The IAFF will continue to watch the situation in Ukraine and look for ways to support our Ukrainian brothers and sisters and the global community at large.

March 2, 2022
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