2009
January
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FEMA as Core Component of DHS

The IAFF, in conjunction with International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI), urges the Obama administration to retain the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a core component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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Economic Stimulus Bill

President Barack Obama signs into law a $787 billion economic stimulus bill, which includes $8.8 billion for states and localities, as well as $210 million for fire station construction. In addition, it removes the employer match to access Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program funding. Ultimately, SAFER’s budget totals $420 million in the FY 2009 budget.

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SAFER Grant Applications Postponed

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano agrees to postpone the 2009 application process for SAFER grants until the $210 million Congress appropriated for the grants program can be used to rehire and retain fire fighters in the current national wave of fire department staffing cuts.

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U.S. Conference of Mayors

Vice President Joe Biden and more than 25 members of the Obama administration cancel plans to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Providence, Rhode Island, rather than cross a picket line protesting the mayor’s treatment of Providence Local 799 fire fighters.

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Biden Speaks at IAFF Legislative Conference

At the 2009 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference, General President Harold Schaitberger presents Vice President Joe Biden with a personalized helmet in recognition of his support for fire fighters and the challenges that lie ahead.

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Houston Fire Fighters Killed

Two Houston, Texas, fire fighters die while responding to a house fire on Easter Sunday morning.

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Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act

The Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2009, introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown (OH) and Representative Ed Perlmutter (CO), would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to promote fire fighter safety by directing the DHS Secretary to conduct a survey to determine the level of compliance with national consensus standards, as well as barriers that may exist that prevent those standards from being met.

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Political Action Campaign in British Columbia

IAFF affiliates in British Columbia set the stage for a new round of legislative victories with a focused and highly successful political action campaign leading up the province’s May election. Fire fighters establish a relationship with the government prior to the election and are aggressive in supporting key cabinet ministers who are in favor of cancer presumption and other issues.

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Canada Pension Plan

The IAFF prepares to weigh in on the proposed amendments to the Canada Pension Plan and stands ready to voice opposition to any changes that could negatively affect professional fire fighters.

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National Collective Bargaining Bill

The IAFF’s national collective bargaining bill, the Public Safety Employer-Employer Cooperation Act, S.1611, is reintroduced by U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (NH) and Senator Ted Kennedy (MA).

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National Labor College

The National Labor College makes it easier for IAFF members to earn a bachelor’s degrees by applying credits for IAFF courses towards academic program requirements.

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High Blood Pressure Campaign

The IAFF partners with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to develop the “Stop, Drop, Control High Blood Pressure Campaign.”

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IAFF Receives FEMA Grant

The IAFF receives a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fund research designed to reduce fire fighter deaths and injuries.

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Pandemic Advisory Committee

The IAFF is among a limited number of stakeholders participating as subject matter experts in an independent Pandemic Advisory Committee that is examining various contingencies and scenarios in the event of a flu pandemic in Canada. A survey of 1,712 Canadian IAFF members confirms that flu pandemic issues are important to them.

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Project PREVENT Study

IAFF members are among fire fighters in major cities across the United States participating in the Project PREVENT study designed to evaluate the current state of behavioral health in the fire service.

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Presumptive Protections

The IAFF lobbies on the national, state and provincial levels for the passage of presumptive laws to ensure that members are protected. Forty-two states and seven provinces have some form of presumptive law in place.

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Buffalo Fire Fighters Killed

Two Buffalo, New York, fire fighters are killed after falling through the floor and into the basement of a burning convenience store while searching for a victim who was trapped.

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Economic Crisis Response

The IAFF responds to the economic crisis by developing a comprehensive online resource that includes tools and information for evaluating the economy’s effect on communities and fire departments, as well as databases, strategic planning materials and other services to help minimize or prevent adverse action on personnel and public safety.

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Wildfire Kills Two LA Fire Fighters

Two Los Angeles, California, fire fighters die while fighting wildfires at Camp 16 as they looked for an escape route from the Station Fire for the prison guards, staff and inmates, as well as other firefighting crews. Their vehicle went off a road and over a cliff, killing them instantly. The Station Fire, which was fully contained one month after it began, was the largest fire in modern Los Angeles County history and the 100th largest fire in California since 1933.

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Online Per Capita Dues Payments

The IAFF implements a new program allowing affiliates to pay per capita dues online each month.

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FIREPAC Sets Record

FIREPAC sets a record, raising $4.8 million during the 2008 election cycle. Despite the economic downturn, FIREPAC sets a goal of $5 million for the 2009-2010 election cycle.

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Presumptive Legislation Website

The IAFF launches an improved website to provide affiliates and members information on presumptive legislation in their states or provinces.

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Three Pollie Awards

The IAFF wins three Pollie Awards for the work of FIFEPAC during the 2008 election campaign to support its endorsed candidates or promote FIREPAC to its members.

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Fire Ground Survival Training

The IAFF announces its Fire Ground Survival (FGS) training program designed to ensure that training for Mayday prevention and operations are consistent between all fire fighters, company officers and chief officers. This initiative relies on the experiences that IAFF members have faced on the fire ground so fire fighters in similar situations will be able to perform standard, potentially life-saving actions if they become lost, disoriented, injured, low on air or trapped.

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Importance of Social Media

The IAFF showcases the importance of social media in the fire service, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Flickr, among other communications vehicles.

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