President Obama Proposes Billions for New Jobs Initiative to Hire Fire Fighters, Preferences to Jurisdictions for Hiring Veterans
February 3, 2012 — President Barack Obama, with IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger sitting close by, outlined an aggressive plan to provide more than $1 billion to hire and keep fire fighters on the frontlines, while giving preferences to jurisdictions for hiring veterans after returning from their tours of duty abroad.
Watch the Opening Session at the IAFF Human Relations Conference
January 26, 2012 – IAFF members from across the United States and Canada attending the 2012 Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, January 22-24, heard from IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger and U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis at the Opening Session on January 23.
FY 2011 SAFER Grant Application Period Begins January 30
January 26, 2012 – The FY 2011 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant application period will open on Monday, January 30, 2012 and run until Friday, February 24, 2012 at 5:00 P.M. EST.
IAFF Members Affected By Alabama Tornado
January 24, 2012 –IAFF 14th District Vice President Danny Todd and Professional Fire Fighters Association of Alabama (PFFAA) President Steve Pegues are reaching out to members in the aftermath of an Alabama tornado. No serious member injuries have been reported, but six fire fighter homes, including that of Birmingham Local 117 President Don Baker, were damaged
Call for Nominations for Local Leadership Awards
January 10, 2012 — The IAFF would not be where it is today without strong leadership — at all levels. Often, leaders are out front where we can see them, but sometimes they don’t get noticed — mainly because they’re too busy getting things done. That’s why the IAFF has established the Local Leadership Award to recognize and honor active and active-retired local officers (current and past) who have dedicated more than 15 years to their local
Canadian Legislative Conference to Be Held April 22-25 in Ottawa
January 9, 2011 — After a rare October appearance on the IAFF calendar last year, the IAFF Canadian Legislative Conference returns to its usual April timeframe in 2012. The 19th Canadian Legislative Conference will take place April 22-25 at the Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites and will feature an orientation session for new delegates, guest speakers, issues focus session, IAFF Parliamentary Reception and wrap-up session
Congress Increases Funding for USAR Teams
December 21, 2011 – In a significant development, Congress has increased funding for the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Response System for Fiscal Year 2012. The system will receive $41.25 million, an increase of $6 million, making it one the very few programs to receive a funding boost for Fiscal Year 2012.
IAFF Scores Huge Congressional Victory
December 17, 2011 – In one of its final actions in 2011, Congress has passed an Omnibus Appropriations Bill that makes more than $742 million in Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants available to struggling communities and extends the “SAFER waivers” for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012. The waivers ensure that fire departments can use SAFER grants to rehire and retain fire fighters, in addition to hiring additional personnel.
AT&T Union Discounts Offer Savings and Solidarity
December 9, 2011 — IAFF affiliates are eligible to receive discounts from AT&T Wireless for members, union offices and union staff. Through negotiated discounts with the AFL-CIO, savings are also available for AT&T local and long distance, Internet, video and web conferencing and other communications technology services that can help IAFF affiliates cut costs and make members’ dues go farther
Worcester Fire Fighter Killed in Apartment Building Collapse; Second Injured
December 8, 2011 — One Worcester fire fighter was killed and at least one other fire fighter was injured when a burning apartment building collapsed on them, officials said. Officials confirmed the death of the fire fighter shortly after 7:30 a.m. today