Fallen Toledo Fire Fighters Honored at Last Alarm Memorial

John Stamp
January 31, 2014 — The Last Alarm Memorial for Toledo Local 92 fire fighters Stephan A. Machcinski and James A. Dickman drew thousands, including local fire fighters, public officials, union representatives and fire fighters from across the United States. Speakers included Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins and IAFF President Harold Schaitberger. “You have answered the final alarm … you have served your city well. Thank you for the gift of your lives,” said Schaitberger.

NFPA Names New President

John Stamp
January 30, 2014 –The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors voted unanimously to name Jim Pauley of Lexington, Kentucky as the next president of NFPA. Pauley is currently senior vice president of External Affairs and Government Relations for Schneider Electric and will assume his new role in July.

Two Toledo Fire Fighter Killed in Apartment Building Blaze

John Stamp
January 26, 2013 — Two Toledo, OH Local 92 fire fighters have died after battling a blaze at an apartment building. The fire fighters were transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead within five minutes of each other. Lt. Matthew Hertzfeld, a spokesman for the Toledo Fire Department, identified those killed as Stephen A. Machcinski, 42, and James A. Dickman, 31.

Congress Passes Fiscal Year 2014 Spending Package

John Stamp
January 17, 2014 – After months of political wrangling that frayed partisan tensions and resulted in a lengthy government shutdown, Congress wrapped up its work this week on legislation funding the federal government for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill, H.R. 3547, passed the Senate by a vote of 72-26. It passed the U.S. House of Representatives 359-67 earlier in the week.

Canadian Legislative Conference Set for April 27-30

John Stamp
January 14, 2014 — IAFF members from across Canada will return to Ottawa April 27-30, 2014, to lobby their MPs on a number of issues important to Canada’s professional fire fighters. The 21st edition of the conference takes place in a new venue, the newly-renovated Delta Ottawa City Centre Hotel, which is across the street from the IAFF Canadian Office and two blocks from Parliament Hill.

Coming Soon: Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Application Period

John Stamp
January 9, 2014 –The Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE Act) Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant application period is expected to open in January. FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and fire fighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. In 2005, Congress reauthorized funding for FP&S grants and expanded eligible use of funds to include fire fighter safety research and development.