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On
behalf of the members of the Edison Fire Fighters Association,
I.A.F.F. Local
1197, we invite you to view our web pages to learn more about Firefighting and
the services that we provide for you.
Bridgeport Blaze Leads to 2 Firefighter Deaths
CTPOST.COM - July 25, 2010 - BRIDGEPORT -- Lt. Steven Velasquez and Firefighter Michel Baik were on the third floor of the wood-frame home at 41 Elmwood Ave., checking for hot spots and making sure there were no people in the smoldering blaze. Then trouble hit. The two sent mayday signals back to dispatch.
Within minutes, the fire department's rapid intervention team found the pair on the floor, unconscious, and gave them CPR.
The two men could not be revived.
Hours later, a somber and distraught Mayor Bill Finch at a news conference talked about the two, both family men with young children. Velasquez was Finch's neighbor, and the mayor recalled pinning his badge on him when he was promoted to lieutenant in February. Baik, he said, was a rookie with two years on the job.
Fire officials were too upset to attend the press conference, Finch said, adding Chief Brian Rooney, who was out of state when the fire hit, sped back to Bridgeport to be with his men. "They're just too emotional to talk about it," Finch said.
Finch seemed close to tears when talking about how Velasquez's widow held the couple's newborn when he delivered the news of her husband's death. "It was not easy," he said. "They were both dedicated to their families. We're really going to miss them."
Velasquez had received the Medal of Merit, the department's third-highest award, in 2000.
The last time the department lost a member was in 1999, when Walter Flyntz died in a fire on Fairfield Avenue.
The initial report of the fire at the multi-family wood structure was called in to officials at 3:53 p.m., and all of the building's occupants were safely evacuated, according to Finch.
Deputy Fire Chief Robert Petrucelli said he arrived on the scene 15 minutes into the fire and found heavy smoke coming from the second and third floors.
"Firefighters were making progress on the fire," Finch said, "knocking down the flames."
He said Velasquez and Baik were the furthest inside the house, doing search and rescue and ventilating the house.
There's no immediate word on what caused the fire, and Finch said the State Fire Marshal's Office will be investigating not only the cause of the blaze, but also looking at the equipment used by the deceased firefighters. Officials believe, however, that the fire started in the second-floor apartment.
Finch said that Velasquez and Baik were found "in a matter of minutes" after the mayday calls, adding more information "will come out in the investigation."
Three other firefighters were taken to the hospital, Finch said. One had a broken ankle -- an eyewitness said he saw a firefighter fall out of a third floor window -- and the other two were treated for heat exhaustion.
Finch said he visited the three injured firefighters at Bridgeport Hospital. "They were very somber and subdued," he said. "They knew we'd lost Steve and Mich."
Even at 9 p.m., long after the fire was extinguished, Finch said some Bridgeport firefighters remained at the scene. "They're very emotional, it's a close-knit fire department," Finch said. "It's very hard when they lose a member.
Almost "half the department" was at the fire, the mayor said, and the first truck -- Engine 3 -- was actually on its way to an elevator rescue when firefighters spotted the smoke and diverted to the fire.
Firefighters from Milford and Fairfield provided mutual aid during the fire, and Fairfield firefighters, their equipment and their chief, Richard Felner, stayed to fill in for the Bridgeport crews.
At the Congress Street headquarters, Felner said, the Bridgeport firefighters were being debriefed and receiving any help they might need. "We'll stay here as long as they want us; we're here for them. It's a bad, bad scene, especially for the crew that was working with them."
Bridgeport apparatus responding to the fire were Engines 1, 3, 4 and 7, Ladders 5 and 11 and Rescue 5.
Finch said he was grateful for the assistance from other communities. "Our firefighters need to go home," he said.
While Fairfield firefighters filled in Bridgeport, crews from Norwalk and Westport were covering in Fairfield, he said.
Police, Fire Layoffs Threatened in Bridgeport
CTPOST.COM - July 15, 2010 - BRIDGEPORT -- The police union is balking at demands for concessions from the cash-strapped city, saying threatened layoffs of 48 officers would risk safety and wouldn't allow the much-anticipated hiring of 20 new ones with a federal grant.
"We're not budging," said union president Sgt. Charles Paris, as negotiations continue between the city and its unions. "(The threat of layoffs) is a smokescreen. We wouldn't be able to protect the city if they let go 48 officers."
Still, the membership of the police union is so concerned over the possibility of mass layoffs that 80 to 90 officers showed up to a union meeting on Monday evening -- about 50 more than usual -- and agreed to vote on a related "no confidence" motion regarding acting Chief Joseph Gaudett Jr. sometime within a week, Paris said.
Layoffs could throw a wrench in the city's plans to hire 20 new police officers by fall with a $4.8 million federal grant. The grant must be used for new officers, and the union contract stipulates that the newest members of the department, with 410 sworn officers, must be the first to go.
Recruitment for the new officers ramped up in March, and now the city's website states Bridgeport has scheduled a written exam for job hopefuls July 17.
"How would they recruit ... when there's a possibility of layoffs?" Paris wondered. "The other officers would have to be rehired first."
Other city unions are in similar situations. The fire department, for example, may face 21 layoffs.
Labor Relations Director Lawrence Osborne wouldn't confirm the numbers of proposed layoffs, saying the release of such details at this point "would constitute a `bad faith' bargaining effort on behalf of the city, which would be a violation of federal labor laws."
But Osborne said negotiations with city unions have been ongoing since Mayor Bill Finch met with union leadership on April 5, before he publicly released his budget, to explain the amount of concessions the city would need to close the budget gap.
"Negotiations ... will continue as long as necessary in order to either garner concessions, or make decisions about when and if to lay off personnel if the concessions are not realized," Osborne said. "The city has been very clear in its meetings with each union about the need for concessions in order to avert layoffs."
Fire union president Robert Whitbread said he hopes to maintain talks with the city and is promoting ideas for savings that don't include layoffs.
Unlike the police department, however, the fire department doesn't have a contract. Whitbread said negotiations are still ongoing for a new contract to replace the one that expired about a year ago.
The police union asked Gaudett during a June 8 meeting to discuss his position on the layoff threat, and the city's position, with rank-and-file officers, but he had not done so by a week later, Paris said.
Paris also said the union has had difficulty since November, when he took over as president, meeting with Gaudett to resolve smaller issues and this latest was the last straw.
"We're very upset about it," he said. "Basically, what we got back from him was that it was between the city and the union. We just can't resolve issues with this guy so we're definitely not going to be backing him for chief down the road. He's not willing to back his officers up."
In response, Gaudett said he understands the union's frustration "in these difficult times," but stands by his record as chief managing the department and its roughly $77 million budget.
"We have continued to move the department forward by filling promotional ranks, pursuing the `sunset' of the federal Remedy Order and maintaining public safety in a fiscally responsible manner," he said.
"No one wants layoffs, including me. The city and the union have worked together during past fiscal challenges and I am confident that they can do so again."
If the union votes "no confidence" in the chief's leadership, it won't be the first time. The union made that symbolic statement in 2008 against both former Chief Bryan Norwood and Finch.
Due to budgetary belt-tightening in 2008, the union agreed to two years without raises before a 3 percent raise due in July. "We're tired of giving," Paris said.
NIST Report Shows Crew Size Matters
Study compared how long it took crews of three, four and five to handle the same tasks.
FIREHOUSE.COM - April 29, 2010 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - For years, firefighters across the nation have touted the importance of having enough crew members when they start to attack a fire.
Now, they have scientific research to back up their claim that size does matter when it comes to saving people from fires as well as making sure they go home after their shift.
On Wednesday, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released the results of an extensive study that used technology to determine how long it took for crews of two, three, four and five to handle the same 22 tasks.
"Four- and five- person crews were able to complete the 22 essential firefighting and rescue tasks in a residential setting 30 percent faster than the two-person crew and 25 percent faster than the three-person crews," said Jason Averill, NIST fire protection engineer and the project manager.
NIST announced the findings of the study to members of the fire service attending the annual Congressional Fire Services Institute event in Washington, D.C.
Tasks included stopping at the hydrant, positioning the engine, conducting scene size-up, engaging pump, establish 2 in/2 out etc.
The data also showed that the largest crew was able to apply water to the fire 22 percent faster than two-person crews.
The small crew also encountered a much larger fire upon arrival than the five person team.
NIST also used its fire dynamic simulator to determine slow, medium, and fast-growth fires and estimate how the crew sizes would affect the exposure of occupants to toxic gases.
"Two-person crews arriving later (than the larger ones) would also likely find a significant portion of the general public incapacitated by the time of the rescue," Averill said about his findings.
IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger lauded the research, saying it will be used as a tool for fire officers across the country as they educate public officials.
"This is an extremely important document," he said. "Now, we have the technology and research to back up what we've been telling politicians who are cutting budgets..."
He said the research validates NFPA recommendations regarding crew size. Schaitberger said while he understands the tough economic hardships, reducing the number of firefighters, stations or apparatus is not the answer.
In addition to firefighter safety, the public welfare is at risk, he said, when small crews are involved.
NIST received a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to fund the project that involved only career firefighters. Researchers said the results could be similar for combination or volunteer fire departments that have crews in their stations.
USFA Administrator Kelvin Cochran said the document will be utilized by those who need justification for additional personnel, equipment or training. This will give officers something to back up their requests.
"We now have the technology, the science to prove what we've known for a long time -- it's very dangerous for a small crew to attempt an attack," he said.
A 2,000-square-foot, two-story building was specifically constructed for the study on the grounds of Montgomery County, Md. Fire Rescue training center.
Rooms contain cameras as well as instruments to measure toxic gases and temperatures The data is recorded on computers and other monitoring equipment located in a separate section of the building.
Each assignment included a truck and three engines.
"Our study is the fist to quantify fire service lifesaving and firefighting operations for a low-hazard residential structure including the effects of changes in crew size, arrival time and stagger on rescue and suppression effectiveness," Averill explained to the crowd.
Dennis Compton, chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, called it a landmark study. "This can really help everyone," he said.
"It will benefit local decision makers tremendously as they work to determine and provide the resources necessary to adequately protect their communities from fire and other life safety emergencies," Compton said.
- April 23, 2010 - With unemployment high, many people with jobs are grateful to get their weekly paychecks, but that feeling alone doesn't take the stress out of the daily grind.
To get a sense of the most stressful jobs in America, CareerCast.com looked at 21 different factors that can cause stress on the job, and ranked 200 professions by how significantly these demands factor into the average workday. Factors that weighed into stress levels included work environment, job competitiveness, opportunity for advancement and even perceived risk of unemployment.
CareerCast has also included a range of unemployment each profession faces around the country, a number which contributes to perceived risk of unemployment.
Here are the most stressful jobs in America:
1. Firefighter
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Stress Rank: 200
Stress Score: 110.936
Unemployment: 0%-4%
Hours Per Day: 11
Time Pressure: Very High
Competition: Low
"Firefighters frequently work irregular or unusual hours, or remain on call throughout the night. They risk heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation, and serious injury while on the job, and even the state of anticipation preceding a major threat can be highly stressful in itself. Firefighters are also sometimes required to spend long hours outdoors in bad weather," says CareerCast.com.
2. Corporate Executive
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Stress Rank: 199
Stress Score: 108.625
Unemployment: 0%-4%
Hours Per Day: 11
Time Pressure: High
Competition: High
"This highly competitive field requires detailed knowledge of the financial community, economic trends as well as technological developments and implications. Senior executives are expected to excel in many different fields at once, and face daily pressure to make far-reaching decisions that can affect numerous employees and their company’s bottom line," says CareerCast.com.
3. Taxi Driver
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Stress Rank: 198
Stress Score: 100.491
Unemployment: 14%+
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: Moderate
"Taxi drivers generally work erratic hours, including late nights and weekends. High speed driving in traffic, especially in major cities, is quite dangerous, and they frequently drive in bad weather conditions as well. In addition, taxi drivers are confined to their vehicle all day with a supply of cash, making them vulnerable to criminals," says CareerCast.com.
4. Surgeon
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Stress Rank: 197
Stress Score: 99.463
Unemployment: 0%-4%
Hours Per Day: 11
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: High
"Surgeons can be required to work at odd hours, and many operations take hours to complete. Operating calls for extreme precision and attention to detail, and can require quick decision making with life or death consequences. In addition, rising malpractice insurance costs are a major cause of stress for many surgeons," says CareerCast.com.
5. Police Officer
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Stress Rank: 196
Stress Score: 93.893
Unemployment: 0%-4%
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: Low
"Police officers face potentially life-threatening situations daily. Shifts can be long and strenuous, especially in emergencies, and work requires both physical and emotional strength.
Other possible stress factors include interacting with the public and providing medical attention to injured parties," says CareerCast.com.
See the Full List of 'America's Most Stressful Jobs'
In Memoriam
Mychal Gregory Vicidomini
2003 - 2009
On January 15, 2009, the world lost a very special little boy. Mychal Vicidomini was a loving and compassionate five year-old that was taken from his family without warning. A victim of sudden brain trauma, he went peacefully in his sleep and left heartbroken family and friends behind. Mychal passed away just one week shy of his sixth birthday.
So many people have been touched by Mychal’s love. His family cannot express in words the gratitude they feel towards all of those who have extended a helping hand in every way imaginable. In response to the many questions they have received regarding donations, Mychal’s parents have requested that such gifts be put towards finishing the playground at Lincoln School. Mychal spent many happy school days playing there, and their only wish is to see his brother AJ, along with other children, enjoy a completed playground they deserve. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider helping them fulfill this wish.
Click on the above link for more details.
PENSION & LEGISLATIVE UPDATE....
(**Note: all documents are in .pdf format - Acrobat Reader required)
How did our elected officials vote with regard to the following bills?
S4/A2459 - Makes various changes concerning payments to public employees for unused sick leave, sick leave injury in State service, and PERS and TPAF disability retirement. Click here.
S3/A2460 - Makes various changes to SHBP and SEHBP concerning eligibility, cost sharing, plan choice, benefit change application, coverage waiver, multiple coverage; requires contributions toward health care benefits by public employees and certain retirees. Click here.
S2/A2461 - Makes various pension system changes concerning eligibility, retirement allowance formula, compensation definition, position eligible for service credit, non-forfeitable rights, prosecutors part, PFRS special retirement, employer contributions. Click here.
Click here for the Senate explanation of the three bills signed into law.
See legislation notices below for a summary of the recently enacted laws:
Chapter 3, P.L. 2010 (Formerly Senate Bill No. 4)
Chapter 2, P.L. 2010 (Formerly Senate Bill No. 3 (1R))
Chapter 1, P.L. 2010 (Formerly Senate Bill No. 2 (1R))
Special Thanks to our Brother Fire Fighters for Creating this Educational Video
Brothers and Sisters, With a health care reform deal announced loudly in the media between "labor," the administration and Congress on changes to the excise tax provision, I want to provide you a new update today that outlines some of the key elements of that deal and what we know about the potential impact they will have on each and every one of you. From Day One, we forcefully argued that the excise tax was bad policy and bad politics and that it had no place in any health care reform bill. Not once did we waver from that argument. Our message was heard and we believe had a significant impact on what ultimately came out of the negotiations between representatives of the labor movement, the administration and Congress. We believe we can say with confidence that our constant and consistent message resulted in significant changes to the excise tax provision of the reform bill that the House and Senate now must finish debate on and send to the president. I don't want to overstate this, but suffice it to say that our hard opposition to the excise tax convinced negotiators to agree to new provisions that, while they fall short of our goal of eliminating the excise tax, these changes do effectively eliminate the burden of additional taxes that would have fallen on our members had the tax remained unaltered. Based on the initial information we have received from the AFL-CIO on the changes to the excise tax provision, we know that:
While there's significantly more to the deal than just these initial bullets, and we are going to do a full and complete analysis over the coming days, we have not been able to identify a single IAFF member's health care plan that would or will be subject to the excise tax based on these new provisions scheduled to take effect in 2018. We know there's a lot more to go in the political process before this bill is finally approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, but we are pleased that our efforts to protect our members from a severe economic penalty appear to have made a significant impact on what we are told will be in the final legislation. We will update all of you as more details of the bill emerge.
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Brothers and Sisters, We are fully aware of the media reports this afternoon that there has been a deal reached between "labor," the White House and Congressional leaders on the excise tax in the health care reform legislation being debated. On a conference call with the AFL-CIO Executive Council just minutes ago, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka provided a report that outlined that purported "deal." Let me state right here that this IAFF was not afforded an opportunity to be a part of the labor committee that participated in negotiations with the White House and Congressional leaders over the changes that are being reportedly made to the excise tax provision in the bill. On Monday, January 11, in a conference call with the Executive Committee of the AFL-CIO, conducted prior to the first meetings between the labor committee and the White House, I made it very clear to the union leaders who were selected by Trumka to go into those private discussions that our union was fully and completely opposed to any excise tax because it would either force a tax on the premiums of our members or force their health benefits to be cut. I was the only member of the AFL-CIO Executive Committee to take that position and our position was widely covered in the media over the past week. In addition, as late as 1:30 p.m. this afternoon (January 14), I was one of four labor presidents invited to speak before the House Leadership and Democratic Caucus. At that event, I was the only speaker who, in very clear and emphatic terms, strongly reiterated that this IAFF remains completely opposed to an excise tax. I reaffirmed that this is bad policy and bad politics. While the reports of the "deal" appear to show that the thresholds have increased and that state and local governments may have received a multi-year exemption, which should serve to ease the burden on our members, I still find it unacceptable that a form of the excise tax remains in the bill. Internally, we will be analyzing the affects of any changes to the excise tax provision once they are formally released. Rest assured that this union will continue to fight the excise tax so that it doesn't affect any of our members and we will continue to update you as this process moves forward.
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Fire Engineering.com - "Smoke Showing" is a short film that visually demonstrates the dangers and challenges faced by firefighters during a structural fire. This film will serve to educate recruit firefighters, elected officials and the public in fire operations. "Smoke Showing" demonstrates the need for an aggressive interior attack coupled with adequate resources in order to save lives and reduce property loss. The film is opened by the cast of "Rescue Me." It is dedicated to the proud service of Tom F. Brennan.
CLICK HERE to download the video.
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