Act Now: Tell Congress to Stand Up for SAFER 31. May 2011 Barry Kasinitz The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE Act) grants are on the chopping block. On Wednesday, Congress will consider legislation that will cut the programs by more than 50 percent, as well as eliminate the SAFER waivers that allow fire depar... [More]
Behind the Scenes at Fox News 26. May 2011 Jane Blume New York magazine published an interesting piece on Roger Ailes, president of Fox News and Republican Party insider.The story paints an intricate portrait of how Ailes engaged top Republican leaders to become a part of FOX.It also takes the reader inside the messy break-up with Glenn Beck and the ne... [More]
IAFF Update from Joplin, Missouri 25. May 2011 Rich Duffy Many IAFF members have expressed concern about the members of Joplin, Missouri Local 2618. Fire fighters are being assisted by District Vice President Mark Woolbright, Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters President Tony Kelley and IAFF members throughout the IAFF’s 2nd District. Joplin Loca... [More]
Stop Blaming Fire Fighters 24. May 2011 Guest Blogger Richard "Rick" Cailler, president of Lewiston, Maine Local 785 serves as today's guest blogger. Fire Fighters are not the enemy, but some elected leaders will have you think we are the root of all evil. They are finding it easy to blame us and other public employees for all that’s wro... [More]
New Online Degree Program to be Available for IAFF members 23. May 2011 Pat Morrison The IAFF through a collaboration with Penn Foster College will provide an A.S. Degree Program in Fire Service to its active members. The Princeton Review will provide the online service. The program is designed to meet the needs of working fire fighters seeking to advance their careers and will be... [More]
Why Generation X Can’t Afford to Retire 20. May 2011 Bill Glanz The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Maria Panaritis writes an interesting story on what Generation X can expect from their pensions and wages as they prepare to retire from the workforce. Generation Xers are considered the group born after the baby boomers during the mid-1960s through the early 1980s... [More]
Recipes from the Fire House Chef 17. May 2011 Jane Blume Here are two recipes selected from the Firehouse Chef web site and the IAFF Menu Planner that will make you say ‘mmmm good.’Recipes from the IAFF Menu Planner CHICKEN W/ RED PEPPERS, MUSHROOMS, FETA INGREDIENTS4 (6 ounce) boneless breast of chicken, sk... [More]
Fire Fighters ARE REALLY a tough group 16. May 2011 Jane Blume Talk about the 2012 presidential elections is gaining momentum as more GOP candidates announce intentions to challenge President Obama for America’s top job. On Facebook, we asked what issues are of greatest concern for the 2012 elections. Of the 381 responses to our survey, 159 said the econ... [More]
Be Vigilant -- Be Safe!!! 13. May 2011 Rich Duffy Three major train accidents occurred over the past two weeks across the United States. The first accident occurred in the NY/NJ Path subway system when a train crashed into the bumper at the end of the station in Hoboken, N.J.; injuring 34 passengers. In the second incident, an emp... [More]
The Blame Game 13. May 2011 Bill Glanz A recent column by J. Patrick Coolican stirred up some interesting debate among Las Vegas Sun readers over who is to blame for America’s economic problems. The writer says that unions shouldn’t be blamed for the country’s stagnant economy. We agree on this point. But he also says... [More]
EMS stripped from Endicott fire fighters 12. May 2011 Jane Blume Endicott, NY fire fighters will no longer be responsible for emergency management services.The city’s mayor has decided to strip EMS duties from fire fighters. Paul Higgins, union president of Local 1280, says the mayor’s decision boils down to petty politics and is retaliation agains... [More]
Who is promoting Gov. Kasich’s political agenda? 11. May 2011 Jane Blume The Ohio Plunderbund blog has a nice write up on a new group tapped to promote the jobs agenda and budget of union-busting Gov. John Kasich.One Ohio United, a 501 (C)(4) non-profit organization, is leading the jobs growth push. The group also says it helps state and local governments function more e... [More]
With Friends Like These... 10. May 2011 Jeff Zack President Schaitberger made the decision to "turn off the spigot to federal candidates and federal parties, party committees and the super PACs that are created to support them" because, as he told reporter Steve Greenhouse of The New York Times: "We're tired that our friends have not been wil... [More]
Building a Better Atmosphere in Your Fire Station 10. May 2011 Jane Blume Think you can improve your fire station vibe and promote a more collegial atmosphere among the fire fighters you work with everyday? Read this top ten list compiled by the Fire Critic. These tips are a good reminder of what’s needed to keep a good team going.
Illinois fire fighters join other employee unions in pension fight 9. May 2011 Jane Blume The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois has joined forces with other state public employee unions to protect worker benefits. The state of Illinois has become the poster child for financial dysfunction and some leaders are blaming public employee pensions and benefits as a reason for why they can&... [More]
