Recent News

IAFF Breaks Another Record for MDA

September 8, 2009 – Despite the ongoing recession, more than $60 million was raised for Jerry’s Kids during the 44th MDA Labor Day Telethon in Las Vegas. The IAFF continues to be the largest contributor with a record-breaking $28,509,000 in contributions.

“I continue to be in awe of the amazing fill-the-boot and other fundraising efforts our members make every year on behalf of MDA,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “Our members have gone above and beyond for this noble cause. Because of what they have done, medical researchers can work closer to finding a cure and many with muscular dystrophy will receive the medical attention they need.”

Many IAFF affiliates brought in big numbers, including the top three fundraisers: Houston, TX Local 341 with nearly $572,000; Fairfax County, VA Local 2068 with $450,000; and Los Angles County, CA Local 1014 with $355,000.

For the last 11 years, Houston, TX Local 341 has raised more money for MDA than any other IAFF local. “Considering the state of the economy, we were honestly surprised by the generosity of our citizens this year,” says Local 341 President Jeff Caynon.

Fairfax County Local 2068 Fill-the-Boot Coordinator Joel Kobersteen says that its ongoing success can be attributed to support throughout the public safety community.

Los Angeles County MDA Coordinator Dave Lopez agrees that support is crucial. “A few years ago, we were raising about $80,000,” he recalls. “Then President Dave Gillotte and I worked an agreement with the county to let us fill the boot on duty. Now, we are consistently raising more than $300,000.”

Donations can still be made by participating in MDA Telethon online auction until September 15.

Department grows for safety 

The Bettendorf Professional Firefighters Association is pleased to report that as of 7-1-09, 3 additional firefighters have been added to it's ranks.  This hiring will continue to enhance safety for firefighters and the public by addressing initial fire/rescue response and response to simultaneous emergencies.  The full hiring plan can be read below.  

Bettendorf Fire Chief offers staffing plan.

The following is the revised staffing plan prepared by Fire Chief Gerry Voelliger on 1-31-09. The first and second stages have been successfully initiated as planned on 7-1-07 and 7-1-09.

2007-08   - Hire 3 career firefighters, increasing minimum staffing to 5 FFs, 24/7/365 while allowing 2 off at one time.

2009-10   - Hire 3 FF's.  Increases minimum to 6 on duty 24/7/365 while allowing 2 FF's off.

2011-12   - Promote 3 FF's to Lieutenant and hire 3 FF's to fill promotions. Minimum 6 on duty, 24/7/365, allows 3 off. Scott County Emergency Management relocates from State St. station, creating option to staff station with minimum 3 FF's.

2013-14   - Hire 1 Captain and 3 FF's.  Minimum 7 on duty 24/7/365, 3 allowed off.

2015-16   - Hire 3 FF's, minimum 8 on duty, 3 allowed off.  Minimum staff of 4 FF's at Spruce Hills and State St. stations.

2017-18   - Hire 3 FF's, minimum 8 on duty, 4 allowed off.

Staffing plan accomplishes the following-

              - Staffs State St. station (2011-2012)                                                       

              - Increases number of initial responding personel

              - Addresses NFPA 1710 standard for career personel

              - Maintains career/volunteer concept

              - Enhances ISO rating for career personel

              - Enhances firefighter safety and effectiveness

              - Addresses increasing tenure (earned time off) maintaining minimum staffing levels

Virginia Firefighter's Death Sparks Change

Elisa A. Glushefski
Manassa Journal Messenger (Virginia)

Feb. 6--The death of firefighter Kyle R. Wilson and the investigation that followed have resulted in more than 250 recommendations to improve the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue's service. Increased staffing is among the top of the list of needs that will have to be met, fire department officials said Tuesday.

(PORTIONS OMITTED)

According to standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, a fire suppression force of 17 or more firefighters should respond to a single-family house that is 2,000 square feet or less and has no basement or neighboring residences.

In contrast, 16 Prince William firefighters were dispatched to battle a blaze at an approximately 6,000 square foot house that had a basement and a neighboring house, Collins said.

(TO READ THE FULL STORY PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW)

To see more of the Manassas Journal Messenger or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.manassasjm.com/.

Mayor Freemire wins re-election.

After taking a strong stance on public safety, Mayor Mike Freemire was victorious in his bid for another term.  Other winners on election night include Keith Kauten 1st ward, Deb Lamar 3rd ward, James Stewart 5th ward, and at large seat Lisa Brown.

Mayor stands firm on hydrant testing.

After firefighters were hampered by a lack of water for the third time within a year, The City of Bettendorf and Iowa American Water Co. have joined to test hydrants.  The current program requires that hydrants, owned by Iowa American, be tested every four years.  Per the insistance of Mayor Freemire, the new plan requires annual testing. Water supply problems leave firefighters with no water when inside burning structures, creating dangerous situations.

Mayor announces re-election bid with eye toward public safety.

The following was taken from the article "Bettendorf mayor announces bid for re-election" by Brian Krans, QC Leader, Friday August 17, 2007.

"Mayor Freemire said he's willing to forgo certain infrastructure issues, such as a few bumpy roads, to put public safety as the city's primary concern.  This comes as Bettendorf begins to wean itself off a volunteer-driven fire department.  Several full time firefighters are currently in training, he said.  "We're no longer a small community."............"