WSFFA.org News Wire

MARCH 20 FLAG LOWERING

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:13:00 GMT

Governor Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington State agency facilities be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, March 20 in memory of U. S. Army Sergeant Phillip R. Anderson of Everett who was killed in action in Balad Ruz, Iraq on March 10. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition. Flags should remain at half-staff until sunset Thursday or first thing Friday morning, March 21. Services for Sgt. Anderson will be at Fir Lane Memorial Park in Spanaway on March 20 at 11:00. He will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery. Congress recently amended the U.S. Flag Code to now give the Governor authority to lower flags when a Washingtonian in the military is killed in the line of duty. The U.S. Flag Code now reads: "In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff"

The WSFFA encorages it members to join Governor Gregoire in paying tribute to Washington resident and U. S. Army Sergeant Phillip R. Anderson by observing flag lowering in the ultimate sacrifce to his nation.

NVFC Scholarship opportunities

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:50:00 GMT

The NVFC is offering $100,000 in scholarships and grants to junior firefighters and their fire departments through its National Junior Firefighter Program. Download the PDF below for more information.

Crimes Abound

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:13:00 GMT

WSFFA President T.J. Nedrow voices concern over impacts associated with the recent crime wave. Equipment replacement budgets are tight enough for the fire service but to steal from those essential service providers are applauding. “It proves that criminals are as ruthless as they are stupid. They appear to stop at nothing for their short lived gain, even if it jeopardizes the public safety. “ The WSFFA encourages all first responders to be attentive to surroundings while driving. Let's be a part of the solution!

Cases in Point:

The Aberdeen Daily World reported in its November 27th edition of the break-in and loss at Artic Fire Station. Monday's discovery reported by volunteer firefighter Joe Fuquay indicated that numerous tools, equipment and first aid supplies were missing. Included were parts to their extrication equipment and some essential EMS equipment. He pointed out that “Not only did they steal from us, but the things that are gone could be necessary to save someone’s life, maybe even theirs,”

It's estimated that the crime has resulted in loss of at least several thousand dollars worth of equipment, Fuquay said this is the second time in two years that the station has been robbed during the holidays. And volunteer firefighters are looking at putting up a reward to find the culprits. But they hope the awareness of the burglary spurs the community into action.

“We hope that people will start to keep an eye out for the station,” Fuquay said.

Be Alert to Fake Fire Inspectors!

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:03:00 GMT

From the Office of the State Fire Marshal:

Over the last two weeks the State Fire Marshal’s Office has received reports of someone impersonating a fire inspector. This person has gone to local businesses and tells the owners that they are there to conduct an inspection on behalf of the fire department. They produce a company name and a phone number that both turn out to be fake.

Business owners should be aware that any inspector entering your business to conduct a fire inspection will carry proper identification. If you have reason to question the inspector’s creditability, you should request for their contact information and ask them to wait until you verify that the inspector and inspection is legitimate. If the situation makes you feel uncomfortable, immediately contact your local law enforcement or fire service agency.

Emergency Cardiac and Stroke Technical Advisory Committee Help Needed

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:48:00 GMT

The WSFFA is looking for a volunteer to represent the WSFFA on the Dept. of Health's Emergency Cardiac and Stroke Technical Advisory Committee (ECS TAC). A subcommittee of the Washington EMS and Trauma Care Steering Committee, the ECS TAC will service in an advisory role on both pre-hospital and hospital emergency stroke and cardiac issues.

If you are interested and have the time to commit, please complete the application in this link here and return it to the WSFFA ASAP.

For more information please contact WSFFA President T.J. Nedrow at tjn@wsffa.org

SAFER Grant Application Period Now Open

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:57:00 GMT

The FY 2007 SAFER Grant application period opened on Monday, July 30. SAFER Program Guidance has been posted at www.firegrantsupport.com, along with an online applicant tutorial, Frequently Asked Questions, and other materials to help applicants prepare grant applications. The application period for SAFER Grants closes at 5:00 p.m. on August 31, 2007.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) administers SAFER Grants, which provide funding to fire departments to hire firefighters. State and local organizations, along with volunteer and combination fire departments, can also apply for funding to implement recruitment and retention programs. For FY 2007, Congress appropriated $115 million for SAFER.

DHS is asking applicants with questions about the SAFER Grant program to contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EDT and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

Eric R. Lyons Memorial Service

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:51:00 GMT

Thursday, July 12, 2007 – 1:00 p.m
Three Rivers Convention Center
7016 West Grandridge Boulevard
Kennewick, WA 99336

Questions can be directed to the Public Information Officer at (509) 942-7550
tjohnson@ci.richland.wa.us

LODD death of F/F Eric Lyons

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:44:00 GMT

The Washington State Fire Fighters' Association is deeply saddened to learn of the LODD death of F/F Eric Lyons. Our thoughts and prays go out to Eric’s family, the City of Kennewick Fire Department and all those that knew Eric. The Washington State Fire Fighters' Association recommends that all Fire Service personnel shroud their badges beginning today and remove the shroud 24 hours after the services. This tragic event only further emphasizes the critical nature of our profession and the need to always take stock of the safety every member every day.

T.J. Nedrow
President
Washington State Fire Fighters' Association
(800) 340-8023

LINE OF DUTY DEATH: Eric Lyons, Kennewick Fire Department

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:43:00 GMT

It is with great sadness that the Kennewick Fire Department announces the death of Firefighter Eric Lyons last night (7/5/07). Eric was a 13-year veteran of the Fire Department, and Firefighters Local #1296. Eric was on duty at Station 61, and was found by fellow Firefighters to be in the midst of a life threatening condition. He was subsequently transported to Kennewick General Hospital. Eric passed away at approximately 1:12 a.m. The cause of death is undetermined at this point in time. Eric's family was notified with the assistance of the City of Spokane Fire and Spokane Valley Fire Departments. We are in the process of assessing needs and will be sending out additional information soon to include funeral details. Fire Marshal Mark Yaden will be the department's point of contact for further information. Thank you for keeping Eric's family, friends, and fello! w firefighters in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Chief Hines Kennewick Fire Department Statement from the Washington Fire Chiefs The Washington Fire Chiefs recommend that all Fire Service personnel shroud their badges beginning today and remove the shroud 24 hours after the services. We also recommend that fire station flags, with approval of local governing bodies, be lowered to half staff and be raised to full staff 24 hours after the services. The time and location of the services for Firefighter Lyons to be announced later.

Mike Brown
Executive Director
Washington Fire Chiefs
360-352-0161

WSFFA Supports 2007 National F/F Stand Down

Wed, 23 May 2007 01:51:00 GMT

Building on the momentum of the National Fire Fighter Safety Stand Down in 2005 and 2006, the WSFFA joins State nearly all other national fire service organizations in the call for another needed stand down.

The 2007 event is scheduled for June 17-23. The Washington State Fire Fighters' Association urges all Washington Fire Department's & EMS agencies to participate in the very important event.

The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section will be coordinating with IAFC staff and other sections and fire service organizations to provide recommended activities and resources online at www.iafc.org/standdown . For further information or to provide materials for online posting, contact IAFC's Shawn Stokes at: sstokes@iafc.org