10FEB15-  The Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association convenes for it's 2015 Legislative Conference.

Union firefighters from around the state met today at the IAFF Local #34 lodge for the beginning of their 2015 efforts at the state capitol.  The Legislative Convention is scheduled to run three days.

The front-running issue for Arkansas firefighters:  House Bill 1274, which introduces a presumptive cancer clause into the laws regarding line of duty death due to certain cancers.  At this time, a firefighter who dies from cancer caused by exposure while on the job would be ineligible to receive any of the Line of Duty Death benefits unless his/her family was able to conclusively prove that the cancer was a direct cause of exposure while on the job.

A Presumptive Cancer clause would change this for certain cancer types that have been clearly identified by the medical community as being more prevalent amongst line firefighters.

At this time, 42 of the United States have a presumptive cancer clause of some sort regarding firefighters.  Arkansas is one that doesn't.

Check later for updates as these issues develop.

-- ADT

#ALTS15

Safety Stand Down for Cancer and PTSD

What: Live Webcast  
Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: Begins at 8:00 a.m. PT/11:00 a.m. ET
Web Link: www.iaff.org/ALTSwebcast

The IAFF will be presenting two live webcasts on two of the biggest issues in the fire service today - the increased risk for occupational cancers and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Streamed live on Wednesday, January 28 from the upcoming Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS) in Anaheim, California, the webcast is FREE for all IAFF members.

The IAFF is urging affiliates and members to hold a safety stand down as these important issues are addressed. 

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

• Larry Petrick, IAFF Health and Safety
• Dr. Virginia Weaver, Johns Hopkins University
• Amy Howard, California Professional Firefighters
• Jim Brinkley, IAFF Health and Safety (moderator)

The live webcast will also be streaming on the ALTS web site and app. Download the IAFF Frontline App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. 

Click HERE to see the actual article at the IAFF Website.

June 8th, 2014 - The APFF is pleased to announce that Local 34 President Richard Morehead was awarded the 2014 Kuhron Huddleston Award at the 14th District Caucus at Orange Beach.  The award is presented for his outstanding service and commitment to Local 34, the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters, the IAFF 14th District and the IAFF in general.

May 29, 2014 - IAFF Local #34 (Little Rock) to host benefit golf tournament.

Local #34 will put on a golf tournament June 5th, 2014 at Eagle Hill Golf Course.  Funds raised at this charity event will support the Arkansas Childrens Hospital Burn Unit.

The 4-Man Scramble will begin with registration and check in at 9:00am with a shotgun start at 10:00am.

Registration is $300 per 4-man team, which includes carts and greens fees.  All refreshments will be provided.  Lunch will be provided by LR Outback Steak House at the conclusion of play.

Entry deadline has passed (May 19th) but Local #34 will accept late registrations for this event!

Prizes will be awarded for select Long Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Hole-In-One holes.  Trophies and many other prizes will be awarded at the event.

More information available at the Local 34 Website.

L34 2014 Golf Tournament.doc

Members of Local 4496 (Mountain Home) partnered with the local Salvation Army to raise money!

May 29, 2014 - IAFF Local 2866 to host the Hero Half-Marathon.  The Fayetteville Fire Fighters Local 2866 will host the Hero Half-Marathon on October 18th at 10:00 am to raise funds for local charities.

The Hero Half-Marathon includes an optional 1-Mile run in full turnout gear. 

Event day will include both a 911 Memorial Service prior to the event, as well as post-race activities. 

Beneficiaries of the event include:  the Cow Paddy Foundation, the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, Movies in the Park, Arkansas Special Olympics, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ACH Camp Sunshine and the Fayetteville Firefighter Scholarship Fund.

Registration, scheduling, volunteering and other event details can be found at the Hero Half-Marathon website.

The Arkansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial Commemoration is set for Saturday, March 22nd at 1:00 pm.

As a project that has been in progress for many years, the groundbreaking at the State Capitol began almost a year ago to the day in 2013. 

Events will begin at 1:00 pm at 1 Capitol Mall, and will feature guest speaker Lt Ray McCormick from FDNY.

--

The event will be followed by an Open House for the new IAFF Local #34 (Little Rock) Lodge at 210 S. Gaines.  These same facilities are the location for the APFF Offices as well.  Drop by and see the new building!

March 20th, 2014 --  Cpt Michael Cossey of the Maumelle Fire Department (Local 4453) is sworn in as a member of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.

Appointed to the 4th position allocated for members of the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters, Cpt Cossey was sworn in by Judge Bynum Gibson at the Drew County 10th Judicial District Courthouse.

The Fire Services Protection Board was established at the 2003 Arkansas General Assembly by combining the Arkansas Fire Advisory Board, the Arkansas Fire Training Academy Board, and the former Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.  The Board is tasked with setting the standards for Departments and assisting them with training programs, as well as many other tasks associated with fire departments in Arkansas.

The 15-member Board is composed of four members of the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs; two from the Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association; four from the Arkansas State Firefighters Association; four from the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association; a designee from the Arkansas Forestry Commission; the Director of the ADEM; the Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy; and the State Fire Marshall.

Each member serves a 3-year term.  The APFF looks forward to the quality and dedication Brother Cossey will bring to the job.

June 8th, 2014 - The APFF is pleased to announce that Local 34 President Richard Morehead was awarded the 2014 Kuhron Huddleston Award at the 14th District Caucus at Orange Beach.  The award is presented for his outstanding service and commitment to Local 34, the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters, the IAFF 14th District and the IAFF in general.

May 29, 2014 - IAFF Local #34 (Little Rock) to host benefit golf tournament.

Local #34 will put on a golf tournament June 5th, 2014 at Eagle Hill Golf Course.  Funds raised at this charity event will support the Arkansas Childrens Hospital Burn Unit.

The 4-Man Scramble will begin with registration and check in at 9:00am with a shotgun start at 10:00am.

Registration is $300 per 4-man team, which includes carts and greens fees.  All refreshments will be provided.  Lunch will be provided by LR Outback Steak House at the conclusion of play.

Entry deadline has passed (May 19th) but Local #34 will accept late registrations for this event!

Prizes will be awarded for select Long Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Hole-In-One holes.  Trophies and many other prizes will be awarded at the event.

More information available at the Local 34 Website.

L34 2014 Golf Tournament.doc

Members of Local 4496 (Mountain Home) partnered with the local Salvation Army to raise money!

May 29, 2014 - IAFF Local 2866 to host the Hero Half-Marathon.  The Fayetteville Fire Fighters Local 2866 will host the Hero Half-Marathon on October 18th at 10:00 am to raise funds for local charities.

The Hero Half-Marathon includes an optional 1-Mile run in full turnout gear. 

Event day will include both a 911 Memorial Service prior to the event, as well as post-race activities. 

Beneficiaries of the event include:  the Cow Paddy Foundation, the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, Movies in the Park, Arkansas Special Olympics, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ACH Camp Sunshine and the Fayetteville Firefighter Scholarship Fund.

Registration, scheduling, volunteering and other event details can be found at the Hero Half-Marathon website.

The Arkansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial Commemoration is set for Saturday, March 22nd at 1:00 pm.

As a project that has been in progress for many years, the groundbreaking at the State Capitol began almost a year ago to the day in 2013. 

Events will begin at 1:00 pm at 1 Capitol Mall, and will feature guest speaker Lt Ray McCormick from FDNY.

--

The event will be followed by an Open House for the new IAFF Local #34 (Little Rock) Lodge at 210 S. Gaines.  These same facilities are the location for the APFF Offices as well.  Drop by and see the new building!

March 20th, 2014 --  Cpt Michael Cossey of the Maumelle Fire Department (Local 4453) is sworn in as a member of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.

Appointed to the 4th position allocated for members of the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters, Cpt Cossey was sworn in by Judge Bynum Gibson at the Drew County 10th Judicial District Courthouse.

The Fire Services Protection Board was established at the 2003 Arkansas General Assembly by combining the Arkansas Fire Advisory Board, the Arkansas Fire Training Academy Board, and the former Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.  The Board is tasked with setting the standards for Departments and assisting them with training programs, as well as many other tasks associated with fire departments in Arkansas.

The 15-member Board is composed of four members of the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs; two from the Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association; four from the Arkansas State Firefighters Association; four from the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association; a designee from the Arkansas Forestry Commission; the Director of the ADEM; the Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy; and the State Fire Marshall.

Each member serves a 3-year term.  The APFF looks forward to the quality and dedication Brother Cossey will bring to the job.

June 14, 2013 – The recent release of the “Worst Charities” list on CNN and other major networks includes organizations with similar names to the IAFF’s charities, including “Firefighters Charitable Foundation” and the “Firefighters Burn Fund.”

The IAFF and its Charitable Foundation are in no way affiliated with any of these charities, which use names mimicking reputable organizations to prey on the good nature of people who want to contribute to worthy causes. Released by the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), the report lists the 50 worst charities which rake in millions in profit and give only a tiny percentage to the cause they claim to represent. “These unscrupulous charities are hijacking the good name, strong reputation and public admiration for fire fighters, police and other respected charities just to line their pockets,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

The IAFF Charitable Foundation, which supports and administers several charitable funds focused on helping IAFF members and their families in their time of need, is not on the list of the 50 worst charities released by CIR and reported in the media. Much of the Foundation's costs are underwritten by the IAFF and less than 20 percent of funds are used for administrative and fundraising operations.

It is with a heavy heart that the APFF reports that the Pine Bluff Fire Department has lost one of it's members in a tragic vehicle accident on Thursday, April 11th.

Pine Bluff Fire Fighter Caleb Satterlee was driving along US Highway 425 North at the Drew and Lincoln counties line when he lost control of his vehicle and spun out.  His vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a tractor trailer.

Funeral Services were conducted by the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home on Sunday, April 14th.

Satterlee was a full-time employee with the Pine Bluff Fire Department.  Please hold his wife, Amy, and his family in your prayers.

Oct 9, 2012 - IAFF Local 4544 (Cabot FD) and the entire 14th District mourns the devastating loss of their Local President, Marty Stumbaugh.

On Monday, October 8th, Brother Marty Stumbaugh suffered a sudden and fatal brain aneurysm while out of state.  Brother Stumbaugh is well respected by his coworkers and the loss is very tragic.  He is survived by his wife Mindy, his daughter Macy (8) and his son Mason (2).

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mt Carmel Baptist Church, 163 Mt Carmel Rd in Cabot, AR (72023).  The funeral service will be on Friday, October 12th at 11:00 AM, also at the Mt Carmel Church.  Interment will follow at the cemetery across the street from the church.  The funeral services are being provided Thomas Funeral Home in Cabot.

As can be imagined, a loss like this places a considerable financial burden on the family.   An account has been established with Arvest Bank at 510 W Main St in Cabot for those members or Locals who would like to help Marty's family in this time of loss.  Checks should be made payable to the Marty Stumbaugh Family Fund and can either be mailed directly to the bank.

Cabot Fire Department Chief Phillip Robinson and IAFF Local 4544 wish to express their sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of support from firefighters across the state of Arkansas.

Local 4544 Website:  IAFF Local 4544

It is with a heavy heart that the APFF reports that the Pine Bluff Fire Department has lost one of it's members in a tragic vehicle accident on Thursday, April 11th.

Pine Bluff Fire Fighter Caleb Satterlee was driving along US Highway 425 North at the Drew and Lincoln counties line when he lost control of his vehicle and spun out.  His vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a tractor trailer.

Funeral Services were conducted by the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home on Sunday, April 14th.

Satterlee was a full-time employee with the Pine Bluff Fire Department.  Please hold his wife, Amy, and his family in your prayers.

Oct 9, 2012 - IAFF Local 4544 (Cabot FD) and the entire 14th District mourns the devastating loss of their Local President, Marty Stumbaugh.

On Monday, October 8th, Brother Marty Stumbaugh suffered a sudden and fatal brain aneurysm while out of state.  Brother Stumbaugh is well respected by his coworkers and the loss is very tragic.  He is survived by his wife Mindy, his daughter Macy (8) and his son Mason (2).

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mt Carmel Baptist Church, 163 Mt Carmel Rd in Cabot, AR (72023).  The funeral service will be on Friday, October 12th at 11:00 AM, also at the Mt Carmel Church.  Interment will follow at the cemetery across the street from the church.  The funeral services are being provided Thomas Funeral Home in Cabot.

As can be imagined, a loss like this places a considerable financial burden on the family.   An account has been established with Arvest Bank at 510 W Main St in Cabot for those members or Locals who would like to help Marty's family in this time of loss.  Checks should be made payable to the Marty Stumbaugh Family Fund and can either be mailed directly to the bank.

Cabot Fire Department Chief Phillip Robinson and IAFF Local 4544 wish to express their sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of support from firefighters across the state of Arkansas.

Local 4544 Website:  IAFF Local 4544