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.

The International Association of Fire Fighters Disaster Relief Fund, which was established after Hurricane Katrina under the IAFF Charitable Foundation, provides assistance to IAFF Members who suffer financial hardship during such disasters.  The IAFF Charitable Foundaiton is a 501(c)(3) and provides critical support to Emergency Responders who put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe and secure.  Donations to the IAFF Charitable Foundation, which can be directed to the Disaster Relief Fund can be made by clicking HERE.

From Danny Todd, 14th District VP:

"I have been in touch with the District 1 Vice President Bill Romaka concerning Hurricane Sandy. At this time they are still assessing the number of fire fighters affected and their needs.

He is sure that many fire fighters homes have received damage from the hurricance and some have been affected by the fires.

With so many members in the path of the storm, the IAFF will need to provide significant relief through the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund.

Please help us provide the much-needed support for IAFF members devastated by this storm by donating to the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund."

Portions of this article reprinted with permission from the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters.

The Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters met today at the Arkansas State Capitol.

Over 50 members of the APFF, representing municipal fire fighters from all corners of the state, rallied today at the Capitol to lobby for issues affecting fire safety and fair employment of the profession. 

One of the key issues has been the introduction of a Bill to amend a portion of the Arkansas Code regarding Worker's Compensation claims for mental injuries.  Under the current state law, Worker's Compensation claims for mental injuries can only be made when they include physical injuries.  The current understanding of stress-related mental issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder makes clear their need for treatment as serious life- and work-affecting injuries in their own right, outside of the scope of physical injuries.

Arkansas State Senator Jon Woods (R) has recognized this need and stepped up to sponsor the Mental Injury/Illness Bill.  It is due to be filed in the next few days, and will then go to the House and Senate committees for review.

There are other issues that the APFF has brought to the 2013 Legislation.

HB1280, amending a loophole in a previous Act that prohibited the sale of certain novelty lighters, added "grill lighters" to the defined list.  The potential for these lighters to be seen and used as toys by children is an issue that has hopefully been resolved.  HB1280 has passed both the Senate and the House, and is on it's way to the Governor for signature.

HB1392 establishes a timeframe for Civil Service Commissions to certify promotional listings.  Currently, there is no established timeframe.  If passed, this Bill will set the certification period to 90 days after the completion of testing.  HB1392 has cleared the House of Representatives and is now on it's way to the Senate for committee review.

HB1481 (the Firefighter Vacation Equalization Bill) will clarify a discrepancy regarding interpretation of the "work day" with respect to firefighters' vacations.  A few municipalities have treated the firefighter 24-hour shift as three work days in this interpretation, which results in firefighters recieving less than 3 weeks vacation per year, as the law intended.  Public Safety employees recieving the same "15 days" vacation per year get the full 3 weeks.  The amendment will change the 15-day rule to "three calendar weeks" which will clear up the discrepancy.  This Bill is currently filed and on its way to the Senate and House committees.

The Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association continues to work toward improving the working conditions of firefighters throughout the state; this in turn improves the quality of service provided to the public.

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 great sorrow that the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association announces the passing of Jim Henson. Brother Henson was a member of Local 34 and retired as Captain from the Little Rock Fire Department. He represented the state's firefighters as the fire employee trustee on the Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI).

Visitation will be Monday, May 10 from 5 pm until 8 pm at Griffin-Legget Funeral Home (5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock). Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 11 at Noon at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church (12400 Interstate 30, Little Rock). Please continue to keep the Henson family in your prayers.

Eddie Parsley, President of Local 14 in Pine Bluff, reports that Lieutenant David Curlin continues to improve. Brother Curlin was injured in a building collapse at a commercial structure fire January 2. According to President Parsley, Brother Curlin is awake and able to communicate a little with family and friends. "Earlier this week he had a set back and some planned procedures were canceled.  We are not sure when these procedures will be rescheduled.  It has been three weeks since the accident and the family is holding up well.  Thanks for the support, the generousity and kindness."

Pine Bluff Lieutenant David Curlin, a member of Local 14, was critically injured this morning (Jan. 2) when he was struck by a steel beam during a reported collapse during a commercial structure fire. Brother Curlin underwent surgery today at UAMS in Little Rock and is reported to be in stable condition at this time. He suffered multiple injuries during the collapse and additional surgeries will be required in the coming days.

Attached is a photo of Clements Office Center on Main Street in Pine Bluff, the site of the fire.

Prayer Vigil: The Arkansas Firefighters Memorial has announced they will host a prayer vigil for Pine Bluff Lieutenant David Curlin Monday evening between 8:30p and 10p. The vigil will be held at the memorial statute currently on display at the Maumelle Fire Department at the intersection of Millwood Circle and Maumelle Boulevard. All are welcome to attend.

Relief Fund & Blood Drive: The Lieutenant David Curlin Relief Fund has been established at Simmons First National Bank. Donations can be made to the fund, which is account number 10925304. If making donations at a Simmons location outside of Pine Bluff, please tell them this is a Pine Bluff account. Also, a blood drive for Lt. Curlin will be held Wednesday, January 6 ad the Pine Bluff Central Fire Station from 10a until 3p.

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