The Connecticut State Firefighters Association

CSFA Seeks Support to Restore CT Firefighters Memorial – Fundraising Dinner Monday, June 6th

Dinner for CT Firefighters Memorial to be Held at Aqua Turf in Southington

There has been a lot going behind the scenes for the past several weeks to help raise money for the maintenance of the Connecticut Firefighters Memorial CSFA_-_CT_Firefighters_Memorial_in_Windsor_Locks_050216 located in Windsor Locks near the Connecticut Fire Academy. Presently, the monument needs some costly maintenance to replace and restore some of the granite panels that have worn prematurely. The Memorial Committee of the The Connecticut State Firefighters Association hope that friends and families of the Fire Service will spread the and come out to support restoration of the memorial to pristine condition.

Please read the recent letter from CSFA President Vaughan Dumas asking all to support the necessary restoration:

CSFA_Memorial_Committee_Fundraising_Dinner_050216

To copy the letter in a .pdf file please click the following link: CSFA Letter for Aqua Turf Fundraiser on Monday, June 6th, 2016

Thanks in advance for your support!

CSFA Online 2016

Posted in CSFA News, CSFA Upcoming Events | Tags Career Firefighter, Connecticut Fire Academy, Connecticut Firefighter, CT firefighter health news, CT firefighter news, CT Firefighter's Memorial, ct legislative session 2016, Fire Company, Firefighter benefits, firefighter education, Firefighter Line of Duty Death, non-profit, South Windsor Fire Department, The Bravest, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter

“Firefighter Cancer Bill” Passes Both CT House and Senate; Awaits Governor’s Signature

House Bill #5262 Passes CT House Unanimously April 21st, Clears Senate April 26th

Following unanimous passage in the Connecticut House of Representatives last week, House Bill #5262, “The Firefighter Cancer Bill” passed the CT Senate on Tuesday April, 26, 2016 with only one dissenting vote. At this point, we await only the Governor’s signature for this legislation to become law.
When this new law goes into effect, all CT firefighters who contract certain cancers will be entitled to qualify for wage replacement coverage.

Click CT Mirror reported a summary of the “Firefighter Cancer Bill” developments to date. for more details.

2016-04-27_1627

To see the full final version of the legislation that passed click, House Bill 5262, File No. 891

CSFA Online 2016

Posted in CSFA 2016 Legislative Updates, CSFA Health Bulletins, CSFA News | Tags asbestos, Career Firefighter, Connecticut Firefighter, CSFA, CT firefighter cancer bill, CT firefighter health news, CT firefighter news, ct legislative session 2015, ct legislative session 2016, Fire Company, Fire Service, Fire Station, firefighter cancer bill, firefighter death, firefighter injury, firefighter insurance, Firefighter Line of Duty Death, Firefighter training, Massachusetts Firefighters, New York State Firefighters, non-profit, Rep. Michelle Cook, Sen Tony Hwang, The Bravest, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter

CSFA Legislative Update – April 17th, 2016 from Ted Schroll, Jr.

Connecticut State Firefighters Association House Bill Status Report

(Click the link below to see the entire report)

House Bill Status Report April 17, 2016

All,

The General Assembly was in session for 2 days this past week. They did not pass anything that I was tracking.

There was a new development this week that I have never seen before. After the normal budget procedure (Approps budget), the Governor has now submitted a second budget proposal because the committee did not cut enough to make up for the $900 Mil deficit. I have been told that the Appropriations committee now has to address that proposal. As a result, the monies that were restored in the Approps proposal were zeroed again by the Governor. If you remember, the Gov originally zeroed the Reg Fire Schools, and lump summed the CSFA disability and radio accounts. The Approps committee restored limited funding to 6 schools, but not the 3 municipal schools. The Gov’s new proposal for all these items is the same as his original. Right now we do not know where we stand compared to the previous proposal. When we left the Capitol on Thursday, the Appropriations committee was going to go into a caucus to discuss this issue.

The G.A. is supposed to go into session on Tues, Wed, & Thurs. next week. It is expected that H.B. #5262 (F/F cancer coverage) will be acted on in the House early in the week. H.B. #5518 (Fire School funding) was sent to the Finance committee last week. It is on their agenda to be voted out of committee on Monday. We are fairly confident that it will be O.K. for Monday. As we move further along, we may need your email support. We will keep you advised.

Bill activity this past week:

H.B. #5518 went to Finance, S.B. #134 & #167 went to Appropriations.

H.B. #5274, #5406, #5407, #5412, & #5546 were voted out of respective committees and were placed on the calendar.

You will note that this week’s listing identifies bills that have died in committee or were never acted upon to date.

I am available by email if any questions.

Ted Schroll Jr., Legislative Representative

Connecticut State Firefighters Association

703 Ridge Road

Wethersfield, CT 06109-2634

FAX 860 529-7106

CELL 860 402-3865

Primary Email thschroll@snet.net

Secondary thschroll78@gmail.com

Posted in CSFA 2016 Legislative Updates, CSFA News | Tags Career Firefighter, Connecticut Firefighter, CSFA, CT Firefighter's Memorial, ct legislative session 2016, CT legislature, Fire Service, Fire Station, firefighter, firefighter cancer, firefighter cancer legislation, firefighter education, firefighter hazards, firefighter injury, firefighter insurance, Firefighter Line of Duty Death, Firefighter training, non-profit, The Bravest, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter

CSFA Legislative Update – March 30th, 2016 from Ted Schroll, Jr.

(Click the link below to see the entire report)

CSFA House Bill Status Report March 30th, 2016

All,

There have been no General Assembly sessions since last week so little has happened to report. Besides this was a 4 day week. The House & Senate are scheduled to be in session on Tuesday 3/29. It has been mentioned that they will be working on the new budget during this session.

MARCH 30TH IS FIRE SERVICE DAY.

If you are able, come to the Capitol, contact your Representative or Senator, and explain to him/her your opinion on the fire service legislation we are working on. Tell them why you need cancer compensation medical coverage for on the job toxic exposures. Tell them why a blue light identifies a volunteer firefighter and why it should continue. Tell them why the Regional Fire School operating budgets should be funded. Explain to them why non experts off the street should not be “deputized” to perform routine fire inspections.

I have added one new bill to the listing this week. It is S.B. #464. Because of the City of Hartford’s economic situation, the bill would allow the city to establish a “Financial Sustainability Commission.” Normally this is not a bill that we would follow. However, because the operations of this Commission would be able to make changes in the collective bargaining process for Hartford’s firefighters (CSFA members), we are tracking this legislation.

Other bills continue to move through the system. Activity the past week includes:

H.B. #5053 was moved to the Planning & Development committee.

H.B. #5267, #5269, #5277, #5299, #5327, #5549, S.B. #167, & #259 were all placed on the calendar.

H. B. #5537 & S. B. #15 were moved out of committee.

H.B. #5272, #5274, #5279, #5365, #5406, #5407, #5411, #5412, #5463, #5544, #5545, #5546, S. B. #120 & #388 are expected to be placed on the calendar during next week.

I am available for any questions.

Ted Schroll Jr., Legislative Representative

Connecticut State Firefighters Association

703 Ridge Road

Wethersfield, CT 06109-2634

FAX 860 529-7106

CELL 860 402-3865

Primary Email thschroll@snet.net

Secondary thschroll78@gmail.com

Posted in CSFA 2016 Legislative Updates, CSFA News | Tags Career Firefighter, Connecticut Firefighter, CSFA, CT firefighter health news, CT firefighter news, CT Firefighter's Memorial, CT legislature, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Station, Firefighter benefits, firefighter death benefit, firefighter injury, firefighter insurance, Firefighter Line of Duty Death, Firefighter training, New York State Firefighters, non-profit, The Bravest, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter

CT Fire Chiefs Host Interactive Summit April 1st & 2nd – Registration extended to include Walk-ins

Connecticut Fire Chiefs Address Burning Issues in the Fire Service

The Connecticut Volunteer Workforce Solutions Program in partnership with the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association will be hosting an interactive fire service summit designed to bring together fire departments from across Connecticut to discuss and problem-solve important issues facing the fire service.

The Chiefs have extended the deadline for Summit Registration to include attendees who arrive as Walk-ins.

Please click for more details about the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Interactive Summit April 1 & 2 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Meriden, CT.

Posted in CSFA News, CSFA Upcoming Events | Tags Career Firefighter, Connecticut Firefighter, CT firefighter health news, Fire Department, firefighter education, firefighter hazards, firefighter injury, firefighter insurance, non-profit, The Bravest, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter

CSFA Legislative Update – March 21st, 2016 from Ted Schroll, Jr.

CT House Bill Status Report from our Lobbyist Ted Scroll, Jr.

2016-03-21_1350

(Click the link below to see the entire report)

CSFA House Bill Status Report March 21st, 2016

All,

Many bills were JF’d (moved out) of committee this week. One bill of particular interest is H. B. #5518. This bill would place a surcharge on a persons homeowners or renters insurance of one half of one percent ( .5% ). This sum would be used to fund the operating budgets for the regional Fire Training Schools. The bill started with a 1% surcharge and after funding training, it could have been used to fund equipment purchases for fire departments. A compromise was agreed to lower the surcharge to .5% and remove the portion that would fund equipment purchases. The bill was then moved out of committee.

The group that is working on the firefighter cancer bill (H. B. #5262) is still meeting. Some language has been studied, but not all are in agreement yet. Hopefully we shall see some information within the 1-2 weeks.

One item I believe that I did not mention last week is H. B. #5544. Similar to last year, this bill would require municipalities with a population of less than 40,000 and receives less than 12,000 E-911 calls per year would be required to consolidate PSAPs by 7/1/2020 or face a loss of E-911 Commission support, both equipment and funding.

Activity this past week:

H.B. #5274, #5365, #5406, #5411, #5412, #5463, #5518, #5546, S.B. #367, #388, & #423 were all JF’d out of their committees.

H. B. #5262 & S. B. #134 were placed on their respective calendars.

H.B. #5267, #5269, #5299, #5327, #5549, & S.B. #167 are expected on their respective calendars this coming week.

If any questions on any other bills, I am available by email. Report will be separate.

Ted Schroll Jr., Legislative Representative

Connecticut State Firefighters Association

703 Ridge Road

Wethersfield, CT 06109-2634

FAX 860 529-7106

CELL 860 402-3865

Primary Email thschroll@snet.net

Secondary thschroll78@gmail.com

CSFA Online 2016

Posted in CSFA 2016 Legislative Updates, CSFA News | Tags asbestos, Career Firefighter, Connecticut Firefighter, CT firefighter health news, CT firefighter news, CT Firefighter's Memorial, ct legislative session 2016, CT legislature, Fire Department, Fire Service, Firefighter benefits, firefighter cancer, firefighter cancer legislation, firefighter death benefit, firefighter education, firefighter hazards, firefighter injury, firefighter insurance, non-profit, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter

(VIDEO) Rep. Linda Orange testifies in favor of bills that fund CT Regional Fire Schools

State Representative Linda Orange testifies to support bills that fund CT Fire Schools

Rep. Linda Orange continued her support for the Connecticut Fire Service this week as she testified before the legislature’s Finance, Review and Bonding Committee in support of House Bill 5518. The bill, similar in language to House Bill 5594, proposes a small surcharge on Connecticut homeowner insurance policies in order to fund operating budgets at Connecticut’s Regional Fire Schools. The bills would also fund the expense of certain training costs and fire equipment.

Watch the video: Rep. Linda Orange testifies with CSFA Education Committee Chairman Alan Hawkins

Click the link to watch the video of Rep. Linda Orange and CSFA Education Committee Chairman Alan Hawkins testifying at the Public Hearing for House Bill 5518:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4iuAuAOnao&feature=youtu.be

CSFA Online 2016

Posted in CSFA 2016 Legislative Updates, CSFA News | Tags 48th Assembly District, Career Firefighter, Colchester, Connecticut Firefighter, CT firefighter health news, CT firefighter news, CT legislature, Fire Company, Fire Service, Fire Station, Firefighter benefits, firefighter equipment, firefighter hazards, Firefighter training, house dems, Lebanon, Mansfield, New York State Firefighters, non-profit, Rep. Linda Orange, State Representative Linda Orange (D), The Bravest, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter, Windham

URGENT MESSAGE: WE NEED CT FIRE SERVICE AT CAPITOL TUES. FEB 9TH AGAINST BUDGET CUTS

We Need Your Support in our Fight Against CT Fire Service Budget Cuts

Attention all Connecticut Fire Chiefs, CSFA Members and friends of the Fire Service: Please read and share the following URGENT MESSAGE from our President:

Greetings to all,

The Governor’s proposed 2017 budget was released shortly after his speech last week. This budget proposal zeroed out the operating funds for the regional fire training schools and “consolidated” the benefit funds. Consolidated means it is no longer a line item earmarked solely for the benefits of injured, disabled, or families of Firefighters killed in the line of duty. Currently, funds are being sent to 5 children and 7 Firefighters who are permanently disabled using this benefit funding source. These benefits will most likely cease if the budgeted line item is not restored back to the CSFA benefit account.
This year is more important to show our strength. For the first time the Administration has infringed upon our benefit funding, they are cutting the benefit to our injured Firefighters; our permanently disabled by virtue of their job; spouses of Line of Duty Death (LODD) Firefighters; dependent children of LODD or permanently Disabled Firefighters. We need to be their voice.

On Tuesday February 9, 2016 at 4:00 PM at the Legislative Office Building, in hearing room 2C, there will be an opportunity to speak at a public session for the proposed budget and its affects. This date and time is set for the Department of Emergency Service and Public Protection (DESPP) portion of the budget only. It’s time that we “rally the troops” as we did last year. Last year we started out with nothing in the Regional Fire School operating funds and ended up 70% restored, thanks to the support of Firefighters across the state who appeared at the public hearing. But, here we are at zero all over again.

I believe we need to respond in force in opposition to this proposal. These topics are important to us, we are being denied, we must make our needs known. This is our only option to collectively address the legislative branch with a show of force. After the public session it will be up to Ted Schroll and Leon Collins to represent us in the many meetings and deliberations that will be held. I have confidence that they will do their best, but we need to show them our support and the strength of the Fire Service in Connecticut.

I know this is last minute, the Fire Service deserves to be represented appropriately. If you are able to appear to show strength and support for firefighter training and benefits, appear in a Firefighter uniform or Firefighter attire. Speakers have been selected – we need to show their support.

Thank You in advance for your commitment to the Fire Service in Connecticut,

Sincerely,

Vaughan Dumas
President, CSFA

CSFA Online 2016

Posted in CSFA 2016 Legislative Updates, CSFA News, CSFA Upcoming Events | Tags Career Firefighter, Connecticut Firefighter, CT firefighter health news, ct legislative session 2016, CT legislature, Fire Service, Fire Station, firefighter death benefit, firefighter education, firefighter hazards, firefighter injury, firefighter insurance, Firefighter Line of Duty Death, Firefighter training, Massachusetts Firefighters, New York State Firefighters, non-profit, The Bravest, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter

An urgent message from the CSFA Pres re: our work toward cancer coverage for all CT Firefighters

All members, please read the following note from the president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association:

Ted Schroll and Leon Collins attended a meeting of the firefighter’s cancer working group on January 27, 2016. It has been discussed that only firefighters who are CURRENTLY CERTIFIED as interior firefighters (both career and volunteers) will be eligible for this benefit if the legislation is passed. The Connecticut State Firefighters Association has been tasked with obtaining the number of volunteer firefighters who are CURRENTLY CERTIFIED as interior firefighters. The chairperson is referring to the Required Minimum standard OSHA 1910.156(c) (2) standard which requires training “at least quarterly”. It is believed by most that once a firefighter has been certified continued education is not required. If a member does not participate in training drills “at least quarterly” that does not mean that they have maintained their certification.

We are seeking your assistance in this endeavor. All of you have helped in the past, and we are calling again. We cannot possibly make calls to all 300+ fire companies in the State of Connecticut. We are also asking those of you who are Chief’s, Training Officers, or hold an administrative office please forward the number of firefighters certified as interior firefighters in your department, not a full training record.

If you are a member of of any fire service associations (CT Chiefs, Career Chiefs, CFDIA, CFMA, etc.) please forward this email so they can pass it along to their association email distribution lists.

The information needed is what you would provide to OSHA if it was requested. Remember, we only need the number of firefighters certified as interior firefighters, not a full training record.

Once you have that information email it to Leon Collins at collins@csfa.org. Leon will compile the information on a spreadsheet.

Please understand that this request is time sensitive, the legislative session starts Wednesday February 3, 2016. We need your co-operation ASAP. Be as accurate as you can. Since we do not know how these numbers will be interpreted, either over counting or under counting is not suggested; just accurate numbers. We DO know that the numbers will be used to determine extent of coverage. One statement that was made to us was that failure to provide any information would quite probably result in disallowing the entire benefit for volunteer firefighters.
Sincerely,

Vaughan I. Dumas
President, CSFA

CSFA Online 2016

Posted in CSFA 2016 Legislative Updates, CSFA News | Tags asbestos, Career Firefighter, Connecticut Firefighter, CSFA, CT firefighter health news, CT firefighter news, Fire Company, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Station, Firefighter benefits, firefighter education, firefighter equipment, Firefighter Line of Duty Death, Firefighter training, Massachusetts Firefighters, New York State Firefighters, NY Firefighter, The Bravest, The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Volunteer Firefighter

Place your business in our CSFA Hall of Fame Dinner ad book for 2016

Support Connecticut Firefighters and Promote Your Business

We are currently accepting ads for our Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA) ad book to help defray the costs of the Hall of Fame Dinner 2016.

This year’s ad book will measure 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and is the perfect opportunity to congratulate the recipients or promote your products our organization.

Program Book Price List

Center Page $175.00

Rear Cover $145.00

Inside F/Cover $130.00

Inside R/Cover $130.00

Full Page $125.00

Half Page $75.00

Business Card $35.00

Please make your check payable to CSFA and include with your ad/artwork.

Forward ads to:

William Coffey, 45 Beaver Brook Road, Danbury, CT 06810, (203) 746-1424 coffey@csfa.org

Ads must be received by March 25, 2016

CSFA Online 2016

Posted in CSFA News, CSFA Upcoming Events | Tags Career Firefighter, CSFA Hall of Fame Award, CSFA Hall of Fame Dinner, non-profit, Volunteer Firefighter

CSFA Seeks Support to Restore CT Firefighters Memorial – Fundraising Dinner Monday, June 6th

Dinner for CT Firefighters Memorial to be Held at Aqua Turf in Southington

“Firefighter Cancer Bill” Passes Both CT House and Senate; Awaits Governor’s Signature

House Bill #5262 Passes CT House Unanimously April 21st, Clears Senate April 26th

CSFA Legislative Update – April 17th, 2016 from Ted Schroll, Jr.

Connecticut State Firefighters Association House Bill Status Report

(Click the link below to see the entire report)

CSFA Legislative Update – March 30th, 2016 from Ted Schroll, Jr.

(Click the link below to see the entire report)

CT Fire Chiefs Host Interactive Summit April 1st & 2nd – Registration extended to include Walk-ins

Connecticut Fire Chiefs Address Burning Issues in the Fire Service

CSFA Legislative Update – March 21st, 2016 from Ted Schroll, Jr.

CT House Bill Status Report from our Lobbyist Ted Scroll, Jr.

(Click the link below to see the entire report)

(VIDEO) Rep. Linda Orange testifies in favor of bills that fund CT Regional Fire Schools

State Representative Linda Orange testifies to support bills that fund CT Fire Schools

Watch the video: Rep. Linda Orange testifies with CSFA Education Committee Chairman Alan Hawkins

URGENT MESSAGE: WE NEED CT FIRE SERVICE AT CAPITOL TUES. FEB 9TH AGAINST BUDGET CUTS

We Need Your Support in our Fight Against CT Fire Service Budget Cuts

An urgent message from the CSFA Pres re: our work toward cancer coverage for all CT Firefighters

All members, please read the following note from the president of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association:

If you are a member of of any fire service associations (CT Chiefs, Career Chiefs, CFDIA, CFMA, etc.) please forward this email so they can pass it along to their association email distribution lists.

Place your business in our CSFA Hall of Fame Dinner ad book for 2016

Support Connecticut Firefighters and Promote Your Business

Program Book Price List

Ads must be received by March 25, 2016

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Connecticut State Firefighter's Memorial