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)
CSFA House Bill Status Report March 21st, 2016
(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
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
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
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
CSFA Announces 2016 Hall of Fame Nominees and Annual Dinner on April 7, 2016
CT Firefighters prep for CSFA Hall of Fame Dinner 2016
It’s time to buy your tickets and make plans to celebrate the best of the Bravest – the Connecticut State Firefighters Association has announced 
the list of Nominees to be honored at the 2016 CSFA Hall of Fame Dinner. Firefighters and many others statewide are once again working together to organize and present the Connecticut State Firefighters Association Eighth Annual Hall of Fame Dinner. So much has been going on behind the scenes as the event date draws near:
Thursday, April 7th, 2016.
CSFA invites members friends and families to celebrate and honor the achievement, dedication and commitment of members present and past.
The Class of 2016 Inductees
Fred Dudek, Jr., Killingworth
Laurence Ford, Redding (Deceased)
James E. Kiley, Newingtown (Deceased)
Ronald L. Littell, Sr., Tolland
Kevin R. McKeon, West Shore (West Haven)
Jon Menti, Stony Hill
Jeffrey Morrissette, Wethersfield (Fire Admin)
John E. Obier, Jr., North Haven (Deceased)
Gary M. Parker, Derby
Charles Perrotti, North Canaan
Kenneth W. Richards, Jr., Olde Mystic
Event: CSFA Eighth Annual Hall of Fame Dinner
When: Thursday, April 7th, 2016, 6-7 pm Open Bar, 7pm Dinner
Where: The Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville, CT
Price: $40 per person
Tickets are available at door or call:
CSFA Office (860) 423-5799, William Coffey(203) 746-1424 or Bob Guthrie (203) 934-7565
CSFA Hall of Fame Award Details and Requirements
Purpose: To recognize a present or former member(s) of an organized Fire Department who has served both his or her department and state association(s) above and beyond normal expectations over an extended period of time. They shall have demonstrated leadership and have shown themselves to be a motivating force for the betterment of the Fire Service throughout Connecticut and the United States. These persons shall have contributed in a positive way to the enrichment of the Fire Service organizations they represented. Recipients’ names will be placed in a location of prominence as a remembrance of their efforts which have benefited and improved the Fire Service of the state.
Eligibility: Any Firefighter who has served in a Fire Department and who has contributed to the betterment of the Fire Service on a local state or national level.
Nomination: Only one nomination shall be submitted annually and must be a recognized member of a fire department or a recognized fire service organization in the state of Connecticut the nomination shall include positions, deeds, accomplishments and awards of distinction. Review of nominations will be made by the CSFA awards committee. Awards as a result of brave actions will be given under a separate format administered by CSFA.
Applications: To be completed on CSFA application forms and received by the CSFA Awards Committee no later than July 1st. Persons nominated by a Fire Department shall be on CSFA applications and signed or countersigned by the active Chief of Department as well as the submitter. Those nominated by a state association shall be signed by the current president. All applications will be kept on file and reviewed in subsequent years.
Awards: To be made annually at the Hall of Fame awards dinner. A pin and plaque of accomplishment will be awarded to each recipient or their family in case of posthumous award. The number of awards to be presented each year will be recommended by the Hall of Fame Committee to the Executive Committee of CSFA at the February meeting.
CSFA Online 2016
CSFA makes Firefighters’ Hazardous Exposure Report available for download.
Firefighters’ Hazardous Exposure Report
As Firefighters face more and more potentially toxic contaminants on the job, it is increasingly important to document each exposure.
Fire Departments here in Connecticut should complete a Firefighters’ Hazardous Exposure Report. (click link for download)
We know that some Departments already use this form, but many more need to begin to document the hazardous exposure that both Volunteer and Career Firefighters routinely encounter.
Using the Firefighter Hazardous Exposure Report helps to track who was exposed, when they were exposed and to what hazards a Firefighter was exposed while working. The form needs to be signed by either Captain or Lieutenant and Fire Chief.
If your Fire Department is not using Firefighters’ Hazardous Exposure Reports, now is the time to start.
Click the link above to download the complete Connecticut State Firefighters Association Hazardous Exposure Report.
CSFA Online 2015
CSFA Firefighters can apply for the 2015-2016 Andrew J. Flanagan Scholarship now
The Andrew J. Flanagan Memorial Scholarship
The Andrew J. Flanagan Memorial Scholarship program was established in 1974 by the Connecticut State Firefighters Association, the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, and the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association, to honor the memory of Andrew J. Flanagan.
About Andrew J. Flanagan
Andy Flanagan was for many years the Training Officer for the New Haven Fire Department, as well as the Treasurer of the Connecticut State Firemen’s Association. Following his retirement from the department as a Battalion Chief, he was appointed the first full-time Director of Fire Training for the State of Connecticut. He held this position until his death in 1972.
Andy was a strong proponent of continuing education for firefighters and was instrumental in establishing the Connecticut Technical College Fire Technology Associate Degree Program. These Scholarship awards are granted in an effort to carry on with his vision.
Several Scholarships will be awarded.
Click this link to download the 2015-2016 Andrew J. Flanagan Memorial Scholarship Application
Please Support the Rev. Edward Goetz Family GoFundMe Page
Please Support the Rev. Edward Goetz Family GoFundMe Page
Firefighters and friends of the Connecticut Fire Service and EMS communities:
Many of you know our chaplain, the Reverend Edward Goetz and his wife Cathleen Goetz. These esteemed, dedicated and respected Firefighters have helped countless CSFA members and their families over the years. Ed and Cathy are both instructors with the State of Connecticut Fire Academy and the two have provided assistance at critical incidents; Ed is also the Chaplain for several fire departments in the state.
Our Faithful CSFA Chaplain and his Wife (Both Firefighters) Need Our Help
Now, Ed and Cathy Goetz need our help.
Doctors have diagnosed Ed with pancreatic cancer and he has been hospitalized at the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital since Labor Day. Cathy has been unable to work during the past several weeks because of the long commute she makes daily from their home to the hospital in New Haven.
Despite the fact that Ed’s prognosis is not good, he continues to fight bravely each day and Cathy is by his side.
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association asks members and friends of the Goetz family to consider making a donation to the GoFundMe account that has been set up to assist Ed and Cathy through this difficult time. We thank you in advance for your support and prayers.
https://www.gofundme.com/c98gw4za
CSFA Onine 2015
CSFA Accepting 2016 Hall of Fame Nominations Until Nov. 1
Make your 2016 CT Firefighter Hall of Fame Nominations now!
Download the CSFA Hall of Fame Nomination Form
Save the Date: Wednesday April 6, 2016 – CSFA Eighth Annual Hall of Fame Dinner
When: Wednesday, April 6th, 2016
Where: The Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville, CT
CSFA 2015 Hall of Fame Honerees
CSFA Hall of Fame Award Details and Requirements
Purpose: To recognize a present or former member(s) of an organized Fire Department who has served both his or her department and state association(s) above and beyond normal expectations over an extended period of time. They shall have demonstrated leadership and have shown themselves to be a motivating force for the betterment of the Fire Service throughout Connecticut and the United States. These persons shall have contributed in a positive way to the enrichment of the Fire Service organizations they represented. Recipients’ names will be placed in alocation of prominence as a remembrance of their efforts which have benefited and improved the Fire Service of the state.
Eligibility: Any Firefighter who has served in a Fire Department and who has contributed to the betterment of the Fire Service on a local state or national level.
Nomination: Only one nomination shall be submitted annually and must be a recognized member of a fire department or a recognized fire service organization in the state of Connecticut the nomination shall include positions, deeds, accomplishments and awards of distinction. Review of nominations will be made by the CSFA awards committee. Awards as a result of brave actions will be given under a separate format administered by CSFA.
Applications: To be completed on CSFA application forms and received by the CSFA Awards Committee no later than July 1st. Persons nominated by a Fire Department shall be on CSFA applications and signed or countersigned by the active Chief of Department as well as the submitter. Those nominated by a state association shall be signed by the current president. All applications will be kept on file and reviewed in subsequent years.
Awards: To be made annually at the Hall of Fame awards dinner. A pin and plaque of accomplishment will be awarded to each recipient or their family in case of posthumous award. The number of awards to be presented each year will be recommended by the Hall of Fame Committee to the Executive Committee of CSFA at the February meeting.
CSFA Online 2015
