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Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

The AFFI is pleased to announce yet another new educational opportunity: Discipline Representation For The Local Officer This seminar will cover a broad variety of topics that local leadership can utilize to strengthen their knowledge base on various member discipline issues. This seminar will cover topics such as duty of fair representation, rights & responsibilities, disciplinary proceedings, a Fire Chief’s perspective, employer attorney viewpoints, and a labor attorney panel discussing real life discipline scenarios. This seminar is a must for both seasoned and new local officers! We are offering this seminar on four different dates at multiple locations for your convenience: Thursday, February 27th, 2020 – Morton College Auditorium 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero, IL – Registration beginning at 9am Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 – J.C. Restoration 3200 Squibb Ave., Rolling Meadows, IL - Registration beginning at 9am Thursday, March 12th, 2020 – Illinois AFL-CIO 534 S. Second Street., Springfield, IL - Registration beginning at 9am Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 – Local 49 Union Hall 1750 General Electric Road., Bloomington, IL - Registration beginning at 9am These seminars will run from 10am to 4pm This seminar is available to you and your members at the low cost of $50 per person! This cost covers all course materials and lunch! Please register through the AFFI Office by email at office@affi-iaff.org or by phone at (217) 522-8180

Want all of your firefighting news delivered right to your inbox? Check out our updated newsletter. You can subscribe right from the homepage. https://paper.li/e-1452377864

The application process for the 2020 International Association of Fire Fighters Communications Training Academy is now up and running. Deadline for applications is February 29th. #IAFFCTA will be held May 11th-15th in Silver Springs MD. https://www.iaff.org/cta/

#ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen #FieryStruggle

The Iowa Caucus is February 3rd and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois is planning a couple of trips to Iowa to support the International Association of Fire Fighters endorsed candidate for President, Joe Biden. Please contact one of your PEC members for more information. Joe Biden 2020

Attention all Northern District Local Secretaries - The Northern District Caucus registration has been sent out. Please make sure to check your emails and register your delegates and alternates. If you did not receive the information, please call the AFFI Office.

Didn't make it to International Association of Fire Fighters #ALTSHR20 - Watch live on Facebook or at: http://www.youtube.com/iafftv/live https://www.iaff.org/altshr20/

Registration is now open for the 2020 Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support Symposium. The event takes place February 20 & 21 In Naperville. Sign up at www.ilffps.org/symposium #MentalHealthMonday

Last week, AFFI President Sullivan spoke at the installation of Officers meeting for Granite City Firefighters Local 253. District 3 VP Ruderman swore in the new Granite City officers and Southern District Legislative Representative Richard Martin was also in attendance.

Safe travels to all our members heading to the International Association of Fire Fighters #ALTS2020. We look forward to seeing everyone. IAFF 8th District

Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois President Chuck Sullivan was sworn in as vice president to the Illinois AFL-CIO executive board on Wednesday. The executive board is made up of representatives from 35 international unions. Pictured is attorney Joel D’Alba with President Tim Drea, Chuck Sullivan and Secretary Treasurer Pat Devaney.

Attention all Central District Local Secretaries - The Central District Caucus registration has been sent out. Please make sure to check your emails and register your delegates and alternates. If you did not receive the information, please call the AFFI Office.

Your AFFI Legislative History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen

REMINDER: The application period for Illinois State Fire Marshal Small Equipment Grant is open! This year $3.5 millions dollars is available. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 29, 2020. Click the link below for more information. https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/Iam/FireDepartment/Grants-and-Loans/Pages/default.aspx

Check out the 31st Annual Bowling Tournament hosted by the Lombard Firefighters Union. February 22, 23, 29, & March 1st. $175 per 5-person team.

Cherry Valley Local 4690 crews battle blaze. https://www.wifr.com/content/news/Fire-crews-battle-blaze-at-Rockford-home-566748091.html

Applications for the Illinois State Fire Marshal Small Equipment Grant program are now being accepted. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 29, 2020. $3.5 million is available for this application cycle. https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/Iam/FireDepartment/Grants-and-Loans/Pages/default.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2UKvb-eomBRZYDUizDGjpH1Kh-76DU1AzAP4on1P82xeXk-BxkQQGq5g4

The Bears may not be in the playoffs but you can still enjoy football and help out a great cause. North Palos Professional Firefighters Local #4323 is hosting a fundraiser on January 19th. Check out the flyer for more information.

Here's a chance to support Carbondale Firefighters IAFF Local 1961. Their second annual GloBingo will be held on Saturday, February 15. This will sell out fast! Call 618-457-3299 to reserve your tickets!

Your AFFI Legislative History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen

It’s never too cold to golf at Top Golf. Add that together with a fundraiser for Glenside Professional Fire Fighters Association Illinois Local 3277 and you can’t go wrong. Join them on April 5th.

Be responsible this New Year’s Eve – make plans to get home safely before you go out. #IAFFSafetyTips

If you are hosting a party this New Year’s Eve, be a responsible host and make sure nobody gets behind the wheel of a car if they have been drinking. #IAFFSafetyTips

AFFI History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen #FieryStruggle

On behalf of the AFFI Executive Board, Staff and our 15,000+ members across Illinois, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Every year, candles cause more than 10,000 home fires. We recommend switching to LED candles to be safe. #IAFFSafetyTips

The holidays are often a flurry of activities and a lot of it revolves around cooking. Cooking accidents and home fires due to cooking equipment are most likely to happen during this time. Keep your home and your loved ones safe this holiday season. #IAFFSafetyTips

As fire fighter, we are trained to see the potential dangers behind the scenes as home fires increase exponentially during the holiday season. A combination of live trees, fires, lights and candles – plus alcohol – can quickly turn into a recipe for disaster. #IAFFSafetyTips

Holidays can be hectic – cooking, people coming and going, decorations and wrapping – pets often go missing during this time. Keep them upstairs or behind a gate if you have a holiday party. Keep a collar – with your updated information – on them at all times. #IAFFSafetyTips

Your AFFI Legislative History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen

AFFI History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen #FieryStruggle Evanston Fire Fighters Local #742

Congratulations to Captain Tolbert of Metropolis Professional Firefighters L-3367 for receiving a life saving award for his actions in a successful save of an individual earlier this year. #AFFIatWork

Bolingbrook Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 3005 members, along with Fiesta Market, the Bolingbrook High School Honors Society, and Bolingbrook Target teamed up again to help Operation Christmas.

Your AFFI Legislative History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen

A couple of our Legislative Reps and a couple of Labor friendly legislators, (Rep Jay Hoffman & Rep Walsh) attending Illinois State AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan’s retirement reception this afternoon.

Don’t wait to purchase a home, buy an investment property or refinance an existing mortgage. You could save thousands over the life of your loan! Take advantage of historically low rates today! Get started at AFFICCMHomeLoan.com

Today, you will see plenty of photos and stories online about this particular fire, but please take the time to read the story of the Firefighter from the Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2 pictured be below. #AFFIatWork How Fireman Feels Carrying Out Victims By Norman Glubo (Chicago American Newspaper) What does a fireman think about as he goes about the grim task of recovering bodies from a burning school. If he is a father himself his thoughts are probably the same as those of Richard Scheidt, who says: “I thought of my own four children at home and all the times I could have been nicer to them. “I thought about what I hope they will become some day. “And I tried to put myself in the place of the parents of the children I was carrying out. I knew many of them were down in the street below the second floor classroom I was working in. “I wondered how anyone could tell them that their children didn't escape.” Pictured in Rescue Scheidt, who was pictured carrying an unconscious boy from the Our Lady of the Angels School fire on page 1 of yesterday's CHICAGO AMERICAN, is typical of the 250 firemen who fought the blaze that claimed 90 lives Monday. Scheidt is a 30-year-old veteran of seven years in the fire department. He lives with his wife Nancy and their three sons and a daughter in a six-room cottage at 1345 W. 97th st. His $5,400-a-year salary, a little less than $104 a week, doesn't begin to compensate for the tremendous risks he takes. He drives a 1953 Chevrolet and never has been able to afford a vacation. But there are other compensations besides money. Says the slim, balding six-footer. “It's a good position in life, even if you are just a fireman. “When I'm in my uniform I have the respect of the people. It's a nice feeling to know you're doing something people are grateful to you for. “I've never heard an angry word about a fireman.” Scheidt is a member of Rescue Squad 1, stationed at 209 N. Dearborn st. On 'Dizzy Wagon' Life on a rescue squad, nicknamed the “dizzy wagon” because its members are kept so busy, is the most hectic in the fire department. There are only 13 squads to cover the entire city and each is manned by half a dozen young, vigorous volunteers. Where an engine or a truck company may respond to an average of only one alarm each 24 hours, rescue squads are called out as often as 10 or 15 or even 20 times. Monday started out as a typical day in the Scheidt household. Up to 6 a.m., Scheidt had coffee and toast with his pretty brown-haired wife. At 7 a.m. he and Nancy got the kids out of bed to kiss them goodby. Richard, 8, is a third-grade pupil and Nancy, 6, is in first grade at St. Margaret of Scotland Parochial School. The others are Thomas, 4, and Timothy, who will be 2 years old the day after Christmas. Scheidt drove to the Loop, parked his car across the street from the firehouse and reported in for 8 a.m. roll call. Reports for Roll Call Thirty-five minutes later the squad reported to a fire at 229 Hill st., got back to the station at 9:05 and was out again at 9:10 on an inhalator call at 55 W. Van Buren st. Back in the station by 9:27 a.m. Scheidt and his buddies went through their regular Monday morning drill, testing their gas masks and cutting torches. After lunch the day was quiet until 2:42 p.m. when the first alarm from the school came in. Seated in an easy chair in his living room last night, his red-haired son Timothy in his lap, Scheidt recalled. “We had no idea it was a school on fire. It was out of our territory and we didn't think much about it until the radio operator called all available ambulances and police wagons to the scene. “Then we knew someone was trapped or injured. We thought it must be a factory. We get them all the time. It never occurred to us that a school could go like that.” Call to Iowa Street At exactly 3:09 p.m. the loudspeaker in the firehouse called for Squad 1 to proceed to 3800 Iowa st. Continued Scheidt. “One of our guys who lives on the West Side told us it must be the Our Lady of the Angels School. But we tried to put it out of our minds And we still thought it must be a factory across the street, or something.” As the red doors to the station swung open, Scheidt leaped to his post at the rear of the truck. By the time the driver turned north into Dearborn street Scheidt had slipped on his rubber fire coat. As the truck rumbled across the bridge over the Chicago River, Scheidt yanked off his shoes, and pulled on his boots. Squad 1 took Dearborn street to Chicago avenue, then headed west to Hamlin avenue. Recalls. Scheidt. “It was a very clear day. It wasn't at all uncomfortable.” Smoke from Window As Scheidt's squad pulled up a block from the fire scene at about 3:18 p.m. the men saw smoke pouring from the school building. Says Scheidt: “I grabbed my ax and pike pole and ran after our captain, Harry Whedon, to the school. “As we got close I saw flames still shooting out of the northwest windows on the second floor and I knew we were in for some rescue work.” Scheidt recalls that it didn't look like much of a fire from the outside. He said: “If it hadn't been for the children inside it probably wouldn't have been more than a box alarm with maybe half a dozen pieces of equipment.” Scheidt's squad reported to Chief Fire Marshal Raymond Daley who ordered them to the second floor to get into the school rooms. As Scheidt and his buddies climbed a stairway on the opposite side of the building from the flames, they found the corridor already crowded with firemen operating hose lines. Trip After Trip Entering the first classroom, Scheidt was greeted by a scene that turned an ordinary day into one he will never forget. Said Scheidt. “There wasn't much sign of fire in the room at all. But the water was shin deep. “Then up at the far end of the room I saw about a dozen children all huddled together. And the nun was lying over the children as if she was trying to protect them. Nobody was burned. “They had all suffocated.” Scheidt made trip after trip downstairs to carry the lifeless forms to waiting ambulances. When everyone was removed from the first room, he said, his squad broke through the wall to the next room where they found about 20 bodies huddled near the windows. The youngsters had been asphyxiated before they could leap to safety. When the second room was cleared, Scheidt's men moved on to a third room where they removed 20 more bodies. Said Scheidt: “You know, after a while on the fire department you think you have seen the worst. “I worked on the Reliance Hotel fire when five firemen were killed. I was at the Barton Hotel fire on Skid Row when 29 men were killed. “I was out at the “L” wreck at Wilson avenue a couple of years ago and I thought nothing could be worse. “But I've never seen anything like that school fire. All those children up there and all those parents outside hoping and praying that their kids weren't in there. “It wasn't like the usual crowd. There was no screaming or shouting. Everyone seemed to be in a state of shock. They couldn't even move. “How did I feel? It's hard to put it into words. I was just numbed.” Back to Station When the last body was removed from the charred building, Scheidt's squad was sent back to its station where it logged in at 6:32 p.m. At 7:50 p.m., the station record book shows, the squad was called to sweep water from a broken main in a store at 17 N. State st. But nobody remembers much about that. An ex-Marine who followed three brothers on the fire department, Scheidt said he would be happy to see his three sons follow in his footsteps. Said Scheidt: “It's a wonderful job. To me it is the greatest public service there is.” “Echoes Nancy, her brown eyes gleaming. “It's a good life. We'd be proud of them.” http://www.olafire.com/FireSummary.asp

This one never gets old. Happy Black Friday!

AFFI History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen #FieryStruggle Normal Firefighters IAFF Local 2442

On behalf of our entire executive board and staff, we hope you have a happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season. We look forward to a prosperous and productive 2020 for all AFFI members and their families.

President Devaney was in Naperville this morning to give an update on pension consolidation. The event was organized and hosted by the Naperville Professional Firefighters. Central District Legislative Representative Chuck Sullivan and Staff Representative Steve Shetsky were also in attendance. Dekalb Fire Fighters Local 1236 Aurora Firefighters Local 99 Lisle-Woodridge Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 2986 Elmhurst Firefighters IAFF Local 3541

Your local fire fighters advise you to cook with caution and pay attention in the kitchen this Thanksgiving! #IAFFsafetytips

During the IAFF 8th District Caucus at PEP, AFFI Staff Representative Steve Shetsky gave a presentation on the International Association of Fire Fighters Fire Pac and highlighted the importance of being part of the political process to put #FireFightersFirst! #AFFIatWork #8thDistPEP

There will be some bustling kitchens this coming Thursday, and we remind you to be alert this year. Thanksgiving is the LEADING day of the year for home fires from cooking. Take the time to assess your surroundings for safety - are flammable items away from the stove? Are pot handles pointed inward? Where is that toddler that was so loud a second ago? Be smart, be safe. #IAFFSafetyTips

We hope everyone is having a great weekend, and now a good laugh. #StaySafe

A benefit & a perk are better when you can save money & share with others. AFFI members & their families save $2198 on a home purchase or refinance with an exclusive lender credit from CrossCountry Mortgage! Get started today at AFFICCMHomeLoan.com

Your AFFI Legislative History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen

If you're free on Wednesday, stop by and congratulate Carl at the Orland Station 6 Orland Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2754 17640 South Wolf Road in Orland Park.

Join us in welcoming Schiller Park Firefighters Local 5230 to the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois IAFF 8th District

Naperville Testing New CPR Method That Is Saving Lives. Naperville Professional Firefighters https://wbbm780.radio.com/articles/naperville-testing-cpr-method-saving-lives

AFFI History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen #FieryStruggle Bloomington Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 49

‪On a vote of 42-12-0, SB 1300 (Firefighter Investment Fund & Tier 2 Benefit Bill) has passed the Illinois Senate. It now heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk. Thank you to Chief Sponsor ‬Senator Cristina Castro.

In a historic vote, SB 1300 (Firefighter Investment Fund & Tier 2 Benefit Bill) passes the Illinois House by a 96-14-3 vote. It was supported by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police , Illinois Police Benevolent & Protective Association (PBPA), Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois & Illinois Municipal League. The bill now moves to the Senate. Thank you to the Chief Sponsor State Rep. Jay Hoffman.

Congratulations to Team GFD Local 3598. The annual Armed Services Hockey Association tournament in Las Vegas is the largest open invitation international military ice hockey tournament in the world and this group of Lake County firefighters took home the division championship. The team consisted of Gurnee firefighters Bob Davidson, Eric Liebert, Heath Graham and Justin Graham; Waukegan firefighters Mike Babbs, Justin Johnson, James Milakovic and Jonny Valentine; Park Ridge firefighter Brian Specht; Lake Bluff firefighter Justin Morabito. Waukegan Firefighters IAFF Local 473 Park Ridge Firefighters https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2019/11/11/lake-county-firefighters-win-military-hockey-tournament-in-las-vegas/

The AFFI has continued to negotiate a legislative proposal to adopt the recommendations of the Illinois Pension Consolidation Task Force over the last two weeks. Yesterday, an amendment was offered in the House that reflects those results. SB 1300 House Amendment 5 contains several improvements to the draft we previously distributed to our affiliates. You will note the main components of the proposal remain the same. The bill creates a statewide firefighter investment fund governed by AFFI members and our employers. It also preserves the local boards for the administration of benefits and all other functions currently performed by our locally elected trustees. The proposal also continues to include a much needed first step to addressing the inequities that exist in our Tier 2 benefit structure. Most importantly, the bill specifically prevents anyone, including “the state”, from having access to the dollars held in trust to pay the benefits promised to our members. http://ilga.gov/legislation/101/SB/10100SB1300ham005.htm

Quincy Fire Department implementing state-of-the-art telemetry technology. Quincy Firefighters Local 63 https://khqa.com/news/local/qfd-implementing-state-of-the-art-telemetry-technology

Your AFFI Legislative History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen

Refinancing your mortgage is a way to lower your monthly payments, reduce your interest rate & more. When you refi with CrossCountry Mortgage, you save $2198 with an exclusive lender credit for AFFI members! Get started today at AFFICCMHomeLoan.com

Check out this Honor Flight Chicago Fundraiser coming up. Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices.

Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from broken smoke alarms. Check your smoke alarms when you change the clock. #IAFF #IAFFSafetyTips

AFFI History, brought to you by the AFFI Labor History Committee. #ThrowbackThursday #MakeHistoryHappen #FieryStruggle

AFFI Newsletter

THE AFFI

THE IAFF

Upcoming Events

all-day Central District Caucus @ IAFF Local 49 Union Hall

Central District Caucus @ IAFF Local 49 Union Hall

Feb 10 all-day

Due to the recent election of Chuck Sullivan as President of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, the position of Central District Legislative Representative is now open. Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution and[...]

all-day Presidents Day – AFFI Office Closed

Presidents Day – AFFI Office Closed

Feb 17 all-day

all-day Symposium 2020 @ Chicago Marriott Naperville

Symposium 2020 @ Chicago Marriott Naperville

Feb 20 all-day

all-day Symposium 2020 @ Chicago Marriott Naperville

Symposium 2020 @ Chicago Marriott Naperville

Feb 21 all-day

11:00 am Lombard L3009 Bowling Tournament @ Stardust Bowl

Lombard L3009 Bowling Tournament @ Stardust Bowl

Feb 22 @ 11:00 am

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