Local 2068 Health & Safety
Fire fighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service.
At the 2023 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, 63% of the names added to the wall were members who had died from occupational cancer.
In partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), the IAFF has designated January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗬𝟮𝟲 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱. If approved, this budget jeopardizes public safety by:Eliminating 4 EMS transport units: Ambulance 416 (𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗼𝗻), Ambulance 420 (𝗚𝘂𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻), Ambulance 441 (𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲) & Medic 439 (𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁)Eliminating 2 Rescue Squads: Rescue Squad 419 (𝗟𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻) & Rescue Squad 421 (𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗢𝗮𝗸𝘀)Converting 3 units to non-24/7 peak-time staffing: Tower 405 (𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮), Engine 444 (𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝘂𝗻) & Rescue Squad 444 (𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝘂𝗻)These cuts will result in longer response times, fewer available emergency units, and greater risks for both our community and first responders. When every second counts, these reductions could mean the difference between life and death.Public safety is one of the core responsibilities of local government. Tell the Board of Supervisors that protecting our residents and first responders must remain a top budget priority!Help us spread the word! Share this with your family, friends, and neighbors, together, we can ensure our community continues to receive the high-quality fire and rescue services it deserves.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #cliftonva #fairfaxstationva #gunstonva #HerndonVA #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
15 CommentsComment on Facebook
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝘂𝗻!As Fairfax County navigates its FY26 budget, essential fire and rescue units are on the chopping block, including Tower 405 (Franconia), Engine 444 & Heavy Rescue Squad 444 (Scotts Run).These are not just vehicles, they're staffed by highly trained professionals who provide lifesaving services around the clock. Converting them to non 24hr peak time units, means delayed response times in some of our most densely populated and growing areas. It means asking our residents to accept less protection in moments when every second counts.Citizens in Franconia and Tysons/Scotts Run, deserve 24/7/365 emergency coverage, not a reduction in frontline resources. These units are critical to everything from fires and complex rescues to regional mutual aid responses.Our message is simple: Public safety should never be up for debate. Help us send a clear message, these reductions are unacceptable.Your voice matters. Let’s stand together to protect the safety of our community.#local2068 #FairfaxCounty #FCFRD #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿As Fairfax County considers tough decisions in the FY26 Advertised Budget, Rescue Squads 419 (Lorton) and 421 (Fair Oaks) are on the chopping block, and we need your support.These specialized units play a critical role in some of the most complex and high-risk emergencies we face:- Technical rescues- Complex vehicle extrications- Structural collapses- Fireground support and moreTheir expertise and unique capabilities save lives when every second counts. Removing these squads would leave large portions of the county without immediate access to this specialized response, increasing risk for both the public and our personnel.Local 2068 believes in smart budgeting, but not at the expense of critical emergency services. Cutting these squads puts safety on the line.Your voice matters. Let’s stand together to protect the services our community depends on.#Local2068 #FairfaxCounty #FCFRD #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝟰𝟯𝟵, 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 As Fairfax County weighs cuts in the FY26 budget, Medic 439 at Fire Station 439 (North Point) is at risk of being eliminated, and that’s a risk our community can’t afford.Located in the northern part of Herndon, Medic 439 is a critical Advanced Life Support (ALS) resource, providing lifesaving care when seconds count.North Point serves a unique and growing suburban community with aging infrastructure, limited access routes, and longer transport times to area hospitals. Removing this medic unit would:- Increase emergency response times- Leave a coverage gap in ALS services- Add strain to neighboring units already running high call volumesMedic 439 fills the gap between some of the busiest stations in the county. When they’re gone, help could be coming from miles away.Fairfax County residents deserve reliable, fast, and professional EMS care, no matter their ZIP code. Cutting Medic 439 puts lives at risk. Plain and simple.Join us in standing up for North Point. Let your voice be heard. Tell your Supervisor: Don’t cut Medic 439.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #herndonva #cliftonva #fairfaxstationva #gunstonva ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
𝗔𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟰𝟰𝟭: 𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 As Fairfax County considers reductions in the FY26 budget, Ambulance 441 at Fire Station 441 (Crosspointe) is under threat of elimination.This isn’t just a budget line, it’s a lifesaving service for the southern end of the County.Crosspointe may not be the most densely populated area, but Ambulance 441 provides vital EMS coverage for a wide, suburban region with limited backup from surrounding stations.Eliminating Ambulance 441 would mean: - Longer response times in medical emergencies- Increased pressure on neighboring ambulances- Delays in care for time-sensitive incidents like cardiac arrests, strokes, and serious traumaFairfax County has grown, and so have the demands on our EMS system. Removing resources now is a step backward for public safety, and the residents of Crosspointe and nearby communities deserve better.We must protect Ambulance 441. Speak up, contact your Supervisor, and help us ensure that no neighborhood is left behind when it matters most.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #fairfaxstationva #gunstonva #cliftonva #herndonva #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟰𝟮𝟬, 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 As Fairfax County faces tough budget decisions for FY26, Ambulance 420 at Fire Station 420 (Gunston) is on the chopping block. Cutting this unit would be a dangerous move that puts lives and response times at risk.Ambulance 420 serves a geographically isolated part of Fairfax County. While not the highest call volume area, it provides critical EMS coverage for neighborhoods that are far from other stations and hospitals.Without this unit: - Response times will increase. - The next closest ambulances will be stretched thinner, impacting care across the region. - Residents in the Gunston area could be left waiting precious extra minutes during medical emergencies, minutes that matter.Ambulance 420 isn’t just about numbers, it’s about ensuring every resident in Fairfax County, no matter where they live, has access to timely emergency medical care.Help us send a clear message: Don't eliminate Ambulance 420. Contact your Supervisor today and stand up for public safety.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #gunstonva #fairfaxstationva #cliftonva #herndonva #lortonva #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟰𝟭𝟲, 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗬𝟮𝟲As Fairfax County continues budget discussions for FY26, Ambulance 416 is on the chopping block. We cannot stress this enough: eliminating this unit would be a serious blow to public safety.Ambulance 416 provides essential EMS coverage in a geographically large area where transport times can be longer. It plays a key role in maintaining balanced system coverage and ensuring timely care during emergencies.Why does Ambulance 416 matter?- It helps prevent coverage gaps in a part of the county where distance matters.- It provides critical redundancy when nearby units are committed to other incidents.- It supports system resilience, especially during high-volume events or simultaneous calls.Cutting Ambulance 416 would reduce our system's flexibility and reliability, putting both residents and first responders at greater risk.Speak up to protect your fire and EMS services. Contact your Supervisor and urge them to keep Ambulance 416 in the FY26 budget.Public safety is not the place to cut corners.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #cliftonva #gunstonva #fairfaxstationva #herndonva #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
19 CommentsComment on Facebook
𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗟. 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝟱𝗞: 𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 As we all know, the danger doesn’t end when the fire is out. Occupational cancer, caused by toxic exposures on the job, is now the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.On May 24, 2025, join us at Burke Lake Park for the Captain George L. Sisson Memorial 5K, an event honoring a true legend and supporting those still fighting.Captain George Sisson served the DMV region for over 40 years with unmatched dedication, compassion, and courage, traits he carried into his battle with cancer. Let’s come together to honor his legacy and stand behind those continuing the fight.Your participation will benefit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), an organization providing critical resources, peer support, and education to firefighters and their families navigating a cancer diagnosis.𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:Where: Burke Lake Park, Shelter A (7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039)Packet Pickup: Opens at 7:30 AM1-Mile Walk: 0830 AM5K Run: 0900 AMRegister Here: www.sisson5k.comCan’t run? Volunteers are needed!Start time is early (around 6:30–7:00 AM), but we’ll have coffee, snacks, and great people to start the day.Sign up to volunteer: www.sisson5k.com/volunteerCan’t attend but still want to support?Donate here: www.gofundme.com/f/extinguishing-firefighter-cancer?attribution_id=sl:5adcab46-c375-4240-b815-f66...Let’s honor Captain Sisson and support our brothers and sisters in the fire service. Together, we can raise awareness, save lives, and extinguish firefighter cancer. #Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #FirefighterCancerAwareness ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 This week, Local 2068 proudly recognizes Public Safety Communicators Week, a time to celebrate the dedicated professionals who serve as the lifeline between the community and emergency responders.Our dispatchers are more than just voices on the other end of the line, they are our first line of defense, and literally the first, first responders. They are the calm in the chaos, gathering critical information, providing lifesaving instructions, and ensuring help gets where it’s needed, fast.To our brothers and sisters at DPSC: thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and unwavering support. We see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t do our jobs without you.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #DPSC #IAFF #PublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook