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.
The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery is a one-of-a-kind addiction treatment facility specializing in PTSD for IAFF members – and IAFF members only – who are struggling with addiction, PTSD other related behavioral health challenges to receive the help they need in taking the first steps toward recovery. It is a safe haven for members to talk with other members who have faced or overcome similar challenges.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗙𝗙 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹-𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘇𝗸𝗲! Please join us in congratulating our member Firefighter Spencer Engel-Natzke of FS25 (Reston, C-Shift) on earning her black helmet shield! Completing probation is no small feat, it takes hard work, grit, and unwavering dedication.This milestone is a reflection not only of FF Engel-Natzke’s commitment but also the support and mentorship of those who helped guide her through the past year. Well done, and welcome to the other side of the black shield! #Local2068 #FCFRD #fairfaxcounty #Reston #Congratulations ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀! IAFF Local 2068 is proud to recognize and celebrate ten outstanding members who have completed the VCU Paramedic Program on Friday, an eight-month journey that included nearly 1,400 hours of instruction across classroom learning, hospital clinicals, and field training.Each graduate played a vital role in the care and treatment of over 360 patients during their training, preparing them to take the next step as they begin their internships on the path to becoming fully cleared paramedics in Fairfax County.Please join us in congratulating:Julia Hinz Sam Mooradian Matthew Mudar Eric SchadlichSamuel Shroder Adam Wallace Christian Vigil (FFXPD)Toma AnescuJustin JekelIan O'ConnorYour dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence in pre-hospital care are an inspiration to us all. We’re excited to welcome you back into the field and proud to stand beside you as you continue to serve our community.We’d also like to extend a big thank you to our members in EMS Training (Uniform and Civilian) for their tireless work in mentoring, instructing, and guiding these future paramedics throughout the program. Your leadership and commitment continue to make a lasting impact!📸 credit: Angela Ballard Well done, Class 12!#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #EMS ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟲𝟴!Your firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers are wishing everyone a safe and Happy Independence Day!C-Shift is on duty today, ready to answer the call if needed, so you can enjoy the holiday with peace of mind.Have fun, stay safe, and celebrate responsibly!#Local2068 #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty #IAFF #4thofJuly #FourthOfJuly ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗲𝘀, 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗜𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘆! Heading into the long weekend, here’s your friendly firefighter reminder:Fireworks + alcohol = a combo more dangerous than a squirrel in a fireworks factory.Leave the fireworks to the pros and keep your digits, eyebrows, and weekend plans intact. Want a big boom without the ER trip? Check out these professional fireworks displays:🎆 Herndon – Bready Park, Friday July 4th, 6:30 PM (Fireworks @ 9:30)🎆 Fairfax City – Fairfax HS, Friday July 4th, 6:30–10:30 PM (Fireworks @ 9:30)🎆 Great Falls – Turner Farm, Friday July 4th, gates open at 6 PM (Fireworks @ 9)🎆 Tysons – Shipgarten: Friday July 4th, Fireworks at 3 & 6 PM, DJ party at 8🎆 Mount Vernon – Friday July 4th, Fireworks @ 1 PM 🎆 National Mall – Friday July 4th, Fireworks @ 9:09PMCelebrate smart, stay safe, and please, don’t meet us the hard way.– Your friends at IAFF Local 2068#local2068 #FCFRD #FairfaxFire #IAFF #FourthOfJuly ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗔𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻, 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹.Yesterday afternoon, as severe thunderstorms swept through the region, your firefighters, paramedics and 911 dispatchers responded to a surge in emergency calls, including multiple homes reportedly struck by lightning.At approximately 3:05 p.m., crews were dispatched to a working townhouse fire in the 8100 block of Madrillon Court in the Tysons area. Units arrived to find fire showing from the roofs of multiple three-story townhouses. A second alarm was quickly requested.Your firefighters moved fast to contain the fire, protect nearby homes, and ensure the safety of all occupants. They also conducted extensive salvage and overhaul operations to prevent further damage.Thankfully, no civilian injuries were reported. One firefighter was transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Fire Investigators were on scene to determine the cause, there investigation is ongoing.𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀:𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: E402 (Vienna), E418 (Jefferson), E425 (Reston), E442 (Wolf Trap), E401 (McLean), E413 (Dunn Loring), E444 (Scotts Run)𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀: T425 (Reston), T430 (Merrifield), TL401 (McLean), TT429 (Tysons)𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱𝘀: R418 (Jefferson), R444 (Scotts Run)𝗘𝗠𝗦 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀: A444 (Scotts Run), M402 (Vienna), M401 (McLean), A413 (Dunn Loring), M418 (Jefferson), EMS Supervisor 406, EMS Supervisor 405, EMS Supervisor 401𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱: Battalion Chief 404, BC102, BC401, BC402, BC491, Deputy Chief 401, Safety Officer 403𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀: Light and Air 423𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: IV15, IV05📸credit: @Wes' Sister On Fire and FCFRD PIO#Local2068 #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
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On behalf of the women and men of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers, we extend our sincere condolences to the families, friends, and all members of Coeur d'Alene Firefighters IAFF Local 710 and Kootenai County Fire Fighters, IAFF L2856 following this tragic loss. Our thoughts remain with those who are still hospitalized, and you have our full support during this incredibly difficult time. ... See MoreSee Less
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One of our colleagues in Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756 needs your help! Check out the link in their post, and help out if you can! ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿! Have you ever wondered what life is like behind the scenes at your local firehouse? Now’s your chance to find out!Every week, IAFF Local 2068 will be answering your questions about the work we do, the training we go through, what it takes to keep Fairfax County safe or anything else you may be curious about! This week's question comes from Sean Kennedy𝗤: “𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂? 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀?”A: In Fairfax County, we're proud to have a world-class Occupational Health Center, established through the leadership and advocacy of our Local. As part of our contract with the OHC, multiple behavioral health clinicians are available to support our members.In addition, our Peer Support Team, made up of both uniformed and civilian personnel, provides trained, confidential support for those experiencing behavioral health challenges.Members also have access to therapy dogs, which are available to anyone who needs a little extra comfort, and Fire Department Chaplains are always available for those who prefer a faith-based option.As for how firefighters decompress, it looks different for everyone. Some popular ways our members recharge include:🚵♂️ Mountain biking📸 Photography🎣 Fishing & hunting📚 Reading🎨 Painting🧗 Rock climbing🌍 Traveling👨👩👧👦 Spending time with friends and family🥾 Hiking🚴 CyclingMental wellness is essential, and while there’s still work to do in breaking the stigma and strengthening support, we’re proud of the progress being made and the resources now available to our members.𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿? 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆@𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝟮𝟬𝟲𝟴.𝗼𝗿𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁!And while you're at it, let us know, what are some healthy ways you decompress? We’d love to hear from you.#Local2068 #Fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #AskA2068Firefighter ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁Around 4:40 PM this evening, our members responded to a house fire in the 7500 block of Pollen Street. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke coming from a split-level home. Residents reported fire in both the kitchen and basement.Your firefighters quickly went to work, extinguishing the fire and rescuing one resident. Sadly, two dogs were found deceased inside the home. One patient was transported for medical care.Crews remain on scene to ensure all hotspots are fully extinguished and are conducting salvage operations. Once complete, investigators will begin determining the cause of the fire.𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀:Engines: E419 (Lorton), E420 (Gunston), E422 (Springfield), E437 (Kingstowne), E435 (Pohick)Ladder Trucks: T422 (Springfield), TL424 (Woodlawn), TL405 (Franconia)Rescue Squad: R419 (Lorton)EMS Units: M419 (Lorton), M424 (Woodlawn), M405 (Franconia), M435 (Pohick), EMS406, EMS405, ALS403Incident Command: BC405, BC408, SAF402, DC402Support Unit: LA437Investigators: IV09, IV04, IV10, IV03Strong work by all involved in this response, including our first line of defense, our 911 communicators who answered, dispatched, and managed the call from the very beginning.📸: PIO402#Local2068 #FairfaxCounty #FCFRD #dpsc ... See MoreSee Less
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