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.
𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲When units are dispatched, a lot has already happened.Information has been gathered. Details have been clarified. Resources have been assigned. Safety considerations have been communicated.Behind every response is a Fairfax County 911 Dispatcher ensuring that Firefighters, Paramedics, and fellow responders have what they need to do the job safely and effectively.#Local2068 #IAFF #dpsc ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀Every call is different, but the expectation is always the same.Remain calm. Gather critical information. Provide life-saving instructions. Dispatch the right resources quickly and accurately.The 911 Dispatchers of Fairfax County 911 handle high-pressure moments with professionalism and composure that often goes unseen, but never unappreciated.#Local2068 #IAFF #dpsc #FCFRD ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿As we kick off National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we recognize the professionals who are there in the moments that matter most.Before a firefighter arrives. Before a medic provides care. Before help is on scene, there is a calm, steady voice guiding the call.Today, we thank the 911 Dispatchers of Fairfax County 911 for being the first link in the chain and setting the tone for every response that follows.#Local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD #dpsc #fairfa911 #firstresponders ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘? Stuck in a job that feels like the same day on repeat?Break out of it.A career with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department offers stability, strong benefits, and a mission you can be proud of.Firefighters, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers make a difference every single day. You can too.If you’ve been thinking about making a move, this is your sign.Take the first step: joinfcfrd.org🎥 credit: FCFRD Recruitment team #Local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD ... See MoreSee Less
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𝟰𝟮 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀: 𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲Strong work by our Brothers and Sisters in Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland, and a big shout out to the Maryland General Assembly for recognizing the real impact a 42-hour work week can have on the physical and mental health of firefighters, while also improving work-life balance.While this legislation does not mandate a 42-hour work week, it moves Maryland firefighters closer to the gold standard of firefighter schedules!We are hopeful that Gov. Wes Moore will stand with Maryland firefighters and sign this important legislation into law.Here in Virginia, we took our own first step this session with HB1333. It is a start, but there is more work ahead. We are committed to building on that momentum in future sessions and pushing for real, meaningful change for Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.This is about health. This is about families. This is about doing right by those who serve.#Local2068 #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱Over the weekend, your Firefighters,Paramedics & 911 Dispatchers were alerted to a townhouse fire in the 2600 block of Jetstream Road in Herndon.Upon arrival, crews found a middle-unit townhouse with fire and smoke showing from the rear. Firefighters quickly went to work initiating fire suppression operations while simultaneously conducting searches for any potential occupants.Due to their quick and coordinated efforts, the fire was brought under control and prevented from spreading to neighboring units.There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.We were assisted on scene by our partners from Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756 and @MWAA Professional Firefighters Local - 3217.Your Firefighters, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers remain ready to respond whenever you need us.📸credit: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department#Local2068 #FCFRD #HerndonVA #Firefighters #Paramedics #911Dispatchers ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗢𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗳𝗮𝘅 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆On this day in 1971, the first four Battalion Chiefs in the Fairfax County Fire Service were promoted, marking the creation of a brand-new position within the department. At the time, they were known as Zone Administrators.Zone Administrators (1971):Zone 1: Chester ChinnZone 2: Arnett A. LudlowZone 3: Dallas G. PhillipsZone 4: Delford H. WalthallIn July of 1972, the title was officially changed to Battalion Chief, and these leaders began providing around-the-clock command presence, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Today, that legacy has grown significantly. What started with four leaders has expanded to Battalion Chiefs serving across eight battalions, along with additional chiefs supporting operations and administration. Their impact extends well beyond their own service, with many of their sons, grandsons, granddaughters, and other family members following in their footsteps and continuing the tradition in the fire service.A strong reminder of how far the department has come, and the foundation laid by those who came before us.📸& history credit: Fairfax County Retired Fire Fighters Domenick Iannelli#Local2068 #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty #FireServiceHistory ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘀 & 𝟵𝟭𝟭 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲Temperatures are getting warmer, which means grilling season is upon us. Make sure you are doing it safely.Fires caused by grills are one of the most common preventable incidents during the warmer months. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your family, your home, and your neighbors safe. Your Fairfax County firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy spring and summer.Grilling safety tips:• Grill away from structures• Check for leaks before using propane grills• Never leave the grill unattended• Keep a fire extinguisher close by• Keep a 3-foot kid and pet free zone around the grill• Clean grates and grease traps regularlyStay safe and enjoy the warmer weather! #Local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗙𝗦𝟯𝟵 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻Recently, some of our members from FS39 North Point (A-Shift) along with Life Safety Education visited a group of preschoolers to help them learn about firefighters and recognize what we look like in full gear. The goal of these visits is to make sure kids understand that firefighters are there to help, even when we may look different wearing our protective equipment.Great work by everyone involved in continuing to build trust with the community at such an early age.#Local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD ... See MoreSee Less
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