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.
IAFF Local 2068, in partnership with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, is proud to support ongoing participation in the national Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS)—a groundbreaking effort to better understand and reduce cancer risks among firefighters.From October 6–8, 2026, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy will host a Female Firefighter Live-Fire Study, examining how turnout gear fit may affect exposure to combustion byproducts during live-fire training.This important research helps improve firefighter safety, informs future protective equipment design, and contributes to nationwide efforts to reduce occupational cancer risks in the fire service. By participating in studies like this, Fairfax County firefighters are helping advance knowledge that can benefit firefighters across the country.Protecting our firefighters is an investment in protecting our community. We are proud to support research that strengthens the health, safety, and readiness of those who serve Fairfax County every day.Fairfax County Fire and Rescue DepartmentChairman Jeff McKaySupervisor Dalia PalchikSupervisor Walter AlcornSupervisor Dan StorckSully Supervisor Kathy SmithSupervisor Pat HerritySupervisor Rodney LuskDranesville District - Supervisor Jimmy BiermanSupervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Braddock DistrictMason District - Supervisor Andres Jimenez ... See MoreSee Less
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Today, firefighters, emergency medical workers, families, and communities from across the United States and Canada come together in Colorado Springs for the 40th Annual IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service.This year, 288 fallen members will be honored and remembered. Their names will join thousands of others on the Wall of Honor, each representing a life dedicated to serving and protecting others.Behind every name is much more than a uniform or a badge. There is a family, friends, coworkers, and a community forever changed by their loss.The sacrifice of a firefighter does not end with their final call. It lives on in the spouses who continue without their partners, the children who grow up carrying their memory, the parents who mourn their sons and daughters, and the brothers and sisters of the fire service who continue to honor their legacy.Today is about remembrance, sacrifice, and honor. It is also about standing beside the loved ones left behind and reminding them that their firefighter’s service will never be forgotten.We invite our community to take some time today to watch the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service, remember those we have lost, and reflect on the families who continue to carry their sacrifice every day.May we always honor their service, remember their sacrifice, and never forget their names.Watch the Memorial Service: ... See MoreSee Less
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Today, we honor the 343 members of the FDNY who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, running toward danger while others ran away. Their courage remains the standard we strive to uphold every single shift.We also remember that Fairfax County's own answered the call that day. Members of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue and Virginia Task Force 1 (USA-01/VATF-1) deployed to the Pentagon, conducting search and rescue operations in the wake of the attack. Their dedication showed the nation what our department stands for.To the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, to the FDNY brothers and sisters who carry that day with them always, and to our own Fairfax County Fire & Rescue members who bore witness to the aftermath firsthand — we remember with you.We also honor every survivor and responder still battling WTC-related illnesses today. The cost of that day didn't end in 2001, and neither does our gratitude.Today and always, IAFF Local 2068 stands with FDNY, our Fairfax County Fire & Rescue family, and the men and women who lost their lives that day.**Never forget. Always honor.**🔴⚪🔵 #NeverForget #911Anniversary #IAFF #Local2068 #FairfaxCountyFireRescue #VATF1 #USA01 #FDNY343--- ... See MoreSee Less
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Fairfax City 4th of July Parade has been cancelled due to heat. Stay cool!!!! ... See MoreSee Less
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After a lot of work we can finally share this great news. Virginia’s General Assembly met today and voted to approve the Governors amendment that provides $4 Million to screen every Virginia Firefighter for occupational cancer. ... See MoreSee Less
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A team of specially trained Fairfax County firefighters is currently in Venezuela, conducting search and rescue operations in the aftermath of two deadly earthquakes.These members are part of Virginia Task Force 1, which deploys to major disasters both at home and around the world. This video captures one of the many moments that define their mission: bringing a trapped infant to safety.We’re proud to have this level of skill, professionalism, and dedication within our department. Please keep our members, the entire rescue task force, and the people of Venezuela in your thoughts as this work continues. ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Father’s Day from IAFF Local 2068Today, we honor the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures who serve both at home and in our firehouses.Being a firefighter means missing holidays, birthdays, ball games, school events, and family dinners so that others can be safe. Yet despite the long shifts and sacrifices, our members continue to lead, teach, support, and inspire their families every day.To all the dads of IAFF Local 2068, thank you for your commitment, strength, and dedication. Your service extends far beyond emergency calls—you are role models to your children, partners to your families, and brothers to your fellow firefighters.We also recognize the families who support us and make our service possible. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.From all of us at IAFF Local 2068, we wish you a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved Father’s Day.Happy Father’s Day! 🚒❤️👨🚒 #IAFF2068 #FathersDay #FamilyFirst #FirefighterStrong #FairfaxFirefighters ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Father’s Day! 🚒❤️👨🚒 #IAFF2068 #FathersDay #FamilyFirst #FairfaxCountyFirefighters #FairfaxCountyPublicSafetyCommunicators ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲: 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝟯 | 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝟮 🚒🏒🚔In a hard-fought battle on the ice, Fairfax County Police Department brought the pressure, but our members of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department found a way to finish strong and came away with a 3–2 win.More importantly, this game was about far more than the scoreboard.The stands were packed with incredible support for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Virginia and for the families of our brothers and sisters we’ve lost in the line of duty due to occupational cancer. This is what it’s all aboutCompetition. Camaraderie. Community.Thank you to everyone who came out, donated, and stood with us.We may have taken the win on the ice, but the real victory is continuing to raise awareness and support those who need it most.#local2068 #iaffofficial #FCFRD #FCFPD ... See MoreSee Less
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