Washington, D.C. – More than 750 IAFF member firefighters and paramedics were in Washington, D.C. as the 21st Annual IAFF Legislative Conference officially commenced on March 17.
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger set the tone with a critique of the federal government’s failure to provide critical funding for the fire service.
“The nation’s governors the nation’s mayors, the League of Cities and law enforcement groups are issuing a chorus of cries for help from the federal government to make sure we are ready,” said General President Schaitberger. “But no one speaks louder than the International Association of Fire Fighters on the need for federal Homeland Security funding to first responders. Brothers and sisters, we will not rest until the necessary federal Homeland Security funding for training, equipment and staffing is in the hands of our local fire departments.
“We must do what Toby Keith sang in his great song ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.’ Weed to put a ‘boot in their ass’ to spur them into action,” emphasized Schaitberger.
The opening session began with a moment of silence honoring fallen 16th District Vice President Nick Davila. Walt Burgess, Chaplain for the Baltimore City Fire Department and a member of Baltimore Local 734, recalled that, “Nick was killed in a tragic car accident in Texas. We will remember him for his dedication to the fire service and his endless kindness and generosity.”
The agenda moved quickly onto the business at hand. “This conference is Ground Zero for the IAFF’s legislative efforts,” said Assistant to the General President for Government and Political Affairs Kevin O’Connor. “Your work here this week is vital to our success. Thanks to you, we can make a difference on Capitol Hill.”
In his address, General President Schaitberger encouraged the IAFF members to use this time to encourage their Congressional representatives to support funding for Homeland Security on a local level. The General President also expressed his concern over the growing economic problems facing many of IAFF’s affiliates and their communities.
“From Seattle to Minneapolis, Green Bay, Wisc. to New Bedford, Mass. From San Mateo County, Calif. to Benton, Ark. Flint, Mich. to Lynchburg, Va. and to many other communities, our locals are struggling with the threat of layoffs, reductions in staffing by attrition, company shutdowns, and other serious cuts fueled by shrinking budgets and a sinking economy,” Schaitberger said. “That’s why I have established a contingency plan at IAFF headquarters to assure that our resources are put where they are needed to help affiliates in distress during these trying times.”
Schaitberger zeroed in on the efforts of GOP leaders to subvert the will of the bipartisan majority in Congress that supports most IAFF-backed bills.
Schaitberger made it clear that it was time for action on Capitol Hill: “Our members face tough working conditions, modest pay, benefits under attack, faulty equipment, or no equipment at all, but they do their job because they believe in it. They’re willing to put their lives on the line to protect our fellow citizens every day. So I challenge those politicians who say they are our friends to put it on the line for us. No more praise. No more accolades. We need action. Give our members what they need to do the job you and the American people have entrusted them to do.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Vinnie Bollon echoed the General President. “It is more important to look at the fact that just a threat of attack affects us. Just the thought of what could possibly happen in this country is affecting staffing, working conditions and, as a result, our safety. As you talk to your Congressional leaders, remind them: Without the fire service, there is no homeland security.”
Click HERE to read President Schaitberger’s opening remarks.
