Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month

 

A message from AFFI President Chuck Sullivan about Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month:

 

Occupational Cancer is Killing Fire Fighters

January is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month when local fire service organizations educate fire fighters about prevention and survival.

Occupational cancer is claiming the lives of more fire fighters than any other cause, including fires and other on-scene incidents. The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI), an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) are partnering to deliver targeted education about best practices and resources to prevent and reduce cancer among fire fighters during Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month in January.

During 2024 Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month (iaff.org/cancer-awareness-month), the IAFF and FCSN will partner to deliver targeted education and best practices and resources to reduce the impact of cancer on fire fighters.

This year’s Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month highlights comprehensive strategies to reduce cancer risk throughout a fire fighter’s life. This includes implementing best practices in station design to limit exposures to carcinogens, emphasizing precautions during firefighting like proper equipment use and designated decontamination zones. This month-long campaign will address personal risk factors during off-duty hours such as nutrition and stress and highlight fire fighter success stories to encourage awareness and engagement to end cancer in the fire service.

“More than two-thirds of the names we added to our IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall last September died of job-related cancer,” says IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “Science confirms that PFAS forever chemicals are driving the alarming rate of cancer in the fire service. We must do everything we can to eliminate this threat, not just for those on the job today, but for generations of fire fighters to follow. Together, the IAFF and the FCSN will do whatever it takes to keep fire fighters healthy and safe.”

“Ensuring the health and well-being of fire fighters is our top priority so we can keep our communities safe. We know that there needs to be further education, more assistance, and resources for fire fighters when it comes to navigating an occupational cancer diagnosis,” says AFFI President, Chuck Sullivan. “Working together with such dedicated groups, there is no doubt that this partnership will increase awareness and save lives.”

“Our members are being diagnosed with cancer due to on-the-job exposures. We have had the solemn duty of adding far too many of their names to the walls of our IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial,” says Sullivan. “That’s why we passed an AFFI Convention Resolution two years ago to establish January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month – to give our hard-working members the most up-to-date guidance and data that will allow them the opportunity to enjoy a long, safe career and a healthy retirement.”

Honor Guard Activation for Brad Belanger

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Brothers and Sisters,

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the Duty Related Death of Firefighter/Paramedic Brad “BB” Belanger of Sycamore, Local 3046. Brother Belanger passed away Friday, December 22nd after a battle with cancer. Brother Belanger was 45 years old. He is survived by his wife, Jamie, and sons Dakota (24), and Hunter (16).

By orders of AFFI President Chuck Sullivan, the AFFI Honor Guard is activated.

 

Brother Belanger’s services are as follows:

 

Visitation: Saturday, January 6th, 2024, from 1100hrs – 1500hrs, at Sycamore Community Center- 480 Airport Rd., Sycamore, IL 60178.

 

Uniformed Personnel Walk-through: Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at 1600hrs, at Sycamore Community Center- 480 Airport Rd., Sycamore, IL 60178. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1530hrs and stage at the ball fields across the street.

Please plan on attending, and please bring Local flags and tools for the services. I know, as always, you will all do Whatever It Takes to Honor, Cherish, Remember, and Salute Brother Belanger, his family, and his Local.

Fraternally,

Jay Coburn, Commander

AFFI Honor Guard

(708) 927-6568

[email protected]

affi1935.org/honorguard

Passing of Retired South Elgin L4833 Brother Steven Diehl

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A message from AFFI Honor Guard Commander Jay Coburn:

 

Brothers and Sisters,

With great sadness, I want to inform you all of the passing of Brother Steven Diehl, South Elgin Professional Firefighters, Local 4833 (Retired). Brother Diehl was an active member of the AFFI Honor Guard.

Shortly after retirement, Brother Diehl was diagnosed with ALS. He succumbed to his disease early this morning. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Ar Deis Dé go raibh a ainm Dilís.

Fraternally,

Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
affi1935.org/honorguard

Honor Guard Activation for Andrew Price

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For those attending the services for Local 2 Brother Andrew Price on Monday, parking for services at Navy Pier will be at the north end of the South Lot at Soldier Field. Local 2 will provide shuttle busses from the lot to Navy Pier and back to the lot between 8:00am – 3:00pm.

 

Brothers and Sisters,

 

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the Line of Duty Death of Firefighter/EMT Andrew “Drew” Price of Chicago, Local 2.  Brother Price passed away on Monday, November 13th, from injuries sustained while battling a structure fire. Brother Price was 39 years old. He is survived by his wife.

 

By orders of AFFI President Chuck Sullivan, the AFFI Honor Guard is activated.

 

Brother Price’s services are as follows:

Venue: Monday, November 20th, 2023, Navy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom- 600 East Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

Arrival of Procession: 0845hrs. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 0815hrs.

Private Visitation: 0900hrs-1000hrs

Visitation: 1000hrs-1130hrs

Walk-thru: 1130hrs. Honor Guard members should be in place no later than 1100hrs.

Moments of Remembrance: 1200hrs

Interment: Private.

 

Please plan on attending, and please bring Local flags and tools for the services. I know, as always, you will all do Whatever It Takes to Honor, Cherish, Remember, and Salute Brother Price, his family, and his Local.

 

Fraternally,

 

Jay Coburn, Commander

AFFI Honor Guard

(708) 927-6568

[email protected]

Harvey L471 Member Chris Mankowski

From Harvey L471 President Jonathan Calvert:
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request your assistance and support in a matter of great importance to our firefighting community. One of our own, Firefighter Chris Mankowski of the Harvey Fire Dept. recently experienced severe injuries in a car accident. Chris has been a dedicated and valiant member of our firefighting family, and we now have an opportunity to help him during this challenging time.
 As you may know, the road to recovery from such an incident can be long and arduous, and the financial burdens can be overwhelming. To aid Chris Mankowski and his family during this difficult period, we have set up a donation campaign through The Yard Foundation. The donations collected will help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and any other necessary support for Chris and his family.
 I kindly request the AFFI to reach out to its membership, which shares our commitment to supporting fellow firefighters in need, and ask for their generous contributions to assist Chris Mankowski in his journey towards recovery.
 Donations can be made through the following link:https://www.theyardfoundation.org/support-the-mankowskis
Your support and encouragement can make a significant difference in Chris’s life and provide him with the strength to overcome this challenge. We believe in the solidarity of the firefighting community and its unwavering support for one another in times of need.
 Thank you for your consideration of this request. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or 708-829-1292.
We are grateful for your ongoing support and look forward to uniting with AFFI to help one of our own.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Calvert
President Harvey Local 471

IAFF Center of Excellence Event

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The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Recovery will host a FREE training event in Peoria, IL on January 10th. The topic of the training will be “What first responders need to know to better manage occupational and personal stressors.”

 

 

The Training is free with a provided lunch. Advanced registration is required and can be found here:

Registration Link

AFFI Sign Raffle for MDA

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Our Partners at the Muscular Dystrophy Association need our help to reach their goal of raising $750,000 from Illinois affiliates!

We all know how important the partnership between MDA and Firefighters is… The AFFI and MDA are teaming up to raffle off this hand-crafted 36″ layered metal AFFI sign! This unique item lights up and would be a perfect compliment for any Union Hall or Mancave!

 

We’ve set a goal of raising $25,000 through the raffle. Tickets are $25.00 each or 5 for $100. Entries will be accepted through November 30th and the Winner will be drawn on December 1st! Help us Fill the Boot!

 

Purchase Tickets Here

 

Markham Firefighters City Council Meeting

Dear President,

 

Our brothers at Markham Local 3209 are requesting your assistance by attending the City of Markham’s city council meeting on October 18, 2023.  Attached is a copy of their request.

 

Fraternally,

Daniel Fortuna

Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

District One Vice President

Cell Phone (773) 851-2733

 

Burned- Protecting the Protectors

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Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express

More than any other day, Sept. 11 reminds us of the true spirit of fire fighters, emergency medical and rescue workers. The members that died that day – and those that continue to succumb to WTC-related illnesses – remind us of our oath: others come first.

The Gary Sinise Foundation is honoring that sacrifice with an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World for families of our fallen. This extraordinary opportunity includes flights, hotel accommodations, and park admissions for families who lost a first responder on or after Sept. 11, 2001, to enjoy Disney World without financial burden. Like our union, the foundation is committed to honoring our fallen and caring for our families.

More on the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Project Snowball is below. Please share with any eligible families. Information can be submitted through Friday, Sept. 15.

To be eligible for the program, the First Responder would need to:

  1. Have been employed by a United States First Responder agency on/after 9/11/2001
  2. The loss of the First Responder happened on/after 9/11/2001 while employed as a first responder. Can be:
    1. Line of Duty loss
    2. Illness
    3. Accident
    4. Suicide
  1. Eligibility is open to any surviving spouse/guardian of a child/children, ages birth through 26yo, who lost their father/mother as a First Responder. This means that it can be:
    1. A spouse of the Fallen First Responder raising his/her dependent children.
    2. An ex-spouse of the Fallen First Responder raising his/her dependent children.
    3. A fiancé(e)/never married partner of the Fallen First Responder raising his/her dependent children.
    4. A legal guardian raising the children of the Fallen First Responder (guardianship designation documentation will be required.)

Required documentation:

  1. PSOB (Public Safety Officers’ Benefits form) – If they have a PSOB, and it lists spouse/guardian and all children by name, it is the only documentation needed.
  2. If no PSOB:
    1. Proof of employment and proof of loss while employed as a First Responder
    2. Proof of dependents (of Fallen First Responder)
    3. Proof that the adult applying is parent/guardian of the child(ren) of the Fallen First Responder.
  3.  If a guardian, guardianship designation documentation.

Learn more and register: www.garysinisefoundation.org/snowball-express.