Tag: Firefighters

Dallas Continues To Look for a Long-Term Plan To Fix Its Pensions

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For many, having a pension means having security. Both uniformed and non-uniformed employees in Dallas have pensions, but their plans have been in trouble for some time, making their future seemingly less secure.

Dallas’ pensions are underfunded by billions of dollars, and the city is looking for a fix. The police and fire pension has faced financial trouble since 2015, almost folding in on itself in 2017 before the state got involved. Failure to fix pensions could make it difficult to attract or retain employees in the city, including police and firefighters. We’re going to try to break it down for you here.

Jack Ireland, Dallas’ chief financial officer, aimed to explain it all to members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Pensions earlier this month. The committee is made up of several Dallas City Council members, and even some of them had trouble keeping up with Ireland at times.

State of the City’s Pensions

Ireland explained that the city has two primary employer benefit pensions that provide retirement, disability and death benefits for permanent city employees. There’s the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System for uniform employees. Then, there’s the Employees’ Retirement Fund for civilian and non-uniformed employees. The Texas Pension Review Board oversees all of the state’s public retirement systems for soundness and compliance with state reporting requirements.

The Texas Pension Review Board funding guidelines require that both pensions be fully funded within 30 years. But both of the city’s pensions are underfunded and exceed the Texas Pension Review Board’s 30-year requirement, Ireland said. As of Jan. 1, 2022, the Dallas Police and Fire Pension system was projected to be fully funded in 68 years. It’ll take the Employees’ Retirement Fund 51 years to be fully funded, as of Dec. 31, 2022. The police and fire pension is short some $3 billion, and the employee pension is short more than $1 billion.

“I don’t know how we can retain or even attract employees,” City Council member Paula Blackmon said when asked what would happen if the pensions didn’t get fixed.

“If you can’t meet your obligations, and this is an obligation, then I don’t know why anybody would come work at the city,” Blackmon, a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Pensions, said. “So, that’s what’s at stake, I guess, with our organization to some degree.”

The boards of the two pensions and the city are working to come up with a funding soundness restoration plan to comply with the 30-year requirement. These plans must be submitted prior to Sept. 1, 2025, in accordance with state law.

However, legislation passed in 2017 aimed to stabilize and improve the Dallas Police and Fire Pension requires its board to adopt a funding plan to comply with the 30-year requirement and submit it to the pension review board by Nov. 1, 2024.

Originally established in 1916, the Dallas Police and Fire Pension now has 5,085 active employees. About 18% of them are Dallas residents, and the rest come from outside of the city. Their average salary is about $88,740. The retiree and beneficiary headcount for the pension is at 5,289. About 8% of those individuals live in Dallas. Their average annual retirement benefit is about $51,732.

“I don’t know how we can retain or even attract employees.” – Dallas City Council member Paula Blackmon

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The Employees’ Retirement Fund was established in 1944 and now has 7,464 active employees. About 44% of them are residents of Dallas and they make an average salary of $60,816. The pension’s retiree and beneficiary headcount is slightly higher at 7,766. The average annual retirement benefit is $40,883. The Employee Retirement Fund is about 73% funded as of Dec. 31, 2022.

Why are the pensions so underfunded?

One reason the police and fire pension is underfunded is poor real estate investments. The pension sunk more than $1 billion in ill-advised direct real estate investments from 2005 to 2009. The 2008–09 real estate decline obliged the pension to write down these assets by hundreds of millions of dollars, resulting in its first report of financial challenges in 2015.

Before 2017, the pension board also authorized Deferred Retirement Option Plan provisions that severely harmed the fund, Ireland explained. The Deferred Retirement Option Plan had several harmful provisions: there was a floor of 8% interest annually; it allowed deferral of monthly deposits in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan after retirement; there was no limit on time in the plan; and it allowed active members to take unlimited distributions from the plan.

Deferred Retirement Option Plan balances grew to more than $1.5 billion, or 58% of total assets by 2016. Members began to worry about losing access to Deferred Retirement Option Plan accounts. So, a “run-on-the-bank” occurred with more than $600 million being withdrawn from the plan before it was closed for withdrawals in 2016.

A decrease in the number of employees beginning in 2008 and projected payroll growth compared to actual payroll growth affected the Employees’ Retirement Fund’s funding. The active employee headcount is 11% lower than it was in 2008, and payroll growth assumptions are based on projected number of active employees and changes in pay.

In December 2016, changes were made to the employee pension to improve funded percentage and projected years to reach full-funding. Those changes are projected to result in $2.15 billion in savings through 2055.

How did the city and state respond to the pension problems?

In 2017, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3158 to address near-term issues and provide a long-term solution for the police and fire pension by 2025. The Police and Fire Pension Board also went through some changes as a result of the legislation. Instead of being dominated by police and fire personnel and council members, it would have six mayoral appointees and five trustees elected by members. Changes were made to employee contribution rates and the city’s fixed-rate contributions. Future benefits were reduced for active employees, retirees and beneficiaries. The bill also reduced the unfunded liability by $1 billion and increased the funding ratio to 49% with full funding projected for 44 years.

Additionally, the bill mandated an independent review of the police and fire pension and plan changes to be submitted to the Pension Review Board by Nov. 1, 2024.

What can the city do about its pension woes?

The financial analysis firm Cheiron Inc., selected to review the police and fire pension, had several preliminary recommendations. It said the city’s fixed-rate contribution needs to move to an actuarially determined contribution. According to the Texas Comptroller, an actuarially determined contribution is the total contribution rate needed to pay for the normal cost of benefits and pay down any unfunded liabilities over a certain period of time.

The firm noted that member contributions should not be increased, and may need to be decreased over time. And it recommended granting some cost of living adjustments sooner to protect the adequacy of retirees’ lifetime income and to remain competitive with other public safety plans. Under current plans, cost of living adjustments won’t be available until the pension is 70% funded, which could take until 2073.

But city staff have some concerns about Cheiron’s recommendations, Ireland explained. For one, providing cost of living adjustments before 2073 could increase the unfunded liability and make achieving the 30-year-timeline more costly. The firm’s analysis assumes 2.5% growth in payroll but does not recognize pay increases provided through meet and confer agreements or intentions to increase staffing for either Dallas Fire-Rescue or the Dallas Police Department.

At the request of the city, a study group made up of local financial experts came up with its own list of recommendations. It suggested the city make contributions in addition to its current annual contributions of 34.5% of regular pay plus $13 million. The city’s additional contributions would begin with fixed incremental payments that increase by $20 million per year over the first three years of the plan period. The study group advised that the city’s fixed-rate contributions could be changed to an actuarially determined contribution beginning in 2028 to achieve full funding within 30 years. Another recommendation included cost of living adjustments once the pension is 70% funded. The city could also seek additional funding by monetizing its assets.

There are several options on the table for the Employees’ Retirement Fund to become fully funded in 30 years. It could eliminate the maximum contribution cap of 36% of pay starting in January 2025. Eliminating the contribution cap would require voter approval, a point of contention for at least one City Council member, Cara Mendelsohn. She doesn’t want residents to vote on changes to the employee pension before there’s a plan for the police and fire pension.

“I have no intention of voting to put this on a ballot when we don’t have a solid plan for the police [and] fire pension fund,” Mendelsohn said, according to The Dallas Morning News. “I think it’s extremely objectionable that we would even dare to do that when our most desperate staffing in this entire city is the police and fire departments, and we’re currently not meeting our staffing goals.”

Mendelsohn later told the Observer she’d like to know other options for fixing the Employees’ Retirement Fund. “There are options we have not yet considered like converting to a 401k plan or similar individual retirement account system with an employer contribution or evaluating a move of this pension to the state retirement system,” she said.

Higher contributions from the city could be phased in at 2% per year over five years, Ireland said. The city would use an actuarially determined contribution rate from there. It could increase the employee contribution rate to a maximum of 14%. A lump sum contribution by the city would have a positive impact on the actuarially determined contribution and Dallas’ future annual contributions.

From there, the city could submit its plans to the pension review board by August or September.

Blackmon said the city is looking for long-term solutions. “You don’t want to put something in place that is a stop gap measure,” she said. “You really want something in place that has long-term effects. I believe that’s what the council is looking for. What is that long-term plan that makes these pensions funded, not just in five years or in 30 years, but in 60 years?”

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Jacob Vaughn

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February 1, 2024
Fire breaks out at motel in New Castle County

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CHRISTIANA, Delaware (WPVI) — Smoke wafted from a motel room window as firefighters in Delaware went to work dousing flames on Sunday.

The blaze broke out around 5 a.m. on the 1000 block of Old Churchmans Road in Christiana.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the flames burning out of control at the Country Inn and Suites.

There are no reports of any injuries at this time.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities say.

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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6abc Digital Staff

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January 28, 2024
Firefighters quickly extinguish blaze at LAX

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Firefighters on Saturday knocked down a fire that broke out at a one-story building on the south side of Los Angeles International Airport, officials said.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department said 38 firefighters knocked down the attic fire in 40 minutes. They responded to the scene just after 11 a.m. No injuries were reported.

It’s unclear what the building was used for, but officials said there were no passengers inside and all employees had exited before the Fire Department arrived.

Video on social media showed smoke billowing from the building. Fire officials reported no impact on airport traffic and safety.

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Alene Tchekmedyian

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December 9, 2023
Volunteer Firefighter Numbers Declining as Call Volume Triples | Entrepreneur

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About two-thirds (65%) of the country’s firefighters are volunteers, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). However, in recent years, the number of young volunteers has been decreasing, and with current volunteers aging, it could have severe implications on civilian safety — especially in rural areas where the local department may be the only access to medical attention for miles.

In 2020, the number of volunteers reached a new 35-year-low, meanwhile, call volume more than tripled in the same time frame.

With fewer volunteers, individuals in crisis may end up “waiting 45 minutes for a fire truck to show up when their house is on fire,” said Steve Hirsch, head of the National Volunteer Fire Council, per NPR.

“People have to understand that if they don’t go out and volunteer, that could happen,” he added.

There’s also the growing issue of current volunteers aging out faster than youth coming on board. In 2020, 34% of volunteers in small communities were over 50, according to the NFPA, outnumbering those under 30 (22%). In 1987, just 15.9% of volunteers in small communities were over 50, while those under 30 were 29.7%.

“In our line of work, cardiac events are always a major issue, and the older you get, the more likely you’re going to have a cardiac event,” Hirsch told NPR. “That affects the crew’s safety, affects the public’s safety, and our ability to respond.”

The NFPA points to a number of factors contributing to the overall decline in volunteers such as time commitments, inability to afford housing near a local department, and “less of an emphasis on the social aspect of volunteering.”

Also, volunteers aren’t typically paid, however, some fire departments may reimburse for expenses related to the role, pay them a nominal fee, or offer benefits. The time commitments and training also vary by state and location, but it can be anywhere from a few hours a month to weekly meetings, in addition to being on-call in case of an emergency.

Related: Philanthropic Involvement Can Advance your Career. Here’s How.

“In today’s society, people simply don’t have a lot of disposable time,” said Bob Duval, a regional director at NFPA who heads a volunteer department in a small town in Connecticut, in a company report. “So it’s become hard to get and keep people when you’re honest with them when you say if you want to fight fires, you’re going to have to do this training and it may take six months or a year.”

However, there still are some youngsters stepping up to the plate.

Ben Shrader, 20, told NPR he decided to volunteer at his local fire department in Darlington, Maryland after his father fell into cardiac arrest and was unable to be revived by the time officials arrived on the scene.

“When it was his time it was his time,” Shrader told the outlet. “I spent a little while not knowing really what to do, until one day I said ‘screw it, I want to do something with my life.’”

For others, like 18-year-old Sam Santelli (who also volunteers at the Darlington department), the structure keeps him “out of trouble.”

“Being here keeps you straight and in line,” he told NPR.

Related: We Offer Time Off to Volunteer as a Unique Perk — But It’s Also Good for Business

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Madeline Garfinkle

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June 14, 2023
TOOTRiS Provides Free Child Care Access to First Responders Nationwide

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In Honor of National First Responders Day, TOOTRiS Child Care On-Demand Offers Free, Year-Long Access

Press Release
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Oct 27, 2022

SAN DIEGO, October 27, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Starting Oct. 28, National First Responders Day, and in commemoration of the more than 4.6 million first responders nationwide, TOOTRiS Child Care On-Demand is providing free access to millions of first responder parents.

More than 25% of American families say finding Child Care is a nightmare, and for first responders (fire fighters, police, EMTs, nurses) who work long and varying hours, the challenge is even greater.

To ease the burden and provide help, TOOTRiS, the nation’s largest network of Child Care providers, is launching its First Responder Honor Gift program. With the gift, first responders who sign up will get free access to TOOTRiS’ Premium Child Care platform free of charge for a full year. This allows first responders to access over 180,000 licensed Child Care providers nationwide, 24×7, enabling them to search, vet, and enroll their children in real-time quality Child Care programs for full-time, drop-ins, emergencies, before and after school, during standard and non-standard hours, no matter where they live and work.

“Children and their families are at the core of what we do at TOOTRiS just as first responders are at the core of our communities,” said Alessandra Lezama, TOOTRiS CEO and select member of the ReadyNation CEO Task Force on Early Childhood. “TOOTRiS is humbled to be able to give back to first responders in a way that makes life better for their entire family.”

First Responders who’d like to receive the First Responder Honor Gift should visit Honor Gift for more information and eligibility.

About TOOTRiS

TOOTRiS was founded in 2019 to transform Child Care so that every person, in every city, in every state has access to affordable Child Care options. TOOTRiS is the only technology platform that integrates the entire Child Care ecosystem (children, parents, providers, employers, and service organizations). This makes finding Child Care more convenient, affordable, and on-demand.

Visit TOOTRiS.com for more information.

Media Contact
Jeff McAdam
JMcAdam@TOOTRiS.com
(720) 988-0984

Source: TOOTRiS

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October 27, 2022
Firefighters rescue young child from burning building in Oklahoma City

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Firefighters rescued a young child from a burning building in Oklahoma City.It was a daring rescue of a young child who was trapped in an apartment in a burning building over the weekend. On Monday, the damages could still be seen at the apartment complex off Robinson Avenue and Southwest 89th Street.The fire caused several units to be evacuated and left a child in serious condition.”Firefighters were prepared for the worst on their way to this call,” said Benny Fulkerson, Oklahoma City Fire Department. Alarms were still sounding Monday afternoon after a fire at the Cape Cod Condominiums left a 4 to 5-year-old boy hospitalized.”The thing about this fire that’s interesting is even as the firefighters were responding to the incident, dispatchers were talking to people who were calling this in and those people were saying that there’s children trapped inside this apartment,” Fulkerson said.Firefighters said when they arrived on the scene, a resident said there was a child stuck in the living room of an apartment. They could hear him screaming from outside.Firefighters then fought the flames to find the little boy and saved his life.”That’s what people expect us to do, that’s why we’re here. Our firefighters said there was fire above the child in the living room where they located him and was able to remove him from that living room area that was well-involved in fire,” Fulkerson said.He was treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation, but firefighters have been told the child is out of the hospital. Firefighters said there were no other injuries reported but the damages were extremely costly.

OKLAHOMA CITY —

Firefighters rescued a young child from a burning building in Oklahoma City.

It was a daring rescue of a young child who was trapped in an apartment in a burning building over the weekend. On Monday, the damages could still be seen at the apartment complex off Robinson Avenue and Southwest 89th Street.

The fire caused several units to be evacuated and left a child in serious condition.

“Firefighters were prepared for the worst on their way to this call,” said Benny Fulkerson, Oklahoma City Fire Department.

Alarms were still sounding Monday afternoon after a fire at the Cape Cod Condominiums left a 4 to 5-year-old boy hospitalized.

“The thing about this fire that’s interesting is even as the firefighters were responding to the incident, dispatchers were talking to people who were calling this in and those people were saying that there’s children trapped inside this apartment,” Fulkerson said.

Firefighters said when they arrived on the scene, a resident said there was a child stuck in the living room of an apartment. They could hear him screaming from outside.

Firefighters then fought the flames to find the little boy and saved his life.

“That’s what people expect us to do, that’s why we’re here. Our firefighters said there was fire above the child in the living room where they located him and was able to remove him from that living room area that was well-involved in fire,” Fulkerson said.

He was treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation, but firefighters have been told the child is out of the hospital. Firefighters said there were no other injuries reported but the damages were extremely costly.

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October 25, 2022
FirstNet, Built With AT&T, Teams With First H.E.L.P. to Support First Responders in New Mexico and Colorado With #ResponderReadiness Training

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Press Release
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Sep 1, 2022

FARMINGTON, N.M., September 1, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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First H.E.L.P. and FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, have teamed up to provide first responders in communities throughout New Mexico with world-class mental health training through First H.E.L.P.’s #ResponderReadiness Workshop Series.

September 6-8 Guardian Initiatives and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office will host First H.E.L.P. for a series of Mental Health and Wellness Workshops for area First Responders. First H.E.L.P. will provide two 4-hour #ResponderReadiness Workshops where participants explore the impact that operational stress and trauma has on their careers and families. They will use scenario-based training to practice difficult conversations about mental health and suicide prevention and they learn to practice First H.E.L.P.’s R.A.N.G.E. of Resilience. In addition to the two #ResponderReadiness workshops, there is a 4-hour #SupervisorReadiness Workshop for managers and a 4-hour #ProviderReadiness Workshop for area Mental Health Providers who serve First Responders.

According to First H.E.L.P.’s Executive Director and Co-Founder, Steven Hough, “Mental preparedness is always at the forefront for first responders; 1st H.E.L.P. provides essential information allowing these professionals to maintain optimal balance between the community they represent, the agency they work with, and most importantly, the family at home.”

AT&T is working to ease the burden for communities by providing high-quality training to New Mexico’s first responders at no cost. FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, an independent agency within the federal government.

“AT&T’s commitment to our public safety community goes beyond our FirstNet network connectivity,” said Dr. Anna Courie, DPN, RN, PHNA-BC, Director, Responder Wellness, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “We are dedicated to working with First H.E.L.P. to bring mental health resources to first responders across the country—especially in rural areas with limited access. This program with First H.E.L.P. will better equip first responders mentally and physically and help our public safety community stay safer.”

The training program reinforces the strategic priorities established by the FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition (FNHWC) to support first responders and their families. The mission of the FNHWC is to integrate responder, community, industry, and academic capabilities to support the health, wellness, and readiness of American first responders.

Register for this workshop on First H.E.L.P. ‘s website: https://1sthelp.org/event/farmington. Email contact@1sthelp.org for more information.

Source: First H.E.L.P.

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September 1, 2022
FirstNet, Built With AT&T, Teams With First H.E.L.P. to Support Public Safety Professionals Around the Country With #MissionReadyRetreats

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Press Release
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Jul 15, 2022

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., July 15, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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First H.E.L.P. and FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, have teamed up to provide first responders in communities throughout America with a world-class mental health resource through First H.E.L.P.’s week long #MissionReadyRetreats.

Each #MissionReadyRetreats provides up to 15 First Responders from across the nation the opportunity to come together for a seven-day resilience-building retreat. The program emphasizes what First H.E.L.P. calls the 3Ps of Responder Readiness: Performance, Persistence, and Prevention. Thanks to FirstNet – Built with AT&T, First Responders can participate in this incredible opportunity at absolutely no cost to the agency or the individual.

Using individual mindfulness practices, facilitated discussions, and group activities, the retreat provides more than 48 hours of structured learning and development events. #ResponderReadiness explores how stress impacts their lives, how to build resilience, and how to communicate more effectively at work and home. During Alternative Stress Learning, the group participates in an activity such as leatherworking or woodworking to explore a healthy stress coping practice. Mindfulness practices, journaling, healthy meals, and fireside conversations round out the curriculum. Participants also practice healthy rest and sleep habits. They detach from the digital world and immerse themselves into a healthy environment.

“Our nation’s first responders work tirelessly, selflessly serving their communities. That day-to-day grind takes a toll on their physical, emotional, and mental well-being,” says Robert Winner, First H.E.L.P.’s Retreat Director. He goes on to say, “We have designed this retreat in a way that combines research-based instruction on developing resilience and healthy living with an opportunity to recharge and reset in a peer-based environment. When participants leave the retreat and return to their Agencies, they will be ‘Mission Ready!’”

The organization conducted their first #MissionReadinessRetreats in May and has two more scheduled for 2022. #MRREast: Charles Town, WV, July 21-27 and #MRRWest: Cle Elum, WA, October 23-28. Interested? Register on First H.E.L.P.’s website: 1sthelp.org/mission-ready-retreats/

AT&T is working to ease the burden for communities by providing high-quality training to first responders at no cost. FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, an independent agency within the federal government.

This training is open to all federal, state and local First Responders across the nation; priority will go to smaller communities.

For more information email contact@1sthelp.org ATTN: Rob Winner.

Source: First H.E.L.P.

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July 15, 2022
FirstNet, Built With AT&T, Teams With First H.E.L.P. to Support First Responders in Phoenix Area With #ResponderReadiness Training

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Press Release
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Jul 11, 2022

CHANDLER, Ariz., July 11, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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First H.E.L.P. and FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, have teamed up to provide first responders in communities throughout Arizona with world-class mental health training through First H.E.L.P.’s #ResponderReadiness Workshop Series.

On July 18-20 Chandler Police Department will host a series of Mental Health and Wellness Workshops for area First Responders. First H.E.L.P. will provide two 4-hour #ResponderReadiness Workshops where participants explore the impact that operational stress and trauma has on their careers and families. They will use scenario-based training to practice difficult conversations about mental health and suicide prevention and they learn to practice First H.E.L.P.’s R.A.N.G.E. of Resilience. In addition to the two #ResponderReadiness workshops, there is a 4-hour #SupervisorReadiness Workshop for managers and a 4-hour #ProviderReadiness Workshop for area Mental Health Providers who serve First Responders.

According to First H.E.L.P.’s CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Jeffrey McGill, “Providing awareness and practical tools can help first responders perform at their best throughout their career, benefitting the responder, their family, their agency, and the community they serve.”

Since 2016, First H.E.L.P. has consistently tracked law enforcement suicides throughout the nation and in 2021, opened their efforts to include all first responders. The State of Arizona has lost at least 18 First Responders to suicide since 2017.

AT&T is working to ease the burden for communities by providing high-quality training to Arizona first responders at no cost. FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, an independent agency within the federal government.

“AT&T’s commitment to our public safety community goes beyond our FirstNet network connectivity,” said Dr. Anna Courie, DPN, RN, PHNA-BC, Director, Responder Wellness, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “We are dedicated to working with First H.E.L.P. to bring mental health resources to first responders across the country—especially in rural areas with limited access. This program with First H.E.L.P. will better equip first responders mentally and physically and help our public safety community stay safer.”

The training program reinforces the strategic priorities established by the FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition (FNHWC) to support first responders and their families. The mission of the FNHWC is to integrate responder, community, industry, and academic capabilities to support the health, wellness, and readiness of American first responders.

Register for this workshop on First H.E.L.P. ‘s website: https://1sthelp.org/event/2022chandler/.

Source: First H.E.L.P.

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July 11, 2022
First Responders Resiliency, Inc. Launches Capital Campaign for New Center

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New Facility Will Provide Greater Level of Services to First Responders Nationwide

Press Release
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updated: Apr 14, 2021

SANTA ROSA, Calif., April 14, 2021 (Newswire.com)
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First Responders Resiliency, Inc. (FRRI), a ground-breaking nonprofit dedicated to training first responders and their families, is pleased to announce a Capital Campaign to build the first-of-its-kind First Responder Resiliency Center in Sonoma County, California.

Founded in 2018, FRRI’s award-winning, proactive behavioral wellness program has since signed a two-year contract with CAL FIRE, trained more than 4,200 first responders and their families nationwide, and is set to train nearly 1,000 more before the end of 2021. With the support of researchers, nurses, doctors and therapists, the program is run entirely by retired first responders who realized the reactive programs offered to them in the past were not creating lasting change to rates of depression, disability or suicide within the first responder community.

This center will profoundly transform the lives of first responders by providing a designated location for first responders to receive the support they so desperately need to mitigate the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Injuries. First responders will continue to benefit from their centralized conferences, educational programs, physical resiliency training and immediate access to trauma therapists, holistic modalities, support groups and workers comp assistance.

The campaign was launched by an anonymous donation of $100,000 with the hopes of raising nearly $9 million to complete the center.

Donations are being collected through GoFundMe.

Learn more about the Resiliency Center at www.resiliency1st.org or contact First Responders Resiliency, Inc. at info@resiliency1st.org for more information.

Source: First Responders Resiliency, Inc. (FRRI)

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April 14, 2021
Jury Rules in Favor of 2500 NYC EMT and Paramedics in FLSA Case

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A federal jury finds City of New York recklessly failed to pay FDNY EMTs and paramedics pre-shift and post-shift overtime pay

Press Release
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updated: Oct 28, 2019

NEW YORK, October 28, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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A federal jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, 2,519 EMTs and Paramedics employed by the City of New York, in an action brought pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Following the close of evidence, the jury unanimously found that the City suffered or permitted EMTs and Paramedics to work before and after their shifts without paying them and that the City’s failure to do so was done in reckless disregard of the law. Oren Barzilay, the President of AFSCME Local 2507, Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors, remarked: “After deliberating for less than two hours, the jury returned a verdict telling the City it must pay its first responders for the work they perform before and after their scheduled shifts – all of which is captured in CityTime. The jury did justice.”

The law firm of McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP represented the plaintiffs in a three-week trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York before the Honorable Judge Vernon S. Broderick. The plaintiffs demonstrated through the testimony of numerous EMTs and Paramedics, and FDNY Supervisors, that they began working at the EMS stations up to 15 minutes prior to the start of their shifts when they, among other things, prepared their medical and protective equipment to ensure that they were ready and able to put their ambulances in service as quickly as possible. The jury further found that the plaintiffs worked after the end of their shift, for up to 15 minutes, exchanging vital medical equipment and information with the next tour of EMTs and Paramedics and safely storing any other personal medical or protective equipment they had used during their shift.

In addition, the jury found that because the EMTs and Paramedics performed these activities while scanned into the City’s electronic timekeeping system, CityTime, the backpay damages could be computed directly from the number of minutes that the City had recorded, but not paid.

Finally, the jury further found that in failing to pay the EMTs and Paramedics for this work, the City of New York willfully violated the law, entitling the EMTs and Paramedics to full recovery under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Following the verdict, Molly Elkin, the plaintiffs’ lead trial counsel, said: “Unlike the City, the jury had the backs of the FDNY EMTs and Paramedics. The EMTs and Paramedics answer thousands of calls every day, risking their lives. They should not be working for free.” Although the precise amount owed will be determined at a later date, the backpay alone for the work performed by the plaintiff EMTs and Paramedics will be in the millions.

Chaz Perry, et al. v. City of New York and New York Fire Department, Case No. 1:13-cv-01015 (SDNY)

Source: McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP

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October 28, 2019
Financial Coach Chris Jackson Helps First Responders Launch a Board Game With His Heroes and Zeroes Initiative

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To be part of this wonderful project, please visit the Kickstarter page. Help build dreams for those who make the ultimate sacrifice.

Press Release
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updated: Sep 11, 2019

AUSTIN, Texas, September 11, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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A seasoned financial coach, Chris Jackson is known for his financial management skills and strategies. He has been using his pro bono platform to provide free financial planning to members of the military and first responders. Considered a visionary by peers and clients, Chris Jackson’s strength lies in his ability to see the big picture, identify gaps and employ creative solutions to get people’s finances on track.

Chris Jackson was fortunate to have a friend whose father was a police officer that practically took him in as his own during a tough time in his life. He also personally saw the effects of PTSD and how it affected his military friends that came back from the Middle East.

Chris Jackson discovered that access to expert financial advice is limited to those with certain asset minimums or with higher income. This means living first responders and the military are on their own when making critical personal finance decisions. Chris Jackson was inspired by community policing programs and police activity leagues that aim to heal strained relations across the country between urban communities and cops, and he wanted to give back to those making the ultimate sacrifices. Hence, the creation of his own pro bono program for ex-servicemen.

Here is what some clients that have benefited from his pro bono platforms have to say. “Chris Jackson has been a tremendous help to me in a difficult landscape. As a new firefighter and recently engaged man, Chris Jackson has really set me up for success. His friendly demeanor, professional courtesy and informed decisions have given me an edge in planning for the future. I cannot speak highly enough of Mr. Jackson; it truly allows me to focus more on what I need to do to keep the public safe.” Max Palmer – CA Firefighter

“Chris has helped me organized my financial life so I can have a game plan for managing my expenses and debt. He has also helped me plan for life after my time in the military as I pursue becoming a professional poker player.” Pherris Ash – USAF Officer

Chris Jackson is currently assisting Brandon Byler and Matt Ruggiero, two police officers, produce their first board game called Code 3, which launches tomorrow at noon, and Chris hopes those looking to give back will go to the Kickstarter campaign to help back the project. Backers of the project will receive incentives that are indicated on the campaign page. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the National Fallen Officer Foundation.

Media Contact:
Chris Jackson
Phone: (323)219-0633
Email: info@chrisojackson.com

Source: Chris Jackson

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September 11, 2019
Firefighter Wellness Goes High-Tech: Cordico Apps Target Stress and Trauma in the Fire Service

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“The CordicoFire App puts a wealth of information and – most importantly – personal help at our firefighters’ fingertips to keep them mentally healthy,” said Fire Chief Kris Concepcion.

Press Release
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updated: Sep 4, 2019

DENVER, September 4, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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More than 7,000 firefighters surveyed overwhelmingly reported they’ve experienced stressful and traumatic experiences on the job, with 75% suffering ongoing mental or emotional issues as a result. As firefighters nationwide experience extreme stress, the First Responder Center for Excellence prepares to host the first-of-its-kind Fire Service Behavioral Health Symposium in Denver.

Research reveals that firefighters experience elevated rates of depression, alcohol problems and repeated exposure to traumatic events resulting in sleep disorders, avoidance behaviors, and feelings of helplessness associated with PTSD. Additional symptoms of repeated traumatic exposure for firefighters include desensitization, irritability, cynicism and intrusive flashbacks. Studies also reveal that first responders often avoid seeking help for emotional problems and the majority who reach out for Employee Assistance Program support find it unhelpful.

Fire departments nationwide are looking for a strategic solution to strengthen firefighter wellness. Dixon Fire Chief Greg Lewis has achieved great success by providing his firefighters with a CordicoFire Wellness App. “The issue of mental wellness in public safety has been in a closet or ignored for far too many years,” said Chief Lewis. “By providing complete anonymity, 24/7 access, the ‘Wellness Tool Kit’ and self-assessment capabilities all from a personalized application right from a mobile phone, a large gap in the mental wellness issue has been addressed. Our staff is very grateful the City has given them this tool that can be used at any time by both the employee and their spouse.”

“We needed a proactive solution for firefighters everywhere,” said Dr. David Black, the CEO of Cordico. “Firefighters need 24/7 access to comprehensive and trusted wellness tools to manage the extreme stressors and demands they face. Our CordicoFire Apps give them powerful, on-demand tools targeting critical incidents, depression, insomnia, marital problems, trauma, suicide risk, and much more. We customize the app for departments of all sizes.”

Vacaville Fire Chief Kris Concepcion, who also provided his department with a CordicoFire Wellness App, said, “The Cordico app has been a game-changer for our fire department … I have received numerous personal ‘thank-yous’ from our firefighters since contracting with Cordico.”

Billy Goldfeder, the former Chair of the IAFC’s Safety, Health and Survival Section, has also spoken out about Cordico’s high-tech solution to strengthen firefighter wellness. “Assuring firefighters and other responders are emotionally prepared to take care of the public, when the public is having the worst day of their lives, is what keeps fire chiefs up at night – this unique and very affordable solution from Cordico benefits the firefighters, the responders, the public, and the community’s leadership. It’s truly a win-win.”

Learn more at www.cordicofire.com.

Media Contact:
Kevin Dacy
Phone: 844-CORDICO (1-844-267-3426)

Source: Cordico

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September 4, 2019
Bullard Donates to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network

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Press Release
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updated: Apr 12, 2019

CYTHIANA, Ky., April 12, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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Bullard, a global leader in personal protective equipment, is teaming with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) in their mission to aid firefighters and their families following a cancer diagnosis.

Today, at the Bullard booth (#511) at FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference), Wells Bullard, CEO of Bullard and Peter Lugo, President and COO of Bullard presented Lisa Raggio, Executive Director of FCSN, and Trey Kelson, CFO of FCSN, with a donation of $10,000. Bullard plans to continue its support of the FCSN throughout 2019 by donating a portion of all proceeds from the sale of their Bullard Care Kits and Decon Cloths, two products designed specifically to help protect firefighters from carcinogens.

“Firefighters put a lot of trust in us to protect them. We have a responsibility to further protect firefighters by helping to educate them about dangers they face daily on the job and encourage prevention efforts to keep them safer,” said Wells Bullard. “We are proud to align with the FCSN to support their commitment to cancer prevention education and training to protect the lives of firefighters who risk their lives to protect us.”

“Education is key to helping firefighters reduce their cancer risk,” added Peter Lugo. “That’s why we’ve chosen to team with the FCSN to combine our efforts to raise awareness of the cancer risks firefighters face.”

According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), cancer caused more than 60 percent of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from Jan. 1, 2002, to Dec. 21, 2017. Cancer, today, is the most dangerous threat to a firefighter’s health and safety.

FCSN educates firefighters about the importance of cancer screenings and early detection. “We’re so grateful for this generous donation from Bullard,” said Lisa Raggio. “This contribution makes a significant difference in delivering our Badge to Badge Mentorship program and toolboxes free of charge to firefighters coping with cancer. It also provides the resources necessary to provide cancer awareness and prevention training nationwide. We are so proud and happy to welcome Bullard to the FCSN family.”

About FCSN

FCSN is a 501(c)(3) organization established by Los Angeles County Firefighter Paramedic Michael Dubron, a survivor of stage IV colon cancer. FCSN’s objective is to provide timely assistance to all fire and EMS personnel and their family members who have been diagnosed with cancer. FCSN offers unique expertise through its network of peer-support mentors. FCSN also delivers extensive firefighter cancer awareness and prevention training nationwide. FCSN relies on charitable donations from individuals, families, charitable organizations, and corporate sponsors to fund its firefighter cancer support, awareness, and prevention programs. FCSN does not endorse any product or service. For more information, visit firefightercancersupport.org.

About Bullard

Bullard is a global leader in personal protective equipment and systems designed to help save lives. Founded in 1898, Bullard protects workers in the Industrial Health & Safety and Emergency Responder markets. Headquartered in Kentucky, Bullard is a fifth-generation family-owned global company with offices and facilities in the U.S., Germany and Singapore. For more information, visit Bullard’s website at www.bullard.com or call Bullard Customer Service at 877-BULLARD or +1-859-234-6616.

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Source: Bullard

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April 12, 2019
Australia’s Sexiest Firefighters Calendar is Now Calling on All the Hottest Firemen From Around the Globe to Join Them Down Under!

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Press Release
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updated: Oct 15, 2018

BRISBANE, Australia, October 15, 2018 (Newswire.com)
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The iconic Aussie Firefighters calendar is reaching out to the sexiest, fittest firemen from around the world to join them on the Gold Coast, Australia in April 2019 for the making of the very first “International Firefighters Calendar”.

Firefighters from around the world will be vying for only 11 spots. The winners will join the hottest Australian firefighters to make the world’s first International Firefighters Calendar.

“With the explosion of worldwide interest in the calendar, it only made sense for us to invite the hottest firefighters from around the globe here to the beautiful Gold Coast to be a part of the world’s very first ‘International Firefighters Calendar’”. – David Rogers – Director – Australian Firefighters Calendar.

With the inclusion of the international firefighters, funds from calendar sales will now also be donated back to animal charities located in those participating countries.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR VIDEO AND PHOTOS FROM THE PHOTO SHOOT

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wvpvya5s5n4eifu/AAC2wpQ8cYLCc82XjMzqYQrIa?dl=0

This year, however, we must make mention of the newest addition to the Australian Firefighters Calendar collection… Cats!

The biggest surprise from last year was the viral sensation that came from one of their Facebook posts featuring the Australian firefighters with kittens. The response was so overwhelming they felt the need to expand the photo shoot this year to include a cat calendar for the 2019 season.

“The biggest interest in this calendar seems to be coming from Asia, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and South America.” – David Rogers – Director – Australian Firefighters Calendar

The 2019 Cat calendar will join the always popular Dog, Animal and Hot Firefighter calendars to help raise money for charities around Australia and overseas.

“We are very excited to start working with local Australian and international animal shelters. We felt it was important to use the calendar’s social media presence to shine a light on the incredible work they all do. Even a small donation to these organisations can make an enormous difference and we look forward to expanding our support to these charities.” – David Rogers – Director Australian Firefighters Calendar

Again this year the Australian Firefighters Calendar will be donating to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Several images in this year’s Australian Firefighters Animal calendar were taken at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.

“We are so excited to be involved with the 2019 Australian Firefighters Calendar again. The funds they raise help to save and protect Australian native wildlife in South East Queensland. They truly are Wildlife Warriors and we’re so proud they are joining us again to help save our wildlife.” – Bindi Irwin

“Dad loved photography and so do I. It really connects people with wildlife in a way they might not have been able to before, so for the Australian Firefighters Calendar to feature some of our own animals, that’s pretty awesome.” – Robert Irwin

Click here for calendar covers

Since 1993 firefighters from Australia’s Urban, Rural, Aviation, Armed Forces and Corporate fire-fighting services have been coming together to create the world’s most iconic calendar.

After 17 rigorous days of photography, the final images are put together to create the iconic Australian Firefighters Calendar for fans across the globe.

The Australian Firefighters Calendar has donated over $2.8 million dollars to various charities around Australia with $1.7 million dollars of that being donated in the past 4 years alone.

The Australian Firefighters Calendar donates vital funds to the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Queensland, The Starlight Foundation in New South Wales, My Room Children’s Cancer Charity in Victoria, The Cancer Council in South Australia and The Salvation Army in ACT.

Nationally the calendar donates funds to Mates4Mates, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, Precious Paws Animal Rescue, Safe Haven Animal Rescue, Save a Horse, Healing Hooves and AMS Cat Haven.

In 2017 with a social media reach of 2.7 billion people around the globe, the calendar story, videos and images are seen in every language across the world. The iconic Australian Firefighters Calendar has become one of the world’s most loved calendars and now firefighters from around the world will make this a truly global phenomenon.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR VIDEO AND PHOTOS FROM THE PHOTO SHOOT

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wvpvya5s5n4eifu/AAC2wpQ8cYLCc82XjMzqYQrIa?dl=0

Press Contact: David Rogers – Director

Email: david@australianfirefighterscalendar.com

Phone: + 61 043313488

Australian Firefighters Calendar Website

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International Firefighters Calendar 2020 Registration link: https://www.australianfirefighterscalendar.com/_c/photoshoot-registration

Source: Australian Firefighters Calendar

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October 15, 2018