The Firefighter, Winter 2022 edition is now available for reading

The Winter 2022 edition of The Firefighter, PFFPNC’s quarterly magazine, is now out and available for reading.

Produced by PFFPNC in collaboration with the IAFF and the government relations/communication team at New Frame, this issue of The Firefighter includes photos from around the state, from Asheville to Statesville to New Hanover, as well as education articles on cooking and fire safety.

If you have any articles, photos or ideas for the next edition of The Firefighter, email Matt Quarles at [email protected].

Click here to read the latest edition of The Firefighter.

 

Presumptive cancer funded in final, signed budget

The General Assembly passed a $25.9 billion bipartisan budget this week that included $15 million in funding over two years for PFFPNC’s Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act of 2021.

Governor Roy Cooper signed the bipartisan budget bill on Thursday afternoon, minutes after the final vote in the NC House. The presumptive cancer law goes into effect January 1, 2022. PFFPNC President Scott Mullins, who wrote the legislation with PFFPNC lobbyist/attorney Skye David, was elated to learn the news on Monday night when the budget was first released.

“After years of working on this presumptive cancer bill, it is a relief to see the General Assembly enact this important and life-saving legislation,” said Mullins. “From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful to the strong and steadfast leadership of the North Carolina House and all of our friends in the Senate who worked behind the scenes to make this possible.”

Mullins singled out Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), House Majority Leader John Bell (Wayne/Greene/Johnston), House Rules Chairman Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), and House Appropriations Chair Jason Saine (R-Lincoln).

He also noted that the Senate version of the presumptive cancer bill filed by Senators Todd Johnson (R-Union) and Jim Perry (Wayne/Lenoir) made it possible for the House position to prevail in final budget negotiations.

PFFPNC Political Director Josh Smith stressed the important role these legislators played in PFFPNC’s strategy in 2021. “We knew that we had to write a new bill that doesn’t use workers compensation, run a concurrent Senate strategy with our House plan, and have it all converge in the final days of budget negotiations,” Smith said.

Mullins said he is humbled by the outpouring of appreciation from firefighters and their families, fire chiefs, legislators, the media, and North Carolina citizens who are thanking PFFPNC for writing House Bill 535 and executing a strategy to get the language in the final budget. “I think about all the firefighters who have been diagnosed with this terrible disease,” he said. “This win is about them and the firefighters who come behind them.”

PFFPNC 2021 Convention report: Day 2

The 2021 PFFPNC Convention continued on day two with a presentation from IAFF General Secretary/Treasurer Frank Lima. The day also included an update from District 12 VP Walt Dix and a labor presentation from South Florida’s John O’Brien.

Lima talked about his first tenure as GST. He promises checks and balances, transparency and accountability. He showed members a break down of where each penny of their $15.68 or $7.84 (retirees) dues go towards.

He also thanked North Carolina fire fighters for their continued hard work, especially during the difficulty of the COVID pandemic.

“We are all in this together. We accomplish more when we unite.”

Lima was followed by Walt Dix, who gave us an update on the district as well as future events, such as ALTS coming back to in-person in January. Dix also talked about the growth of the district and North Carolina.

The 12th District has more than 38,000 members and is the third largest district within the IAFF. Within NC, we have grown to 39 locals and more than 3,400 members, with 700 of those joining just within the last several years.

South Florida Council of Fire Fighters President John O’Brien gave an enjoyable history of the labor movement. It was a good reminder that, “Everything was earned,” and we should continue the labor fight of those that came before us.

O’Brien also encouraged members to think outside of the box when it comes to organizing and growing membership, raising PAC funds and raising public awareness of the work our members do not just as fire fighters but labor members.

Some other speakers included presentations from First Responder Benefits Association, NTA Life and Center for Excellence, as well as PFFPNC Legal Council Trisha Pande. She’s been working alongside longtime attorney Travis Payne helping PFFPNC members with legal issues. She went over three cases currently in court concerning wrongful termination and worker’s compensation.

The afternoon concluded with a presentation from PFFPNC’s Josh Smith and Brian Lewis of New Frame on political updates. They went over some of our legislative goals including:

  • Presumptive Cancer
  • Expand Line of Duty Death benefits
  • Separation allowance/expand retirement
  • PTSD worker’s compensation
  • Blue lights on fire trucks
  • Motorcycle license plates

 

The success in the House and now the Senate on passing presumptive cancer shows not only growth of our presence in Raleigh but the success we are having as working on both sides of the aisle.

“We are now seen as a bipartisan organization, and we have a working relationship with those who support fire fighter issues, regardless of red or blue,” Lewis said.

The two also stressed the importance of supporting our PAC fund and promised that every dollar given is only to politicians who help us. Donate to our PAC now.

Scott Mullins finished the afternoon stressing the nuts and bolts of the presumptive cancer bill for all active North Carolina fire fighters including the fact that all cancers are covered and fire fighters will get a $25,000 lump sum for up to two cancer diagnosis. It also includes disability if you miss work because of your cancer.

Unfortunately, it’s not reactive but this is a great benefit for the future. PFFPNC Leaders and the team at New Frame have worked tirelessly to get this bill passed. It’s a victory will we celebrate for a long time, as Brian Lewis said.

 

 

PFFPNC 2021 Convention report: Day 1

The 2021 PFFPNC Convention got off to a fantastic start on Tuesday. The day included numerous addresses from our many supporters from IAFF General President Ed Kelly to NC Speaker of the House, Tim Moore.

The morning started with a State of the Union address from PFFPNC President Scott Mullins. He thanked the e-board for the extremely hard work they’ve done during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID hit everyone hard, but we fought for PPE, testing and vaccination.

We continued to work on cancer legislation, which currently is in the budget – a big thanks to Rep. Moore for his support on that. We’ve also worked on PTSD legislation and separation allowance.

We’ve added three new locals, with others in the works, grown membership across the state and offered training on political networking, organizing and communication.

IAFF General President Ed Kelly also addressed the crowd. We are so grateful to President Kelly for his support in getting cancer legislation passed. He is the first General President to walk the halls of NC State House, Mullins said. Kelly took time to talk to our political leaders in Raleigh, and we are forever grateful.

One reason for that is because presumptive cancer legislation in every state is a priority for Kelly. It is the No. 1 killer of our fire fighters. We must protect them and their families, he said.

President Kelly addressed the challenges of the last two years but said the IAFF is committed to its members and making the union stronger and better than ever with legislation, finances and taking care of our members and their families.

The keynote speaker of the day was NC State Speaker of the House Tim Moore. A crowd wearing yellow North Carolina Fire Fighters for Moore t-shirts greeted him.

Speaker Moore started his speech by asking, What can we do to make your job safer? It’s one reason he fought so hard for fire fighters in the upcoming budget, which Gov. Cooper announced today he would sign.

The new budget includes $15 million for supplemental insurance for fire fighters fighting cancer. There’s also more than $7 million to establish a pilot health program for fire fighters and additional funds for equipment.

“We went from the bottom of the nation to the top in fire fighter benefits.”

And it’s just the beginning, he said.

Rep. Jason Saine, who spoke next, added that it’s a budget we will all be proud of, and both representatives thanked PFFPNC members for working “hand in glove” to improve benefits for fire fighters.

Other speakers to round out the day included an update on the Peer Support Program from Greensboro VP Justin Price, as well as a new software developed by Wilmington’s Scott Monroe, called Essential Personnel, to assist with peer support, health and wellness. Several supportive vendors, including MDA, Spangler Restorations and Fire Fighter Cancer Network also addressed the crowd.

The day wrapped up with the start of business, including nominations for officers. Your current e-board will remain mostly in tactic. Reelected were:

  • President Scott Mullins
  • Secretary-Treasurer Josh Smith
  • District 1 VP: Jeff Tracey
  • District 2 VP: David Pollard
  • District 3 VP: Keith Wilder
  • District 4 VP: Ben Bobzien

 

There will be an election on Thursday for three available Trustees seats. Nominees are:

  • Jerry Wiggins (current Trustee)
  • Dave Coker
  • Anthony Evans
  • Tim Carpe

 

There were no resolutions to discuss and business was closed until 9 a.m. Wednesday.

 

Convention Call 2021

Call to Action: Contact your Senators NOW regarding Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act

North Carolina Fire Fighters: Speaker Moore is fighting hard for funding for your presumptive cancer benefits, but he needs your help. Go here to find your State Senator, and ask them to support and keep the Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act, on pages 497-498 of Senate Bill 105 (the North Carolina budget).

The Firefighter, Fall 2021 edition is now available for reading

The Fall 2021 edition of The Firefighter, PFFPNC’s quarterly magazine, is now out and available for reading.

Produced by PFFPNC in collaboration with the IAFF and the government relations/communication team at New Frame, this issue of The Firefighter includes photos from around the state, from Asheville to Statesville to New Hanover, as well as education articles on cooking and fire safety.

If you have any articles, photos or ideas for the next edition of The Firefighter, email Matt Quarles at [email protected].

Click here to read the latest edition of The Firefighter.

 

The Carolina Blaze, Summer 2021 edition is now available for reading

The Summer 2021 edition of The Carolina Blaze, PFFPNC’s quarterly magazine, is now out and available for reading.

Produced by PFFPNC in collaboration with the IAFF and the government relations/communication team at New Frame, this issue of the Firefighter includes photos from around the state, from Asheville to Statesville to New Hanover, as well as education articles on cooking and fire safety.

If you have any articles, photos or ideas for the next edition of The Carolina Blaze, email Matt Quarles at [email protected].

Click here to read the latest edition of The Carolina Blaze.

 

PFFPNC announces Legislative Day to be held in May

The Carolina Blaze, Winter 2021 edition is now available for reading

The latest edition of The Carolina Blaze, PFFPNC’s quarterly magazine, is now out and available for reading.

Produced by PFFPNC in collaboration with the IAFF and the government relations/communication team at New Frame, this issue of the Firefighter includes photos from around the state, from Asheville to Statesville to New Hanover, as well as education articles on cooking and fire safety.

Click here to read the latest edition of The Carolina Blaze.