Brothers and Sisters:

There is good news to report on several fronts this month.  The IAFF Legislative Conference was a huge success. Pennsylvania had 27 representatives in attendance making us in the top three states for attendees.  The Legislative agenda was carried to Capital Hill and our members were recognized everywhere we went.  The Presidential fourum which was held on Wednesday was a political coup for our International.  General President Schaitberger and the staff of the IAFF scored on a national level with the event.  Press coverage highlighting the political power of fire fighters was garnered across the nation.  We must keep this momentum up, WE ARE BEING NOTICED.  The legislatve reception that was held Tuesday night allowed our members to network with representatives from both the House and Senate in a more relaxed environment.

One of the agenda items on my list since convention has also come to fruition.  Bringing  fire fighter certification to our Brothers and Sisters in their fire stations has received approval from the state ProBoard.  Begining very shortly we will be able to travel to your station and conduct in-house certification testing.  I will be able to report on this with greater detail in the near future.  A word of caution about this program, we cannot confuse this program with the training bill that we are advocating with our state representatives. These are two seperate and distinct programs, one is certification and the other is training.  We must advocate both of these agendi and not sacrifice the training bill.  As an executive member of the ProBoard and the PPFFA representative I can tell you it wasn't an easy fight but we have prevailed and our Brothers and Sisters needs will be met.  The final rules and regulations are being drawn up and should be published shortly. Contact me with any questions regarding this issue.

We have received several requests for the Fire Ops 101 program, your District VP and myself will be scheduling initial meetings in the near future with those Locals that have made the requests.  This program could prove to be one of the best that we have ever undertaken.  I would urge all Locals who are interested in conducting a Fire Ops 101 program to make your requests as soon as possible.

Lastly, please return your registrations for the PPFFA legislative conference to be held May 6, 7 and 8 in Harrisburg.
Fraternally: 

Art