Local 2068 Health & Safety
Fire fighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service.
At the 2023 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, 63% of the names added to the wall were members who had died from occupational cancer.
In partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), the IAFF has designated January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.
The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery is a one-of-a-kind addiction treatment facility specializing in PTSD for IAFF members – and IAFF members only – who are struggling with addiction, PTSD other related behavioral health challenges to receive the help they need in taking the first steps toward recovery. It is a safe haven for members to talk with other members who have faced or overcome similar challenges.
𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿: 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗺Today marks one year since we lost our brother, Retired Captain Barry Maham, following his courageous battle with occupational cancer.For more than 25 years, Barry served our department with unwavering dedication, earning the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege to know him. He was known for his infectious smile, positive attitude, and steady leadership. His impact continues to be felt across our department and throughout the community he served so proudly.Barry was deeply committed to shaping the next generation of firefighters, spending countless hours in the training division mentoring and developing others. His service extended well beyond the fire ground as a valued member of the USAR team, deploying to disasters both at home and abroad. He also brought his passion for fishing and boating into his work, playing an integral role on the Marine Operations Team for many years.Even outside the job, Barry continued to serve. He dedicated his time to Veterans Fishing Adventures, helping provide meaningful experiences for disabled military veterans, something that meant a great deal to him.A year later, we continue to keep Barry’s wife, Amber, and their children in our thoughts. His absence is still deeply felt, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the members he mentored, and the example he set for all of us.Rest easy, Captain. You are not forgotten. ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀We want to take a moment to congratulate a few of our newer members who recently received their black shields. Receiving your black shield marks the completion of the year long probationary period and the transition to being a full fledged firefighter. This is a big milestone in a career, and one that should be recognized.Please join us in congratulating:Firefighter Nicholas Yount — Firehouse 432 Fairview, A-ShiftFirefighter Luke Wallace — Firehouse 434 Oakton, A-ShiftFirefighter Don Montgomery — Firehouse 405 Franconia, B-ShiftFirefighter Edward Vasquez — Firehouse 427 West Springfield, C-ShiftCongratulations to all of you, and we look forward to long and successful careers ahead.#Local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD #fairfaxcounty ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗵𝗹Congratulations to our member, Firefighter Bobby Stahl, on his recent promotion to Apparatus Technician.Technician Stahl is currently assigned to Firehouse 427, West Springfield (C-Shift), and with this promotion he will be moving to Firehouse 423, West Annandale (B-Shift).Congratulations Bobby, and best of luck in your new assignment.#Local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD ... See MoreSee Less
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Big shout out to our brothers and sisters from Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756 helping us out with staffing today as we paid our respects to our fallen brother Raul Perla. ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗲𝗳𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆Congratulations to Jeff Carney on his recent promotion to Captain. Captain Carney’s shift marked the occasion by presenting him with his new captain’s badge.He will certainly be missed at FS26 Edsall Road, C-Shift, as he moves on to his new assignment at FS05 Franconia, A-Shift.Congratulations Captain, and best of luck in your new assignment.#local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty ... See MoreSee Less
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𝟵𝟭𝟭 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗙𝗪 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱We would like to congratulate our member, PSC III and Peer Support Assistant Team Facilitator Amanda Davenport, on being awarded the 2026 VFW Post 8469 911 Dispatcher Public Servant Award.Amanda’s commitment to compassion and supporting others reflects the heart of our mission, and we are grateful for the impact she makes every day, both in her role as a dispatcher and through her work with the Peer Support Team.Our 911 Dispatchers are truly the first line in the first responder chain, and their professionalism, dedication, and care for the community often goes unseen by the public. We are proud to see Amanda recognized for the work she does every day, and for the difference she makes for both our members and the citizens we serve.Congratulations Amanda, and thank you to you and all of our members at Fairfax County 911 for everything you do each and every day.#local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD #DPSC ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗜 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝟱𝗞Come out May 16, 2026 for the Captain II George Sisson Memorial 5K, honoring the legacy of a firefighter who served the DC area for more than 40 years. This event brings our fire service family and community together to remember a great firefighter while supporting an important cause.All proceeds from the race will benefit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), which provides cancer awareness, prevention training, and critical resources to firefighters and their families across the country.Location: Burke Lake ParkBurke Lake Park Shelter A After the race, join us at the afterparty at Bunnyman Brewing in Lorton9514 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VAAll runners, friends, and family are welcome.15 percent of all sales will be donated to FCSN.About Captain SissonRetired Captain II George L. Sisson dedicated his life to the fire service in the DC area. The discipline and resilience that defined his career stayed with him even after being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. He faced it the same way he faced everything in life, head on, with grit, humor, and the support of his fire and rescue family around him.Check the comments for information on how to register or donate. ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 – 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟲 🚨Your Fairfax Firefighters want to let you know about some severe storms forecasted for tomorrow, Monday, March 16. These storms are expected to impact our area in the early to mid-afternoon and may produce multiple tornadoes, damaging winds, and hurricane-force gusts. Please take time now to prepare and ensure your family is ready.𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿• Secure outdoor furniture and loose itemsAnything outside your home can become a projectile in high winds and cause serious damage or injury.• Identify a safe place in your homeChoose a room on the lowest level, away from windows, such as a basement or interior room.• Prepare for possible power outagesCharge phones and essential devices, and make sure you have flashlights and spare batteries available.• Have an emergency kit readyInclude first aid supplies, non-perishable food, and enough water for at least three days.Your Fairfax Firefighters, paramedics & 911 dispatchers will be on duty and ready to respond to any emergency. Please stay alert, follow official weather guidance! Stay safe,Local 2068 #local2068 #FCFRD #PublicSafety #fairfaxcounty #fairfaxcountyva ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮We regret to announce the passing of retired member Master Technician Raul Perla, who succumbed this morning after a prolonged battle with cancer.Master Technician Perla faithfully served the residents and visitors of Fairfax County for nearly 28 years. Throughout his career, Raul exemplified dedication to service, professionalism, and a deep commitment to helping others.Raul was also a member of Virginia Task Force 1 for two decades. During his time on the team, he deployed on numerous occasions both domestically and internationally, answering the call to assist communities in their most difficult moments.Raul served 26 years in the United States Navy, retiring at the rank of Senior Chief in 2012. His lifetime of service to this country and to our community is a legacy that will not be forgotten.We extend our deepest condolences to Raul’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Please keep the Perla family in your thoughts during this difficult time. #Local2068 #FCFRD #fairfax ... See MoreSee Less
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