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.
𝗢𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗳𝗮𝘅 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆On this day in 1971, the first four Battalion Chiefs in the Fairfax County Fire Service were promoted, marking the creation of a brand-new position within the department. At the time, they were known as Zone Administrators.Zone Administrators (1971):Zone 1: Chester ChinnZone 2: Arnett A. LudlowZone 3: Dallas G. PhillipsZone 4: Delford H. WalthallIn July of 1972, the title was officially changed to Battalion Chief, and these leaders began providing around-the-clock command presence, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Today, that legacy has grown significantly. What started with four leaders has expanded to Battalion Chiefs serving across eight battalions, along with additional chiefs supporting operations and administration. Their impact extends well beyond their own service, with many of their sons, grandsons, granddaughters, and other family members following in their footsteps and continuing the tradition in the fire service.A strong reminder of how far the department has come, and the foundation laid by those who came before us.📸& history credit: Fairfax County Retired Fire Fighters Domenick Iannelli#Local2068 #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty #FireServiceHistory ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘀 & 𝟵𝟭𝟭 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲Temperatures are getting warmer, which means grilling season is upon us. Make sure you are doing it safely.Fires caused by grills are one of the most common preventable incidents during the warmer months. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your family, your home, and your neighbors safe. Your Fairfax County firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy spring and summer.Grilling safety tips:• Grill away from structures• Check for leaks before using propane grills• Never leave the grill unattended• Keep a fire extinguisher close by• Keep a 3-foot kid and pet free zone around the grill• Clean grates and grease traps regularlyStay safe and enjoy the warmer weather! #Local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗙𝗦𝟯𝟵 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻Recently, some of our members from FS39 North Point (A-Shift) along with Life Safety Education visited a group of preschoolers to help them learn about firefighters and recognize what we look like in full gear. The goal of these visits is to make sure kids understand that firefighters are there to help, even when we may look different wearing our protective equipment.Great work by everyone involved in continuing to build trust with the community at such an early age.#Local2068 #IAFF #FCFRD ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗼𝗻 Earlier today your Fairfax County firefighters, paramedics & 911 dispatchers were alerted to a house fire in the 10600 block of Oakton Ridge Ct. Upon arrival they found a single-family home with fire showing from the rear, extending to multiple floors and the attic. Your firefighters quickly began to extinguish the fire, while performing searches. The fire was brought under control in 30 minutes.All occupants evacuated prior to arrival, and there were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.Fire investigators are working to determine the cause.𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: Engine 434 (Oakton), Engine 433 (Fairfax City), Engine 402 (Vienna), Engine 403 (Fairfax City), Engine 425 (Reston) 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀: Tower 403 (Fairfax City), Tiller (Merrifield), Tiller 410 (Baileys Crossroads) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱𝘀: Rescue Squad 402, HAZMAT401EMS Units:, Ambulance 434 (Oakton), Medic 433 (Fairfax City), Medic 403 (Fairfax City), ALS403, EMS403𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱: Battalion Chief 443, Battalion Chief 407, Battalion Chief 401, Assistant Chief 402, Deputy Chief 401, Safety Officer 403𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀: Light & Air 423, Public Information Officer 402𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Investigator 04, Investigator 07, Investigator 13📸 Credit: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗖 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗼 – 𝟯𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲Recently, Fire Chief Butler recognized our member Deputy Chief Rocco Alvaro (Division 1, C-Shift) for his 30 years of service to the residents and visitors of Fairfax County. Chief Alvaro has always been a friend to labor, previously serving on the Local 2068 Executive Board, and has consistently supported the mission of the Union throughout his career. Over the years, DC Alvaro has mentored and encouraged countless members to continue developing their leadership skills, both on and off the fireground.Well done, Rocco. Thank you for your years of dedication, leadership, and service to our members and to the community.#locall2068 #IAFF #FCFRD ... See MoreSee Less
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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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