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.
𝗧𝘄𝗼-𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 | 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮On Sunday evening, your Fairfax County Firefighters, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers responded to a two-alarm townhouse fire in the 6500 block of Gladys May Lane in the Franconia area.Our 911 Dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a fire in an end-unit townhouse that was rapidly spreading. Firefighters and paramedics arrived to find significant fire showing from two townhomes and immediately went to work, quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire.This incident presented additional challenges due to a gas-fed fire in the basement of one of the residences. Thanks to coordinated operations, strong command, and teamwork across multiple agencies, the fire was brought under control. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.Thank you to all our members and mutual aid partners who operated at this fire while working in difficult cold conditions with lingering snow and ice.𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀:𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: Engine 405 (Franconia), Engine 422 (Springfield), Engine 210 (City of Alexandria), Engine 437 (Kingstowne), Engine 426 (Edsall Road), Engine 411 (Penn Daw), Engine 208 (City of Alexandria), Engine 410 (Bailey’s Crossroads), Engine 414 (Burke), Engine 424 (Woodlawn), Engine 434 (Oakton)𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀: Truck 422 (Springfield), Tower 424 (Woodlawn), Tower 203 (City of Alexandria), T411 (Penn Daw), Tiller 410 (Bailey’s Crossroads)𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱𝘀: Rescue 408 (Edsall Road), Rescue 406 (Penn Daw), Rescue 405 (Pohick)𝗘𝗠𝗦 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀:Medic 405 (Franconia), Medic 422 (Springfield), Medic 426 (Edsall Road), Medic 208 (City of Alexandria), EMS Supervisor 402, EMS Supervisor 403, ALS 402, Ambulance 411 (Penn Daw)𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱:Battalion Chief 408, Battalion Chief 406, Battalion Chief 405, Battalion Chief 473, Assistant Chief 401, Deputy Chief 402, Safety Officer 402, Battalion Chief 202𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀:Light & Air 437, PIO 401, PIO 402, REHAB 413𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀:IV 08, IV 05, IV 07, IV 16📸credit: Alexandria Firefighters, Inc. IAFF Local 2141 #Local2068 #FairfaxCounty #Franconia #FCFRD #Paramedics #Dispatchers ... See MoreSee Less
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𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐀𝐅𝐅 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟔𝟖!This Black History Month, we honor and appreciate the countless contributions of our African American members who have strengthened our department and community. While we highlight just a few trailblazers, we recognize that many more have played vital roles in shaping our Union, Department, and the Fire Service as a whole.𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 “𝐉𝐨𝐞” 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 – The first African American firefighter hired by Fairfax County in 1971, breaking barriers for those who followed.𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐬 – The first African American female firefighter hired by Fairfax County in 1984, paving the way for more diversity in the fire service.𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐫., 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 "𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞"𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐨𝐧 – The first trio of African American siblings to serve simultaneously as professional firefighters in the same department in the U.S.𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 "𝐑𝐨𝐧" 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 – Played a crucial role in integrating Virginia’s public schools. He was the fifth Black firefighter employed by Fairfax County and helped establish Northern Virginia Minority Firefighters Combined. He achieved the rank of Captain and retired after 34 years of service, leaving an indelible impact on the department and community𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 “𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲” 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 – The first African American President of IAFF Local 2068, leading with dedication and vision.𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 – The first Female Battalion Chief, proving that leadership knows no limits.𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 (𝐑𝐞𝐭.) 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐓. 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐫. & 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐫. – A remarkable father-son duo. Vernon Sr. was one of the most well-respected captains and paramedics in FCFRD, while Ty has followed in his footsteps, serving both the department and as a long-standing member of Local 2068’s Executive Board.𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 (𝐑𝐞𝐭.) 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐃𝐲𝐞𝐫, 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐃𝐲𝐞𝐫, & 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐡 𝐃𝐲𝐞𝐫 – A legacy of service. AC Dyer served Fairfax County for 30 years, rising through the ranks to Assistant Fire Chief. In 2018, he joined the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) as the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy Chief before becoming the State Fire Marshal and later the Executive Director of VDFP. His sons Karl and Josh have proudly followed in his footsteps, continuing the family’s tradition of dedication to the fire service.𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐅. 𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐫. – Founded Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue, a nonprofit providing holiday gifts, winter coats, and school supplies to underserved children. His commitment to service extended beyond the firehouse, as he later served as a City Council member in Alexandria, VA.𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 – Named 2024 Fire Officer of the Year, exemplifying excellence in leadership, dedication, and service.𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 “𝐓𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐲” 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬 – A man of many talents and unwavering dedication. Signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots, enlisted in the United States Army, and went on to serve 21 years with our department before his untimely line-of-duty death.𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐫 – While not a member of Local 2068 (IAFF Local 2000), it is worth noting that he became the first African American Fire Chief hired by Fairfax County in 2018.These are just a few of the many African American members who have made a lasting impact. 𝐓𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘀 & 𝟵𝟭𝟭 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.Thank you for all that you do! #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #Local2068 #FCFRD #Fairfax #virginia #IAFF #VPFF #Firefighter ... See MoreSee Less
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⚠️𝗡𝗢 𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗜𝗖𝗘⚠️With temperatures at or below freezing for the foreseeable future, we know frozen ponds and lakes can look tempting. However, just because a body of water appears frozen does not mean it is safe or strong enough to support you.Your Fairfax County firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers urge everyone, please 𝗗𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗧 walk, play, or skate on frozen ponds, lakes, or any bodies of water. Ice conditions can change quickly and unpredictably, creating extremely dangerous situations.If you’re looking to enjoy ice skating this winter, we encourage you to visit one of the many safe, designated ice rinks throughout the county instead.Stay safe and help us keep our community out of harm’s way.#local2068 #FCFRD #fairfaxcounty #winter #winterweather #Virginia ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘀As we near the end of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, your Firefighters, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers want to remind everyone that the fight against occupational cancer does not stop when the calendar changes. Cancer awareness and extinguishing occupational cancer must be a year-round commitment.Education, prevention, early detection, advocacy, and research are ongoing efforts that protect firefighters throughout their careers and beyond.Local 2068 is proud to offer our Extinguishing Firefighter Cancer apparel to members of the fire service and the community. By purchasing this gear, you are helping spread awareness while directly supporting our members when they need it most.All proceeds from this sale go toward assisting Local 2068 members facing critical illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances.Support the cause and place your order at the link below:www.longsembroidery.net/fairfax-county#Local2068 #FCFRD #IAFF #Cancer ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱After several busy days responding to icy and snowy conditions, your Fairfax County firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers were back at it early this morning.At approximately 0709, firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to a reported structure fire in a single-family home in the 7900 block of Jansen Court in West Springfield, with reports of a person trapped. Crews arrived to find fire showing from the rear of the residence and immediately began fire suppression and search and rescue operations.Two civilians were transported, one with life-threatening injuries and one with non-life-threatening injuries. Two firefighters were also transported with non-life-threatening injuries.Thank you to all of the firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers involved for their response to this incident, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who were transported.𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀:Engines: Engine 427 (West Springfield), Engine 422 (Springfield), Engine 414 (Burke), Engine 435 (Pohick), Engine 426 (Edsall RD), Engine 516 (Prince William Co), Engine 408 (Annandale), Engine 208 (City of Alexandria), Engine 423 (West Annandale)Ladder Trucks: Truck 422 (Springfield), Tower 405 (Franconia), Tower 203 (City of Alexandria)Rescue Squads: Rescue 408 (Edsall RD), Rescue 109 (Arlington Co)EMS Units: Ambulance 427 (West Springfield), Medic Unit 422 (Springfield), Medic 432 (Fairview), Ambulance 408 (Annandale), Medic 405 (Franconia), Medic 208 (City of Alexandria), EMS Supervisor 403, EMS Supervisor 402, ALS Specialist 404Incident Command: Battalion Chief 408, Battalion Chief 202, Deputy Chief 402, Battalion Chief 405, Assistant Chief 401Safety Officer: 402Support Units: Light & Air (Kingstowne), PIO 402, REHAB 413, Fairfax 01 (Fairfax PD)Investigators: Investigator 03, Investigator 09, Investigator 07, Investigator 16📸Credit: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department PIO 402 ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you to Rep. James Walkinshaw for taking care of our members at Firehouse 440 as they prepared for this weekend’s storm. It was very much appreciated. ... See MoreSee Less
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𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐔𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮! With snow in the forecast, Local 2068 reminds you to keep 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫!𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟑 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 so firefighters can quickly access them in an emergency. A few extra minutes shoveling 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲!Shovel 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐰 & 𝐢𝐜𝐞 around it𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 to do the sameYour Fairfax County Professional Firefighters, Paramedics and 911 telecommunicators appreciate your help in keeping our community safe!#local2068 #FCFRD #Virginia #IAFF #KeepThemClear #fairfaxcounty #WinterReady ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟲𝟴 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱This week, your Fairfax County firefighters, paramedics and 911 dispatchers were in Richmond, standing shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters from across the Commonwealth to educate legislators on critical legislation impacting first responders.These bills would strengthen Line of Duty Death, mental health, and cancer presumption benefits for first responders throughout Virginia, while ensuring the voices of those on the front lines have a seat at the table when decisions are made.Local 2068 is proud to advocate alongside the VPFF for meaningful protections for our members. We also thank the Fairfax County Delegates and Senators for their continued support of firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatcher's issues.#Local2068 #VPFF #legislativesession #IAFF ... See MoreSee Less
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We want to thank Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy for her steadfast support and for consistently standing up for firefighters, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, and working families across Virginia.🚨We trust firefighters to put it all on the line for us. It’s time we do the same for them!#firefighter #solidarity #labor Fairfax County Professional Firefighters, Paramedics & 911 DispatchersPrince William Professional Firefighters ... See MoreSee Less
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