The Executive Board of Local 2687 is proud to announce the winner of the 2008 Jake Award is Captain Ron Desroches.  Ron has been on-the-job since February 1987, and is currently a Captain on the 4th Platoon.  Assigned to Station 3 [Ridge Road] on Tower 1, Ron enjoys his work as a truck officer; and assisting in the supervision of the shift.

Ron was presented his award, which is decided by the membership of the union, at the annual retirement dinner last month.  Pictured holding his hand-made plaque [right] Ron was also given a formal medal which was designed by the Award Committee.

On Friday April 4th, the Hamden Professional Firefighter's hockey team took to the ice once again in defense of the Chief's Cup.  The friendly [but spirited] rivalry with the Hamden Police Department continued, with the firefighters...once again...retaining ownership of the cup.

The true purpose of this event however, was fundraising for the Morgan Jamie Roach Scholorship Fund.  Both departments encouraged their members to attend, and tickets were sold to the public as well.  This combined effort by Hamden's guardian services helped to raise $5296 dollars in one evening!

A combined honor guard was piped onto the ice prior to the hockey game at the Lou Astorino Rink on Mix Avenue.

The firefighters team stands ready prior to the game.  In goal, Local 2687 member Jay "Bubba" Matthews built a brick wall.

Many thanks to all who attended and supported this event.  And to our team...Nice Work!

[Can someone get Bubba an asprin?]

Washington DC, March 10, 2008:  For more than a decade, the leadership of the Hamden Professional Firefighters have attended the IAFF Legislative Conference in Washington DC.  This important labor event is responsible for the coordinated effort to lobby the US Congress to enact legislation which effects firefighters.  Thousands of professional firefighters from across the United States attend this conference and listen to speakers and legislators...from both sides of the politcal isle...before meeting with their individual representatives to discuss legislation.

The conference set an ambitious agenda for our membership on the first day of the conference.  From an opening speech by General President Harold Schaitberger which engaged and motivated the assembly by remembering the accomplishments of our combined union leadership, to a presentation by the Governor of Montana, the Honorable Brian Schweitzer [D], on energy and the country's appetite for fossil fuels; and the correlation with the world economy.

Legislation being followed by the IAFF includes: The Public Safety Employer-Employee Relations Act, Federal Firefighters Presumptive Disability Act, Early Retiree Healthcare, and Firefighter Safety Standards.  Thaddeus McCotter [R-MI 11] spoke on the Republican Policy Committee's review of it's relationship with labor, and James Shannon the President and CEO of the NFPA addressed the firefighters on the importance of standards like staffing levels, and other safety issues.  To view the speeches and presentations from today, visit the following UPFFA link by clicking here.

The highlight of the Monday session however, was the appearance by US Senator and former Presidential Candidate Christopher Dodd [D].  Senator Dodd was introduced to the conference to a standing ovation.  IAFF General President Schaitberger described Senator Dodd's long history of support for firefighters, and the groundbreaking legislation that our senior Connecticut Senator has authored during his 30 years of public service.

Senator Dodd authored the FIRE ACT and was an original co-sponsor of the SAFER ACT.  He renewed his commitment to continued funding of both initiatives, and stirred the crowd as he remembered the unselfish service of IAFF members as they serve in the military overseas.  Because of his longstanding and distinguished record of support, our General President conferred official union membership on Senator Dodd.  This honor has happened only 4 times in 90 years, and was greatfully accepted by the Senator.

Following his appearance, Senator Dodd met with the Connecticut delegation, which included Local 2687.  Pictured here, [left to right] L-2687 VP Kurt Vogt Sr., Secretary Dave Beaton, US Senator Dodd, And L-2687 President Gary Merwede pose for quick picture, before the Senator met with UPFFA President Peter Carozza and the rest of our brother and sister firefighters.

To see part of the introduction and appearance of US Senator Chris Dodd, please click the link below:

The Hamden Professional Firefighters participated in the legislative process today in Hartford.  Meeting with over a hundred career firefighters from municipalities throughout Connecticut, the firefighters attended hearings and met with legislators in an effort to pass upcoming legislation. 

In the upcoming weeks, HB 5629 will be the topic of conversation in Hartford, as career firefighters and municipal police officers seek to gain minimum coverages for employees hired after July 1, 1996.  This worker's compensation bill is NOT a return to former legislation; but an extension of coverage already afforded to many of Connecticut's workforce.  Our career firefighters are simply asking for benefits already in effect for volunteers, correction officers, state police officers, and motor vehicle inspectors.

Dressed in Class A uniform, Capt. Ron Desroches, Marshal Mark Barletta [Ret.], Firefighter Paul Turner, and Firefighter / Paramedic Ed Hilbert wait outside Hearing Room 2E in the Legislative Office Building.  So many firefighters were in attendance, that the crowd overflowed the gallery area in the hearing room.

Legislators walked the halls and met with their firefighters and constituents, and several Locals, including Hamden, scheduled meetings to talk about this important bill.  HB 5629 contains basic coverages for cardiac events and certain medical exposures which are documented and occur on-the-job.  Remember, the incident must be documented as having happened at work in order to file a claim.

Career firefighters and police officers in Connecticut are the ONLY public safety personnel that are excluded from presumption protections.  THIS HAS TO CHANGE!

Please read and review the attached "Talking Points" file on HB 5629.  Write and call your State Representatives.  Support your firefighters...we're counting on you.  You know you can count on us!

On February 24, 2008, members of Local 2687 [4th Platoon] responded to a structure fire on Goodrich Street in Hamden Connecticut.  Dispatch reported heavy smoke showing from a 2 1/2 wood frame home, uknown occupancy.  Arriving first on the scene in their district, Engine 2 encountered heavy fire conditions on the first floor.  An aggressive interior fire attack was initiated, with a primary search.

In the photo below, Engine 2 operator Doug O'Rourke looks Eastward on Goodrich Street toward Engine 3.  Engine 3 is laying a 5" supply line.  Smoke can be seen coming from the front door and windows of the first floor, as the fire is attacked.  A primary search is underway.  Witnesses on scene reported someone jumping from a window prior to the arrival of the Fire Department.

The fire spread was confined to the first floor of the ballon-frame structure; however there was heat and smoke damage throughout.  Hamden firefighters were able to rescue two dogs from the house.  Unfortunately, a third dog perished as a result of the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Marshal's office.  

 The video below shows the response and arrival of HFD Truck 1.