On Monday June 22nd, Local 2687 Members from Engine Company 2 make entry to perform a search at a working fire on 1199 Whitney Avenue.  The fire was contained to the apartment of origin, and is being routinely investigated by the Fire Marshal's office.

For other photos of aparatus at the scene, go to the photo gallery section.

On Friday May 1, 2009, the firefighters on the Fourth Platoon at Station 3 on Ridge Rd have taken time away from their busy day show off the department's new policy. "Red Shirt Friday" has been implemented to show the Armed Forces that the Hamden Professional Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 2687 supports them during this time of war. These red shirts will be worn as part of the uniform until the men and women fighting overseas come home.
 
In the photo from left to right is Lt Greg Bannon, FF Brian Dolan, FF Dave Beaton, Lt Julio Lopes, FF Dan Such, and FF Daryl Osiecki

Members from Local 2687's Executive Board joined the entire Connecticut UPFFA Delegation as they walked the halls of Congress in support of issues affecting career firefighters nationwide.

Pictured here from left to right, Executive Board Member Ron Desroches, L 2687 President Gary Merwede, Secretary Dave Beaton, and Vice President Kurt Vogt Sr. wait outside the office of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for a scheduled appointment with staff.

The entire UPFFA Delegation continues to pursue stimulus funds coming to Connecticut; in support of fire department budgets and personnnel costs.

Local 2687 Vice President Kurt Vogt, and Secretary Dave Beaton are part of the UPFFA Connecticut Delegation attending the IAFF Legislative Conference in Washington DC.  The Hamden Professional Firefighters have attended this conference for more than two decades, supporting proposed federal legislation affecting career firefighters nationwide.

More than 900 career firefighters and union representatives listened to a distinguished dias of speakers including the final speaker of the day Vice President Joe Biden.  Earlier, the CT Delegation greeted our own Senator Joe Lieberman, as he entered the ballroom in the Capitol Hyatt to a standing ovation.

Vice President Biden, a long standing advocate for career firefighters brought down the house as he restated the Obama Administration's position supporting firefighters, and funding for staffing, apparatus, and fire stations.  The Vice President committed to continue working with IAFF General President Shaitberger as funding legislations moves through the US Congress.

It was reported yesterday [2-21-2009] in the New Haven Register, that Hamden’s administration has met with town employees to discuss possible concessions for the next fiscal year.  Elected representatives of Hamden’s firefighters, IAFF Local 2687, have met with administration officials twice in two weeks.

Anytime employees are called back to the table to discuss the possibility of reducing wages or conceding benefits many responsible questions need to be asked.  It is well known that Governor Rell’s proposed state budget reduces the funding that Hamden will receive…however, this document is not finalized.  During these meetings Local 2687 listened and asked for financial documentation to present to our membership.  It is the policy of the union not to discuss proposals in public, before fully informing our career firefighters.

The Firefighter’s Union will be calling on the Town to meet with us again this week to discuss their specific needs for Fire Department funding, including both repairs and renovation of our infrastructure and salary / benefit costs.  This information is critical as our union pursues stimulus funds for Hamden to fill these needs.  The Uniformed Professional Firefighters of Connecticut [UPFFA] are leading the way with the International Association of Firefighters [IAFF], in coordinating the effort to encourage local municipalities to work with their IAFF affiliate locals in applying for stimulus funding.

Connecticut is slated to receive $545.8 million dollars in stimulus aid specifically earmarked for public safety concerns.  It is imperative that the Town work with the Union to formulate the hard numbers required, and make our needs known in Hartford as soon as possible. 

Another possible avenue of funding is the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant program [SAFER Act].  On February 13, 2009 US Senator Chris Dodd remarked, “We must ensure that the safety of our communities does not fall by the wayside as we work to get our economy back on track,” said Dodd.  “This measure will ensure fire departments in Connecticut and across the country will not have to refuse much-needed federal assistance because of strained local and state budgets.  This is about job creation and protecting our communities”

In 2003, The Hamden Professional Firefighters were asked by the Town administration to help close a reported $650,000 budget gap for the fiscal year 2003-04.  Our union came to the table, and ultimately passed a concession agreement that prevented the lay-off of career firefighters and other municipal employees.  Other municipal unions contributed to this concession measure as well.  Now, six years later, we are listening again.

Amidst an aging infrastructure which includes Fire Stations needing extensive repair or replacement, Hamden’s Professional Firefighters respond to nearly 10,000 emergency calls for help annually.  Responding safely to provide advanced life support with firefighter / paramedics, extrication in automobile accidents, technical rescue, and structural firefighting requires people, not vacancies.  Investigation, education and enforcement require resources as well.  Vacancies already exist on the fire line, and in the Fire Marshal’s office.

Local 2687 is ready to consider the facts, and listen with an open mind so an informed membership may consider the future.  Before one firefighter is laid off however, every form of governmental spending should be considered; not just the wages of those who proudly serve our community on a daily basis.