Brothers and Sisters,
Today, the U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – which included the IAFF-endorsed Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act – by a vote of 77-20. The bill now goes to President Trump, who will sign it into law tomorrow.
I want to be clear – this is arguably the most impactful legislative victory in the history of our 107-year-old union.
The IAFF-led Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act adds occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death to the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program, meaning survivors of fire fighters who die from job-related cancers will now qualify for federal death and educational benefits. It puts over $461,000 in federal death benefits in the pockets of the families of our fallen.
The IAFF’s mission starts in front of a church – and that includes taking care of the families of our fallen. That’s exactly what this legislation does.
This was a truly bipartisan effort. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) were critical in gathering support among their colleagues for the bill. And Reps. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) played a key part in helping keep the bill in the NDAA in the House.
This bill would not have passed were it not for President Trump and his team. Their backing made a real difference as the IAFF lobbied members of Congress in both chambers.
And thank you to all the IAFF members who lobbied their elected officials to make this a reality.
The IAFF’s political mission isn’t red or blue, Republican or Democrat – it’s about fire fighters, and that’s it. When your health and well-being – or the needs of your family – are on the line, our union does not waver.
Several details need to be worked out before these historic changes are implemented. We will continue to stay engaged and update you as new information becomes available. As always, you should monitor the IAFF’s website for the latest news.
Be You. Be Strong. Be Fire Fighters.
Sincerely,
Edward A. Kelly
IAFF General President
Buffalo Fire Honor Guard "In Me
moriam" T-Shirt - $25
Available at Union Office
Meet Illana and read about her story (Granddaughter of Ret. FF FRank Robinson)
Back on 5/5/21, Ilana was diagnosed with SAA with PNH. Severe Aplastic Anemia with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. In June 2021, she underwent HATG treatment and very aggressive immunosuppressant therapy which required hospitalization for 7 days followed by immunosuppressant therapy and numerous other medications for the past 2.5 years. She completed treatment in late September 2023 and continued some preventative medications until February 2024. In April 2024, she relapsed and now requires a bone marrow transplant. During her initial diagnosis and treatments she required many whole blood and platelet transfusions because her bone marrow was not functioning. The medication therapy itself caused many complications which resulted in numerous infections and a cholecystectomy ( gallbladder removal). She is now requiring frequent blood product transfusions b/c she is in bone marrow failure. The next step is a bone marrow transplant where we are working closely with Roswell to set up a match to get the treatment she needs.
How to donate -
Call Roswell Park at (716)845-8275 or email at - BloodDonor@roswellpark.org
Anyone 18-40 who might be interested in donating bone marrow can visit http://bethematch.org
Tier 6 Correction
The enacted state budget includes a change to how pensions are calculated. Under the new law, a Tier 6 employees' pension will be based on their top 3 years of earnings instead of 5 years. This change will increase retirement security for Tier 6 employees and make Tier 6 look more like earlier pension tiers.
Address Change
If you have moved in the last 5 years, please contact the office with a new address at your earliest convenience. Call (716)856-4130 or email info@buffalofirefighters.org
Greater Buffalo Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band
The band is currently looking for members of the BFD to join the ranks of the band. HELP IS NEEDED! Keep the tradition alive. The band's main mission is to honor fallen heroes. Fire, Police, EMS and Military. No experience is needed with free lessons on all instruments. Practices are Tuesday nights at the Knights of Columbus (262 S. Legion) at 6:30pm. Any interested member, please reach out to Lt. Mike Kick (E25 4th) (716)860-7415
