Category: Fire

IAFF Local 22 Endorses Trump

IAFF Local 22 Emblem

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF Local 22), the Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Union, has endorsed President Donald Trump for reelection and criticized national union leaders for their endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden last April.

Union President Michael P. Bresnan said in a statement published Tuesday that several Philadelphia fire companies were shut down under the Obama-Biden administration and that Trump has provided FEMA grants during his presidency that helped four of the city’s engine companies back into service.

IAFF Local 22 Emblem

“The members of Local 22 respectfully break with the undemocratic IAFF endorsement of Joe Biden and pledge our full support to President Donald J. Trump,” Bresnan stated. “The Biden endorsement was done without a canvas of local unions and the consideration of the rank and file IAFF membership.

Bresnan further stated that the Philadelphia IAFF Local 22 union’s endorsement of Trump should be “a wake-up call to IAFF leaders that have lost touch with the will of the membership.” He added that Local 22 members “overwhelmingly” chose Trump when surveyed, and he encouraged other local unions to confer with their members before the election.

IAFF national leadership endorsed Biden in April 2019 before he was officially named as the Democratic presidential nominee. IAFF President Harold Schaitberger said the union had encouraged Joe Biden to run, and said in an interview, “For us it was real simple: Joe Biden has been with us every step of the way. This is someone who respects workers, speaks for them and stands with them.”

IAFF Local 22 represents more than 4,700 current and retired firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and officers of the Philadelphia Fire Department, according to Bresnan’s statement. The decision was not without criticism from minority firefighters in Philadelphia.

IAFF Local 22 Minority Firefighters

In 2016, a former IAFF Local President and 9-11 responder, Christopher Suprun, became a faithless elector when he opposed Donald Trump in Texas’ Electoral College.

IAFF Local 22

IAFF Local 22 has rich history stretching back over 100 years when the organization was founded as the City Firefighters’ Association. Today Local 22 represents the interests of more than 4,500 current and retired Firefighters, Paramedics, Emt’s and officers of the Philadelphia Fire Department.

 

LODD: Dylan Cunningham Dies In Indiana Dive Training Accident

Dylan Cunningham Jacket On Engine

Dylan Cunningham, a South Holland firefighter died during an underwater dive training exercise Wednesday. Cunningham, of Thornton, was pronounced dead about 10:40 p.m. Wednesday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

The specific manner of death for the 29-year-old firefighter’s has not been determined. The incident related to his death that occurred at Haigh Quarry Lake is under investigation.

Dylan Cunningham

An image shared by several fire departments in the Chicago area shows Cunningham’s jacket lying atop the front of a South Holland Fire Department engine — a symbol of honor and respect for the late firefighter.

“Our condolences go out to the South Holland, IL Fire Department,” the Hobart Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post, with the photo attached.

Hammond fire officials likewise expressed a somber reaction to Cunningham’s death.

“Our hearts go out to the South Holland Firefighters Union and the Family of Brother Dylan Cunningham,” the department posted.

The department encouraged the public to send condolences to the South Holland Fire Department and to watch for details on an upcoming procession.

Dylan Cunningham

Cunningham served as a South Holland firefighter since 2011. He started as a part-time firefighter before joining the department full time in 2018. He was also a member of the Illinois Army National Guard since 2012, according to village officials.

“As you can imagine this is a very difficult day for all of us,” said Julia Perla Huisman, a spokeswoman for the village. “It was just in February of 2018 that Pat Mahon and I swore Dylan in as a firefighter paramedic. He truly was a very special young man.”

Mahon asked that the public support Cunningham’s family in any way possible.

“We ask that you keep Dylan’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers,” Perla Huisman said.

Late last month two New York responders were killed in a motor vehicle accident.

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