IAFF 8th District

One of the toughest parts of our tough job is responding to tragedies like this one in East St Louis. Keeping our brothers and sisters in our thoughts today. https://foxillinois.com/news/local/officials-5-children-home-alone-die-in-southern-illinois-fire?fbclid=IwAR3xCaz-e_5yqXGhg8JlPTwvB_ptAIIdbvUwEhpHZLjz7_lGlM_wuWMqBSo

Officials: 5 children home alone die in Southern Illinois fire EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) — Five children all younger than 10 who were left home without an adult died in a fire early Friday at an apartment building in southwestern Illinois, officials said. Fire crews were called to the building in East St. Louis before 3 a. m. and reported finding two chil...

Welcome Tipton Professional Fire Fighters to the IAFF, the most recent addition to the IAFF and the 8th District.

Sending condolences to our Brothers and Sisters in Indianapolis this evening as they mourn the loss of one of their own.

Keeping Brother Bennett and his family in our prayers.

With a heavy heart, Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) Chief Ernest Malone sadly reports the unexpected, on duty passing, of IFD Engineer Matthew D. Bennett (49). Matt, an active duty firefighter, was assigned to IFD Engine 1, B Shift. Matt was appointed to Franklin Township fire department on December 1, 1997 and joined the IFD family when Franklin Twp. merged with IFD in July 2010.

Prior to his appointment in 1997 Matt was a Wayne Twp. reserve firefighter from 1982 until 2003, an IFD Dispatcher and a Wishard EMT. Matt is a veteran firefighter of 23 years but a dedicated public safety servant of 38 years.

He is survived by his wife Carlita Bennett, daughter Samantha (16), stepdaughter Allie Brouwer (25), stepson Chandler Brouwer (22), 3 grandchildren, Grace, Gwen and William Jr., Mother, Rosanne Banich Bennett, Sister, Jennifer Bennett, Brother:Jeff Bennett (Jonie),
Nephews, DeAndre and Tyree Thompson
and Niece, Joie Bennett

At 9:54 AM on Friday November 13, IFD units were dispatched to a possible structural collapse at 5417 Brendan Park Dr. The first unit on the scene was City of Lawrence Engine 39 at 10:02 AM, who reported that a car had driven into the home, through the garage area. It is believed the driver hit the gas instead of the brake. Thankfully there were no injuries to any of the occupants.

IFD Collapse Rescue Team 1 arrived on scene at 10:15 AM, with Engine 1 driven by Engineer Bennett, and prepared to assess the damage to the structure. The decision was made to shore up an area inside the home and the crew began to work. Shortly after arrival, IFD Command was notified that Engineer Bennett was in the City of Lawrence ambulance, already on scene, complaining of chest pain and being checked out by Medics. Command declared a code 700 - firefighter injury. At 10:47 AM City of Lawrence medic 38 transported Engineer Bennett to the Heart Hospital at Community Hospital North. They marked on scene at 10:55 AM. He was immediately taken into surgery.

Despite the quick actions of all personnel on scene, the transporting medics and the medical team at Community North, Engineer Bennett did not survive and passed away this afternoon, surrounded by his family. Our hearts are broken.

Pending the family's wishes, more information about services for Matt will be forthcoming.

Please keep Matt, his family and his IFD family in your thoughts as we all grieve his unexpected loss.

Congratulations to the Lyon Township Firefighters on joining the IAFF and MPFFU. Welcome Local 5309!

Hammond Fire Department rescues six from a capsized boat

6 people rescued from capsized boat near marina, authorities say Six occupants were safely rescued from their boat after it capsized near the Hammond Marina late Friday.

Norwalk OH fire fighters hosts a free lunch Saturday to give back to the community.

Norwalk firefighters hosting free lunch Saturday The Norwalk Fire Department is hosting a free lunch Saturday at Miller's grocery store

Statement on attacks of fire fighters from the IAFF General President. Be safe brothers and sisters.

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the brave moms out there on the job and those who support our fire fighters and paramedics.

Columbus Local 67 President Steve Stein joins other area union leaders to discuss the impact of COVID 19 on the workforce.

Union leaders discuss how the public can help essential workers Every day essential workers are working to keep the world running through the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it's a bus driver, mail carrier, grocery store worker or a first responder, their risk of exposure is high. President of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners John O'Grady held a virtual com...

More sad news form Chicago as Local 2 announces that another one of our brothers, Edward Singleton, passes away due to COVID-19. Sending our thoughts to his family and all Local 2 members who are affected. Godspeed Brother Singleton.

As the COVID 19 pandemic continues to take a toll on our members and our communities - most all of us continue to struggle to obtain the proper PPE. Please see link regarding why and what your FD can do about it.

FEMA: The Weak Link in the Supply Chain - IAFF As many of you are experiencing firsthand, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has failed to secure, prioritize and deliver adequate supplies of N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to fire and EMS departments. Despite daily assurances from FEMA, the supply chain for th...