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VPFF Lobby Day – January 15, 2020

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Join Us In Richmond To Ask Legislators To Support Fire Fighter Health and Safety!

Virginia Fire Fighters have introduced legislation for several years now to improve Virginia’s Workers Compensation System. However, those efforts have failed. Join us in Richmond on January 15, 2020 to demand our elected officials support the health and safety of Virginia’s fire fighters! Our fire fighters, their families and your communities are counting on you!

Be sure to join us at 10:00 AM at the Bell Tower for the Honoring Our Fallen Ceremony. We will remember those lost to occupational cancer and honor those fighting a diagnosis.

#SupportOurFirefighters
Virginia State Capitol
1000 Bank St
Richmond, VA 23219
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VPFF Statement on Release of Workers’ Compensation Study

RICHMOND—President Robert Bragg, Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, today released the following statement on the conclusion for the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’s Study on Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation System and Disease Presumptions.

​“We welcomed the long-awaited conclusion of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study on Virginia’s Workers Compensation System and Disease Presumptions.  The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) is pleased with JLARC’s findings as it confirms what our fire fighters have been saying for some time. The requirements for cancer presumption are overly burdensome and counter to the presumption statute. We appreciate the professionalism of the JLARC staff and the thoroughness of the research provided in their report.

The VPFF eagerly looks forward to working with General Assembly and other stakeholder organizations to ensure these recommendations are fully implemented. Our fire fighters have earned these benefits and we will work vigorously to improve their occupational disease protections. Further, the VPFF will adamantly oppose any initiatives to reduce existing presumption benefits or prevention funding.”

The full report can be viewed here

 

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Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation System and Disease Presumptions Report

 

 

 

 

Read JLARC report on Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation System and Disease Presumptions – December 2019

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In Memoriam – Sister Ashley Berry – Local 995 Richmond

It is with great sadness to report the death of Sister Ashley Lewis – Local 995 Richmond.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Saturday starting at noon at Second Baptist Church – 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. in Richmond.

A public viewing will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Mimms Funeral Home – 1827 Hull St.  Richmond, VA 23224.

There will be a vigil service on Thursday at Huguenot High School, 7945 Forest Hill Ave., from 5:30-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Richmond Fire Department Foundation Memorial account in her honor. Donations will be accepted at the Richmond Fire Police Credit Union, 900 Hermitage Road, Richmond, 23220, or can be made by calling (804) 354-0673. Donations should be designated with a notation of “Attention: Lt. Ashley Nicole Berry.”

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Fallen Members to be Honored at National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service – October 6th

On October 6th, four of our fallen brothers will be honored at the 2019 National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service. A live broadcast starts at 10 a.m. We will never forget their self-less service and sacrifice.

Dennis Brent – Local 2363 (Charlottesville)
Brad Clark – Local 4202 (Hanover County)
James Kegley Jr. – Local 4202 (Hanover County)
Anthony Whetzel – Local 3321 (Rockingham County)

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Legislator of the Year – Senator John Cosgrove

We are proud to announce Senator John Cosgrove as a VPFF Legislator of the Year. In 2019, Senator Cosgrove was the chief patron of legislation seeking to protect fire fighters from occupational cancer. We are greatly appreciative of his efforts to protect the health and safety of Virginia’s fire fighters!

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Legislator of the Year – Senator Jill Vogel

We are proud to award Senator Jill Vogel our Legislator of the Year. Our members are greatly appreciative of her efforts to protect the health and safety of Virginia’s fire fighters.

Watch – Video Presentation of Legislator of the Year

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Line of Duty Death – Brother David Hughes – Norfolk Local 68

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain David Hughes, IAFF 4th District Local 68, Norfolk, VA. Brother Hughes passed away on August 14, 2019 from cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Norfolk Fire-Rescue Training Center, 7120 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 (757) 441-5252. A procession will leave at 1:30 p.m. from Fire Station 13, 176 Maple Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23505. The line for the procession will start at 1:00 p.m. on Maple Street.

Expressions of sympathy or condolences for the family or the Local can be sent to IAFF Local 68, 5691 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502-2427.

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