The IAFF Podcast

Dan King, a cancer survivor and FCSN mentor, joins us to discuss his diagnosis and treatment and how his experiences and lessons learned led him to become an FCSN mentor.

Dr. Jeff Burgess and IAFF Director Derek Urwin discuss the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, diving into the purpose of the study and what they see as the next steps.

The IAFF Financial Corporation COO Kurt Becker and Director of Insurance Sara McMullin discuss what the IAFF Financial Corporation is, how it benefits members, and what services are available, including the new cancer supplemental insurance options.

Chrystal Woodcock and Captain Shawn Griffin discuss losing a husband and best friend to occupational cancer, including the impact losing a loved one has on a family and department support during a cancer diagnosis.

Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com

 

In the early 1900’s in the coal fields of southern West Virginia, miners faced desperate circumstances. Below ground they withstood some of the worst working conditions in America. Above ground they dealt with brutal mine guards and a mine guard system that controlled the politics and economy of the region. Very few people know of the struggle that took place in these mountains, in this place, and the rights that miners fought for between 1900 and 1921. 

Mark and Doug sit down with Lou Martin, Secretary of the Board for the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, and Dave Coker, IAFF Strategic Organizer and Greensboro NC Local 947 president, to tell the story of what these miners went through, how it correlates to today's labor movement and a special fundraiser Dave is hosting to get the word out about this not so well known time in American history.

 

Visit the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum Website

 

Dave's Fundraiser

 

Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com

North Carolina is a tough environment for labor unions. Collective bargaining is banned in the state constitution.  Charlotte Local 660 President Tom Brewer sits down with Mark and Doug to discuss the issues the local is up against, how he navigates this environment while still providing value for his members and the importance of staying positive through it all.

Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com

In 1978, fire fighters in Memphis were one of several groups of fire fighters across the country to go on strike in protest of the way they were being treated by their cities. IAFF 14th District Vice President Danny Todd and Memphis Fire Fighters Local 1784 President Thomas Malone tell the story of the conditions leading up to the strike, the obstacles they faced on the job and how fire fighters in Memphis reached their boiling points and walked off the job twice in the summer of 1978.

Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com

Dr. Aisha Rivera from Johns Hopkins University and Racquel Segall from the IAFF’s Health and Safety Department discuss the science around cancer in the fire service, research projects the IAFF is involved with, prevention best practices and how the IAFF can assist departments with cancer questions.

Visit the IAFF Cancer Awareness Month Page

Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com

In this episode, Mark and Doug talk with Garland, TX Local 1293 President Bill Crews and Fire Chief Mark Lee about the benefits of having a positive labor/management relationship in place to strengthen cancer prevention efforts and take care of members when they are diagnosed.

 

Visit the IAFF Cancer Awareness Month Page

Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com

Mark and Doug are joined by Bryan Frieders, president of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), to discuss the organization's rise and structure, its mission to keep fire fighters safe, its alliance with the IAFF, and the resources it provides in support of fire fighters who have received that dreaded cancer diagnosis. Bryan also explains efforts being taken by the FCSN to reduce cancer exposures in the fire service. 

 

Visit the IAFF Cancer Awareness Month Page