The Dayton Firefighters are gearing up for the 2009 "Christmas from the Firehouse" program.  In 2008 the Dayton Firefighters distributed toys to over 200 children in 61 families in Dayton thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. Given our economic times this year's program could grow even larger. 

If you are a City of Dayton resident and need help this Christmas, please fill out the form located near the top of the menu bar on the left or simply click here.  Requests are filled on a first come first served basis.  Due to our limited resources, we may not be able to honor all requests.

We want to convey our sincere appreciation to the fine folks who have sponsored our program for several years.  For 2008 we were very fortunate to have the following businesses partner with us: Meijer, Target,  Ernst Concrete, Doll Jansen & Ford Attorneys-at-Law, PAXAR Avery-Dennison, Hammerman, Graf, Hughes & Co., Total Fire Group, Litho-Print and Dayton Corrugated. We truly appreciate their generosity.

Thanks are also in order to Local 136 and it's members. The Local not only provides a large donation to the program but it's members individually donate cash and toys as well.

If you would like to become a sponsor or simply make a donation please contact us.

IAFF Remembers 9/11 Tragedy

September 11, 2009 – Today marks the eighth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our country which took the lives of 347 dedicated IAFF members. As set forth by “Resolution 9/11: Fire Fighter Day of Remembrance” passed at the 2006 IAFF Convention, IAFF members are encouraged to solemnly recognize this day “as a Day of Remembrance for all fire fighters who fall in the line of duty everywhere.”

September 11, 2001 was the darkest day in the IAFF’s 90-year history. Not before or since have we lost so many of our brothers or sisters in a single day. This union responded by raising and distributing more than $160 million dollars to the families of our members and by establishing and continuing to this day counseling services to assist those who served with our fallen and to help them recover.

Every fire fighter life is as precious to us as any member of our family would be. A feeling of great sadness and loss spreads across our union each time we lose a member of our fire fighting family.

Since 9/11, nearly 700 IAFF fire fighters in the United States and Canada have given their lives in the line of duty. So, today, let us remember the 347 who made the ultimate sacrifice at Ground Zero and never forget all of our fallen brothers and sisters.

Come join us for the Annual Burn Tournament which will be held on September 18th at Community Golf Course in Kettering.  Click here to read the flyer for more information.

Retired fire Lieutenant Robert "Bob" Carter, 29 years of service with the DFD, has passed away at the age of 74. 

Memorial services will be held Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the Georgetown United Methodist Church in Georgetown, Georgia.  A memorial service will be held in Dayton in two weeks.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Quitman County Junior Commissioner or to the Georgetown United Methodist Church Children's Fund.

On June 18^th the department sent a letter to all District Chiefs informing them that on July 1, 2009 their position was being abolished.  At that time they will all be demoted to the rank of Captain yet continue to do their current job as a “Shift Commander”.

Demoting the DC’s strips them of their pay as well as reducing other benefits such as pension contributions. This is pay and benefits earned for taking on the additional responsiblities, stress and workload of the rank. By reducing them to the rank of Captain they remove this pay and benefits yet expect them to maintain the responsibilities which other Captains are not required nor trained to do.  The City of Dayton has stated that this move is being done for budgetary reasons.  

On January 16, 2009 a grievance was filed along with a letter to immediately send the issue to arbitration.  An Unfair Labor Practice was also filed with Ohio State Employee Relations Board citing violations of the ORC 4117 (collective bargaining bill).  District Chiefs are members of Local 136 and as such the City is required to negotiate any mid-term changes to the contract, which they chose not to do.

The City of Dayton, as is many other cities, is using the current economic downturn as an opportunity to run roughshod over contracts and unions.  If the city ultimately prevails on this action, it will likely sweep across the country. The rank of District/Battalion Chief will go the way of the Dodo.

Read the letter here