How Firefighters Wear Lapel Pins with Pride
Firefighters have always carried tradition with them—whether it’s a patch on their uniform, a badge on their chest, or a lapel pin close to their heart.
Across North America, IAFF firefighters proudly wear lapel pins to honor their service, their locals, and the brotherhood and sisterhood that binds them together. These small but powerful symbols tell the story of courage, sacrifice, and unity in a single glance.
And as the IAFF looks ahead to future milestones, these traditions only grow stronger.
At the 56th Convention in Ottawa, the IAFF proudly announced that the 58th Convention will head to Arlington, Texas, in 2026. Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, a former first responder himself, welcomed IAFF members with a heartfelt promise:
"We are going to bust our asses to give you the best convention possible."
Before Arlington, the 57th Convention in 2024 will bring our union brothers and sisters to Boston. As Boston Local 718 President Sam Dillon said,
"From the convention hall to the beer hall, it was a great success... we look forward to laying the groundwork for the future of our noble profession."
As these gatherings show, wearing a lapel pin isn’t just about style—it’s about pride. It's a symbol of solidarity. A reminder that wherever you are—Ottawa, Boston, Arlington—you belong to a family that stands strong together.
Shop Official IAFF Lapel Pins
👉 Browse Lapel Pins Now
Show your pride. Wear your tradition.
IAFF Firefighters and Paramedics: Veterans, Don't Miss Out on VA Benefits and the PACT Act
At UnionFireStore.com, we proudly support the brave men and women who serve not only their communities as firefighters and paramedics, but also their country as military veterans. If you are an IAFF member who served in the armed forces, it is crucial to know that you may qualify for a wide range of veteran benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—including free health care, monthly compensation, and support services for conditions linked to your service.
Why Veterans in the Fire Service Should Apply for VA Benefits
Many IAFF members continue to face physical and emotional challenges long after their military service ends. From PTSD and anxiety to toxic exposure-related illnesses, the after-effects of combat, deployments, and hazardous duty can impact your daily life as a first responder. That’s why it's critical to register for VA benefits today—even if you’ve been denied in the past.
You may qualify for tax-free monthly payments (called VA disability compensation).
Free health care for service-connected conditions and even other medical issues depending on your disability rating.
Access to mental health services, therapy, and medications for PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Family benefits, housing support, education programs (like the GI Bill), and more.
What Is the PACT Act and Why Does It Matter?
The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) is a game-changing law signed in 2022 that expands VA benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances during service in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, and more.
Key Benefits of the PACT Act:
Expands the list of presumptive conditions, meaning you no longer need to prove exposure to receive VA benefits for those illnesses.
Adds new locations and time periods of service that qualify for presumptive benefits.
Ensures more timely health care and disability compensation for veterans exposed to toxic environments.
If you’re an IAFF member who served in any of the following locations, you may now qualify under the PACT Act:
Iraq, Afghanistan, and surrounding areas (post-9/11)
Vietnam and other areas exposed to Agent Orange
Military bases where burn pits or toxic chemicals were used or stored
Learn more directly from the VA PACT Act page here: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
How to File a VA Claim as a Veteran Firefighter
You don’t need to go through the process alone. IAFF veterans are encouraged to use free resources to file:
Start at VA.gov: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
Get help from a VA-accredited representative like DAV, VFW, American Legion, or your local VA office.
File a supplemental claim if you were previously denied—many claims are now approved under new PACT Act rules.
Real Benefits for Real Heroes
IAFF members face stress, trauma, and medical risk every day—many of which began during military service. You’ve earned these benefits, and we at Union Fire Store want to make sure you get them.
✅ Free VA healthcare ✅ Monthly tax-free payments ✅ Mental health support for PTSD and trauma ✅ Presumptive conditions covered under the PACT Act ✅ No-cost claim assistance through veterans organizations
Support the Cause – Shop IAFF Stickers & Gear
Show your pride as a union firefighter and military veteran by checking out our IAFF decals, firefighter stickers, and paramedic gear designed to represent those who serve and protect. Every purchase at UnionFireStore.com supports content like this that raises awareness and honors our firefighting and veteran communities.
Final Thoughts: Brothers and Sisters, Don’t Wait
If you’re an IAFF firefighter or paramedic who served in the military and suffer from PTSD, exposure-related illness, or other service-connected conditions, now is the time to act. The PACT Act opened the doors wider than ever before—and the benefits are life-changing.
Visit VA.gov to get started, or contact your local VA representative for help. And if you know a brother or sister in the fire service who hasn’t filed yet, share this message with them today.
Stay strong. Stay informed. Support your union.
From all of us at UnionFireStore.com – Thank you for your service, on and off the battlefield.
IAFF Sets Top Legislative Priorities for the 119th Congress
As the 119th Congress begins its new legislative session, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is prioritizing critical bills that will impact fire fighters, emergency medical workers, and their families. With the 2025 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference set to take place in Washington, D.C., IAFF members are mobilizing to push for key legislative victories that will protect fire fighters' rights, health, and safety.
The IAFF has a history of legislative success, including recent wins like the Social Security Fairness Act and the Fire Grants and Safety Act. Now, with a new Congress in place, the union is focused on advancing the following priorities:
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1269 / S. 237)
This bipartisan bill ensures that fire fighter cancer deaths are recognized as line-of-duty deaths under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program, extending death, educational, and other benefits to surviving family members. Sponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Reps. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), this legislation seeks to honor and support the families of fire fighters who succumb to occupational cancer.
Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act (H.R. 1443)
Fire fighters should not face disciplinary action for voicing concerns about staffing, equipment, or workplace safety. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Steve Cohen (D-TN), reaffirms fire fighters' First Amendment rights, ensuring they can express job-related concerns without fear of retaliation.
PFAS Alternatives Act (Pending Reintroduction)
Fire fighters face daily exposure to hazardous chemicals, including PFAS in their protective gear. Sponsored by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Sam Graves (R-MO), this legislation would secure funding for the development of safer, PFAS-free protective gear, reducing the risk of occupational cancer among fire fighters.
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (Pending Reintroduction)
Union rights are essential to fire fighter safety. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MI), along with Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), aims to protect fire fighters' collective bargaining rights, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
9/11 Responders and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act (H.R. 1410)
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides essential health benefits to 9/11 first responders and survivors, but its funding is set to run out by 2029. This legislation, backed by Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY), along with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), seeks to extend WTCHP funding through 2090, ensuring continued support for those affected by 9/11-related illnesses.
Wildfire Preparedness and Response Act (Pending Introduction)
Wildfires are becoming an increasing threat across the U.S., and fire fighters need better resources to combat them. Sponsored by Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), this bill focuses on improving fire fighter training, equipment, and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to enhance wildfire response efforts.
Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759)
Federal fire fighters work grueling 72-hour weeks, affecting their health and family life. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), seeks to cap federal fire fighter workweeks at 60 hours and include full overtime earnings in their retirement calculations.
These legislative priorities reflect the IAFF’s ongoing commitment to protecting fire fighters' rights, improving their working conditions, and ensuring they receive the recognition and benefits they deserve.
At UnionFireStore.com, we stand in solidarity with the IAFF’s mission to advocate for fire fighter safety and support. Stay informed on the latest fire fighter news, gear, and legislation updates by following our blog.
For more information, visit Union Fire Store and join us in supporting fire fighters nationwide!
Breaking News: AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Settlement Updates – March 2025
I know most of you are sick of hearing about this lawsuit on your TV, on your phone, or other device….but….Firefighters, military personnel, and others exposed to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) continue to push forward in the AFFF MDL (Multidistrict Litigation), seeking justice and compensation for serious health conditions linked to PFAS chemicals. One of the key injuries in this lawsuit is ulcerative colitis (a condition that I have, hence the focus), a painful and debilitating autoimmune disease. If you or a loved one have been affected, here's the latest on the settlement progress, expected payouts, and what to watch for in the coming months.
Note: A lot of folks out there think this is somehow a scam, or you will only get pennies like most (class actions) this is not one of them. This is a serious payout and you don’t have to pay a cent for it, a law office will represent you (you choose what one) and they take the industry standard of 40% you keep 60% of the final TAX FREE settlement amount. and NO 'I’m not writing this as an advertisement getting a kickback or anything of the sort.
AFFF Lawsuit: Where Do We Stand?
The AFFF MDL (MDL No. 2873) is being overseen by Judge Richard Gergel in the U.S. District Court for South Carolina. The litigation, which has been ongoing since 2018, is now heavily focused on personal injury claims following a $10.3 billion settlement reached in 2023 for water contamination cases.
As of March 2025, there are over 8,400 personal injury cases pending in the MDL, with more being filed each month. Legal experts believe we are approaching a major settlement phase, with key developments indicating that 2025 could be the year a compensation program is announced.
Ulcerative Colitis: A Tier 1 Injury in the AFFF Lawsuit
The court has classified injuries into tiers, with Tier 1 covering the most serious and scientifically supported conditions. Ulcerative colitis has been grouped alongside kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid disease as one of the core conditions linked to PFAS exposure.
This means ulcerative colitis victims are expected to receive top-tier compensation, similar to those suffering from severe cancers.
How Much Will the Settlements Be?
While no final settlement numbers have been confirmed, legal analysts estimate that Tier 1 injuries like ulcerative colitis could receive payouts ranging from:
$300,000 – $600,000 per claim
Some severe cases with long-term complications could reach $1 million
Lower-tier claims (weaker exposure history or less severe symptoms) may settle for $150,000 – $300,000
These estimates are based on similar PFAS settlements, including the $670 million DuPont PFOA settlement in 2017, where ulcerative colitis claims averaged $191,000 per plaintiff.
When Will the Settlement Happen?
The timeline for an AFFF settlement is accelerating due to several factors:
Bellwether Trials Scheduled for October 2025: These test cases often force companies to negotiate settlements rather than risk massive jury verdicts.
Recent Surge in Case Filings: February 2025 saw 338 new cases added to the MDL, signaling that attorneys expect settlement talks soon.
Legal Experts Predict a Settlement in Mid-2025: Attorneys involved in the case anticipate a global resolution within the next 2–4 months.
What Should You Do Now?
If you have ulcerative colitis and believe AFFF exposure is responsible, you may still have time to file a claim. Once a settlement is announced, there will likely be a deadline to register your case.
📌 Take Action Now:
Consult with a firefighter injury attorney who specializes in AFFF claims.
Gather medical records proving your diagnosis and history of PFAS exposure.
Stay informed as settlement discussions unfold.
At Union Fire Store, we stand with firefighters, military personnel, and first responders affected by toxic exposure. Follow us for ongoing updates as this lawsuit progresses.
🔥 Stay tuned for more breaking news! 🔥
AFFF Exposure & Firefighter Cancer Lawsuits: Your Legal Rights Explained
Title: AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits: What Firefighters Need to Know
Introduction Firefighters across the nation are filing lawsuits over exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam commonly used for suppressing flammable liquid fires. If you or someone you know has been affected by AFFF, it’s crucial to understand the risks, legal options, and how you can seek justice.
What is AFFF? AFFF is a firefighting foam designed to quickly smother high-intensity fires, particularly those involving fuel and other flammable liquids. It has been widely used by fire departments, military bases, and airports for decades. However, AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Health Risks Associated with AFFF Exposure Studies have shown that PFAS chemicals do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to long-term exposure risks. Firefighters and other emergency personnel who have come into contact with AFFF may be at an increased risk for:
Kidney and testicular cancer
Liver damage
Immune system disorders
Thyroid disease
Reproductive issues
AFFF Lawsuits: Seeking Justice for Exposure Firefighters, military personnel, and others who have been exposed to AFFF and subsequently diagnosed with related health conditions are now filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of these foams. These lawsuits claim that the companies knowingly produced and distributed AFFF despite being aware of the health hazards associated with PFAS exposure.
Who Can File an AFFF Lawsuit? You may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit if:
You worked as a firefighter, military personnel, or in an industry that regularly used AFFF.
You were exposed to AFFF over an extended period.
You have been diagnosed with a health condition linked to PFAS exposure.
Compensation for AFFF Victims Firefighters and others affected by AFFF exposure may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses (current and future treatments)
Lost wages and earning potential
Pain and suffering
Wrongful death (for families of deceased victims)
How to Take Legal Action If you believe you have been affected by AFFF exposure, it is crucial to seek legal representation. Many law firms specialize in AFFF-related lawsuits and offer free consultations to evaluate your case. Legal action can help hold manufacturers accountable and secure the financial assistance you need for medical treatment and other losses.
Stay Informed and Protect Your Rights As awareness of AFFF dangers grows, it’s essential to stay informed and take action to protect yourself and fellow firefighters. If you suspect exposure to AFFF has impacted your health, consulting with an attorney experienced in PFAS litigation is a vital step toward justice.
For more information on firefighter safety, protective gear, and legal updates, visit Union Fire Store. We’re committed to supporting firefighters and ensuring they have access to the resources they need.
IAFF NEWS
In recent years, the firefighting industry has witnessed significant technological advancements aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency. One notable innovation is the deployment of AI-powered cameras for early wildfire detection. In California, a network of over 1,140 cameras has been instrumental in identifying fires promptly, allowing for rapid response and containment.
Robotics is also playing a crucial role in modern firefighting. The United Kingdom has introduced a new firefighting robot capable of spraying water and withstanding extreme heat, enabling it to operate in conditions too hazardous for human firefighters.
Additionally, the integration of thermal imaging cameras into firefighting equipment has become more prevalent. These devices allow firefighters to see through smoke and darkness, quickly locating hotspots and victims, thereby improving operational effectiveness.
These technological advancements are transforming firefighting strategies, making operations safer and more effective.
Recent Innovations in Firefighting Technology
UK's new firefighting robot sprays water, withstands extreme heat and more
AI cameras are watching the California hills to detect the spread of wildfires
AI-Powered Cameras on Guard: Detecting Wildfires Before They Spread in California
In recent years, the firefighting industry has witnessed significant technological advancements aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency. One notable innovation is the deployment of AI-powered cameras for early wildfire detection. In California, a network of over 1,140 cameras has been instrumental in identifying fires promptly, allowing for rapid response and containment.
Robotics is also playing a crucial role in modern firefighting. The United Kingdom has introduced a new firefighting robot capable of spraying water and withstanding extreme heat, enabling it to operate in conditions too hazardous for human firefighters.
Additionally, the integration of thermal imaging cameras into firefighting equipment has become more prevalent. These devices allow firefighters to see through smoke and darkness, quickly locating hotspots and victims, thereby improving operational effectiveness.
These technological advancements are transforming firefighting strategies, making operations safer and more effective.
Recent Innovations in Firefighting Technology
UK's new firefighting robot sprays water, withstands extreme heat and more
AI cameras are watching the California hills to detect the spread of wildfires