Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters

140 E.Town Street Suite 1225 Columbus,Ohio 43215

Phone(614)488-9923

President

Mark Sanders

MSandl48@aol.com

Got word this evening from DVP Miller that SAFER has passed the Senate and is on the way to President Obama. Recieved calls last night from Kevin O Connor, Director IAFF Govt. Affairs and Tommy with an update that it was progressing.  They were right.

DVP Miller and Director O Connor have taken additional time to advise me as to what is happening on a regular basis. The IAFF knows how important this is in Ohio. Please take time to drop them a note of thanks for their work.

If all goes according to "hoyle", it will be up for rules next week. Kevin has stated it is going to be the IAFF's position that first dollars should go to those jurisdictions with actual lay-offs. Then on down the line from there. Additionally in lay-off cases, a limited and user friendly process will be sought for jurisdictions to verify need. As this comes together, we will assess how best to educate our local affiliates on how the process should work.

This is the plan. We all know how issues of this nature can twist and turn through the process. Hopefully, SAFER will bring the necessary help we need. Keep your fingers crossed.

The bottom line -- things are moving in a positive fashion. Even though this legislation is the right thing to do and sounds very simple, the political process involved is delecate and tedious work. The IAFF has worked very hard on our behalf. 

Keep an eye out for updates from the IAFF. As I get info I will pass it along.