There is a malfunction and safety issue with the Universal RIT connection on the NxG2 harness. The Universal RIT connection (see photo) has on more than one occasion come loose over time. This causes rapid depletion of the entire bottle. This situation is being addressed with the manufacturer and a solution is forthcoming. In the meantime, all harnesses should be checked immediately to ensure that this connection is tight. If found to be looser than hand tight, please remove from service and contact the Repair Shop immediately. Do not attempt to tighten past hand tight because this connection must have a specific torque rating.
Until this safety issue is remedied, the Universal RIT connection should be checked on a daily basis to make sure this fitting is tight, and that the “O” ring is properly seated.
The DFD Hockey team is holding a fundraiser for Ben Brewer and his fight against cancer. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 20th at 7pm. Tickets start at $18 and the deadline is 2/17. The more tickets sold, the more money will be donated to Ben's fight. Police vs. Fire Hockey game will begin after the DU Hockey game. Click below for additional information and ticket order form.
Heart Check Denver has provided Local 858 with a limited amount of $25 gift certificates to apply towards a heart scan. The gift certificates are available at the Local 858 office, 2342 Broadway, Denver, CO and are good until December 31st, 2010. The gift certificates are part of a Healthy Hearts - Helping Those Who Help Us Program. They were provided to Local 858 by retired Chief Larry Trujillo. Heart Check Denver is formerly known as Colorado Heart and Body Imaging. For FACTS from Heart Check America pertaining to Fire Fighters click on the following link.
Claim submissions halted from December 11 – December 28, 2009
As announced during open enrollment, the City’s new flex cash provider will be 24 Hour Flex, effective January 1, 2010. In order to transfer the program, Discovery Benefits will stop accepting all flexible spending account claims on December 11, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Claims submitted to Discovery after December 11 will not be returned and will not be processed. Claims can be submitted to 24 Hour Flex beginning on December 28, 2009. Also on Dec. 11, Discovery Benefits credit cards will be deactivated and participants will receive a new card from 24 Hour Flex in January 2010.
More information will be coming soon about 24 Hour Flex. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact the CSA Benefits Team atbenefits@denvergov.orgor (720) 913-5697.
All members should take advantage of the Fire Nuggets Professional Series that will be coming to Denver in 2010. The series will be taught by instructors from all over the country as well as by some fellow Local 858 members. Please view attached flyers for additional information. If you have any questions please contact A/C Dave McGrail at Station 23/B or go directly to the Fire Nuggets webpage at www.firenuggets.com
On duty total disability was granted by the FPPA for a fire fighter with brain cancer. This has not moved through workers compensation due to a bad ruling on a previous brain cancer case. That case was successfully appealed on November 4th & is a tremendous victory for fire fighters in Colorado. He will receive a 70% tax free disability and his children will receive free in-state college tuition.
A Practical Exam will be administered to all candidates who have passed the Written Test and who follow all examination regulations and instructions. The Practical Test will be administered during the week of April 27-29, 2010 at the Rocky Mountain Fire Academy, located at 5440 Roslyn Street. The Elegible Register should be approved on Friday, May 7th.
The 2010 Fire Captain Written Examination will be held on Tuesday, May 11th. The exam will be held at the Webb Municipal Building on the 4th floor in room 4.f.6. Registration for this examination opens at 9:00 am and closes at 9:30 am. If you arrive after the close of registration you will be denied admittance to the test. You must bring a DFD Identification Card or Driver's License with you to the test. The assessment center is tentatively scheduled from June 15-18, 2010.
Your wellness team is working hard to bring this valuable initiative to our department. Fire fighters are plagued with heart risk issues due to the nature of our profession. Local 858 is presently finalizing the roll out of this program and you should have electronic blood pressure cuffs in your firehouse now. The program itself has been postponed until we can work out some details with the blood pressure requirements.