The Executive Board of Local 36 held a wreath-laying ceremony at the Last Alarm Gardens this morning as a way to honor and remember all of the District's Firefighters that have given their lives in the line of duty.

We hope you take a few minutes and watch the video below of the ceremony which is followed by the list of all the names of DC Firefighters that we remember and honor on a daily basis, but especially on this day. 

If you logged in slightly after the start of the town hall we wanted you to be able to read the opening statement from your board member on the call, Joe Papariello:

“Thank the Chief for the opportunity to participate today. More importantly I want to thank our members for doing everything that they are doing day in and day out to provide the service to the residents of dc. Wearing an n95 and googles for one medical local is uncomfortable enough, let alone doing it 20-30 times a day coupled with the anxiety of the invisible enemy that we are working so hard not to expose ourselves, coworkers and family to. We must continue to adjust our response to ensure that our members have all the tools and ability to continue to protect our Nation’s Capital.

We urge the city treat the Firefighters/EMTs/Paramedics as the valuable asset they are. We will continue to work and lobby for members because we understand it is they who are essential to the city.

 

We are excited to announce that our retired brothers and sisters will now be able to pay their retired dues online with a debit/credit card. Visit here to pay: https://dcfirefighters.org/pay-retired-member-dues

We are grateful that our retired members are our highest donors to the COPA fund and you are able to contribute on the page listed above in addition to your dues. Thank you for your continued generosity allowing us to support those that support us.

We will still accept checks if you are not comfortable paying online (mailed or delivered to 3002 12th St NE, Washington DC 20017). We look forward to seeing you soon! 

This morning at 4:21AM, a house fire was dispatched and reported with people trapped. Luckily, the house had working smoke detectors and reports are that everyone made it out. Tonight we change our clocks and that is the time we ask you to change the batteries in your smoke detector to make sure you are alerted when a fire occurs! 

A quick 3-minute message from President Hudson discussing some of the issues the Local leadership has been working on for the members.  

Firefighter-Technician Alex Graham - Finalized Funeral/Memorial Service Details:

Date:

Thursday November 7, 2019 (#2)

Time:

Viewing: 1000-1200

Service: 1200

Repass: Following the procession

Location:

DC Armory

2001 East Capitol St SE

Washington D.C.

Parking:

Parking for attendees will be in Lot 3 at the DC Armory

 Wayne Allen Drapeau "Droopy" was born on February 17, 1970 in Meriden, CT and passed away on October 28, 2019. Wayne started his fire service career as soon as he was old enough in Wallingford, CT. He moved to MD in 1990 and became a live-in member of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department. He also became a day-crew member of Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS) before moving to Pawley's Island, SC and joining Midway Fire Rescue. He returned to MD in 2001 and resumed working at BCCRS until he was hired at DCFD in 2002. Wayne spent his entire career at 33 Engine, Truck 8 including four years at the Fire Investigations Unit (FIU).

Wayne had a 16+ year career with the DCFD and it was his dream job. Due to the nature of public service and first responders' careers, Wayne was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of the on the job trauma and tragedies that he experienced and witnessed. Even with consistent treatment over the past year and a half, he was consumed by the disease and succumbed from injuries related to it.

Wayne is survived by his wife, daughter, two step-daughters, parents, brother, and two god-daughters. The brothers and sisters "Droopy" has touched over the years are far reaching, and to everyone who met him he is a gentle giant with the intimidating mustache! Wayne has left behind a legacy whether he knew it or not.

In Lieu of flowers please send condolence donations to: https://my.iaff.org/CSiDonate/Give.aspx?AcctGrp=W_FND&bBO=PA&Dist=AFOUND&Amount=DEFAULT2&App=FNDCOE&swTN=t&swCh=f&pgHdr=Header12&rt=_Receipt-IAFF.html&swgt=COE

 Our past president, Ed Smith, is doing some heavy lifting trying to get the fundraising started for the DC Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation. Read about his passion to bring/build a memorial to DC in our fallen members' honor and donate today! 

Visit: https://www.mightycause.com/event/Sauce?fbclid=IwAR07BbsCEsSGUk3rr_W7oT_YrIZyLYb2VrMGicrRWMCU1Bb5KrPXjt5UVOI

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our own, Technician Alex Graham from Engine Company 21. Our condolences are extended to his family and all who knew Alex.

Alex suffered a medical emergency on Thursday while at work at our training academy. Our members responded and began EMS care immediately. The staff and physicians at George Washington University Hospital battled alongside Alex, doing all that they could to improve his condition.

Alex passed away late this afternoon.

We will be by the side of Technician Graham's loved ones as we assist them with funeral arrangements. We will convey them to you as soon as possible.

We thank the community for their support during this difficult time.

 The Exeuctive Board is always working hard to make sure we are prepared to represent our members. This week, two of our eboard members (Joe Papariello & David Hoagland) are participating in the Labor Law and Labor Arbitration conference in Baltimore. Understanding how arbitrators make their decisions helps us make better cases and arguments when we go before them.