Uniformed Fire Officers Assocation

November 24 , 2004
854 PASS ALONG BULLETIN
#22 of 2004

Apparatus Response – On Department Order #79, paragraph 2.8 dated November 18, 2004, the Department changed Department Policy and is now allowing apparatus drivers to proceed through red lights and stop signs without coming to a complete stop. Please read the Department order carefully because in the new regulations the Department is clear that they will still hold you accountable for accidents and may consider not representing you if they determine your firefighter was reckless in driving or you failed to supervise.

The UFOA has strongly objected to this policy change. We believe this policy is reckless and only serves to endanger public and firefighter safety. NFPA guidelines require drivers of all fire apparatus to come to a complete stop before proceeding through red lights or stop signs while responding. The Department has ignored our request to further evaluate this new policy before implementation. We are advising all officers to continue to follow NFPA regulations and require your firefighters to make a full stop before proceeding through a red light or stop sign while responding to fires and emergencies .

Proposed Changed in the Building Code – The City council will hold public hearings on Tuesday, November 30 th at 10:00 AM in City Council Chambers. The UFOA and UFA are supporting the adoption of NFPA codes.

NFPA's model building code is the first code of its kind to mandate consideration of firefighter safety as part of the building construction process. NFPA's entire code development system gives firefighters and other first responders more input and decision making authority than any other code developer. This input helps NFPA codes provide a higher level of safety for first responders.

We are asking off duty members to attend these hearings in uniform or with a jacket or shirt that identifies you as a Fire Officers. If you can attend, please call the UFOA office at (212) 293-9300 and let us know.

Fraternally,

Peter Gorman

Publications Committee: President
S. Carbone; P. Gorman; A. Parrinello

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