GCFTC Hosts "Line-of-Duty Death Training" October 9th

WAKEFIELD, MI - Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - The Gogebic County Firefighters' Training Council (GCFTC) is hosting a Line-of-Duty-Death training on Thursday October 9, 2008,  at 6:00 PM in the VFW Post on US-2 in Wakefield.

This program has been developed by the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation, and will be presented by John White, Past President of the Michigan State Firemen's Association and Jim Rose of Quinnesec, the UP Representative of the Michigan Local Assistance State Team.

The Line-of-Duty Death training is geared to fire departments, municipal officials such as city managers, mayors, township supervisors, council members, trustees and public safety officials. Also invited are funeral directors and any others who may deal with a firefighter line of duty death.

This program has proved to be very beneficial to anyone, be he or she an official or a civilian who has had to assist the bereaved in a firefighter line of duty death.

The GTFTC, with the assistance of the Lac Vieux Desert Casino in Watersmeet, is covering all expenses of the program and there is no charge to anyone attending.

Following are some of the goals of the Local Assistance State Team.

What the Team will do:

• Respond only when requested.
• Be on the ground within 6 hours with the team components that are requested.
• Ensure the family and the department are the priority at all times.
• Ask first before taking any action.
• Maintain transparency and work behind the scenes.
• Provide timely and accurate information.
• Practice personal and team integrity.
• Ensure quality over expediency.
• Show empathy at all times.
• Always think in terms of honor, dignity and respect.
• Have an exit strategy after the first day on the ground.

What the Team won't do:

• Self respond!
• Take over!
• Do anything without consulting the Chief or designee and/or the family!
• Give inaccurate information!

Rules of Engagement for the Local Assistance State Team:

• The primary mission is to bring expertise to the surviving family in filing for the DOJ-PSOB.
• Follow the mission of providing necessary assistance and support to families and fire departments of fallen firefighters, as requested.
• Provide the families and fire departments of fallen firefighters the support mechanisms needed before, during and after the funeral.
• Act as a resource for the family and fire department.
• Act as the initial contact and agents for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

What the Team can provide:

• Department of Justice-Public Safety Officers' Benefits (DOJ-PSOB) expertise.
• Honor Guard and Ceremonial support.
• Chaplain services for department members.
• A fire service survivor to work with the family.
• A behavioral specialist to work with the department members and the family.
• Information and access to various Federal, State and local benefits that may be available to the family.
• Other information and resources to assist the family and department.