You are invited to the annual meeting of the NH State Firemens Association.
When
Sat Oct 17, 2020 10 AM – 11 AM Eastern Time – New York
Joining info
Join with Google Meet
Join by phone
(US) +1 262-864-1586 (PIN: 303374851)
This year due to Covid-19 concerns, the NH Fallen Firefighters Memorial will be held virtually. The memorial will be held with limited personnel performing the service on the academy grounds at the memorial. The memorial will not be open to the public. The reading of the names of the fallen and a limited service will be held and set for viewing on Saturday the 26th of September.
In coordination with the NH State Fire Marshal’s office, Fire Standards and Training, The NH Fire Chiefs, PFFNH, and the NH State Firemens Association, the memorial will be presented to honor those who died in the line of duty. It is important to recognize their sacrifice. Given that other memorials around the country have been canceled, the memorial committee will proceed to honor the names and “never forget.”
Details will be announced shortly and the link will be made available.
Thank you for your understanding.
For those who wish to donate to the Memorial Fund. Checks made payable to the NH State Firemens Association Memorial Fund. PO Box 10512 Bedford, NH 03110.
Please pause to remember the attacks on the United States 19 years ago in New York City, Washington DC, and in the air over Pennsylvania.
Please remember the 2977 lives lost on that day, including first responders, military, and brave civilians on flight 93 and those helping during and after the attack.
Those who gave their lives for people they did not know should not be forgotten. Those who were just going to work that day should not be forgotten.
Take time to think about our beautiful country and what freedom stands for and remember all who have died fighting for our freedom.
| NH Department of Health and Human Services
129 Pleasant Street – Hugh Gallen State Office Park Concord, NH 03301
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| PRESS RELEASE | FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Public Information Office |
| July 20, 2020 | 603-271-9389 or pio@dhhs.nh.gov |
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NH DHHS Announces Online Purchasing Program for SNAP Recipients
Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division for Economic and Housing Stability (DEHS) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in a pilot program that allows recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase and pay for groceries online. The SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program allows the use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase eligible food items through two authorized online retailers, Amazon and Walmart.
“From the beginning of the COVID-19 emergency, we have worked hard to ensure that our residents are able to safely access the things their families need when they need them the most,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “Online purchasing provides additional flexibility for all Granite State SNAP recipients, allowing them more ways to use their SNAP benefits to make sure their families have access to healthy and nutritious food during the pandemic and beyond.”
“Online purchasing is one more way New Hampshire residents can access good nutrition throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHHS Commissioner Lori Shibinette. “Purchasing groceries online is safe, secure, and helps people maintain social distancing measures that help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.”
SNAP recipients will be able to purchase eligible food items, but will not be able to use benefits for service or delivery charges.
Participation in the pilot program is one of several measures DHHS has taken to reduce concerns around food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Others include the issuance of emergency SNAP benefits; the extension of certification periods for SNAP recipients; a temporary suspension of SNAP work requirements for eligible individuals; participation in Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), which provides families with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program additional SNAP benefits due to the loss of school meals during remote learning; and accepting applications by phone for the Women, Infants and Children program.
The SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot was established by the federal 2014 Farm Bill, which mandated a pilot to test the feasibility of allowing online transactions using SNAP benefits. In 2017, eight states were selected to be part of the pilot, which was launched in New York State in 2019, followed by Washington in January 2020. Additional states have joined the program as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program, please visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/foodstamps/index.htm.
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07/12/2020
New Hampshire State Firemen’s Association
To: All Members
Reference: Update on your association
From: Glenn Davis, President
Dear Members,
I am writing to you today as I can’t recall the last time a message was written directly to the Members from your president and I believe it is long overdue.
What’s New and what’s changed?
We all know that the NHSFA provides an injury/disability and death benefit insurance policy however there is so much more!
For roughly a year now we have been participating in a new group organized by Marshall Parisi called the five families. The group includes the NH Chiefs, PFFNH, The Fire Academy, the Marshall’s office, and NHSFA, Their leaders, and their #2’s. This group originally started as a think tank for the NH fire service in general and allowed us to meet and have open conversations and input on a variety of topics such as legislation, life safety, training, COVID -19, hazard pay stipend, etc.
Finally, after all these years our association has a seat at the table and is recognized for what we are and that is by far the largest, and longest-serving fire organization in the state and I would add they have been receptive of our opinions and that is has been very productive and a pleasure to have input with the other Fire service leaders of our state.
We have been adding advocate members if you haven’t, you should visit the web site we have been working on added member benefits with some of these advocate members for instance Bank of New Hampshire is offering a special program for our members that helps reduce loan costs on mortgages and refinance options. The advocate membership financially supports or association is not free so please patronize them whenever possible.
License plates: The license plate Firefighter Decal program has been a huge benefit to the memorial you may not be aware but the legislation allowing this requires all money raised go to a nonprofit and the NH fallen firefighters memorial fits that classification.
Speaking of the memorial, we have been fortunate enough to secure donations from NH Gaming commission donation program which has assisted us with keeping the eternal flame lighted and some minor maintenance. The memorial as it is in desperate need of refurbishment (it is 14 years old now) You may not be aware but the NHSFA is the entity that has kept this memorial looking good and going strong all these years. We are asking other organizations for financial support as it is for all NH firefighters. This year’s memorial service program has yet to be decided on as we are waiting like all of us on the pandemic. Undoubtedly it will have a different look this year than it has in years past. We will certainly keep you apprised of the situation once we know what it’s going to look like.
Membership is down slightly from a few years ago and currently, we have just shy of 3700 members. Our percentage of loss is comparative to the decline of firefighters across the state. As you know our members come from, career, combination, and volunteer departments, and every firefighter in the state are encouraged to join, even if your department does not participate (I know hard to believe but there are a few) you can join individually online at nhsfa.org anytime.
Our Secretary Karen Eichler and our Treasurer Chief Rick Eichler (ret) have been at their posts since 2005. Rick and Karen announced earlier this summer there not intending to continue their posts as they, in their retirement have interests in traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. I would like to personally thank them for their years of dedicated and trusted service to our association, without them we would not be where we are today. Rick and Karen on behalf of our members Thank you!!!
With their retirement comes to change, currently, we are investigating several options to satisfy several pressing needs that are becoming more apparent as we continue to increase member benefits and modify our operations to meet the needs of today’s members. Some of the avenues being looked at are hiring a firm or possibly an Executive Director to manage and strengthen the membership (both firefighter’s and advocate) get the annual book up and running, and possibly get back to some form of a convention.
Unfortunately, time marches on, and before you know it twenty years have gone by. That by the way is how long it’s been since we have had an adjustment in our dues. Our expenses have been trimmed everywhere possible, the executive board now meets at fire stations or as of lately by Zoom instead of restaurants or function halls, (this saves mileage and meals) Our insurance costs has remained steady for the last several years however our membership is down so the cost per member has increased. (Currently, $19.04 of your $20 membership goes to Insurance) The memorial costs again paid for by NHSFA are increasing and having a lack of interested volunteers we are in need of paying a firm or person to assist us with the day to day operations of our organization. We originally were thinking $10.00 per person, however, have backed it down to $8.00 per person. The 2020 renewal cost will be $28.00 (to be voted on by the board at our 7/16 meeting). Should any of our member’s departments or associations experience a hardship with this increase please contact me directly.
Our annual meeting is scheduled for 10/17/2020 at the Town & Country in Gorham (providing we can do so safely & you are encouraged to attend) Inclosing
We need you! There are several elected positions currently vacant or their terms are expiring (mine included), as mentioned earlier the Secretary and treasurer spots are opening up and will need to be filled. Please join us for a board meeting to learn more about what happens behind the scenes.
Our next meeting is by Zoom on 7/16/2020 @ 1800 email myself president@nhsfa.org to be invited no later than 7/15/2020 @ 1800 or as always with any questions or concerns.
Stay well, Stay safe!
Glenn M Davis
President
Happy Independence Day to all our first responders. Fire, EMS, LEO, and Dispatchers. Most notably our men and women in our armed forces. We thank you for your service and wish you to be safe this holiday. For those of you who are working, we thank you for protecting us and for your sacrifice.
Please remember to enjoy the holiday with safety in mind. Displays of fireworks should be in accordance with your local municipality. Please be aware of children and pets. Also, be aware of those who suffer from PTSD. Our veterans while having given much to us may still suffer from the effects of fireworks. Your display of patriotism may be enjoyable to you and your friends but may have an adverse effect to those who have traumatic memories that can be triggered with loud noises. Please be aware of your neighbors and celebrate responsibly.
Thank you and Happy Independence Day!
Final Flyer for The Butler Brigade 1
Prayers and healing thoughts are needed for a friend. Richard is the Fire Chief for Fremont. He is in a battle to regain his health. There has been a recent set back in his treatment. His family posted the item below. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Update: Richard’s transplant is delayed again. He seems to have developed an immunity to the medication that was once working so well. The doctor explained “Leukemia is a monster and we are trying to get him in a box. We had him, but his tail was hanging out. Unfortunately he has his ugly head out now and we need to find a way to shove him back in-all the way-and lock it! “. This is necessary so that he can get to transplant. Of course, this has the doctors shocked at the turn of events, but that is typical for Richard!
We need our Brigade’s positive thoughts, prayers, and support since his only option now is a medication with significant side effects, together with traditional chemo for the best chance at locking down the monster! 🧡
So back to MGH early this week for 3-5 weeks!
And for those that have been asking, we just got more shirts in yesterday. Not a lot left but we do have shirts in every size. Let us know what you want!
Thanks for you continued friendship, care and concern! We can’t thank you enough
Today, President Glenn Davis participated in a webinar along with Chiefs from departments all over the state of NH with Senator Shaheen to discuss the issues of COVID -19 and how it is effecting departments with funding, grants, exposures, and responses.
State of New Hampshire First Responder Hazard Pay Stipend Program
The Governor has authorized the allocation and expenditure of CARES Act flex funds to provide incentive stipends for the State’s first responders and corrections officers. For purposes of this program, first responders include state and local police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. Corrections officers include state corrections officers, county corrections officers, and state probation parole officers.
Department heads/chiefs/company owners or managers are responsible for submitting their member’s information under the appropriate category. All submissions are subject to audit and any funds that are not spent in accordance with this guidance may be subject to recoupment. In an effort to simplify the process and assist communities/agencies with potential cash flow concerns, one submission for the entire eligibility period will be accepted.
Payment is effective May 4, 2020 and valid through June 30, 2020.
NOTE: Members are only eligible for one first responder stipend payment per week.
Please thoroughly read the instructions on the page linked below before submitting your
work
Any questions can be directed to covidhazardpay@dos.nh.gov or (603) 271-2231.
