Membership in the Maine State Federation of Firefighters is open and available to all firefighters in the State of Maine. It is also open to ambulance and rescue personnel under the direction of a Fire Chief, as well as to those employed by private ambulance companies. Dues to the Federation, sponsor and promote:
Death Benefits:
The Federation’s death benefit program pays $500.00 upon the death of any active member of the Federation. The member’s family can use the benefit for any purpose. The benefit is payable immediately on the member’s death. Over the years, many family members have thanked us for being there for them so quickly during difficult times.
The Federation also has an accidental death and dismemberment program with Provident Insurance Company. That program pays a $5,000.00 benefit to the family of any member killed accidentally.
Legislative Representation:
The Federation employs a lobbyist to monitor and support legislation important to the fire service in Maine. Over the years, the Federation’s legislative efforts have helped pass laws that increased funding for training, education, and equipment for volunteer firefighters and improved Workers’ Compensation benefits for all firefighters. The Federation also supported legislation that led to the creation of the firefighter license plates and the establishment of “Firefighters’ Memorial Day” on the first Saturday in October. The Federation played an important role in passing a ban on the so-called novelty lighters to protect Maine’s children and their families from these smiling, friendly-looking dangers.
Fire Protection Services Commission:
The Legislature created the Commission and gave it the responsibility to study fire prevention issues, requiring Maine’s communities to recommend legislation to address those issues. The Federation has four seats on the Commission.
Scholarships:
The Federation sponsors scholarship programs that allow deserving individuals to attend fire science programs in the Community College System or at the State Fire Academies.
Convention:
Every September, the Federation sponsors its annual convention. The convention gives firefighters and their families an opportunity to renew old acquaintances and friendships and to make new ones. It is not just a social event. The convention is the largest annual gathering of firefighters in the State of Maine. It therefore gives members of the fire community one of their best opportunities to exchange ideas and foster relationships beneficial to the entire Fire Service in Maine.
Firefighters Memorial:
The Federation built and maintains the Firefighter Memorial in Capitol Park in Augusta. The Firefighters Memorial commemorates and recognizes the contributions of those who answer the call. Its placement on the Capitol Grounds serves as a vivid reminder of the service to those who represent us in the Legislature. The Federation also proudly sponsors and leads the Firefighters’ Memorial Service every year of its annual convention, which is always the first Saturday in October.
National Volunteer Fire Council:
The Maine State Federation of Firefighters is a member of the National Volunteer Fire Council. Membership in the NVFC gives Maine firefighters a chance to interact with and share ideas with firefighters from all parts of the country. Because of the NVFC’s legislative efforts, Maine’s volunteer firefighters have a voice in Washington, D.C. The website for National Volunteer Fire Council is www.nvfc.org and the phone number for NVFC is 1-888-ASK-NVFC or 1-888- 275-6832.
