Posts by zestsms
Federal Bill May Offer NJ Firefighters Cancer Detection Tests Following PFAS Exposure
Firefighters endanger their lives to protect the lives of citizens daily, so when these entrusted public servants are dealt cancer-causing equipment, it is a disgraceful disservice to their heroism. Unfortunately, firefighters across the country have been forced to utilize equipment that was supposed to protect them but was instead laden with cancer-causing PFAS, or per-…
Read MoreHow Many Have Died From 9/11-Related Illnesses?
The tragic events on September 11, 2001, left a lasting impact on countless lives. Throughout the tri-state area and beyond, families and friends lost loved ones and had their lives changed forever. The toxic chemicals and debris stirred up in the impact have left survivors of the attacks with wide-ranging health effects, compounding the tragedy.…
Read MoreIs Your Landlord Responsible for Deadly Fires?
When tenants rent a space to be their home, they expect safety. However, whether due to negligence or other reasons, accidents do happen. Earlier this month, the Office of the Queens County Public Administrator brought two Queens Supreme Court lawsuits against a landlord following a fatal fire that killed two young women. The suits allege…
Read MoreA Call for Action: Protect and Provide for Healthcare Workers and First Responders amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
As Covid-19 spreads throughout New York City and to the rest of the country, our thoughts and prayers go out to those afflicted with this virus. Additionally, we feel an immense sense of gratitude to have such dedicated First Responders and Healthcare Professionals fighting this disease on the frontlines each day. To that end, we…
Read MoreUpdates on the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Legislation
House of Representatives Votes in Favor of VCF Extension On Friday, July 12th, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives voted by a large margin to reauthorize the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund until the year 2090. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides compensation to those whose health has been impacted by 9/11 and the families of…
Read MoreHouse Judiciary Committee Votes in Favor of VCF Extension After Testimony from SPBMCC Client and Others
After powerful testimony from several key figures, including SPBMCC client and retired FDNY Lieutenant Michael O’Connell and former Daily Show host and 9/11 victims advocate Jon Stewart, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted in favor of an extension to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The VCF will be extended through 2090. Also present…
Read MoreRemembering Black Sunday Firefighters
Today marks the anniversary of the devastating Black Sunday fires in 2005, which killed or severely injured seven members of the FDNY. First, Brooklyn firefighter Richard Sclafani died when overcome by smoke at a private house fire. On that same day, five firefighters and a lieutenant became trapped in a Bronx apartment that was consumed by flames and were forced…
Read MoreWhat Are My Rights If I Am Asked For a Drug Test?
The FDNY has a random drug testing program. When a Company is chosen by computer as the subject of a random drug test, the BITS Drug Testing Unit will come to that Company’s firehouse without notice. Presumably they will wait until the Company is in quarters before announcing their presence. When the Drug Testing Unit…
Read MoreWhat should I do if I receive a notice or call from EEO or BITS?
The short answer is to not answer any questions and immediately call your trustee.
Often, when either BITS or EEO is conducting an investigation, they will ask to speak with Members. There are two designations that a person being interviewed will be classified as: a subject or a witness.
Read MoreSullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. Secures Major VCF Awards In First Quarter Of 2017
On April 28, 2017, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) issued its First Quarterly Report for 2017 and its findings confirm the continued success Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. (SPBMCC) has achieved in maximizing awards for its clients. Since January 2013, when the first VCF awards were issued under the Zadroga Act,…
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