Preparatory Considerations

    There are certain issues that each department should consider before a tragic event occurs.  The following items are those that can be addressed during day to day business and will eliminate much of the confusion and emotional trauma that occurs with an LOD event.  This list is not comprehensive.  Any other items that apply to the specific situation of the deceased's Department or Local should also be considered.  The Department and Local should realize that proper planning and coordination of an event as intricate and overwhelming as an LOD death may indicate a need for more time between the event and the interment of the deceased.  Union and management officials should work together to be prepared if tragedy should strike.

1. Chaplain- A fire department chaplain may not only serve and play important roles during the period of tragedy, but can serve the department's personnel on day to day needs.  We often forget that our personnel have numerous needs, including spiritual ones and a member of the clergy could be best fit to give spiritual advice.  It may be advisable to open this position to the community's religious sector, occasionally rotating the chaplain's position.

2. Personnel Information Sheet- A complete and thorough information sheet on each employee should be maintained.  Information included on this sheet should contain at least the following:
   A.    Complete name of the employee;
   B.    Next of kin;
   C.    Alternates for next of kin;
   D.    Religion or belief;
   E.    Church affiliation.

3. Photographs- A current photograph of each employee is advisable.  This may be contained in each person's file and will be needed for news releases.

4. Resumes or backgrounds- Each employee should have his/her file periodically updated to include a historical picture of his/her career and personal accomplishments.  Some items of concern are as follows:
   A.    Career profile;
   B.    Promotions;
   C.    Educational background;
   D.    Personal accomplishments;
   E.    Professional and personal affiliations;
   F.    Family profile (survivors).

5. Department Identification Card- One item that we will all agree upon is the prevention of loss of a firefighter's life.  Should a firefighter be severely injured, the major concern is the saving of his/her life.  The new trend has been the incorporation of a microfilm chip in the lower corner of an ID card.  The chip contains vital emergency medical information on the patient.  Almost all emergency rooms have microfilm scanners and, in the event of a serious injury, the patient's ID card can project the patient's medical history no a screen.  Some of the emergency information included on the chip would be:
   A.    Patient's name;
   B.    Next of kin for treatment authorization;
   C.    Blood type;
   D.    Allergies to medications;
   E.    Chronic medical conditions;
   F.    EKG strip;
   G.    Any other pertinent past medical history.

6. Local Support Agencies- Prior contacts and arrangements should be made with local agencies that could assist in a funeral for a fallen firefighter.  Some of these agencies may include:
   A.    Local high school or college band for the purpose of musical arrangements in the funeral procession or interment.  This may include a bugler for taps;
   B.    Local police or VFW agencies for Honor Guards or firing squads paying tribute to the fallen comrade;
   C.    Local military installations or recruiters for the purposes of support in any or all of the above.  This is especially important if the individual is a veteran;
   D.    Other local civic groups that may be sensitive or sympathetic to the loss of a public servant.  They may be willing to sponsor or assist in coordinating the financial process of funds for the fallen firefighter's survivors:
       1)    Service clubs;
       2)    Fire fans associations;
       3)    Financial institutions.

7. Department Policy- It is a must that each department develop a funeral protocol policy.  It is advisable that this policy be developed through the joint efforts of management and labor, so that all parties agree on the established policy prior to a tragedy.

8. Funeral Directors- Contacts should be made with local funeral directors so that they understand that a local funeral protocol exists for a fire department.  They should also be aware beforehand, of any special needs the protocol may call for.  This may be to everyone's advantage and may, therefore, avoid conflicts impacting the survivors due to confusion or lack of coordination.

9. Florists- Local florists should be aware of some of the special floral arrangements that may be called for when a firefighter dies.  They should also know whom they should contact from other florists who may offer suggestions.  Some of these special arrangements include, but are not limited to, the following:
   A.    Maltese Cross;
   B.    Fire department badge;
   C.    Fire department patch;
   D.    Broken rung ladder;
   E.    Fire department bell;
   F.    Crossed pike pole and axe;
   G.    Helmet.
   (Note: Often times the above designs may show a cracked or broken article to signify a firefighter's loss.)

10. Personnel Department- The organization or department responsible for the fire department's personnel benefits should have a check sheet of items that need to be closed out in the event of a death.  Some of these items are:
    A.    Final paycheck;
    B.    Department insurance policies:
            1)    Term life;
            2)    Workmen's compensation.
    C.    Social Security (survivor's benefits);
    D.    Special benefits for settlement:
            1)    Vacation;
            2)    Time due;
            3)    Sick time;
            4)    Clothing allowance;
            5)    Educational benefits;
            6)    Longevity;
            7)    Other contractual items.
    E.    Continued survivor benefits:
            1)    Association or union benefits;
            2)    Widows and orphans benefits;
            3)    Medical plan.
    F.    Referrals list for survivors:
            1)    Counseling agencies;
            2)    Legal advisors;
            3)    Financial advisors.
    G.    Notification for federal death benefits for the fire service.

11. Department Awareness- Every firefighter and his/her family should be aware of the services available, prior to a tragedy striking.  By doing this, initial decisions can be made without confusion and awkwardness.

12. Bunting- A department or number of departments may choose to purchase bunting for apparatus and/or stations.  They may also choose to purchase a number of pairs of white dress gloves that can be loaned out and returned for future use.

13. PIO- Having PIO Trained- have protocol

14. SOG- Have SOG in place for on-scene actions.