TRENTON - The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, IAFF, AFL-CIO, the state-wide representative of career professional firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and dispatchers affiliated with the 340,000 -member International Association of Fire Fighters, has issued their endorsements for all the positions in the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly.

The PFANJ was on hand on March 12 as Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, and many other political leaders from throughout the state, hold a press conference in Elizabeth to share the details of the "American Rescue Plan".

Recognizing the integral role of 9-1-1 dispatchers in emergency response, legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John Armato to designate 9-1-1 operators as first responders was approved Monday by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. The goal of this legislation (A-3804) is for 9-1-1 operators to have a title that better reflects the services they provide.

Significant funding and benefits for fire fighters and emergency medical personnel are included in the American Recovery and Rescue Act, HR 1319, which passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 50-49 on March 6.

The PFANJ congratulates IAFF General President Elect Edward "Edzo" Kelly and General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Lima on their elections.

The New Jersey State Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would allow the people enrolled in the Police and Fire Retirement System to retire an receive 50% of their final pay in pension payments after 20 years on the job regardless of their age.

A critical safety alert from the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety and an important reminder for all members to routinely check their PPE.

The NJ First Responder COVID Hope & Healing Helpline is now available for all New Jersey first responders (fire, EMS, law enforcement, Veteran or military) and family members to provide additional support during this pandemic.

Former PFANJ President Dominick Marino was remembered during the opening ceremonies of the 55th IAFF Convention held virtually during the week of January 26, 2021.

Connie and Francesca Zappella are two female firefighters and sisters in the Jersey City Fire Department. Connie joined the department in 2003, becoming the first female firefighter in Jersey City. Having worked her way up in the ranks, she is now the first female fire battalion chief in the state of New Jersey. Her younger sister, Francesca, recently joined the FD, after several years working as a police officer.