Day 2 Of The 2014 PFFPNC Convention

Day 2 ended with a powerful presentation from Greensboro Fire Capt. Sterlin Suddarth.

Capt. Suddarth was injured in the line of duty in January 2014. He was among nine fire fighters injured after a roof collapsed on a working structure fire.

“It was like a freight train hit me,” Capt. Suddarth said.

He spent weeks at Baptist hospital with seven second and third degree burns and has had four surgeries so far.

Speaking today, he emphasized to not assume anything going into a fire, encouraging all your guys to speak up if anything seems out of place and listening closely to radio traffic and changing conditions.

Prepare every day for “the call of a lifetime. I wasn’t prepared that day.”

Capt. Suddarth along with members of Greensboro Local thanked other Locals for their support following that the January roof collapse, especially Winston-Salem whose President David Pollard and other members provided around-the-clock care through visits, meals and support to Capt. Suddarth, his family and Greensboro fire fighters.

The day also included talks from IAFF President Harold Schaitberger and Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Miller. Schaitberger acknowledge how tough it is to be a Local leader and member in the state of North Carolina.

“The toughest job in the IAFF is right here at these tables,” he told the crowd. “(I) have such an enormous understanding and great respect for what you are dealing with.”

Schaitberger touched on the rough election year and emphasized they will work with all politicians but will hold people accountable for their actions. He said the IAFF is committed to fighting for the men and women in the fire fighter and paramedic professions.

The day also included recognition of two of three new Locals this year that are present at the convention, Boone and Eden. Outgoing PFFPNC President David Anders was presented with a plaque and thanked for his nearly three decades of service to the organization.

Day 2 also included presentations from representatives from the D.C. Burn Foundation.

The convention will conclude after morning business and elections on Wednesday.