November 2025 PA Fire Police Association Newsletter

PA Fire Police Association Newsletter - November 2025

The November 2025 PAFPA newsletter emphasizes emergency responder safety amidst a rise in struck-by incidents, details the new workers' compensation coverage for Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) for PA first responders, announces a new grant application, and provides essential organizational and meeting details. A major article highlights the publication of a new helmet standard specifically for pedestrian roadway workers.

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Quick Highlights Below

Roadway Safety & Struck-by Incidents

• The newsletter addresses the alarming frequency of "Officer Struck by Vehicle" incidents.

• As of November 2025, 28 Emergency Responders have lost their lives while helping others this year, with 9 of those lives lost in the past month.

• Members are urged to watch each other's backs and stay aware while on roads and highways.

• Taking a TIM's class (Traffic Incident Management) is suggested as a way to avoid complacency.

New Protective Helmet Standard

• The Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) heralded the publication of ASTM E3422/E3422M-24, the Standard Specification for Protective Helmets Worn by Pedestrian Roadway Workers, as a "game changer".

• This is the first standard to specify requirements for a helmet designed to mitigate impacts at roadway incident responses.

• The new standard is appropriate for a wide range of roadway workers, including fire service, EMS, law enforcement, fire police, and towing/recovery.

• Current structural firefighting helmets and hardhats are primarily designed for falling objects to the top of the head, not the side or rear impacts common in struck-by incidents.

• As of the newsletter's publication, no helmets on the market have been certified to this new standard, and manufacturers are being encouraged to design one.

• Between 2019 and 2023, 251 emergency responders lost their lives at roadway incidents.

Support for PA First Responders

• As of the week of publication, Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) is officially covered under workers' compensation for firefighters and other first responders across Pennsylvania.

• This new coverage was announced by the Office of the PA Governor to ensure first responders "can access the care and coverage they deserve".

Association Updates

• New Grant Application: The association will post a new grant application on its website this month, offering three $1,000.00 grants to county associations. Applications are due by March 31, 2026.

• Next Meeting: The next meeting is on Sunday, November 16, 2025, with lunch at Noon and the meeting at 1:00 PM. It will be held at the Montgomery County Ft. Washington Fire Company. Members can also join online via Zoom.

• President's Message: Outgoing President Bill Spaeth thanked members and announced he would continue to serve on the Board and committees, with Jim Hoerner being the incoming President.

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