contents MAY/JUNE 2011 JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS/VOL 94. NO. 3 FEATURES

ON THE COVER:

IAFF Fights Back Campaign efforts begin to pay off ...... 14

IAFF and local leaders prevail Beware of ICMA Consulting P. 26 against anti-union employer Affiliates should be wary of skewed data ...... 24

IAFF Prevails in Guardian Policy Cases General President’s Message Turning the Tide...... 3 International obtains justice for local leaders ...... 26 General Secretary-Treasurer’s Message We Must Protect this House...... 5

Letters to the Editor ...... 6

Local Scene ...... 8

Always on the Frontline ...... 30

Across the IAFF ...... 36

Fully Involved ...... 42

On the Road ...... 46

Retirees ...... 47 P. 12 Memphis media and politicos suit up for Fire Ops In Memoriam/Last Alarm ...... 50

On The Cover New York City fire fighters march across the Brooklyn Bridge for a rally against fire company closures proposed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Federal elections result in change for Canadian government P. 34

2 May/June 2011 From the General President Turning the Tide any of you have been engaged in the pensions wouldn’t have been far behind if the closing 20 fire political and legislative battles of your bill had passed. Anti-worker lawmakers didn't companies. I was Mlives this year across the United States. stop there. They also tried to take away the proud to rally with For more than four months, the IAFF has collective bargaining rights of supervisory the members of helped our affiliates wage a war in response to employees and eliminate the ability of fire Local 94 and Local the onslaught launched by the extremists who fighters to negotiate over staffing, but the AFFI 854 on June 3 to let want to blame you for the stock market crash defeated both measures. And while lawmakers the mayor know we and revenue crunch that has hit jurisdictions did make modest workers’ comp reforms, our will not let him across the country. And they want to eliminate state association defeated attempts to remove further jeopardize your rights on the job, your right to free speech fire fighter occupational disease presumption the safety of our and right to due process in the name of “fixing language from the state workers comp statute. members or the the crisis” while they extend tax cuts to their In Oklahoma, an effort to weaken collective lives of citizens in corporate executive friends. bargaining failed. The Professional Fire Fighters New York City. Harold A. Together, we have used every means possible of Oklahoma and our affiliates there worked In New Schaitberger to fight back, and today I can proudly report tirelessly to defeat SB 826, which was an attack Hampshire, our that, while some attacks continue to be on the binding arbitration of fire fighters. members are launched our way, our efforts together are In Michigan, voters on May 3 rejected ballot working to defeat SB 3 and HB 2 to protect the paying off. initiatives in Jackson and Harper Woods that retirement security and health care of fire In Wisconsin, a circuit court judge on May would have allowed those cities to consolidate fighters and other public workers. 26 struck down the law to take away collective the jobs of fire fighters and law enforcement In Nebraska, our sisters and brothers worked bargaining rights from many public workers in by shifting to public safety officers. until the very last hour of their state's that state. That victory in the courts may be In Florida, the Florida Professional legislative session to preserve collective temporary because the legal fight is far from Firefighters foiled multiple anti-worker bargaining. The momentum of their over, but it is incredibly significant because the measures, defeating dues deduction, watering opponents was fueled by their anti-union fight in Wisconsin was our first major battle. down Governor Rick Scott’s pension reform governor, but our members worked with their Wisconsin fire fighters and paramedics are and protecting defined benefit pensions. allies to broker a compromise that -- while not also assisting efforts to recall six Republican In Tennessee, our members faced a wave of perfect — everyone agreed they could live state senators who helped Governor Scott bills that threatened their political activity. with. But they know their opponents won't Walker strip away the collective bargaining Tennessee lawmakers tried to limit payroll stand on the sidelines during the next rights of most public workers. They are doing deduction and bar unions from contributing legislative session and that more fights are on this even though the governor preserved their to political campaigns. Our sisters and the horizon. collective bargaining rights by carving them brothers succeeded this year, but the threat is We must also be wary of potential threats to out of his bill. certain to return. our sisters and brothers in Canada, where the In Alabama, a federal judge on May 20 We have proven that together we can fight Conservative Party solidified its grip on power granted the IAFF’s request for a preliminary and win. Together we can influence the in the May 2 federal elections. While the New injunction restraining the cities of Mobile and outcome of these debates in state capitals. Democratic Party, labor's traditional ally, Jacksonville from continuing to apply a law But we aren’t done yet. More fights are surpassed expectations by winning 102 seats, recently enacted in that state that violated our coming. the Conservative Party captured a majority members’ Constitutional rights once again. One of our most important battles is the government by winning 167 of 308 seats in The state statute made it illegal to arrange ongoing fight in Ohio. We have a major fight the House of Commons. This is in addition to for public employee payroll deductions for ahead there to repeal SB 5, the law supported an ongoing shift to the right in many union dues unless the labor organization does by anti-worker Governor John Kasich, who provinces and increasing anti-union rhetoric not use the dues for broadly considered wants to strip collective bargaining rights from from provincial conservative leaders. “political activity,” including mere references all public workers in the state. We are also fighting back in Washington, to candidates for state and local offices. Our members are participating in a statewide DC. On April 26, we announced a freeze on We initially filed this suit under the IAFF effort to gather signatures so SB 5 can be placed contributions from FIREPAC to federal Guardian Policy on behalf of Cullman Local on the ballot and repealed in November. candidates and federal parties, party 2644 and Decatur Local 1437. But after the This is a major undertaking. More than committees and the super PACs that support IAFF sought a preliminary injunction, the 230,000 valid signatures must be collected by them. Our enemies are trying to destroy us cities of Cullman and Decatur agreed to June 30 for the referendum to get on the ballot. with their waves of anti-union legislation in maintain dues deductions and those two cities But our sisters and brothers are mobilizing in the statehouses, but too few of our friends are were voluntarily dismissed from the court Ohio like never before because SB 5 is a standing up and fighting for us. So with the action. We know our opponents are trying to dangerous bill that eliminates the right of fire full support of our union’s Executive Board, silence the voices of our members in fighters to negotiate health and safety standards. we turned off the spigot. Alabama’s political arena, and the federal In Michigan, our members remain on high We will focus our efforts in the states, where judge’s preliminary injunction is a meaningful alert as Governor Rick Snyder seems bound many of you are fighting for your lives. step in this legal fight. and determined to saddle his cities with I know we will be able to claim even more On Memorial Day the Associated Fire Fighters emergency financial managers, who have legislative victories in the coming months as of Illinois (AFFI) celebrated a huge victory unilateral authority to abrogate contracts as we remain focused on the fights in your state when the speaker of the Illinois House they assume full control over cities. capitals. announced that he would pull the plug on In New York state and New York City, our Our work is paying off, but it is not over. legislation forcing most government workers to members are keeping a watchful eye on their Let’s keep fighting. pay significantly more for their pensions, elected officials. In the New York General following a major grassroots effort by our Assembly, lawmakers are threatening to members to derail the bill. Fire fighters weren’t further weaken pensions. In New York City, included in the measure, but an attack on their Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed

International Fire Fighter 3 INTERNATIONAL

Harold A. Schaitberger General President Harold A. Schaitberger, Editor Thomas H. Miller General Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Zack, Supervising Editor IAFF EXECUTIVE BOARD 10th District James T. Ferguson Jane Blume Bill Glanz 1st District 3029 Buchanan Street Director of Communications, Director of Public Affairs and Kevin Gallagher San Francisco, CA 94123-4201 Managing Editor Media Relations 2004 E. 29th Street (415) 760-8063 (Cell) (415) 474-4121 (Fax) Brooklyn, NY 11229 Kristin Craine, Staff Writer Kristin Davis, Graphic Artist (718) 934-4933 (Office) 11th District (917) 767-9639 (Cell) Sandy McGhee Tim Burn, Staff Writer Mesha Williams, New Media Assistant (718) 332-0001 (Fax) 1283 S. Detroit Avenue Cindy Payne, Administrative Assistant 2nd District Tulsa, OK 74120 Craig Renfro, Advertising Director • (972) 416-9782 • [email protected] Mark Woolbright (918) 599-8176 (Office) (918) 855-8228 (Cell) 115 McMennamy Road Periodical postage paid at Washington, DC Postmasters send changes of address to (918) 599-9176 (Fax) and additional mailing offices. IAFF St. Peters, MO 63376 1750 New York Avenue NW (314) 393-9755 (Cell) Published bi-monthly. 12th District Washington, D.C. 20006 (636) 397-1572 (Office) Larry Osborne Subscription price $18 per year. (636) 397-3809 (Fax) 8743 Ricardo Lane International Fire Fighter Jacksonville, FL 32216-3536 (ISSN 0020-6733) 3rd District Official publication of and © Copyright A. Michael Mullane (904) 641-5407 (Home) (904) 219-8656 (Cell) 2011 by the 50 North Bayfield Road INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF North Quincy, MA 02171 13th District FIRE FIGHTERS® Printed in USA (617) 328-7202 (Home) Bruce Carpenter (617) 288-2100 (Office) 12 Lockview Crescent Publications Mail Agreement No. 1492438 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: P.O. Box 503 RPO West Beaver Creek St. Catharines, ON L2M 2T3 4th District Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6 (905) 687-2455 (Cell) William V. Taylor 206 Inlet Drive 14th District INTERNATIONAL STAFF Danny Todd Pasadena, MD 21122 Peter L. Gorman Chief of Staff Kelli Tucker 3740 Northcliffe Drive (410) 317-5546 (Office) Jim Lee Chief of Operations President of Auxiliary to the IAFF (443) 324-2529 (Cell) Memphis, TN 38128 Baldwin Robertson Legal Counsel (512) 587-0413 (410) 317-5548 (Fax) (901) 377-6549 (Home) [email protected] Rich Duffy Assistant to the General 5th District 15th District www.aiaff.com President for Occupational Health Father Thomas Mulcrone Joseph M. Conway Jr. James A. Fennell Safety and Medicine IAFF Chaplain 821 Williamson Street 181 Ellerdale Street Jeff Zack Assistant to the General IAFF Headquarters Office Madison, WI 53703-3547 St. John East, NB E2J 2L8 President for Media, 1750 New York Ave. NW (608) 257-2030 (Office) (506) 693-9710 (Home) Communications and Information (506) 658-2955 (Office/Station) Technology Washington DC 20006 6th District (202) 737-8484 (Office) Scott Marks Assistant to the Lorne West 16th District (202) 737-8418 (Fax) General President for Canadian James B. Johnson IAFF Canadian Office Box 581 Stn. Ft. Langley Operations Langley, BC Canada V1M2R9 3195 Dayton-Xenia Road 350 Sparks St. Suite 403 Suite 900-303 Lori Moore-Merrell Assistant to (604) 574-5785 (Office) Ottawa Ontario Canada K1R7S8 Beavercreek, OH 45434-6390 the General President for Member (604) 868-8730 (Cell) (613) 567-8988 (Office) (202) 360-1318 (Cell) Services, Technical Assistance and (604) 513-9884 (Fax) (613) 567-8986 (Fax) (937) 429-5536 (Fax) Information Resources IAFF Alumni Coordinator 7th District Patrick J. Morrison Assistant to the Dominick Barbera Ricky Walsh TRUSTEES General President for Education (786) 423-1401(Cell) P.O. Box 5604 Mark S. Ouellette Training and Human Relations (954) 434-3850 (Home/Office) West Richland, WA 99353 2681 Sicily Drive Kevin O’Connor Assistant to the IAFF Burn Foundation General President for (509) 627-2872 (Office) New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 (202) 824-8620 (509) 999-3090 (Cell) (603) 422-5081 (Cell) Governmental and Public Policy (509) 627-3134 (Fax) Don Copley Assistant to the Alex Forrest General Secretary-Treasurer for 8th District 303-83 Garry Street Budget and Finance Paul Hufnagel Winnipeg MB R3C-419 Canada (204) 783-1733 (Office) 2545 Oxford Road Send your address changes to [email protected] Lansing, MI 48911-1036 (204) 791-4980 (Cell) (517) 281-2832 (Cell) (204) 255-0383 (Home) EMERITI OFFICERS Dominick C. DiPaulo (204) 253-0496 (Station) (517) 484-7744 (Home) President Emeritus Robert E. Palmer (204) 772-2531 (Fax) Charles L. Buss 9th District Alfred K. Whitehead Anthony Mejia Gerald O. Holland Randall (Randy) Atkinson Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus 3451 Julian Avenue Michael J. Crouse 7964 South Pennsylvania Drive Long Beach, CA 90808 Frank A. Palumbo Littleton, CO 80122 Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass (562) 989-3667 (Office) Vice President Emeritus (303) 738-9338 (Home) Terry A. Ritchie (562) 212-2055 (Cell) Charley Hall (303) 880-1329 (Cell) Dominick F. Barbera Russell P. Cerami GENERAL COUNSEL Trustee Emeritus James L. Hill Thomas Woodley William McGrane Elliott Hastings Woodley & McGillivary Dennis Lloyd John K. Stephens 4 May/June 2011 From the General Secretary-Treasurer

We Must Protect This House, and You Must Protect Yours

he political weather has been pretty win if we stay together and organized. given that this rough lately. In fact, it looks like we With that in mind, your local should have bonding adds an Tare in the middle of one of the most received an important memo from me important layer difficult and threatening climates for the regarding the IAFF blanket bond renewal. of protection to future of our profession than at any time This is extremely important information your local’s during my 43 years in the calling. All about how to protect the collective hard-earned Americans are facing tough economic resources of your brothers and sisters. assets. Some times, reorganizing their finances and The IAFF Master Bonding Plan provides recommend perhaps rethinking long-term plans. protection of funds of local unions and bonding at a Fire fighters are no different, and the IAFF state and provincial associations. The plan much higher is in the same boat as well. That is why I has been adopted for another three-year percentage; the feel such a sense of duty and honor to be term ending on April 1, 2014. Under this more bonding the IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer at plan, each officer and member is bonded purchased the this time in our proud history. It is a scary (insured) in the base amount of $5,000 — more assets are Thomas H. Miller time, with our opponents seemingly an amount paid for by the IAFF. This protected. That’s coming at us from all sides, trying to get at provides a minimum of coverage for the a decision your local secretary-treasurer our pensions, curtail our bargaining power recovery of lost funds or other property, should make very carefully. and whittle away all that we as individuals including misuse of credit cards through Filing a claim on money lost from the and a union have worked so hard to create. the failure of employees or officers to act treasury is no walk in the park. You will not They will fail in the end because we are responsibly. get a check in the mail immediately after smarter, stronger and we will stay together The key thing here is that this is a calling to report lost funds. Insurance long after the public tires of our opponents’ minimum, and if you think about it, may companies that pay out to cover losses “bright ideas” and cynical agenda. not be enough to cover a financially reserve the right to take all legal and The key for us is to stay focused on the devastating loss. The IAFF strongly necessary steps to find the money and mission in front of us. As I enter the second recommends that affiliates purchase anybody involved in its journey. year of my tour as IAFF General bonding to the tune of 10 percent of total Careful steps must be taken in order to see Secretary-Treasurer, I am forging ahead assets. Any amount above the $5,000 the a claim to a satisfying conclusion. For with my mission to retool our operation by IAFF already provides must be paid for by example, a police report may be requested finding efficiencies, making improvements the local. if funds are believed to have been stolen. and using new technology to make sure we This may seem like a lot of money, but the The insurance company expects the local to are operating in the right mode. size of any added premium your affiliate actively participate in any investigation of Some of these changes have already taken would pay pales in comparison to the the funds and may also ask you to place and some are continuing efforts. Most trouble that can befall any small participate in prosecution. This is just a recently, we have taken steps to provide our organization where people handle piece of it. Be smart and make sure to Executive Board minutes electronically. substantial sums of money. document everything. Saving time, money and trees, this is most To give you a sense for how much For more information about the bonding certainly a win-win-win. bonding for 10 percent of assets might cost, process, e-mail Schoenfeld at In addition, you will see major changes to here is a sample formula: if you’re local [email protected]. the General Secretary-Treasurer’s section of maintains liquid assets of about $30,000 Insurance and bonding may not make for the IAFF web site and has dues, rental and other income the most exciting reading, but trust me, (www.iaff.org/union/gst.html). The totaling $70,000 that adds up to $100,000 there is nothing better than knowing that overarching theme here is that we are doing in total assets. Good bonding protection for your fire fighters are protected. This level of double duty to make sure that our per that $100,000 would be 10 percent, or security will no doubt make it a lot easier capita is being used as effectively and $10,000. for you and other local leaders to focus on efficiently as possible. To have those assets bonded at 10 percent other pressing matters. While we tidy things up at headquarters, I by our insurance company, Schoenfeld hope and expect that you are doing the Insurance Associates, Inc., would cost $24 same at your local. I know it’s hard to pay per month for a three-year premium. the bills and clean house when folks are That is really not a lot — less than the throwing the kitchen sink at you, but we cost of a daily cup of coffee — especially

International Fire Fighter 5 Letters

Fighting Back the actions of the Republican seeing “our man” out front business told you how long Party — a party I have been a and pushing back. you would work and how Dear President Schaitberger: registered member of for 30 much you would get paid. On behalf of my district and years — has done nothing but Fraternally, Forget retirements, health home state, I send all of you enrage hard-working men care or days of vacation. We sincere congratulations and and women in public service. Barry Rudolph are headed back to the thanks for the Special Edition I don’t buy into any of these Columbia, California company store, only it is of the International Fire carve outs. We must stand CDF Firefighters Local 2881 called Wal-Mart. Fighter. With the exception of together, for to be carved Fight Mr. Schaitberger. editions related to September 11, 2001, I believe that this is out today is to delay the Keep Up the Battle Make this an issue of rich the most significant issue in inevitable next year or the man verses the working class, my 43 years of membership. year after. Divide and Dear President Schaitberger: because this is exactly what it It should be read conquer…well you know I cannot stress how is all about. We are the cover-to-cover by every what, I don’t buy it. important it is that the IAFF government workers standing member. As a registered Republican, join the labor fight taking up for our fellow citizens’ IAFF efforts such as these, I am ashamed of my party’s place. What needs to be rights to fair labor practices. and the resource materials behavior and attempt to stressed is that as government This isn’t about calling in made available, encourage take away my hard-fought employees, we are still sick; this is about risking and embolden our members rights! I’ve stood and faced working for our citizens. We one’s job to fight for a better and leaders. We are taking the the devil fire nearly every are standing up to big way of life for all. Chamber [of Commerce] in summer here in the West, and business and the rich who Florida head-on, and undoubtedly protected homes desire to become richer by Sincerely, standing up to a of those who now have stopping any fair employee Scott H. Dobbins mean-spirited, extremist turned their back on me and practices. President governor and legislative my family. The battles taking place are Marietta, GA Local 1460 leadership. As I approach the end of my not about budgets, they are We are still winning career, I take great offense to about a power grab, returning Don’t Give In elections and arbitrations, what I am seeing: the repeated to the days prior to the Fair and aggressively pursuing message that I am what is Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Dear President Schaitberger: litigation on several fronts. wrong with this country. I am Big business is on the hunt for Thank you! As a retired fire Due to IAFF efforts, our made to feel more evil than ways to make more money for fighter from Livermore/ adversaries are becoming the Taliban we fight every day. the top, not for their Pleasanton, CA Local 1974, I increasingly aware that they I say nonsense! It is time to employees. Big business has am feeling unsure in these are in a fight with folks who fight back! outsourced as many union times. I have been retired for don’t run away. The easy thing would be to jobs as they can. Now they are four years and am concerned relinquish my party affiliation attacking the government about the solvency of our Respectfully and Fraternally, and switch sides. NO! I say we unions because they cannot pension system. Larry Osborne muster every IAFF member to outsource these vital positions. I hear that public employees IAFF 12th District register as a Republican if they Does anyone believe that big are the cause of our problems, Vice President aren’t already and demand the business would have any form but when private companies platform changes from of benefits without the were doing well, our pay was within. Fire fighters by nature unions? Unions fought for viewed as a pittance. Now Demand Platform Changes are mostly conservative in these benefits. When it that things are bad for them, their values and politics; we became the norm, other they want what we have Dear President Schaitberger: are a voice to be heard by businesses had to match in worked and bargained so I just finished watching your those who represent us. I’ll be order to hire the best many years for. remarks on television with damned if any of my local employees. We are servants and they Chuck Todd [Chief White Republican representatives are For years we have watched have been blood suckers. We House Correspondent for going to get a pass. They will as good jobs have been deserve what we have. Please NBC News and co-host of start hearing from us outsourced to make sure we are protected. If “The Daily Rundown”] and I “Republicans” soon here on dictatorship-controlled slave my retirement is taken or want you to know that as a the local level. markets. Has this benefited reduced, it will affect my frontline fire fighter here in The IAFF is strong and we America? No, it benefits the entire family’s lives. California I completely agree can make a difference rich, the people at the top. with and support your working together. Now they are attacking the Sincerely, comments. I just wanted to let you unions because their desire is Tim Simpkins You are most correct in that know that I really appreciated to return to a time when a Retired

6 | LETTERS May/June 2011 Thanks for SAFER Helping the Sick were very much appreciated by all of us here in Christchurch. Have a great Dear President Schaitberger: Dear President Schaitberger: As a fire fighter in picture to share? On behalf of all the members The Uniformed Fire Officers Christchurch and a resident, I of Yonkers, NY Local 628, I Association (UFOA) of New can report that our City and Send your photos to would like to express our York Local 854 represents more brigade is slowly returning to [email protected] for the “Picture sincerest gratitude for your than 2,500 lieutenants, captains, some resemblance of normality. of the Day” on Facebook. support of the Yonkers Fire battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, Our central City and many of The IAFF is also looking for Department’s Staffing for supervising fire marshals and our suburbs will never be the firehouse recipes. Adequate Fire and Emergency medical officers in the New same and our communities are Response (SAFER) grant York City Fire Department. still hurting. However, the application. Every one of them joins the support given by our overseas Correction As you know, on January 28, UFOA Executive Board in brothers and sisters has helped 2011, the Yonkers Fire thanks and praise for your enormously. In the November-December Department was awarded a devotion to the sick and dying The commitment of your issue, in the chart of IAFF SAFER grant in the amount of first responders in the World members is as excellent Member Candidates for $4.8 million over two years. Trade Center catastrophe. It was demonstration of the unity and Public Office on page 16, Bill These funds will allow the fire a long struggle to win approval camaraderie that has been Oldham, Memphis Local department to rehire the of what came to be known as promoted by the formation of 1784, was not included in remaining 16 fire fighters who the Zadroga bill, but you the Global Alliance. the listing. Brother Oldham were laid off in July 2010. I am persevered, and you worked Interestingly, and as an aside, was elected sheriff of Shelby pleased to inform you that all tirelessly to resolve doubts and it is worthwhile to note that the County, Tennessee. 16 laid-off fire fighters have questions about the bill. And at countries of all of the founding been re-hired by the City and the end, all that effort produced Unions of the Global Alliance have returned to work. a victory that had often looked — the IAFF, United Firefighters Thank you for your leadership like another disappointment, Union of Australia (UFU) and managing the incident proved on all fire fighter issues, but another defeat. the Fire Brigades Union of the to us once again just how most importantly for your We have a motto at the UFOA United Kingdom (FBU) — sent beneficial it is for our fire unrelenting work in expanding that was especially adopted for USAR teams to assist us. fighters to train with the SAFER program and for elected officials who strongly Once again, my grateful instructors as qualified and ensuring that Congress and the support our most critical issue thanks. knowledgeable as yours. president provide sufficient — Fire Officers Remember in It is easy to compliment their funding to the program so that September and November. Kind regards, classroom skills and the City of Yonkers and many Steve Warner controlled-situation training, other deserving fire Respectfully, National President but live events, such as the one departments can receive an Captain Alexander Hagan New Zealand Professional we faced, truly prove how award and get fire fighters back President, UFOA Local 854 Firefighters Union valuable it is for our fire fighters to work. Deputy Chief Richard Alles to learn from and train Thank you also to the team at National Legislative Director alongside these IAFF the IAFF, without whose help HazMat Skills instructors. I am sure the skill Yonkers Local 628 could not set they bring and pass on to have secured the vital funding Global Support Dear President Schaitberger: our fire fighters will allow us to that our department will On April 14, 2011, St. Louis accomplish high-hazard receive through the SAFER Dear President Schaitberger: County, Missouri, was incidents in the days and years grant program. I would like to thank you for presented with the challenge of to come. In closing, I would like you to your letter of support to all of handling a serious hazardous We appreciate their time and know that the Yonkers fire our members. I would also like materials incident. While we effort, and as always we thank fighters have always appreciated to thank our brothers and never look forward to dealing you for providing these your past support of Local 628, sisters from your membership with any HazMat event, the invaluable resources to us. and we are especially grateful who came to our assistance situation presented proved to for your important support of after the devastating earthquake be beneficial for our staff in Sincerely, the SAFER program and our in Christchurch. many ways. K.J. Spurlock successful SAFER grant As you know, a USAR team We were very lucky to have Battalion Chief Training application. from Los Angeles attended to your IAFF instructors — Frank Officer give huge support to our Berjog and Tony Franz — as Professional Fire Fighters Fraternally yours, members both from the USAR their expertise and advanced of Eastern Missouri Local 2665 Barry B. McGoey teams and Christchurch fire training in hazardous materials President, Local 628 fighters. The commitment, aided us in the handling of a expertise and straight-up dangerous situation. The way in friendliness of your members which these men assisted in

Email your letters to [email protected] OR mail them to: Letters to the Editor, c/o International Fire Fighter 1750 New York Ave NW Washington DC 20006

International Fire Fighter LETTERS | 7 Local Scene we think fire fighter Nicholas Sposato, who Los Alamos Collective Bargaining Rights Protected has positioned himself as the average ‘Joe candidate,’ offers the best alternative.” he Court of Appeals of the State of to and including termination. Sposato’s quest for City Council did not New Mexico has upheld a previous Both Martinez and Dickman left the Los begin in this race; he started his campaign Tdistrict court ruling, protecting the Alamos Fire Department in less than two four years ago when he challenged longtime collective bargaining rights of Los years. At which time, the County claimed Alderman and political powerbroker Alamos, NM Local 3279 members. they had violated the contract and were William J.P. Banks. While he lost that race, “Once again, the collective bargaining subject to disciplinary action. Sposato anticipated that Banks, who had the rights of our members have been upheld,” “Our position was that the contracts backing of then-Mayor Richard Daley, says New Mexico Professional Fire were not valid because they were not would likely retire or step down before the Fighters President Emily Kane. “This is a negotiated through the union,” says Local 2011 elections. To prepare for the 2011 race, he attended the IAFF’s Political Training great victory for all New Mexico workers.” 3279 President Flavio Martinez. Under Academy in 2010. True to Sposato’s The County of Los Alamos has a the state’s Public Employee Bargaining prediction, Banks stepped down last year contract with Los Alamos National Act (PEBA) and the County Labor and his former driver, John Rice, was Laboratory which is required to have a Management Relations Ordinance, appointed to the seat, setting up the certain number of paramedics on site. employers must bargain in good faith on showdown for this year’s election. The County offered its fire fighters an all wages, hours and other terms and Sposato had the strong backing of Chicago opportunity to train for those positions. conditions of employment. Local 2, as well as support from IAFF In 2007, Local 3279 members John Paul Local 3279 filed a grievance alleging FIREPAC. “I truly believe that I could not have Martinez and Michael Dickman agreed to that the County was in violation of PEBA been elected if it hadn’t been for the support of participate. and the County ordinance that require the fire fighters,” says Sposato. “The knowledge Without discussion with Local 3279, the bargaining when it comes to conditions I gained at the IAFF Political Training County required Martinez and Dickman of employment. Academy, the campaign support and the to sign contracts. The case went to district court where financial assistance — all of it played a key part The contracts provided that the County the court determined that paramedic in my victory. I am very thankful for all of it.” would allow training participants to training contracts are subject to Sposato’s immediate plans are to follow continue their employed paid status and mandatory bargaining and that the up on his campaign promises to have an would receive a per diem for lodging, County cannot unilaterally enter into open door policy for the citizens of the meals and travel. In return the such contracts without including the 36th Ward, to maintain the high level of participants were expected to remain fire union in its negotiations. fire and EMS protection and to increase the fighter/paramedics with the County for at Los Alamos County appealed the ruling number of police officers. least two years after completion of the to the Court of Appeals. After listening to “Thankfully, fire staffing is currently where it training program. A breach of contract testimony, the court upheld the district should be in my ward, but I’ll be watching to would be subject to disciplinary action up court’s ruling. n make sure it stays that way,” says Sposato. n

Local 2 Fire Fighter Elected Ryan. “Nick has worked tirelessly on behalf of Seattle City Council Passes to Chicago City Council the union from day one. Now with him in Resolution to Support public office, I know he’ll not only make a big Public Employees difference for the fire fighters, but also for the icholas Sposato, an 18-year member citizens of the 36th Ward.” of IAFF Local 2, won a seat on s attacks against public employees In the run-off, once a bastion of the City’s NChicago’s City Council April 5 with and unions continue to make news famed Democratic machine, Sposato tallied a convincing victory over incumbent John Aacross the country, one major U.S. 5,629 votes to Rice’s 4,378, a 56.3 percent to Rice, who was appointed to the seat last year city is supporting fire fighters and other 43.7 percent margin. In the and had the backing of union workers. The Seattle City Council February six-way primary, he Chicago’s newly elected mayor unanimously passed Resolution 31271 to finished second to Rice, but Rahm Emanuel. All told, honor and support public employees, without more than 50 percent of declaring March 8, 2011, as “Public one-third of Chicago’s 50 the vote for Rice, a run-off was Council members were new required. The four other candidates Employee Appreciation Day” in the City. when sworn in on May 16. in the primary all endorsed Sposato “Both labor and management have worked “I commend Nick on his victory in the run-off. From the February hard to develop and maintain a good and the work that Local 2 did to primary to the run-off, he got 2,256 working relationship, especially over the last get him elected,” says IAFF more votes, while Rice garnered 10 years,” says Seattle Local 27 President General President Harold 2,378 less votes, which — with a Kenny Stuart. “The Seattle fire fighters applaud the City for taking such a proactive Schaitberger. “It’s never easy Nicholas Sposato lower turnout — proved to be the when you take on a political margin for victory. approach to dealing with the current climate. machine, but Nick and the local showed that In the February primary, both of Chicago’s Stuart adds, “Our City is faced with its fair anything is possible when you put mind, newspapers endorsed Sposato. The Chicago share of budget issues. But rather than blame muscle and money behind a candidate.” Tribune stated, “Our choice is fire fighter us, they thanked us for our service and our This campaign victory makes Sposato the Nicholas Sposato, who gets credit for his dedication to making a stronger Seattle.” first Local 2 member elected to the Chicago neighborhood activism.” The Chicago Sun Working with the City to weather the City Council. “This is truly a historic moment Times noted, “For those anxious for a change, economic storm, Local 27 agreed to give up for our local,” says Local 2 President Tom automatic cost-of-living increases. Other

8 | LOCAL SCENE May/June 2011 “Both labor and eliminate collective bargaining in the state established to launch a concerted effort to of Washington. n reach out to all Ohio IAFF affiliates. management have worked “With all of the challenges we face with the current governor and his regime, now more hard to develop and IAFF Locals Re-affiliate With OAPFF than ever it is important to show our solidarity,” says Sanders. “Our brothers and maintain a good working sisters in northeastern Ohio have shown that relationship, especially over n a historic turn of events, four IAFF we will continue to stand together to defeat affiliates in the Cleveland Metro area have attacks against our careers and families.” the last 10 years.” Ire-affiliated with the Ohio Association of This is a courageous stand by the members Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF). Cleveland of these locals who have chosen to reunite Seattle Local 27 President Kenny Stuart Heights Local 402 started the ball rolling with with the OAPFF. “For years, the separation of a vote in March to reunify. Mentor Local 1845 these locals has stood out as a exception to the unions and employees have made similar and Euclid Local 337 soon followed. solidarity of professional fire fighters in concessions to preserve jobs. Cleveland Local 93 members voted to return Ohio,” notes OAPFF Secretary Treasurer The City Council recognized those efforts to the OAPFF on April 14. Hailing the Mark Horton — himself a fire fighter from and gave public employees the deserved decisions as “great news,” OAPFF President northeast Ohio who recently retired from recognition for their work and commitment. Mark Sanders says, “This will bring our IAFF Elyria Local 474. “Today we, as an The resolution specifically states the Seattle affiliates back home.” organization, stand stronger than ever before City Council’s support for the rights of The timing is not coincidental, as the OAPFF having resolved our differences, committed to public employees to organize and bargain has been working for a few years with the protecting our proud profession." collectively, as well as the Council's leadership of these locals. At the 2010 OAPFF The OAPFF is looking forward to working opposition to any attempt to restrict or Conference, a Re-Affiliation Committee was with Cleveland Local 93 President Tom Lally, Euclid Local 337 President Tim O’Neill, Cleveland Heights Local 402 President John Houston Fire Fighters Host Fire Fighter Camp for Girls Thomas and Mentor Local 1845 President Dave Zalba and their Executive Boards. n ince the numbers of women in the fire service continue to be slow to rise, Springfield Local 152 Ssome Houston, TX Local 341 female fire fighters — who are part of a group called Endorsed Candidates Elected the Houston Fire Department Sirens — hosted their second successful Camp ll four Springfield, Missouri, City Houston Fire, a camp for junior and senior Council candidates endorsed by high school girls. ASpringfield Local 152 fire fighters “Sixty percent of our fire department’s won their seats in this year’s election. Doug women will be eligible for retirement in the Burlison, Cindy Rushefsky and Jerry next five years,” says Local 341 fire fighter Compton are incumbents. Tom Bieker is the Kim Phillips, a camp organizer. “We wanted only newcomer. to be more proactive in recruiting women.” “We are all living in a tough, economic Phillips and other members of the Houston climate,” says Local 152 President Shawn Fire Department Sirens promoted the camp Martin. “But despite community groups through area school guidance counselors. To pushing to reduce our benefits to address qualify for the camp, each girl had to some budget concerns, Burlison, Rushefsky maintain a certain grade point average, pass a and Compton stood by us. Bieker has also physical and write an essay. Approximately 20 promised to stand by us.” girls became campers this year. In 2009, the three incumbents supported the “The camp is set up very much like a Fire local’s .75 cent sales tax initiative. Once passed, Ops 101 — we didn’t make it easy,” says the money went to the underfunded Springfield Phillips. “We wanted to challenge the girls, Police and Fire Pension. After the tax money but still show them that they would be able to began coming in, the pension showed almost make it as fire fighters.” immediate signs of improvement. Camp Houston Fire is a weekend-long Still, some community groups emerged, Camp Houston Fire encourges high camp where campers get a taste of what it is pushing the City Council to implement school juniors and seniors to join the harsh reductions to fire fighter and police like to be a fire fighter. Girls are divided into ranks of female fire fighters. teams and are coached on how to properly benefits to offset the pension underfunding use fire service gear before completing a and other budget issues. Even under series of evolutions, including confined space to inspire other young ladies to choose fire pressure, Burlison, Rushefsky and Compton drills, search and rescue, live burns and fighting as a career. I think the more visible did not budge, saying that fire fighter forcible entry. women fire fighters become, the easier it will benefits were off limits. Among the campers who participated last be to recruit others.” To support the City Council candidate year, five are pursuing a career in the fire According to the International Association campaigns, Local 152 fire fighters created “Fire service. “That’s a 25 percent success rate,” of Women in Fire and Emergency Services, fighters for” signs for all four candidates, went says Phillips. “We hope that we can continue about 5 percent of fire fighters are women. n door-to-door, sent mailers and asked other labor unions to provide their support. n

International Fire Fighter LOCAL SCENE | 9 Local Scene Mission Fire Fighters Still, the City moved to suspend Gonzalez warranted. Bring Seven-Year Veteran indefinitely for the violations. This extreme The arbitrator agreed with Gonzalez, disciplinary action coincided with reducing his term of suspension to 10 days. Back to Work Gonzalez’s heavy involvement with a Since he had already been suspended for campaign to add Texas State Statute 174 to more than 10 days, it was further ruled that ccused of violating City policies, the City’s charter. If the campaign had Gonzalez should return to work and the Mission, TX Local 3609 member succeeded, it would have allowed fire City should pay back pay, less the period of AAlex Gonzalez was unfairly fighters to collectively bargain for safer suspension. suspended indefinitely nearly a year ago. working conditions, benefits and wages. The City filed an appeal to the District Both an arbitrator and the District Court “Until this, Gonzalez had a clean record Court of Hildago County, claiming that the of Hildago County, Texas, ruled that the with the fire department,” says Local 3609 arbitrator’s ruling was outside or exceeded disciplinary action against Gonzalez was, in President Mike Silva. “It was obvious to us his jurisdiction. Therefore, the City fact, too harsh and ordered that he be that the discipline’s severity was in requested that the court overturn the reinstated as a fire fighter. But, the City retaliation for his work on our campaign to arbitrator’s ruling. refuses and threatens to take the case to the implement Statute 174, an action many The District Court denied the City’s State Supreme Court. City leaders are against. To settle the request for appeal. The judge said that the Gonzalez was recommended for matter, we supported Gonzalez’s decision arbitrator did indeed act within his disciplinary action after he violated City to go to arbitration with the City.” jurisdiction and that his decision to allow policies by allowing an unauthorized During arbitration, Gonzalez admitted to Gonzalez to return to work after a 10-day person to visit the fire station and use his allowing an unauthorized civilian into the suspension should be upheld. swipe card to enter restricted areas of the firehouse and letting that same person use Still not satisfied, the City has appealed to station. There was a third allegation against his swipe card to view restricted areas. the Court of Appeals and has threatened to Gonzalez, but an arbitrator later However, he felt that “indefinite take the case all the way to the State determined it to be false because the suspension” was an inappropriate level of Supreme Court, if necessary. n witness lacked credibility. discipline and that a lesser punishment was

Recovering Fire Fighters Heal

AFF General President Harold Schaitberger visited IAFF members Ifrom Asbury Park, NJ Local 384 and Washington, DC Local 36 during their recovery from injuries sustained responding to recent fires. Asbury Park Local 384 fire fighter Jason Fazio was severely injured in an apartment fire with career-ending third degree burns and fractured bones. Schaitberger visited Fazio at St. Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston, IAFF General President Schaitberger and General Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Miller New Jersey. “He is lucky to be alive,” visited Washington, DC Local 36 members Charles Ryan (left) and Ramon Hounshell following their injuries suffered fighting a house fire. says Schaitberger. “It is important for our members to know that, through the rooms and anything else to help them IAFF, they have an extended fire fighter during the recovery period. family,” says Schaitberger. Fire fighters Theodore Douglas, IAFF members can send donations to Warren “Mike” Deavers, Robert assist with financial relief to: APFF Alvarado, Ramon Hounshell and Jason Fazio Fund, 800 Main Street, Charles Ryan were injured when the Asbury Park, NJ 07712. roof of the house collapsed. Douglas Along with IAFF General was treated and released the same day. Secretary-Treasurer Thomas H. Miller, Deavers’ injuries were serious enough to Schaitberger also visited Washington, warrant a two-day hospital stay. DC Local 36 members Charles Alvarado was also released and is “Chuckie” Ryan and Ramon Hounshell recovering well and Hounshell was sent who were among four Local 36 home after two skin-graph surgeries. members injured in a house fire. All With burns to 35 percent of his body, When Asbury Park, NJ Local 384 fire fighter Jason Fazio was severely injured in an were treated at the Burn Center at Ryan has had three surgeries and more apartment fire, General President Harold Washington Hospital Center. are expected. Schaitberger visited him at St. Barnabas Burn Washington, DC Firefighters Burn All are expected to recover and return Center in Livingston, New Jersey. The incident Foundation President Jason Woods says to work. n left him with career-ending third degree burns the Foundation provided support for and fractured bones. the families, including meals, hotel

10 | LOCAL SCENE May/June 2011 Canadian IAFF Locals Take It to the Top for Muscular Dystrophy

hat started as a unique fundraising idea by the members of WEdmonton, AB Local 209 in 2005 has spread to 10 affiliates across western Canada and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC). IAFF locals raised funds with “rooftop campouts” held during the winter and featuring fire fighters camped out on the rooftops of city firehalls for three- or four-day periods. Media attention spurred community donations, and money was also collected at roadside tolls adjacent to campout locations. In some cases, fire fighters collected donations by lowering a boot to ground level by rope. The campouts, which also raise awareness about neuromuscular disorders, often feature visits from politicians and other public figures. This year, 10 IAFF locals in Alberta and Manitoba held campouts for MDC. Edmonton Local 209 Vice President Paul McGonigal, who helped pioneer the campout concept as a MDC fundraiser, says he’s thrilled that other locals have picked up the idea to raise funds for the IAFF’s signature charity and welcomes other locals Clockwise, from top: Brandon, MB Local 803 members to join the cause. A late donation put braved frigid temperatures and raised $9,422 for Muscular Edmonton over its $60,000 fundraising total Dystrophy Canada with their Rooftop Campout. In Winnipeg, this year, and McGonigal calculates that the Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger visited Local 867 member local has raised nearly $310,000 for MDC Chad Swayze and other participants during their campout. Bottom, an MDC client says thanks and above, Spruce through its campouts since 2005. In Grove, AB Local 3021 members raised $16,000. addition, Local 209 has used the campouts to advance its relationships with local cure is found,” says Local 2461 member Shawn Rooks, politicians. Mike Nicholson. Trevor Bell “When you’ve got your mayor up there on Other Alberta locals holding campouts and Sheldon the roof and some of your city councillors, included Leduc Local 4739, which also held Reynolds braved temperatures as low as it’s a win-win for your local and for a “Fire on the Roof” Gala in conjunction -36°C during their campout, and wind chills Muscular Dystrophy,” says McGonigal. with its event and exceeded its fundraising as low as -49°C. Strathcona County, AB Local 2461 has target of $25,000, and St. Albert Local 2130, Local 803 President Wade Ritchie reports raised $21,000 with its campout. Three fire which auctioned a dinner served by fire excellent support from the City and from fighters and a dispatcher camped out for 72 fighters in conjunction with its campout and corporate sponsors, adding, “The foursome hours February 22-25, with two other teams raised close to $10,000. could not have reached their goal without participating for part of the time. Local 2461 In Winnipeg MB, four members of Local the help from their brothers and sisters of reports “complete buy-in” by members, the 867 were hoisted to the roof of Station 4 by Local 803.” fire chief, local businesses, the media and the aerial ladder and spent four days braving The members of Spruce Grove, AB Local community. bitter cold temperatures. The goal of the 3021 braved frigid temperatures for a great Meals were sponsored by local restaurants. four members — Chad Swayze, Robert cause when they camped out on the rooftop Guests to the rooftop included the mayor, Campbell, TJ Belluk and Joel Savard — was of the Spruce Grove Firehall. city councillors, provincial legislators and to raise $30,000 for MDC. The spirits of all involved in the frosty federal members of Parliament. Five local Winnipeg Local 867 President Alex Forrest fundraiser were warmed by a song and video families that have a family member living says the four members “suffered through created by local 3021 member Bryce with a neuromuscular disorder visited the snow, wind and minus 40 degree McNalley. The local raised $16,000. Strathcona County rooftop campout, temperatures.” Medicine Hat, AB Local 263 Fort McMurray helping fire fighters forge new relationships For their first-ever rooftop campout for AB Local 2494 and Grande Prairie AB Local with those in the community who benefit MDC, the members of Brandon, MB Local 2770 also participated. Numerous other from MDC and its services. 803 set a fundraising goal of $5,000, and Canadian IAFF locals raise funds for MDC “Strathcona County fire fighters have been surprised even themselves by almost through boot drives and other fundraising supporting Muscular Dystrophy since 1982, doubling that with donations totaling initiatives throughout the year. n and will continue to fight the fight until a $9,422. Brandon fire fighters Mike Lang,

International Fire Fighter LOCAL SCENE | 11 Local Scene Fire Fighters for a Day

Memphis Draws Politicians and Media for Fire Ops Event emphis, TN Local 1784 hosted a coverage. Participating and attending successful Fire Ops 101 at its fire were: Fox 13 Memphis Anchor Greg Coy; Mtraining center. All participating WREG Channel 3 Anchor George Brown; decision-makers and media Memphis Flyer reporter Lindsay Jones; representatives left with a greater and ABC 24 Reporter Shelvia Dancy. appreciation for fire and emergency Each participant completed four services and what it takes to be a fire scenarios, including treating a patient in fighter. full cardiac arrest, putting out a car fire, “We received a lot of great feedback,” extinguishing a live burn and extricating a says Local 1784 President Larry Anthony. car accident victim from a vehicle. n “Many commented on how they had a better understanding about why we need the resources we need.” California decision-makers learn first-hand He adds, “I really think the dangers of fire fighting. they came to understand that every person on the fire ground has a function. If Contra Costa Local 1230 one gets taken away, then Hosts Fire Ops the rest have to pick up the slack. That creates longer s Contra Costa, CA Local 1230 faces response times and a long resource reductions, fire fighters list of safety concerns.” Ahosted a Fire Ops 101 to educate In attendance were several decision-makers on the potential safety area decision-makers, risks if cuts are made. including: Tennessee State Local 1230 represents six fire districts and Senator Brian Kelsey; a fire department: Contra Costa County Tennessee State Fire Protection District; East Contra Costa Representative Karen Fire District; Moraga-Orinda Fire District; Camper; City of Memphis El Cerrito Fire District; Kensington Fire Council Member Jim District; Rodeo Hercules Fire District; and Strickland; and Chair of the the Pinole Fire Department. Shelby County Republican Each of the districts and the fire department Party Lang Wiseman. sent representatives to participate, including: Tennessee Professional Fire City of San Pablo Mayor Genoveva Galloway; Fighters Association East Contra Costa Fire District Board Lobbyist Kathleen Murphy members Chris Bechnel and Kevin Romick; also participated. Fire Ops participants were not cut any slack as they City of Pinole Mayor Debbie Long; performed typical fire fighter duties. In addition, the event Moraga-Orinda Fire District board members received exceptional news Dick Olsen, John Wyro and Bob Jungbluth; El Cerrito City Council members Bill Jones and Rebecca Benassini; Kensington Fire Participants’ fear of heights District board member Nina Ramsey; and were tested as they climbed a ladder truck during one Contra Costa County Board Supervisor Fire Ops scenario. Karen Mitchoff. One news reporter, John Sasaki, also took part. Local 1230 members served as guides through each evolution — search and rescue, live burn, auto extrication, EMS scenario and fire prevention. Several participants called the event an eye-opening experience. Fire District Board member Jungbluth said, “You can watch all kinds of movies that Hollywood produces, but you will never understand what’s going on until you go in there.” n

12 | LOCAL SCENE May/June 2011 Prince George’s County Local 1619 Hopes Fire Ops Leads to New Resources

rince George’s County, MD Local 1619 invited elected officials, community Pleaders and the media to be fire fighters for the day at the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute in College Park, Maryland. Some VIPs attending the Fire Ops included Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and Prince George’s County Council members Mary Lehman, Eric Olson, Andrea Community leaders, elected officials and the media suited up with protective gear before Harrison, Karen Toles and Mel Franklin. experiencing a live burn. "We are pleased that so many of our community leaders were able to get a taste of what it is like to be in our boots every day," says Local 1619 President Andrew Pantelis. “Their participation in these intense drills demonstrates their commitment to making Prince George’s County a safer place for their constituents and our members.” Some of the scenarios included extinguishing a vehicle fire, observing an indoor live burn and navigating through a dark, confined space training maze. Additionally, Local 1619 members demonstrated cardiac arrest response and fire response scenarios for participants to observe. Local 1619 members hope that the In addition to hands-on scenarios, participants also learned from watching cardiac arrest community leaders left with a better demonstrations and listening to safety instruction. understanding about why staffing needs to improve. The Prince George's County The proposed fiscal year 2012 budget funding increase from the previous year. The Fire/EMS Department currently has 765 fire includes $535 million in funding for public proposed budget also would increase fighters, but needs 1,200 to safely provide safety — including $115 million for the fire/EMS staffing to 778, as well as pay for 22 service to the County and its citizens. Fire/EMS Department — a 1.5 percent new pieces of equipment and ambulances.

IAFF Members on the Frontlines

First Lieutenant Phillip M. Broderick, 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company Lincoln, NE Local 644 member Jon Reed (left) is serving 1-168, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa National Guard (34th at COP Herrera in Afghanistan. Jon is very much in the Infantry Division, The Red Bull Division) is also a member of Des “thick of things” in terms of the fight there. In fact, a Moines, IA Local 4. All members of his platoon were given Local 4 suicide bomber recently attacked the camp. T-shirts to use during down time at their forward post in Afghanistan. www.iaff.org LOCAL SCENE | 13 Fighting Back State Attacks and oppose Scott’s anti-labor legislation. Even last-minute arm twisting by Scott and cross the United States, governors and Two potentially devastating bills were being Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll state lawmakers have set their sights considered by a Florida state legislature failed to sway the pro-fire fighter voting bloc, Aon destroying fire fighters and other dominated by Republicans. The Florida and SB 830 never made it to a floor vote. union workers. Chamber of Commerce also waged a nasty In addition, Scott was forced to dramatically “Elected leaders are using the economy as campaign against public employees. scale back his ambition to end pensions for an excuse to go after our members, other SB 830 was originally drafted to prohibit the state’s public employees and put them workers and other unions and attack from payroll deductions for any union dues and to into defined contribution 401k-style plans. every conceivable angle,” says IAFF General Political momentum aside, it was always a President Harold Schaitberger. “Elected leaders are using difficult sell for Scott since Florida’s pension But the IAFF is fighting back, landing is widely considered one of the best funded in punches in states where collective bargaining the economy as an the nation even after the Great Recession. rights, dues deduction, pensions and other excuse to go after our Scott and the Florida Chamber sought to benefits and worker rights are threatened. foment pension envy in the state by pointing The following is an update on some of the members, other workers out that public employees do not have to battles raging across the country. and other unions and contribute to their pensions, conveniently neglecting to mention that pensions are Florida attack from every deferred compensation. In the end the Florida Governor Rick Scott sailed into legislature approved a bill that would have office in January with an ultra-conservative conceivable angle.” the state’s 650,000 public employees begin wind at his back as he set an ambitious —IAFF General President contributing 3 percent of their pay toward agenda for balancing the state budget and Harold Schaitberger the pension starting July 1. In addition providing business tax breaks while eroding employees will have to work longer to receive union political activity and ending state prohibit dues from being used for political their pensions. employee pensions. activity unless the union has annual written The pension legislation can be viewed as a A few months ago, it appeared quite authorization from members. The bill was bitter pill, but one that is much easier to possible that even Scott — a failed chief amended to remove the provision that swallow than having fire fighters and other executive of Columbia/HCA — would prohibited payroll deductions for union public employees lose their pensions to succeed in his bid to serve the demands of his dues. But that change was not enough to win 401k-style plans. In fact, the FPF expects to Tea Party backers. But this spring, the wind at firm support in the state Senate to get the bill revisit the pension issue and aggressively Scott’s back shifted into a major headwind to the governor’s desk. lobby to have it killed or amended in future created by angry and motivated public The governor’s anti-labor agenda began to legislative sessions. employees, spearheaded by the leadership of stall after a statewide poll commissioned by “The House and Senate leadership and the the Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF). the FPF revealed that most Floridians believe Florida Chamber of Commerce launched an FPF President Gary Rainey, IAFF 12th fire fighters and other public employees unprecedented attack on Florida’s fire District Field Service Representative Walt should have the right to deduct dues from fighters during the 2011 Legislative session,” Dix, FPF Secretary-Treasurer Gilbert Marsh their paychecks. Two-thirds of Floridians says Rainey. “The FPF, with the help of the and retired fire fighter and government believe fire fighters deserve collective IAFF and the Florida AFL-CIO and Fraternal relations specialist Jim Tolley worked bargaining rights, according to the poll. Order of Police, was able to defeat the tirelessly throughout the entire legislative Scott’s right-wing mandate met reality in paycheck deception bill. The decertification session in Tallahassee to put considerable newsprint. The deathblow to SB 830 was proposals and any significant changes to the pressure on state lawmakers. In addition, the delivered in the final days of the legislature by local pension plans were also defeated.” FPF ran two television ads across the state in FPF leaders and scores of politically active fire Rainey adds that lawmakers did agree to March and April that the IAFF produced. In fighters, who roamed the statehouse making study presumptions during next year’s the end, the FPF won enough sturdy sure lawmakers knew that the FPF, the IAFF legislative session, a clear sign to fire fighters conservatives to stand with the fire fighters and all fire fighters are to be respected. about what the next battle will be.

14 May/June 2011 Oklahoma However, the fight against SB 826 proved police and fire in Harper Woods and Jackson Over the course of this entire legislative more difficult to defeat as it passed the Senate were defeated by ballot initiative in May. The session, the Professional Fire Fighters of and moved onto the House for MPFFU campaign to convince voters to vote Oklahoma (PFFO) found their collective consideration. no on PSOs included television ads in the bargaining rights under attack in both the In response, the PFFO launched television weeks before the election. In Harper Woods, State House and Senate. Thanks to lobbying, ads asking voters to tell Oklahoma politicians voters said no to PSOs 58 percent to 42 grassroots efforts and well-timed to oppose SB 826 and support Oklahoma’s percent. In Jackson, PSOs were defeated 64 advertisements, Oklahoma’s fire fighters fire fighters. percent to 36 percent. succeeded in defeating HB 1210, HB 1576, Additionally, as the House vote on SB 826 In Harper Woods, the fight against the PSO HB 1577 and SB 826. neared, the PFFO worked to mobilize as model in not new. The City of Harper Woods HB 1210 and SB 826 both would have put many people as possible to completely fill the has proposed to combine police and fire for unfair restrictions on how arbitrators are House Gallery, Outer Chamber and the years, but efforts have failed because of selected and on how comparisons for wages, Rotunda wearing union shirts and hats, and specific language in the City’s charter that insurance, retirement and other benefits are rallied families and friends to call and email requires it to maintain both a police used during arbitration. House representatives. department and a fire department, and HB 1576 would have repealed the 1994 The legislation lost traction, making it cannot be combined. amendment granting binding arbitration to impossible for the state House’s largest City leaders argued consolidation would be fire fighters and police. HB 1577 would have supporter of the bill — Representative Scott a quick fix that is more efficient and lowers put restrictions on who sits on the Public Martin (R-Norman) — to gather enough costs and, therefore, an improvement in the Employees Relations Board, the body that votes to pass SB 826. Martin moved not to overall delivery of public safety. settles labor disputes. put the bill up for a vote, effectively Regardless of the charter language and the “There was clearly a conscious effort on the eliminating any threats to collective valid arguments against consolidation, the part of certain state legislators to restrict or bargaining this legislative session. eliminate collective bargaining rights in “Our membership gained a lot of Oklahoma,” says IAFF 11th District Vice experience this legislative session that will President Sandy McGhee. “But, PFFO prove invaluable the next time we go to President Rick Beams, PFFO lobbyist Chalk battle,” says Beams. Norton (a retired member of Shawnee Local 206) and Oklahoma’s fire fighters worked Michigan tirelessly to implement the strategies When it rains, it pours in Michigan. Attacks necessary to defeat all four pieces of on labor and the working class are coming anti-labor legislation.” from all sides, and tactics include combining Both Beams and Norton were constant fire and police into single Public Safety fixtures in the state capitol making their case Officer (PSO) departments, passing with friendly and non-friendly legislators. anti-labor legislation and privatizing “It is imperative for our fire fighters’ ambulance services. well-being and safety that they continue to In fact, municipalities seem all too eager to have a voice at the bargaining table,” says jeopardize public safety by doing what City Beams. “We knew that defeating four bills leaders believe will save money. “They want was going to be a challenge, but, for the sake to give fire fighters and paramedics guns and of our members, we rose to that challenge. police officers hoses, combining their Now, collective bargaining is safe from attack distinctly different duties into one job,” says for another year.” Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s fire fighters (MPFFU) President Mark Docherty. “We worked hard at their own grassroots efforts, have had to keep our eyes and ears open at all lobbying and rallying family and friends to times. The threats are so many and all could call and email their legislators, making their have potentially devastating effects. There is opposition to these bills clear. no time to relax. We have to always be ready As a result, none of the three house bills for a fight.” passed out of the House to the Senate. The most immediate threats to combine

International Fire Fighter 15 City pushed forward with a ballot initiative to the ballot, but are also an issue in several proposed pieces of anti-labor change the charter language allowing for PSOs. communities where keeping separate police legislation, including bills threatening fire In addition to the television ad, Harper and fire departments is not protected by City fighter binding arbitration, health care, the Woods fire fighters spoke with every voter — charter language. Michigan locals battling ability to automatically deduct union dues including absentees — at least once and went PSO threats include Bay City Local 116, from paychecks, unnecessary restrictions on door-to-door. Monroe Local 326, Benton Harbor Local 685, when union business can occur, taxes on fire “What I believe won this ballot initiative is Holland Local 759 and Traverse City Local fighter pensions and other bills are in that we are better communicators than the 646. In those municipalities, another various stages of play. City Council,” says Local 1188 President television ad ran asking citizens to oppose And, in some cities, IAFF locals are fighting David Micallef. “The Council has become PSOs. proposals to transfer EMS operations to infamous for not keeping the citizens in the In Benton Harbor, an Emergency Financial private ambulance companies. loop. All we did was get our message out.” Manager has been called in by the state to In Jackson, the push to implement a PSO “fix” the City’s financial woes. Ohio system was led by City Manager Warren Unfortunately, because of the manager’s If Ohio fire fighters have their way, Renando who maintains that such a system new-found ability to do just about anything legislation like Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) will begin will help save the City money. he wants he is threatening to void Benton and end before it causes any more turmoil to Jackson Local 1306 President Todd Weaver Harbor Local 685’s contract if fire fighters public employees in other states. — whose local only has 25 members — do not agree to a PSO. Union-busting Governor John Kasich executed a massive campaign in the two “This is not an acceptable solution,” says experienced the ire of fire fighters everywhere weeks before the election, including MPFFU President Docherty. “Combining when he signed SB 5, the legislation that informational Town Hall meetings, radio police and fire does not increase or improve severely limits or prohibits collective ads, went door-to-door canvassing and public safety. In fact, it does the opposite.” bargaining. offering yard signs. In Monroe, Holland and Traverse City, City Under the proposal, management can “The response was terrific,” says Weaver. administrations can implement PSOs by refuse to negotiate workplace issues, “We handed out 9,000 flyers, and about 1,000 City Council vote. Council members are including safety, deployment and operations. of those who accepted flyers agreed to put up exploring the option, however, no official The bill also lists subject areas that cannot be our yard signs.” votes or decisions have been made. negotiated under any circumstances, In Michigan, PSOs are not only a threat on Michigan fire fighters are also combating including health care benefit costs and the

Alabama: IAFF Prevails in Fighting Back Court Case

s part of the IAFF’s Fighting Back Guardian Policy on behalf of Cullman constitutional protections regarding due campaign efforts, on May 20, Local 2644 and Decatur Local 1437 process and free speech. Consequently, A2011, a federal Judge in Alabama asserting claims that their cities should be Mobile and Jacksonville have restored the granted the IAFF’s request for a enjoined from enforcing Act No. dues payroll deductions for the IAFF preliminary injunction restraining the 2010-761 and from stopping their fire members employed in those cities. cities of Mobile and Jacksonville from fighters’ payroll deductions. Other public employers in Alabama are continuing to apply an anti-union state After the IAFF sought a preliminary expected to come into compliance with law — Act No. 2010-761 — recently injunction, the City of Cullman reversed the Court’s decision, or will be added as enacted in Alabama. course and restored its fire fighters’ defendants in the suit, enjoined and be This state statute made it illegal to payroll deductions for union dues. The responsible for the union’s attorneys’ fees arrange for public employee payroll City of Decatur also agreed to maintain and litigation costs. deductions for union dues unless the its program of dues deductions. As a “This is a significant win for the IAFF labor organization does not use the dues result, having achieved the desired goal, and our affiliates as part of our efforts to for broadly considered “political those two cities were voluntarily fight back against anti-union forces activity,” including mere references to dismissed from the court action. which are trying to break public candidates for state and local offices. However, the cities of Mobile and employee unions by — among other Under this state law, if a union wishes to Jacksonville were adamant about things — depriving them of financial continue (or establish) payroll following this state law and terminated resources and the right to engage in deductions for its dues, it must submit a the dues deductions for members of legitimate political activities,” says IAFF written certification regarding full Mobile Local 1349 and Jacksonville Local General President Harold Schaitberger. compliance with the law (that is, no 3948. As a result, those cities were added “Those who oppose our union and its portion of the dues are used for any as defendants and a preliminary members know that we will fight on political activities), and then it must injunction was requested against those every front.” itemize and disclose all of its financial two municipalities (as well as the state’s IAFF 14th District Vice President expenditures each year. Attorney General and others). Danny Todd adds, “Our affiliates in Similar bills have been introduced in Consistent with a previously filed, Alabama have the IAFF to provide them Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi and a parallel suit instituted by the Alabama with the support that they need, and this number of other states, and a ballot Education Association, the Court granted favorable court ruling will help us in initiative has been filed in California. the request and issued the preliminary defeating similar proposed laws in other IAFF General Counsel Tom Woodley injunction on the basis that this state law states where anti-union groups are on the initially filed this suit under the IAFF is vague and overly broad in violation of attack.” n

16 May/June 2011 number of workers required to be on duty or employed in any department of a public Detroit Fire Fighters Fighting Budget Cuts employer. The controversial bill is the biggest issue to etroit, MI Local 344 is working the City to propose that it forgo its hit Ohio labor unions in 28 years, and has feverishly to convince its City pension contribution this year and ask unified fire fighters and other public DCouncil to restore massive public public employees to pay 20 percent of employees who are doing everything to stop safety cuts. their health care costs, along with other it from becoming permanent law. “We are working hard to tell people that significant contractual economic changes. The OAPFF has teamed up with the Ohio all we want is to have the equipment and The City has already decided to push State AFL-CIO and the Ohio Fraternal Order resources to do our jobs and keep Detroit new hires into defined contribution plans. of Police, among others, in a campaign with safe,” says Detroit Local 344 President The budget negotiations are occurring at the coalition, We Are Ohio, to explain to Dan McNamara. the same time that the mayor installed a voters why SB 5 is bad for the state. Detroit has six to 10 companies new fire commissioner. Fire “Right now you can’t go to a grocery store browned out each day to cut costs, but the Commissioner Donald Austin was without a union member asking you to sign Detroit City Council still slashed $4.1 appointed May 23. a petition,” says Sanders. million in fire department funding from “We have tried to convince the City Fire fighters are working to collect Mayor Dave Bing’s budget proposal. The Council that the commissioner needs time signatures to put SB 5 on the November City’s new fiscal year begins July 1. to come up with his own assessment and 2011ballot for repeal in a state-wide The City Council’s appetite for massive his own plan and they shouldn’t tie his referendum vote. More than 230,000 valid budget cuts stems from concern that hands with their budget,” says McNamara. signatures must be collected by June 30 for anti-union Governor Rick Snyder will Local 344 is funding a public relations the referendum to make the ballot. The appoint an emergency financial manager. campaign to ask for support and buying OAPFF has more than 2,000 petition booklets The mayor says the state might appoint an ads on multiple radio stations in Detroit being circulated by OAPFF members. emergency financial manager to take over to reach commuters. Fire fighters and other public employees in Detroit if budget cuts aren’t approved. “This is an important fight and we have received support from local businesses, The City Council responded with even decided that we need to be proactive,” and restaurants, taverns and pubs in Ohio deeper cuts. McNamara says. have hosted events where the public can sign “I think the governor is using the The local is also engaged in a lobbying petitions. In addition, other establishments economy as an excuse to break the effort. have made petitions available for the public contracts of public employee unions,” “We’re talking to voters. We’re talking to signatures. McNamara says. lawmakers. We’re doing everything we can Several OAPFF affiliates held drive-thru The pressure to keep an emergency to get the word out about what we do,” signings so voters can sign petitions without financial manager out of Detroit has led McNamara says. n leaving the comfort of their vehicle. Nearly 100 fire fighters have also donated time to help validate signatures at the We Are Meanwhile, Kasich and GOP legislative These are not just any Republicans; they Ohio campaign headquarters. In the words leaders are leading a new campaign — are not just out to destroy unions — they of OAPFF Secretary-Treasurer Mark Horton, Building a Better Ohio — to uphold SB 5. want to literally neuter the state “Our guys are stepping up to get the job As the referendum moves forward, fire government and give more power to the done. We have and will continue to lead this fighters will concentrate on a voter’s already powerful. effort to repeal SB 5.” awareness campaign about SB 5 and its Despite heroic efforts from New Fire fighters also have support from Ohio adverse effects on public safety. Hampshire Governor John Lynch, the lawmakers including state Senator Bill Seitz Sanders says, “Our goal is to let the public right-wing controlled legislature has (R-Green Township) who also signed a know collective bargaining works in Ohio. It already passed a raft of veto-proof petition. Seitz spoke against SB 5 at the IAFF is the only vehicle that assures fire legislation redesigning the relationship Legislative Conference in March in departments are adequately trained, staffed, between public employees and their Washington, DC. equipped and properly deployed in order to employers. protect our communities. With no state Legislation either already passed or clearly mandated fire fighter safety standards, our on its way to becoming law includes: local agreements are a system that allows for The repeal of an evergreen clause that that in Ohio, and our goal is to maintain it.” keeps contracts in effect even after they Keep up to date with the challenges facing expire. Now expired contracts are frozen ohio fire fighters on Twitter under the new law. (twitter.com/ohio_pro_ffs) and Facebook The legislature changed rules regarding (facebook.com/OAPFF). the numbers of union members required for collective bargaining from five to 10 New Hampshire members. It is always nice to have a labor-friendly The legislature is expected to do away governor in the statehouse to stand up to a with card check and force union elections. tidal wave of vicious anti-worker As of May 12, the House and Senate were legislation. But nice is proving to be not hammering out differences on legislation enough in the state of New Hampshire that would end collective bargaining. Mifflin Township, OH Local 2818 members where Republicans enjoy overwhelming Governor Lynch wielded his veto pen to Anthony Torres and Chip Kinder helped collect “repeal SB 5” signatures in majorities in both the House and the block Right-to-Work legislation. It had Gahanna, Ohio. Senate. passed by a veto-proof majority in the

International Fire Fighter 17 they go to work to be the best they can be Democratic senator recalls include Dave for the people of New Hampshire and Hanson (Green Bay), Jim Holperin (Eagle when they are off the clock they are River) and Bob Wirch (Kenosha). However, working extra hard to protect their families some of the signatures gathered for the and their futures. Democratic senators are being questioned. Among other things, there is some concern Wisconsin over how the petitions were worded. In The dust isn’t going to settle any time soon some cases, the wording might have lead on the bitter partisan fight over Wisconsin’s Wisconsin citizens to believe they were collective bargaining law. In a recent signing in support, rather than signing to development, Dane County Circuit Judge oppose the incumbent Democratic senator. Maryann Sumi ruled that the state legislature Meanwhile the Professional Fire Fighters The Professional Fire Fighters of New did, in fact, break the state’s open meetings of Wisconsin (PFFW) is working with a Hampshire is taking aim at state Senator law when it passed the legislation while coalition of other unions to elect Jeb Bradley and House Speaker Bill Senate Democrats were out of the state. labor-friendly candidates. O’Brien for trying to pass legislation that Judge Sumi had previously implemented a “Because so many attacks have been hurts the middle class. temporary restraining order to prevent the aimed at fire fighters and other public Senate but a less-than-veto-proof margin in law from going into effect. Meanwhile the employees, we want to ensure that any the House. The House is expected to revote battle over the law has also sparked recall candidate we endorse will work with us, on the measure. elections for nine Wisconsin state senators — not against us,” says PFFW President Anti-worker lawmakers in New six Republicans and three Democrats. Mahlon Mitchell. Hampshire, hoping for a grand slam of The Government Accountability Board, Still, the fight against anti-labor anti-labor laws, also are taking aim a public which administers and enforces Wisconsin incumbents will be a united effort among employee pensions, hoping to reduce law pertaining to campaign finance, labor groups. PFFW Executive Board benefits for fire fighters with fewer than 10 elections, ethics and lobbying, plans to hold member and Janesville Local 580 President years of service, remove funding for COLAs elections on July 12. Matthew Simpson is one of the union for retirees, freeze medical subsidy payments The only legislators eligible for recall at leaders representing the fire fighters in the to help retirees pay for health care and jack this time are the state senators in the labor coalition. up fire fighter pension contributions from middle of their four-year term. No member “As this fight to protect the working class progresses, it is crucial that we all work together,” says Simpson. “With our numbers, we are better positioned to properly influence the recall elections and combat any anti-labor legislation that should arise.” In fact, some Wisconsin legislators are trying to sneak language into the state’s budget that allows municipalities to combine fire and police departments. “Public safety officer departments are currently not permissible by state law, and the PFFW is lobbying to make sure it stays that way. In LaCrosse, the local administration is already trying to get around the law by having police respond to all EMS calls. In 9.3 percent to 11.3 percent. addition to trying to create a public safety Further, the legislature is working to of the State Assembly nor the governor or officer system through the back door, the restack the New Hampshire Retirement other constitutional officers is eligible to be mayor wants to reduce fire department System Board of Trustees with more recalled until one year from their last minimum staffing and refuse to pay legislative and employer board members, election. overtime. effectively diluting he clout of employees. “Wisconsin’s fire fighters have been in Outside the state, Wisconsin Governor “This is the most aggressive attack on this fight from the beginning, and we will Scott Walker continues to pass his public sector workers I have seen in my not leave this fight until all the wrongs have anti-labor policies off as progressive. But adult life,” says President of the Professional been made right,” says IAFF 5th District while testifying before the U.S. House Fire Fighters of New Hampshire Dave Lang. Vice President Joe Conway. “We will be Oversight Committee about tough “As a 32-year veteran fire fighter I never doing our part to make sure we have budgetary choices states are facing, it was imagined that a group of legislators calling legislative leaders who will work with us, clear that the Committee did not agree with themselves Republicans would be so not against us.” Walker’s strategies. aggressive, mean spirited and caustic.” Recall petitions were filed and accepted by Wisconsin’s labor unions are not the only He adds, “This last election will go down the Government Accountability Board for ones to see the governor’s strategies for in history as the biggest political HazMat Republican Senators Dan Kapanke (La what they are — an attack on the middle incident in the history of New Hampshire.” Crosse), Randy Hooper (Fond du Lac), class. Ranking member Representative Despite the uphill fight in the legislature, Luther Olson (Ripon), Sheila Harsdorf Elijah Cummings (D-MD) told Walker, “It New Hampshire fire fighters continue to (River Falls), Alberta Darling (River Hills) is shameful to play politics with American serve and protect with honor. Every day and Robert Cowles (De Pere). workers and their families.”

18 May/June 2011 Tennessee The bills debated centered on limiting funds to a political candidate didn’t make it A series of bills threatening the political payroll deduction and barring unions from out of committee because Republican speech and activity of Tennessee fire contributing to political campaigns. The lawmakers didn’t have enough votes to win fighters dominated debate in the state proposed legislation would prohibit public passage. And Senate Bill 401 — which House of Representatives this legislative employees from deducting dues from their would require unions to set up separate session. paychecks if they remained politically voluntary accounts to collect PAC funds — The Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters active. is still sitting on the table for next year. Association (TPFFA) has worked hard to Senate Bill 136 was withdrawn because of These bills are only the tip of the iceberg keep the bills at bay, but TPFFA President a high fiscal note requiring the Tennessee as the fight over collective bargaining rights Eddie Mitchell says the fight is not over. state comptroller’s office to audit at least 10 for public unions rages on in Tennessee. Since becoming a local officer in the early percent of certifications filed with the House lawmakers passed a bill that 1990s, Mitchell says he has never seen such government. That bill was substituted with prohibits any business or organization in an intense anti-labor atmosphere in the SB 0784 which removed some of the audit Tennessee from executing an agreement state capital. requirements. No action has been taken on with a union or employee organization of “We’ve always had to fight anti-labor bills SB 0784. Mitchell says fire fighters will any kind that includes a maintenance of that came through but we’ve had enough likely have to battle lawmakers over the bill membership clause prohibiting employees friends in the House to stop the bad stuff,” when the legislative session starts up again from withdrawing from a union or says Mitchell. “This year, it’s completely in January 2012. employee organization prior to the different. We can’t stop anything without A bill that would have made it a Class C agreement’s expiration. The bill included Republican support.” misdemeanor to contribute any union an amendment to exclude public employers

IAFF Membership Rises, Bucks National Trend

very reporter writing about the labor unions. Since 2008, the American And in the past two years, IAFF members labor movement in the past 20 Federation of State, County and have had to link arms at all levels to Eyears has invariably seasoned their Municipal Employees (AFSCME) lost prevent anti-labor activist groups from coverage with a version of the phrases almost 100,000 members, the United devaluing the fire fighter profession. “the declining labor movement” or Autoworkers lost about 90,000, the On the local level, affiliate presidents “sagging union membership.” United Brotherhood of Carpenters lost and their leadership teams from coast to The truth is indeed the truth, and it about 80,000 and the International coast have toiled double duty to lobby hurts to hear. But this particular truth is Association of Machinists and Aerospace local lawmakers to their cause, while at not true for the IAFF, which now boasts Workers lost more than 50,000. the same time keeping the public safe. thousands more dues-paying members From 2010 to 2011 alone, total U.S. They deserve much of the credit for IAFF than it did just three years ago. union membership has declined by member numbers holding steady. In April of 2011, the total two-nation 612,000. On the International level, the IAFF has membership of the IAFF stood at 292,864, It’s not too hard to identify the reasons helped locals with public messaging, 1.5 percent more than in 2008 when there why the American labor movement has critical data and, when needed, legal were 288,333 members. That’s 4,531 more been losing membership, now assistance. General President Schaitberger career fire fighters on the job, protecting representing 11.9 percent of the U.S. has made a driving cause in recent years their neighbors and providing for their employed population — compared to of fighting hard for federal funding for families. 20.1 percent in 1983. Steady advances in the Staffing for Adequate Fire and This number — 4,531 — is pretty technology and automation have reduced Emergency Response (SAFER) grant impressive when you consider the steady the number of workers needed to produce program. Schaitberger and the IAFF beating that the entire U.S. labor material goods. Globalization and trade legislative team worked the halls of movement has taken since the 1970s, and agreements have allowed major employers Congress and the U.S. Department of the damage wrought in 2008 and 2009 by to employ workers in nations like China Homeland Security to make sure that the deepest recession this nation has seen and Malaysia where wages are scant and SAFER was fully funded and designed to since the Great Depression. workers rights are nearly non-existent. bring laid-off fire fighters back to work “Fire fighters don’t lay down easy,” says And to some degree, the labor and collecting paychecks. IAFF General President Harold movement has been a victim of its own Because of those efforts, the SAFER Schaitberger. “While our members stand success. Many of labor’s hardest-fought grant program put 2,600 fire fighters and on the frontlines protecting our battles have been won and codified into paramedics back to work in 2010 and homeland, IAFF leaders from the local law. The nation’s multitudes of another 3,000 are expected to return to level on up have fought tooth and nail to non-union members enjoy the fruits of work by the end of 2011. protect our own and keep them in their labor’s hard-won victories, from working This positive trend on total IAFF turnouts. I know that many of our hours and benefits to safer workplaces. membership numbers may seem like a affiliates have suffered devastating Too many do not feel the need to band distant and vague statistic for fire fighters cutbacks and layoffs. But it is important together to collectively bargain for better in towns like Flint, Michigan, and to note that we are growing stronger each terms. Too few — in this age of economic Camden, New Jersey, where fire year, and that we will never stop fighting anxiety — feel bold enough to band to departments remain dangerously on behalf of our members.” together to form unions. understaffed. But the IAFF will continue The growth in IAFF membership stands But fire fighter jobs, rights and benefits its dogged efforts to keep fire fighters on in stark contrast to the trend within other seem to have been always under siege. the job where they belong. n

International Fire Fighter 19 and is awaiting Governor Bill Haslam’s with the Senate to shape a bill that would signature. preserve collective bargaining rights for In addition, fire fighters have been singled health care and protect the most vulnerable out in a bill that makes it illegal for plan members, such as retirees on a fixed employers and unions to harass, coerce or income and the chronically ill. intimidate persons in the workplace. It is On May 28, the Senate reached a already law in Tennessee. compromise that PFFM President Ed Kelly Mitchell and IAFF 14th District Vice says he approves. Originally, the House President Danny Todd both describe the bill version would have eliminated collective as “highly offensive.” bargaining for municipal workers over Representative Gary Moore, president of health benefits. In order to get labor’s Nashville, TN Local 140, chastised support, the House offered two concessions. lawmakers for pushing the bill. The first would give public employees 30 Mitchell says he hopes Tennessee voters days to discuss changes to their health care and fire fighters are paying attention to plan with local officials, instead of allowing what’s happening in the legislature. “I hope officials to act without any input from union that this will light a fire under our members members. But local officials would still, at and make them realize elections are the end of that period, be able to impose important and they need to get involved. their changes unilaterally. This legislation will affect a lot of people for The second concession would give union a long time.” members 20 percent of the savings from any Todd says Tennessee fire fighters have done health care changes for one year, if the a good job playing defense and not allowing unions objected to changes imposed by local lawmakers to score any points during this officials. The original bill gave the unions 10 legislative session, but is concerned over how percent of the savings for one year. fire fighters will achieve longer term goals, Prior to the House vote, unions lobbied to such as winning collective bargaining rights derail the Speaker’s plan in favor of a when public employee unions are being labor-backed proposal that would preserve targeted. “Tennessee fire fighters have been collective bargaining and let an arbitrator working to achieve collective bargaining decide changes to employee health care plans rights since the 1960s,” he says. in cases where local officials and unions are As spring storms and floods ravaged cities deadlocked after 45 days. and towns in his District, Todd notes that it’s In the Senate version of the budget, the ironic that fire fighters are praised for the compromise that was reached closely work they do to protect their communities mirrors what labor tried to achieve in the all while their rights are being eroded. House. Under the proposal, municipalities “It seems like an oxymoron to me that the and unions would negotiate the quality of same people praising us have a hand in our the plan and the premium split through pocket trying to strip us of our rights, pay traditional collective bargaining. and benefits,” Todd says. “It’s sad overall.” The copays and deductibles would be negotiated for a period of 30 days to reach a Massachusetts predetermined benchmark. Also, 33 percent It may seem odd and unlikely that of the savings from the decrease in premium Massachusetts is being called the next costs — resulting from the increase in Wisconsin with a major state battle over copays and deductibles — would be put collective bargaining. But a year ago it would towards mitigating out-of-pocket expenses have seemed downright silly to think that for the highest coverage users, such as the the streets of Madison would soon be packed chronically ill and retirees on fixed incomes. with union members frantically fighting to If an agreement cannot be reached within defend their rights. those 30 days, the issue would go to a In late April, the Democratic-controlled three-member arbitration panel. House in Massachusetts passed a bill As of June 6, the House and Senate were limiting collective bargaining rights on meeting in conference over the bill with the health care for municipal employees, end of the legislative session looming on July including fire fighters. This legislative action 31. Though stunned and disappointed by the is happening in a state thoroughly House vote, Kelly is hopeful the final bill will dominated by Democrats. Supporters say the preserve collective bargaining and protect measure will save cash-strapped those who depend on quality health care. Massachusetts cities $100 million next year. If not, he hopes that Governor Deval This bill passed in the House by 111 to 42 Patrick keeps his word when he said this with 81 Democrats voting in favor. All eyes spring: “I’m not going to sign a then turned to the Senate as it began work Wisconsin-type bill in the end. We’re going on its version. to have a meaningful role for labor, and Behind the scenes, the Professional Fire we’re going to deliver on the savings for Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) worked municipalities.” n

20 May/June 2011 State Pensions Bounce Back as Lawmakers Press Ahead With ‘Reform’

magine an emergency room crowded with percent of their paychecks to pensions. better over the past 18 months. doctors frantically arguing about how to Historically, state employees have not The New Hampshire Retirement System is Isave a patient believed to be on his last contributed to pensions. a prime example of a pension patient who is breaths. One doctor says, “We need to cut A funny thing has happened on the way to recovering nicely and in no need of major him open and conduct major surgery.” the legislative operating table. Many state intervention. Another says, “He just needs some pensions are no longer as underfunded as NHRS has recovered much of the losses medication and rest. Leave him alone.” they were in 2008 and 2009 when the Pew that it suffered as a result of the recession. Another doctor mutters, “I never liked that study took their pulse. They are returning to According to NHRS, after experiencing guy. Let’s kill him.” health even as these lawmakers in so many major investment losses in 2008 and 2009, They argue and argue and look at the clock. states seek to legislate changes that will only returns bounced back in fiscal 2010 when Then they look down at the gurney where weaken pensions. the pension system realized a 12.9 percent the patient … wait, where’s the patient?! … The National Conference on Public return. For the first three quarters of fiscal and realize the patient has gotten up in Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) 2011, the NHRS has realized a 21.8 percent search of the hospital vending machines. has completed a public fund study covering return. This little story is very similar to what has 216 public retirement funds with more than By another measure, the NHRS posted a been happening to the state employee 7.5 million members and assets exceeding net asset gain in fiscal year 2010 of $568.3 pension system in New Hampshire and $900 billion. million. That follows a net investment loss of many other states where defined benefit $995.2 million in 2009. While no figures are plans are deemed doomed and in need of “Public pension plans are yet available for 2011, the NCPERS study dramatic reform. suggest that the New Hampshire pension Revealing the actors in this play, the experiencing a robust system will again post gains this year. doctors are the state lawmakers who have The patient is not only up and walking been haggling all spring over competing recovery from the Great around, NHRS appears to be once again pension reform proposals. Though the Recession that adversely running with the bulls. This is great news for proposals differed on several points, both the 50,500 New Hampshire state employers Senate and House versions would increase impacted all institutional who are active participants in the retirement the cost of pensions for fire fighters, police investors. They report system. and state and municipal workers. That is, it’s great news if only Senate and The patient is the New Hampshire earning above-average House lawmakers would put down the Retirement System (NHRS), which — like returns. And they are more scalpels and give the patient a little breathing most state and municipal pension systems room. NHRS is doing exactly what healthy — took a severe body blow in late 2008 than adequately funded to pension systems are supposed to do: build during the worst of the recession. meet their obligations.” up enough funds in the up years to be able Lawmakers are convinced that the NHRS to withstand a major economic blow like the needs a major operation to keep it from —Hank Kim, National Conference on last recession. bankrupting the state and burdening Public Employee Retirement Systems The way the NHRS works now under taxpayers. The diagnosis of the problem current law, fire fighters and police are able comes in part from a widely distributed The results produced an average one-year to retire after 20 years of service at the age of study released in February by the Pew return of 13.5 percent in 2009. Despite 45; other employees like teachers can retire Center on the States that determined a criticisms that an 8 percent investment at 60 with no minimum service number of states, including New return assumption is too high, these plan requirement. Both House and Senate Hampshire, had state pensions that were investments returned an average of 8.2 versions, no doubt responding to the woefully underfunded. percent during the last 20 years, and 30-year national pension envy vibe would boost the The timing of the study provided ample returns are even higher, approaching 9 first responder retirement age to 50 with a ammo for conservative lawmakers in more percent. service requirement of 25 years. The House than 20 states to draft pension reform “Public pension plans are experiencing a version would raise the retirement age of legislation and begin swiftly bulldozing it robust recovery from the Great Recession other workers to 65. through legislatures grappling with major that adversely impacted all institutional President of the Professional Fire Fighters fiscal challenges. New Hampshire lawmakers investors,” said Hank Kim of NCPERS of New Hampshire David Lang says he and are mulling changes that would retain a during a May 5 hearing before the House other unions have pointed out to anti-labor defined benefit system but raise revenue over Committee of Ways and Means lawmakers that the NHRS is bouncing back. time by increasing retirement ages and years Subcommittee on Oversight. “They report But that message falls on deaf ears because of service. earning above-average returns. And they are for many pension foes the issue is not that Lawmakers in other states, including more than adequately funded to meet their they are concerned about the health of the Alabama, Florida and Illinois, have obligations.” system, it is simply that they don’t like attempted to completely eliminate state Kim says recent studies on public pension pensions. employee pension plans. Florida Governor funds paint an unrealistically bleak picture “If we keep arguing with them about the Rick Scott had floated a plan to push state because they rely in the main on 2009 data solvency of the NHRS, we will lose,” says workers toward define contribution plans, — data from a low point in the Great Lang. “The fact is, this is a system that the and then backed down to finally reach Recession. The NCPERS survey relies on legislature helped to create and for them to agreement with the legislature on a plan to up-to-date data and demonstrates go back on their word is unacceptable. This is compel employees to begin contributing 3 convincingly that a lot has changed for the deferred compensation that is owed to us.”

International Fire Fighter 21 New Hampshire is not the only state in percent for the South Dakota Retirement Whitman never got around to the nation where anti-labor lawmakers are System. contributing, Christie deflects and says using stale data to bolster their case for Unfortunately for Arizona, those facts something along the lines of “Let’s not shredding public pensions. Arizona is one were lost, never discovered or perhaps revisit the past. Let’s move on and focus on of 19 other states to see their pensions hidden — by pension reformists lawmakers the issues in front of us.” recover. who were successful in getting Governor The fact is that Governor Christie and “Despite the politicians' sound bites, the Jan Brewer to sign into a law a bill that other anti-worker lawmakers intent on manufactured ‘think tank’ studies and the increases public employee pension costs. gutting pensions are poised to lose their ensuing headlines, Arizona's Public Safety Arizona became the 11th state to enact strongest sound bite in their quest to kill Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) has pension reform in the past year. pensions and throw the retirement income never been at a financial precipice, or on In political battles vocal governors like of fire fighters and other state employees the verge of bankruptcy,” President of the New Jersey’s Chris Christie are by no into defined contribution plans. Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona Tim means letting facts get in the way of a Like the stock market, the trough for most Hill recently wrote in an Arizona Republic compelling media narrative. Christie, who state pensions was reached in 2009. Since opinion piece. with New Jersey State Senate President then, like the stock market, most state Just like the stock market, most 401k-style Steve Sweeney, is gunning for pension pensions have been growing, and if the plans and most home values, the PSPR reform this year and continues to spout the trend holds, many lawmakers pushing for experienced a steep drop during the worst story that New Jersey’s pension is headed pension reform in 2012 won’t be able to recession since World War II. During the for bankruptcy. argue that their state pensions are past fiscal year, the fund has surged 13.6 Christie conveniently neglects to mention dangerously underfunded. percent as the stock market has rebounded. — and reporters too often fail to highlight Some say that the facts won’t matter for The PSPR has regained more than $900 — that Christie and other governors have those intent on killing pensions. Still, even million in the past 12 months. deliberately avoided making the state’s the most ardent anti-labor lawmakers will The story is the same for 19 other states required annual contribution to the system. have to answer to the electorate eventually. where 2010 returns jumped anywhere from In those rare moments when he is asked The question they should ask will be, “Why 10.8 percent for the Nevada Public about those billions of dollars that he and would you want to destroy public employee Employee Retirement System to 18.7 past governors like Christine Todd pensions when they work so well.” n

IAFF Cuts Off Contributions to Federal Candidates, Federal Parties, Committees, Super PACs

n a bold move that is part of the IAFF’s that would undermine pension security, dollars raised and was the 10th largest Fighting Back campaign to help tax employer-sponsored health benefits, PAC in candidate contributions. The IAFF Imembers wage political and legislative force newly hired fire fighters into Social spent close to $15 million in the last battles in state houses across the country, Security and attack federal fire fighters. election cycle on behalf of federal the International has shut off FIREPAC With the full support of the IAFF candidates and both political parties, contributions to federal candidates and Executive Board, contributions to federal helping to elect those who support fire federal parties, party committees and the candidates and federal parties, party fighters and paramedics and defeat those super PACs that support them. committees and the super PACs that are who don’t. “Over the past decade, the symbolism of created to support them have been President Schaitberger also appeared on our profession and the image of our fire suspended. the Ed Show, FOX News and the Rachel fighters and paramedics decked out in In the last election cycle, FIREPAC was Maddow Show. In addition, the news this union’s trademark gold and black in the top 1.1 percent of the more than appeared in the Associated Press, USA have become one of the most sought after 7,100 federally registered PACs in terms of Today, Politico and the Wall Street Journal. n endorsements in politics at every level,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “But the attacks launched at our members since the November 2010 elections have changed the landscape.” Anti-union and anti-worker politicians are coming after fire fighters, paramedics “We’re tired that our friends have not been willing and all public workers with a vengeance across the United States, attempting to to stand up and fight back on our behalf with the take away collective bargaining, eliminate same ferocity, the same commitment that our pensions and retirement security, end the long-held right of dues deductions from enemies have in trying to destroy our members’ paychecks and drive down wages and benefits with Right-to-Work laws. rights. Quite frankly, our enemies are trying to kill Over the past two years, politicians us as a labor movement and union trying to from both parties have failed to address fire fighter issues in Washington. Now, represent workers and help the middle class.” anti-labor members of Congress and their allies are championing measures — Harold A. Schaitberger

22 May/June 2011 New York City Fire Fighters Protest Bloomberg Public Safety Cuts

housands of New York City fire fighters held a massive rally June 3 Tto demand that Mayor Michael Bloomberg halt his plan to shutter 20 fire companies. “I am sick and tired of a mayor named Bloomberg who offers condolences and praise for fire fighters when the cameras are rolling, and then turns around and shuts down fire companies jeopardizing the safety of millions of hard-working New Yorkers,” IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger told the crowd gathered near City Hall in Manhattan. More than 800 fire fighters marched across the Brooklyn Bridge and then joined a crowd estimated at 10,000 people for a massive demonstration against the planned closures. Members of the City Council, police officers, City workers and concerned citizens joined the rally. “When fire fighters get the call, every minute counts whether we are responding to a spreading fire or a man suffering from cardiac arrest,” said President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 94 Steve Cassidy. “The lives of New Yorkers from the Bronx to Brooklyn will be in jeopardy because of Bloomberg’s ill-conceived cuts.” The timing could not be worse for closing fire companies since New York remains a top target for terrorism and New Yorkers continue to struggle amid one of the worst economic cycles since the Great Depression. “Public safety should be one thing New York residents can count on,” Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854 President Al Hagan said. Top: Thousands of New Yorkers protest “It is civic insanity to shrink the fire Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to close 20 fire department with the terrorist threat such a companies. Middle: Uniformed Firefighters major concern,” Hagan said. “The mayor Association Local 94 President Steve himself concedes that New York City is the Cassidy warned that the cuts put all New principal target, so why would he then Yorkers in jeopardy. Uniformed Fire turn around and shutter companies?” Officers Association Local 854 President Bloomberg says that closing the 20 fire Al Hagan reminded Bloomberg that New York is a top terror target. Lower left: companies will save the City $55 million, a General President Harold Schaitberger fraction of the mayor’s proposed $69 told the crowd he’s ready for a good fight. billion budget for Fiscal 2012. Leading fire officials, City Council members and New York state lawmakers each took turns at the rally microphone condemning the planned closures and around on private jets and has more their elected leaders know that the IAFF warning that shuttering these 20 fire money than any of us can imagine — even was ready for a fight to keep all 20 companies will jeopardize the lives of begin to understand what he is doing? He companies open. citizens by increasing response times. can’t. Mayor Bloomberg is out of touch. “We like a good fight, especially when it The cuts would impact all five of New It’s that simple,” Schaitberger said. comes to fighting against cynical, political York’s boroughs: Eight in Brooklyn, three New York fire fighters have held decisions,” Schaitberger said. in the Bronx, three in Manhattan, four in numerous rallies in recent weeks. The June Queens and two on Staten Island. 3 rally was the largest so far, and “How can this mayor — who flies Schaitberger let New York’s bravest and www.iaff.org 23 Know Your

The IAFF has repeatedly warned IAFF members to be skeptical of data compiled by International City-County Management Association (ICMA) consultant Leonard Matarese that encourage the merger of fire and police services. Matarese is a former police officer and serves as the Director of Research and Public Safety Programs at ICMA.

AFF affiliates across the country have services and that the cross-training will ICMA Consulting Group and Matarese experienced the anti-fire and anti-union help communities cut costs. Tom Raines, because they have been used by other Iapproach to Matarese’s presentations. president of Saginaw Local 102, calls the municipalities — with similar results. “We had the misfortune of having consultant’s report a bunch of garbage. “We got the same canned report that Matarese as our town manager in the late ICMA sells everyone,” says Jeremy Connell 1980s,” says Daniel Leighton, a retired of Benton Harbor, MI Local 685. “The only member of Narragansett, RI Local 1589. The IAFF has been a strong thing they did was scratch off another “He tried the divide-and-conquer strategy voice against the ICMA municipality’s name and put Benton to promote his public safety officer (PSO) Harbor on it.” While Connell doesn’t know vision while playing financial games before Consulting Group conclusions, the total cost of the report, he saw at least he was fired. Good luck to my brothers and and will continue to be an one payment of $38,000 to ICMA. sisters dealing with this individual.” advocate for fire fighters and Often, it is simply a matter of following Matarese uses skewed data to persuade the money. For example, a consultant may city councils to make changes to fire paramedics, ensuring that be paid to provide a report to the local departments. Some IAFF affiliates have those on the frontlines have government to provide political cover for been successful in fighting against making cuts to fire department staffing and Matarese’s recommendations. Before your the resources needed to resources. If the recommendations are not municipality hires a consultant to study the efficiently, effectively and in line with the administration’s view, it fire department’s operations, affiliates will be less likely to refer a consultant to should beware of those who claim to know safely perform their job. others. Defying the keeper of the purse is more about fire department not a sustainable business model for a administration and operations than do “The stuff he is spewing is not only consultant who relies on continued career fighters. anti-union, but anti-fire,” he says. contracts to maintain a business. Saginaw, MI Local 102 is pushing back on While there is a small contingent of truly Matarese’s report to merge fire and police independent, unbiased consultants, all too Hiring Consultants services. Matarese told Saginaw city leaders often the process and subsequent report The consultant hiring process is initiated that the current system for police and fire are biased due to the relationship between in a number of ways: Request for services “aren’t sustainable.” He maintains the jurisdiction and the consultant — or Information (RFI), Request for Proposal that combining the two departments due to the predisposition of the consultant. (RFP) or sole source contract. would increase efficiency in fire response IAFF affiliates should also be wary of the The RFI and RFP are similar documents that are designed to provide information about what types of analyses need to be Say No to PSOs has fought against ballot measures in performed and what they have done for Harper Woods and Jackson that would similar jurisdictions. or years, municipalities in have combined police and fire. In an RFI, IAFF affiliates may be asked to Michigan have been prey for local The MPFFU produced a short video provide input, but the RPF offers little Fgovernments and politicians who asking voters to “Vote No on PSOs.” opportunity to participate in the process. want to move to the Public Safety Officer Both measures were defeated at the ballot The IAFF can provide sample RFI and RFP (PSO) model, but following the box. In other communities — Benton templates that affiliates can use to help November 2010 elections, Harbor, Monroe, Holland and Traverse ensure an unbiased report using industry an anti-worker and City — where City Councils standards. anti-union state legislature are considering a vote on Sole source contracts are intended to be proposed and passed a PSOs — the MPFFU used in cases when only a single business draconian bill that puts all produced a video warning entity can provide a product or service, but IAFF locals in the state citizens of the dangers of is rarely appropriate for awarding fire vulnerable to PSO PSOs. service consultant contracts. proposals. The IAFF can assist IAFF affiliates should be aware that a sole Facing threats for affiliates facing threats of source contract can lead the way for a combining police and fire PSOs. For more information vindictive administration to hire a departments in several contact the IAFF consultant to provide an outcome that Michigan cities, the Department of Labor Issues meets the administration’s agenda. Michigan Professional Fire at (202) 824-1546. n Sandusky, OH Local 327 recently lost a Fighters Union (MPFFU) battle with a city administration that was hell bent on hiring ICMA as a sole source

24 May/June 2011 provider. In this case, the administration communities informed about the quality of In addition to ICMA, the IAFF has also wanted staffing and apparatus reductions services that fire fighters and paramedics rebutted studies conducted by TriData, implemented, and knew that ICMA would provide. Be pro-active against these types Matrix and PAR Group — though none of recommend reductions in staffing, of negative attacks from paid consultants these groups is as blatant about altering the apparatus, pay and benefits, as well as the who have never worked in the fire service. entire scope and purpose of a fire consolidation of police and fire Some consultants, including Matarese, department like ICMA. departments. will argue against NFPA industry standards ICMA recently joined forces with Tri Data Consultants will also often maintain that, — standards written and implemented to bid on a contract in Palo Alto, in spite of cuts, there would be minimal or based on stakeholder expertise and California. In fact, the consultant of record no reductions in the level or service of consensus. In fact, NFPA 1710 is further — Emergency Services Consulting protection for the community. But IAFF supported in the Residential Fireground International (ESCI) — was fired because affiliates that have dealt with these Field Experiments conducted by the the City did not like its preliminary report, consultants know the truth. Trying to National Institute of Standards and calling it biased toward the fire department provide the same level of services with Technology (NIST). because ESCI has professional fire service fewer resources jeopardizes the safety of the Matarese has this to say about NFPA personnel on staff. fire fighters and the public. standards: “There are literally thousands of Matarese has said repeatedly that Two years ago, fire fighters and fire departments, both career and municipalities have to redefine the nation’s community leaders in Arizona rejected one volunteer, operating effectively outside of century-old model for police and fire of ICMA’s studies regarding changes to the nationally recognized minimum forces, and that powerful police and fire personnel shifts because of flawed data. staffing standard. The standards produced unions would prove the biggest opposition The data in the report were not even from and recommended by the NFPA, while to any proposed changes. the city for which it was issued. important to the profession in providing Indeed, the IAFF has been a strong voice Matarese likes officials to believe that he safe, effective and efficient operating against the ICMA Consulting Group knows more about a fire department than environments, are not enforceable by law.” conclusions, and will continue to be an fire fighters. But the fact is, his frame of ICMA Consulting and Materese have also advocate for fire fighters and paramedics, reference with regards to fire department consistently recommended the PSO model ensuring that those on the frontlines have operations is simply missing. as a more efficient use of personnel the resources needed to efficiently, IAFF members and their chiefs know resources based on cherry-picked data that effectively and safely perform their job. n more about their services than any outside never give a complete picture of workload consultant. Affiliates should keep their and duties done on a daily basis.

International Fire Fighter 25 Guardian Policy Brings Justice to Local Leaders

IAFF and Local Leaders From top left: Plantation Local 4430 members Rachel Diaz Prevail Against and Rosa Allen-Meizoso, former Local 4430 President City of Plantation Jeff Poole, Attorney Douglas Steele and Local 4430 members Sivy Del Rosario and fter long, hard-fought battles before Rita Adams. From bottom left: the Public Employee Relations former Local 4430 Treasurer ACommission (PERC) and federal Tom Neri, former Local 4430 courts in Florida, five union organizers Secretary Jude Diaz and Local 4430 member James Williams. from Plantation, FL Local 4430 who were subjected to anti-union retaliation finally have vindication. Thanks to the IAFF Guardian Policy, these Local 4430 members received $1.2 million in lost wages and benefits, “The International will of his union leadership role. He ordered additional compensatory damages, plus stand by our local leaders the City to reinstate Diaz to his former job, the full reimbursement of attorneys’ fees pay him all his lost wages and benefits and and expenses. who are out in front cease and desist from firing employees for “The International will stand by our local organizing and supporting supporting the union. leaders who are out in front organizing On appeal by the City, the state PERC and supporting our affiliates,” says IAFF our affiliates. No matter upheld all of the hearing officer’s findings General President Harold Schaitberger. how long it takes, we will and the award of full relief. In addition, “No matter how long it takes, we will because the PERC determined that the obtain justice against employers who obtain justice against City “knew or should have known that its retaliate against them.” conduct was unlawful,” the PERC took the IAFF 12th District Vice President Larry employers who retaliate unusual step of awarding attorneys’ fees Osborne notes, “The City of Plantation has against them.” and costs against the City. The PERC also been one of the worst, anti-union ordered the City to refrain from dismissing employers in Florida. Now, because of this —IAFF General President employees for engaging in union activities, Guardian case, it this City was held Harold Schaitberger and to stop otherwise interfering with or accountable as a serial violator of federal coercing its employees in the exercise of and state laws.” overtime pay and liquidated damages. The their rights. This case was filed by IAFF General loss of that federal suit, however, did not A settlement of the PERC case was Counsel Tom Woodley in early 2005 in stop the City from continuing to engage in reached in March 2010 on terms very federal court on behalf of Local 4430 unlawful behavior. favorable to Jude Diaz. He was paid President Jeff Poole, Secretary Jude Diaz Jude Diaz, one of the local leaders who $290,000 in compensatory damages, which and several other members claiming remained employed in the City’s Rescue included all lost wages and benefits, plus retaliation and discrimination in violation Division, faced continuous harassment at four years of front pay. For medical of their First Amendment rights of free work. In the fall of 2007, he underwent reasons, Diaz did not return to his former association and free speech. surgery and took sick leave to recover. His job with the City’s fire department. Shortly after, Local 4430 organizers filed later request for light duty was denied In addition, the settlement obligated the a representation petition with the state twice, as was his request for leave without City of Plantation to pay for full health PERC, the City and three Chiefs launched pay. In the past, requests for leave without insurance coverage for Diaz for four years, a campaign against the union — targeting pay had been routinely approved — at through April 2014. The PERC settlement the leaders with threats, suspensions, least prior to the formation of the union. also provided for the full recovery of firings, and even pursuit of bogus criminal In December, 2007, the department attorneys’ fees and costs against the City. charges against Poole (which were quickly discharged Diaz, purportedly because of “Even after all this, I am still glad we put thrown out as groundless). his extended absence. Evidence showed forth an effort to organize,” says Diaz. “I At the same time, the City was also that the City had terminated him for his got involved because I felt it was the right violating the Fair Labor Standards Act protected union activities. thing to do. I still think that.” (FLSA) by denying Local 4430 members After the filing of unfair labor practice In the parallel federal court action, the the overtime pay due them under that charges with PERC, the hearing officer City and the three chiefs named as federal wage and hour law. In a separate issued a decision, concluding that the defendants filed motions seeking to have FLSA suit, and after a favorable court assistant chief and fire chief had not the entire suit dismissed. In October 2010, ruling on liability, the City eventually provided credible testimony justifying the the judge rejected those motions, and the agreed to settle those claims in November discharge of Diaz. Instead, the hearing members’ claims involving the 2006 for $100,000 in illegally withheld officer found that Diaz was fired because infringement of their First Amendment

26 March/April 2011 freedoms were headed for trial. The three benefits, as well as additional monetary required the City to effectively expunge chiefs were upset over the judge’s rulings, relief. In addition, the IAFF was reimbursed their City employment records by placing and they filed an appeal. for all attorneys’ fees and out-of-pocket resignation letters in the personnel files of On November 15, 2010, a mediator costs incurred since 2005. This is in Poole and Neri in lieu of the terminations. appointed by the Court of Appeals addition to the $290,000 and litigation fees “This Guardian Policy effort proved to be conducted comprehensive settlement that Local Secretary Jude Diaz recovered in a long, tough fight,” says Schaitberger. negotiations with the parties. Those the earlier PERC settlement. “The successful outcome here should serve negotiations resulted in a substantial The two discharged leaders, Jeff Poole notice to employers who retaliate against settlement for these union leaders in the and Tom Neri, did not want reinstatement our local leaders — we will stay the course sum of $850,000 in compensatory damages, because they currently have other jobs. and battle until justice is ultimately which covered all their lost wages and However, the Court-approved settlement achieved.” n

Once Fired Local Leader Elected to City Council

ean Bitner first made union news were able to achieve victories on two in 2001 when he was wrongfully fronts. Dfired for exercising his First “This certainly hasn’t been an easy Amendment rights. Today, he’s making road, one that I could not have headlines as a newly elected member of successfully traveled alone,” says Bitner. the Lowell City Council. “I couldn’t have done it without the As president of Springdale, AR Local IAFF, IAFF 14th District Vice President 3007, Bitner made it his goal to provide Danny Todd, former Arkansas better wages and benefits for his Professional Fire Fighters Association members. At the time, wages were so low (APFFA) President Pete Reagan and the that some fire fighters were on food support of IAFF members.” Dean Bitner stamps while others took jobs elsewhere After a Civil Service Commission just to make ends meet. hearing, Bitner was reinstated to his job, also required to pay all the attorneys’ fees At a City Council meeting in March but the Commission imposed a 30-day and costs incurred by the International in 2001, Bitner expressed his concerns about suspension and written reprimand. the litigation. fire fighters’ compensation, as well as Meanwhile, the case moved forward in But Bitner’s story does not end here. safety issues. Shortly after appearing court where a federal jury unanimously The City’s retaliatory actions and before the City Council, Bitner was concluded that Bitner deserved justice. subsequent legal proceedings had taken a passed over for a promotion to captain, Further, the jury decided that Bitner’s toll on his family and his brother and despite the fact that he had the highest union leadership activities, his speech at sister fire fighters, yet he was inspired to score, more seniority than the the City Council meeting and his court do more for the labor movement and his second-ranked candidate and more action — all factored into the City’s community. In 2009, he was elected vice advanced training and more experience. decision to harass, terminate and suspend president of the APFFA, and in 2010 ran The fire chief made no effort to hide the him. for a seat on the Lowell City Council. The fact that he was not promoted, in part, In awarding make-whole small suburb Springdale — where Bitner because of his speech to the City Council. compensation, the jury found that the lives — was opposed to the fire fighters’ The City soon decided to not only deny fire chief and mayor were each liable for efforts to organize a local. Bitner the promotion, but demoted him $120,000 in punitive damages. Dean “That is just one of many reasons that I from engine driver to fire fighter, Bitner was also awarded $9,500 in full wanted to run for City Council,” says transferred him to another station, backpay for the time he was suspended Bitner. “The only way to effect a positive removed him from the pension board and denied the captain’s position. Finally, change is to be a part of it.” and fired him for raising his voice in the the jury granted Bitner $100,000 in Bitner ran against six-year incumbent fire chief’s office. additional compensatory damages for the Marti Lathem, using some of what he It was crystal clear that Bitner was being emotional harm and anguish he suffered learned during the IAFF Political retaliated against for his union activities, as a result of the City’s pattern of Training Academy during his campaign. and was provided assistance under the unlawful actions. In November, he won the election by a IAFF Guardian Policy and represented by In implementing a subsequent court margin of 60/40. IAFF General Counsel Woodley and settlement, Bitner also obtained his Bitner wasted no time getting all City McGuillivary. promotion to captain, with full employees a long-deserved pay raise, “This is truly a compelling success retroactive seniority. His personnel forming a personnel committee to story,” says IAFF General President records were expunged of any reference properly address conditions of Harold Schaitberger. “Through our to the adverse actions, and the City employment for City employees and Guardian Policy and our ongoing committed not to engage in any further working to form the City’s first political training for local officers, we retaliation in the future. The City was paramedic engine company. n

International Fire Fighter 27

Always on the Frontline Two Key Issues Advance in The Ontario liberal and its good working relationship with the Ontario Legislature current Ontario liberal government and government has enacted Premier Dalton McGuinty. The mandatory retirement age legislation, he Ontario Professional Fire Fighters a number of advances when enacted, won’t force any immediate Association (OPFFA) is welcoming the changes. It will specify that, notwithstanding Tintroduction of a bill in the province’s for professional fire the provisions in the Ontario Human Rights legislature that addresses two key issues. fighters since it was first Code prohibiting age discrimination, the issue Bill 181, introduced in the Ontario is a matter for fire fighter locals to negotiate Legislature April 18 by Labour Minister elected in 2003. with their employers, provided they negotiate Charles Sousa, will amend Ontario’s Fire an age of not less than 60. Protection and Prevention Act to support a urging its members to speak to their More than 90 percent of OPFFA members mandatory retirement age for professional members of Provincial Parliament to ensure currently work under a contract with fire fighters regularly assigned to the bill has full support as it makes its way mandatory retirement language. Those suppression, while also providing a less through the legislative process. currently without contract language will onerous route for fire fighters’ duty of fair “These are two important issues for our have two years from the date the legislation representation (DFR) complaints. association and our members, and we’re is passed to negotiate language with their The bill passed its second reading May 11 grateful to the Ontario government for once employer, otherwise age 60 will apply as the with all-party support and is expected to again responding to our needs,” says OPFFA mandatory retirement age. pass final reading before the legislature President Fred LeBlanc. The legislation results The legislation is consistent with a recent breaks. In the meantime, the OPFFA is from the OPFFA’s legislative lobbying efforts

Yukon Territory Passes IAFF Canadian Trustee and President “We hope to use Manitoba First Presumptive of Winnipeg, MB Local 867 Alex Forrest, who has been instrumental in passing as a template for all of Legislation numerous pieces of presumptive legislation across Canada, worked with Canada so that our fire he Yukon Territory has become the Whitehorse Local 2217 Presumptive fighters are protected in the latest jurisdiction in Canada to pass Legislation Committee Chair Don Tpresumptive legislation. Bill 95 — McKnight to gather support for Bill 95. case of 15 types of cancers.” Presumptive Legislation for Firefighters “Presumptive legislation is important — amends the Yukon Workers for all fire fighters,” says Forrest. —Winnipeg Local 867 President Compensation Act to automatically cover When IAFF 6th District Vice President Alex Forrest 11 cancers and cardiac arrest. Lorne West and the members of The majority of the Yukon Territory’s Whitehorse Local 2217 asked me Forrest multiple myeloma, primary site prostate, population resides in Whitehorse, the to assist, he was glad to do it. skin and breast cancer. Manitoba was the territory’s only professional fire Forrest presented supporting studies first Canadian province to enact department. “Fire fighters are constantly and data for the legislation to the Yukon presumptive cancer legislation in 2002. exposed to cancer-causing agents,” says leadership, including Premier Dennis “We hope to use Manitoba as a template Whitehorse, YT Local 2217 President Brian Fentie, Ministers Glenn Heart and Archie for all of Canada so that our fire fighters Fedoriak. “The unanimous passage of Bill Lang, Workers Compensation Health and are protected in the case of 15 types of 95 gives all 25 members of our local peace Safety Board members Val Royle and Kurt cancers,” says Forrest. of mind to know that if one of us does Dieckmann. Newfoundland remains the only contract cancer or suffers a heart attack on Later this year, Local 2217 hopes to Canadian territory or province without the job, we will not have the added stress of follow in Manitoba’s footsteps and add presumptive laws in place. n proving the illness was job-related.” four more cancers to its presumption law:

Members of Yukon Territory Local 2217 and the Yukon Fire Service stand with Val Royle, president/CEO of the Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board and Kurt Dieckmann, director of occupational health and safety, after the Yukon legislature passed Bill 95, which provides presumptive legislation for fire fighters covering 10 cancers and cardiac arrest within 24 hours of attending an emergency.

30 | ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE May/June 2011 Ontario Human Rights Tribunal decision including presumptive cancer and heart MHz range in itself will not address all of which upheld collective agreement language legislation in 2007. A provincial election takes the radio communication-related health requiring fire fighters to retire at age 60. The place in Ontario on October 6. n and safety issues facing Canadian IAFF tribunal looked at evidence of increased risk of members, particularly the problem of heart disease among professional fire fighters IAFF Supports Dedicated in-building radio communication. after age 60 and concluded that mandatory 700 MHz Radio Frequency The IAFF letter of support raises this retirement at 60 was a reasonable limitation. concern and makes the point that Regarding duty of fair representation, the in Canada operability is more important than Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA) interoperability, and that the IAFF welcomes currently prevents fire fighters’ complaints he IAFF has added its voice to the the opportunity to work with other public from being heard by the Ontario Labour chorus of emergency responder safety stakeholders on this issue. Relations Board (OLRB), which adjudicates Torganizations calling on the Radio spectrum is a limited natural such cases for other unionized workers. Canadian government to dedicate 20 resource that is a valuable commodity. The As a result, fire fighters must pursue these MHz of bandwidth within the 700 MHz availability of bandwidth within the cases through the civil court system, or in a spectrum for Canada’s public safety 700MHz frequency in Canada and the more recent trend, rely on the human rights agencies. United States stems from the pending tribunals. Both of these venues lack expertise In a letter to the Tri-Service Special cessation of analog television signals. The and experience in labour relations, and are Purpose Committee — which switch to digital television only will occur expensive and cumbersome for all parties includes representation from on August 30, 2011 in Canada. involved. Bill 181 will amend the existing Canada’s fire, police and EMS chiefs The Canadian government will be legislation to allow the OLRB determination — the IAFF offered its agreement on auctioning bandwidth in the 700 MHZ of fire fighters’ DFR complaints. the issue, as well as any assistance frequency in late 2012, and any decision on “We look forward to the swift passage of required. reserving a portion for public safety agencies this bill and the correction of these two The 700MHz spectrum is must be made before that date. outstanding issues,” LeBlanc says. “Bill 181 expected to assist with the issue of The U.S. government is similarly working to is a welcome piece of legislation and more interoperability of radio communication allocate 20 MHz within the 700 MHz range proof that our lobbying efforts pay off.” between multiple agencies responding to for public safety use. The IAFF is working The Ontario liberal government has enacted the same emergency. closely with the Obama administration and a number of advances for professional fire The IAFF letter of support also cautions Congress to ensure public safety spectrum fighters since it was first elected in 2003, that dedicating bandwidth within the 700 availability and fire fighter safety. n

International Fire Fighter ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE | 31 Always on the Frontline IAFF Members Participate in Inaugural Canadian Political Training Academy

wenty-five IAFF members from five field experts from across Canada on a number provinces were selected to participate in of topics, including targeting core campaign Tthe inaugural edition of the IAFF strategies, developing an effective campaign Canadian Political Training Academy. plan, recruiting volunteers, fundraising and Held in Ottawa May 29-June 1, the Canadian budgeting, developing an effective message, Political Training Academy is an innovative new media training, getting out the vote and program providing Canadian members with the complying with electoral finance laws. opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of how All applicants for the IAFF Canadian Political to effectively run an election campaign at every Nathan Rotman, Director of Organization for Training Academy completed an online Political level of government. the New Democratic Party, delivers a session Training Academy application. Each applicant at the IAFF inaugural Canadian Political “This new Canadian Political Training Training Academy May 30 in Ottawa. also submitted a letter of recommendation from Academy is an important and critical step in his or her local president. building our Canadian political operation,” says The Canadian version of the program is based The IAFF and FIREPAC covers the cost of all IAFF General President Schaitberger, who was in on the IAFF’s highly successful U.S. Political lodging, food and training materials for Ottawa for the inaugural event. Training Academy, which has trained more than attendees. Attendees are only responsible for the Thanks to the hard work of Assistant to the 750 IAFF members in advanced political action cost of their transportation to and from the General President for Canadian Operations over the past 15 years (see page 33). Political Training Academy. n Scott Marks, the Political Training Academy was This is the first program developed and catered developed through FIREPAC Canada. to political campaigns in Canada, and features # HERE’S MY FIREPAC CONTRIBUTION

U.S. Members Only: FIREPAC can only accept personal checks, q$750 q$500 q$200 q$100 q $50 q $25 qOther $______. money orders or personal credit cards. Federal election laws prohibit FIREPAC from accepting business or union dues (treasury) account checks. Contributions to FIREPAC do not qualify as charitable q Enclosed is my check payable to FIREPAC. contributions for federal income tax purposes. Members may not seek reimbursement for their contribution. Make Checks/Money Orders Payable to: FIREPAC q Charge my: q VISA q Mastercard U.S. Members mail to: Canadian Members mail to: IAFF FIREPAC FIREPAC Canada Card Number______1750 New York Avenue, NW 350 Sparks Street, Suite 403 Washington, DC 20006 Ottawa, ON K1R 758 Exp. Date______Signature______

Name: ______

Membership No. ______Chairman’s Council Leadership Trust Founder’s Circle $750 $500 $200 Local No. ______

Address: ______

President’s Club Capitol Club FIREPAC Supporter City, State, Zip: ______$100 $50 $25

Chairman’s Council members Phone No. (H)______(C)______Please select the size of the wind shirt you would like. *Email: ______q Small q Medium

q Large q X Large

*Required in order to Process your FIREPAC contribution and q 2X Large q 3X Large

track donor pins shipping q 4X Large PAPER2011

32 | ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE May/June 2011 Presumptive Legislation Advances in Alberta, Saskatchewan

obbying by IAFF affiliates in Alberta and Saskatchewan has resulted in Limportant advances to their presumptive cancer laws. The Alberta government has added breast, skin and prostate cancer coverage, as well as coverage for multiple myeloma. The legislation marks the third update of Alberta’s presumptive laws since the first presumptions were introduced in 2003, and brings the total number of cancers covered to 14. Alberta fire fighters are also covered for heart injuries that occur within 24 hours of a fire call.

Alberta Fire Fighters Association (AFFA) BRAD WOODARD BY: PHOTO President Craig Macdonald noted that the Saskatchewan IAFF members broke from their annual Convention in Regina May 11 to Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters attend the Saskatchewan legislature, where legislation was passed adding esophageal Association, which added the same four cancer to the list of those deemed occupational. The legislation also reduces the required employment period to qualify for testicular cancer coverage to 10 years. With the fire cancers in late 2010, got the ball rolling fighters is Saskatchewan Labour Minister Don Morgan. and Alberta quickly picked up the issue. “Political action and political support really played a role in how quickly our The legislation was passed in the there are IAFF affiliates without such Employment and Immigration Minister Saskatchewan legislature in Regina while coverage. jumped on the issue,” Macdonald says, the Saskatchewan Professional Fire Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire adding that provincial legislative Fighters Association (SPFFA) was holding Fighters Association President Doug conferences held in 2009 and 2010 also its annual convention in the City. The LeBlanc, St. John’s, NL Local 1075 helped raise awareness about the AFFA business of the SPFFA Convention was set President Dave Burry and Corner Brook and issues including cancer presumptions. aside for a short time to allow about fire NL Local 1222 President David Dunphy In Saskatchewan, the provincial fighters to witness the bill being passed met in Corner Brook May 3 with government passed legislation May 11 that from the legislature’s public gallery. provincial Labour Minister Darin King adds esophageal cancer to the list of those Meanwhile, IAFF leaders in Atlantic and Workplace Health, Safety and covered, while also reducing the number of Canada are continuing the fight for Compensation Commission CEO Leslie years worked in order to qualify for testicular presumptive legislation in Newfoundland Galway to press the issue. n cancer coverage from 15 years to 10 years. and Labrador, the only province in which

Preparing Members for Political Action

or the 15th consecutive year, the IAFF hosted its Political Training FAcademy February 27-March 5.Held in Baltimore, Maryland, the 2011 Political Training Academy drew members from 29 states and four provinces, and continued a legacy of high-level political training for IAFF activists, officials and candidates. members have graduated from the campaign simulation focused on two The Political Training Academy trains Political Training Academy, including separate state legislative campaigns, and IAFF members who are running or plan more than 325 fire fighters who hold members were assigned to one of four to run for elected office, teaches activists office in the United States and Canada. smaller teams. In addition, four campaign how to engage with campaigns in The Political Training Academy features professionals served as advisors for each leadership roles and coaches local leaders training on a variety of campaign topics, campaign team, providing a new level of on how to assess the strengths and as well as a campaign simulation exercise. hands-on, small group instruction. weaknesses of campaigns approaching the Workshops are offered on campaign IAFF members interested in union for support. planning, targeting, fundraising, participating in the 2012 Political Training Two members of this year’s Political messaging, and get-out-the-vote, as well as Academy can apply online between Labor Training Academy class are currently other topics. Instructors are high-level Day and early November of this year. For elected officials, five are declared operatives and consultants from the more information, visit www.iaff.org or candidates and several more are potential campaign world, most with decades of contact the IAFF Political Action candidates for municipal, state or federal campaign experience. Department at (202) 824-1582. n office. Nearly 750 IAFF members or family The 2011 Political Training Academy

International Fire Fighter ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE | 33 Always on the Frontline IAFF to Work With Conservatives to Move Canadian Issues Forward

ith the Canadian federal election over, the IAFF’s attention returns Wimmediately to working with the Conservative government and with opposition members alike in order to advance the issues on the Canadian legislative agenda. With assistance from the IAFF, Canadian affiliates educated countless candidates about fire fighter issues during the campaign and endorsed candidates from all political parties. The IAFF is now preparing to capitalize on that hard work in order to ensure that fire fighter issues are front and centre in the first days of the new government, while laying a strong foundation for the 18th Canadian Legislative Conference in October. After seven years of minority Vancouver Fire Fighters Chris Coleman and Lee Lax, Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton, Local 18 President Gord Ditchburn and committee member Casey Hensrud. Days before governments, Canadians on May 2 elected a the historic "Orange Crush" swept the Canadian political scene, Jack Layton rallied in majority Conservative government under Vancouver to thousands of supporters. Both Vancouver NDP candidates Local 18 Prime Minister Stephen Harper, with a endorsed were elected. strong New Democratic Party (NDP) opposition led by Jack Layton. Though the Conservative Party didn’t harder than ever on fire fighter issues. “And Opposition after capturing 102 seats in the make any commitments to the IAFF during you know which option we’ll choose,” he House of Commons bodes well for the the election campaign, the IAFF’s said. “With our non-partisan approach our IAFF, as the party, labour’s traditional ally, non-partisan approach to politics positions fortunes are not based on the fate of any is a longtime supporter of the IAFF and fire Canada’s professional fire fighters to work single political party. We’ll work with fighter issues. with members of Parliament from all anyone who is prepared to move our issues The Conservatives clinched their majority political parties in order to secure a Public forward, as we have done so successfully in by winning 167 of 308 House of Commons Safety Officer Compensation (PSOC) the past.” seats. The election of a majority benefit and advance other pressing Schaitberger reminded Canadian affiliates government in Canada for the first time in legislative needs. that it was the Conservatives who in 2008 seven years also means that uncertainty IAFF General President Harold agreed to fund the IAFF’s Canadian over election timing won’t interfere with Schaitberger, who was in Canada the Haz-Mat and CBRN Training Initiative in planning for the annual Canadian morning after the election to speak to the the amount of $2.5 million over five years. Legislative Conference, at least for the next Alberta Fire Fighters Association, In addition to the PSOC benefit, the IAFF four years. The conference normally takes commended Canadian affiliates for their is also asking the Canadian government for place in April, but was postponed this year hard work during the campaign while priority access to available vaccines and because of the election. warning that there’s more hard work ahead antivirals during an influenza pandemic, The 18th Canadian Legislative Conference to move fire fighter issues forward during for amendments to the National Building is tentatively scheduled to take place in the 41st Parliament. Code of Canada to protect fire fighters and Ottawa the week of October 23, 2011. Schaitberger said Canadian IAFF for a national office for fire service Details about registration will be provided members face two choices — to sit back statistics. to local affiliate leaders in advance of the and see what happens or to dive right in The New Democratic Party’s historic conference. and press the Conservative government surge and its new role as the Official

IAFF FIREPAC Donor Names

istorically, the March-April FIREPAC still wants to recognize issue of the International Fire those donors. You can view the list on HFighter has included the names the IAFF web site. of every IAFF member who To view the U.S. list, go to contributed at least $25 to FIREPAC in www.iaff.org/Politics/FIREPAC/FIRE the previous calendar year. However, PAC2010Contributors.pdf. since this year’s March-April issue was To view the Canadian list, go to a Special Issue dedicated to the IAFF www.iaff.org/Canada/Firepac/2010.pdf Fighting Back campaign, the decision . was made to not print the list.

34 | ALWAYS ON THE FRONTLINE May/June 2011

Across the IAFF Harvard-University of Ottawa Executive Fire Fighters Join President Obama at Ground Zero Ceremony Leadership Program and an IAFF Scholarship application form, visit AFF General President Harold Cassidy and Hagan stood with Obama www.iaff.org/canada. Schaitberger, Uniformed Firefighters and Schaitberger to honor the fallen. Both IAssociation of New York Local 94 lost friends and colleagues on 9/11. It’s About the Patient President Steve Cassidy and Uniformed “This ceremony serves as a reminder Fire Officers Association of New York that America cannot forget that we must he Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Local 854 President Al Hagan joined remain vigilant in our efforts to protect Association (OPFFA) anticipates that President Obama at a wreath-laying our country and our way of life,” says Tthe pending implementation of ceremony at Ground Zero, where 343 Schaitberger. “Defending our citizens at simultaneous notification of fire fighters to members of the FDNY died in the line of home and defending our country abroad life-and-limb-threatening emergency duty, saving the lives of others on requires resources. It is our duty to never medical calls will enable its members to September 11, 2001. allow policy makers to forget what it takes better illustrate the positive impact they can “The solemn ceremony will hopefully to protect a nation. Complacency is not have on patient outcomes in the province. provide some closure to a horrific event an option.” Simultaneous notification of fire and in our nation’s history,” Schaitberger The IAFF also issued a statement ambulance will allow public safety says. “It allows us to honor those who following President Obama’s stakeholders to properly measure fire defend our country and its people at announcement that Osama bin Laden department response times and gauge the home and abroad, including our fire was killed thanking President Obama, the benefits of dispatching fire fighters to a fighters, paramedics and police who U.S. intelligence agencies and the U.S. wider range of medical calls, according to protect our citizens and our military, the military forces — including the Navy OPFFA President Fred LeBlanc. intelligence officers and the Navy SEALs SEALS — who carried out the mission, The OPFFA’s efforts to improve patient who accomplished the mission this for providing some peace to the families outcomes by maintaining and building on nation began almost 10 years ago to of those who died in the September 11, current fire department response in the avenge all those lost in the three attacks 2001 terrorist attacks. n province has drawn attention from some that fateful day.” sectors within the ambulance and paramedic community that view it as a threat. “Our motto is that it’s about the patient; it’s that simple,” LeBlanc says. While working to highlight the benefits of fire’s role in medical calls, the OPFFA has also been working hard to counter the misinformation being spread about how fire fighters can positively affect medical outcomes and what the goals of the OPFFA truly are. Ontario’s professional fire fighters are first responders at emergency medical calls, often arriving before ambulances to provide basic life support before paramedics arrive. Fire fighters also play a valuable supporting role at medical emergencies. Photo from the New York Times, Currently, the types of medical calls fire May 6, 2011 edition. fighters respond to in a specific jurisdiction

PHOTO BY: OZIER MuHAMMAD/THE NEW YORK TIMES YORK OZIER MuHAMMAD/THE NEW BY: PHOTO are spelled out in local-tiered response agreements. At a time when fire fighters have been advocating a greater role in EMS New Scholarship for Originally developed for the Canadian as a solution to ongoing ambulance Canadian Executive Police Association, this certificate program resource issues in Ontario cities, other teaches advanced leadership skills in a forces have been working to reduce the Leadership Training number of key areas during three-day types of medical calls that fire fighters sessions taking place in Ottawa in respond to. he IAFF is offering an exciting November 2011 and May 2012. The fact that fire departments are opportunity for Canadian affiliate Any Canadian IAFF member in good typically notified of medical calls several Tleaders to gain advanced executive standing with an IAFF affiliate is eligible minutes later than ambulance services leadership training through a new to apply for this scholarship. Applicants makes response times and the true scholarship program. must be an active member of the IAFF potential benefits of fire department Two full scholarships are available for affiliate and have demonstrated active intervention more difficult to measure. qualifying IAFF members to attend the participation as an officer or committee OPFFA Executive Vice President Mark joint Harvard Law School-University of member, for example. McKinnon, who is overseeing this EMS Ottawa Executive Leadership Program. For more information about the initiative, also emphasizes that the issue is

36 | ACROSS THE IAFF May/June 2011 The OPFFA has developed a strategic plan Frontline Plan Now Available to Mattoon Members on the EMS issue, and with assistance from the IAFF, developed an information card hanks to the hard summarizing its position on the issue. The work and dedication card was mailed directly to all of OPFFA’s Tof Mattoon, IL Local 11,000 members. 691 President Bart Owen “We believe simultaneous notification is and his Executive Board, an important step in advocating our role in the City of Mattoon, EMS, and we’re urging the province not to Illinois, has made the allow any delay in the pilot projects,” FrontLine Plan available to McKinnon says. “This issue is all about Local 691members. Tom public safety and improving patient O’Connor, Nationwide outcomes, and levelling that playing field Retirement Specialist, will will allow us to show more clearly that fire provide ongoing service fighters make a difference in not just and education for members life-threatening medical emergencies but in in the Mattoon plan. n a wide range of medical calls.” n

2011 World Police & Fire Games in New York City about public safety, not about creating a ministry staff and with staff from the turf war with anyone. “We are ensuring Premier’s office throughout its efforts to he 2011 World Police & Fire Games that the lines of communication are open secure simultaneous notification. “Our (WPFG) will be held in New York with our members, with government and work continues with our fire chiefs and TCity August 23-September 5. The with other EMS stakeholders so that facts municipal leaders to ensure they support WPFG, held every two years, is the are what come out,” he says. “And those and advocate the enhancement of our second-largest international multi-sport facts support our position.” tiered-response agreements so the citizens event in the world. The OPFFA has met with Ontario Health receive the benefits of our response,” The 2011 WPFG — the first held on the Minister Deb Matthews, with key health McKinnon says. Continued on Page 38

International Fire Fighter ACROSS THE IAFF | 37 Across the IAFF Continued from Page 37 IAFF Launches New Canada, as well as job openings at the IAFF, East Coast — coincides with the 10-year Online Job Center other labor unions and municipal, state or anniversary of September 11 and is an federal agencies. The service is free for opportunity to say thank you to those members and employers. he IAFF’s new online Job Center lists To submit a position opening, email around the world who supported New York employment opportunities with fire City and to remember those who were lost. [email protected]. Visit the new Job Center at Tdepartments in the United States and www.iaff.org/jobs. n The WPFG is an Olympic-style competition comprised of 69 sports held over 11 days, including soccer, hockey, flag football and swimming, as well as less East Peoria Local 1498 Implements FrontLine 457 Plan traditional events such as dragon boat racing and muster. Competitors must be career fire fighters or law enforcement officers. Athletes will compete in 50 sports venues throughout the New York City area.

Visit www.2011wpfg.org for a complete list of sports and for more information. Registration for the 2011 WPFG opened ntil recently, only the ICMA-RC Local 1498 members to invest their January 6. More than 15,000 competitors are plan was available to members supplemental retirement dollars. Tom expected to compete. Many sports have limits Uof East Peoria, IL Local 1498. O’Conner is the Nationwide on the number of athletes allowed to register. But after many months of negotiations, Retirement Specialist who will provide Any athlete or team that is planning to the City of East Peoria added the education and service to members who compete in the 2011 WPFG is encouraged to FrontLine Plan as an alternative for join the plan. n register as soon as possible. To register, visit www.2011wpfg.org. Don’t miss the excitement of competing with fire fighters and police officers from throughout the world! There are also plenty of opportunities to IAFF Welcomes New Locals help with the WPFG. The WPFG is recruiting 7,500 volunteers to assist with the Games and The new IAFF affiliates listed below joined the International in January, February, March and April 2010. all IAFF members, active or retired, are urged Local 3026 Local 4832 Local 4837 Local 1249 to get involved. Email McMinnville Fire Fighters Bowie Professional Fire Bensalem Township Roswell Professional Fire [email protected] or visit Association Fighters, TX Career Fire Fighters Fighters union www.2011wpfg.org to “Join TEAM 2011.” President: Brad Weaver President: Rayse Association Roswell, NM McMinnville, TN Richardson Bensalem, PA President: Eric Mann For additional information, call (718) 19 Members 12 members President: Robert 39 members 281-3335. Bowie, TX Sponheimer The Jacob Javits Convention Center is the Local 4838 7 members Local 4822 Harrisburg International Local 2693 Cookeville Bridgeton Professional headquarters for the WPFG and is where 21 Airport Fire Department Fire Fighters Association Local 4843 Fire Fighters Association of the sporting events, the Athlete President: Douglas Cookeville, TN Middlebury Professional Bridgeton, NJ Accreditation Area, the Athlete’s Village and Snyder President: Gil Miller Fire Fighters President: Jeffery Belum Harrisburg, PA 37 members Middlebury, IN 12 members the 2011 WPFG Expo will be held. 12 Members President: Jeff Sager Other venues for the WPFG include Local 4572 9 members Local 4829 Randall’s Island (including the FDNY Fire Local 4839 Spring Lake Professional Okotoks Fire Fighters Academy) and Icahn Stadium and Sportime West End Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 4845 Okotoks, AB Fire Fighters Association Spring Lake, NC Windsor Severance Fire President: Garth Misura Tennis Center. The Opening Ceremonies President: Perry D. Kurtz President: Robert A. Fighters 14 members will take place at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Phoenixville, PA Thomas Windsor, CO A Candlelight Vigil is planned at the 14 Members 7 members President: Erik Morse Local 4844 23 members Professional Chandler Cathedral of Saint John the Divine at the Local 2312 Local 4835 Fire Fighters conclusion of the Games. Vernon Fireman’s Johnston Professional Local 672 Chandler, OK The 2011 WPFG are made possible by our Association, CA Fire Fighters Boise Fire Chief Officer’s President: Bobby Proud Partners, including Founding President: Dean Richens Johnston, IA Boise, ID Buchanan 69 members President: Craig VerHuel Jr President: Tracy Raynor 6 members Partners Anheuser Busch and Scott Health & Vernon, CA 5 members 7 members Safety. Other Partners include SnapSports, Local 4848 Con Edison, Empire Blue Cross & Blue Local 4810 Travis County District 4 Pitt Meadows Fire Fire Fighters Association Shield, Bronx Toys and the Municipal Credit Fighters, BC Canada Austin, TX Union, Haynes Boone (legal counsel to the President: Scott Kyle President: Oel Leon Games) and Allison & Partners (public 3 members 20 members Pitt Meadows, BC relations support for the Games). n

38 | ACROSS THE IAFF May/June 2011 Fire Fighters Help Citizens and Each Other After Tornadoes

he effects of the deadly tornado system that made its way from Mississippi to Pennsylvania this spring will be felt for Tsome time to come. While some fire fighters were deployed to the worst hit areas to assist with relief efforts, others felt the storms’ wrath on a personal level. IAFF members from Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee received significant damage to their homes. Four Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams — three from Louisiana and one from Mobile, Alabama — were deployed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where at least 41 people were killed when the EF-4 tornado with winds up to 190 miles per hour ravaged the City’s most densely populated neighborhoods. The teams include members of New Orleans, LA Local 632 (Task Force 1), Baton Rouge, LA Local 557 (Task Force 2), Bossier City, LA Local 1051 (Task Force 3), Shreveport, LA Local 514 (Task Force 3) and Mobile, AL Local 1349. In Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado killed 141 people and destroyed homes, fire stations, businesses, schools and a hospital, IAFF 2nd District Vice President Mark Woolbright and Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters (MSCFF) President Tony Kelley Alabama and Birmingham, AL Local 117. described the scene as total devastation. The MSCFF has also established a relief fund for displaced Joplin Local 2618 President John Corey says he is working with members. For more information, visit MSCFF District Vice President Eric Latimer, Woolbright and www.mscffrelieffund.org/. Kelley to assess membership needs and provide updates. Meanwhile, a group of IAFF 2nd District fire fighters are Fire fighters with damage to their homes are receiving assisting Local 2618 members who lost their homes. assistance from the IAFF’s Disaster Relief Fund, as well as relief Additionally, a deluge of fire fighter assistance has poured into funds established by the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Joplin. n

International Fire Fighter ACROSS THE IAFF | 39 Across the IAFF

Join the IAFF’s Social Networks

he IAFF is reaching out and communicating with members, Telected leaders, the media and the public through social media. These interactive online communities are effective tools for spreading the message about the IAFF and the work fire fighters and paramedics do across North America. With more than 15,000 fans, the IAFF Facebook fan page is generating positive In response to the story, “Independent Below are some of the tweets the IAFF feedback from IAFF members and fans. Wisconsin lawmaker proposes bargaining has received. Overwhelmingly, IAFF Facebook fans restrictions for local police, firefighters,” enjoy posts about the attacks fire fighters one Facebook fan wrote: “You go, WE go. l @IAFFNewsDesk: You fire fighters get and paramedics and other public workers This is a great lesson in standing together straight to the point...’I’ve got your are fighting on multiple fronts. with all labor.” back, you’ve got mine.’ Without that A story about a mayor’s decision to take The IAFF Facebook fan page is also you don’t have much. EMS duties from Endicott, NY Local putting a face on fire fighters and 1280 fire fighters prompted many paramedics and helping to remind others l @IAFFNewsDesk: So proud of comments, including this one: “What is that these first responders are not the #firefighters, again! You put DC wrong with people? Is it going to take a villains that anti-worker lawmakers want Democrats on notice: Have our backs, politician or their family member dying the public to believe. One fan had this to like we’ve had yours. #wiunion as a result of these changes before people say about fire fighters and paramedics: “I #ohunion #u1 see? Oh no, wait, that will just be the love the men and women who serve in department’s fault for doing a bad job.” our fire departments. [Orlando fire l Bravo to the IAFF for refocusing their Articles on the New Jersey pension fighters] have scarfed me up and seen me resources to repeal #SB5 system caused many fans to weigh in. An off to the ER more than once, and the http://bit.ly/jPtNeO #1u article about state Senate President Orange County station closest to Rio @IAFFNewsDesk #standupoh Stephen Sweeney’s plan to overhaul Grande and 33rd Street in Orlando got to public employee pensions and health my dad in three minutes some years ago, l See @GovWalker FF, police,teachers R benefits drew this response: “It should be as he was having a heart attack, which is NOT the enemy! RT noted that Senator Sweeney comes from probably why he is still with us @IAFFNewsDesk: Fire Fighters Help organized labor and yet here he is today...you folks are the greatest people in Citizens,ea Other > Tornadoes working to strip another item from the the world, and I can’t say enough good http://bit.ly/kC5cE3 bargaining table through legislation. The about you. Words fail me. Thank you all name ‘sellout’ comes to mind.” so much.” l @IAFFNewsDesk L255 expresses our When a story about a fatal fire in Utica, Newer features on the IAFF Facebook sincere appreciation to GP Harold New York, appeared on the IAFF page include the “photo of the day” Schaitberger for addressing the AFFA Facebook page, it affected many who (email photos to [email protected]), weekly 2011 Conference this week! commented and illustrates how social firehouse recipes and polls on issues and media can share the “other side of the challenges facing IAFF members. Become a fan — join the IAFF on story,” as reflected in this comment: The IAFF’s Twitter efforts have attracted Facebook and Twitter for instant updates, “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Too more than 1,600 followers, and many the latest news, reports, resources, often, this side of the story never gets IAFF affiliates are using Twitter to send upcoming events and other important told, as much as we try to make the the IAFF stories, ask questions about the information. Visit public aware of the realities of our work. Fighting Back campaign and request www.facebook.com/iaffonline and hit Thank you.” assistance on staffing and other issues. the “Like” button and follow the IAFF on Similarly, when news broke that a The IAFF is also engaging the media on Twitter at www.twitter.com/iaffnewsdesk. California appeals court ruled that the Twitter. For example, when the House In addition, the IAFF Frontline Blog public has a right to know the pension Appropriations Subcommittee on provides commentary, news and updates benefits paid to retired government Homeland Security proposed cutting the on issues important to IAFF members employees, one fan had this say: “If Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency and to the IAFF, and allows you to someone has worked long enough to earn Response (SAFER) and Assistance to provide your own opinion and feedback a pension, then haven’t they done just Firefighters (FIRE Act) grant programs, on a wide variety of issues. IAFF TV that... earned it??? If you’re the kind of the IAFF alerted reporters at the features numerous videos produced by or person who is willing to work another job Washington Post, New York Times, about the IAFF and its affiliates. after working long enough to retire, I Associated Press and other journalists, For more information, email would call that hard-working...not who now follow the IAFF on Twitter and [email protected] or visit www.iaff.org. n double dipping.” retweeted stories from the IAFF.

40 | ACROSS THE IAFF May/June 2011

Fully Involved Princeton Review Partners With IAFF to Offer Fire Science Degree

he IAFF has partnered with the “This is an exciting Tuition is reasonably priced at $65 per Princeton Review, a leading provider credit hour, and students may qualify to Tof test preparation, educational opportunity for our receive credit for previous college support services and online career education coursework that meets Penn Foster’s services to provide an A.S. degree program members. This partnership standards. Penn Foster also offers payment in fire science exclusively to IAFF active reflects the IAFF’s plans at zero percent APR financing and members through Penn Foster College. affordable monthly payments. Families of “This is an exciting opportunity for our commitment to helping our IAFF members will also be eligible to members,” says IAFF General President members succeed — not pursue any of the Penn Foster College Harold Schaitberger. “This partnership programs. reflects the IAFF’s commitment to helping only on the fire ground, but In addition, as part of the academic our members succeed — not only on the experience, Penn Foster College will fire ground, but in meeting their in meeting their professional provide students with pre-loaded mobile professional goals as well.” goals as well.” tablets ensuring ready access to educational The online program is expected to be materials needed to complete their available later this summer and is designed —General President Schaitberger program, as well as required books and to meet the needs of working fire fighters learning materials. seeking to advance their careers. Students College’s new Bachelor of Science Degree For more information, contact the IAFF who complete the 61-credit degree in Emergency Readiness and Response Department of Education at (202) program are eligible to continue their Management program, combining 824-1533. n education by transferring their Penn Foster homeland security courses with labor credits towards the National Labor studies.

Partnership Education Candidates must submit the following to l A written recommendation from your Program (PEP ) be considered: local president. l A completed PEP instructor Instructors Needed application. For more information, or to request an l A 10-20 minute videotape or DVD of application, contact the IAFF Department he IAFF is currently seeking affiliate yourself teaching a class. of Education at [email protected]. n leaders with training and union Tofficer experience to join the Partnership Education Program (PEP) instructor team. PEP instructors train Track Your Shifts and Your Life affiliate leaders across the United States and Canada on a variety of topics — from rganize your professional and l IAFF Pro-Calendar Android App — union administration to political action. personal life with the new IAFF OPro-Calendar Smart Phone https://market.android.com/detail s?id=procal.gammapoint.com The minimum requirements are: App! The IAFF and Pro-Calendar have l IAFF Pro-Calendar iPhone App — l Three-plus years of experience serving http://itunes.apple.com/app/iaff- in a leadership position within your partnered to develop and release the pro-calendar/id412401290?mt=8 local or state/provincial association. most advanced App for fire fighters for scheduling and tracking critical These mobile Apps are based on l Experience training IAFF union Pro-Calendar’s popular 48-page pocket members or fire fighters. job-related information. This shift calendar and shift calendar/organizer, which l Excellent verbal communication skills. organizer helps you manage your retails for $15. Available at $6.99 for a Other highly desired qualifications shift schedule, track sick, trades, 12-month subscription, the include: comp and vacation time, schedule trainings and take IAFF Pro-Calendar App is a l Five-plus years of experience in two or great value at more than 50 more of the following areas: charge of all of your personal appointments, plus much more. percent off the original l Union administration The IAFF Pro-Calendar App is Pro-Calendar pocket l Administration of collective bargaining calendar/organizer. For less agreements also the only shift calendar App to include an exposure incident than half the price you get l Political action and public relations log for quickly recording vital twice the value! l Grievance handling or grievance Proceeds benefit the IAFF arbitration information related to occupational exposures — a Burn Foundation, Disaster l Health and safety critical component when dealing with Relief Fund, Fallen Fire Fighter l Working knowledge of applicable Memorial, John P. Redmond federal, state/provincial and local presumptive disease documentation. Foundation and W.H. “Howie” employment laws. Download a FREE 30-Day Trial Version today: McClennan Scholarship Fund. n

42 | FULLY INVOLVED May/June 2011 IAFF Health, Safety and EMS Conference Is August 14-18 in New York City

n 2011, the IAFF is combining the John P. Redmond Thursday, August 18, 2011, at the Symposium and Dominick F. Barbera EMS Conference into a conclusion of the closing plenary session Isingle event to be held August 14-18, 2011, in New York City. during the Redmond Symposium and This is an excellent educational forum for fire fighters, EMS Conference. The Ceremony will paramedics, medical directors, physicians, occupational safety, include presentations commemorating health and fitness experts and others. The detailed program the most tragic day in IAFF history. As includes two days of plenary sessions and two days of topic part of the ceremony, attendees will specific-workshops, briefings and roundtable discussions. receive a special memorial photo album and commemorative The IAFF and the John P. Redmond Foundation medallion honoring the IAFF members killed on that day. have been on the frontline of every major In addition, the IAFF Foundation will hold an Inaugural health and safety initiative in the fire service. Charity Gala, August 16 at the Hilton New York featuring The IAFF Redmond Symposium health and actor/comedian Jay Mohr. The IAFF Foundation administers safety conference is designed to address several charities that provide support to fire fighters and their solutions and tools to further protect IAFF families throughout North America who are in need of assistance members from new and reemerging hazards following disasters or line-of-duty death. The IAFF Foundation now and in the future. promotes fire and burn prevention, advocates for fire The Dominick F. Barbera EMS Conference fighter health and safety and promotes public education explores all aspects of fire-based emergency on how to prevent or recover from these traumatic medical services. From the tenets of emergency events.These charitable entities include the IAFF response system design and operations, to Burn Foundation, Disaster Relief Fund, Fallen medical direction and privatization, and from Fire Fighter Memorial, McClennan Scholarship quality assessment and data collection to billing Fund and John P. Redmond Foundation. For more for transport, this Conference covers the most information, visit www.iaffcharitygala.com. relevant topics affecting fire service-based EMS For more information or to register, visit systems. www.iaff.org/Events/ The IAFF will hold a special 9/11 10-Year 2011Redmond/. n Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony on

International Fire Fighter FULLY INVOLVED | 43 Fully Involved Coffee for a Cause

he IAFF has partnered with City President Harold Schaitberger. as the IAFF Burn Foundation. Brew Coffee Company to market and Cherie Swanson of City Brew, who has been Billings Local 521 President Dan Cotrell Tsell Firehouse Blend Coffee to part of the development of the program says, “Our partnership with City Brew support the IAFF Burn Foundation. from the beginning, says, “We are developing Coffee has been a great public relations tool Roasted by City Brew Coffee Company in a great partnership with and financial asset for Local Billings, Montana, Firehouse Blend Coffee is the IAFF and its affiliates. 521,” he says. “Sales of available through the IAFF online store, the We have been working Firehouse Blend Coffee have City Brew Coffee web site and in all City internally for more than raised revenues for our Brew stores and kiosks across the country. three years to bring this charitable fund and increased Proceeds from the sales of Firehouse Blend multifaceted program to public awareness of the IAFF Coffee benefit the IAFF Burn Foundation. the IAFF and its members. Burn Foundation and our In addition, the IAFF and City Brew have We are extremely excited local’s involvement in causes developed a unique fundraising initiative to about the future of our that help our community.” help IAFF affiliates conduct fundraising fundraising partnership He adds, “And we get the programs through sales of Firehouse Blend and look forward to added bonus of enjoying the Coffee products. City Brew will provide raising awareness and best cup of coffee around.” Firehouse Blend Coffee to IAFF affiliates at dollars for the IAFF Burn The helmet shield featured on wholesale prices ($6.87 per bag) for resale Foundation and IAFF each bag of Firehouse Blend for $9.99 at local fundraising events. IAFF affiliates.” coffee can also be customized affiliates make a profit of $3.12 per bag and Billings, MT Local 521 with an affiliate’s local number keep all proceeds to distribute to charitable members served as testers in place of 911. Minimum causes in their own communities. Free to develop the coffee blend purchases apply for shipping is available when ordering pallets and worked with Kinetic customization. (720 bags per pallet). Marketing to design the For more information, or to “This partnership provides a great Firehouse Blend Coffee purchase Firehouse Blend opportunity to support our Burn logo. Billings fire fighters Coffee, visit Foundation and for our affiliates to raise have already conducted www.citybrew.com, or contact funds to benefit worthy causes in their own their own Firehouse Blend Coffee Cherie Swanson at (406) 600-2677 or the cities and towns,” says IAFF General fundraisers to benefit local charities, as well IAFF Burn Foundation at (202) 824-8620. n

44 | FULLY INVOLVED May/June 2011 Essential Curriculum for ALTS 2011 Affiliate Leaders Burn Foundations Across North America Support record 1,113 affiliate leaders attended IAFF Burn Foundation the 2011 IAFF Affiliate Leadership ATraining Summit (ALTS) in Phoenix, ore than 75 IAFF members attended Arizona, in January — all eager to learn more the American Burn Association about how to fight back against the many IAFF members are encouraged to visit the M(ABA) Annual Meeting in Chicago, attacks and challenges fire fighters and ALTS post-conference web site at Illinois, in March. During the week-long paramedics across the International face in these www.iaff.org/et/alts/alts_2011/postconferen event, the IAFF Burn Foundation collected extraordinary economic and political times. ce for conference materials, resources and $63,000 to support its many programs, General President Harold Schaitberger spoke other valuable information from including the International Burn Camp and to attendees about the unprecedented assaults pre-conference events, workshops and burn research program. on public pensions, collective bargaining, information sessions. health care, wages and other hard-earned In 2012, the Affiliate Leadership Training Donations were received from the Dead Goat benefits. In his address, he pledged to fight Summit will once again be paired with the Burn Society ($1,500); Firefighters Burn against the attacks that are threatening to Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Treatment Society, Edmonton Chapter devastate IAFF members’ lives and livelihoods. Conference the week of January 22 in Lake ($1,500); British Columbia Professional Fire Video of President Schaitberger’s remarks is Buena Vista, Florida. Affiliate leaders who Fighters’ Burn Fund ($5,000); Portland available on IAFF-TV at register for both conferences are offered a Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation www.youtube.com/user/IAFFTV. reduced registration fee. ($5,000); Mississauga Firefighters Association This year’s ALTS featured more than 95 The 20th IAFF Human Relations ($5,000); San Jose Firefighters Burn workshops on topics addressing the state of Conference, scheduled for January 22-24, Foundation ($5,000); Chicago Firefighters public pensions and attacks on benefits, focuses on human relations issues, including Union Burn Foundation ($5,000); grievance handling, motivating rookies to cross-cultural and generational Firefighters Burn Fund Inc., Manitoba union activism and social etiquette, among communications, mentoring programs and ($5,000); Saskatchewan Professional Fire others. The IAFF will build on the success of serving diverse communities. Fighters Association Burn Fund ($5,000); the 2011 ALTS to improve and offer current ALTS is scheduled for January 25-26. Details Denver Fire Fighters Burn Foundation topical workshops that help affiliate leaders be and registration information is available at ($10,000); and the Firefighters Burn Institute, more effective in their union roles. www.iaff.org/et. n Sacramento ($15,000). n

Opportunity of a Lifetime: Insurance Protection the International Burn Camp for you and your family he IAFF Burn Foundation will hold its annual International Burn Camp September 24- October 1, Term Life Insurance T2011. More than 45 campers and counselors are expected to attend this eight-day, once-in-a-lifetime Universal Life Insurance opportunity. For more information, call (202) 824- 8620 or email [email protected]. n n Available in 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 year term n Coverage from $100,000 to $1,000,000 n Coverage from $100,000 to $1,000,000 n Coverage available to family members n Coverage available to family members n Available to Retirees (age requirement) n Acc. Death and Child riders available Individual Dental Insurance Individual Health Insurance n Indemnity plan n Indivdual, Retiree, & Family plans n Your choice of dentist n Traditional copayment plans n No networks or referrals required n Short Term medical plans n Reimbursement for covered services For a free quote call IAFF-FC Insurance Division at 1-866-423-3757 Campers at the 2010 International Children’s Burn Camp visit the horse stables in Fort Myer, Virginia. ADMINISTERED BY S. F. & C. INSURANCE ASSOCIATES, INC.

International Fire Fighter FULLY INVOLVED | 45 On The Road With The General President Throughout his travels on behalf of the IAFF and its affiliates... General President Harold Schaitberger visits firehouses and union halls and attends other state and provincial events.

President Schaitberger, IAFF 3rd District Vice President Mike Mullane and Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters President Paul Reed (front row, second from left) visited Newport, RI Local 1080 President David Hanos (second from right of Schaitberger) and several members of Local 1080 at Newport Fire Department headquarters.

Woonsocket, RI Local 732 President Christopher Oakland and Local 732 members greeted General President Schaitberger, 3rd District Vice President Mullane and Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters President Paul Reed (right of Schaitberger) at Fire Station 2.

President Schaitberger’s final stop in Rhode Island was to Johnston, where he, 3rd District Vice President Michael Mullane and Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters President Paul Reed visited Johnston Local 1950 President Keith Calci and his members at Station 3.

President Schaitberger was in Albany, New York, May 17 for a rally organized by the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association Washington, DC Local 36 President Ed Smith (second from right) (NYSPFFA) and held in conjunction with the state affiliate’s legislative escorted President Schaitberger and Secretary-Treasurer Thomas conference. NYSPFFA Secretary-Treasurer Sam Fresina (right of Miller to Engine 2 and Rescue 1 in Chinatown to meet the on-duty Schaitberger) and Albany Local 2007 President Andy Hirsch (in yellow crews. The Chinatown station is also Smith’s assigned firehouse. shirt) joined Schaitberger for a visit at the Arbor Hill fire station. May/June 2011 46 | ON THE ROAD L2294 Hillsborough County Fire Fighters—Lonnie Chesser, Dennis Hackney, Juan Montesino, Marc Schludt, L2411 Professional Fire Fighters Of Stuart—John Taylor, L2446 Palm Bay Professional Fire Fighters—Frank Gentile, L2546 Suncoast Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics—Russell Stensland, L2794 Spring Hill—Kenneth Discepolo, James Santella, John Spina, L2928 Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Of Palm Beach County—John Boike, Rosemarie Cannuscio, Richard Driskell, Kenneth Keane, Scott Kindred, Robert Lichty, Steven McClurg, John Tiersch, L2959 Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of Martin County—Paul Davidson, L2969 Brevard County Professional Fire Fighters—Maria Morissette, Janis Sengel, Wayne Swails, L3080 Metro-Broward Professional Fire Fighters—Edward Crupar, Frederick Feldtmann, James ALABAMA L0980 Bessemer—Luna Evans, Thomas LaJoie, Wayne Maynard, Michael Middough, Glen Renner, Johnson, Jeffrey Stark,L3140 Tarpon Springs Fire Fighters Moore, L1833 Huntsville—Billy Garner, Joe Gassen, Mark Taillon, John Uribe, L1401 Santa Rosa—Cal Association—Richard Kinney, L3284 Osceola County Richard Ransom, L4142 Alabaster—Edward Watts, L4636 Chamberlin, L1415 Petaluma—Jeffery Holden, L1507 Professional Fire Fighters—Peter Duran, L3574 Volusia Fort Payne Fire Fighters Association—Bruce Wilson South San Francisco—Dave Quasney, L1684 County Fire Fighters Association—Philip Brennan, Grant ALBERTA L0209 Edmonton Fire Fighters Union—Craig Oxnard—David Reyes, L1775 Marin Professional Fire Gunder, James Horst, Martin Spellman, L3582 Temple Bistritan, Gordon Bruynson, Howard Koch, Miles Melton, Fighters—Dave Holland, L1927 Culver City—Kevin Terrace Professional Fire Fighters—Jeffery Brackney, Bert Scott, Lorne Sherstobitoff, Marianne Skippings, Stan Kinnon, L2020 Santa Maria City Fire Fighters—David Edward Oren, L3852 Fire Rescue Professionals Of Alachua Symes, Brian Trudel, Ray Willis, L0237 Lethbridge—Jan McDaniel, L2046 Santa Barbara County—John Agapito, County—Jean LeMire, Daniel Shaeffer, L3927 Casselberry Burns, M. D. Matson L2787 Redondo Beach—Robert Franck, L2881 CDF Fire Professional Fire Fighters—James Luff, L4321 Broward ARIZONA L0479 Tucson—Roger Thompson, Daniel Fighters—Paul Alvarez, Troy Baker, Franklin Cone, Christy County—Jamie Baldanza, L4575 Edgewater Professional Uthe, L0493 Phoenix—Wendy Ballas, Kerry Davis, William Daugherty, R. P. Edman, Richard Egerman, Mary Fletcher, Fire Fighters—Bruce Coates GEORGIA Gallagher, Roy Gomez, Douglas MacBeth, Patrick Al Garza, Felipe Gomez, Karen Griffith, Gregory Guyan, L1460 Marietta—Richard Saffo, Jeff Scott HAWAII McDonald, Robert Simpson, Don Stevens, L1505 James Hollingsworth, John King, Thomas Klimas, Kathleen L1463 Hawaiian Islands—Daniel Cretton, Jeffrey Flagstaff—Gordon Wigman, L2260 Mesa—Tony Del Rio, Lineberry, Samuel Ortiz, Mark Ostrander, Robert LePage, Charles Meschter, Stephen Sobaje IDAHO Mark Freeman, Nick Fuduloff, Gary Gallaugher, Chris Plascencia, Roger Root, David Samaniego, Charles L0149 Boise—Tracy Geisler, L2856 Kootenai Licence, David McCormick, Craig Patterson, Tim Rosales, Schoendienst, Loren Snell, Gordie Varney, Bob Yancey, County Fire & Rescue—Larry Boatwright, Greg Wetzel, Steve Schureman, Scott Slingluff, Richard Stifel, L2974 Lake L3354 Huntington Beach—Ren Hunn, Don Spreeman, L4155 Chubbuck—Charles Dickman, L4454 Blackfoot Havasu—Thomas Delzio, L3504 United Pima Fire L3440 Arcadia—Stanley Bakey, L3494 Davis—Armando Fire Fighters—Whitney Manwaring, L4627 Meridian Fire Fighters—Richard Peres, L3647 Colorado River Jaramillo, L3546 San Ramon Valley—Jeffrey Breasher, Fighters—Rodney Shaul ILLINOIS Professional Fire Fighters—Robert Stanfield Michael Cline, Jeff Fagundes, Alan Gwiazdon, Kenneth F0037 Great Lakes Naval Training ARKANSAS L0014 Pine Bluff Fire Fighters Johnson, Timothy Morley, John Sambrailo, Scott Smith, Center—Peter Pepke, L0002 Chicago—Joseph Hogan, Association—Bart Moore, Greg Turchi, L0033 Fort L3556 El Dorado County—D. Jeffrey Chandler, Melvin Myron Kovalevych, Gilbert Lugo, Timothy McGrath, Smith—Michael Brammer, L0034 Little Rock—Clarence Guthrie, William Laybourne, L3631 Orange County William Welsh, L0095 Oak Park—Charles Moss, L0099 Barr, David Eichler, Jacob Maxwell, Charles Roark, Russell Professional Fire Fighters Association—Mark Benedetti, Aurora—Randy Durham, L0506 Berwyn—Carmen Wilkerson, L2995 Harrison—Steve Wagoner, L3007 Rod Eggleston, Kirk Scott, L3707 Monterey—Dan Barker, Metido, Richard Rosiar, Frank Simek, L0524 Springdale—Kyle Sprenger, L4496 Mountain Home Mike Botkin, Michael Consiglio, Kelly Davidian, Guy Pruitt, Pekin—Maurisio Guerra, Charles Lauss, Joe Stubbs, L0555 Professional Fire Fighters Association—Danny Kerns Steve Steinbach, L3809 South Placer—Phillip Ellis, L4115 Galesburg—Robert Fennig, L0618 Centralia—Phillip BRITISH COLUMBIA L0018 Vancouver—David Dyer, Lake County—Larry Daggett, L4373 Santee Fire Fighters Venezia, L0929 East Moline—Rodney Rossow, L1700 Paul Flello, Louis Peskett, Gary Sarai, R. Mark Stewart, Association—Mike Collicott Edwardsville—Mark Parker, L2061 Hoffman Stephen Webb, L0256 New Westminster—Dan Coleman, COLORADO L0003 Pueblo—John Mitchell, Frank Estates—Matthew Collins, John Gerc, Steve Hehn, David L0913 Kamloops—Douglas Laursen, L1271 Nemick, James Rafferty, L0005 Colorado Springs—Ruth Savone, Timothy Suerth, Scott Sutschek, Keith Tompkins, Surrey—Michael David, Kenneth Hutchison, Lowell Shaw, Olson, Donald Teeple, Gerald Yeager, L1290 L2077 Winnetka—Mark Raupp, Michael Roeder, Dale L1286 Richmond—James Buchanan, Gordie Falls, James Aurora—Deanne Criswell, Cynthia Scott, Gary Shea, Solberg, Tom Trausch, L2697 Park Ridge—Russell LoCoco, Haddow, Deane Siagris, Glenn Tinkley, L1304 L2164 South Metro—Richard Lewis, Daniel Mullin, J. L2986 Lisle/Woodridge—David Kruzil, Timothy Thome, Kitimat—Darrell Green, L1343 Nelson—John Chambers, Michael West, L2808 Grand Junction—Scott Ferguson Carl Trippett, L3009 Lombard—Peter Davis, L3075 L1517 Vernon—James Bieber, L1525 West CONNECTICUT I0068 Sikorsky Aircraft—Ricardo Rolling Meadows—Tom Gable, Dave Poore, L3079 Vancouver—Ken Catlin, L1782 Coquitlam—Ray Boucher, Swilling, L0801 Danbury—Herbert Sabel, L0830 Wheeling—Patrick Trunda, L3437 Brian Clift, Robert Gordon, Jory Robinson, Josef Sinkovits, Norwalk—Stanley Huminski, William Perkins, L0834 Darien-Woodridge—Mark Cooper, L3985 Mike Tracey, Jim Wycherley Bridgeport—John Currivan, Ernest Fisher, Frank Algonquin—Steve Witkus, L4186 Glenview—Hans CALIFORNIA F0033 San Diego—Richard Gonzalez, Modugno, Luis Rivera, Keith Wallace, L0998 Loeblich, Donald Pease, L4232 Bellwood—Andrew Mitchell Kinnamon, Anthony Martinez, Michael Massa, Stratford—Daniel Ross, Bryan Williams, L1148 Englund, Joseph Rajcevich, L4308 Princeton Fire Richard Murray, Juan Reyna, Roberto Smith, Roberto Meriden—Carlos Gonzalez, Bernard Noonan, S0015 Fighters—Rodney Lange, Kelly Lucas INDIANA Uribe, L0112 Los Angeles City—Addison Birdine, Robert Connecticut Police and Fire Union—Victor Morrone, L0357 Evansville—John Baumeyer, Donald Espinoza, Andrea Everett, Joe Fernandez, Glenn Gonzalez, Christine Pratt Brown, Robert Current, Kip Fussner, Ronald Rohner, Reynaldo Gonzalez, Christopher Grahek, Edward Hewko, FLORIDA L0122 Jacksonville Association Of Fire William Wood, L0360 Mishawaka—Bob Hunter, Steve Ronald Moore, Dale Myers, Michael Nealy, Prentice Reitzell, Fighters—Todd Buchanan, Arthur Gladden, Willie Jones, Shedd, L0362 South Bend—Cyril Quinn, L0363 Steven Resnick, Michael Richard, Eugene Tanner, Vincent Foy Lee, Jimmy Mosley, Felton Perdue, Larry Peterson, LaPorte—Jimmie Parks, L0472 Lafayette—Robert Burke, Thrash, Robert Vege, Wayne Wiesehan, Richard Williams, Douglas Pilinko, Charles Riddling, David Sharpe, Johnny L0475 Michigan City—Todd Majot, Bruce Neulieb, L1124 L0372 Long Beach—Leonard Ingalls, L0522 Williams, L0747 St. Petersburg Association Of Fire Valparaiso—Robert Edgecomb, L1348 Muncie—Larry Sacramento—Rande Alfsen, John Auslund, Paul Clark, Fighters—John Adams, Terry Bennett, Gerald Crum, Carter, Thomas Crose, Mike Terry, L2008 Richard Crispi, Michael Davis, Paul Hironaka, Robert Robert Edwards, Clifford Green, Thomas Hagan, Napoleon Shelbyville—David Balting, Robbie Elliott, Allen Hewitt, Johnson, Kalle Kanerva, Robert Kiehne, Wendell Lee, Eddy Latelers, Roger Spinelli, Bradley Westphal, L0754 Mike Neu IOWA McCoy, Patrick Monahan, Norman Poynter, Amy Tampa—Thomas Mariani, L0765 Fort L0007 Sioux City—Thomas Rouse, Steve Robertson, William Sponable, Larry Stanton, Phillip Story, Lauderdale—Robert Smith, L1102 Hialeah Association Trobaugh, Gerald Vakulskas, L0011 Cedar Rapids—Brady Erik Wenz, Rebecca Wooten, L0652 Eureka—Karl Of Fire Fighters—Joseph Hassun, Mark Hopkins, L1158 Hunt, Christopher Slaughter, Craig Streeter, Richard Churchwell, L0778 Burbank—Robert Boller, John Haws, Clearwater Fire Fighters Association—Harry Williams, Vanzile, L0353 Dubuque—James Calhoun, L0609 Lewis Stone, L0935 San Bernardino County—Craig L1375 Hollywood Professional Fire Fighters Clinton—Ken Schumacher KANSAS Corbin, Michael Fagan, Steve Fick, Jack Fox, William Inc.—William Carrigan, Russell Chard, Thomas Coughlin, L0083 Topeka—George Rocha, L0179 Jennings, Dave Melton, David Spitz, Secundino Vargas, Phillip Healey, John Kellerman, Gary Lehmann, Steven Hutchinson—Randy Miller, L2612 Sedgwick L1225 Lodi Professional Fire Fighters—Aaron Ayers, Martin, Raymond Powers, Jason Simione, Gary Smith, County—Drew Loyd, Jeff Schoen, L3309 Junction Richard Gerlack, Ronald Heberle, L1230 Contra Costa L1403 Metropolitan Dade County Association Of Fire City—James Lundeen KENTUCKY County—Bryan Cisterman, Dennis Clemens, Kenneth Fighters—Persio Abreu, Cecil Bells, Richard Brooks, Cheryl L3241 Mayfield—Dale Usher LOUISIANA Consiglio, Orlando Conti, Mark Ferrara, Chris Gonsalves, Hernandez, Mark Houghtaling, Steven Hourican, Robert L0632 New Orleans—Gary Fank, L1051 Timothy Koch, Randy Kramm, Kevin McCarthy, Robert Reddick, Maximo Roques, Alfredo Suarez, L1510 Fire Bossier City—R. R. Harper, L1374 Jefferson McLendon, Mark Mikovich, Lawrence Nunes, Robert Fighters Of Miami Beach—Steve Korb, James McDaniel, Parish—George Rigamer, Henry Schmitt, L1427 Ramos, Michael Whitchurch, L1270 Salinas—Gabriel Stewart Ochs, Chris Parrino, Donald Sapp, L2057 Orange Kenner—Sidney De Leon, Ricky Deist, Thomas Fletcher, Hernandez, L1301 Kern County—Christopher Castro, County Professional Fire Fighters—Stanley Kuczynski, Kenny Hirstius, Donald LaMartiniere, Salvadore Lusco, Gary Inselman, Curtis Merrell, Gary Moreno, L. Duane Robin Retzloff, Mark Schlicht, William Walker, Ronald Anthony Parrozzo, Ralph Rodick, L3673 Ville Williams, L1354 Redlands—Daniel Crow, James Gorsline, Williams, L2267 Safety Harbor Professional Fire Fighters Platte—Nathaniel Thomas, L3843 Saint Landry Fire Joe Pompa, Steve Young, L1364 Ventura County—Dale Association—John Little, David Lock, L2292 Professional Fighters Association—Barry LaFleur, Martin Perry,L4019 Cundiff, Gary Desgagnes, Kerry Ellison, John Foy, Richard Fire Fighters Of Pembroke Pines—Michelle Ericson, Ruston—Keith Odom, L4524 St. George Professional Fire www.iaff.org RETIREES | 47 Fighters Association—Roy Bourgeois Saint Charles—Rodney Stratman, L2665 Professional Fire Buffalo-Niagara Airport—Donald Notaro MANITOBA L0867 Winnipeg—Leslie Brown, W. J. Fighters of Eastern Missouri—Raymond Hake, Toni NORTH CAROLINA L0548 Raleigh—Wilbur Jackson, Caplette, R. S. Ens, G. E. Kocian, J. H. Vanderhorst Milan Shelton Price, L0682 Winston-Salem Professional Fire MARYLAND F0267 Aberdeen Proving MONTANA L0600 Miles City—Tod Miller, Derrick Fighters—Charles Hilton, L0865 Asheville—F. Kevin Ground—Malcolm Starling, L0734 Baltimore—Wilbur Rodgers, L0613 Bozeman Fire Fighters Association—Gary Griffin, Stuart Moody, L3286 Outer Banks—Craig Clark, Belt, Larry Bishop, James Critzman, Craig Cyr, Matthew Clutter James Norrell, L3393 Concord—Fidel Goodnight, Jerom Kinsey, Samuel McLean, Jermiah Richardson, John Scarpati, NEBRASKA L0385 Omaha—Steven Gruttemeyer, L0644 Kaminski Steven Williams, L0964 Baltimore Fire Officers Lincoln—Mike Clements, Timothy Miller, L0831 North NORTH DAKOTA L0242 Grand Forks—Rick Coulter, Association—Robert Barczak, Craig Bush, John Cole, Platte—Justin Brockmoller, Lowell Pyzer, Curt Smith Clarence Mack, Gerald Vein Pierre Harris, Lawrence Hughes, Paul Lewis, Steven Patrick, NEVADA L0731 Reno—Joseph Durousseau, James OHIO L0020 Hamilton—David Abney, Steve Timmer, Edward Turner, L1311 Baltimore County—Robert Puryear, Mike Williams, L1285 Las Vegas—William L0048 Cincinnati—Jay Boeing, David Collini, Gregory Brenneman, William Carter, William Grape, Lawrence Whealan, L1607 North Las Vegas—Lenny Mayorga, L1908 Herth, James Kennedy, Henry Lemons, Anthony Wroten, L1563 Anne Arundel County—Chris Zenzen, Clark County—Michael Brewer, Garry Scott, Ted Singer Mayweather, Jim Richardson, Ronald Texter, L0067 L1619 Prince George’s County—John Crisman, David NEW HAMPSHIRE L0789 Nashua—John Cote, Douglas Columbus—Steven Basil, Rick Boham, Pat Bonaventura, Goldsmith, Steven Williams, L1664 Montgomery Cote, Joseph Freire, Mark Vermette, L0856 Philip Brunney, Ronald Butcher, Charles Campbell, Ricky County—Christopher Conroy, Freddie Green, Robert Manchester—David Biron, Stephen L’heureux, Terrence Coey, David Cook, Mark DeVine, Donald Fields, John Morton, Thaddus Roberts Pfaff, L1451 Rochester—Bruce Barker, William Hoyt, Gawronski, Dennis Gillenwater, Terrence Hatzo, Roger MAINE L0785 Lewiston—Laurier Morin, Gerard Rioux, George Hussey Heller, Howard McAninch, Max McNichols, Victor Moody, L2303 Gardiner—Ronald Gay, L3107 NEW JERSEY F0147 Coltsneck—David Hansen, L0290 Francis Moore, Michael Murphy, William Preece, Harold Biddeford—Norman Archambault, Ronald Fournier, Woodbridge—Thomas Distelcamp, Richard Foerch, Scheiderer, Robert Schmidt, Jack Schumacher, Donald Richard Langevin, Charles Mouzas, Scott Welton Edward McGuinn, Leonard Minkler, Mario Simeone, Sherrod, Randy Spaeth, William Sullivan, Richard MICHIGAN L0102 Saginaw—Jeff Martinez, Deborah L0384 Asbury Park—Robert Ricks, L1076 Hoboken Fire Thompson, Terrence Trojack, Lonnie Trott, Danny Weber, Stephens, L0116 Bay City—Leon Leszczynsk, L0344 Officers—Patrick Cappiello, Daniel Cunning, Harry L0092 Toledo—Michael Roemmele, Dennis Sakowski, Detroit—Donald Denys, Maurice Dewey, Seth Doyle, Alex Doneman, Robert Falco, Joseph LaBruno, John O’Brien, L0093 Cleveland—Daniel Cizmar, George Erker, Raymond Frost, Michael Lucero, Thomas Mosteiko, Fabio Muscat, Michael Turner, L1078 Hoboken—Robert Sheridan, L1197 Fredericy, Paul Giera, Donald Kempf, William Kovac, Dennis Smith, Earl Troy, L0366 Grand Rapids—Michael Edison Township—John Lindquist, Jeff Voorhees, L2081 Parnell Lane, Lawrence Patrick, Hayden Shupe, William Mack, L0412 Dearborn—Ali Bajjey, John Boone, John Hackensack Professional Fire Fighters—Alfred Carroll, Tyler, L0136 Dayton—Lawrence Kraft, Mark Whisman, Ewing, Charles Geno, Michael Hurley, Richard Miller, Paul Joe Della Sala, John Fasulo, Gordon Kohles, John Linquito, L0165 Ashtabula—Lyle Hare, L0228 Monberg, Paul Spearman, L0684 Ecorse—Jeffery Wilson, Walter Tompkins, Dennis Walker, L3260 Englewood Steubenville—Richard Humienny, L0249 Canton—Fred L0685 Benton Harbor—Eugene Seats, L1306 Professional Fire Fighters—Charles Smith, L3950 North Bertram, Terry Capper, L0252 Piqua—Rick Maggert, Jackson—Ronald Dunfield, James Millican, L1381 Clinton Hudson—Nicholas Vasta, L4395 Uniformed Fire Fighters L0266 Mansfield—Steven Miller, L0300 Township—Robert Smith, Alan Wilkinson, L1414 Hazel Association of Jackson Township Fire District 2—David Chillicothe—Steve Barnes, David Mullen, L0320 Park—Kenneth McIlvride, L1831 Hampton VanArsdale, L4408 Mount Laurel Professional Fire Niles—George McCloskey, George Sprague, L0330 Township—Steven Sloan, L1911 Garden City—Robert Fighters & EMT’s Union—Glenn Jones Akron—Ramsey Mitchell, L0333 Springfield—Franklin LeClercq, L2629 Independence Township—Dan NEW MEXICO L0244 Albuquerque—Richard Barela, Anderson, Diane Arbogast, Alfred Carey, Steve Goheen, DeLongchamp David Benjamin, Mark Chavez, David Chavez, Shawn James Spurgeon, L0334 Lima—Michael Neeley, Richard MASSACHUSETTS L0030 Cambridge—George Doubt, David Garcia, Christine Jordan-Naus, Timothy Stewart, L0402 Cleveland Heights—Jimmy Reaves, Jack Vendetti, L0108 Northampton—Jennifer Ruane, L0144 Marshall, Charles Mike, Jessie Molina, Lawrence Montoya, Zenz, L0442 Marietta—Thomas Dempsey, L0474 Brockton—Charles Copeland, Kevin Jones, L0739 Richard Ortiz, Michael Paiz, Lynn Reule, William Romero, Elyria—Charles Norris, Karl Weber, L0494 Cuyahoga Lynn—John Barry, Robert Bourke, Robert Brady, John Jose Salaz, Arne Valentine, William Winstin, L4296 Falls—David France, Zakary Strausser, Bruce Wagner, Downs, Marc Ducharme, Maurice LeBlanc, Erik Singer, Gallup—Felix Diaz L0639 Parma—Lonnie Chupa, L1057 Fairview L0841 New Bedford—Ronald Auger, Robert Charon, NEW YORK L0094 Uniformed Fire Fighters Assoc. Of Park—Paul Arundel, L1065 South Euclid—Michael Burke, Steven Holzer, Steven Macedo, Allen Souza, L0863 New York—Brian Ahr, Richard Baratta, Albert Barry, Darryl Lyons, L1144 Bay Village—Darrell Mattern, L1441 Newton—Gerald Caccavaro, Alan Leone, L0902 Kenneth Bohan, Thomas Brennan, Pasquale Caggiano, Franklin Township—Herbert Hanning, L1497 Bedford Malden—Frederick Wilson, L1009 Worcester—Donald Brian Carlstrom, Robert Casatelli, Lawrence Cooke, Rocco Heights—Joe DeFrancisco, L1662 Stow—Dan Carver, Bauckman, Darrin Gusko, Frank Zicaro, L1032 Corrado, Brian Corrigan, Michael De Paola, Kevin L1723 Norwich Township—Jeff Fultz, L1729 Medford—Paul Alessio, Daniel Cullinane, Charles Murray, Delehanty, Stephen Duffy, Thomas Dutton, Philip Whitehall—Kurt Hester, L1845 Mentor—Scott Shannon, L1297 Arlington—Kevin Shaw, L1391 Taunton—Mark Ercolano, Donald Filete, David Forland, Giancarlo Gomez, L2150 Kettering—Howard Beals, Jeffrey Paulus, L2379 Baptiste, L1397 Falmouth—Ronald Lynds, L1464 Scott Grubert, Kenneth Gustavson, Roger Hagan, James Bowling Green—Scott Eschedor, Jack Ninke, L2388 Scituate—Kevin Spitz, Dietrie Vacha, L1478 Irving, Ciro Izzo, Thomas Jasinski, Nathaniel Johnson, Beachwood—Gregory Schneider, L2786 Howland—John Wakefield—Russell Berube, John Brown, Shawn Hudson, Jeffrey Jones, Robert Karnay, Salvatore Lignore, Stephen Barauskas, L3025 West Licking Professional Fire Robert Jordan, Steven Kessell, Michael Sullivan, Wayne Love, Charles Maloney, Michael Marx, Hugh McCarron, Fighters—Bruce Ashcraft, L3498 Worthington—Michael Wenzel, L1713 Hudson—David Prockett, L1714 Kenneth McNiff, Michael Moore, James Morris, Dennis Litteral, L3518 West Chester—Mark Brate, Brad Buken, Marlborough—Adrian Temple, L1781 North Pace, Patrick Parisi, William Pedersen, Frederick Perry, Dustin Mantz, L3646 Broadview Heights—Timothy Adams—Michael Roberts, L1841 Leominster—John Michael Rehberg, William Reid, Richard Rocco, Edward Dodd, L4027 Springdale Professional Fire Picone, L1857 North Reading—Donald Cooke, L1880 Rzempoluch, Rudy SanFilipo, Ralph Scerbo, Thomas Fighters—James Brooks, L4286 Deerfield—Ronald Shaw Sharon—Dennis Mann, L2023 Sudbury—George Place, Schecker, Christopher Schroeder, Richard Shannon, Joseph OKLAHOMA L0157 Oklahoma City—Hobert Boggs, L2116 Stoneham—James McLaughlin, Scott Webber, Stavola, Thomas Sullivan, Steven Tonrey, Derek Wilson, Donald Bourassa, Darren Konechney, Larry Rusher, L0194 L2122 Yarmouth—Allen Bent, Robb Christensen, Susan L0280 Syracuse—Richard Barone, Joseph Beaulieu, David Sapulpa—Mike Mate, Robert Robertson, L0206 Coggeshall, Jacqueline Frasier, Richard Todd, L2172 Brazell, Robert Brazell, Edwin Cook, Dennis Craner, Jack Shawnee—Mike Adams, Anthony Adams, L2479 Ponca Hyannis—Dana Clough, L2252 Foxborough—Merlyn Denero, Michael Dineen, Mark Eisaman, Wayne Hall, City—Mark Ake, John Rhyne, L2651 Bixby—John Beighle, Cummings, Barry Thrasher, L2313 Burlington—Kevin Richard Hallatt, Jerald Hole, Derek Ivey, Darrick Jackson, Jeffrey Gable, Bobby Shipman, L2920 Noble Professional Canty, L2472 Lynnfield—Francis Lennon, L2790 Donald Johnson, Michael Lamson, Curtis Majo, Darryl Fire Fighters—James Tate, L3199 Hugo—Walter Watts, Easton—David Betzer, James Tully, L2912 Manchester Fire Menifee, Eugene Miller, Joseph Millet, Tony Morgan, Robert L3483 Coweta—Franklin Dobbins, L3722 Professional Fighters—Philip Gulbrandsen, L3128 Fitchburg—Brian Perkins, Joseph Ranieri, Joseph Santoferrara, Thomas Fire Fighters Of Enid—Vincent Devisser Aho, L3338 Northbridge—Richard Montbleau, L4134 Sexton, Francis Stepien, Richard Talbot, David Weber, Paul ONTARIO L0162 Ottawa—Marcel Backs, Steve Carkner, Norfolk—Mark Kantzer, S0002 Massachusetts Port Wiedeman, L0628 Yonkers Mutual Aid Stephen Carmichael, Gilles Cyr, Michael Daigle, Lyle Fraser, Authority Fire Fighters—Paul Moore Association—Roone Arledge, Robert Cavallo, Maxwell Patrick Gilchrist, Dennis Gobey, John Griffith, John Hill, MINNESOTTA L0082 Minneapolis—Shanna Hanson, Coyle, Raymond Dezendorf, Norman Downes, Joseph Kenneth Hopewell, Glenn Kennedy, Laurence Kingsley, L0101 Duluth—David Ostazeski, L0520 Forshaw, Hugh Fox, Salvatore Gagliano, James Hammer, Mike Knoefler, Ron Larabie, Kevin McIntyre, Rusty Rochester—Bruce Berg, Michael Story, Todd Winter, L0724 Thomas Hessler, Jeffrey Michalak, Joseph Murray, David McKague, Ivan Tanner, L0288 Hamilton—Alan South Metro Fire Fighters Association—Ken Noack, Roberts, Stephen Ronan, Anthony Ryan, Donald Salvato, Fotheringham, Frederick Kuzyk, James Melnyk, James L0993 Saint Louis Park—Paul Steinhilber, L3939 Saint Michael Sammon, Joseph Tutoni, Guy Vetrano, Roger Winn, L0492 Sarnia—Terry Farlow, Jack Popowich, L0498 Paul Fire Supervisory Association—Dennis Appleton, Vitolo, Ronald Volpicelli, John White, L0719 Kingston—Anthony Vanderholst, L0499 L4481 Burnsville Fire Supervisors—Patrick Knaeble, Gloversville—John Hoose, L0729 Binghamton—Francis Cambridge—Leroy Armstrong, Al Robinson, Bob Toth, S0006 Minneapolis Airport—Steven Turner Fitch, Kerry Newland, Benjamin Sternberg, L0896 L0534 Stratford—Al Paul, L0938 Collingwood—Gary MISSISSIPPI L0052 Meridian—Tim Miller Batavia—Patrick O’Donnell, L0921 Johnson City—Robert Cailes, Scott Fryer, L1068 Brampton—Paul Brown, Debbie MISSOURI I0082 Emergency Medical Professionals Of Dempsey, L0932 Corning—Gary Johnson, L1027 Campbell, Herm Jansen, Steven Wilson, L1212 Missouri—Richard Yarbrough, L0042 Kansas City—Betty Middletown—Michael Benedetto, L1796 Olean—Drew Mississauga—Donald MacDonald, Scott Snarr, Derek Taylor, John Tosatto, L0073 Union of Prof. Fire Fighters Gattuso, L2007 Albany—William Bucci, Leonard Maher, Sparrow, D. Bruce Stuart, Jason Whiteley, W. Pat Wilton, Paramedics EMT’s and Dispatchers of St. Louis—Wanda James Scaringe, L2230 Glens Falls—Daniel Girard, Denis L1595 Vaughan Professional Fire Fighters—John McGinnis, William Schurwan, L0077 Saint Joseph—Delus Weber, L2408 Oneonta—Barry Wallace, Jeffrey Walshe, Adamthwaite, David Farlow, Andrew Wong, L1632 Johnson, Michael Mowry, John Nelson, Larry Parkhurst, L2707 Oswego—Thomas Miller, L3166 Pickering—Dee Amos, Kevin Dickinson, L1753 Gary Shaw, L0152 Springfield—Alexander Montgomery, Lackawanna—Daniel Rasinski, L3792 Gates Career Fire Barrie—Keith Romphf, L2727 Markham—Tom Caldwell, Jonathan White, L0671 Jefferson City—Steve Braun, L0757 Fighters & Dispatchers—Dana Granger, S0025 L3888 Toronto Professional Fire Fighters—Christopher

48 | RETIREES May/June 2011 Bull, Edward Butler, Dennis Carter, Mark Compton, William Keener, James Laster, Kenneth Merrill, L0820 VERMONT L3044 Burlington—Kenneth Vachereau William Cruickshank, Arthur Dobson, Brian Domander, Chattanooga—Rodney Smith, Dennis Smith, Norman VIRGINIA F0025 Tidewater Federal Fire Alvaro-luis Felipe, David France, Mark Gray, Kirk Haigh, Williams, L1346 Oak Ridge—Laura Davis, L1784 Fighters—Thomas Trumbauer, F0173 Fort Eustis—Jerry Dan Hardychuk, Anthony Hickey, Peter Johnston, Donald Memphis—John French, Bryan Kesler, L4501 Gallatin Fire Ford, I0045 Newport News—Charles Tuggle, L1568 Kellough, Ross MacDonald, Thomas Maclachlan, Fighters Association—Larry Fuqua, Ferrell Fuqua, Richard Henrico County—Michael Tyler, L2068 Fairfax County Christopher Mann, Gary Matthews, Raymond Mattison, Roberts, Henry Shaw Professional Fire Fighters And Paramedics—Peter Bendo, Alex McCallister, John McCready, James McIntosh, Douglas TEXAS L0058 Dallas—Mark Achtenberg, Roland Cale, George Harley, Gregory Hedrick, David Kannard, Mitchell Menard, Peter Minns, Gordon Munro, Gordon Nelson, Ronald England, Robert Hargrove, Raymond Lemasters, Lake, Kenneth Neumann, L2141 Alexandria—Mike William Norlock, Paul Omdahl, William Pearsall, Robert Richard Perkins, L0341 Houston—Donald Aldridge, James Beckett, James Perry, L2800 Arlington County—Raymond Pollock, Angelo Puopolo, Grant Ruffle, Blake Simmons, Anderson, Freddy Blanks, Fred Chevalier, Lawrence Cichon, Blankenship, Harry Brady, Esther Brown, Donald Brown, James So, Gregory Spellen, Doug Taylor Joey Dupree, Gerry Ford, Jerry Gibson, Byron Hurt, Paul Tod Carter, Brian Frantz, Charles Gibbs, Richard Goddard, OREGON L1431 Medford—Dwayne Prose, L1660 Jackson, Randy McAdams, Bobby J. McAdams, Ronald Robert Gray, Robert Halsall, Steve Harding, David Hehr, Tualatin Valley—Matt L’Hommedieu, Thomas Pierson McQueen, Evan McShirley, John Nance, Sherman Patton, William McKay, Thomas Polera, Richard Slusher, Donnie PENNSYLVANIA I0017 Boeing Helicopter Alex Pavlicek, Darrell Perkins, Calvin Petrosky, Homero Thompson, L2803 Chesterfield County Professional Fire Company—Frank Knowles, L0022 Ponce-Lopez, Mark Reifke, Terry Reiszner, Henry Russell, Fighters Assn.—J. Alonzo Dodson, Sam Powell, Mark Philadelphia—William Coady, Joseph Kennish, Sean Nathanial Southern, Walter Steich, Michael Thomas, White, L3306 James City County Professional Fire Myers, Ralph O’Neill, Preston White, L0293 Erie—Tim Timothy Thomas, Leighton Yaw, L0397 Port Arthur—Ross Fighters—Patrick McLain, L3478 Salem Professional Fire Wilhelm, L0428 Harrisburg—Christopher Brinley, James Allen, Wayne Countryman, James DeLeon, Harvey Hart, Fighters—Ray Bristow Bumgardner, L0700 Oil City—Richard Bigelow, L1863 John Lewis, Roy Mannino, Charles Quisenberry, L0399 WASHINGTON L0404 Walla Walla—Greg VanDonge, Ambridge Fire Fighters Union—Henry Kokoski, L4838 Beaumont—Ken Bernard, Jeffrey Bundick, Jimmy Chesser, L0437 Bremerton—Charles Rinard, L1433 Pasco—Robert Harrisburg International Airport Fire Tracy O’Quinn, L0440 Fort Worth—Jerry Alvarado, James Arnold, L2024 South King County Professional Fire Department—James Johnson Harris, Jesse Medina, Y. J. Morrison, Barry Watson, Nick Fighters—Thomas Ahlers, Jeffrey Cockerill, Steve Gentry, RHODE ISLAND L0799 Providence—Michael Difazio, Wells, L0478 Waco—Danny McSpadden, A. North, L0571 Peter Knecht, John Moncrief, Jerry Nevin, Michael Proctor, L1080 Newport—Peter Kane, L1104 West Galveston—J. W. Ivy, L0624 San Antonio—Anthony Gary Wallace, L2088 Tukwila—Gary Sacha, L2099 Warwick—Michael Masciarelli, John Peiczarek, L1261 Carrola, Frederick High, Manuel Ibarra, Michael Trial, Bothell—Dave Seppa, L2105 University Place—David Pawtucket Fire Fighters—Robert McGeehan, John Nolan, L0872 Laredo—Esteban Medina, Jorge Sanchez, Juan Dupille, Steve Pearce L1651 North Kingstown—Fenwick Gardiner, L1703 Trevino, L0965 Denison—Ronald Hughes, Dean Paddock, WEST VIRGINIA L0317 Charleston—James Willis, Tiverton—Nathaniel Neveille, L2748 Warwick—James L0972 Lubbock—Woodrow Bilbrey, Dennis McLaurin, L0837 South Charleston—Leslie Given, L0948 Warrener L0997 Greenville—Anthony Nelson, L1044 Weirton—William Douglas, L3692 Bridgeport—Ronald SASKATCHEWAN L0080 Saskatoon—Leslie Koob, Abilene—Gary Hamner, L1173 Baytown—Cecil Wilson Glen Miskolczi, Gregory Wallace, L0181 Regina Clemmer, L1291 Denton—Blake McConnell, Mike WISCONSIN L0215 Milwaukee—Toni Breidenbach, Professional Fire Fighters Association—Greg Denouden, Sessions, Tim Tarlton, Eddie Woodruff, L1329 Robert Carstedt, Scott Klockow, Jacob Soergel, Stephen Louis Duclos, Thomas Fisher, Ken Fissel, Michael Harazny, Arlington—Brian Baker, Kim Evans, Marvin Shafer, L1518 Thiel, David Walsh, Gary Ziech, L0321 Racine—Thomas Fred Lawford, Thomas McCord, G. T. Sebastian Mesquite—Terry Ratliff, L2073 Irving—Heidle Baskin, Jones, Thomas Weidert, L0400 Fond Du Lac—Timothy SOUTH CAROLINA L0061 Charleston Fire Fighters L3142 Plainview—Don Burress, L3823 Bergen, L0407 Waukesha—Jack Christenson, James Eckart, Association—Charles Mack, L2345 Myrtle Beach Weatherford—Charles Dowling, Michael Ingram, Michael L0487 Eau Claire—Wayne Klett, Tim McCaughey, L0580 Professional Fire Fighters Association—Andrew Paul, Rokus, Charles Swancy Janesville—James Dennis, L1004 West Allis—Charles L4723 St. John’s Professional Fire Officers—Thomas UTAH L0593 Provo—David Spackman, L2148 Hubmann Costreras Logan—Troy Parker, L3162 Sandy—Blake Forsey, Brad WYOMING L0279 Cheyenne—Dale Pawling, Atwood TENNESSEE L0140 Nashville—Jerry Hendrixson, Kiel Watson, Current Retirements Reported

International Fire Fighter RETIREES | 49 in memoriam

Local Name ...... Local Name...... State L0734 Glenn Wilson ...... Baltimore ...... MD L0002 Eugene Broughton ...... Chicago ...... IL L0734 Samuel Wilson ...... Baltimore ...... MD L0002 ulyess Brunson ...... Chicago ...... IL L0747 Charles Bailey ...... St. Petersburg...... FL L0002 William Daly ...... Chicago ...... IL L0778 William Burger ...... Burbank ...... CA L0002 William Frain...... Chicago ...... IL L0820 Woodrow White ...... Chattanooga...... TN L0002 Robert Greifelt ...... Chicago ...... IL L0867 Lorne Green ...... Winnipeg ...... MB L0002 Richard Kirby ...... Chicago ...... IL L0867 Phil Lyons ...... Winnipeg ...... MB L0002 Thomas Miller ...... Chicago ...... IL L0867 Thomas Starr ...... Winnipeg ...... MB L0002 Anthony Muscarello ...... Chicago ...... IL L0867 Charlie Wood ...... Winnipeg ...... MB L0002 Edward O’Sullivan ...... Chicago ...... IL L0935 Eric Wright ...... San Bernardino County ...... CA L0002 Frank Rizzo ...... Chicago ...... IL L0963 Joseph Provenzano ...... Lockport ...... NY L0002 William Roberts ...... Chicago ...... IL L0965 Robert Jones ...... Denison ...... TX L0002 John Sheehan ...... Chicago ...... IL L0965 Clinton Little ...... Denison ...... TX L0016 Boyd Elliott ...... Marshalltown ...... IA L0995 Luther Jennings ...... Richmond ...... VA L0022 Frank Borradaile ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1032 Joseph Fraser...... Medford ...... MA L0022 Maurice Boyer ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1042 Juel Kroyer ...... Greenwich ...... CT L0022 Michael Brady...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1080 Donald Beebe...... Newport ...... RI L0022 Enrico Caruso...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1080 Walter Swanson ...... Newport ...... RI L0022 Eugene Cherry ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1198 Joseph Harvey ...... West Haven ...... CT L0022 John Costello ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1311 August Furst ...... Baltimore County ...... MD L0022 Anthony DeSanto ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1311 Raymond Shanklin ...... Baltimore County ...... MD L0022 Samuel Doughty ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1326 Edward Gryga...... Wallingford ...... CT L0022 Joseph Hamon ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1348 Bing Crosby ...... Muncie ...... IN L0022 Joseph Hearn ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1348 Phil Granger ...... Muncie ...... IN L0022 Fred Hoelsworth ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1348 Philip Hiatt ...... Muncie ...... IN L0022 Michael Makara ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1348 Donald Potter ...... Muncie ...... IN L0022 James McCloskey ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1374 Todd Landry ...... Jefferson Parish ...... LA L0022 David Meskill ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L1403 Steven Blackford ...... Metropolitan Dade County ...... FL L0042 Harold Kernal ...... Kansas City ...... MO L1403 Daniel Hall ...... Metropolitan Dade County ...... FL L0052 Henry Dunnam ...... Meridian ...... MS L1403 Rene Kirouac ...... Metropolitan Dade County ...... FL L0055 R. Mike Anthony ...... Oakland/ Alameda County/Emeryville ...... CA L1403 Gerald Kozar ...... Metropolitan Dade County ...... FL L0073 Arthur Schaefer ...... St. Louis, ...... MO L1403 Jose Milanes...... Metropolitan Dade County ...... FL L0077 Charles Lett ...... Saint Joseph ...... MO L1463 Peter Akiona ...... Hawaiian Islands ...... HI L0122 Walter Butler ...... Jacksonville...... FL L1463 Patrick Cockett ...... Hawaiian Islands ...... HI L0140 Gordon Hall ...... Nashville...... TN L1463 Frank Lee ...... Hawaiian Islands ...... HI L0140 Gary Highfill ...... Nashville...... TN L1463 Henry Onishi...... Hawaiian Islands ...... HI L0149 James Martinez ...... Boise ...... ID L1478 Arthur List ...... Wakefield ...... MA L0157 James Mears ...... Oklahoma City ...... OK L1478 Raymond Pitts ...... Wakefield ...... MA L0157 Hershall Nance ...... Oklahoma City ...... OK L1560 John Wilson ...... Boca Raton ...... FL L0215 Gerald Doctor ...... Milwaukee...... WI L1619 Charles Coghlan...... Prince George’s County ...... MD L0215 Raymond Holland ...... Milwaukee...... WI L1619 John Jorden ...... Prince George’s County ...... MD L0215 Arthur Turczynski ...... Milwaukee...... WI L1645 Michael Fredrickson ...... Salt Lake City ...... uT L0215 Jeffrey Zanski ...... Milwaukee...... WI L1647 Jack Flynn ...... Tewksbury ...... MA L0299 Ted Kissell ...... Altoona ...... PA L1784 A. Don Green ...... Memphis...... TN L0317 Larry Tincher...... Charleston ...... WV L1784 Raymond Owen ...... Memphis...... TN L0344 Robert Murray...... Detroit ...... MI L1784 Joe Wheeler ...... Memphis...... TN L0384 Robert Busch ...... Asbury Park ...... NJ L1784 Joe Wilkinson ...... Memphis...... TN L0522 Jack Guidera ...... Sacramento ...... CA L1835 Joseph Huber ...... Warren ...... PA L0571 Danny Weber ...... Galveston ...... TX L2040 Daniel Byrne ...... Elizabeth...... NJ L0632 Christian Aikman...... New Orleans...... LA L2157 Jerry Adams ...... Gainesville ...... FL L0632 Gerald Barattini...... New Orleans...... LA L2157 Jimmie Hart ...... Gainesville ...... FL L0632 Robert Cordes ...... New Orleans...... LA L2157 James Wilkerson ...... Gainesville ...... FL L0632 Joseph Forbes ...... New Orleans...... LA L2194 Laurent McDonald ...... Southbridge ...... MA L0632 Thomas Kerth ...... New Orleans...... LA L2928 William Capel ...... Palm Beach County ...... FL L0632 James Manint ...... New Orleans...... LA L3162 Brian Schmitt ...... Sandy ...... uT L0734 Paul Hartsock ...... Baltimore ...... MD L3558 Douglas Barr...... Violet Township ...... OH L0734 Albert White ...... Baltimore ...... MD 50 May/June 2011 NOTE: Children of IAFF members killed in the line of duty are eligible to receive the W. H. "Howie" McClennan scholarship which provides financial assistance to attend a university accredited college or other institution of higher learning. For more information contact the IAFF Department of Education at (202) 824-1533

International Fire Fighter 51 INTERNATIONAL MAY/JUNE 2011

1750 New York Ave. N.W. Washington DC 20006 www.iaff.org Printed in the uSA