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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits:
Update/Verify Your Sign-in Sheet Info!
The first thing Company Delegates should do before each union meeting is to verify or correct your home & email addresses -- and telephone numbers on your Trustee table sign-in sheets. The information you supply will insure UFA contact info for mailings and urgent phone calls is accurate in our recently repaired & newly upgraded computer system. Your info should be updated at each meeting--whenever it changes! UFA Response to Proposed Closings
The Blue Ribbon Panel announced its recommendations last Friday to close 8 firehouses. The week before, the City announced it is weighing a plan to close as many as 37 firehouses at night to help save money. In each case, the response from UFA President Steve Cassidy was immediate. Press conferences and appearances were immediately held the same and next days each time denouncing the closings as extremely dangerous for the public, as well as firefighters. Steve made clear to the press that the overwhelming majority of fire fatalities occur at night, and while any closings will have a real impact on public safety, closing firehouses at night is clearly a recipe for death and destruction. The UFA responses continue to be carried on all the major TV stations and newspapers.
The Mayor announced his intention to close 8 firehouses on Monday. This starts the official 45 day notice that the City is required to give prior to closing any firehouse. This means that the Mayor will have the authority to close these 8 firehouses effective May 21. The fight to keep firehouses open has just begun. The UFA will continue its pressure on City Hall in its efforts to keep firehouses open, and has been in constant communication with City Council--and the local community boards--to assist them in this effort. We will continue to lobby Albany and Washingtonto secure funding for FDNY. Call the UFA hotline for further details at 212-545-6972. Back To Top
FDNY Smallpox Vaccinations
The Department has complied with the UFA demand that members and their families be covered for adverse reactions to the Smallpox vaccinations given by the Dept., and has agreed in writing that member illnesses (or death) will be treated as LOD. Medical coverage and prescription drugs will also be provided to any dependent family member that suffers illness due to member vaccination. The likelihood of serious illness or death is extremely rare. If you are taking advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself and family from this deadly disease, please read all info provided by the Department to insure that you do not have any pre-condition which would make it inadvisable to receive this vaccination. The Dept. will provide training & education on OT for members who will be receiving these vaccinations. Phase One vaccinates SOC members. Phase Two vaccinates additional companies. Check Dept. Orders for announcements. More info regarding smallpox vaccinations can be found on the IAFF website. Click Here for a more detailed description. Back To Top
Medical Office Appearance Postponements
It is a violation of a Federal Court Stipulation if any member is instructed by the Dept. to remain confined in residence when calling to postpone a Medical Office appearance. The March 24, 1996 Stipulation Of & Order Of Settlement and Discontinuance recorded in U.S. District Court prohibits confinement to residence while on medical leave as follows:
“All members, unless they have been placed on SMLP, are not restricted to their residence, are exempt from any home visitation or telephone calls while on medical leave...â€
The Department has advised that members calling for postponements should be aware of Dept. PA/ID 2-87, which notes that Medical Office appearances while on medical leave may only be postponed “if the member is non-ambulatory (unable to travel). Back To Top
Tillerperson TPR mark
The UFA has pushed for the Dept. to publish a Dept. Order listing the TPR code for Tillerperson. Until the Department instructs otherwise, it is highly recommended that a tiller operator entry be made in the company journal each tour you work as a tillerperson. Back To Top
January ‘02 Probie 5th Grade Paycheck Increase
The Dept. has informed the UFA that probies hired in the January 2002 class will receive 5th grade pay increase in the April 11 paycheck. Back To Top
Delegate Excusal for Educational Seminar in May
Normal once-a-month excusal time will be granted for Delegates attending the last day (Friday, May 9th) of this important Educational event, as May’s Union Meeting will take place on that day. For all other tours during the seminar, you may utilize your rights under Article XX (p. 26) of the prior (& current)UFACollective Bargaining Agreements. It reads: “A mutual made by a Delegate to enable the Delegate to attend a Union meeting shall be considered a variance and shall be exempt from the then-existing mutual policy. Back To Top
Delegate Seminar Reservation Deadline Passes...
Delegates are reminded that the deadline has passed to guarantee a room at the Delegates Educational Seminar on May 6, 7, 8 & 9th. If you have not contacted the Recording Secretary’s office to reserve your room, you must do so immediately, and forward your payment--while reservations are still available. Back To Top
EMS Hospital List for LOD Injuries
The below chart lists hospitals that have specialized emergency treatment capabilities for FDNY members injured Line-of-Duty. You may ask the EMT or Paramedic to transport members to these hospitals. But keep in mind that in life threatening critical injury cases, where minutes matter, the EMT or Paramedic may choose to transport to a closer facility. This chart was provided to the UFA from the EMS union. Please photocopy and tape up in all FDNY vehicles for quick reference. •Adult Trauma (T) •Burns (B) •Hyperbaric Chamber (H) •Replants (R) •BiteCenter(V) | T - R | Bellevue Hospital Center, (1st Ave. & Beekman St.), downtown | Manhattan | | T - B | Harlem Hospital Center, W. 136St. (5th to Lenox Aves.) | Manhattan | | T - B | New York Hospital (Cornell Burn Center), (E. 77St. & York) | Manhattan | | T | St.Lukes Hospital, W. 113St.(betwn.Amsterdam & Mrngside. Aves.) | Manhattan | | T | St.Vincents Hospital, 7th Ave. (btwn. 11 & 12th Sts.) | Manhattan | | T - B - H - V | Jacobi Hospital (BMHC), (Pelham Parkway&Eastchester Rd.) | Bronx | | T | Lincoln Medical Center, (E. 149 &Park Ave.) | Bronx | | T | St.Vincents Med. Center, (Bard Ave.&Moody Pl.) | Staten Island | | T | S.I. Universtiy Hosp. North (Seaview & Mason Aves.) | Staten Island | | T | Brookdale Hospital (Linden Blvd .& Rockaway | Brooklyn | | T - B | KingsCountyHosp.,Clarkson Ave.(btwn. NY & Albany Aves.) | Brooklyn | | T | Elmhurst General Hosp. (Baxter & Broadway) | Queens | | T | Jamaica Hosp. (89 Ave. & Van Wyck Exp.) | Queens | | T | Mary Immaculate, 153St.(88 to 89th Aves.) | Queens | | T | New York Hosp. (was Booth Memorial) (Main & Booth Memorial Dr.) | Queens | | T | Long Island Jewish,270-05 76th Ave., NewHyde Park | Nassau | | T | North Shore University,300 Community Drive, Manhasset | Nassau | | T - B | Nassau County Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Tpk., E. Meadow | Nassau | Back To Top
Audit of Member Paychecks
The City declined the UFA’ srequest to authorize an audit of a select group of member paychecks in order to verify accuracy. The UFA maintains that the current paystub explanation format does not itemize in sufficient detail. The UFA will continue its efforts to have the City to address this matter. Back To Top
CFR-D 32 Hours Recertification OT
The UFA reiterated it’s position that the Department must comply with the Arbitrator’s Ruling that the it must provide 32 hours of CFR-D recertification training for requesting members every three years. The Dept. is currently providing only 31 hours recertification training. The UFA’s position is that Department’s interpretation and implementation of this ruling is improper. This matter will be taken back back to the arbitrator for a ruling. Back To Top
Plaque Dedications
Plaque dedication dates, times and places are published regularly in Department Orders. Members wishing to attend are reminded to plan mutuals in advance. We’ve been notified by the Department that neighboring companies taking fire apparatus to dedications is against Department policy. Back To Top
Group Life Insurance for Retirees
When increasing your level of insurance, it must be maintained for a minimum of one year before it is allowed to be considered as part of your retirement equation. At the $300,000 level, it is still limited to the current $100,000 maximum for retirement. Retiree dues payments ($18/year) must be kept current to keep your insurance in effect. This is a check-off for automatic deductions from your City retirement check. Back To Top
Retiree Dues
The current retiree dues structure which maintains a retired member in good standing continues to be $18 per year. This funds the costs of printing/mailing information, Firelines, Retiree Wallet & Vehicle ID cards and addressing other related costs and issues. Please insure you fill out the retiree dues check-off card when you retire. It’s a small investment in keeping yourself informed! Back To Top
FDNY Chaufer Training Video Looking for Participants
The FDNY Safety Command is producing a training video on chauffeur skills and attitudes. They are looking for a pool of chauffeurs to interview for possible inclusion. Selected chauffeurs will be paid "other overtime" for their interview time. It is estimated that this should be several hours per member. The interviews are scheduled to take place early this spring. The UFA’s Health & Safety office recommends participation. This will improve education and safety of the members, and the public as well. Any questions should be directed to the Safety Operating Battalion at 718-722-3401. Back To Top
Donate FDNY T-Shirts for Our Soldiers Overseas!!!
Drag out all those FDNY Memorial, fundraising, picnic & company T-shirts that are filling your lockers & dressers at home and send them overseas! Get them to your Battalions for pick-up by messenger van ASAP. Contact Kevin Maher L-38 at D-7 718-430-0207/home 845-783-6362. Looking for additional volunteers to collect from Divisions. Back To Top
Scott’s Race
A 3.1 mile race in memory of Captain Scott LaPiedra is on Sunday, April 27th, at10 am. It raises money for the Thomas Elsasser Fund. You can sign up online at www.lin-mark.com. Info: call Bob Alverson E-28; 212-570-4228 or 718-720-8158. Please confirm by signing up as early as possible. Back To Top
Widows & Childrens’ 2nd Annual Fishing Tournament
The 2nd annual FDNY Widows and Children’s fishing tournament for children of FFs lost in LOD is on Tuesday morning, July 1 at Captree State Park in Freeport, NY. The trip includes 4 hours of fishing followed by a BBQ and awards ceremony. Eligible children must be 19 yours or younger. Any child under age 12 MUST BE accompanied by an adult. Tournament is limited to the first 200 entries. Deadline to enter isMay 20, 2003. Please contact Tony Cecco E-295, at (516) 932-3918 or (718) 476-6295 for further details. Back To Top
Capt. David Wooley Golf Outing
The 1st annual David T. Wooley Golf Outing is on Tuesday, June 24 at the Golf Club at Mansion Ridge in Monroe, NY. Registration starts at11am, lunch at12 noonand the official start time is 1pm. Dinner with a 3 hour open bar will start at 6pm. The cost is $200 per person and it includes a commemorative golf shirt and on course carts will be serving beer, soda and water. Raffle prizes will include premier golf passes to any golf course in the US, Broadway tickets, golf equipment and golf certificates. Please make payment to Capt. David T. Wooley Memorial Fund, 237 Townline road, Pearl River, NY 10965. For further info please contact Mike Stemwede at 845-624-3527 or 212-563-1257. Lt. Williams Volleyball Tournament
The Lt. Williams Volleyball Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 from 9am to 7pm at Riverside Boulevardon the beach in East Atlantic Beach, NY. The fee is $25 per person. make checks to the Lt. Williams Fund. Mail attention: Bill Quick, Lad 134, Lt. Williams Fund 87 Malone Avenue, East Atlantic Beach, NY 11561 Lt. John Clancy Memorial Golf Outing
The 7th Annual John Clancy Memorial Golf Outing is at the Mill Pond Golf Course in Medford, NY on Thursday, May 29. Shotgun start at10amand breakfast at 9am. Cost is $160 per golfer ($60 per golfer nonrefundable deposit is due by April 1). Balance due May 1st. Includes continental breakfast, bucket of balls at the driving range, BBQ lunch, buffet dinner with 3 hour open bar, free beer on the course and many prizes and raffles. Soft spikes and collared shirts required. Make checks to Lt. John Clancy Scholarship Fund. Send payment to Rich Berkhout or John Rizzo, E-298/L-127,153-11 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432. First Annual ‘Box Lunch’ in Memory of FF Gary Box
The 1st annual “Box Lunch†picnic is at11amon Saturday May 17 at Wantagh Park, in Wantagh, NY. All proceeds are donated to the Thomas R. Elsasser Fund. Activities include a Fun Run for Kids, relay races, face painting, balloon art, softball, volleyball and a raffle drawing. Grand Prize is a 2003 Trailblazer LS. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $25 each through the following firehouses: E260, E290, Squad 1 or at Robert Chevrolet ofHicksville. For info call (516) 781-0337.
DIRECTIONS: Southern State to Meadowbrook Pkwy(south) to Merrick Road(East). Go approximately 5 miles and make a right onto Woodland Avenue. Make an immediate left into Wantagh Park entrance. Follow road to the end of the park. Picnic area fields are 2 and 4. Andrew McArdle Sports Scholarship Fund
The Fund is hosting a golf outing at the Centennial Golf Course in Carmel, NY at 9:30am on Monday, April 28. The cost for golfers is $150 per person. Sponsorships are $160 per hole. Additional corporate sponsorships are available. Proceeds of the fund benefit a deserving Carmel HS student and are a great way of perpetuating the name and memory of Andrew McArdle. Anyone interested in golfing or sponsoring should contact Frank DeGrazio at 845-225-4958. Make payments to Andrew McArdle Sports Scholarship Fund (memo: golf outing), 3 Avery Rd., Carmel, NY10512. Mr. & Mrs. Tony Fisher Die in Plane Crash
Tony and Anne Fisher died in a plane accident on April 4th. Mr. Fisher was a partner in the Fisher Brothers family business. He provided the Intrepid Museum each year to theUFAand the UFOA for our Annual Widows and Childrens’ Fund party, as well as for many other events. Tony has always supported our firefighters, their families and our charitable funds in every way possible way. The UFA presented Tony with an honorary firefighter helmet last spring. The helmet sits proudly displayed in his office for all to see. We will all miss Tony and Anne Fisher. Call for Firefighters’ Memorial at the WTC
The Lower Manhattan Development Corp.(LMDC), a joint NYS & NYC corporation headed by the Governor & Mayor is responsible for developing the memorials at the WTC. At this time, LMDC guidelines do not call for a FF’s memorial (nor for any emergency workers lost on 9-11), but rather a single memorial listing all names together, alphabetically, making no distinction. The Advocates For a 9-11 Fallen Heroes Memorial strongly supports the LMDC’s decision to remember properly the innocent victims working in the towers that day, and is also encouraging an appropriate memorial for all emergency workers and FFs who responded and made the supreme sacrifice. Members or friends interested in supporting this effort can visit www.FDNYfirefighters.com and fill out the on-line petition, or e-mail L59E85@aol.com, or call Lt. John Finucane (ret) 845-548-4234 or FF Patrick McCarvill 914-237-1075.
Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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