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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits:
UFA Group Life Insurance: Improving Options There will be an open enrollment period for the UFA Group Life Insurance Program from March 15 through May 31. The UFA will be offering improved coverage options. A letter is being mailed to each member's residence this week explaining the program. Back To Top
Checklists: Changing Beneficiaries, Residence & Increasing Insurance Levels
You have a dangerous job. If something unfortunate were to happen to you, having updated coverage, beneficiaries and mailing addresses will make all the difference. Every firefighter should look at UFA provided checklists from time to time - especially after a birth, marriage or divorce and update your info any time you have a life change. You are entitled to various types of insurance opportunities during your career. Some of them are automatic, or free. Others are optional at a cost. Many of them have time deadlines. You should also keep your beneficiaries current. See the included checklist which is excerpted from the 'Insurance & Free Benefits Chapter' of the Delegate Manual. This chapter/booklet will help you decide which coverage is most advantageous to you and family, and who to notify if any change is warranted. The information assembled here will help insure that coverage (life insurance or other types of insurance) remains in full force for your loved ones. Copies of this booklet can be ordered using the Delegate Manual Booklet order form in the 'Forms Chapter' of the Delegate Manual. See attached checklist for details Back To Top
Possible Arsons Continue to Go Uninvestigated
UFA Fire Marshal Rep Lester Layne would like to remind all members that a significant number of fires throughout the city go uninvestigated by the Fire Marshal's Office. Decisions to investigate are based on preliminary reports by the incident commander, after discussion with the Supervising FM. A percentage of these fires are often misread. Every 10-75 or greater should be investigated by FMs. Therefore, FM Rep Layne instructs members to remind their bosses to make every fire a 10-41. Once a 10-41 signal is given, a response by FMs is reasonably assured. Fire Marshals (not supervising FMs) are the first fire investigators on the scene and are the only FDNY personnel with the authority to make a final determination as to whether or not a fire is suspicious (they also testify to this in court). FM Rep Layne advises any FFs who believe a fire should have been (but wasn't) classified as suspicious, to contact him at the UFA during business hours. Suspicious fire trends combined with significantly reduced FM ranks have caused serious public concern as to whether enough fires are being investigated by the FDNY. Putting arsonists behind bars saves both civilian and FF lives. See attached NY Post Article. Back To Top
Medical Leave Lifts Hearings Begin
Recording Secretary Joe Miccio reports that the next hearings before Arbitrator Alan Viani are scheduled for June 12, 13 and 27, which will include testimony from both officers and firefighters. All lifted members were provided with forms to fax back to the UFA to confirm participation by themselves and/or officers who are willing to testify on their behalf. Affected and supporting members are asked to return the form ASAP. UFA Labor Counsel Michael Axelrod will follow up with each member. The UFA maintains that this practice by the Dept is a deceptive way of punishing firefighters for aggressively doing their jobs. The UFA will never back down in its efforts to defend our members' rights. Back To Top
PD Dispatched Early & FD Late?
Several units have reported that, on occasion, certain NYPD dispatched work is resulting in delayed notifications to FD units. This issue was raised (and field documentation provided) with Chiefs Hayden and Cassano at recent Labor-Management Meetings. Chief Cassano advises that the Dept has recently gone live with an on-line CIMS form on the FDNY intranet (thru your officer's computer) for members to enter if this (or any other problem) occurs with another City agency. The Dept conducts meetings on a regular basis with the other CIMS protocol agencies, at which all interagency issues of concern are addressed. Please insure you use this on-line form to address these issues!!! Back To Top
WTC Memorial Concerns It's been almost 5 years and many of the WTC Memorial issues have yet to be resolved. UFA President Steve Cassidy spoke at a recent rally joining the 9-11 families. He also published an Opinion article (see attached) in the N.Y. Post on Feb 26. Among the points of importance he stressed are safety of those visiting the memorial and a distinct section which groups our lost members' names by company, battalion, etc.
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UFA Lobby Day in Albany on June 6th
All UFA members are invited to travel up to Albany and lobby our state legislators on the important issues that affect us. UFA V.P. and Legislative Chairman Jim Slevin will be providing each participating member with a copy of our agenda and important information on how to effectively lobby. The UFA will provide round-trip busses and depending on demand can have them leave from various locations. We will also be setting up appointments with high ranking elected officials. At the end of the day a reception will be held and all of the legislators are invited. Further details will be provided as it gets closer to the event. Everyone who participated last year had a great time. Shortly thereafter, our WTC Presumptive Illness Bill was signed into law. Back To Top
OOS Form Documentation & Relocations
Information re companies placed OOS continues to assist the UFA in documenting reduced neighborhood fire protection. We appreciate efforts by members who fax the forms and the list/chart. Relocation info should also include (besides other info normally provided) the reason for relocation , such as: "Relocated to L567, which was also relocated" or "relocation to E678, which was at a fire". This extra bit of info will offer significant assistance in evaluating reasons for reduced coverage in our campaign to keep the City from reducing fire protection levels for the people we protect. Back To Top
UFA Joins Dr. Frank Field: Children's Fire Safety DVD
On March 7th UFA President Cassidy was joined by Manhattan Trustee Danny Murphy at Manhattan's Epiphany School to announce the UFA's partnership with Dr. Frank Field to educate the City'ss schoolchildren on fire safety. Dr. Field has written and produced a video entitled "Fire Is" The video provides a realistic look at the dangers of fire and highlights the importance of fire safety. The UFA distributed 3 DVD videos for each firehouses at the March 9 Union Meeting for use as educational tools in your communities. We are also advocating for distribution of these videos throughout the NYC School System as a way to better educate the public on fire safety. The goal of the program is to lower the number of injuries to Firefighters and civilians caused by fire. Back To Top
Delegate Education Seminar Registration
Delegates must return registration forms and payment to the UFA no later then March 31 or lose the special hotel discounted rate. The UFA can only accept Seminar Registration Forms with a check via US Mail (not by phone). For newer Delegates, this is an extremely important seminar that will help educate you on many matters of importance, including workers' rights, health, safety, work issues & financial matters. So hurry up. Return your registration forms in the prepaid envelope well before March 31 - to save $$!!! Questions? Did not receive your registration package? Delegates should call or email the Recording Secretary's office ASAP.
New Salary Charts (with dues amounts)
UFA Recording Secretary has published an updated salary chart. Much of the information has been provided by the Dept and verified by UFA actuaries. This combined chart was designed to allow members of all grades to determine various rates and differentials at a glance on one page. It includes, base, night shift, longevity, RSOT, holiday, CFR-D, chauffeur, uniform maintenance, hourly pay, hourly OT rates, calculation formulas, dues amounts, annuity and more. A copy for posting is included and was also given to each Delegate at the March 9 Union Meeting. Back To Top
Verification of Member Paychecks
The Dept will verify, and correct if appropriate, specific paycheck problems if sufficient documentation is provided. Members claiming a payroll discrepancy must submit a Payroll Inquiry Form, paystub and corresponding TPR copy identifying the specific period. Dept Orders define the specific time periods for which OT is reflected in each paycheck. Insure you check the corresponding DOs prior to submitting an inquiry. In the case of your retro checks, the charts provided at the January Union Meeting give hourly OT rates for each retro year. This can be used to help you to determine the amount of retro OT $$ that is due to you in each check. NOTE: the UFA actuaries will be auditing a select group of paychecks to verify accuracy.
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Deferred Compensation: Change Back to Normal Deductions
Members who were temporarily taking higher percentage deductions for their retro checks must adjust their Deferred Compensation deductions to a lower percentage ASAP by calling Deferred Comp and using your PIN number (or via their website). If this is not done, you will receive severely diminished paychecks going forward. It is already too late to affect your March 24th paycheck. Back To Top
RSOT Tour Rescheduling
The Dept may NOT reschedule RSOT tours against your wishes that are assigned to you in accordance with its published schedule based on your group chart and initially assigned vacation (or for rescheduled RSOT tours and mutualed RSOT tours that have been approved IN WRITING with proper endorsements through channels). If DSCO tells you your approved RSOT tour is cancelled, contact the Trustee-on-Duty immediately and report for your RSOT tour! Remember, you are not guaranteed to work RSOT on any given tour unless it was approved as noted above. Back To Top
MDA Week a Success
A big thank you goes out to all the members and companies who participated in the 1st ever UFA / UFOA Muscular Dystrophy Association Week. Collections exceeded $30,000. Though the program is closed, late returns will still be accepted. Back To Top
Hero Stamp Act Funds Application Deadline Nears
For families of emergency personnel killed or permanently physically disabled in LOD in connection with the 9/11 attacks. The application may be obtained at http://usfa.fema.gov/heroesstamp/. The application deadline is 5 pm on April 3, 2006. If after reviewing the guidelines, you believe that you qualify for the program and wish to apply, then submit an application. The Dept is required to verify certain parts of the application. The signature on page 4 is required to be notarized before completing the employer verification section. As per DO #14, Firefighters, Fire Marshals and Fire Officers should submit pages 3 and 4 of the application to 9 MetroTech Center, Room 8N-5, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Attn: Alex Fisher (718-999-2945 / 1428). (Per DO #15, for LOD Death family members: Family Assistance Unit, Room 8S-11, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn NY 11201 and direct questions to Claire Jensen or Evelyn Tesoriero at 718-999-1473). These pages will be returned to all applicants so that they may submit a complete package to FEMA. Any other questions regarding the program may be directed to FEMA at 866-887-9107 or via e-mail FEMA-HerosStamp@dhs.gov. If you do not receive the pages back from the FDNY by March 15, 2006, you should submit the incomplete package to FEMA with a note indicating the FDNY is still in the process of completing the forms. FEMA will accept the application and FDNY will return the forms as soon as possible to you. Back To Top
Fire Bell Club Scholarship
Applications for the Fire Bell Club Scholarship Award are now available. Eligibility is as follows: ·Firefighters 5th Grade and above, and Fire Officers who have been accepted or are attending an accredited institution of higher learning. ·Firefighters/Fire Officers pursuing a degree in Fire Service Administration, Public Service Management, Nursing or a related Fire Service discipline and who have completed a minimum of twelve credits. ·Preference will be given to those members who have fewer than five years of service. ·Written statement of 500 words explaining why an applicant should be considered for award. Amount of Award:$300 (one-time grant) Number of Awards:1, Submission Date: April 28, 2006 Date of Award June 30, 2006. Applications can be obtained from Ms. Jacqueline Merveil, FDNY Registrar, Building 401 B, 3rd floor, Ft. Totten, NY 11359 or by calling (718) 281-8465. Back To Top
Joseph Grzelak Scholarship Bowl-a-thon
Sun, Apr 2, 1:30 P.M. TO 4:30 P.M.@ RAB'S COUNTRY LANES (Staten Island) to raise money for scholarship created in memory of BC Grzelak, BN 48. A number of packages are available for individuals, companies and families. For more information or any questions please contact: Tom Rogers (Sq. 252) 631-525-3156 or Jim Martin (E-255, Grp 11) 347-321-5954. Back To Top
FDNY Baseball Team Tryouts
Apr 8 and 9 @ Forest Hills High School, Queens at 4PM. 50 game schedule plus tournaments and charity game against NYPD at Keyspan Park in June. Contact Scott Miller 917 225 7872 or scott@nyfiredup.com. If you cannot make the tryout and have college or pro experience we can arrange other options. Back To Top
FD-PD Hockey Game Change of Date The Annual FDNY / NYPD Hockey Game is on Sat April 8th at 1pm at Nassau Coliseum. For more info, log on to www.fdnyhockey.com. Back To Top
Blood Drive at FDNY - NYPD Hockey Game
Back To TopTaking place before and during the FDNY / NYPD Hockey Game Sat April 8, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale. Pre-register by calling 516-478-5066 and receive 2 tickets to the game. Receive official 'Played Hockey-Gave Blood' T-shirt when donation received. Sponsored by Nassau County HS Hockey League.
Police / Fire Run
Sat. April 8, 2006, at 1000 hours, the 29th Annual Police/Fire Run will be held in Central Park. All active and retired members are eligible to participate (guests may run, but without a number). Race starts at 103rd Street and Central Park Drive in Central Park. Registration is at P.S. 171 located at 19 East 103rd Street between 5th and Madison Avenue. For further information, contact E-37/L-40 at 212-570-4237. Pre-registration is $15, $20 on the day of the race. Back To Top
Palm Sunday Mass at Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance
Annual Palm Sunday Mass will take place Sun April 9 at the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, Keyspan Park, 1904 Surf Ave, Coney Island. All are invited to attend. Seting is limited. Dress for the weather. This is an outside event. Rain location will be Our Lady of Solace Shrine - West 17th Street and Mermaid Ave. Back To Top
Community Mayors 'Day at the Circusâ€
April 10th the Community Mayors of New York will be hosting a 'Day at the Circus' for handicapped children at Madison Square Garden. Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Anyone interested in volunteering should assemble at the employees entrance at MSG at 8th Avenue and 33rd Street at 0830 hours.
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FDNY Bravest Night of Comedy
Thurs. April 27th beginning at 8 PM at Queensboro College Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside. Tix are $25. Headlining is Colin Quinn. Hosted by Ray Garvey and including FDNY's Bravest Comics. For more info or tix please call 718 - 631-6390 Back To Top
FDNY Cycling Team Looking for New Members
All levels welcome, from beginner to expert, road to mountain. Coaching and clinics available for those who wish to compete. Team races locally, nationally and internationally. For more info contact Doug Dicks, Ladder 78 - dougfdny@msn.com or 718- 344-3245 Back To Top
Iron Skillet Cook-Off
Deadline is April 30th for the 5th Annual Iron Skillet Cook Off taking place in October 2006. Looking for 1 chef (and 2 prep chefs) from each borough to compete against the top restaurant chefs in the city. Proceeds to benefit September Space to support those affected by 9-11. For more info or to register call Ingrid Maritato at 212-563-7570 ext. 201 or email at imaritato@worldcares.org Back To Top
LT. John Clancy / FF Jimmy Shea Golf Outing
Taking place May 25th at Middle Island Country Club. Registration limited. The earlier the better!! The event will award ten (10) $1000 scholarships to student children of FDNY members. For an application, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: FF Rich Berkhout - E298 153-11 Hillside Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 Back To Top
FDNY Football VS. Dallas / Fort Worth, 'To Iraq and Backâ€
Saturday April 1st at Port Richmond HS - 85 St. Joseph Avenue, Staten Island. Halftime ceremony will honor the 4 members of the Bravest team who have returned from tours of duty in Iraq. The ceremony will also honor any FDNY member in attendance that has served overseas and has returned home. $5 donation at the gate and children under 12 are free. FDNY members who have served in Iraq will enter for free after leaving their name at the gate. For more info or to register for the ceremony call Steve Orr - 646-210-447- or Tom Narducci at 347 - 996 - 7019 Back To Top
Back To Top Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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