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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits:
UFAContract Negotiation Update
On July 26th the Executive Board met with the members of the Battalion Advisory Committee, which consists of a Delegate from each Battalion, regarding current contract negotiations. The UFA most recently had a mediation session with the PERB mediator and the City on Friday August 12th. The UFAand the City continue to disagree over values that the City assigned to components of the PBA/PERB award. UFA actuaries are continuing to meet with City representatives regarding the formula for the establishment of correct values. After our next scheduled PERB mediation session with the mediator and City Labor Commissioner Hanley on September 6th, an update will be provided at the General Membership meeting at 10am on Thursday, September 8th at the JFK Ramada. The UFA will continue its fight for a fair contract that best compensates our membership for the critical and dangerous work they do every day. Back To Top
WTC Bill Update
As previously announced, Governor Pataki signed the World Trade Center Presumptive Disease Bill into law in June. It allows Firefighters who responded during WTC rescue and recovery operations to qualify for a three-quarters disability pension. Members who have already retired and have subsequently become disabled, may seek a reclassification for a disability benefit under the law's provisions. An update from the NYC Law Dept was distributed to all Battalion Delegates and explained by UFA V.P./Legislative Chairman Jim Slevin at the July Battalion Advisory Committee meeting. All members that could potentially qualify for this legislation will be receiving a registration form from the FDNY Pension Unit shortly. In addition, a follow up mailing will go out from the UFA reminding all members that they must register by June 2007. This info also will be explained to all members attending the September 8th General Membership Meeting at he JFK Ramada. Contact your Delegate if you would like
to attend. Back To Top
WTC Memorial Foundation –UFAWithdraws Support
On July 26th, 2005 the UFA sent a letter to the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation, the group charged with raising $500 million towards the construction of a memorial at Ground Zero, withdrawing our support of their organization. The withdrawal went public and much has been covered in the press regarding our position. Our withdrawal came after much discussion between the Executive Board and various groups of firefighters and 9/11 family members. We applauded their efforts to raise the money, but insisted that the International Freedom Center (IFC) be removed from the plans or our support would be lost. We are currently working with various advocacy groups and local/national politicians to garner support for our cause and spread the word about the planned memorial complex in an effort to remove the IFC from the future of the Site. Back To Top
Constitution Committee Meeting Cancelled!
The UFA Constitution Committee meeting, which was scheduled to take place on August 25th to review proposed amendments, was cancelled due to the funeral of an active firefighter occurring at the same time. After consulting with UFA General Counsel, this meeting will now be rescheduled for September. The proposed amendment notices to the membership will be published in the October and November meeting notices, and voted upon at the November General Membership meeting. Back To Top
Preparedness: Your Health
UFA Health & Safety Officer Bill Romaka safety reminder: If it is suspected that you, your gear or your rig are exposed to any possible contaminants or body fluids, all members must insure you follow proper decontamination procedures prior to going back in service. Members are also reminded that while the warmer months are still upon us, heat exhaustion is always a danger to your health and safety. Members who exert themselves while wearing bunker gear can cause a dangerous increase in body core temperature, even on responses that may not involve fire. Members should take necessary recuperation and rehydration periods, in accordance with all Dept procedures, so you will be in ready condition for the extreme physical exertion your emergency duties may require. Back To Top
Suspended Health Coverage Grievance: Need Your Help!
Members who have lost health coverage at any time during suspension are asked to contact Recording Secretary Joe Miccio at 212-545-6973 or Recording Secretary@UFANYC.org or Fax to 212-683-4359. The UFA is fighting this policy in arbitration and is looking for additional documentation to support this extremely important case. Any documentation, including past suspensions or gaps in coverage even though you did not require medical care at that time, will be extremely helpful in insuring that this never occurs again to members and their families in the future. Let us know ASAP—and help protect your future!
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UFA Scholarship Fund Applications
Applications for the 2005 UFA Scholarship Fund will be available via the UFA website, www.ufanyc.org beginning 8/15. Applications and enrollment verification must be received at the UFA Scholarship Fund office postmarked no later than October 3, 2005. Please see website for Application/Eligibility Guidelines & submission directions. Back To Top
Riverside Drive Monument Memorial Service on 9-11
Companies of the 18th Battalion are hosting the 4th Annual 9-11 Memorial Service at the Firefighters Monumenton Riverside Drive &100th St, Upper West Side, Manhattan. All members and their families are invited. 0930 assembly, 0953 form at attention, 0959 moment of silence and reading of all 343 names, 1029 moment of silence & placing of wreath, 1215 Mass at St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Ave. & 112 St.). Parking along Riverside Drive. Contacts: Bill Riccardulli E45
914-804-3143, Todd Holgan L58 516-578-6039, Pete Busching L58
516-642-9615, Dan Purcell E45 347-234-3629. Back To Top
Counseling Services Unit
All members will be receiving a brochure at their homes regarding services afforded them by FDNY Counseling Services Unit. CSU offers free consultation, education, counseling and assistance, as well as individual, couples and family therapy, among others. For more info call
212-570-1693. Back To Top
Memorial Mass
On Sat. September 10, at 1000 E22/L13 will host a Memorial Mass for members of Battalion 10 lost on 9-11. Mass will take place at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Park Ave .b/w 84th and 85th Streets in Manhattan. All
off-duty members and families are invited. Members are required to attend in Dress Uniform. 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Run
Sun. Sept. 18th members of E309/L159/E321 will host 4th Annual 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Run to honor members of BN33 who made the supreme sacrifice onSept. 11, 2001. $20 registration fee includes breakfast, ride & memorial t-shirt. Registration at 0900 at Avenue U and33rd Street Brooklyn.
Memorial 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
2nd Annual Bopp, Bohan, Cavalieri Memorial, Wed. 9/24 @Riis Park, Rockaway. $150 per team includes 5 t-shirts, food, beer, soda, BBQ. Money raised benefits scholarship fund in memory of Lt. Joseph Cavalieri, FF Chris Bopp and FF James Bohan. For registration or questions contact FF Cary Walsh or FF Frank Nastro @ 718-965-8257.
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3rd Annual Lt. Pat Lyons Golf Classic
Mon. Sept. 26. The outing will be played on 3 Long Island golf courses; Calverton Links (sold out), Great Rock GC, & LI Nat'l GC. Largest single-day golf event on LI raises money for the Pat Lyons Foundation- benefiting children's charities. Spaces available to play, sponsor, or attend the dinner after the outing. A raffle for a new Ford Mustang is also taking place. For more information visit: www.patlyonsfoundation.org Back To Top
Breast Cancer Fundraiser
The members of E167/L87 are selling t-shirts supporting breast cancer research. All proceeds will be presented in the form of a check on October 16, 2005 at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Staten Island. Shirts are available in two styles, Women's Tees($15) and Unisex Tees ($12). Orders must be in by September 21, 2005. Registration for the walk and order forms for the shirts are available at www.engine167ladder87.com Back To Top
Ryan Family Fundraiser
Bellmore PAL is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the children of FDNY Firefighter Tom Ryan on Oct. 29, 2005 at the Bellmore Firehouse. Tom's children Patty (21, kidney transplant) and Tom (17, brain tumor) both are in need of extensive medical treatment and as a result, will be incurring huge medical expenses. Admission is $20 and all money raised will be turned over to the Ryan Family. Night includes raffles and silent auction, among other activities. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. More info is available at www.ryanfamilyfundraiser.com or Bellmore PAL at
516-679-5990. Back To Top Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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