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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits
November Union Meeting Date Change
Next month's meeting, which was previously scheduled on Thursday, November 11 (Veteran's Day) at JFK Ramada, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, November 10 at 10am. Back To Top
Safe Apparatus Operations & Response
The Department has publicly announced it intends to strictly enforce all Department Regulations. A chauffeur was recently served charges as a result of an accident that occurred while responding to a 10-75. This is a disgrace and reflects that the Dept is willing to punish firefighters and expose them to personal liability for its own political purposes. This Fire Commissioner's policies are a departure from FD tradition--and assume you (firefighter) are wrong. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU OR ANYONE IN YOUR COMPANY! All chauffeurs should be aware of and follow all Department Regulations regarding apparatus safety and response. It's clear that if you don't, you will be served charges. Make sure you review 65-2 Fax #67, which has been repeatedly faxed to all Companies. A copy is attached. Back To Top
FDNY Memorial Day
The UFA commends the large number of members who turned out last week for FDNY Memorial Day on Riverside Drive to honor all active members who have passed away (LOD and non-LOD) during the prior 12 months. You represented our membership in an exemplary manner. Back To Top
PERB Mediation & the UFA Contract
The UFA completed its first PERB Mediation session with the City on September 27. The City has not bargained in good faith and refuses to change its position. Its offer of 4 percent over 3-years (1% in Year 1; 2% in Year 2; and 1% in Year 3) remains unacceptable. The second PERB mediation session took place October 13. An update will be provided today. Members with questions regarding the PERB process will find many answers in the 'Taylor Law & PERB' booklet, which was distributed at the September meeting. Delegates who were unable to attend should contact Recording Secretary Joe Miccio at the UFA for copies. Back To Top
West Side Stadium
The UFA's position remains the same. We do not support spending public tax dollars on new stadiums while the City claims it does not have money to provide firefighters with fair wage increases. The UFA has publicized this message by distributing literature at MSG, hiring billboard trucks to drive around the City, and providing flyers to all companies to post in their response areas. President Cassidy has reinforced our position numerous times in the media denouncing the Mayor for putting private business interests ahead of providing fair pay for firefighters. Back To Top
UFA Continues to Support President Bush
Recently, two Board Members with several Firefighters and Delegates traveled on a multi-city Bus Tour through Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia campaigning for President Bush. This week's Chief, the civil service newspaper, is quoted as follows: An Oct. 4 article in Newsday reported the controversy (regarding the UFA traveling to other states to support President Bush), including quotes from officials in those states that criticized Mr. Cassidy. Rank and file firefighters from other jurisdictions, however, have responded with letters expressing their support for the UFA traveling party, stating that they believed it was voicing the sentiment of many union members, who are considered more conservative and more likely to vote Republican than the IAFF leadership.
In an Oct. 7 phone interview, Mr. Cassidy contended that he was merely giving national circulation to his members' belief that the President was the candidate best-equipped to fight the war on terror. "We believe we have a right to make that clear to everybody," he said. "I'm pretty damn sure free speech still reigns in America. And these aren't local issues; it's a national issue." The UFA leader continued, "We believe absolutely that George Bush is better prepared to continue the war on terror than John Kerry. Nobody in the [IAFF] is talking about this issue. You know why? Because they lose on this issue." Back To Top
Non-School Trained Chauffeurs
Firefighters who have not been 'school trained' must insure they protect themselves from being held liable. All members who are not 'school trained' should not operate any apparatus (including Foam Units, Thawing apparatus and other special vehicles) unless ordered by an officer. The UFA is directing any firefighter that is not 'school trained' who is ordered to drive an apparatus in other than an emergency situation occurring during a tour, and beyond the control of the Department, to record the following statement in the company journal: "I have this day and hour been ordered by (OFFICER'S NAME) to operate an apparatus. I feel that I have not been properly trained to do so." Back To Top
Your Company Out of Service?
In most cases, your local City Council representative and Community Board are unaware when their neighborhoods have no immediate fire protection. You should notify your Community Board and Councilperson leaders whenever the Dept takes your company out of service for training or events such as Yankee Stadium, U.S. Open, etc. Delegates should refer to NYC & NYS Legislative Reference Guides from PAC/Legislative Book of the Delegate Manual, which was distributed at the June union meeting to all Delegates. Also, an easy-to-use UFA form letter can be downloaded by clicking HERE. Each time your company is taken out of service for any reason, just fill in the blanks and fax or mail it to your local Community Board, Councilperson (and UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio's fax 212-683-4359). This creates grass roots local pressure on the City Hall--which is one of the most powerful and effective ways to have an impact on FDNY Policy. Contact V.P. & UFA Legislative Chairman Jim Slevin if you have any questions. Back To Top
Yankee Stadium Playoff & Other Event Details
Companies that received memos from the Department assigning their companies to Yankee Stadium details for the play-off games are advised of the following: Individual members are under no obligation to report to work early for the 1800 hour tour for the Yankee Playoff game details or any other event. The UFA recommends that all members report for the beginning of their regular tour at 1800 hours on the days of these events. Back To Top
Special Committee
The UFA's Special Review Committee has mailed a letter to all firehouses for posting. Members are asked to review and respond as appropriate.
Need Repairs in Your Firehouse?
HQ has established the FDNY Resource Center/Help Line to reduce the amount of paperwork (BB7s, etc.) necessary for building repairs. The Help Line deals with numerous issues, including exterminators, Nederman exhaust systems, plumbing/sewage issues. General issues should be called in, BY YOUR OFFICER ONLY, to 718-999-HELP (4357) between 7am-3pm Monday through Friday. A Work Order/Confirmation # will be assigned. During other hours FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY the line is forwarded to Operations. Outstanding BB7's (old paper versions) should be called in by your officer only to the Help Center also. If these problems are not resolved in a reasonable time, in order to get them corrected more quickly, Company Delegates should contact the UFA Health & Safety Office at 212-545-6965--not the Borough Trustee. Of course, if any condition places members in imminent serious danger and you are unable to reach the UFA Health & Safety Officer, call the UFA general number 24/7 at 212-683-4832. Back To Top
LOD Injuries: Do Not Give Out Your Personal Info
Members who have mistakenly given their personal info (home address and telephone number) to doctors or hospitals for LOD Injuries continue to get bills sent to their homes and notices from collection agencies. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you ever give out your personal info. Give the firehouse or Metrotech address only. Members receiving notices from collection agencies demanding payment for Line-of-Duty Injury medical bills for services that were provided with authorization of the Medical Office should fax all notices to the UFA Recording Secretary's Office, Attn: Joe Miccio at 212-683-4359. The UFA has raised this issue with the Dept, which has acknowledged the seriousness of the problem. Make sure your name, company and date of injury are included with the fax. Back To Top
Military Salaries
The FDNY is still in the process of calculating the amount of reimbursement owed by members who were paid both by the Military and the City while on active duty in Operation Enduring Freedom and other military operations. It is anticipated that individual firefighters will soon start to receive notices to appear at the FDNY Bureau of Personnel to calculate the terms of reimbursement. The aim will be to minimize the financial impact of the reimbursement upon the firefighters while still obtaining the money for the City. With regard to securing IRS refunds for payroll deductions that must be repaid to the City as part of reimbursement of "gross pay", we have requested the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs to draft instruction sheets for our members, setting forth the best way to seek the tax refunds. We are hopeful of receiving some response from that Office in the very near future. We will keep members advised. Back To Top
Fire Marshal OT Postings
FM Rep Lester Layne reports that the Dept has agreed to begin posting Fire Marshal OT reports at the Brooklyn Base (as is done for Firefighters at each company). Back To Top
2005 Delegate Educational Seminar in Atlantic City
In accordance with the UFA Constitution, Atlantic City was chosen by an overwhelming majority vote of the Delegate body. It will take place once again at Trump Taj Mahal from Tuesday, May 3, 2005 thru Friday May 6, 2005. Back To Top
New UFA Booklet: Insurances, Beneficiaries & Free Help
The new UFA Delegate Manual 'Insurance, Coverage & Additional Help' Chapter is published today in booklet form for each firehouse kitchen or housewatch. It provides answers to many questions your members may have about insurances and benefits available either from the UFA, FDNY or the City. One copy was distributed to each Delegate at the October 14 Union Meeting. It covers: changing beneficiary checklists, life, catastrophic, cancer, emergencies, medical, optional riders, free programs (such as Honor Emergency Fund, Welfare Fund, Surgical Assistance, Counseling, Second Medical Opinions…), UFA's Security Benefits Fund, disability rights, LOD Injury medical and prescription drug bills, medical misconduct, and much more. Make sure you review this booklet in conjunction with literature distributed by the City and the Medical Care Providers at the October 14 Union Meeting so you make the most informed decisions to insure your family is best protected. Back To Top
City Health/Medical Plan Vendors
City Health/Medical Plan vendors were present at the October 14 Union Meeting to answer your questions and distribute literature. Make sure you get the info you need to best protect your family! The Transfer Period for active members has been changed to November 1, 2004 through November 30, 2004. The new health plan chosen or any change in optional benefits will become effective January 9, 2005. The City will be mailing a new summary program description this year. Updated information can be found on the City website. Back To Top
Raffle For UFA Scholarship Fund
For a 2004 Harley Davidson FatBoy. Only 500 tickets to be sold at $100 each. All proceeds go to the UFA Scholarship Fund. Leather outfit and Biker Babe not included. For info & tickets call Ed Burke at 212-545-6970 or see a Scholarship Committee member: Joe O'Brien (E91), Bill Romaka (E238), John DeBenedittis (E289), Tom Martin (E60) or Larry Sullivan (Rescue 5). Back To Top
FDNY Family Day at the Circus
The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Annual FDNY Circus Event is being organized for March 20, 2005. Packets on this event were supplied for each Company Delegate at the October 14 Union Meeting. Organizers will be looking for volunteers to be Borough Coordinators to help with this event. Proceeds go to UFA Widows' & Children's Fund. If interested in attending FDNY Family Day at the Circus, please contact your Company Delegate for up-to-date information. Back To Top
Lauren Leeber Fundraiser & Raffle
Lauren is 5 years old and contracted a rare and often fatal form of bacterial meningitis. As a result, her right hand and both legs were amputated and she received a kidney transplant from her mother. On October 26 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm at McFadden's Bar & Grill, 800 2nd Avenue (c/o 42nd & 2nd) there will be a fundraiser & raffle drawing in the name of Lauren Leeber, daughter of Firefighter Victor Leeber (E-69, L-28). All proceeds benefit Lauren Leeber. For additional info & other fundraisers visit www.laurenleeberfund.com or call 212-570-4269. Donation checks payable to "Lauren Leeber Supplemental Needs Trust", E-69, L-28, B-16, 248 West 143 Street, New York NY 10030. Back To Top
Member Needs Help--Fundraising Comedy Event
The Volunteers of Ground Zero and The American Red Cross present a benefit event for former FDNY member Ralph Geidel, who was diagnosed with throat cancer believed directly attributable to his time working Rescue & Recover at Ground Zero. 7:00pm-Midnight on Saturday, October 16th 2004 at A&M Roadhouse at 57 Murray Street between West Broadway & Church Street-Tribeca. Performers include FDNY comedian Ed Sullivan, Ladder 7 comic Steve Alleva, DSNY's Andrew Macchio ("The Singing Sanitation Man") and many more. Suggested donation is $10. For more info visit http://www.nofirecuts.com/html/ralph_geidel.html. Back To Top
Want to Play on the FDNY Volleyball Teams?
They have represented the FDNY proudly in the World Police and Fire Games in Barcelona, Stockholm & Indianapolis. The teams travel to participate in regional, national and international tournaments and also play in local leagues with both the 'A' and 'B' teams throughout the year. Some previous volleyball experience is required. Practices will begin taking place in mid-October at Queens College Gym. Contact Mike Ward L-135, 718-476-6286 or 516-650-9519 if you would like to join. Back To Top FDNY Soccer Club & Kids Clinic
On October 23rd, FDNY Soccer Club is hosting the third annual Barclays Capital Soccer Tournament and Kids Clinic to benefit the Firefighter Sergio Villanueva Scholarship Foundation. The tournament will feature soccer teams from the FDNY, NYPD, Barclays Capital US Team and Barclays Capital UK Team. Tickets are $5 in advance or at the door (kids free). A free soccer clinic open to children ages 5-15, hosted by Coaches & Players from Hofstra University, NYPD and FDNY teams 11:00am-12:30pm. Registration for kids' clinic: 10:30am-11:00am that morning. World Cup format tournament. The two top teams compete in a final game at 5:00pm. For info contact Joe Brosi at 917-929-8654 or e-mail. Back To Top Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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