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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits
President Bush Endorsement
New York City Firefighters are always prepared and ready to do whatever it takes to protect the citizens of New York should terrorists strike us again. This war on terror will not end soon. It is critical to our members and families for the United States to continue showing its resolve to insure events like September 11, 2001 never happen again -- here in New York -- or in any state where first responders may unnecessarily lose their lives while protecting others against terrorist attacks. President Bush's steadfast courage and leadership has been inspiring. When many around us looked to see which way the wind was blowing, he didn't. President Bush decided a course of action and has repeatedly shown that he is willing to do whatever it takes to protect this country and take the fight to the terrorists wherever they choose to hide -- and keep it off U.S. soil. It is because of his great leadership that the UFA proudly supports and endorses President George W. Bush for re-election as the President of the United States of America. Back To Top
PERB & the UFA Contract
Mayor Bloomberg has refused to bargain in good faith. The City's last offer to New York's Bravest, 4 percent over 3-years (1% in Year 1; 2% in Year 2; and 1% in Year 3), is unacceptable. The UFA declared an impasse on August 10th and will be going forward with the mediation process under PERB (Public Employee Relations Board). The new UFA Delegate Manual 'Taylor Law & PERB' Chapter is published in booklet form for each firehouse kitchen or housewatch. It provides answers to many of the questions members may have regarding the process. One copy was distributed to each Delegate attending the September 9 union meeting. Back To Top
Preparedness & Safe Response
As we all know, due to firehouse closings and increased number of specialized units out of first due response area due to drills and additional responsibilities, more companies are responding from farther away. Please remember to operate as safely as you possibly can -- and never forget -- don't get injured speeding to an alarm. Follow all Department procedures when responding. In addition, if you or your gear is exposed to any possible contaminants, all members must insure you follow decontamination procedures prior to going back in service. Members are reminded that the summer is not over and 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 time, in accordance with all dept procedures, so you will be in ready condition for any physical exertion your emergency duties may require. Back To Top
Involuntary Lifts/Details
The federal law suit is still pending. The UFA maintains that the medical leave related details are unconstitutional. Steven Morelli, Esq., a princpal of the law firm Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C., which is handling our case, was a guest at the September 9th general membership meeting to provide an update. See your Company Delegate for more info on this matter. Back To Top
Military Salary Payback
Members who received the notice from the Department requesting military earnings documentation are advised to submit this information as soon as possible. The Department has advised us that payroll deductions have not yet begun and it is working to establish an appropriate mechanism to obtain reimbursement at a rate which will not unduly burden the members who served. Additional info will be published as soon as it becomes available. Military members who were activated should contact Recording Secretary Joe Miccio if you have any questions regarding this issue. Back To Top
Random Drug Testing
Members are reminded that the FDNY's Random Drug Testing program began in firehouses this August. A letter summarizing the program was sent by the UFA to each member's home in July (see letter attached to 65-2# 58). AUC 202, Addendum 1, which specifically details the new FDNY policy, was published by the Dept on August 1. Please insure you are familiar with your rights under the program. Members being tested will be provided a form to list all foods and medications taken prior to the test. It is important that members not leave anything off the list, especially poppy seed products and all medications. Back To Top
New UFA Prescription Drug Plan
The new UFA prescription drug plan will provide better services to our membership and families while at the same time save you money and help to keep the active and retired Security Benefits Funds solvent. Your old cards are no longer valid. The new plan description booklet by Eckerd Health Services (EHS) was mailed to all members' homes with the new prescription drug cards. The booklet lists all contact and plan info for EHS Member Services. NOTE: Your Eckerd card is valid in most pharmacies, not just Eckerd pharmacies. Back To Top
Didn't Receive Your New UFA Drug Card?
You should have it by now. If not, your family will not receive prescription drug coverage. Contact the UFA Security Benefit Fund 212-683-4723, FAX 212-683-0693 to update/correct your home address. Back To Top
Personal Statement of Pension Benefits
Members with questions about their Personal Statement of Pension Benefits, which you should have received from your company officer this summer, should refer to FDNY Dept. Order #69, Supplement #56. It provides important retirement planning info and clearly answers many questions that are often asked to Delegates and Board Members. Back To Top
Ladder/Engine Member CFR-D Training on OT
On October 11, the Department will begin a 9-week CFR-D Training Cycle for members (including ladders), per DO #75 of 2004. This is not a refresher course. Members wishing to be considered must enter the required info on the Basic-Cycle #28 Volunteer List, which was distributed to all company officers by the Dept. The completed Volunteer List must be faxed by your officer to the CFR-D Unit no later than Friday, October 1, 2004. All questions should be referred to your officers. Members selected to attend will be notified by telephone by the CFR-D Unit.
UFA Fax Notifications
If your company missed any important UFA fax notifications, reports provided by the UFA system indicate one of the following problems: human answer, extended busy signal, machine or telephone line problems. Faxes may also be inadvertently discarded. The UFA reminds each company to see that the junior member checks the fax machine each tour and immediately notifies the Company Delegate of any important messages. If your house fax machine has problems, your officer should call 718-999-1305 for repairs, per DO #65 of 2004, and provide the following information: name, unit, address, make, model, serial # and description of problem. Back To Top
UFA Telephone Broadcast & Email Notifications
Delegates who have not received any UFA Telephone Broadcast Notifications this summer should insure that you have your correct cell and home telephone numbers listed with UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio. Also, if you have not been receiving email 65-2s, please insure you provide this info also. Back To Top
November Union Meeting Date Change
The union meeting, which was previously scheduled on Thursday, November 11 (Veteran's Day), has been rescheduled to Wednesday, November 10 at 10am Back To Top
UFA Calendar Correction: FDNY Memorial Day
The correct date is Wednesday, October 6th, 2004. Delete October 13, 2004 from your UFA Calendar. Back To Top
Line-of-Duty Funeral Fund Trips
Your UFA LOD Funeral Fund recenly sent members to the funeral services for the below Firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice. These members proudly represented our membership in tribute to these fallen heroes: - FF Willie Lacy on Friday, June 25, 2004, Augusta, GA. Attending members were Carmine Evola (E-50), John Lopez (L-19), Russell Dinkler and John Sherry (L-52), Matthew Mulryan and Wilson Perez (E-60).
- Capt. Dan Elkins on Monday, July 19, 2004, LA County, CA. Attending members were Robert Labas and Desmond Stanford (E-120), Chris Norris (E-214), Vincent Niesi (L-111), Todd Heaney and James Murphy (L-102).
- FF Jaime Foster on Friday, August 20, 2004, LA (City), CA. Attending members were Joseph Borg and Richard Nicotra (E-158), Chris D'Ambrosio and Chris Cuccaro (E-159), Michael Duggan and Adam Mazy (L-79).
- Capt. John Taylor and FF Rey Rubio on Wednesday, August 25, 2004, Philadelphia, PA. Attending members were John Magliaro (E-8), John Phillips (L-2), Kevin Murphy (E-9), Joe Ortiz and Louis Strandberg (L-6), Kevin Barnabee and Joseph Kulikowski (L-10).
NEXT UP: QUEENS: E-275/L-133; E-285/L-142, E-286/L-135 Back To Top
FF Jeff Giordano Run For Children's Playground
Jeff's Run will take place on Sunday, October 3, 2004 at 10:00am, starting at MIV/Mt. Loretto on Hylan Blvd. at Cunningham Road (Staten Island, NY). Pre-Entry fee is $15.00 (by September 15th) and $20.00 on race day. There will be a Free Kids Run and post race activities. All proceeds to go to The Firefighter Jeff Giordano Children's Playroom at the Cornell Burn Center (NYFFBCF). Contact Liz for info at (718) 966-7578. Back To Top
B.C. Matthew Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund Update
The recipients of this year's B.C. Matthew L. Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund award have been determined. They are children of active FDNY Firefighters as follows: Daniel O'Shea-son of FF Tom O'Shea (attending SUNY Stony Brook in Stony Brook, NY), and Mary Cullen-daughter of Lt. John Cullen (attending Bishop Kearny High School in Brooklyn, NY). Everyone's support is very much appreciated by the Ryan family! Back To Top
Register For myGHI Online
Register for myGHI and conveniently manage your benefits online. Go to www.ghi.com and select the members page, click on the "register" button and follow the simple instructions--you will need your GHI ID number and category number from your GHI ID card. As a registered myGHI user you'll be able to check claims status, view your Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), view your benefits detail, see deductible balances, verify eligibility, request ID cards, provide address updates, and communicate with GHI securely. Back To Top
New Vision Screening Benefits
Vision Screening Centers, which are authorized UFA optical providers, are now offering full examination and prescription lenses with no out-of-pocket expenses within the UFA plan coverage. Optical benefits for all eligible participants and their eligible dependants include: Comprehensive 11-point eye exam (including Glaucoma testing), glass or plastic lenses (single vision, bifocal and trifocal), free tinting and scratch resistant coatings, a large selection of frames, and Contact Lenses (hard, soft, non-astigmatic, and daily wear). Please visit www.visionscreeninginc.com for a list of locations near you, or call 718-895-4504 if you have any questions. Back To Top
FDNY Hockey Team Try-outs
Try-outs for the FDNY Hockey Team will take place at Freeport Recreation Center located at 130 East Merrick Road in Freeport, Long Island. Tryouts will be Thursdays, October 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 11:00am. For more information call Billy Kammerer 516-897-0449. Back To Top
Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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