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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits:
Contract
Discussions continue with the City. We are working on scheduling the next official session. Please insure you review Special Taylor Law & PERB 65-2 #21, dated April 8th, which gives a brief history and summary of how it works. This should be helpful explaining the process, in simple terms, if it become necessary for the UFA to pursue that path. Back To Top
Republican National Convention
The UFA reiterates the extreme importance of all members planning to be in town for the Republican National Convention (August 30, 31 & Sept 1) and make themselves available to mobilize at the Convention in support of UFA issues. The Police/Fire Coalition has filed permits for several locations to demonstrate and promote our careers (i.e. raises). Back To Top
St. Patrick's Day Parade
The UFA & UFOA Executive Boards thank the members for all their efforts towards making this year's parade a wonderful event. We are confident you will continue to present our solidarity and professionalism in the public's eye. In light of the past few months of negative media sensationalism, this is especially important while we work to address matters of significant importance to all firefighters and their families. Back To Top
Cornell Survey/Study
The UFA, UFOA and the Dept met with Cornell's research team last week to present the results. The UFA is urging the Department, based on these findings, to adjust its response to addressing these matters with our members. The survey found that firefighters who suffer from post-traumatic stress from the WTC attacks and aftermath report higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress and an increased risk of alcoholism. This helps confirm the UFA's position re the cause of the upswing of problems which the media has been adversely reporting. Complete copies NY Times & NY Post articles regarding the survey were distributed to each Delegate at the April 8th Union Meeting. Back To Top
UFA Election Ballot Mailing
Ballots for the election for the offices of UFA Treasurer and Bronx Trustee will be mailed by American Arbitration Association (AAA) on Thursday April 22nd, and must be returned to the AAA by 9:00 am on Monday, May 10th. Any member who has not received a ballot by Monday, April 26th is directed to call AAA directly at (800) 529-5218, M-F 9am to 5pm, and give their correct residence address (and actual assigned unit - not their detail location). A ballot will mail to you that same day. Ballots will be counted on Monday, May 10th commencing at 9:00 am. Election results will be announced on that same day upon ballot count completion. Winners take office immediately. Any member wishing to vote must insure your home address on record at the UFA is accurate. If not, prepare an 'SBF Change of Address Form' and mail to the UFA, Attn: SBF. Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, or call the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723. Back To Top
Annual Medical While on Medical Leave
If you are on medical leave and it has been greater than 15 months since your last company medical, the Dept. can and will hold you for an annual medical, unless your condition limits your ability to take the exam. However, annual medicals are on Dept. time, not your time. If you are held for a medical ask for an FS 260 Form (Other Overtime) signed by the medical officer for the additional time you are at headquarters. If you are refused, document everything: date, time, doctor, your present duty status, who you spoke to and the circumstances surrounding the event. Be polite and do not get into a confrontation. You do not have to stay for training if you are not getting paid. Documented information should be sent to the Health & Safety Office for action by UFA and our attorneys. Questions? Contact UFA Health & Safety Officer Philip H. McArdle 212-545-6964.
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Annual Medical Conflicts for Delegates
Company Delegates are not required to attend company medicals on days of Union Meetings. You must contact the officer on duty at Operations in advance. Back To Top
$25 Million Award for FF Health Monitoring
Steve Cassidy, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and the FDNY announced in a joint press conference that eight grants from the Department of Health and Human Services National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will finance a five-year program to track and monitor the long-term health of FDNYs WTC & Fresh Kills rescue & recovery workers, both active and retired. Back To Top
Delegates Committee for Political Action
In accordance with the UFA Constitution, Delegates are required to choose one member from each Battalion to serve as their Battalion Political Action Committee Representative. It is critical that this committee is prepared for upcoming UFA political activities. Each Battalion Delegate needs to submit your Battalion's representative to VP & Legislative Chairman Jim Slevin at the Atlantic City Seminar. Members who are interested should contact your Delegate. You need not be a Delegate. Back To Top
Line-of-Duty Funeral Fund Trips
Your UFA LOD Funeral Fund recently 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: - Battalion Chief Charles Brace and FF Richard Stefanakis (Local 1) Pittsburgh, PA on Thursday, March 18, 2004. Attending members were John Burke and Sean Murray (E-202), Kevin Clifford and James McAlevey (L-118), and Kevin O'Neill E-207 and Matt Dwyer (L-110).
- FF Barrie Niebergall, Breckenridge, Colorado on Saturday, March 20, 2004. Attending members were Dave Caputo and Mike Vesci (E-155/L-78) Anthony Gagliardi and Leonard Reina (E-156) and David Sozio and Tom Downing (E-157/L-80).
- FF Kevin Kulow (Local 341), Houston, Texas on Wednesday, April 7, 2004. Attending members were Michael Bossom, Kevin Wrafter and Chris Martucci (all from E-6).
Full Body Scanning
The UFA Health and Safety office has been approached by our members to identify body-imaging facilities. Below offices offer body scans (heart, lungs, abdomen and pelvis) for active and retired members for $500-$600. When calling, state you are a member and present your FDNY ID card when you arrive. Payment must be made at time of appointment. Call your healthcare provider to find out if test is covered. If enrolled in an HMO, you must get a referral to be covered. The SBF can not provide coverage. However, they will mail you a claim form with CPT codes for your insurance provider if you wish to submit one. Look to the next Firelines issue for more comprehensive info.
- Saint Francis Hospital, The DeMatteis Center
1 Northern Blvd., Old Brookville, NY 11545
Call 516-629-2066 for an appointment.They require a physician's referral.
Contact: Kathy Rapelje, 516-629-2442
aint Francis offers a heart and lung scan only at $416.
www.stfrancisheartcenter.com
- Central Imaging
445 Kings Hwy, Brooklyn, NY 11223
Call 866-886-7226 for an appointment. No referral necessary.
Contact: Luba Krivosheyeva. They offer a full body scan at $500
- 67 Irving Place (between 18th & 19th St),
New York, NY 10003
Call 212-777-8900 for an appointment
No referral necessary. Contact: Bert Barrette. They offer a full body scan at $595
www.innerimaging.com
- Cornell Medical Imaging
425 E. 61st St., 9th Floor, New York, NY
Call 212-821-6000 for an appointment. They require a physician's referral.
Contact: Vanessa Markaj, 212-752-4511. They offer a full body scan at $500
www.cornellmedicalimaging.com
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Capt. Scott LaPiedra Memorial Race
On Sunday, April 18, 2004, at 1000 hours: the annual running of "Scott's Race" in memory of Captain Scott LaPiedra. The 5-K run will begin at Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island. Entry fee is $15, $20 for race day entries. A quarter mile "Kids Run" will begin at 1100 hours, free to all children under 12. A post race party and barbecue will follow. For more information call Firefighter Bob Alverson, E-28 at 212-570-4228 or 718-720-8158. Back To Top
College Scholarship Application
Application for the NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs and NYS Professional Firefighters 2004 College Scholarship is now available. Deadline to submit application is June 8, 2004. Open to HS seniors and recent HS graduates who will not have completed more than one year of college by September 2004. Must not have graduated from high school before 2003, must be a child of a uniformed member of the NYS Professional Firefighter's Association (all UFA members). Amount of Award: $1,000. Number of Awards: 3 for NYC, 3 for the rest of the State. Award announced in July. Applications / additional information at www.nyspffa.org. Look within NYSPFFA Convention 2004, or by calling Mrs. Jacqueline Merveil, FDNY Registrar, at (718) 281-8465. Back To Top
Educational Grant Awards
The NY Firefighters Burn Center Foundation is offering ten (10) educational-related grant awards commencing this spring. Grants are available to members of FDNY Uniformed Force only. Must submit in writing (typed). Explain in five hundred and fifty (550) words or less why you would like to receive this award. Amount: $500 will be paid directly to School or Institution. Number of Awards: 10 awards. Submission Date: May 15, 2004. Date of Award: June 15, 2004. All written requests will be considered. Please include your present assignment. (Company, Battalion and Division) and a self-addressed stamped envelope. This information must be submitted to: The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, c/o Engine Co. 66 & Ladder Co. 61, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Must print he word 'GRANT' on lower left corner of envelope. Back To Top
125TH Anniversary of Engine 45
On April 23rd, 2004, Engine 45 of the Bronx will be celebrating its One-Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Anniversary. They are organizing a 50/50 raffle to help offset the costs associated with this event. If each company could purchase a minimum of one ticket, it would be greatly appreciated. The cost of each ticket is $50.00. Please make checks payable to "Engine 45 Company Fund" and send it to 925 East Tremont Ave, Bronx NY 10460. The members and officers of Engine 45 thank you for your time and cooperation. Back To Top
Fundraiser to Benefit the Family of FF Thomas Brick, L36
Who made the supreme sacrifice on December 16, 2003. Turtle Bay Grill & Lounge. April 24, 2004 (987 2nd Ave, 52nd St, NY, NY). For more info contact E95/L36 at 212 570-4295. Back To Top
New York Police vs. Fire Racquetball Championships
April 22nd and April 23rd, 2004. 8 am - 5pm. Club Fit Briarcliff, 584 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510, 914-762-3444. 6 racquetball courts, steam room sauna, whirlpool, weights. Must bring towel and lock. Open to all police officers, firefighters and friends. Entries must be received by April 14th, 2004. Two matches guaranteed. Awards to all 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Breakfast, hot lunch and beer each day. Tournament shirt to each players. First event: $30. Second Event $15. Make check payable to: NY Police & Fire Championships. Mail to George Inzinna, 16 Meadow Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10805. Proceeds to go to Police Widow's & Children's Fund and the UFA Thomas Elsasser Fund. Contact: Ret Capt. Frank Ciociola 914-663-4421, FF Joe Ruiz E97 718-430-0297, FF Rick Rodriguez L58 cell 646-418-7149. Back To Top
FDNY Baseball Team is Looking for New Players
Bravest Baseball try-outs are on Saturday, April 10 at 10AM at Springfield Gardens HS in Queens. Belt Parkway to Springfield Blvd North go two blocks and field is behind the school. For further info call Scott Miller at 917-225-7872. Back To Top
Sammy Hagar in Lake Tahoe
Sammy Hagar has invited FDNY members to the grand opening of his new club (Cabo Wabo Cantina) in Lake Tahoe on 4/29, 4/30 and 5/1 and there is choice seating (stage seats) for FDNY members that is free. Airfare and hotels are to be worked out on our own. For further info call Scott Miller at 917-225-7872. Back To Top
Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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