GLOBETURNOUTGEAR · (904) 641-5407 (Home) (904) 219-8656 (Cell) 13th District Fred LeBlanc 317 Avenue Road Kingston, Ontario K7M 1C8 (613) 328-2195 (Cell) 14th District Danny Todd

G L O B E T U R N O U T G E A R . C O M

N O T A L L P R O F E S S I O N A L A T H L E T E S G E T S I G N I N G B O N U S E S .

3WINTER 2015

Cover12 Silent KillerPost-TraumaticStress Disorder

in the fire service

Features10 Challenges in the 114th Congress

Protecting IAFF members’ lives and livelihoods

17 Affiliate Leaders Win ReliefSuccessful IAFF Guardian Policy Cases

Departmentsn 5 From the General President

n 7 From the General Secretary-Treasurer

n 18 Local Scene

n 24 Across the IAFF

n 37 Retirees

n 42 Never Forget

n 43 Last Alarm

Connect with the IAFF

24

3128

Winter 2015Fire Fighter Quarterlyvol. 98 no.1

Visit Fire Fighter Quarterly onlineat www.iaff.org/mag

25

3

4 FIRE FIGHTER QUARTERLY WINTER 2015

Harold A. Schaitberger General PresidentThomas H. Miller General Secretary-Treasurer

EMERITI OFFICERS

President EmeritusAlfred K. Whitehead

Secretary-Treasurer EmeritusFrank A. Palumbo

Vice President EmeritusRussell P. CeramiJames L. HillElliott HastingsJohn K. StephensDominick C. DiPauloRobert E. Palmer

Charles L. BussGerald O. HollandMichael J. CrouseErnest A. “Buddy” MassTerry A. RitchieDominick F. BarberaKevin GallagherBruce CarpenterJames A. Fennell

Trustee EmeritusWilliam McGrane Dennis Lloyd

IAFF EXECUTIVE BOARD

1st DistrictWilliam Romaka427 Spruce Avenue West Islip, NY 11795(631) 893-9116 (Office)(917) 834-1414 (Cell)

2nd DistrictMark Woolbright115 McMennamy Road St. Peters, MO 63376(314) 393-9755 (Cell)(636) 397-1572 (Office)(636) 397-3809 (Fax)

3rd DistrictA. Michael Mullane50 North Bayfield RoadNorth Quincy, MA 02171(617) 328-7202 (Home)(617) 288-2100 (Office)

4th DistrictWilliam V. Taylor206 Inlet DrivePasadena, MD 21122(410) 317-5546 (Office)(443) 324-2529 (Cell)(410) 317-5548 (Fax)

5th DistrictThomas Thornberg23594 Ulysses St. NE East Bethel, MN 55005(612) 290-8015 (Cell)

6th DistrictLorne WestBox 581 Stn. Ft. LangleyLangley, BC Canada V1M2R9(604) 574-5785 (Office)(604) 868-8730 (Cell)(604) 513-9884 (Fax)

7th DistrictRicky WalshP.O. Box 5604West Richland, WA 99353(509) 627-2872 (Office)(509) 999-3090 (Cell)(509) 627-3134 (Fax)

8th DistrictPaul Hufnagel2545 Oxford RoadLansing, MI 48911-1036(517) 281-2832 (Cell)(517) 484-7744 (Home)

9th DistrictRay R. Rahne3444 S. Newland Ct.Lakewood, CO 80277(303) 619-2462 (Cell)(303) 988-0177 (Home)

10th DistrictJames T. Ferguson3029 Buchanan Street San Francisco, CA 94123-4201(415) 760-8063 (Cell)(415) 474-4121 (Fax)

11th DistrictSandy McGhee1283 S. Detroit AvenueTulsa, OK 74120(918) 599-8176 (Office)(918) 855-8228 (Cell)(918) 599-9176 (Fax)

12th DistrictLarry Osborne8743 Ricardo Lane Jacksonville, FL 32216-3536(904) 641-5407 (Home)(904) 219-8656 (Cell)

13th DistrictFred LeBlanc317 Avenue RoadKingston, Ontario K7M 1C8(613) 328-2195 (Cell)

14th DistrictDanny Todd3740 Northcliffe DriveMemphis, TN 38128(901) 377-6549 (Home)

15th DistrictDavid Burry16 Indian Pond PlaceCBS, NL A1X6P8(709) 744-2709 (Home)(709) 689-7574 (Cell)

16th DistrictJames B. Johnson3195 Dayton-Xenia Road Suite 900-303Beavercreek, OH 45434-6390(202) 360-1318 (Cell)

TRUSTEESMark S. Ouellette2681 Sicily Drive New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168(386) 314-5837 (Cell)

Alex Forrest303-83 Garry StreetWinnipeg MB R3C-419 Canada(204) 783-1733 (Office)(204) 791-4980 (Cell) (204) 255-0383 (Home)(204) 253-0496 (Station)(204) 772-2531 (Fax)

Anthony Mejia3451 Julian AvenueLong Beach, CA 90808(562) 989-3667 (Office)(562) 212-2055 (Cell)

GENERAL COUNSELThomas WoodleyWoodley & McGillivary

Q U A R T E R L Y

IAFF FINANACIAL CORPORATIONCarrie TuckerChief Operating Officer

E-18 MEDIAMarty SonnenbergExecutive Producer

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065725 Return undeliverable Canadianaddresses to: 2835 Kew Drive Windsor, Ontario N8T3B7

Harold A. Schaitberger, EditorJeff Zack, Supervising Editor

Jane Blume, Director of Communications, Managing Editor

Mark Treglio, Contributing Editor Kristin Craine, Staff Writer Tim Burn, Staff Writer

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Cindy Pinkney, Administrative Assistant

Craig Renfro, Advertising Director • (972) 416-9782 • [email protected]

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Published quarterlySubscription price $18 per year.Fire Fighter Quarterly (Print)(ISSN 2333-3669)Fire Fighter Quarterly (Online)(ISSN 2333-3685)Official publication of and © Copyright 2014 by theINTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS®

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INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE STAFF

Peter L. Gorman Chief of Staff

Jim Lee Chief of Operations

Baldwin Robertson Legal Counsel

Patrick J. Morrison Assistant to theGeneral President for OccupationalHealth Safety and Medicine

Jeff Zack Assistant to the GeneralPresident for Media, Communicationsand Information Systems

Scott Marks Assistant to the GeneralPresident for Canadian Operations

Lori Moore-Merrell Assistant to theGeneral President for MemberServices, Technical Assistance andInformation Resources

James Ridley Assistant to the GeneralPresident for Education, Training andHuman Relations

Kevin O’Connor Assistant to theGeneral President for Governmentaland Public Policy

Warren May Assistant to the GeneralSecretary-Treasurer for Budget andFinance

Elizabeth Harman Assistant to the General President for GrantsAdministration and HazMat/WMDTraining

AUXILIARY TO THE IAFFTerra McKenziePresident(217) [email protected]

IAFF CHAPLAINFather Thomas Mulcrone

IAFF Headquarters Office1750 New York Ave. NW Washington DC 20006(202) 737-8484 (Office)(202) 737-8418 (Fax)

IAFF Canadian Office350 Sparks St. Suite 403Ottawa Ontario, Canada K1R7S8(613) 567-8988 (Office)(613) 567-8986 (Fax)

5WINTER 2015 FROM THE GENERAL PRESIDENT

As soon as the polls closed in the U.S. on the 2014 mid-termelections, both political parties began spinning the results andposturing for the upcoming 2016 presidential election.

In years past, when elections concluded, Congress and the powerbrokers in Washington set about conducting the people’s business.Today, hyper-partisanship, the role of the almighty dollar in politicsand a 24-hour news cycle have created an environment whereelectioneering and politics never cease.

We have seen similar maneuvering at the federal level in Canada,as well.

As a seasoned lobbyist and political operative for our union, thisstate of affairs saddens me. One of our credos, one of the biggestreasons we as a union get so heavily involved in politics is becauseelections have consequences. e laws and policies created byelected officials can be make or break for our members and theirlives — so we need Democrats and Republicans, and Conservatives,Liberals and NDPers to stop the posturing and do the jobs that theywere elected to do.

With that frustration, I get why many of our members find politicsso unpleasant.

But, the reality remains that every aspect of your livelihoods, safetyand health, retirement security, staffing — and even your continuedemployment — are controlled by an elected official or a bureaucratappointed by an elected leader at some level of government.

And that means this IAFF, our leaders and members need to beinvolved in the political process.

As a result, your union has invested a tremendous amount of timeand resources through the years building a political brand that isrecognized and sought aer by Republicans and Democrats alike atall levels of government — and is more prevalent every year infederal, provincial and municipal elections across Canada.

e IAFF gold and black has propelled endorsed candidates andissues to victory time and again — from John Kerry in the IowaCaucuses in 2004, to beating back Issue 2 in Ohio when GovernorJohn Kasich tried to repeal bargaining rights, to helping U.S. SenatorSusan Collins (R-ME) — who was the chair of the Senate HomelandSecurity Committee at the time — survive an attack from the far lein 2008, to helping Kathleen Wynne defeat Tim Hudak for thepremiership of Ontario, to scores of candidates from members ofParliament, to small town mayors and aldermen in this past election.

We also proudly embrace the political diversity of our union. Ourpolling shows that we are fairly split down the middle between Dsand Rs with an ever increasing portion of members who identifythemselves as independents.

With such a political range in our ranks, we know with eachpolitical decision we aren’t going to please everyone. at’s why,when we are vetting candidates, whether they are running for citycouncil or president of the United States, we have very simplecriteria: Where do they stand on fire fighter issues — employmentrights, retirement security, staffing, tax policy, healthcare, resourcesand training to do your jobs safely and effectively, and protectingyour rights to organize, bargain and engage in the political process?

We accept and encourage our members to make their owndecisions on larger social and cultural policy issues such aspro-life/pro-choice, prayer in school, immigration, etc. In the end,we know you will make your own decisions on who to support asit relates to those critically important issues. But, as your UNION,our responsibility is to the basket of issues related to yourworkplace, compensation and career.

So, the IAFF is pushing forwardheadfirst into the 2015 elections inCanada and 2016 elections in the UnitedStates. On the congressional level, we willcontinue to support our friends and thosewho support our issues, whether they arestaunch conservatives like Roy Blunt(R-MO) or liberals like Barbara Mikulski(D-MD).

With a Canadian federal election slated for October 19, our brandwill be on the streets and in the game. e Liberal Party and NDPsupport of a Public Safety Officer Compensation (PSOC) forCanadian fire fighters means that our federal strategy has to ensurethat voter support for these candidates diminishes the opportunityfor the Conservative party to split the vote and come up the middle.

e real prize in the U.S. in 2016 is the White House. Republicansare emboldened by the recent mid-terms and see an opportunity towin the presidency while maintaining their stranglehold on theHouse and control of the Senate. e GOP yearns to again have thepower of both Congress and the White House to advance its agenda.

Rational Democrats recognize that maintaining the White Houseis their best opportunity to block the ultra-conservative tide andinfluence national policy. Traditionally, the Democratic base votes insignificantly higher numbers in presidential elections. Democratsare banking on motivating core constituencies to turn out in 2016 toelect a Democratic president and win back control of the Senate, aswell — even while they realize that the House will likely remainunder GOP leadership for the foreseeable future.

is political dynamic affords our union significant opportunity.Candidates from all parties are courting the IAFF. ey want ourpolitical gold and black brand at the forefront of their campaigns.ey recognize that the IAFF is a major player and covetedendorsement.

is year your union will be hosting a bi-partisan PresidentialForum. When we held a similar Forum in 2007, every majorcandidate of both parties participated, including President Obama,Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton andSenator John McCain.

With that said, while we may not get every candidate to appearonce again, we anticipate having some of the most conservative andlibertarian members of the Senate participating. Former governorsin both parties will tout their executive experience. In addition, we’llhear from a self-proclaimed liberal, potential candidates from theprivate sector, those who already hold very high office and, ofcourse, some famous political and family names.

All who were invited and choose to participate will have theirchance to speak to members and leaders of our great union. It willbe a historic day for the IAFF and the first real Presidential Forum ofthe 2016 election cycle.

Once again, this IAFF will be involved. And once again, we willmake our judgments on candidates using our simple principle ofstanding with those who stand with us.

Stay safe.

Political Challenges and Opportunities

Harold ASchaitberger

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WHEN YOU GO IN, WE GO IN WITH YOU.

In January, we wrapped up another successful Vincent J.Bollon Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS).Local leaders from across North America met tostrengthen their union skills and increase theireffectiveness in their roles as union officers. e agendaincluded a wide-range of workshops, information sessionsand networking opportunities.

e more than 120 workshops offered included afour-hour session geared specifically tosecretary-treasurers with responsibilities in recordsmanagement and taxes. More than 225 union officersattended the workshop, which reviewed fiduciaryresponsibilities, identified pitfalls encountered with IRSForm 990, and addressed contractor vs. employee issuesand recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Fiduciary responsibility includes keeping accurate andappropriate records for all financial transactions of thelocal union, maintaining receipts such as income fromdues, investments and interest and providing a completeaccounting of all expenditures.

e workshop also covered how to use the annual budgetas a roadmap for success. No matter the size of a local, thebudget helps a local spend within its limits and provides areality check on strategies, priorities and plans. A budgetnot only flags areas of unnecessary or duplicate spending,but also allows members to see and track how their duesare being spent.

My office strives for transparency in all aspects of ourfinancial recordkeeping, and I’m a firm believer that allaffiliates should as well. Because the subject of creating abudget is so vital to good union stewardship, my office alsopresented an Information Session specifically on this topic.

Another function of safeguarding assets is the protectionthat affiliates receive through a $5,000 bond that isprovided by the IAFF at no cost — although some localsmay need additional bond coverage to total 10 percent offunds handled. is bond coverage is essential toprotecting an affiliate’s financial health and is available atvery reasonable rates.

Recordkeeping coordination with the International isanother important aspect of the secretary-treasurer’s role.Annual financial inspection reports — as well as any newaffiliate constitutions — are required to be submitted to theIAFF in accordance with our Constitution and By-Laws.

Another big topic of conversation concerns federal filingrequirements. All locals are required to file a Form 990with the IRS, as well as obtain an Employer IdentificationNumber (EIN) from the IRS. e 990 Form is required toreport the activities of a tax-exempt organization. It isvitally important to note that failure to file a Form 990 for

three consecutive years will result in theIRS revoking not-for-profit status. If thishappens to your local, all is not lost, but itdoes require much more time, energy andeffort to be reinstated, so it is importantto file yearly.

I have attended the IAFF AffiliateLeadership Training Summit as a localofficer, president of a state organization,as 8th District Vice President and now asIAFF General Secretary-Treasurer. isyear, the workshop selection, speakers and informationoffered resulted in what I believe is the very best ALTS todate.

I congratulate the General President and his staff on theirincredible work in putting together this premiereducational program. I encourage each and every affiliateofficer to attend in the future. Don’t just take it from me —read what a few of your brothers and sisters had to sayabout their experience attending the secretary-treasurersworkshop:

“ALTS is all about education and support! e secretarytreasurer course is invaluable to the newly-elected officer,and just as important to a seasoned veteran.”

“e wealth of knowledge and experience you receive fromthe facilitators, as well as the General Secretary-Treasurer’soffice and staff, is instrumental to filling asecretary-treasurer’s tool box. is type of education is whyour IAFF executive officers are among the best in the labormovement today.”

“I’ve been the secretary for my local for a very short time,so just being around men and women who have been doingit for years was great. e conference itself showed me quitea few areas where I needed to improve in terms ofrecordkeeping and organization.”

But whether you attended ALTS or not, assistance on any union or leadership issue is only an email or phone call away.

7FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY-TREASURERWINTER 2015

Thomas H Miller

Secretary-Treasurer Responsibilities

7

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lettersJobs Saved!Dear President Schaitberger:

It’s about 10:45 p.m. now, and thingsare looking really good. Current votecount is 4,600 in favor [of the levymeasure] and 2,100 against with 90percent counted. We have finallyreached a point where I feel like I canbreathe again. Once again, I cannotexpress the gratitude of the entire localadequately. I do not think there is anyother organization in the world thatwould put this much effort into saving sixjobs. I am humbled to be a part of thisgreat IAFF.

All I can say is THANK YOU foreverything you have done for us!

Ron LubkePresidentMissoula-Rural, MT Local 2457

Thank YouDear President Schaitberger:

I wanted to offer a heartfelt thank youfor taking the time to visit our station whilein Traverse City. With staffing issues, it wasimpossible to get all of our personnel tothe [MPFFU] Convention. But the majoritywere in and out as they were available.

I want you to know that your visitrenewed the spirit and faith in our guysregarding our union. I spoke with BrotherTom Thompson, and he was all smiles. Hiscomment was, “Wow, PresidentSchaitberger is the real deal, he lookedme in the eye when he shook my hand, heasked questions about my turn-outs andboots and about the trucks, abouteverything. I was amazed at the level hecared about the guys on the street.”

These comments continued witheveryone I spoke with from the crew. Iasked our probationary fire fighter what hethought about the visit. He was veryimpressed. He said, “He washed his owncoffee cup!” I had to laugh because thispoor kid has been doing dishes for the lastsix months.

These comments continue toreinforce what I already knew, that youare the real deal, and the best man to beleading our union! Please share thesecomments with Secretary-TreasurerMiller for his efforts also.

It was great to see both of you againand hopefully I will be able to make it toCincinnati to see this powerhouse teamin action again!

I just wanted to thank you on behalfof our local and myself for making ourConvention a complete success.

Eric M. JacksonTreasurer Traverse City, MI Local 646letters

9

Power of Political ActionGeneral President Schaitberger:During our recent city elections here

in Powell River, British Columbia, thecommunity voters decided for achange to our City Council. Threeincumbents were not re-elected toreturn, but with financial assistance[from] IAFF FIREPAC, MaggieHathaway, former member of Local1298 and a true friend of fire fighters,was re-elected for a third term! Wewere also rewarded with two otherfriends elected to Council whobenefited from our Local 1298FIREPAC donations.Thank you to you and the IAFF

Executive Board for releasing the fundsto our local to assist us in electingfriends of fire fighters to Council!

Fraternally,

William GranthamPresident Powell River, BC Local 1298

In SolidarityDear President Schaitberger:I want to personally thank you, and in

particular Local 112, for their standingwith UNITEHERE! workers by honoringthe one-day picket line at theDoubletree in Los Angeles on January22.Not only did Local 112 honor the

picket line, but they took the time tointeract with the picketers. It was agreat boost to their morale havinganother union stand with them insolidarity. It left them feeling inspiredand proud. In times like these, it is important

that we are working together in apositive and united front wheneverpossible considering the enormouschallenges we all face in the labormovement.Thank you for your continued

support.

In Solidarity,

D.R. TaylorPresidentUNITEHERE!

No Fight Too SmallDear President Schaitberger:For the past several years, Hemet,

CA Local 2342 has been locked in abattle with the Hemet City Councilmajority and our city manager over thefuture of our department. OnSeptember 9, 2014, our City Council

voted 3-2 to contract out emergencyfire response, a contract wastentatively approved and the last day ofour 106-year-old department wasscheduled to be eliminated June 30,2015.For the first time in department

history, we were forced to admit thatwe could not win this battle withouthelp. We reached out to the IAFF, CPFand other locals, and here is whathappened.[You] and 10th District Vice President

Jim Ferguson were contacted andadvised of the circumstances. Therecommendation was that we apply foran Emergency Disputes Fund (EDF)loan. We did, and within a month wehad a check for $24,978.50.CPF President Lou Paulson and 1st

District Vice President Tim Strack werecontacted and advised of thecircumstances. The recommendationwas to work with CPF political expertChris Patterson. Chris went to workbehind the scenes and assessed theupcoming November Hemet City Councilrace. A conference call that included a(friendly incumbent) Council memberwho was running for re-election tookplace. The conversation was long andspot on. We took Chris Patterson’sadvice and won on November 4. Theincumbent mayor was sent home andreplaced with a fire fighter-friendly firsttime Council candidate.

Locals that contributed PAC moniesinclude the Hemet Police OfficersAssociation ($13,500), MurrietaFirefighters Association Local 3540($10,000), San Bernardino CountyFirefighters Local 935 ($10,000 plus awonderful dinner in Cincinnati), CoronaFirefighters Association Local 3757($5,000), Hemet SEIU Local 721($2,500), Riverside City FirefightersAssociation Local 1067 ($2,000),Ontario Firefighters Association Local1430 ($2,000), and San Diego CityFirefighters Association Local 145($1,500).After countless hours of hard work

and spending nearly a quarter of amillion dollars, I am pleased to reportthat on December 9, 2014, the newHemet City Council followed throughon its promise and reversed theSeptember 9, 2014 decision. As a union president of a small local,

I had always wondered what wouldhappen if I had to ask for help. Now Iknow. A great example of what being amember of the IAFF and CPF is allabout.The Hemet fire fighters thank you,

Steve Sandefer PresidentHemet Firefighters Association Local 2342

Proud MembersDear President Schaitberger:I wanted to take a moment to say a

huge THANK YOU for affording us theHazMat WMD class, extending theinitial consideration to includeback-to-back classes, and thenaccommodating us yet again when wefell below the student minimums onthe second class. I am not blind to therealities of meeting the needs of theIAFF membership masses, associatedcosts for instructors and logistics,sticking to a structure for consistencysake, etc.The feedback from the classes has

been extremely favorable. Theinstructors were very knowledgeable,great communicators, and clearly apositive reflection on the IAFF that weare proud to be members of. Youshould know that they enjoy their workand speak very highly of their bosses.Thank you again for the

extraordinary flexibility granted us andthe great education received by ourmembers.

Respectfully,

Merv Kennell PresidentSuncoast, FL Local 2546

The Power of GenerosityDear President Schaitberger: On June 8, 2014, my wife and I

received news that is every parent’sworst nightmare. Our four-year-oldson, Tommy, was diagnosed withstage 4 cancer. Luckily, my wife Katy and I are both

members of unions, and due to ourhard-fought benefits were able tofocus our attention where it belonged,solely on Tommy. The ensuing monthswere very trying, but as time movedon, through the skill of his medicalteam and many prayers, Tommy’sability to tolerate his treatmentsimproved and he was truly a joy to bearound.My grandfather joined the IAFF

when Local 718 affiliated in 1942,and my father, brothers and Ifollowed. I have always consideredthe IAFF part of my family, and whentimes get tough, family stickstogether.

Within a few days ofTommy’s diagnosis Ireceived a letter and acheck from 7th DistrictVice President Ricky Walshand the Magnificent 7thDistrict. I never imaginedfire fighters in Alaskawould be taking care ofbabysitting myeight-year-old in Bostonwhile my wife and I were at thehospital! The support we received from our

brothers and sisters throughout theInternational was truly overwhelming. Nothing epitomized your love more

than the “buzz off” at the IAFFConvention in Cincinnati.I am happy to report that, thanks to

your prayers, Tommy is in remissionand his last chemotherapy treatmentwas February 10. His long-termprognosis is very good, although wewill keep a watchful eye! We could

never thank you enough for yoursupport!In closing, I’ll leave you with a little

hope: If you can’t be safe, be good!

Fraternally,

Edzo KellyPresident Professional Fire Fightersof Massachusetts

WINTER 2015 LETTERS


On Election Day, November 2014,Americans elected the largest congressionalmajority for the GOP since 1928. e 114thCongress has 247 Republican and 188Democrats in the U.S. House ofRepresentatives, and 54 Republicans and 46Democrats in the U.S. Senate. Now, for thefirst time since 2006, the GOP controls boththe House and Senate.

“e new Congress will be challenging forthis IAFF and public employees throughoutthe country,” says General President HaroldSchaitberger. “While our union’snon-partisan political approach positions usbetter than other unions to deal with the newCongress, we will still need to play veryaggressive defense and look for targetedopportunities to advance our issues in a verydifficult environment.”

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) wasre-elected for a third term, overcoming arevolt by 25 ultra-conservative Republicansangry at his willingness to compromise withPresident Obama and congressionalDemocrats on various issues. Pundits expectBoehner to be frequently challenged by theTea Party contingent of his caucus on anumber of social, budgetary and fiscallegislation.

e successes in Senate races movedSenator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) into theposition of new Majority Leader. McConnellhas pledged to restore the Senate to afunctioning legislative body. His promise isto allow Senate committees to work throughthe legislative process and afford members ofboth parties the opportunity to offeramendments and engage in more rigorousfloor debate.

Like Boehner, McConnell will be fendingoff challenges from his more conservativecolleagues. Adding to the Senate Leader’schallenges are the presidential ambitions offour sitting senators — Ted Cruz (R-TX),Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rand Paul (R-KY) andLindsey Graham (R-SC).

On the Democratic side, bothRepresentative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) andSenator Harry Reid (D-NV) were re-electedas House and Senate Democratic leaders,respectively, along with their existing teams.

In both chambers, Democrats may have anopportunity to exert influence and amendlegislation if the GOP majorities continuetheir internal strife and gamesmanship.

“e stage is set for either a productive twoyears or two more years of gridlock. ejury’s out,” says Schaitberger.

Issues We Will Be Defending Against

Immediately, the new GOP Congress beganconsidering approval of the proposedKeystone Pipeline, setting up a showdownwith President Obama, who has promised toveto the legislation. is fight promises to beonly a precursor, as Congress and theadministration will wrestle over global issues,including immigration, tax policy,entitlement reform, the Affordable Care Act,spending priorities, regulatory reform andforeign policy.

Congress has been largely dysfunctionalsince the 2010 midterms. Legislation thatboth helps and hurts IAFF members andworking families has languished without avote or has been defeated in the Senate.

Now, with the GOP in control of bothchambers, some of that legislation will workits way back through the process, and thatmakes the 114th Congress very important forthe IAFF and its members.

“We will be fighting this Congress toprotect our members’ lives and livelihoodson a number of issues, including pensions

and workplace rights, as well as fairtreatment for our federal brothers andsisters,” says Schaitberger.

PensionsProposals affecting public sector definedbenefit pension systems that had beenderailed in the Senate will resurface, includingRepresentative Devin Nunes’ (R-CA) PublicEmployee Pension Transparency Act(PEPTA), which would mandate that firefighter retirement systems report the fundingstatus of their plans based on an assumedinterest rate equivalent to U.S. Treasury bonds.is obligation would artificially inflate theunfunded status of public pension plans andprompt the conversion to 401(k) definedcontribution accounts.

Another proposal, sponsored by newlyappointed Senate Finance Chair Orrin Hatch(R-UT), would give jurisdictions theauthority to replace defined benefit programswith insurance annuity contracts. Hatch haspledged to enact his proposal during thisCongress.

“Unless we are vigilant and mobilize ourmembership, there is no doubt thatlegislation to undermine and ultimatelydestroy our pension benefits will be passedunder Chairman Hatch’s watch,” warnsSchaitberger.

For many years, IAFF members havehistorically forfeited wages for improvedhealth and pension benefits. e employershare of costs toward providing these benefits

Fighting For You“If anyone thinks Congress doesn’t matter, they’re wrong,” says Schaitberger. “To win, weare going to need your help. Whether your interest is blocking harmful legislation andprotecting your wallets or trying to move the barforward on other issues, you need to be involvedand talk to your senators and members ofCongress.”

Members from across the United States areattending the IAFF Alfred K. WhiteheadLegislative Conference and 2015 IAFF PresidentialForum in Washington, DC March 8-11. For moreinformation, visit www.iaff.org/legcon.

11WINTER 2015 FIRE FIGHTER QUARTERLY

has been tax free. Regrettably, a number ofvery conservative lawmakers — who want toundermine unions and their members —and progressive legislators, whose goal is toequalize health and pension benefits for all,have joined forces to eliminate the taxexemption for these benefits.

“e ramifications for our members wouldbe staggering,” says Schaitberger.

Example: If the employer’s share of healthand pension contributions total $30,000 peryear and you are a fire fighter in the 21percent tax bracket, your out-of-pocket taxobligation would be an additional $6,300per year.

Health CareHealth care concerns pose another challengefor this union. One of the more harmfulaspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) isthe provision that imposes an excise tax onhealth care plans that provide a certain levelof benefits. is so-called “Cadillac Tax” isslated for implementation in 2018. emeasure would ultimately affect the vastmajority of fire fighter- oremployer-sponsored plans by 2028. ecurrent law calls for an excise tax of 40percent to be applied to all health planpremiums in excess of a certain dollaramount ($10,200 for individual plans and$27,500 for family coverage). When plansreach this level, the employer will likelyeither pass the increased costs onto theworkers or reduce IAFF members’ level ofbenefits. Both options are bad.

e IAFF is leading a coalition of businessand labor groups to repeal or amend thisprovision. From the very early discussionson health care reform, the IAFF stronglyopposed the suggestion of an excise tax.e IAFF will be waging a full-fledgedlobbying and multimedia campaign on thisvital issue.

Federal Fire Fighter IssuesAttacks on federal fire fighters will also

likely intensify in this Congress. In the last Congress, the IAFF worked with

other groups to fight off attempts to eliminate“official time,” which allows on-duty unionofficials to represent members at officialhearings or disciplinary procedures andattend other union functions. Anti-unionmembers of Congress hope that repealingofficial time will cripple federal unions.

e rhetoric from traditional adversaries,along with newly elected members ofCongress, suggests that these issues will all bebrought forth during the 114th session.

Playing Offense

“Our union has never been satisfied to justplay defense. Even in this environment, wewill be pushing Congress to pass measuresthat improve the lives and livelihoods of ourmembers,” says Schaitberger.

FIRE and SAFER FundingSince 2001, the federal governmenthas provided billions in Assistanceto Firefighters (FIRE Act) andStaffing for Adequate Fireand Emergency Response(SAFER) grants to local firedepartments to hire orretain staff, purchaseequipment, apparatusand other supplies,provide training anddevelop various healthand safety programs.

e IAFF hassuccessfully fought tomaintain current levels offunding for these importantprograms throughout therecession and gradualrecovery. In this Congress,along with allies in other fireservice organizations, the IAFFwill work to increase fundingfor both of these programs.

ZadrogaIn addition, the authorization for the JamesZadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Actsunsets and must be renewed in this sessionof Congress.

e federal government was slow torespond to the needs of fire fighters, otherfirst responders and citizens affected by theattacks on 9/11. Aer years of lobbying bythe IAFF, the Uniformed FirefightersAssociation (UFA) Local 94 and UniformedFire Officers Association (UFOA) Local854, Congress passed the Zadroga Act toprovide medical monitoring, care andcompensation to those affected by the

events of 9/11. e IAFF has made this a toppriority.

Toxic Flame RetardantsAt the IAFF 2014 Convention in Cincinnati,delegates unanimously passed Resolution 34,directing the union to pursue legislation toregulate, control and ban certain flameretardants on the federal level.

Over the years, an increasing body ofscientific evidence suggests that flameretardants contain dangerous carcinogens thathave caused various cancers in fire fighters.Several states have passed legislation banningthese harmful chemicals.

While the IAFF’s pursuit of this effort facesan uphill battle in the more

business-friendly, less regulatory-minded114th Congress, the IAFF will bepromoting legislation in accordance

with the Convention mandate.

Internet Sales TaxJurisdictions from coast to coast are

attempting to operate government andessential public services with less revenue.Meanwhile, local “brick and mortar”businesses compete unfairly with onlineretailers that do not charge local or state salestaxes. is loss of revenue negatively affects amunicipality’s bottom line and translates toless money to fund fire departments and payfor salaries and benefits.

e IAFF has been using its bi-partisanphilosophy on this issue, working withuntraditional allies, including Senators MikeEnzi (R-WY) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN)to advance the Marketplace Fairness Act tocompel online businesses to collect and remitsales taxes. A bi-partisan coalition oflegislators is promoting the measure in bothchambers. Strong opposition comes fromthe anti-tax, Tea Party wing of the GOP.

Federal Fire FightersIn spite of very long odds, the IAFF is pushingseveral more issues for federal fire fighters.

In an effort to provide parity with theirmunicipal counterparts, the IAFF is lobbyingboth Congress and the administration toextend presumptive disability benefits tofederal fire fighters.

On a similar issue of fairness, the union isalso lobbying a proposal to allow federal firefighters to swap shis. Currently, federal rulesdo not provide for unlimited trade time.

Additionally, the IAFF is working withallies in Congress and the IRS to allowfederal fire fighters to withdraw money fromtheir version of defined compensationprograms at age 50 without incurring a 10percent penalty. n


A 20-year veteran fire fighter at an urbanfire department, John Smith hadresponded to every kind of imaginable —and unimaginable — emergency incidentover the course of his career.

As a fire fighter, Smith sees people ontheir worst days, and the incidents heresponds to on a daily basis can be trulyhorrific.

But it wasn’t until he saw a brother fallthrough the floor of a burning home to hisdeath that the trauma stayed with him, andit seemed it would never get out of hismind. At the most unexpected times, hewould relive the tragedy or hear hisbrother call for help. Every call became astressful experience, even the mostroutine.

Smith thought he just needed time torecover, but the anxiety only escalated.Even stepping foot in the firehouse orcompleting routine tasks became daunting.

But he never told anyone about what hewas experiencing. One day, a crew matetook him aside and said, “I think I knowwhat you’re going through, and I think Ican help.”

While this is a fictional account, itdepicts an all-too-common behavioralhealth issue in the fire service.

Emergency responders are moresusceptible to Post-Traumatic StressDisorder (PTSD) because of the nature ofthe profession, coupled with the personaldemands and challenges fire fighters andparamedics face.

“IAFF members respond to any numberof incredible events, many of them tragic,”says General President HaroldSchaitberger. “PTSD is a terrible conditionthat affects fire fighters and paramedics atdouble the rate of the general population,and we need a better way to deal with it.”

PTSD is among a long list of behavioralhealth issues facing first responders, and isan ever-growing problem in all ranks ofthe fire service. Yet all too oen, programsfor addressing behavioral health issues arenot provided.

PTSD manifests following traumaticevents. Symptoms include recurrent andpersistent recollections or dreams about

the event, intense distress when remindedof the trauma by another event anddifficulty functioning and performingday-to-day tasks.

“Trauma is a daily occurrence in ourlives,” says Dan DeGryse, a member ofChicago Local 2, who spent many yearsworking with the fire department’semployee assistance program (EAP). Healso helped develop behavioral healthservices, such as the department’s peersupport network known as theGatekeepers, and has completed a 20-yearstudy on suicide in the fire service.

“All of this trauma has a cumulativeeffect, and it weighs heavily on us — just asit would on anyone,” he says.

It is important to seek help whenexperiencing high levels of stress,especially post-traumatic stress. If leuntreated, PTSD only worsens and caneven lead to attempted or successfulsuicide.

A number of states have introducedpresumptive legislation that would addPTSD to the list occupational diseases infirst responders for the purpose of workerscompensation benefits. Presumptive PTSDlaws would also help raise awareness aboutthe disease.

Oen, the stigma associated withneeding help prevents many in the fireservice from admitting something iswrong. In fact, in his study, DeGryse foundthat 28 percent of fire fighters believebehavioral health issues might hurt theirpride or reputation, worry that theinformation will not remain confidentialor say they do not have or are not aware ofservices that address behavioral healthissues.

“People with PTSD are six times morelikely to attempt suicide compared todemographically matched controls,” says

Dr. Suzy Gulliver, who has participated ina number of studies on PTSD, andcurrently is founding director and chief ofthe Warriors Research Institute (WRI),which engages in multidisciplinary studieson the traumatic stress experienced byboth soldiers and first responders.

In just an 18-month period from2008-09, Chicago Local 2 lost sevenmembers to suicide. In 2010, fourmembers of Phoenix, AZ Local 493 tooktheir own lives.

Philadelphia, PA Local 22 has lost at leastone member to suicide every year over thepast five years. While each situation wasdifferent, Local 22 President Joe Schulle

Providing Behavioral Health Services in the Fire DepartmentEvery fire department needs behavioral health services, but not all have them. Or, the service offered is not enough.

No matter how large or small the department, every behavioral health programshould include:

• Confidentiality and trust.• 24/7 access to behavioral health services.• Behavioral health education starting with recruit school and including retirees and

families.• Peer counselors for identifying and talking to fire fighters who may need behavioral

health assistance.• Continued education about the behavioral health services available to members.

“All of this trauma has a cumulative effect, and it weighsheavily on us — just as it would on anyone.”


believes that work policies played a role.“ese policies are unnecessarily adding

to our on-the-job stress,” he says. “Wewant to create the best possibleenvironment, establish ways to identifyany member who is having behavioralhealth issues and provide help before itgets worse.”

One workplace policy calls for Local 22members to move to a new firehouse everyyear.

“is is like taking our members out oftheir homes,” says Schulle. “A firehouseshould be a comfort zone, not a placewhere you are constantly the new persongetting used to a new environment.”

Another policy causing unnecessarystress affects Local 22 paramedicsspecifically. Medic units are required to goback into service within 20 minutes aereach call. e tight turnaround makes itdifficult for paramedics to get paperworkdone and the medic unit cleaned up, letalone decompress from a difficult call.

“In Philadelphia, New York, Toronto andall across the IAFF, we are losing too manyof our own,” says Schaitberger.

“A key to reducing the stigma isawareness,” says Frank Leto, a member ofthe Uniformed Fire Officers Association(UFOA) of New York Local 854 who hasspent many years managing the FDNYCounseling Service Unit. “It is importantto make sure the behavioral health servicesare there and are kept confidential.”

But only a few departments provide theseprograms.

e FDNY Counseling Service Unitoffers peer counseling and treatmentservices for substance abuse and relatedproblems.

“We start in recruit school,” says Leto,“making sure our rank-and-file knowabout the services available. Not only doesthis help reduce the stigma, the constantreminder that services are there increasesthe likelihood that our members will reachout and accept help when they need it.”

In Chicago, one of the most effectiveaspects of the department’s EAP is theGatekeepers Peer Support Network. “Ourpeer counselors understand theimportance of confidentiality,” saysDeGryse. In addition, peer counselorswear a special patch to make themselvesvery identifiable and accessible.”

Aer losing four Phoenix, AZ Local 493members to suicide in 2010, the localformed a task force to address behavioralhealth. What emerged is the Firestrong(firestrong.org) wellness program. “e

e issue of Post-Traumatic StressDisorder (PTSD) is emerging from theshadows of the fire service in Canada,leading to a welcome new level ofawareness among fire fighters and insome jurisdictions, formal recognitionas an occupational disease.

IAFF members in a growing numberof Canadian provinces are nowprotected by legislation that deemsPTSD an occupational disease in firstresponders for the purpose of workerscompensation benefits.

In late 2014, the Manitobagovernment added presumptive PTSDcoverage to itslegislative agenda,which would makeManitoba the thirdprovince to enactpresumptive lawscovering fire fighters,following on the heelsof Alberta and BritishColumbia, whichenacted legislationcovering occupational PTSD and otherpsychiatric disorders, respectively, in2012. Alberta’s PTSD legislation states,for example, that if a fire fighter, EMTor peace officer is diagnosed with thecondition, it is presumed to be a resultof their duties unless proven otherwise.

And now the hope is that presumptivePTSD coverage will spread acrossCanada the same way presumptivecancer legislation did aer it was firstintroduced in Manitoba in 2002.Recently, IAFF affiliates in Saskatchewan,Ontario and New Brunswick approachedtheir respective provincial governmentsto act on the issue.

Awareness about PTSD among firstresponders and military personnel inCanada has increased significantly inthe past two years due to reports ofseveral suicides and open discussionabout PTSD on social media forums.e presumptive legislation in Alberta,British Columbia and potentiallyManitoba also helps raise awareness,says Assistant to the General Presidentfor Canadian Operations Scott Marks.

“ese ground-breaking legislativeadvances are giant strides in helping to

break down barriers that have existedfor too long,” says Marks. “ey assistgreatly with any financial concerns afire fighter and their family might haveabout leaving the workplace to seekhelp and treatment for PTSD, and theyhelp bring the disease out of theshadows that much more. Slowly butsurely, the stigma is decreasing; anyinitiative that makes it easier for firefighters to seek assistance is an initiativethat will save lives.”

Above and beyond the question ofworkers compensation, the best plan foroccupational diseases is early detection

and early treatment.Fire departmentsshould foster a culturein which there can beopen conversationsabout this particulardanger, and that thosewho may need helpknow what resourcesare available and thatthey can access those

resources promptly and confidentially.President of the Atlantic Provinces

Professional Fire Fighters AssociationGlenn Sullivan recently lobbied the NewBrunswick government to recognizePTSD as an occupational illness in firefighters. He says three of FrederictonLocal 1053’s 100 members have beendiagnosed with PTSD, and several moreare on stress leave. He also notes therehave been a number of high-profilesuicides among first responders in theprovince in the past few years.

“PTSD and stress are vitalcomponents of any health and wellnessinitiative, and they have sat on the backburner for far too long,” Sullivan says.“We need to make mental wellness apriority, and this means activelylobbying the government for changes tothe workers compensation system tostreamline the process.”

PTSD Canada, which describes itselfas “a free social support network formilitary, first responders and loved onesliving with PTSD,” tweets regularlyabout the issue from @PTSDcan. n

PTSD Coverage for Fire FightersAdvancing in Canada

“PTSD and stress arevital components of

any health and wellnessinitiative, and they

have sat on the backburner for far too long.”

online resource provides informationabout PTSD and related behavioral healthconcerns, but it also tells our memberswhere to find support and other help inand outside the department,” says Local493 president Stephen Beuerlein.

In Washington State, Safe Call Nowoffers first responders a confidential24-hour hotline. State Senate Bill 5131,passed in 2009, ensures that records fromcrisis intervention referral services like SafeCall Now cannot be subpoenaed.

In addition to being confidential understate law, Safe Call Now has established anational network of dual-diagnosis providerswho are knowledgeable about insuranceoptions to minimize the financial impact.

“Our members worry that a call to abehavioral health services hotline may laterbe used against them,” says Seattle, WA Local27 President Kenny Stuart. Local 27 has longbeen a great supporter of Safe Call Now.“Callers feel safe. at’s important,” he says.

Call takers are also fire fighters and policeofficers, many of whom have experiencedbehavioral health issues of their own.

A similar program, the Firefighter Crisis

Support and Suicide Awareness Support Line,established two years ago by the ProfessionalFire Fighters of Utah (PFFU), “is saving lives,”says PFFU President Jack Tidrow.

Unfortunately, in many departments, evenif the stigma is reduced, there are noprograms in place for addressing behavioralhealth issues. Others may offer employeeassistance programs (EAPs) but these aresimply a referral line to communityservices.

“We need to do a better job of recognizingthe signs and symptoms and providing thetools to help address it,” says Schaitberger.“Behavioral health services need to beembedded in all fire departments.” n


One of the biggest issues facing the fireservice today is Post-Traumatic StressDisorder (PTSD) and other behavioralhealth concerns. But all too oen, thesymptoms and effects can easily beoverlooked as “a part of the job.”

To address the growing concern overPTSD, suicide and other behavioralhealth problems, the IAFF is developingnew resources and tools designed to helpaffiliates and members recognize thesigns and symptoms and provide bestpractices for addressing these issues.

In addition to offering a workshop onPTSD to the more than 1,600 attendees atthe 2015 Affiliate Leadership TrainingSummit in Anaheim, California, affiliatesin nearly all 50 states and Canadasimultaneously watched via live stream.

Panelists included:• Suzy Gulliver, Director, Warriors

Research Institute and Professor TexasA&M

• Frank Leto, Uniformed Fire OfficersAssociation Local 854

• Joe Schulle, President, PhiladelphiaLocal 22

• Kenneth Stuart, President, Seattle Local 27

• Patrick Morrison, IAFF Health andSafety (moderator)

e video is now available to allmembers on IAFF-TV(www.youtube.com/iav)

At the upcoming John P. RedmondSymposium, scheduled for August 25-28,2015, in National Harbor, Maryland, theIAFF will unveil tools and resources

designed to help affiliates establishbehavioral health services for theirmembers. is new peer training andcertification program is similar to severalother successful IAFF training programs.

In addition, the IAFF is revising thebehavioral health chapter of theWellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI)guidebook.

Working with researchers at TexasA&M College of Medicine and BaylorScott & White Healthcare, the IAFF alsooffers new resources for IAFF membersdealing with the tragic loss of a fellowbrother or sister to suicide. e IAFF hasdealt with several members’ suicides asline-of-duty deaths and also respondswhen requested by the affiliate leadershipto locals that have lost a memberto suicide.

Funded by a Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA) FirePrevention and Safety grant, researchersfrom Texas A&M and Baylor Scott &White Healthcare developed standardoperating procedures (SOP) for firedepartments to use in the wake of amember suicide, as well as an educationaland awareness brochure. e SOP was

designed to be used by a variety ofdepartments and can be edited to fitdifferent departmental policies andstructures.

e goal is for fire departments todevelop their own best practices andguidelines on suicide prevention thataddress the best course of action formembers and the department to takeaer a tragic loss of a member tosuicide. ese materials will helpidentify warning signs of suicide andprovide information about commonmyths and the facts about suicide.

For additional information, visit theHealth and Safety page on the IAFF website or contact the Health and SafetyDivision at (202) 824-1571. n

Behavioral Health Resources for IAFF Members

“Behavioral health servicesneed to be embedded in

all fire departments.”


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In two cases handled under the IAFF’s Guardian Policy, affiliateleaders won the relief they deserved aer being subjected toemployer retaliation because of their union activities.

In the first case, Matt Mosher, who had been organizing a newIAFF affiliate with the three full-time fire fighters employed by theTownship of Peninsula, Michigan, was demoted — purportedly forproviding inadequate training — and placed on probation withmonthly performance reviews.

A union representation vote was taken in July 2013, with Moshervoting for union certification, while another employee votedagainst and the third employee abstained. Consequently, the votefailed. Rich VanderMey, the long-time fire chief, also supportedunion certification.

But on April 2, 2014, the Fire Board demoted Mosher and alsoplaced Chief VanderMey on probation. ree weeks later, Mosherand VanderMey were called in for meetings with the Fire BoardPersonnel Committee. Mosher was quizzed about his alleged“padding” of time sheets dating back to 2013 — days he hadtraveled for meetings as a training officer. He explained that histime sheets were inaccurate because the assistant fire chief had toldhim it was easier to pay him for reporting extra hours than toreimburse him for the travel expenses he incurred.

On April 30, 2014, the Fire Board posted a notice for a meetinglater that day. is abrupt notice violated the Michigan OpenMeetings Act, which requires that all special meetings of publicbodies be posted at least 18 hours before the meeting. Mosher wasunable to attend this meeting, but Chief VanderMey attended. eBoard voted to terminate Mosher, effective immediately.

In Michigan, it is an unfair labor practice for public employers todiscriminate in regard to the terms and conditions of employment,or to discourage membership in a labor organization. e factsshowed that Mosher’s actions in organizing the union vote were a“motivating cause” of his demotion and eventual termination: thetargeting of the other pro-union individual Chief VanderMey; thepre-textual nature of the reasons given for Mosher’s demotion; theretroactive review of time sheets; and the fact that the meeting atwhich Mosher was terminated was so rushed that it did not followthe public notice requirements of the state’s Open Meetings law.

IAFF General Counsel Tom Woodley took on the case under theInternational’s Guardian Policy, filing an unfair labor practicecomplaint with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission(MERC). In the settlement negotiations during the evidentiaryhearing before a MERC Hearing Officer, the Township agreed tosettle on terms favorable to Mosher.

e settlement provided $9,000 in compensatory damages toMosher, which amounted to full backpay for lost wages. edemotion and termination have been expunged from thisemployment record with the Township.

Expressing his gratitude to the IAFF for helping Mosher get therelief he deserved, 8th District Vice President Paul Hufnagel says,“When a fire fighter is discharged for attempting to organize alocal, we will stand by him and provide representation in order toobtain a just result.”

Despite the favorable settlement, Mosher was not interested inreturning to the Township’s fire department. As part of theagreement, the Township provided a neutral letter of reference toassist Mosher in obtaining another fire department position.

A similar settlement was reached aer Southern Berks RegionalEMS Local 4933 President John Fekety was terminated because ofhis union leadership role. Fekety had been serving as the activespokesperson for the membership, including in hard-foughtnegotiations concerning a new labor contract.

In selecting employees for mandatory recall, the department fillsvacancies by contacting individuals from the top of a seniority list.On the day in question, Fekety was second to last on the senioritylist. Unable to find anyone on the list who was available, thedepartment notified Fekety that he had been designated for theshi. However, Fekety explained that he had a doctor’sappointment scheduled and that, given the short notice, he wasunable to cancel it to work the extra shi.

Previously, the department had not disciplined employees forbeing unable to work a vacant shi. Moreover, it did not disciplineothers for their inability to work the shi, even though some gave asimilar excuse as that provided by Fekety.

On August 11, 2014, the department issued Fekety a notice oftermination for his “insubordination” in refusing to fill the recallshi. Significantly, President Fekety was disciplined the same dayhe had criticized the department for attempting to includenon-negotiated terms in the contract that the local was presentingto a ratification vote by the members. Prior to being terminated bythe department, Fekety’s record was free of any disciplinary action.

Fekety grieved his termination through the parties’ contractualgrievance procedure. In that process, the department stated that ithad to “set an example” in disciplining him because it felt that if itdid not, no one else in the local would feel they needed to followdepartment orders.

Local President Fekety’s claims against Southern Berks were partof a global settlement that included finalization of a successorcollective bargaining agreement and the resolution of anothergrievance challenging a separate termination. With respect to JohnFekety, the settlement gave him all of the relief he was seeking,including full back pay, compensation to cover his COBRApayments for continued health care and payment of a medicalreimbursement that he would have received had he not beenterminated. He voluntarily elected to forego re-employment withSouthern Berks and to remain in the EMS/paramedic position hefound with a different employer following his termination.

IAFF 4th District Vice President Bill Taylor says, “It is importantto obtain make-whole relief for a local officer who was singled outfor discrimination for performing his union duties.”

General President Harold Schaitberger notes, “e IAFFGuardian Policy is intended to support affiliate leaders like MattMosher and John Fekety who were subjected to unlawful employerretaliation for exercising their rights.” n

18 LOCAL SCENE WINTER 2015

L O C A L S C E N E

Countless IAFF locals fromacross Canada participated in

charitable communityinitiatives during the holiday

season, including themembers of Fredericton, NB

Local 1053, who raisedenough money to deliver

more than 100 turkeys to alocal food bank.

Durham, NH Local 2253 Secretary DavidBlatchford is the newest IAFF member tobe honored with Liberty Mutual’s FiremarkAward for his part in a successfulthree-year campaign to install the firstautomated external defibrillators (AEDs) intwo University of New Hampshire sororityhouses — Alpha Xi Delta and Alpha Phi.

“I am really humbled by Liberty’s Mutual’srecognition of this effort,” says Blatchford.“It was definitely not something that couldhave been accomplished without the help ofthe full Local 2253 membership.”

Blatchford says he and other members ofLocal 2253 were first approached bymembers of Alpha Xi Delta in 2011 with areal safety concern.

Sorority member Andrea Karpinksiexplained that she was 15 when both hermother and sister died three months apartfrom sudden heart failure. Five years later,Andrea also had a heart attack but wasrevived by Derry Local 4392 members.Karpinski says she wanted to improvesurvival rates on campus by installing AEDs.

“We were all very moved by her story andwanted to help, but we encountered someinitial resistance from the housingauthority that manages the Alpha Xi Deltahouse,” explains Blatchford. “ey wereconcerned that they might be liable shouldanyone use the AED incorrectly.”

Local 2243 members worked hard to easeall of the housing authority’s concerns andpromised to provide training to the sororitysisters who would potentially need to usethe equipment. Meanwhile, a T-shirt drivewas organized to raise money for the AED,which did well enough to purchase two.

Finally, in April 2014, the first AED wasinstalled at the Alpha Xi Delta House.Later, the second was installed at the AlphaPhi House.

“We have already trained several of thesorority sisters and are working to organizeadditional training sessions so thateveryone is comfortable,” says Blanchford.

He says he hopes the success of these twoAED installations will lead to a broadergoal of putting AEDs in all University ofNew Hampshire sorority and fraternityhouses.

Blatchford also helps organize aneducational program for fih graders calledFirefighters And Students Together forEducational Recreation (FASTER) whichties the fundamentals of fire fighting intobasic life lessons for children, such as teamwork, respect and dedication to family andcommunity. n

New Hampshire Members Awarded Liberty Mutual’s Firemark Award

The Liberty MutualFiremark Awardrecognizes thevalor and selflessspirit demonstratedby fire fighters whogo beyond the callof duty to keepcommunities safe.

Canadian IAFFLocals Involved inTheir Communities

19WINTER 2015 LOCAL SCENE

Fire Fighters Question Governor’s FailedLeadership During Ferguson UnrestIAFF members in Ferguson, Missouri, andother communities surrounding North St.Louis County worked frantically in the daysfollowing the November 24 release of thegrand jury decision. Emergency calls camein mere minutes aer the announcementthat Police Officer Darren Wilson wouldnot be indicted, and fire fighters workednonstop to respond to dozens of fires andother reported emergencies.

First responders were well aware of thepotential for looting and fires. In the daysleading up to that moment, public safetyofficials met to devise a response strategyfor operating under a unified command ledby St. Louis County police.

As part of the plan, Governor Jay Nixonpromised that National Guard troops wouldbe in position to assist the police responseand to protect fire fighters responding intoareas where violence was occurring.

e IAFF assisted Fire Chief forPattonville Fire District Terry Loehrer, whois also an emeritus office of the ProfessionalFire Fighters of Eastern Missouri Local2665, in the strategic planning, includingproviding standard operating guidance forcivil disturbance response.

“When this began to unfold, we knewprotesters could begin lighting fires and weintended to be ready,” says Loehrer, whoalso served as a Unified Area CommandDeputy IC.

However, a last-minute decision by thegovernor to hold back National Guardtroops put fire fighters in extreme dangerand led to worsening violence anddestruction, according to local firedepartment officials.

“When the emergency calls came induring the protests, Governor Nixon failedto deliver on his promise to protect thecommunity and fire fighters with NationalGuard troops,” says Mark Woolbright, IAFF2nd District Vice President and a St. LouisCounty fire fighter.

“Governor Nixon turned his back on firefighters when it mattered most — whenthey were needed to help save parts of theFerguson community from furtherdamage,” Woolbright says.

e fire response that night included fourstrike teams staged along five miles of WestFlorrisant Avenue, the site of related unrestin August. Quick response Task Forceteams, which included two commandofficers, two pumpers, a ladder and an

ambulance were readied as the firstresponse to any incidents. As the night woreon, Loehrer says 24 fires were lit within ahalf mile radius on two major streets withinthe cities of Ferguson and Dellwood andalso in the Metro North Fire District.

As part of the response plan, fire crewswere instructed only to deploy aer policehad secured incident areas. Fire fighterresponses were in several instancesthwarted by swarming mobs of protesters —some of them peaceful and many withviolent and destructive intent.

In one case, a ladder truck responding to afire was surrounded by protesters jumpingaboard the apparatus and others pelting thetruck with debris. Chief Steve Rosenthal,

the Ferguson Fire Branch IC, says the truckwas stuck in the mob scene for severalcrucial minutes and was only able tocontinue on to the fire ground aer scoresof peaceful protesters helped clear the way.

“Our first fire call that night was to abeauty supply store,” says Eastern MissouriLocal 2665 Vice President Dave Volz, whorepresents fire fighters in Ferguson andsurrounding departments. “Just as we weregetting water on the structure, we could seefire aer fire being lit in several buildingsaround us. It was difficult to put out a firewhile looking over our backs to make surethe crowd wasn’t coming our way.”

“So oen IAFF members have had toanswer the bell, get on the rigs and placetheir lives on the line for their communityas history is made around them,” saysGeneral President Harold Schaitberger.

“e response and incredibleprofessionalism under these extreme anddifficult circumstances reflects the very bestof those engaged in our profession.”

As the night wore on, it was clear thatNational Guard troops could have helpedtremendously to control the chaos and givefire fighters the security they needed to dotheir jobs.

Fire fighters say they did not see NationalGuard troops arrive at key riot flashpointsuntil about 4:00 a.m. on November 25,several hours into the long night. eeventual arrival and disbursement ofNational Guard troops quickly changed thetenor of the situation and the violence dieddown. But that was well aer dozens ofproperties were destroyed by fire andlooting. n

IAFF members in Ferguson, Missouri,displayed incredible professionalismunder extreme circumstances, workingnonstop to respond to fires and otheremergencies.


Flanked by members of the UniformedFirefighters Association (UFA) Local 94and Uniformed Fire Officers Association(UFOA) Local 854, as well as New YorkCity Council members outside City Hall,Local 94 President Steve Cassidy called onthe Council to do its part in fixing a criticalproblem with the fire and police disabilitypension.

As it stands, new hires in the fire andpolice departments who become seriouslyinjured or permanently disabled on the jobwould only be eligible for a paltry $27 perday (a number based on probationary fireand police personnel salary).

“New York City fire fighters are calling onthe New York City Council Speaker andthe Mayor to take swi and decisive actionto correct this public safety crisis with animmediate home rule message,” saysCassidy.

In 2009, then-governor David Patersonfailed to renew the New York City firefighter and police Tier II pension disabilityprotections, which led to benefitreductions for new hires. It was not anissue until recently because there were noaffected new hires. at changed inJanuary 2013.

Now, more than 1,400 new fire fightershave been hired by the FDNY. If any suffera career-ending disability in the line ofduty, the limited disability pensionprotection they are entitled to equals about$27 per day.

“It’s unacceptable,” Cassidy says. “Nobodywould risk their lives for that. God forbidwe have another terrorist attack. ecitizens of New York want us to do ourjobs.”

e first step in fixing thestate-administered pension program is for

the New York City Council to pass a homerule message to correct the problem.

Once that happens, then New Yorkmembers can lobby state legislators to passlegislation to renew the New York City firefighter and police Tier II pension disabilityprotections.

On November 19, the UFA ran full pageadvertisements in several New York dailynewspapers with the message that the CityCouncil needs to stop putting other issuesbefore public safety and issue the homerule message. n

New York City Locals Push City Council to Fix Disability Pension

New York IAFF Locals 94and 854 call on the CityCouncil to resolveproblems with the fireand police disabilitypension plan.

Members of the Uniformed ProfessionalFire Fighters Association (UPFFA) ofConnecticut are always looking for newways to be involved in the community,particularly when they can assist youngcancer patients.

Recently, several members of the UPFFAExecutive Board, including President PeteCarozza, Secretary Lou DeMici, VicePresident-at-Large Chris Tracy andDistrict 3 Vice President James Kottage,visited Smilow Cancer Hospital atYale-New Haven to meet withrepresentatives and beneficiaries of a localcharity, Tommy Fund for ChildhoodCancer.

“In the past, some of our affiliatemembers have helped raise money for thisworthy cause,” says President Carozza.“Now, we are hopeful that our memberswill be able to expand its role with the fundand help more kids fighting cancer.”

e Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancerwas established in 1953 in honor ofTommy Mozdzierz, who died of cancerthat same year just two weeks before hisfih birthday.

Before his death fromacute leukemia, Tommymanaged to garner theattention of an entirestate, including a localfire department thatknew of his passion forfire fighters and firetrucks. To help Tommy’sfamily, New BritainLocal 992 members heldfundraisers to offsetmedical costs.

More than 30 yearslater, in 1986, a group ofparents of children withcancer and their

caregivers at Yale-New Haven Hospitalrevived e Tommy Fund for ChildhoodCancer with the help of New Haven Local825 members and a variety of fundraisers.

e charity is still going strong today. n

Connecticut Members Reach Out to Young Cancer Patients

Connecticut affiliates support the Tommy Fund forChildhood Cancer by holding fundraisers to offsetmedical expenses for kids fighting cancer.


A Navy report on the disastrous 2012 fireaboard the nuclear submarine USS Miamiprovides importance facts andrecommendations for improving emergencyresponse at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard inKittery, Maine, where the vessel was dry docked.

However, Portsmouth Shipyard Local F-123members are balking at portions of the report,obtained by the Associated Press andsuggesting that fire fighters were ill-preparedfor such a catastrophic fire.

“is is just untrue and unfair. Shipyard firefighters conducted regular drills to make surethey were ready for any emergency,” says LocalF-123 President Michael Melhorn. And whenthat fire erupted, they risked their lives toprotect lives and federal property.”

e report details how a disgruntled civilianshipyard employee intentionally started the fireusing rags, creating a blaze that swily led to anintense flashover and took fire fighters morethan 12 hours to fully extinguish. e fireresulted in more than $450 million in damageto the $900 million sub, though Navy officialseventually decided to halt repairs and take thesub out of service.

e report also reports that the fire responsewas hampered by confusion andmiscommunication among Navy personnelwho spent crucial moments debating how bestto attack the blaze. e report suggested thatfederal fire fighters tasked with protecting theshipyard also were unprepared and unfamiliarwith the internal structure of the USS Miamiand its unique safety hazards as a Los AngelesClass nuclear submarine.

In a recent interview with Portland’s NBC 6,Brian Tapley, who was the shipyard fire chief atthe time, said Portsmouth Naval Shipyard firefighters conducted weekly drills dragging hosesthrough submarines in preparation for anemergency onboard the Miami. ese drillswere conducted regularly starting when theMiami arrived in port. Countering the report’sconclusion that the interior of the sub was amystery to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard firefighters, many had worked in previouspositions on board the USS Miami and werewell informed about its layout and systems.

At least seven people were injured during theblaze. One Shipyard member, Eric Hardy,suffered back and shoulder injuries. Hardy andother fire fighters spent hours on end repeatedlyentering the sweltering heat of the sub’s crampedinterior facing near-zero visibility, exiting onlyaer their air packs ran out.

At one point Shipyard officials consideredabandoning fire fighting efforts and flooding

the submarine when it appeared it would belost. In the end they decided to continue thefight until the flames were doused.

Hardy told a judge examining the details ofthe incident that it was the worst fire he hadever seen. “e best way I could describe isfighting a fire in a wood stove and climbingdown a chimney,” he says.

IAFF 16th District Vice President JamesJohnson says federal first responders are eager

to work closely with military officials toimprove safety, not just at Portsmouth NavalShipyard, but at all U.S. bases. “e Navyshould not point fingers at the brave firefighters who did everything they could to limitthe damage and protect such an essentialnational security asset.”

He adds, “ese members should be honored,not made out as scapegoats. We all need tolearn from this experience. e USS Miami subfire should serve as a potent warning of thepotential for disaster and prompt Congress totake action to reinforce safety personnel andresources at all U.S. military bases.” n

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Portsmouth Shipyard Fire FightersBlast Navy Report on USS Miami Fire


anks to the united efforts of Federated FireFighters of Wyoming (FFFW) members, abill that would have stripped away bindingarbitration for fire fighters has been defeated.On the final reading in the state Senate, thevote was 16 against and 14 in favor.

“With the defeat of Senate File 123, thecollective bargaining rights that Wyoming’sprofessional fire fighters have had for 50years remain protected,” says FFFWPresident Joe Fender. “I am very proud of

the efforts made by our members to lobbyour state leaders on the importance ofvoting against this bill.”

Senate File 123 was introduced by stateSenator Dave Kinskey (R), the formermayor of Sheridan who is known asanti-labor. During his time as mayor, hewent to arbitration with Wyoming IAFFmembers several times and claimed thatthe binding arbitration process cost citiestoo much money.

His bill proposed to strip away thebinding arbitration and make itnon-binding and give City leaders the finalsay on contracts between the two parties.

“Binding arbitration is a very importantpiece to the collective bargaining process,”says Fender. “It ensures that if the two sideshave trouble coming to an agreement on anissue or a set of issues, both sides still havea voice.”

In the Senate, all four Democraticsenators were instrumental in killing thebill. But, Senator John Hastert (D), aWyoming state AFL-CIO vice president,was the most vocal, publically arguing thatcollective bargaining has enabled firefighters to bargain successfully forimportant things — such as training andequipment — which keep fire fighters andthe public safe.

No other anti-labor bills are expected tobe introduced this session. n

UPCOMING EVENTS2015

• Alfred K. Whitehead LegislativeConferenceMarch 8-11, 2015 Washington DC

• IAFF Executive Board MeetingJune 8-11, 2015, National Harbor, Maryland

• Attorney's Conference June 6-7, 2015, National Harbor, Maryland

• 2015 IAFF Canadian Policy ConferenceJuly 12-15, 2015, Calgary, Alberta Canada

• 2015 IAFF-MG 10th AnniversaryMotorcycle RallyJuly 29-30, 2015, Ottawa, Illinois

• John P. Redmond Symposium/DominickF. Barbera EMS ConferenceAugust 25-28, 2015, National Harbor,Maryland

• IAFF Executive Board MeetingSeptember 15-18, 2015, Colorado Springs,Colorado

• IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter MemorialSeptember 19, 2015, Colorado Springs,Colorado

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Aer working hard throughout the monthof November to raise money to assistpatients with prostate cancer and

testicular cancer and to raise awarenessabout men’s health issues, Las Vegas, NVLocal 1285 members collected $5,350 for

the Movember Foundation. is was thelargest amount raised by a group of firstresponders, making Local 1285 thewinner of the Foundation’s “FirstResponder Challenge.”

Local 1285 fire fighters raised the moneyby selling T-shirts throughout November.To call attention to the cause, manymembers also grew mustaches. “I am soproud of how dedicated our memberswere throughout this fundraising andawareness campaign,” says Local 1285President Scott Johnson.

Las Vegas fire fighters presented U.S.Movember Foundation Director MarkHedstrom with the check on December 11when he came to the city to personallythank the fire fighters for their efforts.

e Movember Foundation, through itsannual awareness campaign, aims toincrease early cancer detection, diagnosisand effective treatments, and ultimatelyreduce the number of preventable deaths.In addition to annual check-ups, theMovember Foundation encourages mento be aware of family history of cancerand to adopt a healthier lifestyle. n

Las Vegas Local 1285 Members Win the 2014 First Responder Challenge

Las Vegas, NV Local 1285 participated in a campaign to benefit the Movember Foundationand raise awareness for men’s health issues.

24 WINTER 2015

A C R O S S T H E I A F F

ACROSS THE IAFF

1. The IAFF Frontline app was theprimary source of information andmaterials for delegates at ALTS.Attendees received personalschedules, news and updates, eventevaluations and more on their mobiledevice.

2. Workshops on Post-Traumatic StressDisorder (PTSD) and cancer in the fireservice were webcast live from ALTS— members in almost all 50 states andCanada watched the workshop inprogress. Webcasts are now posted onIAFF TV (www.youtube.com/iafftv).

3. More than 75 affiliate leadersparticipated in the pre-conference FireOps 101 (Train-the-Trainer) hosted byAnaheim Local 2899 and the AnaheimFire Department.

4. Anaheim Local 2899 welcomedattendees to Anaheim and providedtop-notch hospitality throughout ALTS.

5. IAFF locals raised more than $26 million forMDA in 2014. MDA’s booth was filled withlocal leaders gearing up for 2015 Fill-the-Bootcampaigns.

6. Workshops included several special tracksdesigned to address issues of concern tofederal fire fighters and Canadian leaders,among others.

7. More than 25 vendors exhibited at ALTS,including the IAFF Financial Corporation(IAFF-FC), which was also a Platinum sponsor.

8. A record 1,649 affiliate leaders wereregistered for ALTS, which offered more than120 workshops, five pre-conference eventsand 17 information sessions.

9. ALTS featured a screening of the documentary,“Toxic Hot Seat,” about the need to removeharmful flame retardants in consumerproducts.

Congratulations to the winners of the ALTS iPad drawing!Robert Martin (Memphis, TN Local 1784) andLance Langsford (Indianapolis, IN Local 416)were entered in the drawing after completingtheir conference evaluations using the IAFFFrontline app.

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Scenes From ALTS 2015

Platinum Sponsor• IAFF Financial Corporation

Gold Sponsor• Kaplan University

Bronze Sponsors• Adams, & Ferrone, Ferrone• Union Active

Proud Partner• MDA

Additional Sponsor• SF&C Insurance

The IAFF is grateful for thegenerosity of all eventsponsors for helping makeALTS a success.

25WINTER 2015 ACROSS THE IAFF

The members of Philadelphia, PA Local 22lost its first female member in the line ofduty on December 9, 2014. Joyce Craig,an 11-year veteran, is remembered for herdedication and strong work ethic. “I did not have the honor of knowing her

well, but by all accounts, Craig was anoutstanding professional and one ofPhiladelphia’s best,” says GeneralPresident Harold Schaitberger. “The best compliment you can give a fire

fighter is that they are a very good firefighter. And that was certainly her,” saysLocal 22 President Joe Schulle. “She waswell-respected and well-liked. She isgoing to be missed.” On the morning of December 9, Craig

was part of a three-member hose team sentinside a burning home to conduct aninterior attack. When the team was ordered to evacuate

as conditions deteriorated, Craig becametrapped inside. She hit her Mayday button,

but fire fighters could not get her out in time. Craig was one of 58 women among the

city’s 1,800 fire fighters. She worked inNorth Philadelphia, at one of the City’s

busiest firehouses until transfering toEngine 64. Craig, 36, is survived by her 16-year-old

son and her 16-month-old daughter. n

Philadelphia Local 22 Loses First Female Fire Fighter inthe Line of Duty

Joyce Craig made the ultimate sacrifice December 9, 2015, while responding to a Philadelphiahouse fire.

With work to rebuild the IAFF Fallen FireFighter Memorial about to begin, GeneralPresident Harold Schaitberger joinedColorado Springs, CO Local 5 PresidentJustin Koch for the temporarydecommissioning of the Memorial site.

“Honoring those who fall in the line ofduty is a time honored tradition in the fireservice,” said Schaitberger. “is FallenFire Fighter Memorial that we are gatheredto decommission today has served as thesolemn reminder of those who have madethe ultimate sacrifice and as the sacredgathering place for the friends and familyof those this great union has lost.”

Since the granite walls were erected in1989 and in 2002, more than 2,800 namesof fallen members have been etched. “Timehas taken her toll,” said Schaitberger, “andnow, just as this sanctuary has served as aplace to renew our souls every September,it is time for us to renew these grounds andthis site — our tribute to those who havefallen.”

On January 16, Schaitberger —temporarily decommissioned theMemorial. For the next eight months,Local 5 members are entrusted and

designated as the keeper of the Fallen FireFighter Memorial flags until the site isre-commissioned.

“Local 5 is excited to be part of thereconstruction process,” says Local 5President Justin Koch. “e members ofLocal 5 will continue to honor thetraditions of the Memorial and stand invigilant guard year-round.”

e memorial includes the names of thefallen since 1976. In preparation for therebuild, the IAFF has researched every

member killed in the line of duty since1918 through 1975, and those names —3,469 members — will also be added to thenew Memorial. e rebuild, which wasapproved by delegates at the 2014 IAFFConvention, will also preserve the currentnames and provide additional space to addnames in the future.

Construction will be completed in timefor the September 19, 2015 ceremony. n

Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Update“is Fallen Fire FighterMemorial that we are

gathered to decommissiontoday has served as the

solemn reminder of thosewho have made the ultimate

sacrifice and as the sacredgathering place for the

friends and family of thosethis great union has lost.”

e 2015 Alfred K. Whitehead LegislativeConference, scheduled for March 8-11,will include one of the nation’s firstPresidential Forums featuring prospective2016 presidential candidates from bothpolitical parties. Members will heardirectly from candidates for the nation’shighest office — without the spin, andwithout the filter. e Forum will also bestreamed live on the IAFF web site onTuesday March 10.

In addition, members will learn moreabout IAFF priority legislation and havethe opportunity to advocate directly withlegislators on issues including jobs, healthand safety and economic security. For moreinformation, visit www.iaff.org/legcon. n

26 ACROSS THE IAFF

The Gold and BlackReturns to Captiol Hill

Alfred K. WhiteheadLegislative ConferenceMarch 8-11, 2015Hyatt Regency Capitol HillREGISTER ONLINEwww.iaff.org/legcon

IAFF Legislative Conference Includes Presidential Forum

A federal election in Canada this year presentsa great opportunity to secure support for theIAFF’s top Canadian legislative priorities,including the need to establish a national PublicSafety Officer Compensation (PSOC) benefit.

e Canadian election is tentativelyscheduled to take place on October 19, but itcould come as early as the spring if thegoverning Conservative Party opts to dissolvethe current session of Parliament.

Whether the election campaign begins inspring or fall, the IAFF will ensure thecountry’s main political parties are madefamiliar with the priorities of Canada’sprofessional fire fighters, and that IAFFaffiliates are prepared to talk to localcandidates about the issues that matter most.

e IAFF will follow its non-partisanapproach during the election campaign and

work openly with each political party tosecure commitments on the PSOC benefitand other issues, such as the need to amendthe National Building Code of Canada toimprove fire fighter safety and the need fornational fire service statistics.

Affiliates contemplating local political actioninitiatives during the election campaign arefree to support local candidates of theirchoosing as long as they’re sure the candidateis prepared to go to bat for the IAFF in theHouse of Commons and that the candidatewon’t support legislation that’s detrimental tounions and to working families.

e 2015 Canadian legislative agenda willbe finalized in the coming weeks inconsultation with the Canadian DistrictVice Presidents. e 22nd CanadianLegislative Conference is tentatively

scheduled to take place April 26-29 inOttawa.

A federal election campaign will also givethe IAFF the opportunity to securecommitments from Canada’s main politicalparties that they will continue the CanadianHaz-Mat & CBRNE Response TrainingInitiative if elected.

e initiative, which has trained more than2,500 first responders since 2009, is apartnership that uses IAFF curriculum andtrainers and funding from the government ofCanada to provide HazMat and CBRNEresponse training to Canadian firstresponders at no cost to municipalities. eprogram’s initial five year time-frame hasbeen extended twice, and funding from theCanadian government is currently in placeuntil March 2016. n

Election Helps Advance Canadian Legislative Agenda

IAFF Launches Successful Holiday Safety Campaigns

WINTER 2015

Many affiliates took advantage of the holidayseason to promote safety in theircommunities. e IAFF helped in theseefforts, developing a holiday safety awarenesscampaign for affiliates that includedready-to-use materials, such as press releases,infographics, suggested social media messagesand safety tips, as well as public serviceannouncement (PSA) videos — all availableonline (www.iaff.org/holidaysafety) in asingle resource, providing affiliates withseveral ways to promote the IAFF brand intheir communities.

e campaign kicked off in Novemberbefore the anksgiving holiday and featuredall the tools affiliates needed to generate

media exposure, including a PSA on turkeyfryer safety, press release and infographics.

In December the IAFF launched itsChristmas safety campaign series featuringcandle safety, Christmas tree safety and thedangers of hoarding. A second video PSAgave affiliates the ability to customize the30-second spot with their local logo at theend of the video. More than 80 affiliates used the local customization to air in theirlocal media markets.

In addition, more than 225,000 people werereached via social media through aunderclap the IAFF created to officiallylaunch the campaign and drive people to theholiday safety web page. n


28 ACROSS THE IAFF WINTER 2015

Ballot initiatives and referendums continueto be a viable path for many affiliates toprevail on important issues affecting theirlives and livelihoods, such as SB 5 in Ohio,which would have significantly reducedcollective bargaining rights for publicemployees in the state.

e IAFF Ballot Initiative/ReferendumPolitical Training Academy, scheduled forApril 28-May 1 in Memphis, Tennessee, isdesigned to help affiliates at the state andlocal level conduct successful ballotinitiatives or referendum campaigns.

Over the years, particularly on the WestCoast, many state and local affiliates havebeen successful in numerous ballotinitiative campaigns, either promoting an

initiative or working to defeat a harmfulproposal. But in recent years, there hasbeen a proliferation of initiatives across thecountry — many at the local level — todecide issues including tax levies, pensionbenefits and collective bargaining rights.

e first Ballot Initiative/ReferendumPolitical Training Academy in November2013 was modeled aer the highlysuccessful IAFF Political Training Academyand focused on collective bargaininginitiatives in compliance with Resolution24 passed at the 2012 IAFF Convention.

e 2015 Ballot Initiative/ReferendumPolitical Training Academy has beenexpanded beyond collective bargaining toprovide a more comprehensive program on

understanding how the referendum processworks, how to write ballot language and getit qualified for the ballot, how to developcampaign messages, target voters and getout the vote.

Applicants must complete an onlineapplication and submit a letter ofrecommendation from their localpresident. e deadline for applications isMarch 20. Successful applicants will benotified by March 27. Class size is limitedto 30 participants, and no more than oneperson from an affiliate will be selectedeach year. For more information, contactthe IAFF Political Department at (202)824-1582 or visit the IAFF web site. n

Ballot Initiative Political Training Academy Scheduled for April

e IAFF is saddened by the passing ofCharlie Hall, who served as 12th DistrictVice President from 1968-1980.His service and sacrifices will forever beimmortalized in the many fire serviceleaders he mentored and trained.

Hall was a 27-year veteran fire fighterwith the City of Miami, serving from April18, 1952 until March 5, 1979. He wasknown most of all for his never-endingsacrifices as a union leader in fighting forfire fighters’ rights and benefits.

“Charlie’s hard work improved the livesof his brothers and sisters, and made the

frontline safer,” says General PresidentHarold Schaitberger. “We honor hisservice and duty and celebrate his life.”

Hall was president of Miami, FL Local587 from 1966 to 1970, and IAFF districtvice president representing all membersin Florida, Georgia, South and NorthCarolina and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

He successfully fought for the right forpublic employees to collectively bargainin Florida in 1969, and was elected to andserved as a Florida legislator in the stateHouse of Representatives from1980-1982. In addition, Hall was the first

fire fighter to serve on the MiamiFirefighters and Police Officers PensionBoard, and for 15 years led the PensionBoard with great distinction.

He later became a grievance arbitratorand college professor and was one of thefirst members of the Miami DadeCommission on Ethics. Hall personallymentored every Local 587 union officerto serve aer him in the past 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, andfive children who gave endless support toHall so that he could serve. n

Charlie Hall, Former IAFF DVP, Dies

e IAFF Motorcycle Group (IAFF-MG)9th Annual National Motorcycle Rally isscheduled for July 29-30, 2015, in Ottawa,Illinois. Rider check-in isJuly 28.

“is year will be one toremember as it will markthe tenth anniversary of theIAFF-MG,” says IAFF 7thDistrict Vice President andIAFF-MG Chair Ricky Walsh.

e motorcycle group wasformed in 2004 per IAFFConvention Resolution 35.

is year’s event is hosted byOttawa, IL Local 523. On July 28, Ottawamembers will welcome riders at the H2OBar and Grill located on 935 East MainStreet, Ottawa, IL 61350.

e national ride features two rides inand around the city of Ottawa. In addition,a ride to honor veterans is planned for July

29 and a poker run isscheduled for July 30.Riders also can lookforward to a raffle of a2015 Harley DavidsonStreet Glide and a “one

pitch” bracketed soballtournament between districts.More information will be

posted on the IAFF-MG web siteat www.iaffmg.org, including

hotel information and routes.Aer the event, riders are invited to

Sturgis, South Dakota, for the 75th AnnualSturgis Motorcycle Rally August 3-9. n

9th Annual IAFF-MG Motorcycle Rally Scheduled for July


Twenty-five more IAFF members are ready to harness thepower of political action in their locals aer graduating fromthe 4th Canadian Political Training Academy held January12-15 in Ottawa.

e students, from IAFF locals across Canada, learnedadvanced political action skills, including campaign planning,polling analysis and social media strategies, all delivered byhand-picked experts from all sides of Canada’s politicalspectrum. e curriculum also included hands-on mediatraining and group scenarios.

Modeled aer the IAFF’s highly successful U.S. PoliticalTraining Academy, the Canadian Political Training Academyis designed for fire fighters who aspire to run for office or playsenior roles in political campaigns. e Class of 2015 bringsthe number of graduates since 2011 to almost 100.

General President Harold Schaitberger greeted CanadianPolitical Training Academy students in Ottawa and commendedthem for taking the time to sharpen their political action skills.

He spoke to students about the importance of political action,including how the IAFF trademark gold and black colours havebecome a brand to be reckoned with in both the United Statesand Canada and discussed why it’s important to be innovativeand “think out of the box” when it comes to being active in thepolitical arena.

“I don’t like cruise control,” he said. “It’s about, where’s the nextlevel? Where’s the next opportunity? Don’t tell me that we’re justgoing to put a round peg back in a round hole. And that’s whatthis political journey has been like for the IAFF, in both our greatcountries,” he said.

“Political training has become even more of a criticalcomponent as we can release through our academies more andmore trained, skilled, capable, resourced leaders and activists who

can then integrate into campaigns and the political process at alllevels.”

e 4th Canadian Political Training Academy took place at akey time in Canadian politics, with an important federal electionto take place sometime in 2015, as well as number of provincialelections. n

Class of 2015 Graduates from IAFF Canadian Political Training Academy

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IAFF locals across British Columbia rolledup their sleeves and engaged in politicalaction initiatives in advance of municipalelections held November 15, and as aresult are enjoying new levels of support atcouncil tables across the province.

IAFF members experienced great levelsof success in a number of key BritishColumbia cities and are now in the processof turning that support into advances inpublic safety and other important areas.

A pivotal political action campaign tookplace in Surrey, the province’ssecond-largest city, where the members ofIAFF Local 1271 helped elect an entire firefighter-friendly slate including MayorLinda Hepner, a former councillor and cityadministrator whose relationship with thelocal goes back 30 years.

Surrey Local 1271 was a major part of theSurrey First candidate campaigns. elocal paid for, built and installed 500election signs throughout the City, thanksto a crew of 65 members who donated1,800 hours. e local also mailed out40,000 brochures, paid for newspaper andradio ads, was active on social media andreached out to all IAFF members living inthe City.

Retired fire fighter and former Local1271 member Mike Starchuk was amongthose elected to Council, while the local’selection success ensured that a formermayor who held anti-union views and whowould surely have targeted the firedepartment was kept out of office. eSurrey First campaign team credited thevictory to fire fighters and on electionnight Hepner was ushered on stage byLocal 1271 members wearing the IAFFtrademark gold and black colours.

Another key success was in PrinceGeorge, where Local 1372, frustrated at thehands of a very unfriendly mayor and citymanager, upped its game and embarked ona major political action initiative that ledto a remarkable success.

e local supported mayoral candidateLyn Hall, based in part on his sincereinterest in learning about what fire fightersdo during a visit to the firehall. Once thecandidate was selected, Local 1372Secretary Mike Holliday was seconded towork full-time in his campaign office,where he was a key player in a dynamic

team that wonHall the mayor’schair over anopponent whoran with acorporateagenda for theCity of 80,000people.

“We offered upthe gold andblack, and saidwe’re behind youone hundred percent,” Holliday saysof the local’s role inthe mayor’scampaign. “We hadhis campaign officepacked withvolunteers thewhole time.Anything heneeded, we did.”

e local donated money to Hall’scampaign, erected hundreds of electionssigns, oversaw 35,000 phone calls, sentteams of members out in the communityto deliver door hangers, funded televisionads for the candidate and providedtransportation to polls on polling day.

In addition to helping elect a mayor,Prince George Local 1372 also supportedand helped elect six of the City’s eightcouncillors. And as a result, the local andits 121 members are looking forward to amuch better relationship with the City’selected decision makers for the next fouryears. Holliday also credits 6th DistrictVice President Lorne West for visitingPrince George during the campaign andgiving members a pep talk on theimportance of political action.

In the Township of Langley, a mayor andseven of eight Council candidatesendorsed and supported by Local 4550were elected following a focused politicalaction campaign that started to take shapetwo years before the election. Local 4550’sefforts included candidate questionnaires,an all-candidates meeting, billboards,around 6,000 door hangers and a series ofnewspaper ads.

Now, Local 4550 is following up itselection success with a series of initiatives

designed to further strengthen its bondswith the elected leaders, including ameet-and-greet with the new mayor andCouncil.

Meanwhile, Vancouver Local 18 took apublic safety message on the campaigntrail and helped elect Adrienne Carr, whois the sister of a Burnaby Local 323member who died in the line of duty andstep-sister of a Surrey fire fighter.

Other British Columbia locals thathelped elect friendly councillors includedBurnaby, Port Coquitlam Local 1941,Powell River Local 1298, Mission Local4768 and Sooke Local 4841. NanaimoLocal 905 also gained several friendlycouncillors, but unfortunately, retiredLocal 905 President Ted Greves lost hisre-election bid. n

British Columbia Locals Help Elect Fire Fighter-FriendlyMayors, Councillors

Surrey, BC Local 1271 members help MayorLinda Hepner campaign for her November 15election victory (top). Local 1271 wasinstrumental in electing Hepner and her firefighter-friendly Surrey First slate, includingformer Local 1271 member Mike Starchuk(bottom, right). Prince George, BC Local 1372helped elect fire fighter-friendly Mayor LynHall (bottom, left).

Mike StarchukMayor Lyn Hall

Mayor Linda Hepner


Almost every area of the fire service is shapedby national industry standards — personalprotective equipment, apparatus andself-contained breathing apparatus are alldeveloped according to national standards.

e IAFF has been actively involved in theprocess for establishing these standards,including building code developments — inparticular lightweight construction andwood frame buildings. In 2010, the IAFFsuccessfully added language to theInternational Residential Code to protectlightweight construction, which improves thesafety of building occupants and respondersin the event of a fire.

But since then, numerous efforts have beenmade by industry representatives to removethis language. In Ohio, truss industryadvocates attempted to remove the requiredlanguage by submitting flawed testinformation to the Residential Committee.Fortunately, the IAFF countered the testimonyand the efforts by the truss industry failed.

In Massachusetts, company representativesfor a paint product sought approval for anapplication in place of gypsum board,testifying that its proposed paint product,when applied in the field, could protect thelightweight wood floor I-joists as well asdimensional lumber under fire conditions.Members of the IAFF, Professional FireFighters of Massachusetts and Boston Local718 called on the Review Board to demandvalid test data of the product performance

claims. When the company could notprovide the proper test documentation, theapproval was denied.

ese examples illustrate whyit’s important to stay active inyour local building codeprocess. If fire fighters do notwork together for theadvancement of safer codes,industry representatives will besuccessful in removingimportant fire protection requirements.

e IAFF has developed new onlineresources — available atbuildingcodes.iaff.org — designedspecifically for Codes and Standards to helpmembers stay informed of current issuesactively being discussed in the code process,become familiar with codes and standardsschedules, and learn how to become involved.

More recently, the wood industry hasproposed initiatives to increase the height ofwood fame constructed buildings. Last year,British Columbia approved modifying itsbuilding codes to permit all wood buildingsup to nine stories to use wood-frameconstruction. Strong efforts by the IAFFreduced this permitted height to six storiesduring recent changes in Ontario. Now thesesame efforts are moving into the UnitedStates, and cities are seeing proposals forwood frame buildings from nine stories inheight up to 33 stories. is movement isdriven by the wood industry under the guise

of job creation, environmental sustainabilityand positive “green” implications.

Unfortunately, in the past year, we haveseen what happens in these largewood buildings when they catch fire.Recent fires in Los Angeles, San Jose,San Francisco and Houstondemonstrate the potential large lossesand life safety risks that combustibleconstruction can bring.

ere are steps IAFF members cantake to protect their work environment andthemselves. ese buildings, and others firefighters respond to, are designed, built andmaintained to the building and fire codes. Byactively participating in the code process,members can ensure that safe constructiondesign processes are established.

At the national level, the National FireProtection Association (NFPA) and theInternational Code Council (ICC) establishthe minimum level of safety required. But itis just as important to be involved in the stateand local code adoption process where manyprotection features are amended out of thecodes due to “economic concerns” raised byindustry representatives.

e new IAFF codes and standardsresource is a tool you can use to betterunderstand how to make a difference in yourwork environment and potentially provide asafer environment for all IAFF members.

Visit buildingcodes.iaff.org for moreinformation. n

New Online Resources Protect Your Work Environment

Aer a 17-year hiatus, the members ofNew London, CT Local 1522 are back in amunicipal defined benefit pension plan.Since 1997, Local 1522 had relied solelyon a 401(a) defined contribution plan, butultimately determined that the plan wasnot serving the needs of its 70 members.

“When the Great Recession hit, itbecame clear that the decision to switch toa 401(a) retirement plan in 1997 was not agood one,” says Local 1522 Vice Presidentand Pension Chairman Jonathan Paige.“Amalgamated Bank helped us get aroundthe roadblocks and back to a definedbenefit plan that makes more sense forour members.”

e single greatest obstacle standingbetween Local 1522 and a defined benefitpension plan was that some of the union’smembers had borrowed money againsttheir 401(a) contributions. Until allmembers could produce or borrow funds

to pay back the borrowed money, theentire union was obligated to keep theinferior retirement plan.

Amalgamated Bank offered a creativesolution by offering a series of specialpersonal loans to Local 1522 members whodid not qualify for traditional personalloans. Local 1522 agreed to back the loansand provided collateral, which allowed theentire membership to switch back to apension plan that better served its needs.

“Before Amalgamated stepped in, ourmembers would work until they couldn’tanymore, and many of our membersended up on disability,” says Paige. “It wascosting the city money and costing firefighters a chance at a decent retirement.”

“It’s a great story of Amalgamated Bankhelping to support these fire fighters withan innovative lending solution tailored totheir complex situation,” says KeithMestrich, president and CEO of

Amalgamated Bank. “I am proud to leadan institution willing to go the extra mileto help working people and unionmembers meet their financial goals.”

For nearly a century, Amalgamated Bankhas been a trusted source of affordablefinancial services for unions and theirmembers.

for more information, visitamalgamatedbank.com/iaff. n

New London Fire Fighters Back to Defined Benefit Pension Plan


When you purchase an IAFF Giftbox, IAFF Wines, IAFFLogo Stemware, or join the IAFF Wine Club, up to 18%of gross sales benefit the IAFF Charitable Foundation.

IAFF Wine Club I members receive 3 bottles of winetwice a year: in March and September.(Each shipment ranges from $39.99 to$59.99, plus tax and shipping.)

IAFF Wine Club Il members receive 6 bottles of winetwice a year: in March and September.(Each shipment ranges from $99.99 to$139.99, plus tax and shipping.)

IAFF wines at membership prices. 20% discount on Armida wines anytime.10% discount on IAFF wines

For IAFF retirement dinners, weddings or large fundraisers, call Bruce at (707) 433-2222 for special pricing.

What’s better than supporting the incredibly worthy IAFF Charitable Foundation and enjoyinggreat wine at the same time?

BenefitsRetail price $14.99 to $19.99 a bottle.

Did you know IAFF members can savemore in 2015 with increased contributionlimits on supplemental retirement plans?

e IRS has increased 2015 maximumcontribution limits to give individuals theopportunity to contribute more in a givenyear to their supplemental retirement plans,including the IAFF Financial Corporation(IAFF-FC) FrontLine Program. A keyadvantage of the plan is tax-deferredcontributions, which means the amountthat take-home pay is reduced may besignificantly less than what is contributed.

Keep in mind, your maximumcontribution needs to align with yourbudget and comfort level.To help youdecide what that amount might be,Nationwide® — administrator of theIAFF-FC FrontLine Program — haslaunched its new My Interactive RetirementPlannerSM at www.FrontLinePlan.com.

In as little as 10 minutes, membersenrolled in the FrontLine Plan candetermine if they’re on target and makemodifications to contribution levels andfunds so that their planning is consistentwith their goals. (Note that federal lawrequires a deferral change request be madein the calendar month prior to the month itbecomes effective. For example, deferralchanges to become effective in Februarymust be requested in January.

e limits for 2015 are: $18,000 under age50, $24,000 for age 50 or older, or Up to$36,000 for the Special 457 Catch-up.

is table shows how a paycheck may beaffected by making maximumcontributions to the IAFF-FC FrontLineProgram in 2015.

Note that the table rounds contributionsdown to the nearest dollar to avoidover-contribution and assumes a 25 percenttax rate, that the participant makestax-deferred contributions and qualifies forone of the maximum 2015 deferral limits.

ere’s always risk when investing. In fact,it’s possible to lose money by participatingin a deferred compensation plan. Notinvesting — or not investing enough — forretirement is a risk as well. Historically,investing over the long-term, such as forretirement, has tended to reduce marketrisk. However, past performance is noguarantee of future results. For moreinformation, contact a Nationwide

Retirement Specialist who can help IAFFmembers understand the risks andstrategies to help manage them.

Evaluate, Adapt and Overcome With theIAFF-FC Frontline Program.

For more information about theopportunities available to IAFF localsthrough participation in the IAFF-FCFrontLine Program, contact Rebecca Gill at(614) 435-8329 or [email protected]. nNationwide makes payments to the International Association of Fire Fighters- Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) for services and endorsements that IAFFperforms for all its members generally related to Nationwide’s products andservices sold exclusively in public sector retirement markets. More detailabout these payments is available at www.FrontLinePlan.com.

Retirement Specialists are registered representatives of NationwideInvestment Services Corporation: Member FINRA. Nationwide RetirementSpecialists cannot offer investment, tax or legal advice. Consult your owncounsel before making retirement plan decisions.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your sideare service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2014

NRM-9916M1-IF (11/2014)


Enter your public relations and politicalcampaigns or other communications workin the IAFF Media Awards Contest — theawards recognize outstanding work by IAFFaffiliates in communicating with theirmembers and public, as well as reportingand photography that best portray theexciting, meaningful and oen dangerouswork of IAFF members in the United Statesand Canada.

Submit entries online or download anentry form at www.iaff.org/mediaawards.Please read the rules and instructionscarefully before submitting your entries.

Prizes include cash, plaques andcertificates. First-place winners will receive

an “I won an IAFF Media Award” T-shirt towear with pride, knowing that their workhas shown one of the world’s mostimportant professions at its finest.

Entries must have been produced,published or broadcast between January 1and December 31, 2014.

e deadline for entries is April 1, 2015. For more information, contact the IAFF

Communications Department at (202)824-1588 or email [email protected]. n

Enter the IAFF Media Awards Contest

MAXIMUM DEFERRALS AND PAYCHECK IMPACT

Pay Frequency Under Age 50 Age 50+ Catch-up Special 457 Catch-up

Maximum Paycheck Maximum Paycheck Maximum Paycheck

Deferral Impact Deferral Impact Deferral Impact

Weekly (52 pays) 346 $258 $461 $346 $692 $519

Biweekly (26 pays) $692 $519 $923 $692 $1,384 $1,038

Semi-monthly (24 pays) $750 $562 $1000 $750 $1,500 $1,125

Monthly (12 pays) $1500 $1,125 $2,000 $1,500 $3,000 $2,250

Source: IRS Announces 2015 Pension Plan Limitations, IR-2014-99, Oct. 23, 2014

What’s Your Limit?


In November 2014, members from WestWarwick, RI Local 1104 participated in anIAFF-sponsored First ResponderOperations (FRO) hazardous materialsclass that was made possible by workingwith the IAFF to find alternate methods ofpaying for backfill and overtime costs. The FRO course requires that all

personnel who participate in the class beoff duty. As such, Local 1104 needed tobackfill those positions in order to haveboth a successful class and completecoverage in the field.

The IAFF advised West Warwick Local1104 leadership to seek grant fundsthrough the State Homeland SecurityProgram (SHSP). In its search for grantfunds, Local 1104 partnered with theRhode Island State EmergencyManagement Agency, applying for andreceiving reimbursement funds in theamount of $37,000 to pay for the backfilland overtime costs associated with sendingmembers to the FRO class, which included24 hours of instruction over three days inthe classroom, as well as hands-onexercises. The IAFF encourages other affiliates to

contact the IAFF to identify other potentialgrant funding that can help departmentsreceive similar awards.

According to West Warwick Local 1104Training Captain Eric Norberg, “This FROclass was essential and much needed as ourincumbent fire fighters must have thisoperations level refresher training. TheIAFF helped make the planning processmuch easier and helped us secure a grant topay for the overtime and backfill costs,which was necessary as our department

could not have paid for personnel costswithout these grant funds.”The 40 students who participated in the

class are now certified in HazMatoperations by the Pro Board Fire ServiceProfessional Qualifications System, alsoknown as Pro Board.

For more information, [email protected]. n

West Warwick Members Receive IAFF HazMat Class Thanks to State Backfill Funding

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West Warwick Local 1104 membersparticipated in the First ResponderOperations hazardous materials class.


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Local I0092Clear Water Fire FightersPresident: Drew Dickinson9 membersLewiston, ID

Local 5003Levittown Fairless Hills RescueSquadPresident: Mark Potent28 membersLevittown, PA

Local 5011Lincoln Rural Fire FightersPresident: Ryan Sheley4 membersLincoln, IL

Local 5016Clinton Fire FightersAssociationPresident: Scott Haggard7 membersClinton, OK

Local 5018Pepperell Fire FightersPresident: Benjamin Simmons3 membersTown of Pepperell, MA

Local 5019Penn Township ProfessionalFire Fighters UnionPresident: Chris Haggerty17 membersMishawaka, IN

Local 5020Benbrook Professional FireFighters AssociationPresident: Charlie Ball4 membersBenbrook, TX

Local 5022Upper Darby ParamedicAssociationPresident: Allen Burk20 membersDrexel Hill, PA

Local 5023Macomb Township ProfessionalFire FightersPresident: David Nowak7 membersMacomb Township, MI

Local 5025Gloucester County ProfessionalFire Officers, President: Robert A. Burkhardt, Jr5 membersDeptford, NJ

Local 5026Dells-Delton EMSPresident: Aaron Reineking10 membersDells- Delton, WI

Local 5027Aubrey Professional FireFightersPresident: Kristopher Stuart18 membersAubrey, TX

Local 5028Morongo Valley Fire FightersAssociationPresident: Jeff Rarey, II9 membersMorongo Valley, CA

Local 5029West Baton Rouge ProfessionalFire Fighters AssociationPresident: Charles Ardeneaux11 membersWest Baton Rouge Parish, LA

Local 5030Smyrna Professional Fire FightersPresident: Joshua Franz12 membersSmyrna, GA

Local 5031Brooklyn Park Professional FireFightersPresident: Rob Miller6 membersBrooklyn Park, MN

Local 5032Sutter County Professional FireFightersPresident: Glenn Aronowitz11 membersYuba City, CA

Local 5033Columbia County Career Fire FightersPresident: Aleck Weaver3 membersDayton, WA

Local 5037Dona Ana County ProfessionalFire Fighters AssociationPresident: Arturo Arellano13 membersDona Ana County, NM

IAFF Welcomes New Locals The new IAFF affiliates listed below joined the Internationalin October, November and December 2014

37WINTER 2015 RETIREES

ALABAMA L1349 Mobile—Larry Bailey, William Carroll,Samuel Christian, Paul Cumbaa, J. D. Driskell, Terry Kiser,George Lee, Arthur McPhail, Stanley Nations, Paul Platt,Mack Reed, David Rose, Anthony Rowett, Martin Stanley,William Vereen, James Watkins, L1833Huntsville—Joseph Aritas, L4066 Irondale—WilliamGullahorn, L4141 Prattville—Paul Middlebrooks, L4142Alabaster—Eddie ColeALASKA I0084 Eareckson Fire Fighters—KennethBurson, L1324 Fairbanks—Scott Learned, Jerry Phillips,L2761 Ketchikan—Mike Moyer, L4303 JuneauCareer—Marc Ormsby, Lynn RidleALBERTA L0209 Edmonton Fire Fighters Union—DonCherniawski, Steve Clarkson, Don Cook, Glen Davidson,Patrick Grier, William Holmes, William Raitt, L0255Calgary—John Hall, Jim Heynen, Don Howard, K.Kulikoski, Perry Smeets, L2461 Strathcona County FireFighters—Doug DeaconARIZONA I0060 United Emergency MedicalProfessionals Of Arizona—Teresa Wade, L0479Tucson—Hector Hansen, Mark Holmes, John Kellner,Edward Nied, Frank Profita, David Ridings, L0493Phoenix—Charles Brown, Natelle Huntzinger, RobertMahoe, Thomas Mahoney, Lawrence Spano, L1234Yuma—Donald Siebel, L2260 Mesa—Scott Epps,Jeffery Glenn, Chris Ryan, Lance Smaw, L2974 LakeHavasu—Tim Ryan, L3560 Sun Lakes—Cheryl VanHorn, L3878 United Maricopa County Fire FightersAssociation—Eric Dendinger, L4005 United GoodyearFire Fighters—Jeff Shiple, L4125 Green Valley—AustinFranklinARKANSAS L0034 Little Rock—Dennis McCann, ArthurPreller, L0502 Texarkana—Dewayne Cigainero, L3007Springdale—James Carter, Edward Stith, L4016Conway—Greg Fiddler, Phil KirklandBRITISH COLUMBIA F0003 Esquimalt—Brian Kennedy,L0018 Vancouver—Michael Antunovic, Albert Drinovz, S.William Hastings, Robert Pearson, Gabriel Roder, DennisWilson, Mike Zacharuk, L0256 New Westminster—AlHughes, Bob Rutherford, L0296 North Vancouver—J.Barbieri, J. Battista, Brian Hake, Andy Schmidt, L0913Kamloops—Ken Ferguson, L0953 Kelowna—DaleCalhoun, Kenneth Jacobson, Laurie Serres, L1271Surrey—Robert Nagle, L1286 Richmond—Tom Hooker,L1304 Kitimat—Alex Dobri, L1856 Oak Bay—Ken Gill,L2826 Chilliwack Professional Fire FightersAssociation—Donald Van BeestCALIFORNIA F0085 Federal Fire FightersAssociation—Edwin Martinez, Mike Walton, F0116Vandenberg Professional Fire Fighters—TimothyMurdoch, L0112 Los Angeles City—Kenneth Dawson,Douglas Donckels, Armando Jaimes, John Kitchens,Raymond Mayo, L0145 San Diego—Garry Allen, CharlesAlvarez, John Anderson, Michael Armstrong, Robert Bilz,Ann Bixler, William Bridges, Michael Brown, RonaldCalkins, Lee Carlson, Karen Carnahan, Ronald Carter,Terry Chrisman, Melissa Cleary, William Cochrane, SharonConger, Frank DeClercq, Henry Delgadillo, Joseph Diko,Gregory Donnelly, Gerard Everette, David Happe, WilliamKlumpp, Stephen Martino, Staley Myers, Brett Souza,Richard Steadman, Russell Steppe, Donald Swanson,Christopher Turner, Thomas White, Dana Ziegler, L0522Sacramento—Shannon Baker, David Ball, Harley Don, G.Thomas McKinnon, Kyle Thomas, L0525 Santa BarbaraCity—William Veazey, Justin Williams, L0689

Alameda—Mark Sample, L0753 Fresno—LionelMcPeters, L0776 Glendale—Richard Canter, DanielEncinas, Robert Garibay, L0809 Pasadena—SteveAmazola, Christopher Dickey, Arturo Leos, L0891 SanBernardino City Professional Fire Fighters—PatriciaFea, Kirk Mueller, L0935 San BernardinoCounty—Wayne Thompson, L1014 Los Angeles CountyFire Fighters—Mark Ashley, David Borthwick, CharlesBoyd, Roland Brock, Steven Caslavka, Joseph Coffey,Richard Dominguez, Robert McFadden, Eras Noel, RicardoRodriguez, Perry Vermillion, Joseph Westrup, L1067Riverside City—Vincent Rodgers, L1109 SantaMonica—Dirk Bailey, Mark Bridges, Thomas Hiller, NancyJohnson, Gary Marshall, Lee McNett, Jason Walker,L1272 Watsonville—Richard Casteel, L1289Modesto—Robert Berbena, James Gunn, HerbertJenkins, Michele Triplett, L1578 Alhambra—ToddMeeker, L1622 Fallbrook Fire FightersAssociation—Randy Meers, Jonathan Semar, L1684Oxnard—Ron Brubaker, Jeffrey Davis, Paul Rodriguez,L1775 Marin Professional Fire Fighters—Jeffrey Allen,James Irving, L2342 Hemet—Kevin Donaldson, JeffRetmier, Primo Reynoso, Steve Sandefer, L2400 SanMateo County—Jonathan Johnston, L2734Chico—Gina Osburn, L2744 National City—ThomasButts, L2787 Redondo Beach—Paul Grochowski, L2881Cal Fire Local 2881—Casey Emerson, Shawn Ferguson,James Fuller, Michael Gallagher, Mario Galliano, Ted Hart,Roger Henry, Robert McLaughlin, Nicholas Mikkelsen,Gregory Near, Frederick Orsborn, Randall Vann, RobertVentura, Patti West, Tim Williams, L3058 North MontereyCounty—Kevin Jones, L3124 Napa City—DouglasBridewell, Bob Frappia, L3581 Ebbetts Pass—MarkFerreira, L3631 Orange County Professional FireFighters Association—Jeffrey Priest, Alan Robinson,Durand Swanson, Andrew Weissenberger, L3729 NorthTahoe P.F.F.A.—Steve Atkins, Julie Osburn, Kim Vail, L3736Oceanside—Eric Bertotti, Terry Collis, Roland DeChaine,James Emanuel, Darryl Hebert, William Kogerman, MichaelMargot, Michael Mathai, Raymond Melendrez, EricOsterberg, Joseph Ward, L3787 Encinitas—Charles Essex,L3793 Yuba City—Greg Dickerson, Michelle Dominguez,Jeff Steffens, L4488 Lakeside Fire FightersAssociation—Mark Grow, Bryan PetersCOLORADO L0005 Colorado Springs—HowardHenderson, Thomas Leland, L1309 West Metro FireFighters—Mike DeChant, Charles Frost, Edward Griffith,Sidney Haskins, Matthew Medeiros, Guy Reifsneider,L2164 South Metro—Keith Gundy, Dan Herlevich, DavidHoff, Robert Livingston, Kerry McCoy, Daniel Mullin, BrianNeafus, L2403 North Washington—Mike Corsentino,L2808 Grand Junction—Thomas Chapman, L4245Eagle River—Jodi PrattCONNECTICUT L0801 Danbury—Fred Pollard, L0944Milford—Gregory Gaffney, Larry Hoyt, L0992 NewBritain—Dennis Cavallo, Brian Crowley, L1219Naugatuck—Richard Alfes, Robert Ragauskas, JamesRoberts, James Trzaski, L1522 New London—ThomasChilleri, Calvin Darrow, L1567 Torrington—JosephMcElroy, L2687 Hamden Professional FireFighters—Brian Bird, Donald Buechele, Dennis Harrison,David Proulx, L3059 Thompsonville FireDepartment—Carl Trippodo, L4120 Mansfield—CharlesCosgroveDISTRICT OF COLUMBIA L0036 Washington—MarcusMoon

FLORIDA L0122 Jacksonville Association Of FireFighters—Charles Lee, Stephen Lee, Glen Palmer, BobbySmith, Sheldon Smith, William Smith, Thomas Staples,Timothy Thomas, L0587 Miami Association Of FireFighters—Antonio Arvesu, Margalicia Beutel, CharlesBoyd, William Chapman, Rolando Coto, Elvis Cruz, JackErdozain, Frenando Fernandez, Juan Fernandez, RaymondFernandez, Thomas Gabriel, Stephen Gabriel, EduardoGomez, Alejandro Gonzalez, Clemente Gonzalez, RichardoGonzalez, Robert Hallstrand, Brenda Hoppe, James Kemp,Jose Lazcano, Julio Mestas, Santos Munoz, HarryNewcomb, Leonel Plasencia, Manuel Rodriguez, AlfredoRodriguez, Carl Stridfeldt, Michael Trebilcock, EdwardWhittingham, Robert Wimberly, L0707 PensacolaProfessional Fire Fighters—David Poss, L0754Tampa—Oscar Diaz, Lance Digangi, Manuel Garcia,William Lingo, Dennis Valdes, L0765 FortLauderdale—Thomas Clements, Steve Thomas, L1210Coral Gables Professional Fire FightersAssociation—Steven Bush, Scott Demarest, CecilWeaver, L1375 Hollywood Professional Fire FightersInc.—David Austin, William Major, Frank Wade, L1403Metropolitan Dade County Association Of FireFighters—Philip Albury, Leslie Arenson, Raul Bosque,Armando Gonzalez, Allison Hunt, Michael Latimer, LeslieLazo, Karen Lee, Kerry Lorich, Mario Manzini, MichaelMarks, Robert Mitchell, Charles Ruehle, Martha Scott,Elkin Sierra, Steve Simicich, Jason Springer, Ray Strong,Elena Sweet, Patrick Westmoreland, L1424 Key WestFire Department—Rick Barber, L1598 Winter ParkProfessional Fire Fighters—Douglas Fletcher, L2057Orange County Professional Fire Fighters—JamesButler, Jose Gainza, Joe Hernandez, Robert Long, L2117Reedy Creek Fire Fighters Association—Curtis Webb,L2135 Professional Fire Fighters Of Ocala—DonnaShirey, L2271 New Smyrna Beach Professional FireFighters Association—Kevin Roberts, Kevin Williams,L2292 Professional Fire Fighters Of PembrokePines—Richard Detata, Douglas Mikell, L2315 DavieProfessional Fire Fighters—James Ferranti, MichaelMalvasio, L2424 Cape Coral Professional FireFighters—Van Patterson, L2446 Palm Bay ProfessionalFire Fighters—Mark Andrukaitis, Robert Dietz, ThomasLaPlante, Alanson Millwater, Robert Mulligan, R. RandalRichmond, Clifford Schoonmaker, Jim Townend, L2546Suncoast Professional Fire Fighters &Paramedics—Richard Bartoszek, Michael Cefalo, LorenFiller, Mike Harper, Charles Kapudjija, Richard Nichols,Richard Standafer, Bret Williams, L2887 ProfessionalFire Fighters Of Marco Island—Donald Jones, L2913Deltona Professional Fire Fighters—John Morgan,L2928 Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics OfPalm Beach County—Craig Jones, Terry McCabe, YamilRamirez, James Shook, James Sousa, L2957Professional Fire Fighters Of Leesburg—DavidRichardson, Ray Steele, L2959 Professional FireFighters and Paramedics of Martin County—StephenBeasley, Harry Bish, Bruce White, L2969 Brevard CountyProfessional Fire Fighters—Jerry Walz, L2980 PalmHarbor/Oldsmar Professional Fire Fighters—RonaldRomaguera, L3080 Metro-Broward Professional FireFighters—William Alanez, Jeffrey Carson, DavidSilverbloom, Larry Vuncannon, Mitchell Westcott, MarkWilson, L3101 Nassau County Fire-RescueProfessionals—Stephen Johnson, L3570 CocoaBeach—Robert Grant, L3990 Professional FireFighters Of Lake County—Michael Bass, Edward Genter,Jared Mielke, L4321 Broward County—William Boss,L4347 Deland Professional Fire Fighters—JacobWilkerson, L4397 Marianna Professional FireFighters—Michael Blum, L4420 Pasco CountyProfessional Fire Fighters—Marcia AugerGEORGIA L0134 Atlanta—Raymond Bearden, RickMeyers, Michael Rogers, L1460 Marietta—ScottDobbins, L3920 Fulton Professional FireFighters—Dannis Martin

IAFF RetireesA Salute to Dedication Service and Courage


HAWAII F0263 Federal Fire Fighters OfHawaii—James Guenthoer, Keith RobelloIDAHO L0149 Boise—Joel Bradshaw, GordonGoldsmith-Day, William Tinsley, Shane Walker, L1773Lewiston—Jeffrey WeinerILLINOIS L0002 Chicago—Alfred Allen, GregoryBarabasz, Thomas Colwell, Rogelio Cosme, Frank Crossin,Daniel Draper, Reynaldo Guevara, Dumas Hardy, SylvesterHudson, James Lexsee, Walter Mah, Harvey Moss, VanNeal, John Patton, Jose Rosario, Sabrina Sangari, GregorySarkisian, Thomas Schmidt, Franks Stephens, JamesTaylor, Lee Yankowski, L0037 Springfield—Martin Jeter,L0050 Peoria—Eddie Brooks, Michael Rogers, AlvisRutherford, Robert Wilson, L0063 Quincy—Greg Hay,Chris Patterson, L0099 Aurora—Ronald Thomalla, L0413Rockford—Barry Fitz, L0429 Danville—Cody Comrie,Pamela Hawker, Larry Jaggers, Joseph Kizer, BradTarquini, L0471 Harvey—Mark Veldhuizen, L0513Kewanee—Robert Swedman, L0524 Pekin—RogerFardel, Dave Morris, Anthony Schoedel, L0653Kankakee—Gary Homberg, Robert Lergner, LeroySarowatz, L0717 Cicero—Brian Geiling, EdwardKriksciukas, L1147 Urbana—Jim Dotson, Robert Mullins,L1898 Lake Forest Professional Fire Fighters—ArthurTekampe, L2301 Sterling—James Brandenburg, RandyEllmaker, L2977 Marion—Jack Reed, L2986Lisle/Woodridge—Ed Crews, Steve Jansen, L3033Skokie—Larry Sowa, L3105 Arlington Heights—GreggWikierak, Dwayne Wood, L3148 Midlothian—WilliamCunningham, L4119 Mount Prospect—William Foehring,Michael Werner, L4287 Geneva—Frederick Tichenor,L4302 Naperville Professional Fire Fighters—MarkZiemnik, L4338 Frankfort Fire FightersUnion—Christopher Wolf, L4588 Palatine FireFighters—Bryan Maiden, L4646 Associated FireFighters of Oak Brook—Jennifer White, L4833 SouthElgin Professional Fire Fighters—Allen Etheridge,L4851 Westchester Professional FireFighters—Dennis KeeffeINDIANA L0416 Indianapolis—Harry Alexander, GaryBeisel, James Hansman, Dennis Hiser, Herbert Hurt,Michael McCormick, Larry Morgan, Mark Watson, L0475Michigan City—Larry Butcher, L0556Hammond—Patrick Moore, L0680Huntington—Anthony Hensel, L1262 Anderson—MarkDrinkut, Eric Hutchison, L2594 Clarksville—NathanPowers, L4143 Crawfordsville—Dana SowdersIOWA L0004 Des Moines—Angelito Barongan, MichaelMcGilvra, Victor Wilder, L0007 Sioux City—Gregory Clark,Jeff Dunnington, L0017 Davenport—William Riedesel,L0066 Waterloo—Dennis Curtis, Michael Junk, JudyRottinghaus, Dean Woelber, L0301 Burlington—DetmerKobza, James Whitaker, L0622 Fort Dodge—WoodwardWolfe, L1366 Cedar Falls—Paul SchaeferKANSAS L0135 Wichita—Michael Hadley, L1596Lawrence—Daniel Hardtarfer, L3309 JunctionCity—Michael Brown, L4818 Professional Fire Fightersof Overland Park—Ted MooreKENTUCKY L0526 Lexington—Scott Hickey, MichaelLeffler, Todd Samuelson, Keith Smith, David Warford,L0706 Ashland—Kenneth Smith, L2329 SomersetProfessional Fire Fighters—Eddie Russell, L4060Central Campbell County—Ray Dishman, L4206Erlanger—Todd Schulkers, L4856 Southern CampbellProfessional Fire Fighters—Matt BoyersLOUISIANA L0557 Baton Rouge—John Augustus, SamMapes, L0561 Lake Charles—Douglas Fuselier, DanielZimmerman, L0632 New Orleans—William Burke,Thomas Calamari, Joseph Canfill, Gerard Carollo, MichaelCollongues, Paul Cureau, Joseph Fincher, Edgar Journee,Robert Wild, L1051 Bossier City—James Lonadier,L1374 Jefferson Parish—Robert Dubuc, Mark Kirkley,L1468 Saint Bernard—Edward Appel, L1694 OuachitaParish—Henson Coon, Ronald Lawrence, L3765Sulphur—James Deshotel, Matthew Frey, RobertSchexneider

MAINE L0740 Portland—Bienvenido Diaz, John Martell,L1476 South Portland—Timothy Coyne, John Webster,L1624 Sanford—Robert April, Richard Bond, RonaldGrondin, Harold Smith, L3622 Town Of York—KeithBishop, John HuntMANITOBA L0867 Winnipeg—R. Lelieveld, RandolphPearson, W. A. WarrenMARYLAND L0964 Baltimore Fire OfficersAssociation—Jeffery Jakelski, Robert Scott, L1311Baltimore County—Kevin Banister, Daniel Bollinger,Gilbert Fowble, John Hoffman, Donald Pickle, L1563 AnneArundel County—Francis Fennell, William Hamer,Richard Lewis, Rand Lindgren, Harry Nikirk, Reid Raynor,James Rostek, Matthew Tobia, Carroll Wagner, RobertWiderman, L1664 Montgomery County—Kristen Dugas,Jason Luksis, L1715 Cumberland—James Kucharczyk,L4269 Career Firefighter/Paramedics—William Bishop,Charles Hastings, John Holloway, Larry Sackadorf,Christina Vickers, John WilliamsMASSACHUSETTS L0146 Lawrence—James Lofferdo,Brian MacLean, L0739 Lynn—Dennis Hollow, FredercikSeaman, L0792 Quincy—Jeffery Starr, L0841 NewBedford—Alfred Gomes, L0925 Peabody—EricHarrison, Gregory Koulas, L0971 Woburn—Robert Farrell,L1009 Worcester—Paul Bastardo, Craig Boisvert,Frederick Cowan, Lawrence Gay, John Griffin, John Horan,Michael LaMarche, L1297 Arlington—Gary Mello, L1452Holbrook—Robert Keeman, John West, L1459Swampscott—John Quinn, Timothy Sweeney, L1564Winchester—John Dooley, L1652 Framingham—PaulBarlow, Robert Foley, Christopher Jones, Joseph Keefe,L1669 Beverly—James Maggiacomo, Ross McCulloch,Steven White, L1693 Holyoke—Joseph Beaulieu, JamesByrnes, Paul Gubala, Francis Knightly, Brian Lawlor, JordanLemieux, Thomas Paquin, Christopher Reynolds, JosephSnyder, L1717 Bourne—David Kingsbury, Craig Poirier,Tara Warren, L1839 Chelmsford—Francis Conlin,Michael Curran, Leslie Merrill, Rick Rivard, L1904 ActonProfessional Fire Fighters—Ricky Robinson, L1947Maynard—Gerald Byrne, L2313 Burlington—AnthonyMarino, John Price, Paul Sullivan, David Sullivan, L2548Greenfield—John Lyford, Mark Shea, Alan Tufano,Michael Zraunig, L2568 Marshfield—Daniel Driscoll,L2586 Dracut—Joseph Greenwood, Michael Ralls,L2675 Orleans—Robert Felt, L2804 Cohasset FireFighters Association—James Curley, L3097Middleton—William O’NeilMICHIGAN L0344 Detroit—Michael Funchess, AdamPerkins, L0352 Flint—Wendy Shine, L0366 GrandRapids—Joe Durham, Paul French, Justin Knapp, DavidLanting, L0421 Lansing—Roberta Fockler, Jeffrey Hanna,Robert Hecksel, John Holly, Michael Marcznski, MargaretMurphy, Lyle Stampski, L0643 Marquette—Brian Naze,L1029 Southfield—Theodore Cary, Mark Hilla, DianneLafollette, Renee Petranovic, L1206 RedfordTownship—Robert Perry, L1306 Jackson—JonathanCrawford, L1425 Flint Township—Robert Lloyd, L1600Meridian Professional Fire Fighters—Montgomery Nye,Lori Schafer, L1609 East Lansing—Jim Hudson, L1682Bangor Township—Ken Bailey, L1830 YpsilantiTownship—Mark Gerbo, Bradley Johnson, L2555Coldwater—Sean Frawley, L2701 Trenton—GlenScafidi, L2758 Wyoming—Kevin ClarkMINNESOTA L0021 Saint Paul—Kevin Thill, L0082Minneapolis—Thomas Burnley, Greg Clemons, JeffreyGoar, Jake LaFerriere, William Lindberg, Eileen Nelson,Kevin Rousseau, Joseph Silva, L0520Rochester—Michael House, Michael Schultz, PatrickShanahan, L1935 Coon Rapids—Chuck Fluery, MikeMcManusMISSOURI F0108 Fort Leonard Wood—Timothy Goslin,L0042 Kansas City—William Bales, David Bradley, VinceBrenneman, Richard Carper, Gerald Clark, Robin Doerffel,William Karriker, Michael Knefel, Phillip Pittman, KentSwan, Gary Wheeler, Travis Yeargans, L0073 Fire andEMS Professionals of Saint Louis Missouri—Steven

Reis, L0152 Springfield—Shawn Baty, Brian Ferguson,Elliott Povis, Chris Thompson, Jerry Tracy, L0781Professional Fire Fighters of Independence—JosephYotz, L1055 Columbia—Brian Clifford, Dennis Long,LaDon Whitaker, L1730 Raytown—Leroy Altis, DeanMiles, L2665 Professional Fire Fighters of EasternMissouri—Ron Meier, Scott Nobs, L3133 CentralJack—Mark ShafferMONTANA L2457 Missoula-Rural—Marty Lanier, TomZeiglerNEBRASKA L0385 Omaha—Robert Bryl, Lisa Connor,Brian Decker, Matthew Harden, Dustin Lloyd, JamesPalensky, Scott Radicia, L0644 Lincoln—Ronald Carlson,Daniel Harms, Joseph Millard, L1098 Beatrice—KevinWeaklandNEVADA L1265 Sparks—Kevin Cavanagh, RichardFeldman, James Kindness, L1285 Las Vegas—RandyGray, Maureen Higgins-Teague, Allen McFall, DavidMolinar, Wilbert Reed, L1607 North Las Vegas—MichaelBako, Sheri Byrne, Robert Huntly, L1908 ClarkCounty—Dan Melhase, Valery Prisco, Douglass Randall,L4068 Pahrump Valley Fire Fighters—ChristopherSwigerNEW BRUNSWICK L0999 Moncton—James Orlik,L2549 Riverview—Robert AireyNEW HAMPSHIRE L1045 Concord—Martin Verville,L1312 Dover—Frank Avellino, L1312 Dover—KarlCincotta, L3154 Professional Fire Fighters OfHudson—Dean Sulin, L3160 Londonderry—DouglasCardwell, L3197 Lebanon Permanent FireFighters—Mark Beliveau, Daniel Martin, L3265Professional Fire Fighters Of Keene—Dean Ericson,Michael Gianferrari, Jeffrey Morel, Brian ShepardNEW JERSEY F0313 Joint Base New Jersey FederalFire Fighters—Jeffrey Cymansky, L0305 IrvingtonProfessional Fire Fighters Union—John Deluisi, CurtisMayo, L1064 Jersey City Fire Officers—Vincent Rivera,L1197 Edison Township—John Douglas, L2040Elizabeth Fire Officers Association—Brian Burke, CurtisMerrill, L2663 Cherry Hill—James Banner, RichardFiorentini, Jeffrey Gordon, Robin Price, L3786Robbinsville Township Uniformed Fire FightersAssociation—David HorsnallNEW YORK L0086 Troy—John Clayton, Paul Daley,L0094 Uniformed Fire Fighters Assoc. Of NewYork—Stephen Alleva, Kenneth Amato, Michael Artuso,Robert Baccari, Anthony Baldino, Darshone Bethea, DavidBiunno, Angelo Blanda, Alan Blaszkiewicz, Mark Bonsanti,Joseph Buono, James Cahill, William Calcagno, JosephCataldi, Robert Cobb, Brian Collins, Christopher Corbett,Patrick Cottrell, Gus Cozzi, Sheldon Cummings, MichaelCunningham, George Curran, Timothy Delaney, PeterEasop, William Franzreb, Keith Frey, Thomas Gerrish,Thomas Hall, Kenneth Hansen, Patrick Hastings, PatrickHickey, Christopher Hickson, John Hipsman, Todd Holgan,George Jones, Joel Kanasky, Kevin Kelly, Francis Larkin,Gregory Lemko, Ricardo Lushington, William Mackin,Daniel Mandel, John Marchetta, Daniel Maurer, RichardMcCabe, Denis McCafferty, Thomas McCarthy, JohnMcDonnell, Patrick McKenna, Christopher McQueen,Michael Micara, Frank Montaruli, Steven Murrell, FrankMuzio, Miguel Negron, James Nolan, Michael Perrone,Raymond Pfeifer, Dean Psathas, Paul Quirke, SalvatoreRanieri, Brian Reed, Brian Riggs, Edward Rissland, JamesRoell, Stephen Rogan, Thomas Rooney, Christopher Ryan,Michael Ryan, Stephen Sackowski, Jerrold Scaringe,William Sesselman, Brian Shaffer, Charles Stauder, FredStavans, John Sullivan, Francis Sweeney, Gerald Sweeney,Anthony Tampa, Jeffrey Tkachuk, Brian Tuthill, Denis Ward,Anthony West, L0628 Yonkers Mutual AidAssociation—Todd Cammisa, Neil Marchi, JohnPassarelli, L0709 Elmira—David Allington, Steven Avery,Christopher Cartwright, Richard Clark, David Jessick,Robert Lutz, James Marks, Michael Palmieri, WilliamWheeler, L0737 Ithaca Professional Fire FightersAssociation—Michael St. Denis, L0854 New York

40 RETIREES WINTER 2015

Uniformed Fire Officers Association—Thomas Albert,Kevin Anderson, Charles Barraco, Thomas Bohn, JohnByrne, Eugene Carty, John Carver, Gerard Cash, KevinCinquemani, Thomas Costa, James Costello, WilliamDegnan, Richard Di Orio, Michael Dorkings, CharlesEntrieri, Jerome Farrell, Thomas Foligno, Michael Galgano,Michael Garvey, Joel Gerardi, Joseph Ginley, Donald Goller,Albert Gonzalez, Bruce Groth, Alexander Hagan, JosephHennelly, Robert Higgins, Neil Hintze, John Joyce, RobertKilcarr, Stephen Kinneary, Thomas Kustek, LawrenceLanza, John Leavy, Anthony Lipari, John Manzione,Charles Marino, Joseph Masterson, Craig Matera, RobertMaxwell, Kristoffer McArdle, Thomas McKenna, MichaelMcVey, John Miles, Christopher Miller, Jose Morales,George Mullen, James Mulrenan, James Murray, DenisNoonan, James O’Connell, Kevin O’Donnell, StevenO’Donnell, William Oehm, Thomas Peterman, ThomasPiambino, Rocco Rinaldi, Peter Roell, James Shannon,James Skalkowski, Glenn Smith, Antonio Tarabocchia,Peter Tronolone, Eugene Vellia, Kevin Williams, L0859Tonawanda—John Graf, Mark Schulte, L0921 JohnsonCity—John Kozel, L1071 Rochester—DavidSchneggenburger, Charles Steiner, L1796 Olean—WayneSherlock, L2007 Albany—Joseph Gregory, Peter Lennox,Edmund SeneyNORTH CAROLINA L0548 Raleigh—Jeffrey Gower,William Tisdale, L0660 Charlotte—Richard Granger,Kenneth Gwynn, Melvin Marrow, Stanley Reed, L0947Professional Fire Fighters Of Greensboro—BrianBradley, L2580 Chapel Hill—Mary Blevins, L3393Cabarrus Professional Fire Fighters—Bobby Eagle,James Gaydon, Edwin ShaverNOVA SCOTIA L0268 Halifax—Paul Boyle, Shawn GrantOHIO L0048 Cincinnati—James Doss, Donald Franz,Christopher Hoermle, L0067 Columbus—StephenLandes, Kevin Scholz, L0088 Zanesville—KennethJones, L0093 Cleveland—Michael Fitzmaurice, Thomas

Holian, Brenda Perrin, L0109 Newark—Mark Brown,Gregory Coffman, L0136 Dayton—Kevin Buschur, DanielStockstill, L0312 Youngstown—John Carbon, KevinJohnson, Kevin O’Neill, L0327 Sandusky—StephenStellhorn, L0336 Middletown Fire FightersAssociation—Scott Bruggeman, L0480Alliance—Bradford Zachery, L0494 CuyahogaFalls—David Witner, L0918 Defiance—Clarence Bohn,L1144 Bay Village—Gary Clifford, L1145Brooklyn—Albert Antal, L1441 FranklinTownship—George Thomas, L1814 Westlake—RichardPietrick, L1953 Perkins Township—William Burger,Michael Cumston, Steven Westcott, L2079 Solon—BrianSummerlin, L2134 Marion Township—Randy Myers,Thomas Welshhans, L2236 Madeira/ Indian HillProfessional Fire Fighters—Frank Fazzio, L2243Sylvania—Gregory Burkhart, L2355 SheffieldLake—Steve Koch, L2619 Mayfield Village—KennethShrefler, L2648 Kenton—Thomas Wies, L2672 JacksonTownship (Grove City)—Stephen Cook, L2786Howland—James McCall, L3036 WashingtonTownship(Dublin)—Terry Smith, L3480 WestervilleProfessional Fire Fighters—Jeff Young, L3489 NorthCanton Professional Fire Fighter and ParamedicAssociation—Patricia Horning, L3746 Woodlawn—KenHarrisonOKLAHOMA L0157 Oklahoma City—Carl Bowerman,Chet Clark, Mark Corvin, Neal Crutchfield, Alan Deaton,Ralph Goodman, Robert Mitchell, Douglas Poston, MichaelRichardson, L0176 Tulsa—David Kannady, Steve Mills,Terry Whiteley, L2047 Moore—Brian Bishop, KennethPontius, L2066 Midwest City—Tim Snyder, L2067Norman—Marcus Cochran, Brian Starkey, Tim Suchy,L2284 McAlester—Phillip Stipe, L2551 BrokenArrow—Stoney Beck, Billy Graham, Uel Lesperance, ScottMcFadden, Kevin Smith, Paul Thompson, L2907Anadarko Professional Fire Fighters Association—Billy

Grimes, L2929 Duncan—Bobby Beck, L3483 CowetaFre Fighters—Brody Morris, Randy WoodwardONTARIO L0142 London—Angus McKenzie, VivianWalsh, L0162 Ottawa—Steve Desjardins, GilbertGelineau, Richard Giles, Stephen Miller, Frank Organ,Kevin Shaughnessy, Denis St. Denis, Brian Wallace, BruceWarren, L0169 Peterborough—John Wasson, L0193Thunder Bay—Joe Levanto, Lorne Molinski, Bill Ylinen,Mark Zigman, L0288 Hamilton—Francis Biancucci, RossBrydges, Colleen Cullen, S. Hawrylyshyn, Randall Moss,William Pittman, Thomas Salisbury, Mike Toth, JohnVerbeek, L0455 Windsor Professional FireFighters—Nic Baron, George Copeland, Gary Garant,James Scott, L0467 Guelph—Ted Wagar, L0499Cambridge—Robert Laurence, Walter MacNeil, L1068Brampton—Paul Bebbington, Ed Davis, L1212Mississauga—Shane Hamilton, Marty McNally, L1237Kapuskasing—Michel Lauzon, L1581 Midland—JosephGagnon, L1582 Oakville—Brian Robertson, L2745Picton—John Mulridge, L3659 Ottawa AirportProfessional Aviation Fire FightersAssociation—Bertrand MarmenOREGON L0924 La Grande—Kristin Gillies, L1110Roseburg—Greg Ferguson, John Kay, L1159 ClackamasCounty—Kenneth Mulkey, L1308 Mid-Columbia—MarkRoth, L1431 Medford—Karl Giepel, L1660 TualatinValley—Stephen Heisel, Kirk Junk, Carol Staropoli, L2091Douglas County Professional Fire Fighters—Keith NeffPENNSYLVANIA F0170 Letterkenny ArmyDepot—Dennis Carr, F0301 R.R.M.C.Professional FireFighters—Alan Brainard, L0022 Philadelphia—AnthonyBallard, John Barr, Craig Bates, Cleo Bond, CharlesBushka, Joseph Calvin, Anthony Carter, Francis Cleary,John Colavita, Robert Coll, Antonio Cook, Vincent Costello,James Creevey, Joseph Crisanti, Brian Everage, JeffreyGanz, Donald Garrison, Armand Gersbach, ThomasHillman, Tracy Houston, Richard Jones, Joseph MacAllister,

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Eric Marunich, Hugh McCreary, John McDevitt, Lt DonnaMobley-Thomas CFI, Daniel Morrison, Neil Mullen, DennisMurphy, Nicholas Paonessa, David Parks, Joseph Petroski,John Reeves, Michael Roeshman, James Rossiter, AnthonyRussell, Ronald Seals, Joseph Shuey, Claude Smith, AlonzoSmith, Lawrence Spence, Bruce Thomas, Alvin Valentin,John Walker, Vincent Williams, L0293 Erie—MichaelHaulik, L0736 Williamsport—Eric Smith, L1400Chester—Frank De Bellis, Charles Hopkins, RobertMarshall, L1803 Reading—Jeffrey Ott, L1863 AmbridgeFire Fighters Union—James Ivancik, L2102Corry—Shawn Volz, L2335 Norristown—James Wallace,L4752 Goshen Professional Fire FightersAssociation—Charles LangRHODE ISLAND L0799 Providence—Mark Hassinger,Michael Krasnowiecki, L1104 West Warwick—JeffreyDichristofaro, Norman Murley, L1363 Cranston—TerryBrennan, Stephen Joyce, L2334 NorthProvidence—David Dichiara, Albert Peterson, WilliamScullion, L2748 Warwick—Barry LaFleurSASKATCHEWAN L0181 Regina Professional FireFighters Association—Ted Buch, Kenneth Hauck, GlenMintzler, Howard Morris, Charlie Obrigewitsch, Harry RothSOUTH CAROLINA L3883 St. John’s Professional FireFighters—Stephen Corbett, Sean Ferris, Marshall Pye,L4529 Lexington County Professional Fire FightersAssociation—Jimmy Amick, Charles Gunter, TimothySpiresTENNESSEE I0002 X-10 Industrial FireFighters—Anderson Short, I0014 Tullahoma—TimothyMansfield, L0140 Nashville—Veronica Duker, RogerEldridge, Clarence Ewing, George Hickey, L1784Memphis—James Covington, Marvin Hubbard, LewisLemmon, Dennis Sides, L2269 Dyersburg Fire FightersAssociation—Ronnie Collins, Marty Hastings, JacobSullivan, L2585 Shelby County—Fred Gilliam, L3748Cleveland Professional Fire Fighters—James Rogers

TEXAS F0089 San Antonio—Yul Abbott, Jerry Knopf,L0058 Dallas—Eduardo Cuellar, James Gateley, DennisHardin, Langford Henshaw, Kenneth Johnson, J. L.Pennington, Markham Reid, L0440 Fort Worth—LloydLincoln, Mike Proctor, R. E. Robinson, L0624 SanAntonio—Matthew Alanis, John Duennenberg, SylviaEspinosa, Wesley Kidd, Aureliano Romo, Ruben Sanchez,L0972 Lubbock—Russell Biggs, Dwayne Pounds, L1518Mesquite—Tandy Boroughs, Terry Greer, Randy Hughes,Jay Mince, Jim Moore, L2002 Sherman—Gerald Brown,Mike Roberts, L2149 Plano—Anthony Christian, JimDoan, Stan Hamm, John Nerwich, Jason Tubb, L2731Conroe—Jeff Williams, L3113 Grapevine—JefferyJackson, Mike Sims, Craig White, L3142Plainview—Alberto Perez, L3187 Addison—CoreyCarpenter, Kyle Fortenberry, L3255 Grand Prairie—JamesBurton, David Dunn, John Lanier, L3463 CedarHill—Randall Jordan, L3846 Woodlands ProfessionalFire Fighters Association—Hampton Cottar, L4239 SanAntonio Professional Fire Mechanics—Ceasar VillalobosUTAH L1654 Ogden—Payton Nishikawa, Steven Reynolds,L1696 Salt Lake County—Matthew ChaseVIRGINIA F0025 Tidewater Federal FireFighters—Joseph Kaising, John Sands, I0045 NewportNews—Jason McKeeby, L0995 Richmond—PeterMarziale, Jay Scales, L2068 Fairfax County ProfessionalFire Fighters And Paramedics—Keith Cross, SherylHemingway, D. Gregg Lange, Matthew Malof, RandallSchwartz, L2449 Chesapeake—David Kestner, ThomasWatson, L2450 Hampton—Francis Cook, James Hickman,Fredrick Murden, Erik Stauffenberg, Nicholas Wooten,L2498 York County & City of Williamsburg ProfessionalFire Fighters—Robert Phaup, David Smith, L2532Danville Professional Fire Fighters Association—R.Lloyd Hess, Dallas Swiney, L2598 Prince WilliamProfessional Fire Fighters Inc.—Everett Payne, L2800Arlington County—Gilbert Cook, Harold Cook, George

Delalian, Henry Lane, Jeffrey MeHaffey, L2803Chesterfield County Professional Fire FightersAssn.—Russell Easter, Richard Labbate, Robert McLean,Douglas Nevius, Robert Puryear, Stuart Smith, MichaelThompson, L3194 Roanoke County P.F.F. AndParamedics—Kurt KipleyWASHINGTON L0027 Seattle—Jerome Buford,Christopher Hallmon, Tony Little, Williton Parker, RaymondShakoor-Asadi, Richard VanGerpen, L0106Bellingham—Charles Dederick, L0315 Hoquiam—DavidEveritt, L0452 Vancouver—Doug Murray, L0726 PierceCounty Professional Fire Fighters—Daniel Johnson,L0864 Renton—Stan Engler, Brad Gould, Mark Griffith,Talmon Hall, William Kullberg, Ken Peterson, Karl Rufener,L0876 Spokane Valley—Joel Decker, Nick Muzik, L1257Seatac Airport—Leon Gutierrez, William Howell, JohnJohansen, L1488 West Pierce Fire Fighters—DavidAdler, Mike Keohi, Rod Pearce, L1747 Kent—MichaelScott, L1919 Cheney Fire Fighters—Michael Ault, CaseyHolling, L2545 Kirkland—Michael Aguilar, Tom Bach,L3219 Marysville—Rex TuckerWEST VIRGINIA L0012 Wheeling—Jon Barry, MarkTorbett, George Yoho, L0317 Charleston—Shawne Monk,L0948 Weirton—Rick Gutwald, L1822 Nitro—ShawnAlderman, Mark Jarrett, L3692 Bridgeport—Philip Dye,Randy ScottWISCONSIN L0127 La Crosse—Joseph Formanek,L0215 Milwaukee—Mario Alonzo, Patrick Bertoni, JeffreyStockinger, L0311 Madison—Ann Hall, Karla Kalepp,L0321 Racine—John Conyn, Randee Venne, L0414Kenosha Professional Fire Fighters—James Anderson,Henderson Darby, James Herrick, Martin Zess, L1004West Allis—Eric Toepfer, L1923 Wauwatosa—JamesMcFadden, L2025 West Bend—Randy McCartney, L2051Brookfield—James Olshanski, L4724 Professional FireFighters and Paramedics Local 4724 New BerlinWisconsin—Leonard Aprahamian

Celebrating

as Partners

IAFF and Liberty Mutual Insurance

1 Figure refl ects average national savings for customers who switched to Liberty Mutual’s group auto and home program. Based on data collected between 9/1/12 and 8/31/13. Individual premiums and savings will vary.2 Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify.3 Applies to a covered total loss. Your car must be less than one year old, have fewer than 15,000 miles and have had no previous owner. Does not apply to leased vehicles or motorcycles. Subject to applicable deductible. Not available in NC or WY.

4 Accident Forgiveness coverage is subject to terms and conditions of Liberty Mutual’s underwriting guidelines. Not available in CA and may vary by state. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affi liates, 175 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116.© 2014 Liberty Mutual Insurance 14AFF3211 2014/04

� Auto, Home, Condo, Renters and Motorcycle coverage� Savings of up to $427.96 or more on auto insurance

for IAFF members1

� 2,100 sales agents in 360 local offi ces

� Multi-Policy and Multi-Car Discounts2

� New Car Replacement3 and Accident Forgiveness4

� 24-Hour Claims Assistance

For more information or to get a free quote call 1-800-835-0894 or visit libertymutual.com/iaff-members.

Auto and Home Insurance for IAFF Members

Insurance for the way you live today with protection for what matters most.

42 NEVER FORGET WINTER 2015

Local ....Name.........................Local Name..........State

L0002 ....Nathaniel Anderson......Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Enrique Beauchamp.....Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Louis Blatz ..................Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Rich Bonnefoi ..............Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Christopher Fedro........Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Chester Fredericks.......Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....James Harrington ........Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....John Herling................Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....James Kelly.................Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Edward Krey................Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Kenneth Kroening ........Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Vincent Liberto ............Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Russell Long ...............Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....William McNamara ......Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Donald Mergler............Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....David O’Keefe .............Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Nick Pistello ................Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....James Rockwell ..........Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Thomas Ruane ............Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Theodore Schaefer ......Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Peter Sobieski .............Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Larry Wicks .................Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Donald Wojtas .............Chicago ......................IL

L0002 ....Edward Wolf ................Chicago ......................IL

L0012 ....D. William (Bill) Burns...Wheeling ..................WV

L0012 ....Robert Palmer .............Wheeling ..................WV

L0012 ....Paul Watkins ...............Wheeling ..................WV

L0022 ....Willard Brehant............Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....George Carlin ..............Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....James Collins..............Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....Jerry Dewan................Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....Michael Fagan.............Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....Harry Fisher ................Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....William Hilt..................Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....George Jefferson .........Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....William Klumpp ...........Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....Russell Leinberry .........Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....Robert Lutz .................Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....Joseph Matthews ........Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....Phillip Poindexter .........Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....James Roberts ............Philadelphia ................PA

L0022 ....Edward Stradling .........Philadelphia ................PA

L0036 ....Joseph Disney.............Washington ................DC

L0036 ....Charles DiVincenzo ......Washington ................DC

L0036 ....Peter McCartney..........Washington ................DC

L0036 ....Eugene Seabolt ...........Washington ................DC

L0036 ....Robert Stefl .................Washington ................DC


L0067 ....Edward Reid................Columbus ..................OH

L0073 ....Frank Farris.................Saint Louis ................MO

L0136 ....Shawn Hill ...................Dayton ......................OH

L0140 ....Roy Holloway...............Nashville ....................TN

L0140 ....Giles Pride ..................Nashville ....................TN

L0140 ....Larry Riley...................Nashville ....................TN

L0140 ....Douglas Van Tassel ......Nashville ....................TN

L0157 ....Wilbert Adleman ..........Oklahoma City ............OK

L0157 ....Charles Brenneis .........Oklahoma City ............OK

L0157 ....Roger Jones................Oklahoma City ............OK

L0215 ....Milton Clausen ............Milwaukee ..................WI

L0215 ....Robert Cossens ...........Milwaukee ..................WI

L0215 ....Gerald Kass.................Milwaukee ..................WI

L0215 ....Walter Oglesby ............Milwaukee ..................WI

L0215 ....John Torpy ..................Milwaukee ..................WI

L0317 ....Alan Cottrill .................Charleston ................WV

L0317 ....Raymond Melton .........Charleston ................WV

L0317 ....Melton Nabors.............Charleston ................WV

L0317 ....Steve Nichols ..............Charleston ................WV

L0317 ....Vernon Smith ..............Charleston ................WV

L0317 ....Charles Stowers ..........Charleston ................WV

L0362 ....Roy Lowman ...............South Bend..................IN

L0416 ....John Hayes .................Indianapolis ................IN

L0416 ....Allen Wachsman..........Indianapolis ................IN

L0474 ....David Borthwick...........Elyria ........................OH

L0522 ....Homer Danley..............Sacramento................CA

L0522 ....Charles Tosta...............Sacramento................CA

L0529 ....Tom Armstrong............Sault Ste. Marie..........ON

L0529 ....William Johnson ..........Sault Ste. Marie..........ON

L0561 ....Gregory Deshotel.........Lake Charles ..............LA

L0587 ....Daniel Alvarez..............Miami ........................FL

L0587 ....Charles Hall.................Miami ........................FL

L0587 ....Luis Perez ...................Miami ........................FL

L0632 ....John Dugas.................New Orleans ..............LA

L0632 ....William Lovering ..........New Orleans ..............LA

L0632 ....Troy MaGee.................New Orleans ..............LA

L0632 ....Salvadore Monistere ....New Orleans ..............LA

L0632 ....Thomas Wightman.......New Orleans ..............LA

L0659 ....Roger Dodd.................Rocky River ................OH

L0718 ....Vincent Kane ...............Boston ......................MA

L0718 ....John Mahoney.............Boston ......................MA

L0718 ....Martin Powers .............Boston ......................MA

L0718 ....Denis Sullivan..............Boston ......................MA

L0734 ....Lawrence Ament..........Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....Charles Brown.............Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....Joseph Cheelsman ......Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....William Collins.............Baltimore ..................MD


L0734 ....Herlin Davenport..........Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....John Harris .................Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....Thomas Lake ..............Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....Joseph Lorber .............Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....Thomas O’Hara ...........Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....Warren Polston............Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....Edward Simon .............Baltimore ..................MD

L0734 ....James Smith ...............Baltimore ..................MD

L0765 ....Kevin Johns ................Fort Lauderdale ..........FL

L0859 ....Richard Burgler ...........Tonawanda ................NY

L0911 ....Evan Johnesee ............Birmingham ................MI

L0964 ....George LeGrand ..........BFOA ........................MD

L0964 ....Peter Schrader ............BFOA ........................MD

L1155 ....Calvert McNeely ..........Saint Albans ..............WV

L1285 ....Stephen Vermillion .......Las Vegas ..................NV

L1309 ....Todd Ingle ...................West Metro ................CO

L1311 ....Arthur Finch ................Baltimore County ......MD

L1311 ....William Saunders.........Baltimore County ......MD

L1424 ....George Vidal................Key West ....................FL

L1463 ....Herschel Esperas.........Hawaiian Islands ..........HI

L1476 ....Francis Richardson ......South Portland ..........ME

L1595 ....Peter Leonard..............Vaughan ..................ON

L1604 ....Deanna Carr................Bellevue ....................WA

L1619 ....Sherrie Bibb ................Prince George’s Co. ..MD

L1619 ....John Davis ..................Prince George’s Co. ..MD

L1619 ....Robert Mack................Prince George’s Co. ..MD

L1773 ....Martin Heieren.............Lewiston......................ID

L1784 ....Richard James ............Memphis ....................TN

L1784 ....Robert Martin ..............Memphis ....................TN

L1784 ....Albert McMullen ..........Memphis ....................TN

L1784 ....William Shelton ...........Memphis ....................TN

L1784 ....Ronald Shepard...........Memphis ....................TN

L1859 ....Robert Kaszubowski.....Alpena ........................MI

L1908 ....Edward Morgan ...........Clark County ..............NV

L2068 ....David Staub.................Fairfax County ............VA

L2088 ....Jason Karwhite............Tukwila......................WA

L2091 ....Thomas Weiss .............Douglas County ........OR

L2233 ....John Dwyer.................Wilton ........................CT

L2546 ....Donald Wendt..............Suncoast ....................FL

L2560 ....Stephen Smith.............Woodward..................OK

L2691 ....Herbert Cramer ...........Neptune ....................NJ

L2800 ....William Moose.............Arlington County..........VA

L2881 ....Ralph Williamson .........Cal Fire ......................CA

L2882 ....Donald Myers ..............Strongsville ................OH

L3888 ....Terry Thompson...........Toronto ......................ON

L4524 ....Tom Davies .................St. George ..................LA

In Memorium of Those Who Have Served

NOTE : Children of IAFF members killed in the line of duty are eligible to receive the W H "Howie" McClennan scholarship which provides financial assistance to attend a university accredited college or other institution of higher learning

For more information contact the IAFF Department of Education at (202) 824-1533

LAST ALARMWe Honor Those Who Lost Their Lives in the Line of Duty

LAST ALARMWINTER 2015 43

1750 New York Ave N W Washington DC 20006www iaff orgPrinted in the USA

Documents

GLOBETURNOUTGEAR · (904) 641-5407 (Home) (904) 219-8656 (Cell) 13th District Fred LeBlanc 317 Avenue Road Kingston, Ontario K7M 1C8 (613) 328-2195 (Cell) 14th District Danny Todd