1. Rescheduled May & June Union Meetings
The May 8 Union Meeting is rescheduled to take place on the last day of the Delegate Education Seminar. This will take place on Friday, May 16, in Atlantic City at the Trump Taj Mahal. The June 12 Union Meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 19th. This is due to the District Caucus in Albany taking place at that time. Please insure that these dates are adjusted on all your personal and firehouse calendars.
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2. New: FF & Family Scholarship Section on UFA Website
Please note that a special Firefighter & Family Scholarship Section has been created on the UFA website and is available HERE. Members can look up scholarships offered by the UFA, FDNY fraternal organizations, memorial scholarship funds, and any other scholarship information that the UFA is made aware of. General descriptions of the types of scholarships and eligibility are posted. Contact information or links are provided on the site, which enable you to follow up with each organization for particulars. Scholarship dollar amounts, filing periods, and other criteria change periodically. Persons seeking scholarships need to contact the listed organizations sponsoring the scholarships for the current levels of scholarships offered and application procedures.
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3. UFA Supports Zadroga Bill in Congress
Last month the City Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of the (NYPD Detective) James Zadroga Act, a bill in the U.S. Congress that would secure permanent Federal funding for medical monitoring and treatment of workers and residents suffering from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries.
UFA has been supporting this bill, and is quoted in last week's "Chief" as follows: "Uniformed Firefighter Association President Steve Cassidy said that many of his members were suffering from pulmonary illnesses and cancer as a result of their work at Ground Zero. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed last year that 9/11 responders suffer from higher rates of asthma than the general population and that one in eight suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. We are certain that this bill is important because health care is the key for firefighters and cops and others who are sick after they sacrificed so much for the City of New York."
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4. CFR-D: Opting Out
The CFR-D Agreement, which was signed by the City and the UFA in 1995, contains the following language: "Opting Out: The FD will consider requests by FFs to opt-out of the CFR-D program upon expiration of the FFs CFR-D certification. When practicable, the FD will facilitate transfers for those who wish to be reassigned to a ladder or engine company." Chief Cassano stated to the UFA at the March 7 Labor-Management Meeting that he has never approved any requests to opt out. He also said that all members who were previously CFR-D certified will have to get recertified, and that those who were never certified will not be required to become certified. This matter was discussed with all Delegates present at the March 13 Union Meeting. NOTE: Members who wish to opt out are still advised to submit such requests in writing to their Officers. Any members who still have copies of previous written approvals, or recent disapprovals, should fax them to UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio at 212-683-4359. The Executive Board and labor counsel Mike Axelrod are reviewing recent Dept Orders and new policies regarding this issue, and will address as appropriate.
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5. CFR-D Pay Issues for Members Recently Recertified
Steve Cassidy discussed with Delegates at the March 13 Union Meeting the compensation issue regarding the gap in time between when members take the State CFR-D recertification exam and when their certificates are published by the Dept. The UFA is currently reviewing recently published Dept policies and will address the issue with the Dept. We will advise the membership of any clarifications reached on this matter.
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6. Chief Riches Addresses UFA Delegates Regarding His UFA Supported
Successful National Anti-Guiliani Presidential Campaign
The UFA invited retired Deputy Chief Jimmy Riches to the March 13 Union meeting to share what was accomplished during his cross-country campaign, where he and other FDNY active and retired members followed Rudy Guiliani during his presidential campaign. The UFA was successful in securing IAFF support and complete funding for this purpose. Chief Riches showed up at every possible location to debunk the lies wherever and whenever Rudy Giuliani was campaigning (with false claims that he had the support and admiration of NYC FFs). The UFA Executive Board and Delegates thanked Chief Riches-on behalf of all NYC FFs for the success of his efforts in setting the record straight on Rudy's record-with a standing ovation. The UFA will continue to vigorously pursue all viable options in defending the rights and reputations of NYC Firefighters!
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7. New Governor
At the March 13 Union MeetingVP Jim Slevin discussed politics in Albany as a result of the new Governor, David Patterson, taking office. The UFA has had a positive relationship while working with David Patterson during his tenures as State Senator and Lt. Governor. We look forward to continuing our productive relationship with him in Albany throughout the next three years of his term as Governor.
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8. UFA Blasts Dept for Fatal Response Delays in Queens
UFA Executive Board held a press conference last week at the UFA criticizing the Dept's new Queens Dispatch Pilot protocol in Queens. The UFA was joined by Queens City Councilman Leroy Comrie. The Department's new policy has resulted in delayed responses to several fatal fires, including a fire that severely injured one of our members. For more info, see attached PR and media clips, or visit the Press Release and In The News sections.
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9. UFA Calls for Modernization of FISA Act in U.S. House of Representatives
The UFA called upon the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives to modernize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), saying that the safety of millions of New Yorkers and 9,000 New York City Firefighters is being jeopardized. Steve Cassidy asserted: "Twice New York City Firefighters responded to attacks on our nation by enemies of America, and we want our government to take every step necessary to intercept communications that will prevent future terrorist attacks. On behalf of our firefighters, I urge the House leadership to vote on the FISA Amendments Act of 2007 proposed by Senator John D. Rockefeller and avoid the permanent damage that may occur from expiration of the Act." For more info, visit the Press Release and In The News sections of the UFA website.
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10. BCB Rules Against FDNY for Excluding Sgt-at-Arms Bill Romaka from Seagrave Meetings
The Board of Collective Bargaining (BCB) ruled that "The NYC Fire Dept committed an improper practice when, in retaliation for union activity, it excluded UFA Health & Safety Officer Romaka from certain meetings." The department was ordered as follows:
"ORDERED, that the improper practice petition (BCB-2549-06), filed by the UFA be, and the same hereby is, granted as to claims that the City violated NYCCBL 12-306(a)(1) and (3) by excluding UFA Health & Safety Officer Bill Romaka from certain meetings,... and;
ORDERED, that the Department cease and desist from refusing to permit Bill Romaka from attending Seagrave and TOC (Technology Oversight Committee) meetings because of union activity; and
ORDERED, that the Department post the attached Notice to All Employees on all bulletin boards where notices are customarily posted."
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11. Discounted Body Scans Available
UFA Health & Safety Officer Bill Romaka is pleased to announce that the UFA has made an agreement with Inner Imaging to provide a discounted rate to active and retired NYC Firefighters for body scans. The agreement provides confidential screening which consists of two tests - one of the heart and one of the lungs. These scans, normally $600-800, are being offered to UFA Members at a greatly reduced rate of $350. To make an appointment, or for further information, you can reach Inner Imaging at 212-777-8900 or check out their website www.innerimaging.com.
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12. Delegate Education Seminar: Discount Deadline Approaching!
Registration packages were mailed to all Delegate residences on January 31. Seminar registration & hotel room reservations must be made by check only, payable to the 'UFA' (phone registration cannot be accepted), along with the proper form. It must be received at the UFA by March 31st to receive your discounted rate. After the deadline you'll need to make your room reservation by credit card directly with the hotel at the full-price per-night rate-if rooms are still available. If this is your first Delegate Educational Seminar, you can familiarize yourself by reviewing last year's agenda and program activity book on the www.UFANYC.org and clicking on 'Delegate Seminar' from the home page. You can also check out the latest notices for this year's Seminar. Location/Dates: Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, Tuesday, May 13, 2008 thru Friday, May 16, 2008.
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13. FDNY Baseball Team Tryouts
On Saturday, March 29th from 4:30pm-7pm & April 20th and 27th from 1- 4pm FDNY Baseball Team tryouts will be held at Forest Hills High School in Queens. For more info, including additional tryout dates, contact Scott Miller, 917-225-7872 or go to www.nyfiredup.com.
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14. 35th Annual FDNY-NYPD Hockey Game
Sunday, April 6th, 1pm, at Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, team members, and the Coliseum Box Office. For more info go to www.FDNYHockey.com.
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15. FF Mike Carlo Memorial Golf Outing
On Monday, June 9th, at both the Douglaston Golf Course and the Forest Park Golf Course. The number of players is limited. Per foursome: $600 before April 15th, $700 after April 15th. Refreshments & food will be available after the Golf Outing at 55-61 58th St. Maspeth, NY 11378. Make all checks out to "336 Entertainment." Send to Rob Carlo, 40 Nevada Ave. Long Beach, NY 11561. For more info contact Rob Carlo, 516-643-6499.
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16. 4th Annual Best of the Bravest Golf Tournaments
REMINDER: Recruitment is taking place for both active & retired members interested in playing handicap based tournaments across the tri-state area. Each tournament has prizes for the top players in each flight. The first tournament will begin Thursday, April 17th, 11am at the Patriot Hill Golf Course, 19 Clubhouse Lane Stony Point, NY 10980. For more info: www.nycffgolftour.com or call John Egan E-328, 516-852-2718.
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17. FF Christopher Mozzillo Memorial Scholarship / Fundraiser Golf Outing
On Thursday, May 8th at 10:45am the Golf Tournament will begin at Silver Lake Golf Course, 915 Victory Blvd. SI, NY. Dinner will follow at 7pm, The Staaten, 697 Forest Ave, SI, NY. All proceeds go to the Christopher Mozzillo Scholarship Fund. Send donations to Mrs. Pamela Yarosz 33 St. Johns Dr. Freehold, NJ 07728. RSVP by April 17th. Contact Pamela Mozzillo-Yarosz, 732-252-8806, or e-mail cmmscholarship@aol.com.
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18. FDNY Holy Name Society Higher Education Drawing
On Sunday, April 20th the Holy Name Society of Manhattan, Bronx & Staten Island, will hold a Higher Education Drawing at their annual Communion Breakfast (see below "Communion Breakfast"). Each winner will receive a one thousand dollar award payable to the college or trade school of their choice. Members must be in good standing and applicants must be seniors in H.S. Members must be present at the Drawing to win. Applications can only be obtained from Scholarship Chairman, William P. Treanor, 98 Bay Street, Bronx, NY 10464, or call 718-885-0648. Completed applications must be returned by April 11, 2008 to be included in the Drawing.
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19. FDNY Holy Name Society Communion Breakfast
Sunday, April 20th 10:15am, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Communion Mass & Breakfast immediately to follow at the New York Hilton Hotel. Tickets: Donation $37.50 & $40 at the door. For info call Joe Kelly, 718-761-5411.
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Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
