Union & Health Issues:

• Republican National Convention (RNC) Week Picketing
• Military Salary Payback
• Random Drug Testing
• Did You Receive Your New UFA Drug Card?
• New UFA Prescription Drug Plan
• Health Benefits - Rate Change Notice
• FF McAdams for Congress - Volunteers Needed!

Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits:

FF John P. Hannon Memorial 5K 'Fun Run'
9/11 Memorial Service at Riverside Drive
Deputy Chief John Paolillo 5K Run For Heroes
The 9/11 Queens Firefighters Memorial
FDNY vs. NYPD Baseball Game
Walk Of Remembrance In Honor Of Father Mychal Judge

Republican National Convention (RNC) Week Picketing
The joint permit requests for demonstrating at the RNC were not granted by the City. The PBA and UFA will announce Pop-up Picketing dates, times and locations during the RNC through firehouse faxes, emails and telephone message voice broadcasts. Check your fax machines each tour. The UFA voice message broadcasts are telephoned to all firehouses and Delegates with important updates. Members on housewatch duty who receive these important messages should immediately notify the members in their house. The message will repeat twice and is often duplicated on the UFA Hotline. Notify your Delegate immediately of any important faxes or info. Keep up the great work!!

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Military Salary Payback
Members who received the notice from the Department requesting military earnings documentation are advised to submit this information as soon as possible. The Department has advised us that payroll deductions have not yet begun and it is working to establish an appropriate mechanism to obtain reimbursement at a rate which will not unduly burden the members who served.

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Random Drug Testing
Members are reminded that the FDNY's Random Drug Testing program began in firehouses this August. A letter summarizing the program was sent by the UFA to each member's home in July (see attached letter). AUC 202, Addendum 1, which specifically details the new FDNY policy, was published by the Dept on August 1st. Please insure you are familiar with your rights under the program. Members being tested will be provided a form to list all foods and medications taken prior to the test. It is important that members not leave anything off the list, especially poppy seed products and all medications.

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Did You Receive Your New UFA Drug Card?
You should have it by now. If not, your family will not receive prescription drug coverage. Contact the UFA Security Benefit Fund 212-683-4723, FAX 212-683-0693 to update your corrected address! The new cards become effective September 1st. Your old card will no longer be valid.

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New UFA Prescription Drug Plan
The new plan description booklet by Eckerd Health Services (EHS) was mailed to all members' homes with the new prescription drug cards. The booklet lists the following important info and more:

• Member services contact/plan info for both the UFA plan and PICA Drugs
  • UFA's EHS Plan Member Services: 866-832-0563
    
    
  • EHS Healthline for medication questions: 866-744-4848
    
    
  • NYC PICA program: 800-467-2006
    
    
  • EHS Website: www.EHS.com\
    
    
• Mail order service order form and envelope
  
  
• Prescription drug info and generic drug FAQs
  
  
• Participating pharmacies, and local pharmacies in your neighborhood
  
  
• Specialty Pharmacy Services with Patient Support

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Health Benefits - Rate Change Notice
The Rate Change Notice describing the recent GHI-CBP/EBCBS Optional Rider rates has been distributed. This rate change is for the Prescription Drug and the Enhanced Schedule portions of the Optional Rider. The new deduction will appear in the paycheck for the first full pay period in September. Note that employees who have the Optional Rider but who receive prescription drugs from the UFA will have a different change in deduction in their paycheck than other employees who have the Optional Rider. If you have any questions, please call FDNY Health Benefits at 718-999-2196.

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FF McAdams for Congress - Volunteers Needed!
US House of Representatives candidate for the 17th District, NYC FF Kevin McAdams, is seeking campaign help for the Primary. He needs about 100 volunteers on Sept 12 and 13, and up to 300 volunteers on September 14th (Primary Day). Any time members can give between the hours of 8am to 9pm would be appreciated. The closing party will take place at Rory Dolan's from 9 to12pm on the 14th. Call 914-963-VOTE (8683) if you can make it. Visit the website www.mcadams2004.com.

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FF John P. Hannon Memorial 5K 'Fun Run'
The date has CHANGED for this event. On Thursday, September 23, 2004 the seventh annual FF John P. Hannon Memorial 5K 'Fun Run' will take place starting at 11:00am in Orchard Beach, the Bronx. The run will be taking place rain or shine!!! For more info contact E-60, L-17 at 718-430-0260.

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9/11 Memorial Service at Riverside Drive
On September 11, members of Battalion 18 will host the third annual memorial services in honor of our fallen brothers at the Firefighters' Memorial Monument on Riverside Drive and 100th Street (upper west side of Manhattan). All Firefighters and Family members are invited to attend. Members Assemble 0930 hrs, Mass at St. John the Divine 1215 hrs.