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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
The Bravest
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK
VOL. XLIV NO. 2, 2008 and preparing for upcoming negotiations. We have a meeting scheduled in late June with the Office of Labor Relations (OLR).
President’s Message By STEPHEN J. CASSIDY
s a result of the recent PBA arbitration award covering the (2004-06) contract, the UFA has suspended its (2008-10) contract negotiations and exercised the reopener clause from the most recent 2006-08 contract. The 200608 contract included improved reopener language that covered the previous contract of 2004-06. The UFA insisted on a retroactive reopener clause because we knew the PBA was in arbitration seeking an award to cover 2004-06.
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Department’s Web site with hyperlinks to biographical data on each medal recipient.
I would like to thank all the It is with deep regret we members who stepped up to help attended the funeral of Firefighter advance UFA issues in Albany for Sean M. McCarthy of E-280 on Lobby Day 2008. Your dedication May 27, 2008. The UFA requested is greatly appreciated! the Department give Firefighter McCarthy a full line-of-duty funer- As always, stay safe! al as we believe his death was directly related to 9/11. The Fire Commissioner and Chief of Department refused. Like so many firefighters, Sean spent countless hours at the Trade Center in the rescue and recovery efforts. He is not the first Firefighter to have died as a result of his work at the toxic remains of the terrorist attack. The NYPD has officially recognized the deaths of nine Police Officers as a result of their exposure at the WTC. The UFA is committed to ensuring that Sean McCarthy and our brothers who have or may in the future make the ultimate sacrifice due to their heroic efforts at the Trade Steve Cassidy, UFA Center be properly recognized. President, and New York State Governor David On Wednesday, June 4th, Paterson met at the NY State the Department observed Medal Capitol in Albany on June Day 2008. A listing of Medal Day 10, 2008. recipients, as well as a complete
As with the PBA’s previous adventure into arbitration in 200204, this award is also a mixed bag of raises and givebacks. The Executive Board, labor council and our actuary are reviewing the award program, can be found on the
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NO. 2 2008
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Lobby Day 2008Lobby Day 2008
Lobby Day 2008 By James Slevin UFA Vice President Legislative Chairman
enthusiastic about it. It is important for legislators to hear first-hand accounts from firefighters as to why a particular piece of legislation is important. When a firefighter from that legislator’s district shows up in their office and presents our agenda, it reminds that legislator that we will support those that support us. There are only a few days left in this year’s legislative session. Hopefully by the time you are reading this article we will have good news to report to you. Lobby Day 2009 is tentatively scheduled for May 19th, 2009. Speak with any-
Philip Halpin – LAD 012 Scott Hamelburg - LAD 16 Jonathan Henderson – ENG 072 Anthony M. Henry – ENG 010 Daniel Knoblich – LAD 023 Adam Lanes – LAD 144 Ed Lawler – LAD 140 Erik Lema – ENG 097
John McCromick – ENG 080 Robert McDevitt – BFI Queens Firefighters Travel to Albany Christopher McGuire – LAD 051 to Push the UFA Legislative Michael Mularkey – ENG 080 Agenda one on the list below to learn about Brett Munsey – LAD 136 On Tuesday June 10th, fire- what you missed out on and make Kevin Neasfsey – ENG 251 fighters from across the city braved the trip to Albany next year.* the sweltering heat to attend UFA Matthew O’Brien – ENG 079 Lobby Day in Albany. Upon Sal Argano – ENG 010 Terence J. Osborn – LAD 163 arrival in Albany they were given briefing packets with the UFA Leonard Baione – ENG 039 Carl Reach – LAD 164 Legislative Agenda along with talk- Dan Beck – ENG 291 Jeffrey A. Reinhardt - ENG 062 ing points and support memos. Edwad Bergin – ENG 080 Diego Rivera – LAD 041 Among the items on the Agenda Thomas Bevan – LAD 048 John Rodriguez – ENG 039 were the MTA Fare Waiver, Michael Bossom – ENG 006 Bruce Rowland – ENG 305 Interest on VSF DROP Funds and Gregory Broms – LAD 010 John Byrnes – LAD 022 the Cash for Terminal Leave Bill. Michael F. Schunk – RES 001 Members lobbied their indiJ.W. Smith – ENG259 vidual legislators and finished the Christopher Camarco - LAD 144 day by attending a reception that Robert Campana – ENG 305 Steven Tagliani 0 ENG168 was attended by numerous mem- Brian W. Conton - ENG 052 Abundi Thomas –LAD041 bers of the legislature. In addition, Martin Tighe ENG 088 Governor Paterson made time in his Paul DeLeo – LAD 041 William Tonner – LAD 032 busy schedule to attend our recep- James DeVito – RES 004 tion and spent time talking with Nicholas DePierro – ENG 001 Peter Utschig – LAD 007 members of the UFA Executive Board and firefighters. He was John Faherty – LAD 007 James Walsh – LAD 023 urged to sign the Citizen Soldier Gerard Fitzgerald – ENG 318 Kevin Walsh - ENG 079 Salary Act and also asked to support Thomas Furlong – ENG 080 the rest of the items on our agenda *This list includes those members Laurie Galiato - LAD 037 should they make it to his desk. that signed the registration sheet. Lobby Day was once again Louis Giaconelli – ENG 053 We apologize if we missed any firepraised by those members in atten- Keith Gough - ENG 026 fighters. dance. Legislators were also were James Guidice – ENG 094
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DENTAL BENEFIT CHANGES By Robert Straub, Treasurer n November 2007 the Trustees of the Uniformed Firefighters Association /Security Benefit Fund improved dental benefits and provided a significantly expanded list of participating dentists to members enrolled in the UFA Family Dental Plan/Healthplex. The Healthplex Participating Provider Organization (PPO) panel has a network of over 4,000 participating dentists who will provide services
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at a reduced fee schedule. In many cases, when using a participating PPO dental provider, the covered services will be paid in full with no member co-payments. Healthplex members have the option of using a PPO dental provider for covered services or they can receive treatment from a non-participating dentist and get reimbursed according to the new Enhanced Union Allowance Fee Schedule. However, out-of-network dentists may charge higher fees and your out-of-pocket expenses could be more. At this time the Trustees of the UFA/Security Benefit Fund are pleased to announce that members enrolled in Dentcare are being given an opportunity to change dental plans. The Enrollment Period will begin on June 15, 2008 through July 15, 2008 with an effective
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date of August 1, 2008. Members enrolled in Dentcare will be receiving literature shortly. Review and consider your options carefully.
If you elect to change your dental plan, fill out the enrollment card provided and return to the Security Benefit Fund Office by July 15, 2008.
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NO 2 2008
2008 UFA DELEGATE (Left) Michael A. Block, UFA General Counsel, addresses Delegates. Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C. was honored by the City Council of New York City on September 9, 2004 for its pro bono work on behalf injured firefighters and the families of deceased firefighters in representing them obtain awards from the Victim Compensation Fund. The Proclamation notes that the firm "...has dedicated itself to recovering over $260 million from the Fund for injured firefighters and families of fallen firefighters while foregoing millions of dollars in legal fees; " The firm was honored for its "unparalleled work on behalf of New York City's Bravest and their families, affected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001."
(Above R-L) Former UFA Presidents Jim Boyle 1983-85; Louie Sforza Jan-July 1990; former Broolkyn Trustee Dan Stromer, 1975-79; former UFA President Nick Mancuso, 1979-83, 198590.
(Above) Honoring Brian McCauley on May 15th at the 2008 Delegate Education Seminar are: (R-L) Daniel Murphy, Manhattan Trustee; William Romaka, Health & Safety Officer; Edward Brown, Bronx Trustee; John G. Kelly, Jr, Chairman of the Board of Trustees & Brooklyn Trustee; Robert Straub, Treasurer; Jim Slevin, Vice President; Brian McCauley; Steve Cassidy, UFA President; Joseph A. Miccio, Recording Secretary; Lester Layne, Fire Marshall Representative; and Stephen Humenesky, Queens Trustee.
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EDUCATION SEMINAR
(Above) Honoring Richard Grasso on May 15th at the 2008 Delegate Education Seminar are: (R-L) Joseph A. Miccio, Recording Secretary; Daniel Murphy, Manhattan Trustee; Donald Ruland, Staten Island Trustee; Steve Cassidy, UFA President; Honoree Richard Grasso; Edward Brown, Bronx Trustee; John G. Kelly, Jr., Brooklyn Trustee, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Steve Marley (L-44); and Jim Slevin, Vice President. Mr Grasso is widely known for his behind-the-scenes philanthropic efforts. His post 9/11 efforts have been concentrated on the victims of the attack. He is currently working on acquiring the resources and funds to assist FDNY members and other first responders and workers who have incurred 9/11-related illnesses. His goal is to create a fund that has the financial depth and stability to ensure that those who toiled at Ground Zero receive the best medical care if they become ill. (L-R) Christine Early, UFA Grant Director & Program Manager; conducts day-to-day office operations, Daily Member in Hospital & Accident Reports, and assists with Firehouse issues. She also supervises the status of all grants, including proposals, reimbursements, and reports on grant status. William (Bill) Romaka, Health & Safety Officer, Sergeant-at-Arms. He is in charge of all Health & Safety Issues (Exposure, Injuries, BHS Issues) FDNY Issues (WTC MM&TP, Gloves, Bunker Gear, Apparatus/TOC/Misc Meetings, etc.); Antonio (Tony) Caracciolo, Field Safety Representative. Tony conducts Field Safety Training at Firehouses, Union Meetings, and upon request from Firehouse Delegates. He also assists
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Firehouse Tradition ?
William Romaka Health & Safety Officer Sergeant-At-Arms
We are in a unique time in FDNY history. In the years since that tragic day, we have lost many experienced firefighters to retirement and promotions. The FDNY has looked to lessen their labor costs and have hired more firefighters at a lower base salary and gone over quota. This situation has created problems in the firehouse where there are often not enough senior firefighters to pass along
many long standing practices, or traditions. This coupled with the increased frequency of electronic devices has hampered the proper “teaching and learning” atmosphere of the firehouse. Though the FDNY has properly increased training in an effort to “replace” experience, this and many other factors such as increased building inspections, play a part in the deterioration of firehouse traditions. In the past, probationary firefighters were, and still are, required to do the most work around the firehouse. Is this unfair? No, it is a way to get the focus on the job, learn the job, and learn to be humble. Its fairness is rooted in the fact that all that come on this job are required to go through the same, time- honored tradition. How a probationary firefighter performs
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during this crucial first year tends to dictate the rest of his/her career and how others perceive them. Exerting one’s independence or “personality” during this period might give the sometimes erroneous impression that one does not understand the “team concept” in firefighting. The fact that there is a decreasing number of “senior” firefighters means that the “five to fifteen” year firefighters are needed to step up during these unique times and be additional mentors to our newer members. The education of firefighters is a never-ending process. To be a member of the FDNY Bravest requires an understanding of our history and traditions, along with a desire to uphold the high moral standards. It is important to remember that your whole life is “an integrity test” so always act in a way that you would prefer to be remembered! With this in mind, I would like to offer a Father’s Day tribute to my father, George D. Romaka (this essay was penned by him on November 14th, 1946 at the age of 21), and which I hope our firefighters can ponder. “I Owe It All to My Ancestors” We are all born in this world with gifts we are seldom grateful for. Some are born with “silver spoons in their mouths” and others in poverty stricken homes. One of the most important gifts that I am indebted to my ancestors for, is that I was born into neither one of the above categories. My station in life is at the present, one of middle class well being. To have been born otherwise, might have meant that my ideas of wealth and poverty would have been greatly distorted. To be raised in (Continued page 7)
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(Romaka -Continued from Page 6) p o v er ty would have cultivated in me a greed or lust for the better things in life. On the other hand to have been reared among luxuries would have left me lacking in ambition or the will to work. Which of the two “evils” would have left its mark on me is hard to say. The only thing I am sure of, is that being raised the way I was has made me neither greedy or lifeless. George D. Romaka, 7/4/25 to 4/3/92
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
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By Herb Eysser, UFA Staff Bronx’s Engine 85 was organized on July 1, 1967 in the quarters of Engine 82, Ladder 31 and the 3rd Battalion at Intervale Avenue and East 169th Street. The reason that Engine 85 was organized was simple: The Bronx was burning down and additional fire companies were urgently needed to fight the fire storm that was sweeping the South Bronx. Squad 9 from Manhattan’s Yorkville section was disbanded the same day and the manpower of Squad 9 was used to open Engine 85. The officers and members of Engine 85 did a tremendous amount of fire duty. Engine 85’s first alarm district was put to the torch! Fires were everywhere! In 1971 Engine 85 moved into the newly constructed “tin house” at Boston Road and East 169th Street and remained there until they were disbanded on May 20, 1986. Gone but not forgotten!
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The Stanton & Guzman First Annual Benefit Concert for the UFA Scholarship Fund took place on December 1, 2007. (L to R) Ken Larkin and Stacey Guzman of the Law Firm Stanton & Guzman present UFA President Steve Cassidy with a check for $4000.
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Uniformed Firefighters Association 204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010-9998 Tel (212) 683-4832 • Fax (212) 683-0710 www.ufanyc.org
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY President ENG 236 JAMES M. SLEVIN Vice President
LAD 7
JOSEPH MICCIO Recording Secretary
ENG 295
ROBERT STRAUB Treasurer
ENG 45
WILLIAM ROMAKA Health & Safety Officer Sergeant-at-Arms LESTER LAYNE Fire Marshal Representative
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY Editor-In-Chief
ENG 238
BF1
DONALD RULAND Trustee-Staten Island
ENG 157
JOHN G. KELLY, JR Trustee-Brooklyn ENG 201 Chairman, Board of Trustees STEPHEN G. HUMENESKY Trustee-Queens ENG 301 DANIEL MURPHY Trustee-Manhattan
ENG 74
EDWARD BROWN Trustee-Bronx
LAD 48
STEPHEN N. SYMBOLIK III Managing Editor
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