The Bravest
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK
WWW.UFANYC.ORG
VOL. XLVI NO. 3, 2010
On Saturday September 11, 2010, at 0930 hours, members of Battalion 18 hosted the Ninth Annual Memorial Services at the Firemen’s Monument on Riverside Drive and 100th Street. Photo Credit: Stephen N. Symbolik III
President’s Message by Stephen J. Cassidy
O
n Wednesday, September 29th the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, shortly before it recessed. It now needs to pass the Senate. If changes are made, it may have to go back to the House. It seems unlikely, at this point, that all of this can be accomplished in a lame-duck session (the period after the election and prior to the new Congress being sworn in). The UFA is working closely with the two New York Senators to get the Senate to act on the bill shortly after the November election. On October 4th, the Department began a pilot program (Modified Response) throughout the entire borough of Queens. The program decreases the number of fire units
that respond to certain types of emergencies with lights and sirens. Lights and sirens will be used by the first responding units; however, units that follow will do so at a reduced speed under signal 10-20 response protocol. The Department says this program is intended to reduce apparatus accidents. We don’t believe them! If the Department is serious about reducing accidents, they would, as we suggested, again require all responding units to stop at all red lights and stop signs which was the Department’s rule prior to Commissioner Scoppetta changing it in 2005. This rule is the national standard practiced by all Departments in every city in the country! It seems clear, the Department will take no action to Continued on page 2
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Continued from page 1
improve safety if these actions are likely to increase response times of the first arriving units. The UFA cannot stop this pilot program even though we believe it may compromise the safety of our firefighters and the public. We believe there will be additional pressure on those units responding with lights and sirens to get to the scene of the emergency even more quickly thereby increasing the danger to firefighters and civilians. The UFA is reminding all chauffeurs that it is their job to respond in a safe manner. Do not let anyone pressure you into responding in an unsafe manner thereby putting yourself and other firefighters at greater risk. The Administration announced in October that it is requiring the FDNY to cut its budget another 2.7% by January 1st with a likely additional 4% cut for July 1, 2011 (2012 budget). It should be clear to everyone that the Administration intends to again try to close firehouses next year. The UFA will continue to lobby the City Council and other elected officials in an effort to once again avert firehouse closings. It’s crucial that we continue to target our Community Boards and City Council Members reminding them that any closings would further diminish the safety of the public and firefighters Judge Nicholas Garaufis had temporarily barred the City from hiring the probationary firefighters from Exam 6019 after ruling it discriminated against nonwhite applicants the same way as did two previous exams he deemed illegal. On September 13 th he gave the City an option to select one of several hiring procedures spelled out in his 27-page order. The City rejected the alternatives in his proposal stating "the City declines to select any one of the five proposals offered by the Court. We understand that as a result the City is not permitted to hire any entry level firefighters for the duration of the 'temporary injunction.' Under the supervision of the Special Master the City is striving to develop a new examination in conjunction with the other parties as expeditiously as possible." The City estimates it would take a minimum of 8-12 months before it could create a
new examination and begin hiring off of a new list. In September, the ninth anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks was observed throughout the city and the nation. On October 6th, Firefighters Memorial Day was observed at the Firemen’s Monument, again remembering our fallen heroes. Sadly, the public was distracted from this year’s memorial services because of the controversy surrounding the proposed building of a mosque at Ground Zero. Mayor Bloomberg has claimed religious freedom in America hangs in the balance and defended his support of the WTC mosque, stating: “Firefighters that went into those buildings and gave their lives—they didn’t go in and say, ‘Excuse me, what’s your religion?’” It is utterly inappropriate for the mayor to invoke dead heroes in a pathetic attempt to bolster his argument in favor of building the mosque. His comments are irrational – he’s wrong and he owes 343 families an apology. For the latest updates on the important issues affecting us, go to our Website at <www.ufanyc.org>. As always, stay safe!
ELECTIONDAY IS TUESDAY NOVEMBER2nd
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Legislative Update By James M. Slevin, Vice President
Pension Benefits, Constitutional Conventions and Federal Laws Protecting Our Pensions For the past few years the hard earned benefits of our members have been coming under attack. Every day there is a story in the newspapers, on local and national news programs or talk radio about the costly benefits of Firefighters and other public employees. The media is perpetuating a myth that we do not deserve our benefits. Nothing could be further from the truth. This attack is not only happening here in New York. Firefighters around the country are under attack. Seehttp://www.iaff.org/10News/PDFs/PensionFeature.pdf The NYS Constitution protects current firefighter’s pensions. The relevant section states: After July first, nineteen hundred forty, membership in any pension or retirement system of the state or of a civil division thereof shall be a contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired. NY CONST., Article V, § 7 Any changes to pension laws can only affect future employees not incumbents. This happened recently when Governor Paterson vetoed the Tier II pension extender in 2009. Only future firefighters will be ineligible for Tier II benefits and are covered under Tier III. The only way that incumbent firefighters can have their pension benefits reduced is by a change to the NYS Constitution. This is done by a Constitutional Convention. The entire question of process to change the constitution is covered by article XIX of the state constitution. 1. Every 20 years since 1957 the State Constitution requires that at general election a question be placed on the ballot asking voters whether to call a constitutional convention. 2. The legislature may shorten the 20 year period by voting to place a referendum question on the ballot asking the public if a Constitutional Convention should be held. 3. The legislature may amend the constitution by a majority vote of both houses. Two votes are required in two successive legislatures. One before and one after a general election.
Then the question must be placed before the people in a manner to be prescribed by the legislature. If by chance a constitutional convention and change were to take place the question arises as to what protections remain in place for incumbent members and retirees. A growing number of states are now testing whether benefits for incumbent employees can be reduced. See <http://www.stateline.org/live/details/ story? contentId=504503> The protections that are currently in place on the Federal level have never been tested like this before. In states without constitutional guarantees on pensions, statutes and court cases consider retirement benefits an unbreakable contract between the state and workers. That same protection is in the contract clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says: “No state shall … pass any … law impairing the obligations of contracts.” What is not protected by any federal laws or state constitutions is current salary and benefits. So while a retiree’s pension may not be reduced, a firefighter that has not yet retired and locked in their pension benefit can have a reduction in their future pension. This is done by limiting the amount of overtime that they earn, since pension benefits are based on final year salary. There is no constitutional right to earn overtime. By limiting overtime a members pension will be affected. In other Fire Departments around the country some unions have re-negotiated contracts and reduced salaries in order to avert layoffs and closings. This can potentially impact a members future pension benefits. The UFA will continue to fight for our members to ensure that a constitutional convention does not occur. We earn our pensions every day putting our lives on the line for the citizens of New York. We will continue to support candidates for elected office that support us. We also will continue to ask our members to turn out to support those candidates. This November is a crucial election day. Talk to your delegate and tell him that you want to be a Political Action Volunteer. We will need your help to help us in the fight to maintain our benefits.
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FALL 2010 RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM TRANSFER PERIOD The City’s 2010 Health Benefits Program Transfer Period begins November 1, 2010 and ends November 30, 2010. Changes requested during the Transfer Period are effective for retirees on January 1, 2011. Retirees may transfer into any health plan for which they are eligible, add or drop Optional Rider coverage, and add or drop dependents in their present health plan. Refer to the Summary Program Description at www.nyc.gov/olr for plan descriptions. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO MAKE A CHANGE, DO NOTHING. Non-Medicare Retirees – The City will be mailing out Retiree Transfer Applications shortly. If you wish to transfer to another health plan, or add or drop the Optional Rider complete the application and return to the Health Benefits Program. Medicare-eligible Retirees – Wishing to transfer to another health plan, depending on the health plan selected, will need to complete the application mailed by the City or a special form provided by the health plan selected, and return by November 30, 2010. To enroll in a Medicare HMO you must contact the Medicare HMO directly to request a special application. If you are presently enrolled in a Medicare HMO and are transferring to a Medicare supplemental plan, you must first unenroll from your current plan. Note: Some Medicare health plans provide Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, for example HIP-VIP. If you are a HIP-VIP member you are presently receiving your drugs from this plan. If you change your health plan to a Medicare Supplement plan such as GHI Senior Care you must notify the Retired Security Benefit Fund in writing together with a copy of Medicare Card by December 1, 2010 so we can enroll you in SilverScript, which is the RSBF Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. SilverScript Medicare Part D part will be effective January 1, 2011. You must notify the Health Benefits Program in writing immediately upon receipt of your or your dependent’s Medicare card. Include the following information: a copy of the Medicare card and birth dates for yourself and spouse, retirement date, pension number and pension system, name of health plan, and name of union welfare fund. The City will reimburse retirees and their dependents for the monthly premium for Medicare Part B, as well as dependents enrolled on Medicare disability. www.ufanyc.org
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FALL 2010 ACTIVE HEALTH BENEFITS TRANSFER PERIOD The Fall 2010 Health Benefits Program begins November 1, 2010 and ends November 30, 2010. Health plan changes requested during the Transfer Period will be effective the first day of the first full payroll period in January 2011. During the Annual Transfer Period you may transfer into any health plan listed on the City’s Health Benefits Application, drop the Optional Rider or add or drop dependent(s). Refer to the Summary Program Description at www.nyc.gov/olr for plan descriptions. To make changes you must complete a Health Benefits Application which is available for download at www.nyc.gov/olr or by contacting the FDNY Bureau of Personnel, Health Benefits Desk (718) 999-2196. Applications must be submitted to the Bureau of Personnel, Health Benefits Desk no later than November 30, 2010. MEDICAL SPENDING CONVERSION ENROLLMENT (MSC) BUY-OUT WAIVER PROGRAM To elect the Medical Spending Conversion Enrollment (MSC) Buy-Out Waiver Program or change health premium contribution tax status, you must fill out both a Health Benefits Application and a MSC Buy-Out Enrollment/Change Form or MSC Premium Conversion Form. For information about how to obtain the Health Benefits Application and forms contact FDNY Bureau of Personnel, Health Benefits Desk (718) 999-2196.
Forms must be submitted no later than Friday, November 19, 2010.
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Manhattan Trustee’s Column By Daniel Murphy Recently, Firefighter Kenny Ruane stopped by the UFA offices to visit Manhattan Trustee, Daniel Murphy. Kenny is one of the longest-serving firefighters in the FDNY. He was appointed to the Department on September 5, 1970 and was assigned initially to 26 Truck where he proudly served for two years under Captain John O’Regan. In March of 1972, he was transferred to Engine 91-2 until 1974, when he was transferred back to 26 Truck. During the fiscal crisis of 1975, he was laid off in July for one year and then rehired in July 1976 and sent to Engine 39 for 6 years. In March 1982, he began working at 16 Truck, remaining there until December 2004, when he was detailed to Engine 10. Kenny says, “When I was 22 I thought I was a man but learned quickly I was still a kid. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be a firefighter. Captain O’Regan changed that for me and cemented what I wanted to do for a living. O’Regan was a visionary, a mentor, and I am proud to be one of his disciples. His knowledge, soft-spoken manner, and calm and articulate way of training encouraged younger guys. He taught us that the key to firefighting was getting into and staying in the right Left to right: FF Kenny Ruane and Daniel Murphy, Manhattan Trustee. Photo Credit: Stephen N. Symbolik III
position to perform your responsibilities. For the rest of my career, even today, when I go to a call, I can still hear Captain O’Regan’s soft voice over my shoulder.” At 62, Kenny is still strong and vibrant. Having served in the FDNY for 40 years, he is one of the longest-serving members in the history of the FDNY. Kenny says he still feels “capable and in shape to do the job.” The job still gets his “adrenaline running” and holds his interest. It also allows him to impart his knowledge and experience to a younger Department… especially what he learned from Captain O’Regan. Says Ruane, “I’m supposed to retire July 13, 2013, but I don’t think about it. I enjoy every day. I’d like to do this job as long as I can keep up. I often say: ‘if a probie beats me up the stairs, it’s time to go.’ I’ve had the great privilege to work with hundreds of great officers and thousands of firefighters. When I started in the job someone told me: ‘Don’t let this job become who you are’ but, it has become what I am, and I’m grateful!”
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Report from the Health and Safety Office By Bill Romaka, Health & Safety Officer, Sergeant-At-Arms and Bernadette Royce, Health and Safety Program Manager
Ho w’s Yo u r Hear t ? As you read this, you may be in the early stages of your career, nearing retirement, or already retired. For those who just started, many depend upon you to perform your job quickly and safely. For those thinking about retirement or already retired, you want to live a long, healthy retirement, free of medical problems. For all of you, you share one thing in common: you need a healthy heart. Yet, heart attacks kill more firefighters than any other cause, both on and off the job. While much of this is due to the exertion of the job, diet plays a significant role in heart health. You can ensure your heart is healthy throughout your career and into a long, enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re a probie, near retirement, or retired, make some changes today to protect your heart for the future! There is nothing better than sitting around the firehouse for a big meal. However, some simple changes can stop the meal from being a heart attack waiting to happen! Let’s start with fats. There are two types of fats: healthy and unhealthy. All fats should be used in moderation. The next time you cook, try to substitute the healthy fats for the unhealthy fats. The charts on the right should help. Protein is a crucial component of any meal. Without it, your body will break down your muscle. Choose lean cuts of meat and chicken. Fish is excellent; salmon and other cold-water fish offer the benefits of omega-3 fatty-acids. These types of fats protect the heart from disease. Red meat may increase the risk of cancer and should be consumed in moderation. Ideally, cook the meat in ways to reduce the fat. Trim fats from meat before cooking. Try broiling or drain the fats after cooking. Add in lots of veggies to the dinner. On average, the more colorful your diet is, the healthier it is. Fruits and vegetables have lots of fiber and antioxidants which may lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. By increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet, you also increase your daily fluid intake. However, make sure to drink plenty of water in addition to fruits and vegetables. Also, remember to limit caffeine because it dehydrates the body. Dehydration significantly stresses your heart during any firefighting activity. For grains, aim to eat whole grains like whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice. These have more fiber on average and are better for your heart. Whole grains also help lower your bad cholesterol or “LDL.” Try to avoid products made from white flour; switch it for its whole wheat version instead for some healthy benefits!
Regardless of what is being cooked for dinner at the firehouse, one thing can definitely be left out: the salt! Salt raises blood pressure, a significant problem for many firefighters. High blood pressure stresses the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Look for menus on line that are low in sodium. Use a sodium substitute. Leave the salt shaker off the table. Throw in some herbs and garlic for flavor instead. Garlic offers great antioxidant properties and can help protect the heart. Whatever you do for dinner, change one thing on the menu to make it healthier! Your family, friends, and your heart will appreciate it! If you are looking for healthy menus, check out the UFA Health and Safety website at: <http://www.ufanyc.org/ health_and_safety> You can find information for healthy eating under the Health and Safety Miscellaneous section, along with lots of additional information to keep you healthy and safe! Stay Safe and Stay Well!
Types of Good Fats Monounsaturated Fat Polyunsaturated Fat
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Types of Harmful Fats Saturated
Trans-fats
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Sources Olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds Safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils, nuts and seeds Fatty, cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel and herring), flaxseeds and flax oil
Sources Animal products, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, lard and butter, and tropical oils, such as palm and coconut. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, shortening and margarine, commercial baked goods, crackers, cookies, doughnuts, cakes, fried and fast-foods
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COMPENSATION ACCRUAL FUND OF THE UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK - LOCAL 94 I.A.F.F., AFL-CIO 204 EAST 23RD STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10010 TEL: (212) 683-4723 FAX: (212) 683-0693
To:
All Participants
From:
Board of Trustees
Re:
Annual Membership Report
Page 8 TRUSTEES: STEPHEN J. CASSIDY Chairman ROBERT STRAUB Treasurer JAMES M. SLEVIN JOSEPH A. MICCIO WILLIAM ROMAKA JOHN G KELLY, JR. DONALD RULAND EDWARD BROWN DANIEL MURPHY LEROY C. McGINNIS
In compliance with Directive 12, Employee Benefit Funds – Uniform Reporting and Auditing Requirements, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the City of New York, set forth below is a report of the financial condition and operations of the Fund for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. The Security Benefit Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association provides prescription drug, dental, optical, hearing aid, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, certain widows’ benefits and other benefits to eligible participants, which include firefighters, fire marshals, marine engineers, pilots, and uniformed wipers, pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust entered into between the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, Local 94, I.A.F.F., AFL-CIO (the UFA) and the Trustees of the Fund. Such benefits are funded through employer contributions, which are established by collective bargaining agreements entered into between the UFA and the City of New York. The value of Fund assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Fund, was $34,519,786 as of June 30, 2009, compared to $35,821,724 as of July 1, 2008. During the fiscal year the Fund experienced a (decrease) in its net assets available for benefits of $(1,301,938). Additions to the Fund totaled $15,649,772. These additions included investment (loss) of $(230,119), contributions of $15,073,991, and other income of $805,900. Deductions from the Fund totaled $16,951,710. These deductions included benefits paid to or for participants of $16,273,151 and administrative expenses of $678,559. For additional information write or call: Board of Trustees Security Benefit Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association 204 East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 683-4723
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COMPENSATION ACCRUAL FUND OF THE UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK - LOCAL 94 I.A.F.F., AFL-CIO 204 EAST 23RD STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10010 TEL: (212) 683-4723 FAX: (212) 683-0693
To:
All Participants
From:
Board of Trustees
Re:
Annual Membership Report
Page 9 TRUSTEES: STEPHEN J. CASSIDY Chairman ROBERT STRAUB Treasurer JAMES M. SLEVIN JOSEPH A. MICCIO WILLIAM ROMAKA JOHN G KELLY, JR. DONALD RULAND EDWARD BROWN DANIEL MURPHY LEROY C. McGINNIS
In compliance with Directive 12, Employee Benefit Funds – Uniform Reporting and Auditing Requirements, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the City of New York, set forth below is a report of the financial condition and operations of the Fund for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. The Retired Firefighters Security Benefit Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association provides prescription drug, dental, optical, hearing aid, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, certain widows’ benefits and other benefits to eligible participants, which include retired firefighters, fire marshals, and uniformed wipers, pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust entered into between the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, Local 94, I.A.F.F., AFL-CIO (the UFA) and the Trustees of the Fund. Such benefits are funded through employer contributions, which are established by collective bargaining agreements entered into between the UFA and the City of New York. The value of Fund assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Fund, was $15,969,256 as of June 30, 2009, compared to $13,394,337 as of July 1, 2008. During the fiscal year the Fund experienced an increase in its net assets available for benefits of $2,574,919. Additions to the Fund totaled $21,337,820. These additions included investment (loss) of $(38,841), contributions of $17,449,112, and other income of $3,927,549. Deductions from the Fund totaled $18,762,901. These deductions included benefits paid to or for participants of $18,127,074 and administrative expenses of $635,827. For additional information write or call: Board of Trustees Retired Firefighters Security Benefit Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association 204 East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 683-4723
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“Arbitration: When ‘Past Practice” Counts” By Joseph A. Miccio, Recording Secretary ADAPTED FROM LABOR ARBITRATION INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS Past practice is a good and often-used argument utilized by the UFA and other unions during a grievance or improper practice. Past actions often determine how both parties interpret a contractual provision. To be successful in a case, we must prove the elements of a past practice (repeated and clear practice over a long period of time and mutually agreedto). But proof of these elements alone does not mean we win. There is one more step in the analysis: does the practice replace or modify what the contractual language already says? This is where arbitrators split. Most arbitrators believe that contract language controls, even when the parties seem to adopt a past practice that varies from what the contract language requires. A smaller number of arbitrators believe that the parties can adopt a practice that trumps clear contract language. An example would be the arbitrator's award which determined that members do not receive OT pay for 6th grade medicals. The other example is when the contract language is not clear. More arbitrators are in the camp that past practice controls when the language is not clear. This group recognizes that parties cannot cover every possible situation with contractual language, so it is their belief that the parties intend to be bound by the practices that evolve. In these cases the arbitrator determines that the 'practice' becomes binding
to the written agreement because the past practice clarifies what both parties have in essence already agreed to by their actions. This is accomplished by memorializing it in the written language of the arbitrator's award. An example of this occurring is the "Portal Pay" provision of the UFA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA, Article XXIII). In this 1991 case, the Department suddenly changed its past practice of approving portal pay for detailed members under circumstances that it had always approved before. The arbitrator ruled that detailed members, as long as they depart quarters prior to the start of tour, are entitled to a full 45 minutes for travel within the same borough and a full 1 hour and 15 minutes for travel to a unit outside of the originating borough-even if they arrive at the detail location after the start of the tour. In this instance, the original contract language apparently was not clear. The arbitrator ruled in the UFA's favor based on extensive past practices he cited in language of his 1991 award. Several years ago, when this issue came into question again, it was quickly and amicably resolved once the UFA presented the language of that 1991 arbitration award. Other than the exceptions listed under Article XXIII of the CBA, members today still receive 45 minutes or 1 hour and 15 minutes Portal Pay as indicated above because the UFA defended its argument of 'Past Practice' successfully. Joe Miccio is the Grievance Chairman for the UFA.
As is customary, thousands of firefighters turned out for the annual FDNY Memorial Service at the Firemen’s Monument at 100th Street & Riverside Drive. This year 14 members of the Department were commemorated that had died since October 2009. Photo Credit: Stephen N. Symbolik III
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One Year to the 2011 World Police & Fire Games Submitted by the World & Police Fire Games Organizing Committee The one-year countdown to the opening of the 2011 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) began on August 26, 2010. Two events, sponsored by the organizers of the Games, were held to help promote the milestone. The “2011 WPFG Golf Classic” was held on Tuesday, August 24 at the Pelham Bay/Split Rock Golf Course in the Bronx. The second event, held on Thursday, August 26, was “2011 WPFG Night at Citi Field” where the NY Mets hosted the 2011 WPFG to mark the start of the oneyear countdown to the 2011 Games. In addition, the 2011 WPFG logo was featured on the car driven by Kasey Kahne at the NASCAR race in Richmond, Virginia on September 11. There are many exciting developments involving the Games so please keep checking our website, www.2011wpfg.org. The “2011 WPFG Golf Classic” was a huge success with golfers taking to the links at the Pelham Bay/Split Rock Golf Course in the Bronx for a great day of golf. There were golfers from the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD and many other local agencies participating. The Split Rock Golf Course is one of the venues being used for the Golf event at next year’s Games. The winners from each agency secured a guaranteed spot in the Golf event next year. The day’s winners included: Neil Fredrickson of the FDNY, Patrick Ryan of the NYPD, Godfrey Smith of the PAPD and Ron March of the Nassau County PD. Thanks to all of the golfers and volunteers who turned out to support the Games and make this event the huge success that it was! “2011 WPFG Night at Citi Field” marked the actual one-year out date to the Opening Ceremonies of the 2011 WPFG. The NY Mets opened up their doors and welcomed the 2011 World Police & Fire Games to Citi Field. In a pre-game ceremony, members of the 2011 WPFG Executive Board were escorted to home plate and presented with the NY Mets “Spirit Award”. Immediately afterwards the 2011 WPFG Video was shown on the large screen on center field and on TV screens throughout the stadium. More than 350 firefighters, police officers, families and friends joined the 2011 WPFG Executive Board on the Pepsi Porch for a fun evening of baseball. Thanks to the NY Mets for hosting us and helping get the word out about the 2011 Games!
On the night of September 11, 2010, the 2011 World Police & Fire Games were on display at the Air Guard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race in Richmond, Virginia. The Budweiser #9 Ford Fusion car of Kasey Kahne honored the 2011 World Police & Fire Games. The hood and rear quarter panels were decorated with the 2011 WPFG logo and the rear spoiler of the car was emblazoned with the 2011 WPFG website, <www.2011wpfg.org>. A group of FDNY and NYPD members attended the race and were honored at the prerace ceremonies. Earlier in the day the group visited the firefighters at Henrico County Fire Station 21 to join them in a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. The Henrico County firefighters provided breakfast before everyone gathered outside the fire station to remember those lost on 9/11. Thanks to our brothers from Henrico County for being such good hosts and allowing us to remember with them! The excitement is building as the start of the 2011 World Police & Fire Games gets closer. With less than a year before the Opening Ceremonies there is still much left to be done. Help is needed at every level. Please consider volunteering to help with the Games - become part of this historic event!
Volunteers Needed for the 2011 World Police and Fire Games! Volunteers will be a very important part of the 2011 World Police & Fire Games. There are more than 7,500 volunteer positions that need to be filled. Volunteer positions include everything from assisting our Sport Coordinators run their specific sports to helping with setup and support at the various Games venues. Some volunteer roles require special skills or knowledge while others only require a desire to pitch in and help. All volunteers will be trained for their volunteer role. Applications to volunteer are now being accepted on our website, www.2011wpfg.org. Click on the “Join TEAM 2011” logo in the upper left side of the homepage for the Volunteer Application and more information on volunteering. There is a role for everyone and we encourage you to sign up now. Do your part to make these Games a success by becoming a volunteer and joining TEAM 2011.
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Uniformed Firefighters Association
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STEPHEN J. CASSIDY President ENG 236 JAMES M. SLEVIN Vice President
LAD 7
ROBERT STRAUB Treasurer
ENG 45
JOHN G. KELLY, JR Trustee-Brooklyn ENG 201 Chairman, Board of Trustees EDWARD BROWN Trustee-Bronx
LAD 48
JOSEPH A. MICCIO Recording Secretary
ENG 295
WILLIAM ROMAKA Health & Safety Officer Sergeant-at-Arms
ENG 238
DONALD RULAND Trustee-Staten Island
ENG 157
DANIEL MURPHY Trustee-Manhattan
ENG 74
LEROY C. MCGINNIS Trustee-Queens
ROBERT MCDEVITT Fire Marshal Representative
ENG 266
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY Editor-In-Chief
STEPHEN N. SYMBOLIK III Managing Editor
BFI
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