The Bravest
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK
JUNE/JULY 2006
A Fitting Tribute President’s Message By STEPHEN J. CASSIDY
n June 10th a fitting memorial, dedicated to the 343 New York City Firefighters who died on 9-11, was unveiled at the quarters of Engine 10 / Ladder 10. The 57-foot long, 6-foot high bronze bas-relief sculpture was commissioned by the law firm Holland and Knight, and will forever hang on the Greenwich Street side of the “Ten House.” The UFA Executive Board was honored to join hundreds of family members and friends at the emotional event. Holland and Knight lost one of their own in the 9-11 terror attacks. Glenn Winuk, a partner in the firm and volunteer Firefighter / Paramedic with the Jericho Fire Department was last seen leaving Holland and Knight’s Broadway offices and enter-
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ing the Towers to help rescue trapped during the production. Each firefightindividuals. Once it was discovered er and piece of equipment is fashthat he had died in the collapse of the ioned to represent all firefighters. No South Tower, the firm sought a way to one is singled out. Even a ladder commemorialize him and help those who pany in the background is emblawere operating in the rescue and zoned with “343” on the rig where the recovery efforts at the Site. company number would be. It is this They began fundraising efforts in strict attention to detail that makes order to provide ice to cleanse and this memorial a truly awe-inspiring cool the eyes of the workers at piece. Ground Zero. Nine weeks and 20 The memorial serves not only to tons of ice later, their ICE campaign honor those who were lost on 9-11, was no longer needed. Insisting more but the Firefighters who, on a daily could be done, they turned their basis, put themselves in harms way attention to a memorial and a way to for others. It honors the sacrifice of honor their partner and the members all New York City Firefighters. A of the FDNY who perished while large inscription, spanning the length facilitating the largest rescue in (Continued on page 6-7) American History. The firm teamed up with Assistant Chief Harry Myers and the foundation was laid for the memorial. The finished product is an immense sculpture which traces the timeline of the attacks from the impact of the planes to the completion of recovery efforts at the Site. Chief Meyers worked with the UFA President Steve Cassidy is joined by City Council Speakartists from Rambusch er Christine Quinn at the 9/11 Memorial Sculpture located Photo by: Todd Maisel Studios to advise them on the side of “Ten House”.
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FIREFIGHTERS DESCEND ON ALBANY
Stroke Bill, WTC Death Benefit and Terminal Leave Passed 2006 UFA Lobby Day Brings Success for Legislative Agenda By JAMES SLEVIN UFA Vice President/ Legislative Chairman ajor gains were made in Albany as the Stroke Bill, Terminal Leave Bill and WTC Death Benefit Bill have all passed the Senate and Assembly. We will now be working hard to convince Governor Pataki to sign this important legislation for UFA members into law. These bills are the result of 6 months of intense lobbying up in Albany and a strong turn out from the membership as they joined the Executive Board and myself at the 2006 UFA Lobby Day. More than 125 Firefighters joined the UFA Executive Board in Albany on June 6th to participate in the 2006 UFA Lobby Day. The annual event plays a vital role in the UFA’s efforts to accomplish our legislative goals. The strong showing by our membership this year was a clear indicator that the UFA’s legislative agenda is a priority to both the Board and the membership. A number of meetings were scheduled throughout the day with the state’s top lawmakers. In addition, the members who attended also met with their individual legislators in order to lobby for the bills which the UFA heavily supports. Each member in attendance was provided with a booklet outlining these bills. This overview of our agenda provided detailed descriptions of almost a dozen legislative proposals affecting Firefighters and their families. Among the most critical bills lobbied that day was the Stroke Bill, WTC Presumptive Death benefit Bill and the Cash for Terminal Leave Bill. These legislative proposals deal with the health and safety of our membership as well as other benefits. It was clear to each lawmaker who was paid a visit by our members that these were of paramount concern to the Firefighters of New York City. We would like to thank those that voted in favor of our bills. Following the afternoon meetings, a reception was held in which many of the
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legislators were able to attend and The UFA Executive Board was joined by more than 125 Firespeak with our fighters at the 2006 UFA Lobby Day. The day resulted in a nummembers in a more ber of UFA supported bills being passed. informal setting. It year’s event. Firefighter Malone was here where they got to hear firstrecently suffered a stroke and is currenthand how important the bills are to us ly rehabilitating from his injury. He and how they would affect our families. played an important role in showing the Prior to the passage of the Stroke and politicians the added dangers we face as Terminal Leave Bill, we had to secure firefighters. home rule messages from the City CounA complete list of the 2006 UFA Legcil. Many unions walked away with no islative Agenda is available for downhome rules and the UFA was successful load on the UFA website, in getting two. In years past it was not www.ufanyc.org, under the “Legislauncommon for the City Council to pass tive” section. Remember, just because upwards of 50 home rules for unions. Lobby Day has come and gone, does not This past year we saw less than 15 and mean that the lobbying stops. In the two of them were for the UFA. I would future we will be calling on members to like to thank City Council Speaker turn out for our friends in Albany that Christine Quinn in helping us with the have helped us. They will need our help home rule messages. in the fall. They helped us with our legI would also like to extend a thank islation – we need to help them get reyou to Firefighter Kevin Malone, his elected. Get involved, stay informed wife Monica, and the members of and turn out! Engine Company 315 for attending this
UFA Endorses Clinton for Re-Election By JAMES SLEVIN UFA Vice President/Legislative Chairman tanding outside Brooklyn’s Engine 255 / Ladder 157 on April 19th, the UFA Executive Board publicly announced its support for the re-election of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Joining the UFA were members from the UFOA Executive board and Engine 255 / Ladder 157. Clinton has remained a staunch supporter of legislation and programs that affect New York’s Firefighters. She has (Continued on page 8)
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The UFA has thrown its support behind Hillary Clinton in her bid for re-election.
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2006 UFA Delegate Education Seminar Annual Event Provides Necessary Resources to be an Effective Delegate By JOSEPH MICCIO Recording Secretary Delegate Education Seminar Director he 2006 Delegate Education Seminar took place May 2 – 5 and once again proved to be a resounding success. Hundreds of Delegates made the trip to the Trump Taj Majal in Atlantic City to take part in the various educational opportunities that were available. Topics ranging from pensions to public relations were covered in general sessions, and numerous smaller workshops were also available to those in attendance. Each event and presentation was specifically designed to ensure that all Delegates are provided the necessary tools and resources to effectively do their job. The event kicked off with the State of the Union Address by UFA President Steve Cassidy. During the speech, he provided the membership with an overview of the UFA’s accomplishments over the past year as well as a description
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of the critical issues affecting New York City’s Firefighters now, including future contract updates. The UFA also highlighted three individuals /groups as our 2006 honorees. They were chosen because of their tireless efforts in assisting firefighters and their families. Stan Reimer, Director of the Honor Emergency Fund, Milton DiRienzo, Coordinator of the UFA/UFOA Welfare Fund, and the members of the Fire Family Transport Foundation were this year’s recipients. They were presented with a sculpture of a firefighter, complete with a personal inscription applauding their efforts. In addition to the speakers and workshop presenters, the Annual UFA Delegate
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Education Seminar would not be possible without the help of our corporate sponsors and exhibitors. They help to educate our Delegates on a wide range of programs available to firefighters and their families—and their generous support helps make the Seminar possible. A complete list of exhibitor contact information is available on page 11. Lastly I would like to extend a big “Thank You” to the staff at the Trump Taj Mahal, who year after year provides us with the amenities and resources needed to host such a large-scale, successful educational event. We look forward to continuing the successful tradition of the Delegate Seminar in 2007. To download the entire 2006 UFA Delegate Education Seminar booklet, which features a complete rundown on the topics covered and workshops offered, please visit www.ufanyc.org.
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Health and Safety Office Secures Grants Funding will provide the membership with additional education & outreach By WILLIAM ROMAKA Sergeant-at-Arms Health & Safety Officer he UFA Health and Safety Office was recently notified by the New York State Department of Labor Hazards Abatement Board that we had been awarded a Grant in the amount of $65,444 for the grant year August 1st, 2006 to July 31st, 2007. In late May, I met with Ms. Janice Caminiti, a Workforce Programs Specialist assigned to assist us with our grant’s requirements. For those unaware, there are strict guidelines regarding how the funds can be used and the necessary documentation needed to support it. Fulfilling the requirements of the grant successfully puts an organization in a good position to improve upon these resources in
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the future. We will be holding Health and Safety Seminars at the UFA Offices on 23rd Street. Education surrounding important health and safety issues is the main focus of the grant. With so many new firefighters on the job, we feel the need to give them as much information as possible to help them build a solid foundation early in their careers. We have also been fortunate to secure a $5,000 September 11th Recovery Grant from the American Red Cross Liberty Fund. This will be used to produce outreach material to better inform the membership of the benefits and treatment options available under the WTC Medical Monitoring Program. We feel this is a necessary function to try and reach the members on light duty, detailed, or Fire-
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fighters who may be on long term medical leave. Grant Director Christine Early will be finalizing plans in the coming weeks regarding the new program initiatives.
Autism Grant Awarded to UFA The UFA has received a grant to help assist our families who currently have a child / children with autism. However, due to the specific parameters of this one-time grant, the program is only open to ACTIVE MEMBERS at this time. One in 166 children is diagnosed with autism and much has been done to raise public awareness and funds for the developmental disorder. Because little is known about autism the majority of funding goes towards research. In addition, some costs such as specialized educational programs, medical expenses, and drugs not covered by insurance can impose a huge financial burden. This grant will help defer some of the cost of treatment. In order to qualify for the grant, the UFA will need the following: 1. Documentation of the condition (Doctors note) 2. Copies of some of the bills which are results of the condition 3. A brief explanation (3 paragraphs) on the current household situation and support needed Please send the above to: Uniformed Firefighters Association c/o Ed Burke 204 East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 Deadline for submissions is August 1, 2006. **All submissions will be kept in the strictest of confidence**
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10-ALARM BLAZE HITS GREENPOINT
Fire Sheds Light on Brooklyn’s Depleted Resources By Herb Eysser, UFA Staff ne of the biggest fires to ever hit New York City took place alongside the Brooklyn Waterfront on May 2, 2006. The fire was reported in early morning hours at 4753 West Street, a vacant warehouse, and soon spread to the surrounding properties. The blaze ultimately engulfed 14 neighboring buildings, leveling them, and incurred a
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response of 10-alarms. It was the largest response, notwithstanding 9/11, by New York City’s Firefighters since the 1995 St. George Hotel Fire, also in Brooklyn. With the two largest responses in FDNY history taking place in Brooklyn it is unimaginable to consider the closing of companies anywhere in the Borough. However… • The nearest Firehouse to the 10-alarm
blaze was closed in 1972 – Engine 215, located at 88 India Street • The second closest Firehouse to this fire was closed in 2003 – Engine 212, located at 136 Wythe Avenue • Between 1922 and 1959, a fireboat was located down the street from the fire buildings at Noble Street and the East River. It is no longer there. The closures of these companies and disbanding of units over the years resulted in the inability for them to arrive at the scene and begin operations. This is proof that cuts to the Fire Department will have a negative impact on firefighting operations.
New Phone System Enhances Member Service new telephone system that improves member services has been designed and installed at the UFA and the Security Benefits Fund Offices. The new system still allows members to immediately speak with our operator by pressing “0”, and also allows you the choice to directly reach UFA employees and UFA Departments via the greeting message options. As always, Board Members can be reached via the operator during business hours or via the answering service for after-hours emergencies.
Photo courtesy of Craig Warga/Daily News
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A 10 alarm fire in Greenpoint highlighted the impact of closing fire companies.
Joseph Miccio – Recording Secretary / Information Technology Chairman
Attention UFA Members The UFA has arranged for its members….ACTIVE & RETIREES, as well as your EXTENDED FAMILY (spouses & parents) to obtain Long Term Care Insurance at DISCOUNTED RATES. Take this opportunity to learn more about this important retirement planning tool. Call Ron or Derek today YOUR RESPONSE IS ESSENTIAL FOR UFA ENDORSEMENT. Ronald Brie
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(914) 245-6070 SEMINAR 2006 EXHIBITOR www.ltcfp.com
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JUNE/JULY 2006
Photo by Todd Maisel
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— Dedicated to those fell and those wh President’s Message Apparatus Update (Continued from page 1)
of the sculpture reads “Dedicated to those who fell and those who carry on. May we never forget.” The June 10th program included a number of speeches and presentations by various dignitaries and elected officials, including a video message from President George W. Bush. In his speech, he drove home the point that while we may continue to move ahead, it is important we take time and never forget those we have lost. His participation in the event came after the UFA Executive Board, while in Washington D.C. to lobby for additional federal training funds, suggested to the White House that the President come to New York for the unveiling of this spectacular tribute. However, the day posed a number of scheduling and security issues that would prevent him from making an appearance. The UFA then suggested he produce a video for the event. He agreed and the result was seen at the ceremony. Overall, the day was a bittersweet
moment for a many of us in attendance. Many remembered those we lost and were glad to have such a stunning memorial dedicated to their lives. But one could not help but to look across the street to the vacant space where the towers once stood. It was evident that this, in fact, was our memorial. Each individual Firefighter is listed with his rank and badge number, as well as assigned unit. The UFA has been a staunch proponent for this recognition of first responders at the World Trade Center Memorial. However, the WTC Memorial Foundation has yet to address our concerns. Now they only need to glance to the corner of Greenwich and Liberty Streets to take notice of how a fitting tribute looks. Our sincere thanks go out to all the employees and staff at Holland and Knight for their efforts in providing the Firefighters of New York City with a memorial that will last the test of time.
As I mentioned in the previous issue of “Firelines,” the UFA is continuing to place pressure on the Department regarding their lack of properly working apparatus. I recently testified at a City Council hearing before the Fire and Criminal Justice Committee on the subject. The session was held after the UFA publicly demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the injury of FF Joseph Moore of Ladder 13. In December, Moore was hurled from the Company’s 18-year old spare tower ladder as they turned a corner in Manhattan. The Department sent representatives from Technical Services and Fleet Services to the hearing in order to provide the Council with testimony on the subject. The Commissioner was absent. Prior to the hearing, I was joined by UFA Health and Safety Officer Bill Romaka at a press conference on the steps of City Hall. It was here where we provided the media with a glimpse into the maintenance program currently employed by the Department. We presented them with a comparison of Continued on next page
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who carry on. May we never forget. — Continued from previous page
two separate maintenance checklists for City vehicles – a sanitation truck and a FDNY tower ladder. Needless to say, the fact that the sanitation truck had a checklist of almost 200 separate points and the tower ladder had a mere 26 points was proof enough that there is something wrong with the way spare and front line apparatus are being inspected and placed into service. At the hearing, the Department officials were grilled by members of the City Council Fire and Criminal Justices Committee. The Deputy Commissioner for Technical Services explained that “The Department has a very aggressive preventive maintenance program.” Yet, he couldn’t explain why the Sanitation Department allots more time and effort inspecting their vehicles than the Fire Department does for apparatus that is charged with protecting the lives of 8 million New Yorkers. City Councilman Miguel Martinez called the checklist comparison “An embarrassment.” We also brought to the forefront
that 98% of the FDNY fleet is produced by one manufacturer, Seagrave. I explained that this is the wrong way to ensure a quality product. We advocated for the Council to examine the bidding and awards process currently used by the Department. It is our feeling that hiring more companies to produce our vehicles will encourage competition and ensure a better product; a notion the members of the City Council agreed with. In addition, we brought to the Council’s attention that the Department was issued four recommendations by the Office of the City Comptroller in 2005 regarding the maintenance of spare apparatus; none of which have been addressed or implemented. When asked of this, the Deputy Commissioner responded that he only knew of two recommendations and that he was unaware of four. We made sure that he was provided a copy of the recommendations before heading back to Metrotech. While we no doubt made strides at the council hearing, the problem is far from solved. We were successful in exposing a number of flaws in Department oversight and procedures within
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their Fleet Services Division. These shortcomings resonate as nothing less than negligence on their behalf. It is obvious by the lack of preparation displayed by the Department at the hearing as well as their halfhearted approach to resolving this problem, that this administration is not taking this issue seriously. Now that the Council has heard first hand from the Department, and seen how faulty the procurement, awards, and maintenance processes are, we will make sure to press them for further action in this matter. Fraternally,
Note: A complete copy of President Cassidy’s City Council Testimony is available on the UFA Website, www.ufanyc.org
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Firefighter Matthew Long Released From Hospital Critically injured member takes giant step towards recovery By DANIEL MURPHY Manhattan Trustee irefighter Matthew Long of Ladder Company 43 was released from New York Presbyterian Hospital on May 24th, taking another crucial step towards recovery. Long, 39, was struck by a bus and critically injured on the morning of December 6th while riding his bicycle during the transit strike to the FDNY Fire Academy where he was assigned as a fitness
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FF Matthew Long is greeted by friends & family as he leaves the hospital on May 24th.
instructor. Matt spent more than 5 months in the hospital and endured 15 surgeries. However, throughout his stay, he was surrounded by family, friends, and a never-ending procession of Firefighters. Now that he has been released, Long will continue his rehabilitation on an outpatient basis. At a press conference prior to leaving the hospital, Long explained how he maintained his resolve to get better. “Without the support of my friends and family, and all over New York – to having fundraisers for me in Atlanta and California – I would not have been able to do it. I thank you all,” he said. Matt’s mother Eileen also addressed the crowd. “I thought my family was big before this happened, but now I have 50 other sons,” referring to the members assigned to Matt’s Firehouse who were a staple at the hospital from admittance to release. “You truly are a part of our family.” Prior to the accident, Matt Long was an avid tri-athlete and placed a huge focus on physical health. He recently completed an “Ironman” competition in Lake Placid as well as the New York City Marathon. It was his peak physical con-
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dition which his doctors credit for his survival. After he addressed the media, Matt walked out of the hospital with the assistance of crutches and was greeted by hundreds of well-wishers. Echoing outside the hospital were cheers and chants of “Go Matty!” as well as the celebratory hum of the bagpipes played by the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. He then smiled and was whisked away in his brother’s 1963 Ford Galaxy convertible. We wish him a speedy recovery. Our thoughts will continue to be with Matt and the entire Long family.
Clinton (Continued from page 2) secured millions of dollars in federal funding in order to track the health of those who took part in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero – an important step in studying the long-term health effects of the City’s first responders. In addition, Clinton has been an outspoken opponent of the formula for distribution of Homeland Security Funds. She has joined with the UFA in advocating for a threat based approach to secure the funds necessary to help us properly protect the residents of the City in this post 9-11 world. She has also conducted numerous Homeland Security Surveys in order to highlight the flaws in the current distribution system. “Hillary Clinton has delivered for New York City Firefighters,” said UFA President Steve Cassidy. “She has continued to push for legislation and secure funding that directly affects us and for that, we are here to support her in her bid for re-election.” “I am honored to have the support of the brave men and women of the New York City Firefighter Unions,” Clinton said. “I look forward to continue to serve with them to keep New York safe.” The UFA was among the first unions to publicly support Clinton’s bid for re-election. In fact, our announcement served as an unofficial kick-off for her campaign. With the support of New York City’s Firefighters, we are confident that she will gain re-election and continue to deliver on her promise of increased funding for New York’s Bravest.
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Firefighter Kevin Malone Heads Home
Kevin Malone (center) and family are greeted by some of Queens’ bravest as he is released from the hospital on March 31st. was honored to join the members of on an outpatient basis. Together with his Engine 315, Ladder 125, Battalion 50 wife Monica and son Mickey, Kevin sent and the 14th Division as FF Kevin Malthanks for all the support that he and his one, Engine 315, left Jamaica Hospital on family have received. As noted by UFA March 31st. Malone was admitted after VP Jim Slevin, Malone also made the trip suffering a stroke on March 2nd. Memto Albany for UFA Lobby Day to help bers from surrounding companies were secure passage of the Stroke Bill. We also in attendance to salute Kevin and wish him well in his recovery. wish him well as he headed home. He will — Stephen Humenesky, now continue his rehabilitation program Queens Trustee
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Reminder from the Security Benefit Fund (SBF) In order to receive SBF benefits, parents of children attending college need to provide the SBF with the following: A letter each semester from the registrar on school letterhead listing the student’s name and acknowledging he/she is taking 12 or more credits. A copy of a paid tuition bill from the college for each semester These items are necessary for the SBF to provide the proper benefits to the children of firefighters. All info should be mailed to: Security Benefit Fund 204 East 23rd Street – 3rd Floor New York, NY 10010 Or Fax to 212-683-0693
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Bravest Football Sacks the Cops
Members of the Bravest Football Club celebrate their victory over the NYPD Football Club 16-6 in the 34th Annual Fun City Bowl on May 20th. After their win, the FDNY Squad headed to Phoenix for the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL) Championship where they lost a hard fought battle to the Phoenix Thunder 31-26. We congratulate them on their continued success and look forward to 2007.
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ew York’s Bravest Comics took to the stage on May 1st to once again provide an evening of laughter to raise money for a special cause. The 7th Annual Bravest Night of Comedy was held at Queensboro Community College and featured special guests Ray Garvey and Saturday Night Live’s own Colin Quinn. A packed house was treated to the comical talents and firehouse humor of active and retired members of New York’s Bravest before the headliners took to the stage. The event was a resounding success and raised more than $8000 for the Thomas Elsasser Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to families of Firefighters who passed away non line-of-duty.
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2006 DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR EXHIBITOR CONTACT LIST
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PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT Kristin Dempsey, John Schmidt Ray Sweetland, Bill Walsh One Penn Plaza – Suite 2501 917-339-4423 917-339-4426 (fax) www.prudential.com/signature
VISION SCREENING Seth Polan 1919 Middle Century Road Centereach, NY 11720 631-467-4515 631-467-7786 (fax) WACHOVIA MORTGAGE CORPORATION Lorraine Moufang 19 Hill Court Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-446-1653 732-446-0276 (fax) lorraine.moufang@wachovia.com
ROYAL ALLIANCE ASSOCIATION Mike Carter 414 Eagle Rock Avenue West Orange, NJ 07052 973-736-2400 ext. 22 973-736-8977 (fax) SEPTEMBER 11TH FAMILIES’ ASSOCIATION Marian Fontana 22 Cortlandt Street – 20th Floor 212-669-6122 212-406-9794 (fax) info@wvfa.org STERLING NATIONAL MORTGAGE CO. INC. John McGuire 98 Cuttermill Road, Suite 200N Great Neck, NY 11021 516-593-7826 516-593-2524 (fax)
SULLIVAN, PAPAIN, BLOCK, McGrath, Cannavo, P.C. 120 Broadway New York, NY 10271 212-732-9000 212-266-4148 (fax) www.triallaw1.com UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES Lou Sforza Jr., John Dugan Frank Euvino, Joe Barbara, James McBratney 109 North Avenue Westfield, NJ 07090 800-862-9045, 908-789-3179 908-789-3190 (fax) Frank.euvino@ubs.com
THE PENSION PLANNER “The Firefighters’ Financial Resource” George Duignan, John Hurley, Steve Goldis 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 516-357-9293 516-357-8989 (fax) www.FDNYpensionplanner.com
LTC FINANCIAL PARTNERS Ronald Brie 12 East 86th Street #439 New York, NY 10028 212-799-3900 212-879-0029 (fax) www.ltcfp.com MARSH AFFINITY GROUP SERVICES Matt Arvanites 1440 Renaissance Drive Park Ridge, IL 60068 847-493-4416 847-803-2553 (fax) www.personal-plans.com/ufa
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NYC DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN 457 & 401(k) Georgette Gestely - Director 40 Rector Street – 3rd Floor 212-306-7760 212-306-7376 (fax) www.nyc.gov/deferredcomp
LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE LOANS Rich Insley 114 West 47th Street – 21st Floor New York, NY 10036 800-227-9887 ext. 333 212-391-1902 (fax) www.libertymutual.com
FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS Nancy Carbone 1591/2 Columbia Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 718-643-0980 718-643-1240 9fax) www.friendsff.org
BEACON FINANCIAL GROUP Luis Febus – Sr. VP Civil Service Division Empire State Building – 350 5th Avenue, Suite 5321 New York, NY 10118 888-769-4333 973-748-4556 (fax) www.beacon-financial.com BARRASCH, MCGARRY, Salzman & Penson Law Firm Brian Harvey 11 Park Place New York, NY 10007 212-385-8000 212-385-7845 (fax) www.firelaw.com
EMPIRE BLUE CROSS / BLUE SHIELD Christopher Bugeya, Dominick Pellegrino Thomas Canty 11 West 42nd Street – 16th Floor New York, NY 10036 212-476-7535 212-476-7610 (fax) www.empireblue.com FIRECASTGIFT.COM Glen Barile P.O. Box 120-075 Staten Island, NY 10312 718-967-1671 718-967-1671 (fax) www.firecastgift.com
AIG Denise Massella 80 Pine Street – 3rd Floor New York, NY 10005 212-770-1139 212-509-8824 (fax) www.aigaandh.com
908-653-7290 908-276-1971 (fax) mhecht@nationwide.com
INNER IMAGING Bert Barrette 67 Irving Place New York, NY 10003 212-777-8900 212-777-2008 (fax) www.innerimaging.com
WASHINGTON MUTUAL John Halleran 9 Law Drive Fairfield, NJ 973-575-3400 ext. 280 John.halleran@wamu.net
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W.L. GORE AND ASSOCIATES Bob Towe 105 Vieres Way Elkton, MD 21922 410-506-5267 410-392-4457 (fax) www.crosstech.com
STERLING OPTICAL Amy Shapiro 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd – Suite 508 Garden City, NJ 11530 1-800-EYES-789 519-390-2170 (fax) www.sterlingoptical.com
NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL Michael Hecht 21 Commerce Drive – 3rd Floor Cranford, NJ 07016
www.ufanyc.org
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DENOTES EVENT SPONSOR
Uniformed Firefighters Association
PRESORTED STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 14 HUNTINGTON, NY
OF GREATER NEW YORK 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 SLEVIN Vice President
LAD. 7
JOSEPH MICCIO Recording Secretary
ENG. 295
ROBERT STRAUB Treasurer
ENG. 45
WILLIAM ROMAKA Health & Safety Officer Sergeant-at-Arms
ENG. 238
LESTER LAYNE Fire Marshal Representative
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY Editor-In-Chief
BFI
DONALD RULAND Trustee-Staten Island
ENG. 157
JOHN KELLY Trustee-Brooklyn ENG. 201 Chairman, Board of Trustees STEPHEN HUMENESKY Trustee-Queens
ENG. 301
DANIEL MURPHY Trustee-Manhattan
ENG. 74
EDWARD BROWN Trustee-Bronx
LAD. 48
MICHAEL LOUGHRAN Managing Editor
1105
ONLY ONE LAW FIRM As General Counsel to the UFA for over 20 years, we have a proven record of obtaining substantial recoveries for firefighters and their families in all types of personal injury cases.
• Our firm recovered more than $830 Million for our clients in the last five years alone. • Over 250 of our clients have been awarded over $1 Million each. • Line of Duty Injuries • Automobile Accidents • Pharmaceuticals/Vioxx • Labor Law • Slips and Falls
• Medical Malpractice • Birth Related Injuries • Defective Products • Lead Poisoning
Contact: Michael Block 212-732-9000
S ULLIVAN PAPAIN B LOCK MCGRATH & CANNAVO P.C. 55 MINEOLA BOULEVARD MINEOLA, NY 11501 516-742-0707
120 BROADWAY NEW YORK, NY 10271 212-732-9000 WWW.TRIALLAW1.COM
126 STATE STREET HACKENSACK, NJ 07601 201-342-0037
The above figures are based on actual cases the firm has handled. These figures do not guarantee a particular recovery. Each case must stand on its own merit.
www.ufanyc.org