The Coeur d’Alene firefighters are hosting a second annual charity golf tournament. Last year we had a great time and would love to see some support from Spokane Fire people. The tournament is a scramble and starts at 1300 on August 19th at Twin Lakes Village in North Idaho. The money raised will go to the American Cancer Society.
I have attached an entry form. Please contact me if you require any further information.
John G. Morrison
Fire Captain
Coeur d'Alene Fire Department
(208) 769-2340
jmorrison@cdaid.org
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Pacific Northwest Firefighters Golf Tournament
The Spokane Firefighter's Golf Club will be hosting the 53rd annual Pacific Northwest Firefighter's Golf Tournament this year. The SFD is one of five host cities with the other four being Portland, Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma. The Tournament will be held at the Deer Park Golf Club on August 3rd and 4th. There will be a hospitality room on the 2nd and 3rd at the Ramada Inn at North Pointe. The Tournament is open to all active and retired firefighters of all golfing abilities. We are hoping for a large turn out from the members of our department. So far Portland has 20 members traveling over for the Tournament. The entry form and more information are attached.
Any questions call me at Station 8-C or home
Thanks, Jamie
Any questions call me at Station 8-C or home
Thanks, Jamie
From Chief Williams regarding the phones...
Greg:
I talked to Garv this morning after the Cabinet meeting about your email. He assures me that they continue to dedicate City IMS resources to try to figure out what is going on that is causing this problem. They have involved Cisco (the phone manufacturer) as well as the providers of the phone lines. They are having daily conference calls among all of the players to try to solve this issue.
As a reminder, the red phone in the station is available if folks need to make calls rather than using their cell phones. These phone should be working since they are outside of the network (no one has reported that they have had problems with the red phones).
This situation is frustrating for everyone but I can assure you that it is a priority for our IMS folks who are in regular contact with the City IMS personnel. Garv has promised that this is the top priority for his department and it will remain that way until it is resolved.
Thanks!
Bobby Williams
I talked to Garv this morning after the Cabinet meeting about your email. He assures me that they continue to dedicate City IMS resources to try to figure out what is going on that is causing this problem. They have involved Cisco (the phone manufacturer) as well as the providers of the phone lines. They are having daily conference calls among all of the players to try to solve this issue.
As a reminder, the red phone in the station is available if folks need to make calls rather than using their cell phones. These phone should be working since they are outside of the network (no one has reported that they have had problems with the red phones).
This situation is frustrating for everyone but I can assure you that it is a priority for our IMS folks who are in regular contact with the City IMS personnel. Garv has promised that this is the top priority for his department and it will remain that way until it is resolved.
Thanks!
Bobby Williams
Monday, June 27, 2005
Looks like I spoke too soon on phones (in more ways than one).
From Local 29 President Greg Borg
Mayor West,
I returned to work today, Sunday 26th to find that our phone were out on the 23rd and the computers would not let us log on today. One of the people on my shift was able to get the secondary computer to work so I could read and answer my e-mails. While I appreciate Garv's answer it does not answer my questions. Can we get a telephone line in the station that works until this is fixed? I know Qwest can have a phone installed by Wednesday, on a phone line that works all the time. Can our computers be taken off line until you fix them so we can have access?
I am having people use my personal e-mail so I can get city notices. I am using my cell phone to do city business. I thought the system might be fixed when we returned. It has been a week.
Respectfully, Greg
Mayor West,
I returned to work today, Sunday 26th to find that our phone were out on the 23rd and the computers would not let us log on today. One of the people on my shift was able to get the secondary computer to work so I could read and answer my e-mails. While I appreciate Garv's answer it does not answer my questions. Can we get a telephone line in the station that works until this is fixed? I know Qwest can have a phone installed by Wednesday, on a phone line that works all the time. Can our computers be taken off line until you fix them so we can have access?
I am having people use my personal e-mail so I can get city notices. I am using my cell phone to do city business. I thought the system might be fixed when we returned. It has been a week.
Respectfully, Greg
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
More on the phones...
I was forwarded this from Councilman Joe Shogan. It is a response to our questions about the phones from Garv Brakel, head of the city's IMS Division. A public thanks to the mayor, to our city councilmembers and especially to Mr. Brakel for answering Local 29's questions regarding the history behind the new phone system. It sounds like they've discovered the problems and the phones should now be working - good news for all!
The memo:
I was first notified of the problems with telephones at the fire stations on Monday, the 6th of June 2005, and focused the appropriate resources of my department for a quick resolution. Clearly, there has been a problem out there for several months. One of the issues has been that the problem was intermittent, and as a consequence has not been reported and escalated to management in affected departments and MIS. During this time, however, the 911 system was not impacted, nor, because of redundant systems, was there ever a situation when a fire station was without emergency communications capability. We isolated the main problem this week, however, we will continue to monitor performance. The fundamental problem was a programming error in some network components at remote sites.
Let me address the specific questions posed my Mr. Griffith:
1. The total cost of the new telephone system was $1,597,591.00. With tax, the total increased to $1,726,995.87. Included in this number is hardware, software, and installation services. It is true that each telephone instrument costs around $500, however, these telephones are actually computers on our citywide network that have many features not available on the old system. An example of this is the directory capability or unified messaging which makes voicemail available through the email system. Over time, we will be fielding additional enterprise applications to our customers via the telephone system. This number compares favorably with the $300 to $400 we were paying for rebuilt telephones for the old system. After inflation, the new telephones were actually cheaper than the old ones in 1989.
2. While the old system was not broken, it was 15 years old. To keep it operating following the year 2000 we bought parts from organizations that had already replaced their systems. We have been totally in the used parts arena for five years. At any time, a hardware failure could have caused an outage that would have lasted until we found the appropriate part. We have been on borrowed time for years.
3. The City began its search for a new system in 2000 with initial planning based upon our difficult experience in making the old system Y2K compliant. In 2001, we engaged the services of a telecommunications consultant to assist MIS staff in identifying each department’s requirements for a new system. We extended an invitation to all interested vendors to install demonstration systems for our evaluation. Five vendors accepted our offer and actually installed their systems in City Hall for use by selected users. City staff visited three other vendor sites for demonstrations. These requirements and experiences were reduced to a 120 page RFP that was released in early September 2003. On the due date of October 6, 2003, the City received 12 proposals for evaluation. The evaluation team consisted of City Council President Rob Higgins, Administrative Services Director Dorothy Webster, Mike Charter from the fire department, Dave Ingle from the police department, George Bailey from the solid waste department, and Ron Nicodemus the director of the utility billing department. I sat as a non-voting member of this committee. The final selection was based upon functionality and lowest cost over a 5 year period. The decision was approved by both City Council and Mayor West before the contract was signed.
4. The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is a mature product at this point. In fact, I delayed the whole process to the point that the technology was not only mature, but also at the point where prices dropped as they do with all new electronics. The exact same system selected is in use by several other cities and counties in Washington, Microsoft, Boeing, and over 60% of Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Griffith is probably confusing our system with some commercial offerings of VoIP where the Internet is the means of transport instead of normal public switched telephone system circuits. There are quality of service issues with these services. Ironically, the programming errors that we found cause our system to have these same problems at remote sites.
5. Once the installation has been completed, acceptance testing shall be performed upon the system following its cutover. This test and verification period, if successful, shall consist of thirty consecutive days of normal traffic load with no major component failures and no major alarms, defined as: 1) CPU failure; 2) main power supply failure; 3) a failure of the remote electronics at one of the City’s sites; 4) 25% of incoming/outgoing trunks inoperable; 5) 10% or more stations inoperable; or 6) 10% of the voice mail system inoperable. The City of Spokane shall accept the installed system after a signed letter of official system certification with successful acceptance test results, accompanied by two sets of as-built documentation provided by the Vendor, is received, reviewed with the Vendor, and accepted in writing by the City of Spokane. Because installation is not complete for this system, final acceptance testing has not begun.
6. It would be very difficult and prohibitively expensive to either go back to the old system or select a different technology at this point. One of the decision points for this system is that it rides the same network that we use for computers. With the old system, we had to maintain a separate physical network just for telephones. The savings over time will be significant. Telephonic customer service will improve this week. Funding for this system was via the City Capital Improvement Program and MIS equipment replacement reserves which are both one time funding resources for capital programs only and are not viable sources for continuing operations.
The memo:
I was first notified of the problems with telephones at the fire stations on Monday, the 6th of June 2005, and focused the appropriate resources of my department for a quick resolution. Clearly, there has been a problem out there for several months. One of the issues has been that the problem was intermittent, and as a consequence has not been reported and escalated to management in affected departments and MIS. During this time, however, the 911 system was not impacted, nor, because of redundant systems, was there ever a situation when a fire station was without emergency communications capability. We isolated the main problem this week, however, we will continue to monitor performance. The fundamental problem was a programming error in some network components at remote sites.
Let me address the specific questions posed my Mr. Griffith:
1. The total cost of the new telephone system was $1,597,591.00. With tax, the total increased to $1,726,995.87. Included in this number is hardware, software, and installation services. It is true that each telephone instrument costs around $500, however, these telephones are actually computers on our citywide network that have many features not available on the old system. An example of this is the directory capability or unified messaging which makes voicemail available through the email system. Over time, we will be fielding additional enterprise applications to our customers via the telephone system. This number compares favorably with the $300 to $400 we were paying for rebuilt telephones for the old system. After inflation, the new telephones were actually cheaper than the old ones in 1989.
2. While the old system was not broken, it was 15 years old. To keep it operating following the year 2000 we bought parts from organizations that had already replaced their systems. We have been totally in the used parts arena for five years. At any time, a hardware failure could have caused an outage that would have lasted until we found the appropriate part. We have been on borrowed time for years.
3. The City began its search for a new system in 2000 with initial planning based upon our difficult experience in making the old system Y2K compliant. In 2001, we engaged the services of a telecommunications consultant to assist MIS staff in identifying each department’s requirements for a new system. We extended an invitation to all interested vendors to install demonstration systems for our evaluation. Five vendors accepted our offer and actually installed their systems in City Hall for use by selected users. City staff visited three other vendor sites for demonstrations. These requirements and experiences were reduced to a 120 page RFP that was released in early September 2003. On the due date of October 6, 2003, the City received 12 proposals for evaluation. The evaluation team consisted of City Council President Rob Higgins, Administrative Services Director Dorothy Webster, Mike Charter from the fire department, Dave Ingle from the police department, George Bailey from the solid waste department, and Ron Nicodemus the director of the utility billing department. I sat as a non-voting member of this committee. The final selection was based upon functionality and lowest cost over a 5 year period. The decision was approved by both City Council and Mayor West before the contract was signed.
4. The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is a mature product at this point. In fact, I delayed the whole process to the point that the technology was not only mature, but also at the point where prices dropped as they do with all new electronics. The exact same system selected is in use by several other cities and counties in Washington, Microsoft, Boeing, and over 60% of Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Griffith is probably confusing our system with some commercial offerings of VoIP where the Internet is the means of transport instead of normal public switched telephone system circuits. There are quality of service issues with these services. Ironically, the programming errors that we found cause our system to have these same problems at remote sites.
5. Once the installation has been completed, acceptance testing shall be performed upon the system following its cutover. This test and verification period, if successful, shall consist of thirty consecutive days of normal traffic load with no major component failures and no major alarms, defined as: 1) CPU failure; 2) main power supply failure; 3) a failure of the remote electronics at one of the City’s sites; 4) 25% of incoming/outgoing trunks inoperable; 5) 10% or more stations inoperable; or 6) 10% of the voice mail system inoperable. The City of Spokane shall accept the installed system after a signed letter of official system certification with successful acceptance test results, accompanied by two sets of as-built documentation provided by the Vendor, is received, reviewed with the Vendor, and accepted in writing by the City of Spokane. Because installation is not complete for this system, final acceptance testing has not begun.
6. It would be very difficult and prohibitively expensive to either go back to the old system or select a different technology at this point. One of the decision points for this system is that it rides the same network that we use for computers. With the old system, we had to maintain a separate physical network just for telephones. The savings over time will be significant. Telephonic customer service will improve this week. Funding for this system was via the City Capital Improvement Program and MIS equipment replacement reserves which are both one time funding resources for capital programs only and are not viable sources for continuing operations.
Tacoma Fire is hiring. Application deadline - June 30th
Click on title to go to webpage with downloadable application.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Friday, June 10, 2005
The mayor responds...
John,
I received a copy of your email to the City Council and will be providing you with a more detailed reply shortly to your inquiry.
Always feel free to contact the City Council members about things but also please also feel free to contact me or Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch at any time if you have questions, suggestions or simply comments, especially when issues come up in the area of administration. By Charter the City Council is responsible for policy and the Mayor is responsible for administration.
While the City Council approved the contract for the new phone system, it was on the advice of my office that they did so. The City Council should be concerned if something isn’t working properly or if they feel they are not provided adequate information so we will be answering your questions to them also.
In the last 17 months I’ve strived to open the administration up to the Council, employees and the public and believe we have made significant progress there. For example, I’m told the previous administration forbade administrative staff from communicating with the Council without the knowledge and/or permission of the Mayor or City Administrator. I immediately changed that policy when I took office because of my belief that the Council should be fully informed and should be able to ask staff any question without restriction. It made no sense to me to deny the policy making body of the City access to important information. If a Governor had done that to me when I was a Legislator I would have been rightfully outraged. Even in this time when the Council has asked me to resign the administration is fully maintaining the Council’s right to unrestricted access to staff and information so they can do their jobs.
Now regarding your questions; they are good questions that deserve answers. We will get those answers to you as soon as possible. Rest assured that the new phone system was reviewed for several years before a decision was made to buy it. The money was programmed into the budget as a one time expense to purchase the system and had no relation to layoffs anywhere in City government. One time monies should never be used for ongoing expenses like salaries or benefits. Primarily they should be used to improve systems and/or lower ongoing costs.
I’ll see that you soon get the answers to all your questions and again please feel free to contact me at anytime regarding anything.
James E. West
Mayor
City of Spokane
W. 808 Spokane Falls Blvd
Spokane, WA 99201-3335
(509) 625-6250
I received a copy of your email to the City Council and will be providing you with a more detailed reply shortly to your inquiry.
Always feel free to contact the City Council members about things but also please also feel free to contact me or Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch at any time if you have questions, suggestions or simply comments, especially when issues come up in the area of administration. By Charter the City Council is responsible for policy and the Mayor is responsible for administration.
While the City Council approved the contract for the new phone system, it was on the advice of my office that they did so. The City Council should be concerned if something isn’t working properly or if they feel they are not provided adequate information so we will be answering your questions to them also.
In the last 17 months I’ve strived to open the administration up to the Council, employees and the public and believe we have made significant progress there. For example, I’m told the previous administration forbade administrative staff from communicating with the Council without the knowledge and/or permission of the Mayor or City Administrator. I immediately changed that policy when I took office because of my belief that the Council should be fully informed and should be able to ask staff any question without restriction. It made no sense to me to deny the policy making body of the City access to important information. If a Governor had done that to me when I was a Legislator I would have been rightfully outraged. Even in this time when the Council has asked me to resign the administration is fully maintaining the Council’s right to unrestricted access to staff and information so they can do their jobs.
Now regarding your questions; they are good questions that deserve answers. We will get those answers to you as soon as possible. Rest assured that the new phone system was reviewed for several years before a decision was made to buy it. The money was programmed into the budget as a one time expense to purchase the system and had no relation to layoffs anywhere in City government. One time monies should never be used for ongoing expenses like salaries or benefits. Primarily they should be used to improve systems and/or lower ongoing costs.
I’ll see that you soon get the answers to all your questions and again please feel free to contact me at anytime regarding anything.
James E. West
Mayor
City of Spokane
W. 808 Spokane Falls Blvd
Spokane, WA 99201-3335
(509) 625-6250
Regarding phones - Brad Stark's response from Garv Brakel - the City's IMS Director
I have just heard recently (on Monday) of these problems. I’ll get back to you with a resolution. I’m guessing that the problem is related to simultaneous use of the computer. The phones and computers share the same network but settings in the switches and routers give priority to the voice application. If you can imagine all of the little packets of information floating around in our network but some of them are holding up red flags, and the red flags are waved through ahead of everybody else. Dropping words in a conversation tells me that the red flags are not being recognized.
To answer the other questions I’m talking somewhat off the top of my head as I am on vacation and just checking in at night from home. The new phone system cost about 1.8 million. Each phone is essentially a computer with additional capabilities that we will be adding over time and does cost around $500. This is compared to the old phones which cost around $300 in 1989 when they were purchased. The old system was functioning well, however, it was 15 years old and no new parts were available. We have been a heartbeat away from having nothing for several years. Maintenance on the old system was very expensive and going up. We had to get a new system. There was a huge effort to identify requirements, build an RFP, and select a new system. In addition to MIS, fire, police, utility billing, and other departments were members of the selection team. MIS did not hold a voting position on the team, so the system was actually selected by the user departments. Mayor West approved the process and final selection. This technology is not in its infancy. These people are confusing Internet based phone systems with our Voice over IP system. Our system runs over our own network, not the Internet. One of the many advantages to this is that our phones and computers are on the same physical network so we are maintaining only one network instead of the two we had before. The cost savings over the long run are considerable. This is the phone system that most organizations are buying now. The system is guaranteed to work correctly and the vendor will assist us in fixing this problem. We really cannot economically go back at this point. The money for this program is not related to a loss of firefighter positions for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that a good portion of it is from the utilities. The systems was paid for with CIP and MIS equipment replacement funds which are capital programs outside of the general fund problems associated with the loss of firefighters
Fire stations are somewhat different than other locations in that we do not have city owned highspeed network connections to all of them yet. We have a joint plan with the fire department to run fiber optic cable to all stations. As each station comes on to that network, overall service will improve. I’ll get you the schedule. In the meantime, we are leasing data grade circuits and if we are having problems, it could well be related to the quality of these circuits. We will address the performance issue with the vendor.
As a service provider, I would prefer that our customers talk to us about problems and use the normal chain of command to report problems. If that is not working for them, I respect their right to call on the council for help. Monday of this week was the first time I was aware that the stations were complaining. Give me a chance and we will get this fixed.
Garv
To answer the other questions I’m talking somewhat off the top of my head as I am on vacation and just checking in at night from home. The new phone system cost about 1.8 million. Each phone is essentially a computer with additional capabilities that we will be adding over time and does cost around $500. This is compared to the old phones which cost around $300 in 1989 when they were purchased. The old system was functioning well, however, it was 15 years old and no new parts were available. We have been a heartbeat away from having nothing for several years. Maintenance on the old system was very expensive and going up. We had to get a new system. There was a huge effort to identify requirements, build an RFP, and select a new system. In addition to MIS, fire, police, utility billing, and other departments were members of the selection team. MIS did not hold a voting position on the team, so the system was actually selected by the user departments. Mayor West approved the process and final selection. This technology is not in its infancy. These people are confusing Internet based phone systems with our Voice over IP system. Our system runs over our own network, not the Internet. One of the many advantages to this is that our phones and computers are on the same physical network so we are maintaining only one network instead of the two we had before. The cost savings over the long run are considerable. This is the phone system that most organizations are buying now. The system is guaranteed to work correctly and the vendor will assist us in fixing this problem. We really cannot economically go back at this point. The money for this program is not related to a loss of firefighter positions for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that a good portion of it is from the utilities. The systems was paid for with CIP and MIS equipment replacement funds which are capital programs outside of the general fund problems associated with the loss of firefighters
Fire stations are somewhat different than other locations in that we do not have city owned highspeed network connections to all of them yet. We have a joint plan with the fire department to run fiber optic cable to all stations. As each station comes on to that network, overall service will improve. I’ll get you the schedule. In the meantime, we are leasing data grade circuits and if we are having problems, it could well be related to the quality of these circuits. We will address the performance issue with the vendor.
As a service provider, I would prefer that our customers talk to us about problems and use the normal chain of command to report problems. If that is not working for them, I respect their right to call on the council for help. Monday of this week was the first time I was aware that the stations were complaining. Give me a chance and we will get this fixed.
Garv
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Response from Councilman Bob Apple...
John Griffith, Local #29 Executive Board:
Thank you, for your comments on the new, phone system. I completely agree and have been becoming more vocal, with my displeasure since it went into effect last September, simply it is not compatible with almost everything existing and requires a wealth of patches and persistent problems. Your City approved approximately $3 million early last year and none of the promises made, have been forthcoming further, the system provider gave notice shortly after installation, that they would no longer provide maintenance and that we would need a sub-provider.
Last week we approved nearly $ .5 million, of transferred around money we do not have because, somebody apparently convinced someone they could "patch" our way out of this financial disaster. Unfortunately, I've witnessed with such city contracts, a complete lack of any performance standards and unwillingness to hold vendors accountable and in my opinion, this system is a fraud that has and will cost city employee jobs. There is a great deal more wrong with this system and at this time, I do not believe those management of our city who are responsible and if nothing else, they should be held accountable.
At least three members of your city council, asked for a review of this system by a specific well known company and were lead to believe it was in the works, only to be told months later it was not needed and an old study by an unknown vendor, should suffice our concerns. Certainly, we do not have the money to go back and our City should have never endeavored into the apparent attempt, at forming our own distinct system and instead of proven one's. I'am so mad, about this system and the lies told because, yours is only one of a growing stack of serious complains.
Bob Apple, Spokane City Council
Thank you, for your comments on the new, phone system. I completely agree and have been becoming more vocal, with my displeasure since it went into effect last September, simply it is not compatible with almost everything existing and requires a wealth of patches and persistent problems. Your City approved approximately $3 million early last year and none of the promises made, have been forthcoming further, the system provider gave notice shortly after installation, that they would no longer provide maintenance and that we would need a sub-provider.
Last week we approved nearly $ .5 million, of transferred around money we do not have because, somebody apparently convinced someone they could "patch" our way out of this financial disaster. Unfortunately, I've witnessed with such city contracts, a complete lack of any performance standards and unwillingness to hold vendors accountable and in my opinion, this system is a fraud that has and will cost city employee jobs. There is a great deal more wrong with this system and at this time, I do not believe those management of our city who are responsible and if nothing else, they should be held accountable.
At least three members of your city council, asked for a review of this system by a specific well known company and were lead to believe it was in the works, only to be told months later it was not needed and an old study by an unknown vendor, should suffice our concerns. Certainly, we do not have the money to go back and our City should have never endeavored into the apparent attempt, at forming our own distinct system and instead of proven one's. I'am so mad, about this system and the lies told because, yours is only one of a growing stack of serious complains.
Bob Apple, Spokane City Council
Letter to City Council regarding city phone system...
Members of Local 29 are on the frontline of Spokane's new era of "customer service." But, for quite some time, we've had an unnecessary impediment placed in front of us.
The Internet-based phone system went into effect, coincidentally, as we announced the loss of over 50 positions from the fire department.
This system is a degradation from our previous conventional phone system. Sound quality is poor. And often the phone cuts in and out. It is very frustrating. More importantly, it is frustrating to our citizens (or in the current lingo - "customers"). When they call the stations to schedule CPR, report an emergency or ask a home safety question, frequently a firefighter has to apologize that he is unable to understand what the caller is saying, as the phone cuts in and out. Some of the more resourceful members might direct citizens to call them on their personal cell phones, before terminating the conversation on the city phone.
I know our IMS folks have been working hard to solve the many shortcomings of this new system. And I'm sure they will eventually fix the problems.
But members of Local 29 are wondering about the whys and the wherefores of this phone system. Recently there have been news articles claiming that an Internet-based phone system is not yet a viable alternative to a conventional phone system. To clarify these issues with our members, we respectfully request answers to these questions:
1. How much did the new system cost? We've heard every phone cost $500 - with an overall cost of two-million dollars.
2. From our end, the old conventional system was never broken. Is this true?
3. What was the process the city employed which resulted in buying into this program? Who were the "players" in this process?
4. Was there ever concern that this technology was still in its infancy, and that financially and operationally it would be prudent to delay implementation?
5. What, if any, performance standards were guaranteed by the vendor?
6. Can the citizens' money be refunded? Can we go back to a conventional phone system, improve telephonic customer service and hire back some of our firefighters?
Thank you very much,
John Griffith
Local 29 Executive Board Member
Spokane Citizen
The Internet-based phone system went into effect, coincidentally, as we announced the loss of over 50 positions from the fire department.
This system is a degradation from our previous conventional phone system. Sound quality is poor. And often the phone cuts in and out. It is very frustrating. More importantly, it is frustrating to our citizens (or in the current lingo - "customers"). When they call the stations to schedule CPR, report an emergency or ask a home safety question, frequently a firefighter has to apologize that he is unable to understand what the caller is saying, as the phone cuts in and out. Some of the more resourceful members might direct citizens to call them on their personal cell phones, before terminating the conversation on the city phone.
I know our IMS folks have been working hard to solve the many shortcomings of this new system. And I'm sure they will eventually fix the problems.
But members of Local 29 are wondering about the whys and the wherefores of this phone system. Recently there have been news articles claiming that an Internet-based phone system is not yet a viable alternative to a conventional phone system. To clarify these issues with our members, we respectfully request answers to these questions:
1. How much did the new system cost? We've heard every phone cost $500 - with an overall cost of two-million dollars.
2. From our end, the old conventional system was never broken. Is this true?
3. What was the process the city employed which resulted in buying into this program? Who were the "players" in this process?
4. Was there ever concern that this technology was still in its infancy, and that financially and operationally it would be prudent to delay implementation?
5. What, if any, performance standards were guaranteed by the vendor?
6. Can the citizens' money be refunded? Can we go back to a conventional phone system, improve telephonic customer service and hire back some of our firefighters?
Thank you very much,
John Griffith
Local 29 Executive Board Member
Spokane Citizen
Thursday, May 26, 2005
San Juan Hiring....
This link takes you to Orcas Fire. On their website is a link to download the application. Jenny also has an application at the office.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Interesting fire suppression article from June 2005 WIRED Magazine
If you get a chance to pick up this magazine, there's usually something worth reading. And this month is no exception.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
SEATTLE PI EDITORIAL REGARDING INITIATIVE 336
The other night at the union meeting, many of you wanted some information regarding the initiative the WSCFF endorsed. Besides the link above, here are a couple of websites - one pro, one anti.
PRO I-336
http://www.bettersafercare.org/
ANTI I-336, PRO I-330
http://www.yesoni330.org/
PRO I-336
http://www.bettersafercare.org/
ANTI I-336, PRO I-330
http://www.yesoni330.org/
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Monday, April 04, 2005
From Brother Chuck Serquina...
The Spokesman-Review had an ad for lateral entry firefighter on Sunday. You must have 2 years experience, and be WA EMT. Maybe our unions can talk and get us an exception on the 2 year thing? Applications are available at Lacey Fire District Three, 1231 Franz St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503 or 360-491-2410
Chuck Serquina
Greg is/has called Lacey Fire to ask about waiving the 2 year requirement. I'll let you know as soon as I hear. John
P.S. Interesting how many Washington cities are hiring firefighters right now. And in Spokane, we've seen record real estate development and many new businesses open this year. I've lived here most of my life, and frankly, I've never seen such a vibrant Spokane economy.
We've cut our fire department to where we were a century ago. Yet, we are still faced with an overall city budget shortfall. Maybe there's a lag factor to all the new property taxes and other revenue associated with our boom here in Spokane. We'll (the e-board) try to find out what's the story. And when we do, we'll tell you. John
Chuck Serquina
Greg is/has called Lacey Fire to ask about waiving the 2 year requirement. I'll let you know as soon as I hear. John
P.S. Interesting how many Washington cities are hiring firefighters right now. And in Spokane, we've seen record real estate development and many new businesses open this year. I've lived here most of my life, and frankly, I've never seen such a vibrant Spokane economy.
We've cut our fire department to where we were a century ago. Yet, we are still faced with an overall city budget shortfall. Maybe there's a lag factor to all the new property taxes and other revenue associated with our boom here in Spokane. We'll (the e-board) try to find out what's the story. And when we do, we'll tell you. John
Monday, March 28, 2005
More on the Cheney FF Golf Tourney
First, thank you Brother Ladd for forwarding the Cheney Firefighters Golf Tournament registration form on Local 29's Blog! Second, I would like to encourage all you Local 29 golfers to join us at this years tournament. The tournament will be held at the Indian Canyon Golf Course on Saturday May 21st and all the proceeds will go to MDA. I hope to see you all out there!
Thanks,
Donovan Cathey
Cheney Firefighters Local 1919"
Thanks,
Donovan Cathey
Cheney Firefighters Local 1919"
Friday, March 25, 2005
Golf Tournament Entry Form
This in from Brother Bob (Ladd). Click on the link to download the Cheney Fire Department Golf Tornament entry form ( WORD Doc).
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Good news from Brother Jhar Fuller!
"Hey I wanted to pass on some more good news; Matt Binder got hired at Port Ludlow Fire Department. He starts April 1st, just like the rest of us guys that got picked up by Sno 1."
Jhar also said that there is a good chance that Jason Myers could be hired by the Nampa Fire Department.
Congrats to all. Spokane has lost some very great folks because of these layoffs. It's good to see that other places know quality when they see it.
Jhar also said that there is a good chance that Jason Myers could be hired by the Nampa Fire Department.
Congrats to all. Spokane has lost some very great folks because of these layoffs. It's good to see that other places know quality when they see it.
Brother DJ Hill has found some new FF job openings...
Island County Fire Dist 1, 360-629-3008, PM/FF 3 positions
San Juan County Fire Dist 2, 360-376-2331 PM/FF 1 position
San Juan County Fire Dist 2, 360-376-2331 PM/FF 1 position
Sunday, March 13, 2005
What I have learned and what I will do...
In posting these comments that Jeff and I have been exchanging, I see that I have gotten a little long-winded, so I will try to summarize briefly some things I have learned in our conversation.
1. I have learned our brother professional firefighters in District 8 believe that many of their colleagues in the city, look down upon their capabilities.
A. I was unaware of these feelings of bias, other than when there is a working fire in District 8, many of us believe they might not, intrinsically, have enough staffing for adequate fire suppression.
i) Having now learned of already existing hurt feelings, I can see how my comments were seen, by some firefighters in District 8, as "another slam" against District 8 firefighters. Again, I apologize.
2. Even though Local29.blogspot.com is for Local 29 members, it is a website that many others view.
A. I already knew this, but I realize that I made a mistake by not taking into consideration the feelings of folks not affiliated with Local 29 who might be reading the website.
i) Upon reflection, I can also see how members of the media who are reading the blog (and they do), might feel slighted by comments made by me and Jeff during our discussion. I apologize to any members of the media who may have been offended.
I would like to move beyond apologies and state what I will do:
1. I will write and/or post entries that take into account the feelings of others, not just Local 29 members.
2. I invite media members to contact me on ways that we can help them get the word out on what we do as Spokane Firefighters. Would it help if we put together a weekly fire blotter, featuring how many runs we went on, broken down into categories, with a couple of stories highlighted and expanded?
3. I will rewrite the offending blog entry and post it as a new entry soon.
4. I won't post entries immediately after being up all night at work!
Thanks for reading, John
1. I have learned our brother professional firefighters in District 8 believe that many of their colleagues in the city, look down upon their capabilities.
A. I was unaware of these feelings of bias, other than when there is a working fire in District 8, many of us believe they might not, intrinsically, have enough staffing for adequate fire suppression.
i) Having now learned of already existing hurt feelings, I can see how my comments were seen, by some firefighters in District 8, as "another slam" against District 8 firefighters. Again, I apologize.
2. Even though Local29.blogspot.com is for Local 29 members, it is a website that many others view.
A. I already knew this, but I realize that I made a mistake by not taking into consideration the feelings of folks not affiliated with Local 29 who might be reading the website.
i) Upon reflection, I can also see how members of the media who are reading the blog (and they do), might feel slighted by comments made by me and Jeff during our discussion. I apologize to any members of the media who may have been offended.
I would like to move beyond apologies and state what I will do:
1. I will write and/or post entries that take into account the feelings of others, not just Local 29 members.
2. I invite media members to contact me on ways that we can help them get the word out on what we do as Spokane Firefighters. Would it help if we put together a weekly fire blotter, featuring how many runs we went on, broken down into categories, with a couple of stories highlighted and expanded?
3. I will rewrite the offending blog entry and post it as a new entry soon.
4. I won't post entries immediately after being up all night at work!
Thanks for reading, John
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Jeff Responds...
John,
I did not realize at the time that you had a pen name although it would not have changed my response to your posting.
I have read your explanation and writings about the spokesman-Review. It may be true but it casts a negative light on my local and my department not to mention virtually all locals in the county in the eyes of your members. What they see through those eyes now when anyone mentions Fire District 8 is "oh yeah those guys on the south hill that don't have a clue about being a firefighter", which we both know is not true. All of our people go through the same recruits schools and the same training. You went through academy with Steve Bailey who works for us, I know this because I taught parts of your recruit school. I don't think most of your members know that we do this work together. It has been a great tool to help bond our two departments as well as District 9, 10 and the Valley.
I took your advise and focused on the phrase "our job" and the fact that it is all "our job" but I'm still having difficulty qualifying it when I read the whole passage.
"Heard the call come in for the fire on Ashton - District 8. An engine arrived and then called for Spokane to help and then the Valley. Amazing video and print coverage. But the recent multiple fires in the city were not worth stories in the Spokesman-Review because we do our job and put fires out before they become great videos".
I do understand that you are making a point about the Spokesman-Review. It's easy to see but in order to get there you made my job look really bad. Now when my guys, and I'm sure about 95% of your guys and girls read this what they are going to pick up on is "District 8 sucks". (This may confuse a few as directly above this posting you wrote a note letting your laid off members know that District 8 is is hiring and promoting going to work for us).
I believe that part of the problem is the misconception that everyone outside of the City and Valley are all volunteers. Let me give you a little example of what I'm talking about. Three days ago E81 took an MVA on the city/county boarder in which PL11 responded after our unit. When 11's arrived one of the scene on E81 had the pt extricated and boarded and both crews loaded the pt in the AMB. When it was all said and done one of the city guys (who lives in my fire district) made the comment "you mean there are paid guys in District 8". The District can be faulted for the lack of pub/ed and marketing of our fire district to its citizens but I really would like to see the work spread throughout the city that you aren't the only game in town.
OK back to by point on the volunteers. In your initial posting you did not mention the word volunteer although in your explanation to me you talk to that subject many times. You almost make it sound as if I where defending them in my e-mail to you which I was not. John trust me I understand as well as the professional members from Fire District 9, 10, Cheney, and the Airport that volunteer firefighters do not do this as "their job". In fact we know this way better then you could even begin to understand, as we have to deal with it on a daily basis. It would be correct for you to assume as you do in your 3rd paragraph that I, as the president of my local, would agree that a fully staffed professional fire departments is preferable over volley's. In a perfect world that would be great. Unfortunately you are the minority and always will be as a fully paid fire department. That is the reality in today's world.
Thanks for the atta boy on the efforts on the Ashton fire. To answer your question "Have there been any other fires that you've been on where the outcome would have been better, had you responded immediately with multiple apparatus staffed fully by firefighters whose only "job" that day was to be a professional firefighter? Come on John what do you think my answer is goingto be to that. The problem in my District isn't that we don't send multiple apparatus (which everyone does) staffed by fully paid firefighters, heck on the Ashton fire 90% of the people their where paid firefighters, the problem is the fact that my next due station is 10 minutes away. That is why sometimes we need to call for help from our brothers and sisters to the North. And by the way we are more then willing to return the favor when you are short handed. We don't mind covering 11's and 14's when the city is short due to "the big one". Yeah sometimes its a pain in the ass but its all in the name of helping out our union brother & sisters.
I know that you guys are frustrated with the S-R. We have all been there either with bad press on our dysfunctional board or the fact we can't pass an M&O although, none of the other locals have had to endure the layoff nightmare that Local 29 has had to deal with and the lack of coverage there. I watch and read the local news everyday and know the coverage on your plight is horrible. Sitting at the forum this year listening to Ellie tell the story about the Cowles families distain for the Spokane Fire Department back in the early days makes me think that things haven't changed much. I have told Greg, Mike, and Mark that if there is anything we can do we will be there as I'm sure the other 5 County Locals would be.
Let me end by saying I'm sure that you did offend a few of the professionals from around the area as they probably took your comments the wrong way just as my guys did. For the past 15 years that I have been in the fire service there has always been animosity between the City Fire Department and the rest of the County Professionals which makes it easy for this type of thing to manifest itself into a huge problem. I say its time to beak down the walls that unfortunately still exists between the City and the rest of us. It is imperative that WE START TO COMMUNICATE BETTER AT OUR LEVEL. THE LINE LEVEL. It is ridicules that in today's age we are still having these stupid turf wars/they don't know what the hell they are doing out there BS. I am proud to say that I have many close friend that work for the Spokane Fire Department and we are trying to move together united as one group to open these communication lines. Hopefully this discussion helps us meet this goal. On behalf of your brothers in District 8 I accept your apology and we look forward to working with you on making our relationship better.
Thank You,
Jeff
P.S. Please do put all of our correspondence including this one in the order they were written on the site. I think it will help open some eyes. Thanks again John.
I did not realize at the time that you had a pen name although it would not have changed my response to your posting.
I have read your explanation and writings about the spokesman-Review. It may be true but it casts a negative light on my local and my department not to mention virtually all locals in the county in the eyes of your members. What they see through those eyes now when anyone mentions Fire District 8 is "oh yeah those guys on the south hill that don't have a clue about being a firefighter", which we both know is not true. All of our people go through the same recruits schools and the same training. You went through academy with Steve Bailey who works for us, I know this because I taught parts of your recruit school. I don't think most of your members know that we do this work together. It has been a great tool to help bond our two departments as well as District 9, 10 and the Valley.
I took your advise and focused on the phrase "our job" and the fact that it is all "our job" but I'm still having difficulty qualifying it when I read the whole passage.
"Heard the call come in for the fire on Ashton - District 8. An engine arrived and then called for Spokane to help and then the Valley. Amazing video and print coverage. But the recent multiple fires in the city were not worth stories in the Spokesman-Review because we do our job and put fires out before they become great videos".
I do understand that you are making a point about the Spokesman-Review. It's easy to see but in order to get there you made my job look really bad. Now when my guys, and I'm sure about 95% of your guys and girls read this what they are going to pick up on is "District 8 sucks". (This may confuse a few as directly above this posting you wrote a note letting your laid off members know that District 8 is is hiring and promoting going to work for us).
I believe that part of the problem is the misconception that everyone outside of the City and Valley are all volunteers. Let me give you a little example of what I'm talking about. Three days ago E81 took an MVA on the city/county boarder in which PL11 responded after our unit. When 11's arrived one of the scene on E81 had the pt extricated and boarded and both crews loaded the pt in the AMB. When it was all said and done one of the city guys (who lives in my fire district) made the comment "you mean there are paid guys in District 8". The District can be faulted for the lack of pub/ed and marketing of our fire district to its citizens but I really would like to see the work spread throughout the city that you aren't the only game in town.
OK back to by point on the volunteers. In your initial posting you did not mention the word volunteer although in your explanation to me you talk to that subject many times. You almost make it sound as if I where defending them in my e-mail to you which I was not. John trust me I understand as well as the professional members from Fire District 9, 10, Cheney, and the Airport that volunteer firefighters do not do this as "their job". In fact we know this way better then you could even begin to understand, as we have to deal with it on a daily basis. It would be correct for you to assume as you do in your 3rd paragraph that I, as the president of my local, would agree that a fully staffed professional fire departments is preferable over volley's. In a perfect world that would be great. Unfortunately you are the minority and always will be as a fully paid fire department. That is the reality in today's world.
Thanks for the atta boy on the efforts on the Ashton fire. To answer your question "Have there been any other fires that you've been on where the outcome would have been better, had you responded immediately with multiple apparatus staffed fully by firefighters whose only "job" that day was to be a professional firefighter? Come on John what do you think my answer is goingto be to that. The problem in my District isn't that we don't send multiple apparatus (which everyone does) staffed by fully paid firefighters, heck on the Ashton fire 90% of the people their where paid firefighters, the problem is the fact that my next due station is 10 minutes away. That is why sometimes we need to call for help from our brothers and sisters to the North. And by the way we are more then willing to return the favor when you are short handed. We don't mind covering 11's and 14's when the city is short due to "the big one". Yeah sometimes its a pain in the ass but its all in the name of helping out our union brother & sisters.
I know that you guys are frustrated with the S-R. We have all been there either with bad press on our dysfunctional board or the fact we can't pass an M&O although, none of the other locals have had to endure the layoff nightmare that Local 29 has had to deal with and the lack of coverage there. I watch and read the local news everyday and know the coverage on your plight is horrible. Sitting at the forum this year listening to Ellie tell the story about the Cowles families distain for the Spokane Fire Department back in the early days makes me think that things haven't changed much. I have told Greg, Mike, and Mark that if there is anything we can do we will be there as I'm sure the other 5 County Locals would be.
Let me end by saying I'm sure that you did offend a few of the professionals from around the area as they probably took your comments the wrong way just as my guys did. For the past 15 years that I have been in the fire service there has always been animosity between the City Fire Department and the rest of the County Professionals which makes it easy for this type of thing to manifest itself into a huge problem. I say its time to beak down the walls that unfortunately still exists between the City and the rest of us. It is imperative that WE START TO COMMUNICATE BETTER AT OUR LEVEL. THE LINE LEVEL. It is ridicules that in today's age we are still having these stupid turf wars/they don't know what the hell they are doing out there BS. I am proud to say that I have many close friend that work for the Spokane Fire Department and we are trying to move together united as one group to open these communication lines. Hopefully this discussion helps us meet this goal. On behalf of your brothers in District 8 I accept your apology and we look forward to working with you on making our relationship better.
Thank You,
Jeff
P.S. Please do put all of our correspondence including this one in the order they were written on the site. I think it will help open some eyes. Thanks again John.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Local 29 E-Board Member, John Griffith's response to previous post by Local 3711 President Jeff Wainwright...
Jeff,
Let me deconstruct the sentence in question: "An engine arrived and then called for Spokane to help and then the Valley. Amazing video and print coverage. But the recent multiple fires in the city were not worth stories in the Spokesman-Review because we do our job and put fires out before they become great videos."
Focusing upon the phrase "our job" - I used it in the very literal sense. Like you and some in your district, city firefighters are professional firefighters, that is we are paid because it is "our job" to be firefighters. The big difference is that in the city, we are all paid (professional) firefighters - it is all of our "job." And as dedicated, proficient and experienced as your volunteers may be, firefighting is not their "job." I say this not to denigrate their volunteerism in the community, but to point out that your volunteers make their living in other ways than being firefighters for District 8.
And I would assume that as, Local 3711 President, you would agree that a fire department that is fully staffed by professionals is preferable to one staffed by a combination of professional and volunteer firefighters, or all volunteers.
I applaud your efforts at the house fire, and it sure sounds like all that was done could be done. I'm certainly not in a position to Monday-morning-quarterback you or your crew's efforts. But let me ask you this: Have there been any other fires that you've been on where the outcome would have been better, had you responded immediately with multiple apparatus staffed fully by firefighters whose only "job" that day was to be a professional firefighter?
When I wrote this blog entry, I had just come home after a 48 hour shift with three working structure fires. They were all (to varying degrees) saves. No story in the paper. In the wake of our layoffs, I found it frustrating that our citizens are shielded (via the Spokesman) from knowing what their tax dollars provide, in terms of fire protection.
Yesterday, we were first-in on a garage that was fully involved, in a tightly packed neighborhood with countless exposures. Again, today - no story. I know that, if we were a lone engine company (professional or not) responding to this fire, it could have been a lot worse. And the S-R would have had some great copy.
In closing, let me apologize if I offended any of your members. That was not my intent. In a nutshell, what I was trying to say was: 1. Fire departments that are fully staffed by professionals will make more stops than those staffed with volunteers, 2. The Spokesman-Review is not interested in stops, but in the fires that aren't stopped.
As a professional firefighter, IAFF Local President and reader of the Spokesman-Review, would you disagree? If you would like to meet to talk more about this issue, I would be more than happy to oblige.
Fraternally,
John Griffith (AKA Bill Foss)
Local 29 E-Board Member
Let me deconstruct the sentence in question: "An engine arrived and then called for Spokane to help and then the Valley. Amazing video and print coverage. But the recent multiple fires in the city were not worth stories in the Spokesman-Review because we do our job and put fires out before they become great videos."
Focusing upon the phrase "our job" - I used it in the very literal sense. Like you and some in your district, city firefighters are professional firefighters, that is we are paid because it is "our job" to be firefighters. The big difference is that in the city, we are all paid (professional) firefighters - it is all of our "job." And as dedicated, proficient and experienced as your volunteers may be, firefighting is not their "job." I say this not to denigrate their volunteerism in the community, but to point out that your volunteers make their living in other ways than being firefighters for District 8.
And I would assume that as, Local 3711 President, you would agree that a fire department that is fully staffed by professionals is preferable to one staffed by a combination of professional and volunteer firefighters, or all volunteers.
I applaud your efforts at the house fire, and it sure sounds like all that was done could be done. I'm certainly not in a position to Monday-morning-quarterback you or your crew's efforts. But let me ask you this: Have there been any other fires that you've been on where the outcome would have been better, had you responded immediately with multiple apparatus staffed fully by firefighters whose only "job" that day was to be a professional firefighter?
When I wrote this blog entry, I had just come home after a 48 hour shift with three working structure fires. They were all (to varying degrees) saves. No story in the paper. In the wake of our layoffs, I found it frustrating that our citizens are shielded (via the Spokesman) from knowing what their tax dollars provide, in terms of fire protection.
Yesterday, we were first-in on a garage that was fully involved, in a tightly packed neighborhood with countless exposures. Again, today - no story. I know that, if we were a lone engine company (professional or not) responding to this fire, it could have been a lot worse. And the S-R would have had some great copy.
In closing, let me apologize if I offended any of your members. That was not my intent. In a nutshell, what I was trying to say was: 1. Fire departments that are fully staffed by professionals will make more stops than those staffed with volunteers, 2. The Spokesman-Review is not interested in stops, but in the fires that aren't stopped.
As a professional firefighter, IAFF Local President and reader of the Spokesman-Review, would you disagree? If you would like to meet to talk more about this issue, I would be more than happy to oblige.
Fraternally,
John Griffith (AKA Bill Foss)
Local 29 E-Board Member
District 8, Local 3711 President Jeff Wainright objects to posting of 3-1-05...
Good Morning Brother,
This morning when I got to work the shift getting off of my engine company (E81) let me know you had posted a note on the L-29 site that they took as a "Bash" on District 8 and in particular my engine company. The quote that made them a little hot under the collar was posted on 3-1-05 and goes something to the effect...
"An engine arrived and then called for Spokane to help and then the Valley. Amazing video and print coverage. But the recent multiple fires in the city were not worth stories in the Spokesman-Review because we do our job and put fires out before they become great videos"
Now I should probably take this as a "Bash" to as I was the Lieutenant on that engine company that called for the help right off the bat that afternoon. The part you are missing from this story to your members is that the fire started in the basement and from the time of the first 9-1-1 call until I was taking a line off the rig to the front door was less then six minutes, oh and did I mention that my size-up consisted of "we have heavy fire out of the basement, the main floor is almost fully involved and we have fire from the windows on the second floor A-side". Try to keep in mind that I gave this size-up about 5 to 5 1/2 minutes after the first 9-1-1 call was received. How many times have you been on a fire 2 in the afternoon on a sunday, with 3 people at home and working smoke detectors that are monitored by ADT in the house and you arrive to find this scenario. Does something sound a little fishy to you. My point is this house was gone before we ever got the call and my 3 person engine company as well as every other responding company did everything they could to make the out come as good as possible.
I read your posting and I understand that you are probably trying to make a point about that rag of a news paper and all that slow news day for the local TV news stuff that goes on but I would contend that your brothers to the south actually "do their job" everyday and do it the same way that you do. We also have house fires that are "good stops" you never hear about because they are stopped in the first room and the news never even shows up. In a day in which we (all of the professional IAFF Fire Departments and Districts) are trying to work more closely together and foster new camaraderie between our neighboring brothers and sisters my members find it a bit disheartening when they read postings and other printed material that use them as the county whipping boys.
My hope is that you where just "bashing" the news media and did not mean to down grade my guys dedication to the fire service and to the image we try to portray of ALL professional firefighters across the county. If your intent was to "Bash" my guys then we probably need to sit down and have a discussion. Hope to hear from you soon.
Fraternally,
Jeffrey P wainwright, President
International Association of Fire Fighters 3711
State Representative for Washington
International Association of Fire Fighters AFO-CIO-CLC
This morning when I got to work the shift getting off of my engine company (E81) let me know you had posted a note on the L-29 site that they took as a "Bash" on District 8 and in particular my engine company. The quote that made them a little hot under the collar was posted on 3-1-05 and goes something to the effect...
"An engine arrived and then called for Spokane to help and then the Valley. Amazing video and print coverage. But the recent multiple fires in the city were not worth stories in the Spokesman-Review because we do our job and put fires out before they become great videos"
Now I should probably take this as a "Bash" to as I was the Lieutenant on that engine company that called for the help right off the bat that afternoon. The part you are missing from this story to your members is that the fire started in the basement and from the time of the first 9-1-1 call until I was taking a line off the rig to the front door was less then six minutes, oh and did I mention that my size-up consisted of "we have heavy fire out of the basement, the main floor is almost fully involved and we have fire from the windows on the second floor A-side". Try to keep in mind that I gave this size-up about 5 to 5 1/2 minutes after the first 9-1-1 call was received. How many times have you been on a fire 2 in the afternoon on a sunday, with 3 people at home and working smoke detectors that are monitored by ADT in the house and you arrive to find this scenario. Does something sound a little fishy to you. My point is this house was gone before we ever got the call and my 3 person engine company as well as every other responding company did everything they could to make the out come as good as possible.
I read your posting and I understand that you are probably trying to make a point about that rag of a news paper and all that slow news day for the local TV news stuff that goes on but I would contend that your brothers to the south actually "do their job" everyday and do it the same way that you do. We also have house fires that are "good stops" you never hear about because they are stopped in the first room and the news never even shows up. In a day in which we (all of the professional IAFF Fire Departments and Districts) are trying to work more closely together and foster new camaraderie between our neighboring brothers and sisters my members find it a bit disheartening when they read postings and other printed material that use them as the county whipping boys.
My hope is that you where just "bashing" the news media and did not mean to down grade my guys dedication to the fire service and to the image we try to portray of ALL professional firefighters across the county. If your intent was to "Bash" my guys then we probably need to sit down and have a discussion. Hope to hear from you soon.
Fraternally,
Jeffrey P wainwright, President
International Association of Fire Fighters 3711
State Representative for Washington
International Association of Fire Fighters AFO-CIO-CLC
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Newsletter deadline
If you have something you want in the newsletter, please get it to me on, or before, March 25th. Thanks, John
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Jerry Sander is Back!
Yes, that is Jerrry you've been seeing. He was at the top of the laid-off list. With Jim Eggers' retirement, Jerry is back to work. Congrats Jim on your retirement and best wishes. And welcome back, Jerry.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
District 8 is hiring...
Bob Ladd called me tonight to pass on the word that District 8 is hiring. No word yet on laterals. Click on the link above to visit District 8's website. Applications available on-line. Position closes March 18th.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Looking for stories on the good stops? Don't Read the Spokesman-Review. Click to watch REAL video of KXLY story about the 5 fires of the past 3 days.
Heard the call come in for the fire on Ashton - District 8. An engine arrived and then called for Spokane to help and then the Valley. Amazing video and print coverage. But the recent multiple fires in the city were not worth stories in the Spokesman-Review because we do our job and put fires out before they become great videos. All the folks who write editorials in the Spokesman-Review, questioning the worth of a fully-staffed professional fire department, never know what we have done. Unfortunately, now that our staffing is stretched so thin, it's only a matter of time before the Spokesman takes some gruesome pictures and writes some tragic copy. It would be nice to read some pro-active news stories before we get to that point - but I'm not going to hold my breath - unless I really have to.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Dramatic Water Rescue of Dog at Cannon Hill Park!
I was too late on the scene to get any photos, but E-4's crew expertly pulled the dog off the ice and water that is Cannon Hill Pond, this afternoon. Apparently without need of jet boat, ice walker or certification... Bystanders had a canoe.
Family members were reunited with their beloved pet while Spokane's media recorded the event. Water Two was training on the river at the time, so they were unavailable. Oh well, next time!
Huzzah to E-4 and a tip of the Swift Water Rescue Speedo to you...
Family members were reunited with their beloved pet while Spokane's media recorded the event. Water Two was training on the river at the time, so they were unavailable. Oh well, next time!
Huzzah to E-4 and a tip of the Swift Water Rescue Speedo to you...
Friday, February 11, 2005
THE CHECKS ARE IN!
Greg just called (4:40 pm). The long awaited retro checks are in. He's taking them down to Stn 1 right now. There they will be sorted and then delivered to the rest of the stations. So, you can swing by your station this evening to pick it up, if you want. If you're on Relief, your check will be waiting for you at Stn1.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Valley will be hiring...
I don't know it they are accepting lateral entries, or not. Any info out there? Here's what I received today:
Hi Bill,
FYI, Spokane Valley Fire is testing later this year. Application packets are going out now.
http://www.spokanevalleyfire.com
Click on the 'employment opportunity' link. Job description & downloadable application packet are there as well.
Fraternally,
Paul Hammersley
L876
Hi Bill,
FYI, Spokane Valley Fire is testing later this year. Application packets are going out now.
http://www.spokanevalleyfire.com
Click on the 'employment opportunity' link. Job description & downloadable application packet are there as well.
Fraternally,
Paul Hammersley
L876
Monday, February 07, 2005
Maple Valley hiring
Received a very informative e-mail this morning from Maple Valley's Local 3062 President - Philip Knowles. It sounds like they have a pretty good department and are working hard to make it even better. And they're hiring. He has also offered to put up any of our firefighters who want to stay overnight. He's adds: "Our guys are up by 6:30 AM (7 AM tie-in). If any of our union brothers need a cup of coffee or the use of the facilities, they are welcome. Just have your guys knock on the slider door and let our guys know they are from Spokane." A great letter. If you would like to read the whole thing, I'll forward it to you. Thanks very much Phil for your fraternal solidarity.
Job info follows:
FIREFIGHTER-Entry Level Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety will hand out applications starting at 8:00 a.m. Feb. 7th, 2005 and will accept a maximum of 250 completed applications until closing at 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 16th, 2005. Applications shall be picked up & returned to 23775 SE 264th St, Maple Valley. A $25. application fee payable in cash, money order or cashier's check is due when the application is picked up. Minimum requirements: 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen or a valid working permit, a high school diploma or GED, valid WSDL, a non-smoker and a current EMT certification
Web links of interest:
www.maplevalleyfire.org
www.iaff3062.org
Job info follows:
FIREFIGHTER-Entry Level Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety will hand out applications starting at 8:00 a.m. Feb. 7th, 2005 and will accept a maximum of 250 completed applications until closing at 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 16th, 2005. Applications shall be picked up & returned to 23775 SE 264th St, Maple Valley. A $25. application fee payable in cash, money order or cashier's check is due when the application is picked up. Minimum requirements: 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen or a valid working permit, a high school diploma or GED, valid WSDL, a non-smoker and a current EMT certification
Web links of interest:
www.maplevalleyfire.org
www.iaff3062.org
Thursday, February 03, 2005
This just in...
the city of centralia is testing for fire chief and paramedics, closes on the 18th of this month.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Spokane County Professional Firefighters Forum
You should have got your invitation for this. It's this Saturday at the RIdpath. E-mail me for details.
John
John
JOB OPENINGS
Sumner is looking for entry level/lateral paramedics and firefighters. Closing date is February 11th.
Applications available between the hours of 9 - Noon at the Sumner Fire Dept. 800 Harrison Street, Sumner.
Plus, don't forget Boise is hiring. Also, be sure to check in with the city to see if Spokane has any openings in other departments. You stay on the laid off list (I believe indefinitely - correct me if I'm wrong) untll you're hired back as a firefighter.
Thanks, John
Applications available between the hours of 9 - Noon at the Sumner Fire Dept. 800 Harrison Street, Sumner.
Plus, don't forget Boise is hiring. Also, be sure to check in with the city to see if Spokane has any openings in other departments. You stay on the laid off list (I believe indefinitely - correct me if I'm wrong) untll you're hired back as a firefighter.
Thanks, John
Monday, January 24, 2005
Three firefighters die amid separate blazes - from this morning's Spokesman-Review...
New York - A fierce fire in a Bronx apartment building trapped six firefighters Sunday and forced them to jump from a fourth-floor window, killing two of them and severely injuring four others. Later, a third firefighter was killed at a Brooklyn blaze.
The Bronx fire started in a third-floor apartment, and the six firefighters were searching for people on the fourth floor, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
The dead were identified as Lt. Curtis Meyran, 46, a 15-year veteran of the fire department, and firefighter John Bellew, 37.
The Brooklyn firefighter, Richard Sclafani, 37, died at a hospital after being injured at a fire in the basement of a building, the mayor said.
The Bronx fire started in a third-floor apartment, and the six firefighters were searching for people on the fourth floor, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
The dead were identified as Lt. Curtis Meyran, 46, a 15-year veteran of the fire department, and firefighter John Bellew, 37.
The Brooklyn firefighter, Richard Sclafani, 37, died at a hospital after being injured at a fire in the basement of a building, the mayor said.
Friday, January 21, 2005
A couple of new job openings from Kevin H.
The first:
Hey Kevin,
I have a friend that is FireFighter/Paramedic in Walla Walla. The Chief down there is planning on hiring a few entry level people this year, so my friend suggested taking some of our laid off guys and the Chief told him to find out if there is any interest from us. His name is Brian MacIntyre and his e-mail is bmci63@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Kelly Hoyt
The second:
Attention all you FF/PM if you are interested I have a contact name and number for port ludlow. They wish to do a lateral entry very soon and have extended a hand to us. They are looking for someone with fire experience though. So here it is .....
editor's note: This was a posting for openings in Jefferson County. I was asked to remove it by their local president, as the positions have been filled, and now (almost 2 years later) people are still calling in reference to this posting. Thanks to Local 3811 for the original posting and your patience.
Hey Kevin,
I have a friend that is FireFighter/Paramedic in Walla Walla. The Chief down there is planning on hiring a few entry level people this year, so my friend suggested taking some of our laid off guys and the Chief told him to find out if there is any interest from us. His name is Brian MacIntyre and his e-mail is bmci63@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Kelly Hoyt
The second:
Attention all you FF/PM if you are interested I have a contact name and number for port ludlow. They wish to do a lateral entry very soon and have extended a hand to us. They are looking for someone with fire experience though. So here it is .....
editor's note: This was a posting for openings in Jefferson County. I was asked to remove it by their local president, as the positions have been filled, and now (almost 2 years later) people are still calling in reference to this posting. Thanks to Local 3811 for the original posting and your patience.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Openings in Boise...
We are currently taking applications and supplementals for Paramedics & Firefighter/Paramedics. We project to hire between 6 & 9 on May 1, 2005. I am attaching the job announcement and the website info. If you could pass this on to any of your firefighters that meet the requirements of Paramedic.
Thanks,
Tom Lovell
President, Local #672
Boise, ID
P.S. I was born and raised in Spokane and moved to Boise 14 years ago. It is the best place to live in my opinion. We are continuing to grow even though most departments are laying off. Call if you have any questions: 208-283-2672
Here is the website that applicants need to visit for the most current information: www.cityofboise.org This one you must go to the fire department section.
Here is the direct page link: http://www.cityofboise.org/fire/index.aspx?id=ffparamedic&MID=003Y
Thanks,
Tom Lovell
President, Local #672
Boise, ID
P.S. I was born and raised in Spokane and moved to Boise 14 years ago. It is the best place to live in my opinion. We are continuing to grow even though most departments are laying off. Call if you have any questions: 208-283-2672
Here is the website that applicants need to visit for the most current information: www.cityofboise.org This one you must go to the fire department section.
Here is the direct page link: http://www.cityofboise.org/fire/index.aspx?id=ffparamedic&MID=003Y
Friday, January 14, 2005
From Kevin Haughton regarding the Federal Way job...
Kevin,
Our department web site www.federalwayfire.org will have the application and information on it by Friday the 14th.
Applications are open until Feb 1.
Any laid off IAFF applicants will not have to take the written test and will go directly to the oral board (along with 30 applicants from the Bates written test) Ultimately they will also have to pass the IAFF CPAT physical test.
Bottom line is that they are at least guaranteed an interview.
Have anyone call me too if they have questions
Gordie Olson
President
IAFF Local 2024
Federal Way Firefighters
www.iaff2024.org
253-431-5315
Our department web site www.federalwayfire.org will have the application and information on it by Friday the 14th.
Applications are open until Feb 1.
Any laid off IAFF applicants will not have to take the written test and will go directly to the oral board (along with 30 applicants from the Bates written test) Ultimately they will also have to pass the IAFF CPAT physical test.
Bottom line is that they are at least guaranteed an interview.
Have anyone call me too if they have questions
Gordie Olson
President
IAFF Local 2024
Federal Way Firefighters
www.iaff2024.org
253-431-5315
Remember these guys!
On the home page of www.local29.org are links for pictures of our laid-off brothers and information on some work they can do for you or someone you know.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Kevin Haughton has info on another job opening..
Bill
Could you post on the blog that I have information for a job with Federal Way. Similiar to to shoreline or Edmonds hire no test just interview. Have the interested individuals get a hold of me at Statio 1 B shift ASAP
Thanks
Kevin Haughton
Could you post on the blog that I have information for a job with Federal Way. Similiar to to shoreline or Edmonds hire no test just interview. Have the interested individuals get a hold of me at Statio 1 B shift ASAP
Thanks
Kevin Haughton
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Laid off brothers update...
To all of you who have been laid-off, we want you to know that we are all thinking about you and looking forward to the day you return. If you would like to update us on what's going on with you, we would all appreciate it. Please e-mail and it'll get posted here.
Thanks, John
Thanks, John
Raffle to benefit wounded CDA police officer...
The Coeur d'Alene Fire Department has planned a fund-raising raffle to benefit the Kralicek family, in addition to the account set up at Wells Fargo Bank.
Some of the raffle items include autographed pictures and posters of John Travolta and Dennis Franz, as well as memorabilia from the Coeur d'Alene Police Department autographed by Franz, including a holster, T-shirt, coffee mug, 8-by-10 photos of Coeur d'Alene's police drug dog "Justice" and photos of the Honor Guard. Numerous other items are still being collected.
The raffle runs through Jan. 28 with the drawing that day at the police department.
Tickets are on sale at the police department and Wells Fargo Bank in Coeur d'Alene. All proceeds raised will go directly to the account in officer Kralicek's name at Wells Fargo Bank.
Raffle information: Firefighter Jake Bieker at 769-2340
Any Spokane Fire member who would like tickets also may contact Vickie (from dispatch) at 509-991-4622 or on D Shift.
THANKS
Some of the raffle items include autographed pictures and posters of John Travolta and Dennis Franz, as well as memorabilia from the Coeur d'Alene Police Department autographed by Franz, including a holster, T-shirt, coffee mug, 8-by-10 photos of Coeur d'Alene's police drug dog "Justice" and photos of the Honor Guard. Numerous other items are still being collected.
The raffle runs through Jan. 28 with the drawing that day at the police department.
Tickets are on sale at the police department and Wells Fargo Bank in Coeur d'Alene. All proceeds raised will go directly to the account in officer Kralicek's name at Wells Fargo Bank.
Raffle information: Firefighter Jake Bieker at 769-2340
Any Spokane Fire member who would like tickets also may contact Vickie (from dispatch) at 509-991-4622 or on D Shift.
THANKS
Scott Firefighter Stair Climb
Bank of America Tower, Seattle
Sunday, March 6th
Info at Local 29 Office
Sunday, March 6th
Info at Local 29 Office
QUARTERMASTER SYSTEM
As many of you already know, the city now has to buy our uniforms. There are still some details to iron out (no pun intended), but your e-board members are skookum to where we stand right now. If you have any questions, ask.
Spokane County Professional Firefighters Forum
Good speakers, Good company, Door prizes. But, most importantly - FREE LUNCH and FREE BEER!
Saturday, Febuary 5th - 9:30 @ The RIdpath. Went to this last year. It was a really good time.
Saturday, Febuary 5th - 9:30 @ The RIdpath. Went to this last year. It was a really good time.
Monday, January 10, 2005
NW Firefighters arrive in Sri Lanka
If you want to keep track of what Darrin Coldiron (Scott's brother and a brother Valley Firefighter) is doing with the aid given by many of you for those in Sri Lanka, click the link.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Song from 1904 - The Man with the Ladder and the Hose...
Discovered this at a website that plays songs found in Thomas Edison's attic. It was recorded in 1904 by William H. Thompson onto a "gold moulded cylinder." The website address is http://wfmu.org/playlists/TE
If you want this on your MP3player so you can stairmaster to it at the station, e-mail me and I'll send you an MP3. Otherwise, just click on the link to enjoy this long forgotten song, singer and recording medium.
If you want this on your MP3player so you can stairmaster to it at the station, e-mail me and I'll send you an MP3. Otherwise, just click on the link to enjoy this long forgotten song, singer and recording medium.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Tsunami Relief Fund
Darrin Coldiron, Scott's brother and a brother Valley firefighter is going to Sri Lanka to help with relief efforts there. The big thing they need now is iodine tablets to purify water. Mountain Gear is going to let Darrin get the tablets and other survival basics at cost. If you would like to donate some money to this effort, there is an account set up at the credit union. If you have any questions, call Scott. Currently, he's on A Shift - E16.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Important Info Regarding the LEOFF Trust Health Insurance Plan
December 30, 2004
Dear LEOFF Trust Member:
The Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Health & Welfare Trust (LEOFF Trust) previously notified you of its plan to convert the Health Insurance benefits offered to Leoff trust members from Premera Blue Cross to the First Choice Health Network. This conversion was to be coincident with a switch from Premera’s contract plan to a self-insured plan through the Leoff Trust, with reinsurance provided through Symetra Financial. The conversion was scheduled for January 1, 2005.
During the conversion process however, the City of Spokane raised certain issues that the LEOFF Trust feels cannot be addressed in the time frame currently available. Therefore, the LEOFF Trust has no choice but to delay implementation of the self-insured plan for active Spokane Fire Fighters.
Please be advised that the forgoing delay in implementation of the First Choice coverage will not result in any lapse of coverage for you or your family members who were previously insured with Premera. The LEOFF Trust has received a commitment from Premera to renew the coverage that was in place last year. The premiums from Premera will be adjusted and billed to the City. It is still the intent of the LEOFF Trust to convert from Premera Blue Cross to the First Choice self-insurance plan at the earliest possible date.
Many of you have already received your First Choice Network provider cards. Although those cards cannot be used at this time, you should retain those cards for future use. If you have not already destroyed your existing Premera card, please retain that card as well to be used until further notice. If you no longer have a Premera card, please contact Jenny Stevens at 509-484-5598 and a new card will be obtained for you.
The LEOFF Trust and Local 29 are taking action to resolve this situation with the City of Spokane and will notify all members of the LEOFF Trust as soon as information becomes available.
Please be assured that we, the LEOFF Trust and Local 29 are working hard to see that the conversion to First Choice through a self-insured plan is implemented as soon as possible.
Fraternally,
Greg Borg
President, Local 29 IAFF
Dear LEOFF Trust Member:
The Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Health & Welfare Trust (LEOFF Trust) previously notified you of its plan to convert the Health Insurance benefits offered to Leoff trust members from Premera Blue Cross to the First Choice Health Network. This conversion was to be coincident with a switch from Premera’s contract plan to a self-insured plan through the Leoff Trust, with reinsurance provided through Symetra Financial. The conversion was scheduled for January 1, 2005.
During the conversion process however, the City of Spokane raised certain issues that the LEOFF Trust feels cannot be addressed in the time frame currently available. Therefore, the LEOFF Trust has no choice but to delay implementation of the self-insured plan for active Spokane Fire Fighters.
Please be advised that the forgoing delay in implementation of the First Choice coverage will not result in any lapse of coverage for you or your family members who were previously insured with Premera. The LEOFF Trust has received a commitment from Premera to renew the coverage that was in place last year. The premiums from Premera will be adjusted and billed to the City. It is still the intent of the LEOFF Trust to convert from Premera Blue Cross to the First Choice self-insurance plan at the earliest possible date.
Many of you have already received your First Choice Network provider cards. Although those cards cannot be used at this time, you should retain those cards for future use. If you have not already destroyed your existing Premera card, please retain that card as well to be used until further notice. If you no longer have a Premera card, please contact Jenny Stevens at 509-484-5598 and a new card will be obtained for you.
The LEOFF Trust and Local 29 are taking action to resolve this situation with the City of Spokane and will notify all members of the LEOFF Trust as soon as information becomes available.
Please be assured that we, the LEOFF Trust and Local 29 are working hard to see that the conversion to First Choice through a self-insured plan is implemented as soon as possible.
Fraternally,
Greg Borg
President, Local 29 IAFF
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Apologies to retirees
I have been sick over the last few weeks and have missed some of your retirement parties. I am sorry if I missed yours. Thank you for your participation in the union and your efforts as a City Firefighter. We are proud of you and will miss all of you. Local 29 wish you well.
Greg Borg
Greg Borg
Notice to all being laid off:
If you are being laid off you please call Glenn Kiby at Civil Service 625-6160. If you would like to apply for another city job it can benefit you in several ways. If you are hired in another city department you have to take a voluntary demotion, but when you are hired by the other department you are on an unlimited laid off list for the fire department. You also get preference during the hiring process. It would be a job with full benefits while you wait to be recalled. So call Glenn and tell him you are a laid off firefighter. He can give you the details and tell you what openings there are. Good luck.
GB
GB
$1,000,000 interest-free union member loan to city rejected...
Brothers and Sisters,
Final news on the back paychecks! Mayor West has rejected our offer of $1,000,000 to save 12 to 14 jobs. He said he has a commitment to only using only renewable funds to pay for salaries. He also said he has no way to assure the replacement million dollars in January 2006 to pay use back. He thanked us for the offer but had to reject it.
With that decision and the Mayors rejection of money from our LEOFF I Pension fund, it brings to an end any solutions we have to save any more jobs. Thank you for your generous vote on the issue.
The back paychecks will be distributed in late January or early February, as soon as the city can get it done.
Fraternally, Greg Borg
Final news on the back paychecks! Mayor West has rejected our offer of $1,000,000 to save 12 to 14 jobs. He said he has a commitment to only using only renewable funds to pay for salaries. He also said he has no way to assure the replacement million dollars in January 2006 to pay use back. He thanked us for the offer but had to reject it.
With that decision and the Mayors rejection of money from our LEOFF I Pension fund, it brings to an end any solutions we have to save any more jobs. Thank you for your generous vote on the issue.
The back paychecks will be distributed in late January or early February, as soon as the city can get it done.
Fraternally, Greg Borg
From Bill Jackman: SPOKANE FIRE CHIEF FACES TOUGH DECISION
Just when you think things around here can't get any worse, we havereached a new level of bungling in our EMS system. For the past couple years, every 911 patient transport has been billed at the higher ALS rate. Yep, even a simple BLS transport for constipation has been billed at the higher ALS rate.
Even if all the ALS work is done by the Spokane Fire Department, the patient is still billed for ALS by the ambulance company. Furthermore, 60% of the patient transports were suppose to be billed at the lower BLS rate. Since they are now billed at the higher ALS rate it means an extra $700,000.00 dollars per year for AMR! And consequently, the people that we are supposed to protect - are forced to pay for something that they are not receiving.
It's like ordering basic cable service (BLS) and receiving basic cable service - but people are being forced to pay for deluxe cable service (ALS). The really reprehensible aspect of this, we provide most of the ALS care at no expense to the patient.
EMS is 80% of what we do and nobody I've talked to in Spokane knows anything about this billing practice . You would think with the EMS levy just barely passing, we would take EMS issues around here more seriously. AMR billing in Seattle was contacted and they confirmed this billing practice - it's called ALS Emergency Mandated.
There may be a ray of hope out of this mess. People have been charged for ALS when the SFD Paramedic accompanies the patient to the care facility. This is a prohibited charge under the contract. Just guess how many times a year our Medics ride-in where the fine can be as high as $5,000.00 dollars for each violation. The penalties could be in the millions, but our Chief has to make the effort to fine the ambulance company.
The down side of this is how public perception about SFD EMS might change. In the future people may think EMS stands for Emergency Medical Scandal. Fundamental reform and investigation about this matter is warranted.
Happy New Year!
Bill Jackman
Even if all the ALS work is done by the Spokane Fire Department, the patient is still billed for ALS by the ambulance company. Furthermore, 60% of the patient transports were suppose to be billed at the lower BLS rate. Since they are now billed at the higher ALS rate it means an extra $700,000.00 dollars per year for AMR! And consequently, the people that we are supposed to protect - are forced to pay for something that they are not receiving.
It's like ordering basic cable service (BLS) and receiving basic cable service - but people are being forced to pay for deluxe cable service (ALS). The really reprehensible aspect of this, we provide most of the ALS care at no expense to the patient.
EMS is 80% of what we do and nobody I've talked to in Spokane knows anything about this billing practice . You would think with the EMS levy just barely passing, we would take EMS issues around here more seriously. AMR billing in Seattle was contacted and they confirmed this billing practice - it's called ALS Emergency Mandated.
There may be a ray of hope out of this mess. People have been charged for ALS when the SFD Paramedic accompanies the patient to the care facility. This is a prohibited charge under the contract. Just guess how many times a year our Medics ride-in where the fine can be as high as $5,000.00 dollars for each violation. The penalties could be in the millions, but our Chief has to make the effort to fine the ambulance company.
The down side of this is how public perception about SFD EMS might change. In the future people may think EMS stands for Emergency Medical Scandal. Fundamental reform and investigation about this matter is warranted.
Happy New Year!
Bill Jackman
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Black Friday
The guys at Stn 17 will keep this up on the board until we get back to where we were. Thanks Mike L!
Newsletter deadline
Looks like January 4th is the deadline for submissions to the Local 29 newsletter. Thanks to all of those who have e-mailed in their requests to have the newsletter e-mailed to them instead of printed and mailed. You can e-mail me or info@local29.org with your submissions, or if you want to receive the newsletter through the miracle of the Internet. Happy Holidays! John
Monday, December 20, 2004
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Comcast commercials call for customer comments to council...
You might have seen the TV ads. Comcast is trying to get their customers riled up. They want them to call the city council and complain about the council's proposal to bump monthly cable rates up a buck or two, to preserve some public safety funding. Well, it works both ways. If you know someone who supports the idea of finally making Comcast pay what they should've been paying all along, in order to keep a few more cops and firefighters serving the public, have them call the city council at 625-6255.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Lots of good info on Edmonds hiring...
A friend of Gonzo's sent him a lot of information on Edmonds Fire lateral transfers. Looks like a pretty good deal. Thanks Bill! Click on the title/link above.
Local 29 Newsletter via E-mail
If you are interested in receiving your newsletter via e-mail instead of going postal, e-mail me and I'll put you on the list.
Some advantages:
1. You'll get the newsletter a few days quicker.
2. You'll save your union some money.
Some disadvantages:
1. You'll have a harder time reading it while perched upon the toilet.
2. You'll have to print out a copy to rip it in pieces and wad it up to mail back to the office as a protest to the opinions contained within.
Thanks,
JG.
You can e-mail me departmentally
or through Bill Foss' account:
billfoss@comcast.net
Some advantages:
1. You'll get the newsletter a few days quicker.
2. You'll save your union some money.
Some disadvantages:
1. You'll have a harder time reading it while perched upon the toilet.
2. You'll have to print out a copy to rip it in pieces and wad it up to mail back to the office as a protest to the opinions contained within.
Thanks,
JG.
You can e-mail me departmentally
or through Bill Foss' account:
billfoss@comcast.net
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Snohomish job offers - deadline 12/21!
I need a copy of anyone who is interested in a
lateral transfer to Snohomish 1. They are going to
hire 8 in January and laid off firemen get first dibs.
Bring your resume to the union hall by 12/21 because
that is the cut off date.
Thanks
Kevi Haughton
lateral transfer to Snohomish 1. They are going to
hire 8 in January and laid off firemen get first dibs.
Bring your resume to the union hall by 12/21 because
that is the cut off date.
Thanks
Kevi Haughton
Monday, December 13, 2004
ELECTION RESULTS
Vice President
Vietzke 186, Bacon 91
E-Board
Renner 176, Frater 134, Wisniewski 103, Ladd 65, Haughton 42, Schoenleber 42
Grievance
Stanton 161, Wood 160, Clinger 121, Childears 99
Change to Constitution and By-laws
Yes 248 (92%)
No 23
The other issue on our ballot remains classified until probably later today.
Until the information is released to the public, all we can say is PLAN B passed.
Votes for the issue itself were Yes 153, NO 115
PLAN B 163
PLAN A 82
Vietzke 186, Bacon 91
E-Board
Renner 176, Frater 134, Wisniewski 103, Ladd 65, Haughton 42, Schoenleber 42
Grievance
Stanton 161, Wood 160, Clinger 121, Childears 99
Change to Constitution and By-laws
Yes 248 (92%)
No 23
The other issue on our ballot remains classified until probably later today.
Until the information is released to the public, all we can say is PLAN B passed.
Votes for the issue itself were Yes 153, NO 115
PLAN B 163
PLAN A 82
Friday, December 10, 2004
AMR gifting and layoffs
From: Jackman, William
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 06:25
To: Chain of command
Cc: 'billj@webband.com'
Subject: Here's a money saving idea chapter II
Over six months ago I submitted thru the chain of command what I thought was a legitimate money saving idea. This came about as a result of a meeting Mayor West had with us at Station #3 that very same day. Back in May, he spoke sincerely about the dire need to come up with money saving ideas. He later even offered to attach financial incentive to these ideas.
This isn't about the incentive money - I'd rather see the money used to keep people working.
This week, for the first time in over twenty-five years we have had to lay-off firefighters. Chief Williams hand delivered these notices to each person involved, I'm sure that wasn't easy and it showed his sincerity. As an organization, can we honestly say we have done everything possible for the public with respect to this crisis?
I respectfully request a written reply as to why the department has ignored this simple idea to save money.
Consider the following:
1.) Local 29's attorney has reviewed the AMR contract and this issue and has offered the opinion that this practice amounts to "gifting" our EMS supplies.
2.) At my own expense, my own lawyer has reviewed the same issue and also considers the re-supply issue "gifting".
3.) Rex, the local AMR manager was also contacted about this issue and he even agrees that his company should not be accepting these supplies under most circumstances.
4.) Rustie Stewart says "we spend about $150,000/yr in EMS supplies."
Again, I respectfully request a reply in writing about why the department doesn't want to do anything about this issue.
Respectfully yours
Bill Jackman
14's "B" shift
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 06:25
To: Chain of command
Cc: 'billj@webband.com'
Subject: Here's a money saving idea chapter II
Over six months ago I submitted thru the chain of command what I thought was a legitimate money saving idea. This came about as a result of a meeting Mayor West had with us at Station #3 that very same day. Back in May, he spoke sincerely about the dire need to come up with money saving ideas. He later even offered to attach financial incentive to these ideas.
This isn't about the incentive money - I'd rather see the money used to keep people working.
This week, for the first time in over twenty-five years we have had to lay-off firefighters. Chief Williams hand delivered these notices to each person involved, I'm sure that wasn't easy and it showed his sincerity. As an organization, can we honestly say we have done everything possible for the public with respect to this crisis?
I respectfully request a written reply as to why the department has ignored this simple idea to save money.
Consider the following:
1.) Local 29's attorney has reviewed the AMR contract and this issue and has offered the opinion that this practice amounts to "gifting" our EMS supplies.
2.) At my own expense, my own lawyer has reviewed the same issue and also considers the re-supply issue "gifting".
3.) Rex, the local AMR manager was also contacted about this issue and he even agrees that his company should not be accepting these supplies under most circumstances.
4.) Rustie Stewart says "we spend about $150,000/yr in EMS supplies."
Again, I respectfully request a reply in writing about why the department doesn't want to do anything about this issue.
Respectfully yours
Bill Jackman
14's "B" shift
Last chance to doorbell!
Greg Borg says we've got 2000 more postcards. He says there will be someone at the office tomorrow at 10 am to pass them out to anyone who wants to doorbell.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Hold that volunteerism!
I just received a sad piece of news from a friend in-the-know. Richard Clear - Hater of unions, Despiser of the firefighter and all-around nice guy - had his show cancelled yesterday. So forget about volunteering to replace him. At least, Mr. Clear can find solace in his firing that he didn't have a union sticking up for him. Now, he can really stick it to the man by not filing for unemployment.
JG
JG
"It's not who votes that counts. It's who counts the votes."
Well, Joseph Stalin probably meant something different from what we're driving at, but we do need help counting the votes for our Local 29 elections. Can we count on you to help count the votes on Monday, December 13th, 9:30, at the union office?
If you have any questions, contact Greg Haff - grghaff@comcast.net
If you have any questions, contact Greg Haff - grghaff@comcast.net
Volunteer and make Spokane better!
If you want to volunteer for this noble cause, click on the link and write your letter to Mr. Richard Clear. I am sure he has Spokane's best interests at heart and will step down (or at least take a pay cut) immediately. Working as a radio show host probably is really tough, though. So discuss it with your family, write a will, make sure your immunizations are up to snuff and get all the training you can. This volunteer work will be difficult, and Mr. Clear will be a tough act to follow. But, at least you know that, by spreading disinformation, you will ensure regional talk-radio listeners remain comfortable in their ignorance! Cha Ching! My offer follows:
12-09-04
Good Day!
Listened to Richard Clear’s 12-08-04 attack on firefighters and police officers. It was an entertaining fest of ignorance. Mr. Clear got about seven “facts” wrong for every one he got right. But, hey – that’s Show Business!
One suggestion made on his show was – “Why not have volunteer firefighters protect our city?” Those of us familiar with the fire service and volunteer protection, know why volunteers won’t work for a city our size. But, the question was good and it got me to thinking…
I would like to be a volunteer radio talk show host and do Richard Clear’s job. I can’t do it every day. How about once a week? I have broadcast experience. And unlike firefighting, apparently there isn’t a lot of preparation that goes into what Mr. Clear does. Once a week, give Richard the day off – without pay. Take the money you save and pass it on to your advertisers. They, in turn, will pass the savings on to businesses and they, in turn, on to consumers. It’d be like a tax break for everyone! It would really help the Spokane economy start rolling.
Let me know when you want me to start.
With a desire to serve the community,
John Griffith
(Contact info follows)
12-09-04
Good Day!
Listened to Richard Clear’s 12-08-04 attack on firefighters and police officers. It was an entertaining fest of ignorance. Mr. Clear got about seven “facts” wrong for every one he got right. But, hey – that’s Show Business!
One suggestion made on his show was – “Why not have volunteer firefighters protect our city?” Those of us familiar with the fire service and volunteer protection, know why volunteers won’t work for a city our size. But, the question was good and it got me to thinking…
I would like to be a volunteer radio talk show host and do Richard Clear’s job. I can’t do it every day. How about once a week? I have broadcast experience. And unlike firefighting, apparently there isn’t a lot of preparation that goes into what Mr. Clear does. Once a week, give Richard the day off – without pay. Take the money you save and pass it on to your advertisers. They, in turn, will pass the savings on to businesses and they, in turn, on to consumers. It’d be like a tax break for everyone! It would really help the Spokane economy start rolling.
Let me know when you want me to start.
With a desire to serve the community,
John Griffith
(Contact info follows)
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
What you did with your doorbelling!
City council members have received hundreds of phone calls and hundreds of postcards from citizens who don't want their fire department gutted. And that's all because of the work you did.
Now the ball is in their court. They've heard from the citizens. They've seen the stats. They've heard alternative solutions.
We'll see what happens...
In the meantime, a couple of pieces of news...
The city council meets tomorrow, Thursday, 12/9/04 at 3 pm at City Hall for the last budget meeting. It's open to the public.
Eric Staggs says that the City of Salem Fire Department is interested in hiring any or all of our laid-off medics.
Now the ball is in their court. They've heard from the citizens. They've seen the stats. They've heard alternative solutions.
We'll see what happens...
In the meantime, a couple of pieces of news...
The city council meets tomorrow, Thursday, 12/9/04 at 3 pm at City Hall for the last budget meeting. It's open to the public.
Eric Staggs says that the City of Salem Fire Department is interested in hiring any or all of our laid-off medics.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Snohomish job offers
We were contacted by Snohomish Fire District 1 about hiring some of our laid off personnel. More details when I find out.
Kevin Haughton
Station 1 B
Kevin Haughton
Station 1 B
Monday, December 06, 2004
City Council Meeting Tonight - 6 PM!
Tonight will be our last opportunity to stand in front of the city council and tell them why it's a bad idea to gut public safety funding to balance the overall budget. At the last council meeting there was terrific testimony from so many citizens who knew what this cut will mean to them and to our city's future. We still don't know what kind of effect this testimony has had on council members.
It's easy to become discouraged that, having listened to the facts, having seen the figures, having heard the testimony, and knowing that this budget will cut twice as deep into public safety as other departments, the council could turn its back on the electorate and approve the mayor's budget, regardless.
But don't be discouraged. We need to keep speaking the truth and keep reminding our city's leadership about their accountability. And if they proceed with approving this budget, we will be there - in the future - right after "the big one." And we will hold them accountable. And so will the voters.
But that's the future. Right now, we each have a fresh bottle of air. Let's go in one more time to finish this job. See you tonight.
JG
It's easy to become discouraged that, having listened to the facts, having seen the figures, having heard the testimony, and knowing that this budget will cut twice as deep into public safety as other departments, the council could turn its back on the electorate and approve the mayor's budget, regardless.
But don't be discouraged. We need to keep speaking the truth and keep reminding our city's leadership about their accountability. And if they proceed with approving this budget, we will be there - in the future - right after "the big one." And we will hold them accountable. And so will the voters.
But that's the future. Right now, we each have a fresh bottle of air. Let's go in one more time to finish this job. See you tonight.
JG
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Spokesman-Review Ad
This was in the December 1st Regional section. We also have a similar ad in this Thursday's Inlander.
Call your city council - now!
The link above is a sample message that Doug Ross and Dave Kovac have put together, in case you are at a loss for words. Also, don't forget to get friends and relatives to call in, as well
Saturday, November 27, 2004
New city e-mail logon address
Well, I might be the last one to know this, but there's a new city e-mail access address. The sign on stuff remains the same. Just click on the link above and it should take you there. Sorry if this is old news to many of you, but things are otherwise slow. Hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving Weekend.
JG
JG
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
City Council Meeting Last Night...
We packed the house. And a lot of our members had great things to say. It seemed like the councilmembers were hearing us, as well. When Borg was speaking, a lot of them were taking notes. The best was the citzens who spoke. I think if we have any success, it will be because the citizens of this city are really angry.
The city acknowledges public safety is at the top of the list for what's important for a city to fund, yet, percentage-wise, they cut fire and police like it's the least important thing a city does. Not a recipe for re-election I would wager.
They replay the city council meeting on channel 5. If you get a chance to watch some of it, do. After watching it, you realize that if the city put a tax on Power Point presentations, we would soon be out of our financial woes. But when I heard what most of the citizens had to say about what we do, I was grateful and humbled. We have such good people in our corner willing to come to come to bat for us, so we can continue to do our job for them.
Thanks,
John G.
The city acknowledges public safety is at the top of the list for what's important for a city to fund, yet, percentage-wise, they cut fire and police like it's the least important thing a city does. Not a recipe for re-election I would wager.
They replay the city council meeting on channel 5. If you get a chance to watch some of it, do. After watching it, you realize that if the city put a tax on Power Point presentations, we would soon be out of our financial woes. But when I heard what most of the citizens had to say about what we do, I was grateful and humbled. We have such good people in our corner willing to come to come to bat for us, so we can continue to do our job for them.
Thanks,
John G.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Yesterday's doorbelling, today's news....
When I left the office yesterday, there were only about 1000 flyers left. That means we put out 5000 so far. Around 50 firefighters (including a battalion chief) had signed up to deliver the flyers and postcards. Yesterday, we also had KREM, KXLY and KHQ follow firefighters and their families as they doorbell. Thanks to all the families that participated in this effort.
On another note, we had a big write-up in this morning's paper. Other than comparing the current salary of Tacoma firefighters with a salary we will have 2 years from now, it was good. Chief Williams did a great job telling citizens what they can expect from these cuts. We are becoming more unified, and that can only help us in our goal of not gutting the department that the citizens deem as the most essential in the city budget.
Remember the city council meeting tomorrow night at 6 pm. We need to pack the house.
JG
On another note, we had a big write-up in this morning's paper. Other than comparing the current salary of Tacoma firefighters with a salary we will have 2 years from now, it was good. Chief Williams did a great job telling citizens what they can expect from these cuts. We are becoming more unified, and that can only help us in our goal of not gutting the department that the citizens deem as the most essential in the city budget.
Remember the city council meeting tomorrow night at 6 pm. We need to pack the house.
JG
Friday, November 19, 2004
Media will be there for our doorbelling.
We have heard from a couple of TV news stations that they will be at the union office to show our story. Also, they want to follow a couple of doorbellers around while they are doing it. So see you tomorrow morning. Those of you with families, bring them along to the union office when you pick up your stuff. Those of you (quite a few) who have already picked up your stuff, thanks for your work and good luck this weekend. An hour or two of work from all of us will produce some great results.
Unemployment benefits meeting and prep.
For your calendar! Dec 1st 10 am – union office. WA State unemployment officials will give a talk-through and assist you in filling out your unemployment applications. Look for a departmental e-mail coming from Chris Cavanaugh. She will be asking for your Social Security Number. If you give it to her, she will forward the number to the unemployment office. And at the Dec 1st meeting, they will be able to tell you what to expect for benefits.
And democracy marches on… with your help.
Greg Haff needs some volunteers to help him stuff envelopes for the upcoming Local 29 election. When? Monday, November 22nd at 9:30 am. Where? Local 29's office. It won’t take long. And it's actually a pretty good time. Thanks for your help!
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
DOORBELLING THIS WEEKEND!!!
This weekend – November 20th and 21st, we will MASSIVELY doorbell Spokane. Come into the union office on Friday - during normal office hours, or on Saturday between 10 am and Noon to pick up your stuff and pick an area to doorbell this weekend. We’re going to alert the press that Saturday and Sunday are the major days that we are doorbelling. So, it would be great to have a lot of people out doing it.
Monday, November 15, 2004
A call from Bridget Luby!
E-mail your city leadership and let them know what you think. It's a Word document that will download to your computer when you click on the link.
Thanks Bridget.
Thanks Bridget.
Doorbelling...
There's now a sign-up sheet and some vague instructions at the Local 29 office. There were people stopping by today to doorbell - a great start! Take as many flyers and postcards as you need and go out and do a neighborhood. It's not a hard sell and, believe it or not, it's pretty fun to do. Maybe we should do CPR classes this way - door to door...
An open letter to Spokane’s leadership…
How does one make sense of the proposed cuts?
To begin, let’s talk round numbers and a simple premise. A round number - there is going to be a 10 percent cut to the city’s overall budget. A simple premise - our citizens and leaders agree that public safety is at the top of the list of what a city’s budget should do for its citizens.
OK, so city leaders know how much they need to cut, and they know what city functions are important to our citizens. Now, they can do one of two things, they could cut an even 10 percent from every department in the city, or they could weigh the cuts in response to what citizens desire from their government. Correspondingly, less than 10 percent would be cut from fire and police services.
But what the city has proposed is, indeed, a puzzling third option. Instead of a 10 percent cut (or less) to Fire and Police, they have more than doubled these cuts - contrary to what citizens want.
And when you do the math, the results are interesting. By cutting 20 percent, and then some, to the departments that citizens want preserved or even bolstered, it enables less than 10 percent to be cut from departments citizens deem not as important – if any cuts take place in these departments at all.
City leaders, if you are going to ignore the Priorities of Government survey, fine. But, don’t go in the opposite direction of its findings. Let’s just have a 10 percent cut across the board in every department in the city’s budget. Don’t subsidize non-essential departments by taking from those deemed essential. It doesn’t make sense. It goes against the wishes of the people, and it’s not good government.
John Griffith
Executive Board, IAFF Local 29
To begin, let’s talk round numbers and a simple premise. A round number - there is going to be a 10 percent cut to the city’s overall budget. A simple premise - our citizens and leaders agree that public safety is at the top of the list of what a city’s budget should do for its citizens.
OK, so city leaders know how much they need to cut, and they know what city functions are important to our citizens. Now, they can do one of two things, they could cut an even 10 percent from every department in the city, or they could weigh the cuts in response to what citizens desire from their government. Correspondingly, less than 10 percent would be cut from fire and police services.
But what the city has proposed is, indeed, a puzzling third option. Instead of a 10 percent cut (or less) to Fire and Police, they have more than doubled these cuts - contrary to what citizens want.
And when you do the math, the results are interesting. By cutting 20 percent, and then some, to the departments that citizens want preserved or even bolstered, it enables less than 10 percent to be cut from departments citizens deem not as important – if any cuts take place in these departments at all.
City leaders, if you are going to ignore the Priorities of Government survey, fine. But, don’t go in the opposite direction of its findings. Let’s just have a 10 percent cut across the board in every department in the city’s budget. Don’t subsidize non-essential departments by taking from those deemed essential. It doesn’t make sense. It goes against the wishes of the people, and it’s not good government.
John Griffith
Executive Board, IAFF Local 29
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Doorbelling begins!
We have all the materials at the union office. We will be doing some organized campaigns, probably next weekend - 11-20 and 11-21. But, you don't have to wait for that. Grab your crew and pick a neighborhood (in the city) and go out and do it. Just make sure you sign up and tell us which neighborhood you're going to do, so we don't duplicate our efforts. I went out for about 45 minutes today and hit 30 houses. Everybody I talked to was real supportive. What they usually had to say was that we were getting screwed, but they were getting it worse because of the reduction in their service.
I don't like it when I have to answer the door for solicitors, so I kept that in mind when I was doorbelling. If it looked like there wasn't activity in the front room, I didn't ring the bell. I just left a flyer. The folks I did talk to were happy to take, not only the flyer, but a postcard for the city council as well.
I would grab 1 postcard for every 4 flyers when you are stocking up to go out. Also, if they have any questions you can't answer, Local 29's website and phone number is on the flyer.
If you have any questions for me, give me a call or e-mail
John Griffith
I don't like it when I have to answer the door for solicitors, so I kept that in mind when I was doorbelling. If it looked like there wasn't activity in the front room, I didn't ring the bell. I just left a flyer. The folks I did talk to were happy to take, not only the flyer, but a postcard for the city council as well.
I would grab 1 postcard for every 4 flyers when you are stocking up to go out. Also, if they have any questions you can't answer, Local 29's website and phone number is on the flyer.
If you have any questions for me, give me a call or e-mail
John Griffith
Friday, November 12, 2004
Offer of work from a concerned citizen...
From Kevin Haughton:
Today a citizen came by the union office and offered the following;
Dwayne Phinney needs general handyman work in his rentals ie walls, plumbing, general plumbing, painting, and clean up. The position or positions are part time with very flexible hours so if you are interested give him a call.
Dwayne Phinney 466-9316
Today a citizen came by the union office and offered the following;
Dwayne Phinney needs general handyman work in his rentals ie walls, plumbing, general plumbing, painting, and clean up. The position or positions are part time with very flexible hours so if you are interested give him a call.
Dwayne Phinney 466-9316
List of billboard locales...
This is a word document. The last 2 locations won't go up until Monday.
The press conference on Wednesday
DJ Hill and Don Waller did a great job briefing our local media on the budget cut issues. There was a great picture of Greg Borg with a gramatically correct slide in the background (Thanks Jesse) in yesterday's paper.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Mickey Reynolds in motorcycle accident...
We (E3) went up tonight and saw Mickey at Deaconess. He looks pretty banged up, but was in good spirits. Mickey says the deer looks even worse. Mickey might be there tomorrow or longer, so if you're in the neighborhood...
We all wish you a speedy recovery Mickey!
JG
We all wish you a speedy recovery Mickey!
JG
CAN"T FIND SOMETHING?!?!?!
Make sure you look in the archives to your right and down a little bit. Only the most current entries are kept on this page. Thanks.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Rumors about picking and choosing from the seniority list.
Concerning layoffs, Chief Williams has emphatically said there will be no skipping of members on the seniority list because of their paramedic status.
Probationary members' street test delayed...
Chief Hansen has said that there will be no streets test for the probationary members until they return from being laid-off.
From the letter writing committee
From Dave Kovak and Doug Ross. It looks like if the word is going to go out on what these cuts mean to Spokane, we're the only ones who will do it. We'll be door-belling this weekend. More info to follow.
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