PLEASE SUPPORT CHRIS PHILLIPS FOR LOCAL 29 PRESIDENT
Change does not change tradition. It strengthens it.
Change is a challenge and an opportunity; not a threat. — Prince Philip
Over the past several weeks I have been visiting with the members of Local 29 and one thing is clear: The time has come to change the direction our Union is headed. The animosity, name calling, and negative press have hurt us. We have lost support from the citizens, Administration, local government and even from our fellow firefighters in surrounding unions and at the state level. How can we hope to effectively confront a dismal budget and negotiate concessions that benefit our members after we’ve spent years creating enemies and losing supporters? I’ve heard the membership express their displeasure time and time again and I fully agree. We must repair the damage if we wish to move ahead.
The LEOFF II Pension is not what it should be. If you question where deficiencies exist just ask any LEOFF I member and he’ll be happy to explain! Unfortunately, many of the issues that affect LEOFF II reform happen at the state level. We need to regain the respect we once had at the local and state levels and work to encourage positive changes. If we expect to see things change, we need to make a concerted effort to present a united front with other locals throughout the state. We can’t force change alone but together we can all push for beneficial changes in our pension. For this to happen we need local leadership with a vested interest in seeing the LEOFF II pension improve. I have many years left in my career and will be here to work toward making the changes we all want to see. The task is tremendous and it will take a great deal of time and effort to overcome. I don’t expect a LEOFF I member to have the same concerns and fears about my retirement needs and benefits. The LEOFF II Pension issues affect me daily and will for the remainder of my life, not just at election time.
For a Union to successfully represent its members it must have guidance and should be abreast of the issues that concern the membership. Not everyone can attend the Union meetings nor should it be the only way to obtain information on the issues that affect you. You deserve support because you are a member in good standing, not because you joined the crowd on Tuesday night. I will utilize the Union newsletter, and more importantly the website, to disseminate the minutes of the meetings in a timely manner. In addition, I will explore other avenues of getting information to our members.
I don’t believe you can adequately represent your members if you don’t have an idea of what their concerns are. I want to see the individuals who fill positions on the E-Board traveling to the areas they were tasked with representing. They should be there to gather the facts so that we can represent those members accordingly. There is absolutely no excuse for not bringing forth concerns from the entire membership. When a member has a concern or problem, the leadership needs to recognize that the concern is not trivial to that member. My message is clear … If you want to hold a position on the E-Board, you will represent the concerns of the areas you are assigned, or you should be replaced by someone who will when the opportunity arises.
You all have a right to know how your money is being spent. In the past I had questions about our Union budget. I approached the previous Secretary-Treasurer and was told that the fiscal health of my Union was none of my business. A short time later I went to a Union Meeting and brought forth a motion to prepare and have posted a budget for members to review. To my surprise the motion passed overwhelmingly. I know I do not stand alone with my concerns. When we send a member of our Union to a conference we deserve to know how it positively influenced our Union, and if the money was spent wisely. I do not agree with blindly supporting political candidates because of party affiliation. We need to adequately research a candidate’s history and position on issues before we offer support. We have failed in this task in the past. Support can be given in a number of ways and need not always be monetary in nature. I believe that when we have a number of members laid off and set back in rank we should not display fiscal irresponsibility. If there is excess spending and fat in our union budget let’s try to identify this waste and correct it before we ask members to pay more dues.
I have made it a point not to promise outlandish things as I visit the membership. I don’t carry around a list of numbers that will wow you. There are two candidates running against me that have held the position of Union President in the past. I have never doubted the passion either has for the Union or our profession. I only ask myself how they represented me when they held the position (6 years each). Both have served, and have been or soon will be voted out for a variety of reasons. Now I am asking for my chance to represent you and vow to do my best to make positive changes that will carry us forward in this ever changing profession.
I have been involved with the Union in a variety of ways. I served on the Grievance Committee, attended working family rallies across the state, I door belled, and stood on the picket line with our brothers and sisters at Kaiser. I regularly participate in Fill the Boot and the Bloomsday water station. As many of you know, I have been in the Investigation office for the last four years, and have gained an insight into how the Administration operates. I am returning to the stations in November and bring with me a fresh new perspective on the Fire Department. I have the proven ability and training to negotiate in a professional manner. I have stood my ground in the professional and legal arena and have the ability to stand toe-to-toe when a situation demands. I have developed professional relationships and am well received throughout the City and by Administration. I think this is something we haven’t had for several years and I can use this to our benefit.
I am asking for your support and look forward to learning from those who have previously held the position of President. I don’t want to alienate those who have held the position in the past, and in fact I welcome their input and assistance should they be kind enough to grant it. I have spoken with the Vice President and Secretary and they have pledged their assistance in any way needed should I be elected. I think the time has come for our Union to benefit from positive representation with a fresh outlook. I feel I can provide both and would greatly appreciate your vote.
Thank You,
Chris Phillips
Dear Fellow Union Members,
This unsolicited endorsement for Chris Phillips as our next Local 29 Union President was very easy for me to make.
Chris has the intelligence, the calm demeanor and the attitude that is needed in our Union leadership. As our Union moves forward, the time has come for changes to be made.
The question to ask one’s self is, “Am I satisfied with our current Union leadership?” I know my answer and that is why I am endorsing Chris. True leadership change must start at the top.
I would respectfully ask each and every member who voted for me in the two previous Union President elections, to cast your ballot for Chris Phillips.
Thank you.
Kevin Smathers
I support Chris Phillips for Union President. I believe local 29’s relationship with management has been adversarial for a very long time and Chris Phillips has the ability to once again build bridges. A good working relationship with management is absolutely necessary for successful representation of our membership. Chris deals with difficult issues using his intelligence to develop an effective argument and has proven his ability to work closely with management as a Fire Investigator the past four years.
With only 19 Leoff I members on the fire department, it is time for the majority of our membership to be represented by someone in the same pension system. The members of local 29 will be very well represented with Chris Phillips as the next union president.
Todd Powell
FEO – SE3D
As you all know, Chris Phillips has worked with me in the investigation office for nearly four years. When he first came into the office there was a tremendous amount of material he had to learn, which required and received his total commitment. I will tell you that he is a fast learner and quickly became an asset to the office. Chris brought many life experiences with him to investigation, with the most applicable being his quick wit and attention to the “details”. Lately I have had the opportunity to talk with some of you and fully agree that our Union is in need of a positive change. I strongly believe that now is the time and Chris is the person that can lead us in that direction. Please join me in voting for Christopher Phillips for the position of Union President.
Respectfully,
Michael Zambryski
Brothers and Sisters,
I have had an opportunity to work with Chris in each of the positions he has held within our organization. Chris has earned my respect in each of these positions. He has impressed me with his intelligence, his commitment and most importantly the fact that he can get the job done!
As each of you know, the members of Local 29 have had a long tradition of dedicated, committed leaders that have done their best to represent the members’ needs. Chris Phillips has the necessary personal attributes that will allow him to function as a strong, effective Union President. He will be a staunch advocate for all Local 29 members and positively represent all of us at the city, local and state level.
CRAIG CORNELIUS
Fellow members of Local 29,
Anyone who knows me, also knows I don’t get involved in politics very often if at all—but at this point in time I feel very compelled to speak out in support of Chris Philips. I for one do not like the ongoing level of animosity between Local 29 and our administration. I agree with Chris that it’s gone on too long and is very counter-productive to the Fire dept’s health and future growth. I believe that working closely with senior Administrators has given Chris some valuable insight to how they think and react, and this knowledge could be very valuable during negotiations, grievances, or any time a member has an issue with management.
Being an over-the –hill LEOFF 1 member, I think it would be foolish for the vast majority of you to re-elect a LEOFF 1 president again--although the current president does a fair job, I know Chris would support LEOFF 2 members and issues 100%.
I have known Chris since he was hired and have watched him mature into the man he is today—I like what I see; honesty, integrity, sincerity for a new era of trust and communication, guts to stand up for what he believes in, and the composure and intelligence to make it all happen. I respect the fact that Chris is not running a campaign full of promise—he is a realist and will only declare what he would like to see happen, and that he would do his best to keep the Local going in the right direction.
I urge all of you to vote for Chris and let him take us into the future with new hope, vigor and fresh ideas.
Thanks for listening,
Dale Michael –L2
Friday, October 27, 2006
Brad Cassell for E-Board Letter!
Brad Cassell
The louder alternative
For E board
I would like to ask for your vote for E Board. Anybody who knows me knows that anything I have to say I say loudly, and for all to hear. I have been on the job for 9 years and feel that it is time to get involved. I’ve been the station rep for station 16 and having worked all over this job I think I have a handle on what is going on with our job and union. I, as many, feel that the communication between the “man on the street” and the many at the top has been cut off at the ankles. I personally don’t have a plan on fixing this problem, but am willing to try.
I would like to see many more of my union brothers and sisters involved in the decisions that our union and admin leaders are making. It seems to me that it’s always the same people running for our union leadership positions, and I think it’s time for a change. If you’re not in the circle you don’t have any input. If elected, I plan on listening to any and all ideas even if they suck! I hear good ideas every day around the kitchen table. No matter how good these ideas, if they are not heard at the top then they will never get implemented. If you have something to say I will listen and try to do my best to make this job even better.
I would also like to see more opportunities for our brotherhood to get together. When I came on this job just a few years ago there seemed to be endless opportunities available to hang out together as a group. Lately it seems that other than union meetings, the prom and carousel night, there aren’t the opportunities we used to have to get to know one another off the job. Even these events have the same people attending most of the time. I don’t have any answers for this either, but once again I’m willing to try.
Well there’s my pitch, I tried to keep it short and simple,
Thanks
Brad
The louder alternative
For E board
I would like to ask for your vote for E Board. Anybody who knows me knows that anything I have to say I say loudly, and for all to hear. I have been on the job for 9 years and feel that it is time to get involved. I’ve been the station rep for station 16 and having worked all over this job I think I have a handle on what is going on with our job and union. I, as many, feel that the communication between the “man on the street” and the many at the top has been cut off at the ankles. I personally don’t have a plan on fixing this problem, but am willing to try.
I would like to see many more of my union brothers and sisters involved in the decisions that our union and admin leaders are making. It seems to me that it’s always the same people running for our union leadership positions, and I think it’s time for a change. If you’re not in the circle you don’t have any input. If elected, I plan on listening to any and all ideas even if they suck! I hear good ideas every day around the kitchen table. No matter how good these ideas, if they are not heard at the top then they will never get implemented. If you have something to say I will listen and try to do my best to make this job even better.
I would also like to see more opportunities for our brotherhood to get together. When I came on this job just a few years ago there seemed to be endless opportunities available to hang out together as a group. Lately it seems that other than union meetings, the prom and carousel night, there aren’t the opportunities we used to have to get to know one another off the job. Even these events have the same people attending most of the time. I don’t have any answers for this either, but once again I’m willing to try.
Well there’s my pitch, I tried to keep it short and simple,
Thanks
Brad
Don Waller for E-Board Letter!
Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider me for a position on Local 29’s Executive Board. I think all the candidates would do a great job. I have been interested in the union dealings since I started my career as a firefighter. The union, through the committees it has representatives on, and negotiations has major input on the direction our department takes on most issues. In the past I have been involved by helping with the gathering of information for the last contract negotiations, PR committee during the budget cuts, and debit day committee. One of my major tasks on the PR committee was putting together detailed information for a media packet and presentation. I was on the recent debit day committee in which I developed a plan for a possible solution. I think that it is an e-board member’s responsibility to look at every issue in various aspects and weigh each one. These aspects include the following: Is it something the members need or want? How will it affect all our members? What will the future consequences be? In other words will a new policy be made in reaction to our decision that ends up being worse for the members? Is it worth what we may have to give up? I would try to look into every issue in depth evaluating the benefit of now versus the effects in the future. I strive to look at every conceivable solution, even those that may be considered “outside of the box”, and those negative solutions others may want for us. We need to look at new creative solutions that can benefit all sides. One of my strongest attributes is my ability to analytically look at a problem from all sides. This was a big help when I served on the debit day committee and came up with a possible solution. I had even more options that were not agreed upon by both sides. The near future is going to be very important for SFD and L29. We will have new contract negotiations, possibility of a levy lid lift election, fire bond election, mayoral race, and other political races. The next couple years will impact our department’s future immensely. If we are not proactive in the solutions and changes we could feel the negative affects throughout all of our careers. The union needs to make sure the public is aware of how our department is being run, how their money is spent, and where things may be overly or inadequately funded. We will all be better off we can get the public support, the politically support, support from our department leaders, and support from our members to be adequately funded so that we can have a safe, efficient, effective fire department. It will make our fight for wages and benefits a smaller battle to win. I do not have a specific agenda, or an issue that I want changed. I promise to look at every issue fairly, analytically, and think of all possible solutions. I will make sure every opinion, desire, or issue that is brought to me is forwarded to the e-board or appropriate committee. I will support what ever side of and issue the majority of the job wants, no matter what my personal feeling is on it. I think if we can come up with new solutions, showing that all sides can benefit we can succeed. The time of the fat budget, doing it the way we always have is gone. We are going to have to change to survive, and it will take some thought to make sure that change happens in a positive way and we not only to keep what we have but always stride to improve.
Respectfully,
Don Waller
I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider me for a position on Local 29’s Executive Board. I think all the candidates would do a great job. I have been interested in the union dealings since I started my career as a firefighter. The union, through the committees it has representatives on, and negotiations has major input on the direction our department takes on most issues. In the past I have been involved by helping with the gathering of information for the last contract negotiations, PR committee during the budget cuts, and debit day committee. One of my major tasks on the PR committee was putting together detailed information for a media packet and presentation. I was on the recent debit day committee in which I developed a plan for a possible solution. I think that it is an e-board member’s responsibility to look at every issue in various aspects and weigh each one. These aspects include the following: Is it something the members need or want? How will it affect all our members? What will the future consequences be? In other words will a new policy be made in reaction to our decision that ends up being worse for the members? Is it worth what we may have to give up? I would try to look into every issue in depth evaluating the benefit of now versus the effects in the future. I strive to look at every conceivable solution, even those that may be considered “outside of the box”, and those negative solutions others may want for us. We need to look at new creative solutions that can benefit all sides. One of my strongest attributes is my ability to analytically look at a problem from all sides. This was a big help when I served on the debit day committee and came up with a possible solution. I had even more options that were not agreed upon by both sides. The near future is going to be very important for SFD and L29. We will have new contract negotiations, possibility of a levy lid lift election, fire bond election, mayoral race, and other political races. The next couple years will impact our department’s future immensely. If we are not proactive in the solutions and changes we could feel the negative affects throughout all of our careers. The union needs to make sure the public is aware of how our department is being run, how their money is spent, and where things may be overly or inadequately funded. We will all be better off we can get the public support, the politically support, support from our department leaders, and support from our members to be adequately funded so that we can have a safe, efficient, effective fire department. It will make our fight for wages and benefits a smaller battle to win. I do not have a specific agenda, or an issue that I want changed. I promise to look at every issue fairly, analytically, and think of all possible solutions. I will make sure every opinion, desire, or issue that is brought to me is forwarded to the e-board or appropriate committee. I will support what ever side of and issue the majority of the job wants, no matter what my personal feeling is on it. I think if we can come up with new solutions, showing that all sides can benefit we can succeed. The time of the fat budget, doing it the way we always have is gone. We are going to have to change to survive, and it will take some thought to make sure that change happens in a positive way and we not only to keep what we have but always stride to improve.
Respectfully,
Don Waller
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Dan Renner for President Letter!
Brothers and Sisters,
Hopefully by now I have visited most of you, and I appreciate you taking the time to sit and talk about the upcoming election. As always, there are a lot of good questions and good ideas out there. Many people asked what my priorities would be if elected, what my goals were, etc. Obviously we will be entering negotiations soon, and that would be priority #1. Then there are the chronic budget challenges that we face, and have to try and creatively deal with. But that’s just the beginning. I would ask you, what do YOU want our priorities and goals to be? You, the members, ARE Local 29. You decide where you want us to go, and then it is the job of the elected leadership to work to try and get us there. When you vote for a President, you are voting for the candidate you feel has the right personality, the experience, and the knowledge of what Local 29 does to effectively communicate on your behalf, and work to accomplish the things that are important to you. That is the job of the President, and I feel that I have the tools to best do the job for you. If you agree, I would appreciate your vote.
Thanks for reading.
Dan Renner
Hopefully by now I have visited most of you, and I appreciate you taking the time to sit and talk about the upcoming election. As always, there are a lot of good questions and good ideas out there. Many people asked what my priorities would be if elected, what my goals were, etc. Obviously we will be entering negotiations soon, and that would be priority #1. Then there are the chronic budget challenges that we face, and have to try and creatively deal with. But that’s just the beginning. I would ask you, what do YOU want our priorities and goals to be? You, the members, ARE Local 29. You decide where you want us to go, and then it is the job of the elected leadership to work to try and get us there. When you vote for a President, you are voting for the candidate you feel has the right personality, the experience, and the knowledge of what Local 29 does to effectively communicate on your behalf, and work to accomplish the things that are important to you. That is the job of the President, and I feel that I have the tools to best do the job for you. If you agree, I would appreciate your vote.
Thanks for reading.
Dan Renner
Doug Bacon for President Letter!
This Union is facing challenges in communications, contract negotiations, & LEOFF II improvements. I can lead Local 29 in resolving our issues. I have the time, experience, job knowledge, ideas & drive to accomplish these goals. I am eager to listen to you and resolve your issues.
It is imperative that we improve communications from the kitchen table to the City Council chambers and at every level in between. We cannot have our members feeling left out, ignored and uninformed. We need a Local 29 Media Committee to develop & implement ways to make sure that the public is aware of what we do and what we have given and given up for the citizens. Using the Executive Board & Station Representatives more effectively is imperative. Local 29 must be accountable to you to effectively lead.
We must start negotiations as quickly as allowed. We need to either have a contract signed or be in arbitration by September 2007. We cannot let the contract expire without being in Arbitration. The City needs to know we are ready for this step at the first negotiations meeting!
If we don't take a leadership role in LEOFF II in this State, who will. We have many ideas on what needs to be changed or improved. We just need to put these ideas into legislation and make sure these proposals are passed in Olympia. We need a Local 29 LEOFF II Pension Board to find ways to get money for medical expenses after retirement. I've expressed possible ways to do this. We need to make sure that the 790 Committee & the W.S.C.F.F. are listening to our concerns and our ideas. What is important to Spokane Firefighters better be important to these entities.
I ask for your support with these issues.
Doug Bacon
It is imperative that we improve communications from the kitchen table to the City Council chambers and at every level in between. We cannot have our members feeling left out, ignored and uninformed. We need a Local 29 Media Committee to develop & implement ways to make sure that the public is aware of what we do and what we have given and given up for the citizens. Using the Executive Board & Station Representatives more effectively is imperative. Local 29 must be accountable to you to effectively lead.
We must start negotiations as quickly as allowed. We need to either have a contract signed or be in arbitration by September 2007. We cannot let the contract expire without being in Arbitration. The City needs to know we are ready for this step at the first negotiations meeting!
If we don't take a leadership role in LEOFF II in this State, who will. We have many ideas on what needs to be changed or improved. We just need to put these ideas into legislation and make sure these proposals are passed in Olympia. We need a Local 29 LEOFF II Pension Board to find ways to get money for medical expenses after retirement. I've expressed possible ways to do this. We need to make sure that the 790 Committee & the W.S.C.F.F. are listening to our concerns and our ideas. What is important to Spokane Firefighters better be important to these entities.
I ask for your support with these issues.
Doug Bacon
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Pension Board - Something Fishy About Spokane Retirement Director's Actions...
To: Greg Borg, President Local 29
From: Mike Rose, Clive Jones, and Doug Bacon, Firefighter Pension Board
Re: Leo Griffin, Retirement Director
March 2, 2006
Dear Greg,
We wanted to inform you about several Pension Board issues that have unfolded in the brief tenure of Director of Retirement Leo Griffin.
Financially Leo has made decisions that are going to increase medical services costs significantly. He negotiated a contract with Premera for 2006 and had it approved by the Fire board, both firefighter members voting no, in Dec 2005. At the time he represented that we had a 30 day out if we wanted to switch provider networks. A proposal brought to the board in Oct 2005 by Benefax for services provided by A.W. Rehn would have saved $232,848 in Administrative costs for both Fire and Police boards over the Premera contract. Additionally the Premera contract has no customization to pay for claims outside of the contract. A.W. Rehn would have provided that service at no extra charge. It is unknown at this time what the additional cost will be. Someone from the city will now have to process and individually pay each of those claims. It was later uncovered that there are significant penalties for early termination of the Premera contract that Leo negotiated.. Leo also negotiated with Premera to file for Medicare Part D subsidy at a cost of $52,000 per year for both boards. Restat would have performed the same service for both boards for $3996.00 per year, a savings of over $48,000 per year. Not a misprint! These 2 items alone are going to cost $280,848 at least this year alone between both boards. Additionally there has been 1 Federal HIPPA complaint filed by a member. More may follow as the Retirement Department was sending confidential HIPPA protected information to Fire Department staff. The cost of federal fines may be substantial. We are very concerned on how well Leo will handle our multimillion dollar trust fund.
Professionally Leo has been very difficult to work with. In our Oct 2005 meeting 5 city attorneys came to our meeting presenting a legal opinion, with the T.V. media called in, that the boards must go thru an RFP process for the services provided by Benefax. This was done by Leo without board knowledge or approval. During the RFP process that ultimately went to Benefax former City Councilwoman Cherie Rodgers asked Leo if he would take a lie detector test at her expense, he declined. Councilwoman Rodgers also said in the committee that the way the RFP process was handled was so out of line with normal procedure that the city could be held liable. During the Dec. 2005 City Council meeting statements were made that prompted a vendor, that we have had an 18 year relationship with, to seek legal protection to defend his reputation. Mike Rose formally asked Leo on Feb. 6, 2006 to cease bringing resolutions to City Council without board knowledge or approval. The next week Feb. 13, 2006, Leo brought the Premera contract to pre-council meeting for approval. He did this with full knowledge that the contract for approval was on the March Fire board meeting agenda. There is such a cloud of secrecy surrounding Leo that both Fire and Police boards have sought access to emails by the freedom of information act. We have also contacted the Washington State Council of Firefighters who have pledged to spare no legal expense to protect our fund.
In the past 35 years that the Firefighters Pension Board has existed in the LEOFF 1 system there has never been such an atmosphere of mistrust between the Firefighters and a Director of Retirement. We believe that nothing short of Leo Griffin’s replacement will restore fiscal responsibility and professionally integrity to Director of Retirement’s office. Sincerely
Mike Rose
Clive Jones
Doug Bacon
From: Mike Rose, Clive Jones, and Doug Bacon, Firefighter Pension Board
Re: Leo Griffin, Retirement Director
March 2, 2006
Dear Greg,
We wanted to inform you about several Pension Board issues that have unfolded in the brief tenure of Director of Retirement Leo Griffin.
Financially Leo has made decisions that are going to increase medical services costs significantly. He negotiated a contract with Premera for 2006 and had it approved by the Fire board, both firefighter members voting no, in Dec 2005. At the time he represented that we had a 30 day out if we wanted to switch provider networks. A proposal brought to the board in Oct 2005 by Benefax for services provided by A.W. Rehn would have saved $232,848 in Administrative costs for both Fire and Police boards over the Premera contract. Additionally the Premera contract has no customization to pay for claims outside of the contract. A.W. Rehn would have provided that service at no extra charge. It is unknown at this time what the additional cost will be. Someone from the city will now have to process and individually pay each of those claims. It was later uncovered that there are significant penalties for early termination of the Premera contract that Leo negotiated.. Leo also negotiated with Premera to file for Medicare Part D subsidy at a cost of $52,000 per year for both boards. Restat would have performed the same service for both boards for $3996.00 per year, a savings of over $48,000 per year. Not a misprint! These 2 items alone are going to cost $280,848 at least this year alone between both boards. Additionally there has been 1 Federal HIPPA complaint filed by a member. More may follow as the Retirement Department was sending confidential HIPPA protected information to Fire Department staff. The cost of federal fines may be substantial. We are very concerned on how well Leo will handle our multimillion dollar trust fund.
Professionally Leo has been very difficult to work with. In our Oct 2005 meeting 5 city attorneys came to our meeting presenting a legal opinion, with the T.V. media called in, that the boards must go thru an RFP process for the services provided by Benefax. This was done by Leo without board knowledge or approval. During the RFP process that ultimately went to Benefax former City Councilwoman Cherie Rodgers asked Leo if he would take a lie detector test at her expense, he declined. Councilwoman Rodgers also said in the committee that the way the RFP process was handled was so out of line with normal procedure that the city could be held liable. During the Dec. 2005 City Council meeting statements were made that prompted a vendor, that we have had an 18 year relationship with, to seek legal protection to defend his reputation. Mike Rose formally asked Leo on Feb. 6, 2006 to cease bringing resolutions to City Council without board knowledge or approval. The next week Feb. 13, 2006, Leo brought the Premera contract to pre-council meeting for approval. He did this with full knowledge that the contract for approval was on the March Fire board meeting agenda. There is such a cloud of secrecy surrounding Leo that both Fire and Police boards have sought access to emails by the freedom of information act. We have also contacted the Washington State Council of Firefighters who have pledged to spare no legal expense to protect our fund.
In the past 35 years that the Firefighters Pension Board has existed in the LEOFF 1 system there has never been such an atmosphere of mistrust between the Firefighters and a Director of Retirement. We believe that nothing short of Leo Griffin’s replacement will restore fiscal responsibility and professionally integrity to Director of Retirement’s office. Sincerely
Mike Rose
Clive Jones
Doug Bacon
Sunday, October 15, 2006
FDNY Shirts and Hats
> Hello Everyone,
>
> I have some leftover "FDNY" hats and shirts that I am going to get rid
> of. The hats are the Navy ball caps with the FDNY on them and I also
> have many shirts in different sizes.
>
> If you would like to see them or pick one up, all I would ask is a
> small donation to the Benevolent fund and you can have your pick.
>
> The shirts would make great work shirts or play shirts for that matter
> and the hats are just that, hats.
>
> Get a hold of me and you can take a look.
>
> Thanks
> Gonzo
> 13's D
>
> I have some leftover "FDNY" hats and shirts that I am going to get rid
> of. The hats are the Navy ball caps with the FDNY on them and I also
> have many shirts in different sizes.
>
> If you would like to see them or pick one up, all I would ask is a
> small donation to the Benevolent fund and you can have your pick.
>
> The shirts would make great work shirts or play shirts for that matter
> and the hats are just that, hats.
>
> Get a hold of me and you can take a look.
>
> Thanks
> Gonzo
> 13's D
Friday, October 13, 2006
Dean Carr for E-Board letter!
Hey,
> I just wanted to drop everyone a line that I had email addresses
> for to let you know if you didn't know already that I am running for
> eboard this election.
>
> I feel very strongly that, as a union, we need to be more
> inclusive of all of our members. I know there are people who are so
> disenfranchised with the union that they don't feel comfortable even
> going down to the union office to buy a t-shirt. While I don't think
> that there is actually any animosity from the union towards any of the
> members, we need to make sure that everyone in the body feels included
> in the union. I will do my part to actually stop by the stations in
> the district that I will represent to make sure that everyone's
> sentiments are shared with the eboard and principal officers on a
> regular basis.
>
> We need to understand that the local is not a magic wand that
> just needs to be waved to fix every problem but more of a process that
> we work through to ensure that everybody on the job is treated fairly
> and with respect. I also believe that it is important for the east
> side of the job to have more of a voice in being represented in the
> leadership of the local.
>
> It is important to me that the job comes before any specialty
> group. We all (with the exception of the very last class that was
> hired, laid off, and now partially re-hired) came to this job as an
> EMT Firefighter. But there is quite of bit of marginalizing of this
> group going on right now due to these specialties. This must stop
> because the whole job is nowhere without that foundation.
>
> In the 14 years that I've been on, I feel that we have never had
> a better working relationship with the administration of the
> department. We must capitalize on this to cooperate with them to make
> this job a better place. The union is merely a reactive measure
> unless we foster cooperation with them.
>
> I will make every effort to hit all shifts and every station in
> the next month so that you can beat me up in person.
>
>
> Thanks for taking the time,
>
> Deano
>
> I just wanted to drop everyone a line that I had email addresses
> for to let you know if you didn't know already that I am running for
> eboard this election.
>
> I feel very strongly that, as a union, we need to be more
> inclusive of all of our members. I know there are people who are so
> disenfranchised with the union that they don't feel comfortable even
> going down to the union office to buy a t-shirt. While I don't think
> that there is actually any animosity from the union towards any of the
> members, we need to make sure that everyone in the body feels included
> in the union. I will do my part to actually stop by the stations in
> the district that I will represent to make sure that everyone's
> sentiments are shared with the eboard and principal officers on a
> regular basis.
>
> We need to understand that the local is not a magic wand that
> just needs to be waved to fix every problem but more of a process that
> we work through to ensure that everybody on the job is treated fairly
> and with respect. I also believe that it is important for the east
> side of the job to have more of a voice in being represented in the
> leadership of the local.
>
> It is important to me that the job comes before any specialty
> group. We all (with the exception of the very last class that was
> hired, laid off, and now partially re-hired) came to this job as an
> EMT Firefighter. But there is quite of bit of marginalizing of this
> group going on right now due to these specialties. This must stop
> because the whole job is nowhere without that foundation.
>
> In the 14 years that I've been on, I feel that we have never had
> a better working relationship with the administration of the
> department. We must capitalize on this to cooperate with them to make
> this job a better place. The union is merely a reactive measure
> unless we foster cooperation with them.
>
> I will make every effort to hit all shifts and every station in
> the next month so that you can beat me up in person.
>
>
> Thanks for taking the time,
>
> Deano
>
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Nominations made at the October 10th Union Meeting...
President - Dan Renner, Greg Borg, Doug Bacon, Chris
Phillips
E-Board (2 positions)- Don Waller, Dean Carr, Thad
Frater, Brad Cassell, Kevin Haughton, Rex Peterson
Trustees (2 positions)- Mike Rossi, Clive Jones, Rob
Mathews
Grievance Committee - elected by acclamation - Brian
Turpen, Frank Wood.
Phillips
E-Board (2 positions)- Don Waller, Dean Carr, Thad
Frater, Brad Cassell, Kevin Haughton, Rex Peterson
Trustees (2 positions)- Mike Rossi, Clive Jones, Rob
Mathews
Grievance Committee - elected by acclamation - Brian
Turpen, Frank Wood.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Medic School
Some of you have been asking, "Hey! What are you learning in medic school?" It's no surprise that I can't talk a lot about it. It's not so much that I really don't understand it (although that's true). It's just that all of us in the paramedic (paramagic) class are beginning that transformation from EMT-B (caterpillar) into EMT-P (Monarch Butterfly) and we're not allowed to talk about some of the rituals. However, I did find this video which will give you a good idea of what we've been going through. It could serve as a powerful enticement to those of you sitting on the EMS evolutionary fence.
Warning: one "F-Bomb" contained within this video.
Warning: one "F-Bomb" contained within this video.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Zombies protest for rights. Pirates stage counterprotest.
It all happened in Austin TX. And it reminded me of our picketing of Millwood (2?) years ago. We never had to contend with pirates, however.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Spokane Labor Council Rally - Wednesday, Sept 27th!
Hosted by the Spokane Regional Labor Council, this event isn't just a way to connect with our union brothers and sisters. It's a chance to eat food and drink beer for only a buck! Things kick off at 4 pm and go until 7 pm out at the fairgrounds, in the ag trade building. And if a dollar is going to set you back, Thad has some free tickets.
The Rally only happens every other year. So, if you have a chance to get out there, you might not want to pass it up!
The Rally only happens every other year. So, if you have a chance to get out there, you might not want to pass it up!
Spokane Labor Council Rally - Wednesday, Sept 27th!
Hosted by the Spokane Regional Labor Council, this event isn't just a way to connect with our union brothers and sisters. It's a chance to eat food and drink beer for only a buck! Things kick off at 4 pm and go until 7 pm out at the fairgrounds, in the ag trade building. And if a dollar is going to set you back, Thad has some free tickets.
The Rally only happens every other year. So, if you have a chance to get out there, you might not want to pass it up!
The Rally only happens every other year. So, if you have a chance to get out there, you might not want to pass it up!
Monday, September 11, 2006
September 11th
Five years ago.
343 of our brothers gave the ultimate sacrifice. And they did it in front of a horrified nation.
Five years ago.
And our nation has changed - in more ways than anyone could've thought possible - in five years.
A lot to think about. A lot to talk about. A lot to do.
343 of our brothers gave the ultimate sacrifice. And they did it in front of a horrified nation.
Five years ago.
And our nation has changed - in more ways than anyone could've thought possible - in five years.
A lot to think about. A lot to talk about. A lot to do.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
June's newsletter.
Some of you are asking, "Where is it?" Some aren't.
I am still missing a few crucial submissions, so it's going to be a combined issue of June and July. And if I don't have the needed articles by early July, then it's going to be a summer issue. You see where this is going.
In the meantime, summer is upon us, and it's hot! Hopefully, you'll have some timely relief - with the latest installment of The Housefund Chef. The test kitchen at Stn 13 has come up with a killer recipe for homemade ice cream - all from the bounty of their housefund cupboards! Coming soon.
Thanks,
John
I am still missing a few crucial submissions, so it's going to be a combined issue of June and July. And if I don't have the needed articles by early July, then it's going to be a summer issue. You see where this is going.
In the meantime, summer is upon us, and it's hot! Hopefully, you'll have some timely relief - with the latest installment of The Housefund Chef. The test kitchen at Stn 13 has come up with a killer recipe for homemade ice cream - all from the bounty of their housefund cupboards! Coming soon.
Thanks,
John
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Thursday, June 08, 2006
September Is Next Union Meeting
Still waiting on a few articles for the June newsletter, so it will be a little late. Just wanted you to know that meetings have been suspended for the summer. E-Board continues to meet, however.
Thanks, John
Thanks, John
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Cheney Golf Tournament Rescheduled...
Unfortunately we have had to reschedule our golf tournament from the
Friday May 19th for several different reasons. But, we have rescheduled
it for Saturday September 23rd at 1:00pm at Indian Canyon Golf Course.
We will be sending out new registration forms in the near future. We
hope we can get a good turn out for this end of the season tournament
and a fundraising opportunity with MDA.
I apologize for the short notice with the rescheduling.
Thanks for your support!
Donovan
Cheney Firefighters Local 1919
Friday May 19th for several different reasons. But, we have rescheduled
it for Saturday September 23rd at 1:00pm at Indian Canyon Golf Course.
We will be sending out new registration forms in the near future. We
hope we can get a good turn out for this end of the season tournament
and a fundraising opportunity with MDA.
I apologize for the short notice with the rescheduling.
Thanks for your support!
Donovan
Cheney Firefighters Local 1919
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Webcam of firehouse lightbulb - burning continuously since 1901!
Four watts and handblown glass - 105 years of work. I wonder if the Livermore Fire Dept. would trade the bulb for a couple of MDCs, a thin client, some FDM software and a case of CHARGE...
Monday, April 10, 2006
Anonymous letter regarding editorial from last month.
Well, it's taken me a lot of work. I had to scan it. Convert it to a jpeg. Load it up. Link it. And here it is! I think it's worth it. To read this beauty, simply click on the title. As best I can tell, the letter is one of disapproval for my editorial in last month's WORKER. But, I'll leave that up to you, gentle reader, to decipher. My thanks to this anonymous "wife" of a firefighter for taking the time to write. I don't think you read my editorial before you responded to it, but that's okay. I appreciate the time you put into this and hopefully others will too!
P.S. "Mrs." Anonymous, remember you can always comment on the blog anonymously too.
P.S. "Mrs." Anonymous, remember you can always comment on the blog anonymously too.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
A reply to Deputy Mayor Lynch's link to the Journal of Business article..
Haven't heard anything from anyone regarding this email I sent a couple of weeks ago. You can view the attachment by clicking the title above. It is curiouser and curiouser that we are projected for deeper and deeper deficits at the same time Spokane gets to be a hotter and hotter market, and the economy is surging here. Something just doesn't add up.
Seattle is hiring dozens of new firefighters, yet we're still severely understaffed. Strange indeed.
From: Griffith, John Sent: Tue 3/28/2006 11:30 AM
To: Feist, Marlene; Lynch, Jack; Hession, Dennis
Cc: Bacon, Michael; Borg, Gregory; Vietzke, Mark
Subject: RE: Journal of Business editorial on City budget
Attachments: JOBeditoct2705.jpg(430KB)
Hi Marlene, In light of the editorial from the Journal of Business editorial Dep Mayor Lynch had you forward citywide, I am requesting that an editorial that I wrote for the Journal of Business (10/27/05) also be forwarded to all city employees. This editorial was written before the lidlift vote and also before our union voted for each member to donate 24 hours of free labor to the city. But, I think the gist of the piece is still pertinent.
Thank you for your consideration, and if you decide that it's appropriate to forward this on, you will find the article attached as a jpeg. If you would rather have it in another format, I will gladly provide it.
Many thanks,
John Griffith
Local 29
Seattle is hiring dozens of new firefighters, yet we're still severely understaffed. Strange indeed.
From: Griffith, John Sent: Tue 3/28/2006 11:30 AM
To: Feist, Marlene; Lynch, Jack; Hession, Dennis
Cc: Bacon, Michael; Borg, Gregory; Vietzke, Mark
Subject: RE: Journal of Business editorial on City budget
Attachments: JOBeditoct2705.jpg(430KB)
Hi Marlene, In light of the editorial from the Journal of Business editorial Dep Mayor Lynch had you forward citywide, I am requesting that an editorial that I wrote for the Journal of Business (10/27/05) also be forwarded to all city employees. This editorial was written before the lidlift vote and also before our union voted for each member to donate 24 hours of free labor to the city. But, I think the gist of the piece is still pertinent.
Thank you for your consideration, and if you decide that it's appropriate to forward this on, you will find the article attached as a jpeg. If you would rather have it in another format, I will gladly provide it.
Many thanks,
John Griffith
Local 29
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Local 1919 Cheney Firefighters Golf Tournament
This is their 4th Annual Golf Classic. If you, or someone you know, is interested in playing and/or sponsoring a hole, please contact Donovan Cathey. He can e-mail you the forms and any other information. It's on May 19th at Indian Canyon. This is a great event (so I've been told by golfers) that really does a lot to help MDA Washington.
donovancathey@hotmail.com
donovancathey@hotmail.com
An invitation from Dean Carr...
The Spokane SaberCats men's minor league football team is starting it's second season this Saturday April 1 at 2 PM at Mead High School. I have had several people ask me if I am playing for the Shock or am involved with them. I am not. I'm trying to make this team that I own a success. I could always use a few volunteers to help with stuff during the games or if you just want to come and watch, we do have a $5 ticket for police, fire, and military. I am not playing this year, as Tippy has finally put her foot down about me taking the chance on getting hurt. I just wanted to use this forum as another opportunity to get the word out about the team to everybody on the job that I haven't been able to talk to.
If you would like to volunteer, or buy tickets, or just have a question about the team please give me a call at 951-3725.
Thanks,
Dean Carr
If you would like to volunteer, or buy tickets, or just have a question about the team please give me a call at 951-3725.
Thanks,
Dean Carr
Saturday, March 25, 2006
When organizations listen to the workers (the unions) they profit...
This is a link is to an article from the Christian Science Monitor. It tells the story of one airline whose management listened to what workers had to say - and turned their red ink into black.
I link this in response to Dep Mayor Lynch's desire (sent through Marlene Feist's email) for city workers to read a recent editorial from Spokane's Journal of Business. This article alludes that unions are to blame (at least partially) for the city's financial state.
And speaking of the city's financial state, a casual observer traveling our bustling streets would conclude that business has never been better. Are we still in the hole? Strange.
Those of us who were at the Public Safety Committee, meeting months ago, remember Mr. Lynch's umbrage when city council members wanted to revisit the AMR contract. He was downright angry that the union, along with the city council, wanted to open the contract up for scrutiny. This scrutiny has opened the door for city coffers to swell with potential penalties paid by AMR to Spokane for contract violations. More importantly, this scrutiny has righted a wrong, and has served Spokane's citizens well.
I think our citizens are beginning to see Local 29 for what we are - an organization that wants to see that citizens are well-served, an organization that wants to protect citizens' lives, property and their pocketbooks. In short, our citizens are beginning to realize that this union (and many others) are in their corner. And knowing how Mr. Lynch feels about us, this has got to hurt.
I wrote an editorial for the Journal of Business last November. I will ask Mr. Lynch for equal time using our city e-mail, as he has.
In the meantime, spread the link above. Unions are saving businesses. Unions are protecting the notion of livable wages in the United States - and a middle class. Unions are protecting the family. Unions have been, and always will be, a voice that calls for accountability, scrutiny and clarity in our government. Ours is one of the few voices left. Don't let it be silenced - our country and our city are depending on us!
John Griffith
Local 29
I link this in response to Dep Mayor Lynch's desire (sent through Marlene Feist's email) for city workers to read a recent editorial from Spokane's Journal of Business. This article alludes that unions are to blame (at least partially) for the city's financial state.
And speaking of the city's financial state, a casual observer traveling our bustling streets would conclude that business has never been better. Are we still in the hole? Strange.
Those of us who were at the Public Safety Committee, meeting months ago, remember Mr. Lynch's umbrage when city council members wanted to revisit the AMR contract. He was downright angry that the union, along with the city council, wanted to open the contract up for scrutiny. This scrutiny has opened the door for city coffers to swell with potential penalties paid by AMR to Spokane for contract violations. More importantly, this scrutiny has righted a wrong, and has served Spokane's citizens well.
I think our citizens are beginning to see Local 29 for what we are - an organization that wants to see that citizens are well-served, an organization that wants to protect citizens' lives, property and their pocketbooks. In short, our citizens are beginning to realize that this union (and many others) are in their corner. And knowing how Mr. Lynch feels about us, this has got to hurt.
I wrote an editorial for the Journal of Business last November. I will ask Mr. Lynch for equal time using our city e-mail, as he has.
In the meantime, spread the link above. Unions are saving businesses. Unions are protecting the notion of livable wages in the United States - and a middle class. Unions are protecting the family. Unions have been, and always will be, a voice that calls for accountability, scrutiny and clarity in our government. Ours is one of the few voices left. Don't let it be silenced - our country and our city are depending on us!
John Griffith
Local 29
Friday, March 24, 2006
Line of Duty Death - Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores Captain Robert McLaughlin died during a surf rescue drill. Memorial service is on March 29th at 2:00 pm. More details at the link above.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
LOOKING BACK - A post from December 30 2004 - 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
Monday, March 20, 2006
Strengthening our levies...
Thankfully, we passed our lid lift levy last year. Our citizens spoke up for us overwhelmingly and we were able to maintain the same understaffed level of service. The alternative would have been disasterous for the fire department and the citizens of Spokane.
I guess where I'm going with this is, I am very interested in making sure the public knows we are good servants with their money. A lot of the editorials about the situation at Stn 17 really made me aware that the citizens view the fire stations as their property and rightfully so. I believe we will soon be looking to renew the levy which helped build new firehouses, perform upgrades on exisiting firehouses and purchase new apparatus.
We heard from citizens who wondered why we were building new stations, as we were laying off firefighters. We awkwardly explained the "two different pots of money" phenomenon.
In my opinion (and it may be an uneducated opinion), the two most important levies we face are the lidlift (up for renewal in another year and a half) and the EMS levy (up for renewal in another 4 and a half years - I think). These are the levies that keep firefighters working for the city. The EMS levy must pass by over 60%, and it was real close last time.
Before we start on the remodel of the administration building and Station One, a remodel that will relocate equipment and personnel out of the area they protect, I would like to know how much money is left in this levy.
If there is a substantial amount, is there any mechanism to allow voters (or the city council) to put this money aside for paying to keep firefighters on the job? Maybe it could be a fund we draw from for the next 10 years. Maybe we could even give the money back to the taxpayers to show that we've been, and will continue to be, good stewards. What kind of message would we send the taxpayers if we said, "We've accomplished many of the big projects we wanted to do, with the money you've given us. But, we know that we're going to have to ask you for money later - just to make sure we have firefighters who will respond to your home in an emergency, and times are tight. So, we're going to give you back the remainder of your levy money, or we'd like to set it aside for personnel costs - your choice."
I don't know if this is something we could legally do, or if it's even a good idea. I would sure like to hear what you think. If you have some ideas, or want to comment, just click on the comment button and you can leave a post.
Thanks, John
I guess where I'm going with this is, I am very interested in making sure the public knows we are good servants with their money. A lot of the editorials about the situation at Stn 17 really made me aware that the citizens view the fire stations as their property and rightfully so. I believe we will soon be looking to renew the levy which helped build new firehouses, perform upgrades on exisiting firehouses and purchase new apparatus.
We heard from citizens who wondered why we were building new stations, as we were laying off firefighters. We awkwardly explained the "two different pots of money" phenomenon.
In my opinion (and it may be an uneducated opinion), the two most important levies we face are the lidlift (up for renewal in another year and a half) and the EMS levy (up for renewal in another 4 and a half years - I think). These are the levies that keep firefighters working for the city. The EMS levy must pass by over 60%, and it was real close last time.
Before we start on the remodel of the administration building and Station One, a remodel that will relocate equipment and personnel out of the area they protect, I would like to know how much money is left in this levy.
If there is a substantial amount, is there any mechanism to allow voters (or the city council) to put this money aside for paying to keep firefighters on the job? Maybe it could be a fund we draw from for the next 10 years. Maybe we could even give the money back to the taxpayers to show that we've been, and will continue to be, good stewards. What kind of message would we send the taxpayers if we said, "We've accomplished many of the big projects we wanted to do, with the money you've given us. But, we know that we're going to have to ask you for money later - just to make sure we have firefighters who will respond to your home in an emergency, and times are tight. So, we're going to give you back the remainder of your levy money, or we'd like to set it aside for personnel costs - your choice."
I don't know if this is something we could legally do, or if it's even a good idea. I would sure like to hear what you think. If you have some ideas, or want to comment, just click on the comment button and you can leave a post.
Thanks, John
Thursday, March 16, 2006
If you would like to support the union's "service and protection through vigilance" for our citizens, here's an invite Bill Jackman received-
Bill,
This coming Friday, 3/17, at 2:30 PM, we will be arguing Jerry Lueck's motion to dismiss our Consumer Protection Act claims against him. The hearing will be before Judge Leveque, whose chambers are in Room 403 of the Spokane County Courthouse. If you and some of your Firefighter friends could join us, we'd appreciate your support.
Thanks . . .
Roger
D. Roger Reed
Reed & Giesa P.S.
drreed@reedgiesa.com
Phone: (509) 838-8341
This coming Friday, 3/17, at 2:30 PM, we will be arguing Jerry Lueck's motion to dismiss our Consumer Protection Act claims against him. The hearing will be before Judge Leveque, whose chambers are in Room 403 of the Spokane County Courthouse. If you and some of your Firefighter friends could join us, we'd appreciate your support.
Thanks . . .
Roger
D. Roger Reed
Reed & Giesa P.S.
drreed@reedgiesa.com
Phone: (509) 838-8341
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
KXLY report - latest on the AMR story...
A big story in the Spokesman-Review this morning. Here's the latest from KXLY. You can click on their picture to view the story.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
From Art of Bleeding - The First Aid Movie
This might be good to show before "CPR for Friends and Family," to get the crowd warmed up.
Art of Bleeding...
Maybe Training could get these guys and gals to help out with OTEP stuff. Enjoy.
UPDATE: Some concern about viewing this at work. There are images on a "naughtiness" level of a Victoria's Secret catalog, or the JEMS website. And given the ambiguity of what is and what is not pornography as it relates to city computers, use your best judgement. Some people are really into feet and shoes, and have been warned about looking at the Red Wing and Hush Puppies web catalogs.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Follow the legislative conference online
Right now, our union reps are lobbying for us over in Olympia. If you would like to see what they are lobbying for and check in to see how it's going, the WSCFF website says it will provide updates. If you haven't registered on the website, it will ask you to do so before you can access all material.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Meeting With Gavin Cooley...
Greg and I met with Gavin Cooley and Tim Dunivant today. Mr. Cooley had requested this meeting. He read entries in this blog and wanted to set the record straight. At the meeting, I told him that one of our members had recently seen him on TV and that he had heard Mr. Cooley say that firefighters had not given any concessions, in regard to the lidlift. I said this was an important issue for us, as we had, in fact, voted for every member to donate 24 hours of labor to the city. And many voted for this so citizens would see that we aren't greedy b*st*rds. We were willing to give something back - free labor - 24 hours worth.
Mr. Cooley responded by saying that the last time he talked on TV was December 12th - the budget meeting. He said that he didn't say anything of the sort. In fact, he believes that Local 29 is the only labor union to have actually made a very real, very substantial giveback/concession.
I then asked him about some of the rumors we heard earlier. We heard that he was speaking out against the lidlift levy before the election in November. He pointed out that he had not only drafted the proposition's language, he persuaded many of the lidlift's opponents to not actively oppose this measure.
Overall, the meeting was positive. Mr. Cooley would like to work with Local 29 for a change in state law so municipalities (us) will have the same ability as counties to institute an M&O levy for more than one year. This was something that the WSCFF tried to do last year, but had no luck.
Mr. Cooley responded by saying that the last time he talked on TV was December 12th - the budget meeting. He said that he didn't say anything of the sort. In fact, he believes that Local 29 is the only labor union to have actually made a very real, very substantial giveback/concession.
I then asked him about some of the rumors we heard earlier. We heard that he was speaking out against the lidlift levy before the election in November. He pointed out that he had not only drafted the proposition's language, he persuaded many of the lidlift's opponents to not actively oppose this measure.
Overall, the meeting was positive. Mr. Cooley would like to work with Local 29 for a change in state law so municipalities (us) will have the same ability as counties to institute an M&O levy for more than one year. This was something that the WSCFF tried to do last year, but had no luck.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Charred Mouse Burns House...
Man tries to dispose of mouse by throwing it onto a burn pile in his yard. Flaming mouse exits fire and returns to man's house. Mouse burns down house.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Friday, January 06, 2006
Sumner and East Pierce are hiring...
Sumner and East Pierce are going to hire aprox 13 new employees. Around 10 are going to be firefighter medics. If anyone is interested, call Chief Dan Packerd @ 253-863-1800.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Did anybody else see this?
Heard from some folks that they saw Gavin Cooley, the city's CFO, on TV the other night. They said they heard him say that the city's firefighters didn't give anything back to the city like we said we would. I can't believe that he doesn't know that we are each donating 24 hours of work to the city! And we changed our dental plans to cheaper ones, too. I had heard stories that he was out campaigning against the lidlift levy using the same line that we wouldn't give anything up. If you saw him say these things, e-mail me. Local 29 would like to document this. Most citizens don't know that we gave anything back, and if he is deliberately spreading misinformation, we need to know.
John
John
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
ESCORT SERVICE WORKERS NEEDED - not that kind of escort...
Brothers and Sisters,
I am looking for two or maybe three people to work for me doing funeral escorts. The pay is good but the hours are very part time. If you have any questions, give me a call and we can talk about it.
Bill Gonzalez
13D
I am looking for two or maybe three people to work for me doing funeral escorts. The pay is good but the hours are very part time. If you have any questions, give me a call and we can talk about it.
Bill Gonzalez
13D
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Health Insurance Companies sock away hundreds of millions more than they will ever need...
A link to the SR article this morning.
Remember how we were told much of the city's budget woes were because of rising healthcare costs? Remember how we laid off firefighters because of budget woes? Well, this article should be the beginning of outrage by city governments all around this state. I wonder if it will.
Earlier this year, we pointed out to the city that Local 29 negotiated a very modest increase in our healthcare premiums for the LEOFF Trust plan. We suggested the city do the same thing. The city could have saved taxpayers a bundle. They could have kept layoffs from coming, perhaps without any increase in taxation to the city. Instead, the city decided to just take whatever increase Premera or GHNW had slated. All the folks of a particular political bent who continually talk about the benefits of competition and the wisdom of the "free" market simply said "no thanks," when it came to demanding some competition between insurance companies for our city tax dollars. How strange.
I know the Spokesman-Review is busy investigating the AMR stuff, and rightfully so. But there may be even a bigger story here. The questions that need to be answered are:
1. Why wouldn't an entity with a million? ten million? a hundred million? dollars worth of health insurance business not shop around?
2. How much money did employees and the city pump into GHNW and Premera via premiums? How much did these companies expend in healthcare? What's the difference between the two numbers?
3. If there's this kind of money to be made, without any oversight, in regards to gouging, why doesn't the city underwrite its own policy?
4. Who's in charge of making sure the city gets the best deal in insurance and other expenditures? What happened when we suggested that they shop around for more competitive insurance companies?
5. If this is the deal insurance companies get with the city, what about road construction, general contracting, etc.?
What gives?
Remember how we were told much of the city's budget woes were because of rising healthcare costs? Remember how we laid off firefighters because of budget woes? Well, this article should be the beginning of outrage by city governments all around this state. I wonder if it will.
Earlier this year, we pointed out to the city that Local 29 negotiated a very modest increase in our healthcare premiums for the LEOFF Trust plan. We suggested the city do the same thing. The city could have saved taxpayers a bundle. They could have kept layoffs from coming, perhaps without any increase in taxation to the city. Instead, the city decided to just take whatever increase Premera or GHNW had slated. All the folks of a particular political bent who continually talk about the benefits of competition and the wisdom of the "free" market simply said "no thanks," when it came to demanding some competition between insurance companies for our city tax dollars. How strange.
I know the Spokesman-Review is busy investigating the AMR stuff, and rightfully so. But there may be even a bigger story here. The questions that need to be answered are:
1. Why wouldn't an entity with a million? ten million? a hundred million? dollars worth of health insurance business not shop around?
2. How much money did employees and the city pump into GHNW and Premera via premiums? How much did these companies expend in healthcare? What's the difference between the two numbers?
3. If there's this kind of money to be made, without any oversight, in regards to gouging, why doesn't the city underwrite its own policy?
4. Who's in charge of making sure the city gets the best deal in insurance and other expenditures? What happened when we suggested that they shop around for more competitive insurance companies?
5. If this is the deal insurance companies get with the city, what about road construction, general contracting, etc.?
What gives?
Monday, December 12, 2005
Local 29 Election Results
Debit Day Donation (the giveback)
Yes - 137
No - 54
Dental Plan
Yes- 143
No - 45
Emeritus status
Yes- 174
No - 19
E-Board
Haff - 167
Gonzalez - 131
Wisniewski - 123
Staggs - 109
Yes - 137
No - 54
Dental Plan
Yes- 143
No - 45
Emeritus status
Yes- 174
No - 19
E-Board
Haff - 167
Gonzalez - 131
Wisniewski - 123
Staggs - 109
Thursday, December 08, 2005
More Firefighter Openings in other Washington State fire departments...
Here are some more openings that a brother from another dept was kind enough to forward to Local 29. And again, isn't it strange that other cities and counties in Washington State are hiring so many firefighters, while our city (currently in the midst of a construction boom) is in such "financial trouble" that we still have 17 guys laid off? What gives?
Message follows:
My name is Mike Westland, I am the treasurer and on the e-board for Local 3520 (East Pierce firefighters). We are in the fortunate position of adding 9 positons in the next 16 months or so, and our neighbors whom we work with closely should be hiring 3. The first 5 or 6 will be ff/paramedics. If you have any firefighter paramedics who are still laid off and are looking for a job have them call me. Our chief has said he is willing to take a close look at our laid of brothers and perhaps do a direct recruit/lateral hiring. It is my hope that we can do the same in the future for firefighters also, but for the time being it is just paramedics.
Fraternally
Mike Westland
home phone 253-826-6146
work phone 253-863-1800
Message follows:
My name is Mike Westland, I am the treasurer and on the e-board for Local 3520 (East Pierce firefighters). We are in the fortunate position of adding 9 positons in the next 16 months or so, and our neighbors whom we work with closely should be hiring 3. The first 5 or 6 will be ff/paramedics. If you have any firefighter paramedics who are still laid off and are looking for a job have them call me. Our chief has said he is willing to take a close look at our laid of brothers and perhaps do a direct recruit/lateral hiring. It is my hope that we can do the same in the future for firefighters also, but for the time being it is just paramedics.
Fraternally
Mike Westland
home phone 253-826-6146
work phone 253-863-1800
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Job Openings from Dan Daniels...
Dan has a friend who is a mine superintendent for Hecla Mines. He is shorthanded for workers at the Lucky Friday Mine in Silver Valley. The fellow's name is Bearhunter. Just starting, the pay is $13 per hour. And there are worker's incentives too. Most guys are making an extra 1000 bucks a month. The job also has full medical benefits. If you are interested, call 208-744-1751 X303. Tell Bearhunter that you know Dan.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Best Firefigher Movies?
Great article about FF movies and why they really don't work, written by a FF from the Bronx. This is from the Nov/Dec Issue of American Heritage Magazine.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Darryl's campaign letter...
This will be in the newsletter, too. But, some of you will be voting before WORKER comes out. Anybody else out there with campaign letters, please e-mail them to me ASAP. Thanks, John
Brothers & Sisters:
What's next?
We thought it was over. We thought we were safe and we thought we had time to rebuild.
You hear all of the time that involvement is the key to change. Maybe it is and maybe it's not. I am not sure at this point, however, I do know that I as an individual need to stay as involved as I possibly can in order to (help) protect and secure my career and life.
I have been on the job for almost 13 years now and have seen budget cuts in most of those years. This is extremely discouraging and I want to see a change. It is critical that change occurs for the success and growth of our departments.
If elected, as part of the Executive Board, I am committed to doing everything in my power to help our Union grow, by:
POLITICAL ACTION: Interviewing, campaigning, and lobbying our current and future city leaders who stand up for firefighter rights, safety and working conditions
BEING PROACTIVE: Keeping an eye on the future of our Union and directing our Union leadership to take positive steps toward betterment of our jobs and the safety of ourselves and the safety of our families
REVENUE INCREASES: Making sure our city leaders get all the information needed to make sound decisions on new revenue ideas that will help build the fire department and secure our jobs for the future
Below are different positions that I have held and/or been involved with for the Union in the past 9 years:
Executive Board Member: 3 Terms
Grievance Committee Member: 1 Term
Safety Committee: First appointment
RBO Committee: 6 Years
Campaigning for political candidates: Ongoing
I am committed to finding solutions to any and all problems that come our way and will see to it that we are treated fairly and with respect. Elected or not I will continue to work for Local 29 to continue to provide you a great job and our citizens a great service.
If you have any questions about where I stand please feel free to call 230-1089.
Sincerely,
Darryl J. Wisniewski
Brothers & Sisters:
What's next?
We thought it was over. We thought we were safe and we thought we had time to rebuild.
You hear all of the time that involvement is the key to change. Maybe it is and maybe it's not. I am not sure at this point, however, I do know that I as an individual need to stay as involved as I possibly can in order to (help) protect and secure my career and life.
I have been on the job for almost 13 years now and have seen budget cuts in most of those years. This is extremely discouraging and I want to see a change. It is critical that change occurs for the success and growth of our departments.
If elected, as part of the Executive Board, I am committed to doing everything in my power to help our Union grow, by:
POLITICAL ACTION: Interviewing, campaigning, and lobbying our current and future city leaders who stand up for firefighter rights, safety and working conditions
BEING PROACTIVE: Keeping an eye on the future of our Union and directing our Union leadership to take positive steps toward betterment of our jobs and the safety of ourselves and the safety of our families
REVENUE INCREASES: Making sure our city leaders get all the information needed to make sound decisions on new revenue ideas that will help build the fire department and secure our jobs for the future
Below are different positions that I have held and/or been involved with for the Union in the past 9 years:
Executive Board Member: 3 Terms
Grievance Committee Member: 1 Term
Safety Committee: First appointment
RBO Committee: 6 Years
Campaigning for political candidates: Ongoing
I am committed to finding solutions to any and all problems that come our way and will see to it that we are treated fairly and with respect. Elected or not I will continue to work for Local 29 to continue to provide you a great job and our citizens a great service.
If you have any questions about where I stand please feel free to call 230-1089.
Sincerely,
Darryl J. Wisniewski
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
United Lab's test of deep fat turkey fryers...
Very enjoyable video of the hazards of deep frying a turkey. Might take a few moments to load. So dangerous, yet so gol-durned delicious.
Roger Libby shares what he's thinking about potential givebacks...
Click on the link above to download the word doc.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Detroit Fire Fighters Stay on the Job
John Trautman found this story on the IAFF website. Seems that the Detroit IAFF Local took the city to court to stop them from laying off firefighters and the firefighters won...
November 2, 2005 – The Detroit Fire Fighters Association Local 344 has won a major battle in the fight against the City of Detroit to stop layoffs, demotions and fire company closures. A Michigan Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge has granted a preliminary injunction to stop any further cuts to the fire department. In addition, the ruling requires any proposed cuts to be discussed and settled through binding arbitration.
“This ruling is the right ruling for the citizens of Detroit and the fire fighters sworn to protect them,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “But the fight is not over, and the IAFF remains firm in its support of its Detroit brothers and sisters.”
Dan McNamara, president of Detroit, MI Local 344, adds, “This ruling is a big step in the right direction. We’re not just saving jobs here. We need to keep the citizens of Detroit safe.”
Earlier this year, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced 65 planned layoffs – these following 63 layoffs, 10 battalion officer demotions and five engine company closures in July 2004. This summer, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, McNamara and members of Local 344 held a 200-strong rally to protest the layoffs. Soon after, the Detroit fire fighters took legal action based on interest arbitration law, failure to negotiate, battalion chief reductions and staffing and overall safety.
The preliminary injunction will expire as soon as a binding arbitration ruling is made.
November 2, 2005 – The Detroit Fire Fighters Association Local 344 has won a major battle in the fight against the City of Detroit to stop layoffs, demotions and fire company closures. A Michigan Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge has granted a preliminary injunction to stop any further cuts to the fire department. In addition, the ruling requires any proposed cuts to be discussed and settled through binding arbitration.
“This ruling is the right ruling for the citizens of Detroit and the fire fighters sworn to protect them,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “But the fight is not over, and the IAFF remains firm in its support of its Detroit brothers and sisters.”
Dan McNamara, president of Detroit, MI Local 344, adds, “This ruling is a big step in the right direction. We’re not just saving jobs here. We need to keep the citizens of Detroit safe.”
Earlier this year, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced 65 planned layoffs – these following 63 layoffs, 10 battalion officer demotions and five engine company closures in July 2004. This summer, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, McNamara and members of Local 344 held a 200-strong rally to protest the layoffs. Soon after, the Detroit fire fighters took legal action based on interest arbitration law, failure to negotiate, battalion chief reductions and staffing and overall safety.
The preliminary injunction will expire as soon as a binding arbitration ruling is made.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Lid Lift Levy Passes...
Thanks to all Spokane citizens who voted for this proposition. We appreciate the support. You've just kept a fire station or two from closing. This is a first step in restoring a level of service in your libraries, fire department and police that you deserve as residents of a thriving city.
And for us firefighters, we need to take a look at the numbers. This proposition didn't quite get 60% of the vote. In other words, if this were the EMS Levy, it would have failed. And that's after a lot of campaigning on our parts.
We have two years to show the citizens that we are on their side - that Local 29 is an organization they can trust. As the city prospers, we face a deficit. Why is that? We've got the numbers that show it's not because of an increase in wages and benefits. Where is the money going? Let's join other city employees, elected officials and citizens in finding out.
There are all sorts of opportunities Local 29 can use as advocates of helping Spokane citizens realize their ownership of the fire department. I think it would create stronger bonds between us and the voters, create a long-term vision for the fire dept, ensure accountability in management and help our image - a lot.
We've got two years. We still have a lot of guys laid off. We still are understaffed. We still are going to lose buildings to fires that we wouldn't have lost a year ago. Some of our EMS outcomes are still going to be unsuccessful because of understaffing.
We've got two years, and we can't waste a second getting started.
And for us firefighters, we need to take a look at the numbers. This proposition didn't quite get 60% of the vote. In other words, if this were the EMS Levy, it would have failed. And that's after a lot of campaigning on our parts.
We have two years to show the citizens that we are on their side - that Local 29 is an organization they can trust. As the city prospers, we face a deficit. Why is that? We've got the numbers that show it's not because of an increase in wages and benefits. Where is the money going? Let's join other city employees, elected officials and citizens in finding out.
There are all sorts of opportunities Local 29 can use as advocates of helping Spokane citizens realize their ownership of the fire department. I think it would create stronger bonds between us and the voters, create a long-term vision for the fire dept, ensure accountability in management and help our image - a lot.
We've got two years. We still have a lot of guys laid off. We still are understaffed. We still are going to lose buildings to fires that we wouldn't have lost a year ago. Some of our EMS outcomes are still going to be unsuccessful because of understaffing.
We've got two years, and we can't waste a second getting started.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Desperately Seeking Donations
Well not really desperately, but Rob Mathews is asking for contributions to extend the airtime for the TV lidlift commercials. If you'd like to help, please make a check out to Local 29. Rob footed the bill to get some more airtime, and Local 29 wants to pay him back. Yep, your union dues and political contributions to the union are for this kind of thing, but if you want to do more, that would be swell. And if you want to see the commercial, just click on the title above.
Hot off the presses - no newsletter!
Due to not receiving any submissions from anybody, myself included, there will be no November issue of WORKER. Look for a boffo, very special November/December issue. And if that fails, the November/December/January edition will surely, as the kids say, "rock."
California Firefighters - no luv for the guv...
Brothers in California practicing strict Body Substance Isolation procedures. Doubt if Ahnold called them girly men.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Your Fire Department
For those of you who have been trying to watch the lid-lift ad on the station computers, we should be getting Quicktime installed soon - thanks to Kristy. Until then, here's a movie from 1949 that will have to do. Maybe we should do something similar...
Spokesman-Review Slideshow of 10/27/05 Warehouse Fire...
Never really mentioned in this morning's SR article was the impact that next year's potential layoffs and station closures will have on fire suppression. I heard that the first-in to the house fire on Alice (which was called in at the same time as some crews were going back into service from the warehouse fire) was a South Hill rig.
This is what happens when a fire department is understaffed. Engine and ladder companies, if available, come from further distances. The success rate for fire suppression and EMS procedures plummets.
So, right now voters have a choice to maintain their level of service at this insufficient level, or to degrade it even further.
We've lost buildings that we wouldn't have lost last year, due to the layoffs. And like I've said before, very seldom does the news cover our daily successes. What would they show? A knockdown confined to one room? We're usually picking up, by the time they get there. And there's no story. But, when we have to go defensive on a fire, it's quite a photo-op. One can only imagine the volume of heart-breaking stories and the hours of spectacular footage we'll see on the news and in the paper next year, if there are more layoffs and station closures.
For those of you in the public reading this, this isn't a threat. It's just common sense.
This is what happens when a fire department is understaffed. Engine and ladder companies, if available, come from further distances. The success rate for fire suppression and EMS procedures plummets.
So, right now voters have a choice to maintain their level of service at this insufficient level, or to degrade it even further.
We've lost buildings that we wouldn't have lost last year, due to the layoffs. And like I've said before, very seldom does the news cover our daily successes. What would they show? A knockdown confined to one room? We're usually picking up, by the time they get there. And there's no story. But, when we have to go defensive on a fire, it's quite a photo-op. One can only imagine the volume of heart-breaking stories and the hours of spectacular footage we'll see on the news and in the paper next year, if there are more layoffs and station closures.
For those of you in the public reading this, this isn't a threat. It's just common sense.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Lid Lift Levy Commercial
Will start airing tomorrow. Click on link (title) to view. May take a few minutes to load up. Also, there are hundreds of yard signs for us to put up, waiting at the union office. This is our only chance to prevent major layoffs, again. Thanks to all who voluntarilly contribute to the union's political fund. That's where we're getting the money to campaign for the lid lift.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Saying goodbye to Rod...
We'll all miss him. A nice guy and yep, truly a tough son of a... Rod's voice, his presence, his smarts and his strength are really going to missed by all of us who ever had a chance to work with him. Everybody probably already knows the visitation and funeral arrangements. But, if you have a memory of Rod and would like to leave it as a comment, under this post, or e-mail it in, that would be kinda cool.
Thanks, John
Thanks, John
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Stagg's post to the Mayor and City Council
Eric invites feedback from you. You can e-mail him or easily post a comment to this story.
Eric's e-mail address:
badbow111@yahoo.com
Mayor west and members of the council,
I feel compelled to convey a breaking news story coming from New Orleans as it directly correlates to our current situation. In their environment, the weather has taken a disastrous toll on the finances of the city. In our quiet corner of the country, its stagnant tax revenue, the destructive effects of I-695/I-747, and skyrocketing costs of health care. Though the sources are different, the outcomes are quite similar. Both of our cities face budget shortfalls resulting in catastrophic staffing losses in the city. In our fair city, we took the drastic measures that leave a poor taste in the mouth of all involved, but life has progressed.
Mayor Ray Nagan of New Orleans looked at what the citizens pay for, what the basic services of a city are, and he made an incredibly deep cut of 40% of his overall city staffing. He did not remove a single member of public safety and basic services. His response was to cut the services which cities have been adding for the past 100 years, the small services which make a city beautiful and charming, familiar and appealing. Mayor Nagan knew that the basic services were a foundation to build his city on as it regained its strength economically.
I think this is a position we in the city of Spokane can take at this time of budgetary crisis. Police, Fire, Water, Streets, Public Works. These are the foundation that we should keep in tact, and should build upon to not only improve our credit rating with S&P, but to draw new business to our town, knowing they will have respectable insurance rates, protection from the ills of society, functioning basic services of water and sewer, and the streets project which was so valiantly passed not long ago.
Below you will find the article the above pertains to. I implore you all take a considerable look at it, regardless of the tax increases pending, regardless of the election process on the table. These are steps we can take now to improve the outlook in the 3, 5 and 10 year steps to returning this city to what it once was and could be. Please dont hesitate to email me back if you have positive or negative feedback, other information, or just a general rant, I would appreciate any open dialogue that can be provided outside of labor-management meetings, which stifle the speech of the many so often.
Mayor of New Orleans Announces Layoffs
October 04, 2005 6:34 PM EDT
NEW ORLEANS - Mayor Ray Nagin said Tuesday the city is laying off as many as 3,000 employees - or about half its workforce - because of the financial damage inflicted on New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina.
Nagin announced with "great sadness" that he had been unable to find the money to keep the workers on the payroll.
He said only non-essential workers will be laid off and that no firefighters or police will be among those let go.
"I wish I didn't have to do this. I wish we had the money, the resources to keep these people," Nagin said. "The problem we have is we have no revenue streams."
Nagin described the layoffs as "pretty permanent" and said that the city will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to notify municipal employees who fled the city in the aftermath of Katrina, which struck about a month ago.
The mayor said the move will save about $5 million to $8 million of the city's monthly payroll of $20 million. The layoffs will take place over the next two weeks.
"We talked to local banks and other financial institutions and we are just not able to put together the financing necessary to continue to maintain City Hall's staffing at its current levels," the mayor said.
Meanwhile, former President Clinton met with dozens of New Orleans-area evacuees staying at a shelter in Baton Rouge's convention center. And officials ended their door-to-door sweep for corpses in Louisiana with the death toll Tuesday at 972 - far fewer than the 10,000 the mayor had feared at one point. Mississippi's Katrina death toll was 221.
A company hired by the state to remove bodies will remain on call if any others are found.
Clinton, working with former President Bush to raise money for victims, shook hands and chatted with the evacuees, some of whom have been sleeping on cots in the Rivercenter's vast concrete hall for more than a month and complained of lack of showers, clean clothes, privacy and medical care.
"My concern is to listen to you ... and learn the best way to spend this money we've got," Clinton said.
Robert Warner, 51, of New Orleans said he and others have struggled to get private housing set up through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"We've been mired in the bureaucratic red tape since Day One," he said.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Eric Staggs Engine 3 D shift
Eric's e-mail address:
badbow111@yahoo.com
Mayor west and members of the council,
I feel compelled to convey a breaking news story coming from New Orleans as it directly correlates to our current situation. In their environment, the weather has taken a disastrous toll on the finances of the city. In our quiet corner of the country, its stagnant tax revenue, the destructive effects of I-695/I-747, and skyrocketing costs of health care. Though the sources are different, the outcomes are quite similar. Both of our cities face budget shortfalls resulting in catastrophic staffing losses in the city. In our fair city, we took the drastic measures that leave a poor taste in the mouth of all involved, but life has progressed.
Mayor Ray Nagan of New Orleans looked at what the citizens pay for, what the basic services of a city are, and he made an incredibly deep cut of 40% of his overall city staffing. He did not remove a single member of public safety and basic services. His response was to cut the services which cities have been adding for the past 100 years, the small services which make a city beautiful and charming, familiar and appealing. Mayor Nagan knew that the basic services were a foundation to build his city on as it regained its strength economically.
I think this is a position we in the city of Spokane can take at this time of budgetary crisis. Police, Fire, Water, Streets, Public Works. These are the foundation that we should keep in tact, and should build upon to not only improve our credit rating with S&P, but to draw new business to our town, knowing they will have respectable insurance rates, protection from the ills of society, functioning basic services of water and sewer, and the streets project which was so valiantly passed not long ago.
Below you will find the article the above pertains to. I implore you all take a considerable look at it, regardless of the tax increases pending, regardless of the election process on the table. These are steps we can take now to improve the outlook in the 3, 5 and 10 year steps to returning this city to what it once was and could be. Please dont hesitate to email me back if you have positive or negative feedback, other information, or just a general rant, I would appreciate any open dialogue that can be provided outside of labor-management meetings, which stifle the speech of the many so often.
Mayor of New Orleans Announces Layoffs
October 04, 2005 6:34 PM EDT
NEW ORLEANS - Mayor Ray Nagin said Tuesday the city is laying off as many as 3,000 employees - or about half its workforce - because of the financial damage inflicted on New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina.
Nagin announced with "great sadness" that he had been unable to find the money to keep the workers on the payroll.
He said only non-essential workers will be laid off and that no firefighters or police will be among those let go.
"I wish I didn't have to do this. I wish we had the money, the resources to keep these people," Nagin said. "The problem we have is we have no revenue streams."
Nagin described the layoffs as "pretty permanent" and said that the city will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to notify municipal employees who fled the city in the aftermath of Katrina, which struck about a month ago.
The mayor said the move will save about $5 million to $8 million of the city's monthly payroll of $20 million. The layoffs will take place over the next two weeks.
"We talked to local banks and other financial institutions and we are just not able to put together the financing necessary to continue to maintain City Hall's staffing at its current levels," the mayor said.
Meanwhile, former President Clinton met with dozens of New Orleans-area evacuees staying at a shelter in Baton Rouge's convention center. And officials ended their door-to-door sweep for corpses in Louisiana with the death toll Tuesday at 972 - far fewer than the 10,000 the mayor had feared at one point. Mississippi's Katrina death toll was 221.
A company hired by the state to remove bodies will remain on call if any others are found.
Clinton, working with former President Bush to raise money for victims, shook hands and chatted with the evacuees, some of whom have been sleeping on cots in the Rivercenter's vast concrete hall for more than a month and complained of lack of showers, clean clothes, privacy and medical care.
"My concern is to listen to you ... and learn the best way to spend this money we've got," Clinton said.
Robert Warner, 51, of New Orleans said he and others have struggled to get private housing set up through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"We've been mired in the bureaucratic red tape since Day One," he said.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Eric Staggs Engine 3 D shift
New Orleans Mayor lays off everybody except nonessential Workers. NO FIREFIGHTERS OR POLICE WERE LAID-OFF!
Eric Staggs wrote an e-mail to city leaders regarding Mayor Nagin's actions. When I get his permission, I will post it here. I guess Mayor Nagin didn't have time to do a Priorities of Government Survey, like Spokane did. Oh wait, the POG survey said that Police and Fire services were the services that citizens would never want to see cut. And yet... Strange.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Interesting Transport Story...
Man found driving ambulance with dead deer
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A man reported missing from a Florida hospital was found in North Carolina dressed like a doctor and driving a stolen ambulance with a dead deer wedged in the back, authorities said.
Leon Holliman Jr., 37, was reported missing from a River Region Human Services facility in Jacksonville last month.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol found him driving the ambulance with the deer on Sunday.
"I don't know how the man got it up in there," said Sgt. Robert Pearson. "It was a six point buck."
It wasn't known where Holliman got the deer, which had been dead for some time, Pearson said.
Holliman was admitted to a North Carolina hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Police said they would decide whether to charge Holliman after that evaluation is complete.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Friday, September 23, 2005
Hurricane FEMA Team Update from Chief Schaeffer
Our first 3 teams (HAUGHTON/WILLITS, TURPEN/GONZALEZ, ARCHER/ BAECHLER) have been removed from working in the Pass Christian, Mississippi community due to the impending storm. They are sheltering in place in Gulf Shores, Alabama and have been requested from their FEMA strike team leader to possibly cover Career Fire Stations in the interim. Similar requests from FEMA have been made to Fire Service teams from the West Side (Burien and Pierce) due to their level of training, adaptability and the true dire crisis situation. After discussing it with Local 29, we agreed to allow this action providing their supervisors were qualified and they were provided with appropriate PPE. As of 1430 today they are just getting situated to receive some of the effects of the storm as it is entering their geographical area.
I attached a photo to this email that FEMA featured on its website of Tim Archer. The caption below the picture reads “September 19, 2005 -- FEMA representative Tim Archer helps a resident at the Pass Christian Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). DRC's are set up to help guide residents through the FEMA recovery process. FEMA/Mark Wolfe.” (http://www.photolibrary.fema.gov/photodata/original/15788.jpg)
Our second two teams (FRASER/ TIBBLES, SANDERS/ BRUNER) were sent from Orlando, FL to Baton Rouge, LA after attending more in-depth training on the new FEMA computers for speeding assistance to victims. While enroute, FEMA contacted them and had them immediately shelter in Ft. Walton Beach, FL (about 40 miles East of Pensacola) to ride out the storm. The storm’s devastation will determine their next assignment.
As before, I will continue to update everyone as the soon as new information on our members occurs. Remember to check with Francie Archer if you are available to help out the families of our members that are deployed.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Our FEMA Folks are on the move
Gonzo called tonight to say that they are moving away from the coast to a place near Mobile, Alabama (a city named Gulf Shores- with a name like that, it can't be that far from the coast/shore). He said as soon as Rita gets done, they will be moving back.
Bob Ladd found this piece of advice in Fire Engineering and it's probably worth following...
The following is an excerpt from a July 2005 Fire Engineering “round table” article regarding what the fire service will look like in 20 years. This is one paragraph from a response by Leigh T Hollins, a BC from Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, Manatee County FL.
“Most urban areas (small and larger cities) will continue to struggle with staffing and services. Historically, proper staffing and the services provided by the fire department in our cities have been directly tied to the politics of each particular city. What you see is what you get. It is what it is. Until a major change occurs at city hall, the only time you see a drastic change, good or bad, is when the politicians change. I see no reason to expect that the next 20 years will be any different from the past 50. If urban (and metro) firefighters want increases in staffing or services, they had better look for candidates who support their views, or 2025 will look the same as 2005.”
While there are other issues, specifically budgetary, that are affecting our staffing, we need to get more friendly faces on the City Council and State Legislature. Please help support the candidates Local 29 endorses.
“Most urban areas (small and larger cities) will continue to struggle with staffing and services. Historically, proper staffing and the services provided by the fire department in our cities have been directly tied to the politics of each particular city. What you see is what you get. It is what it is. Until a major change occurs at city hall, the only time you see a drastic change, good or bad, is when the politicians change. I see no reason to expect that the next 20 years will be any different from the past 50. If urban (and metro) firefighters want increases in staffing or services, they had better look for candidates who support their views, or 2025 will look the same as 2005.”
While there are other issues, specifically budgetary, that are affecting our staffing, we need to get more friendly faces on the City Council and State Legislature. Please help support the candidates Local 29 endorses.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Mazatlan Anyone?
Hi Bill,
My name is Chris Wetherell I'm sec/tre for local 1789 Spokane Airport. I've got a condo for rent in Mazatlan for 2006, I'm not going to use it this year and I thought I would see if any of the Local members in the area would be interested. I'll make them a hell of a deal for a week stay at a gold crown resort Called Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay Resort it's in New Mazatlan.
Anyone interested they can give me a call at 509-435-2600. or email me at firefighterweth@hotmail.com
My name is Chris Wetherell I'm sec/tre for local 1789 Spokane Airport. I've got a condo for rent in Mazatlan for 2006, I'm not going to use it this year and I thought I would see if any of the Local members in the area would be interested. I'll make them a hell of a deal for a week stay at a gold crown resort Called Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay Resort it's in New Mazatlan.
Anyone interested they can give me a call at 509-435-2600. or email me at firefighterweth@hotmail.com
Saturday, September 17, 2005
This in - from Australia
Report: Man Burns Carpet With Static Shock
Friday, September 16, 2005
(09-16) 17:04 PDT SYDNEY, Australia (AP) --
Fire officials evacuated a building in southern Australia after a man triggered a massive shock of static electricity that caused burn marks in the carpet, a media report said Friday.
Fire officials in southern Victoria state said the man, Frank Clewer, had built up at least 30,000 volts of static electricity in his jacket simply by walking around the western city of Warrnambool, according to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
He received his first shock when he walked into a local business Thursday afternoon. "It sounded almost like a firecracker or something like that," Clewer told the ABC. "Within say around five minutes the carpet started to erupt."
Burns about 0.79 inches in diameter were left on the carpet where he had been standing, the report said. ABC did not mention if Clewer was injured.
The Country Fire Authority evacuated the building, fearing the incident might trigger electrical problems in the building, but let Clewer go, the report said.
But when he got in his car, Clewer's problems continued.
"I actually scorched a piece of plastic I had on the floor of the car," he said.
Fire officials took Clewer's jacket and said it continued to give off voltage, the report said.
Calls to the Country Fire Authority rang unanswered Friday evening.
Friday, September 16, 2005
(09-16) 17:04 PDT SYDNEY, Australia (AP) --
Fire officials evacuated a building in southern Australia after a man triggered a massive shock of static electricity that caused burn marks in the carpet, a media report said Friday.
Fire officials in southern Victoria state said the man, Frank Clewer, had built up at least 30,000 volts of static electricity in his jacket simply by walking around the western city of Warrnambool, according to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
He received his first shock when he walked into a local business Thursday afternoon. "It sounded almost like a firecracker or something like that," Clewer told the ABC. "Within say around five minutes the carpet started to erupt."
Burns about 0.79 inches in diameter were left on the carpet where he had been standing, the report said. ABC did not mention if Clewer was injured.
The Country Fire Authority evacuated the building, fearing the incident might trigger electrical problems in the building, but let Clewer go, the report said.
But when he got in his car, Clewer's problems continued.
"I actually scorched a piece of plastic I had on the floor of the car," he said.
Fire officials took Clewer's jacket and said it continued to give off voltage, the report said.
Calls to the Country Fire Authority rang unanswered Friday evening.
Cryptic recording from Gonzo/Brian and posting from Bob Ladd
Received a broken cell phone call today. Couldn't decipher if it was Gonzo or Brian the Turpened-one. I heard "Blackhawk helicopter" and maniacal laughter and that was it. And Bob Ladd forwarded this from a District 9 Brother:
Greetings,
We are currently in Baton Rouge, LA stage. While staging we are being utilized by Area Command to assist with Planning, Logistics and
Information functions at the Joint Field office of FEMA and loaning our overhead out daily to various other Incident Base Camps who are short handed. I was in New Orleans today. The FDNY responded to New Orleans with their IMT and 300 firefighters to provide relief to NOFD personnel. In addition several other fire agencies did as well. The numbers have swollen to about 1,200 out of area fire fighters and apparatus from all over the Eastern Part of the US.
We met with the FDNY/NOFD ICP today and offered them assistance as well. While down town today it appears that the French Quarter is in pretty good shape. The high rise hotels sustained some pretty heavy damage. The effort is monumental. The sights are surreal, there is an aircraft carrier sitting along the River walk with a cruise ship for emergency worker housing parked behind it and directly behind that is a Command ship for the Coast Guard. The streets are full of Military, Police and heavy equipment vehicles.
The water levels are coming down. They are beginning to get some power back on in the area and fires could become a bigger problem. Phone coverage is terrible limited road access. There are many structures that have totally and partially collapsed. The Human Remains are being processed at a facility in St. Gabriel where they have assembled DMORT teams. New Orleans and the entire Gulf region have suffered devastation beyond description but, in spite of that progress is being made. From my view, this will take a considerable effort over several months before things begin to normalize*.
Take care,
Bob Anderson
Fire Chief
Spokane County Fire District 9
3801 E. Farwell Rd.
Mead, WA 99021-9605
Greetings,
We are currently in Baton Rouge, LA stage. While staging we are being utilized by Area Command to assist with Planning, Logistics and
Information functions at the Joint Field office of FEMA and loaning our overhead out daily to various other Incident Base Camps who are short handed. I was in New Orleans today. The FDNY responded to New Orleans with their IMT and 300 firefighters to provide relief to NOFD personnel. In addition several other fire agencies did as well. The numbers have swollen to about 1,200 out of area fire fighters and apparatus from all over the Eastern Part of the US.
We met with the FDNY/NOFD ICP today and offered them assistance as well. While down town today it appears that the French Quarter is in pretty good shape. The high rise hotels sustained some pretty heavy damage. The effort is monumental. The sights are surreal, there is an aircraft carrier sitting along the River walk with a cruise ship for emergency worker housing parked behind it and directly behind that is a Command ship for the Coast Guard. The streets are full of Military, Police and heavy equipment vehicles.
The water levels are coming down. They are beginning to get some power back on in the area and fires could become a bigger problem. Phone coverage is terrible limited road access. There are many structures that have totally and partially collapsed. The Human Remains are being processed at a facility in St. Gabriel where they have assembled DMORT teams. New Orleans and the entire Gulf region have suffered devastation beyond description but, in spite of that progress is being made. From my view, this will take a considerable effort over several months before things begin to normalize*.
Take care,
Bob Anderson
Fire Chief
Spokane County Fire District 9
3801 E. Farwell Rd.
Mead, WA 99021-9605
Cryptic recording from Gonzo/Brian and posting from Bob Ladd
Received a broken cell phone call today. Couldn't decipher if it was Gonzo or Brian the Turpened-one. I heard "Blackhawk helicopter" and maniacal laughter and that was it. And Bob Ladd forwarded this from a District 9 Brother:
Greetings,
We are currently in Baton Rouge, LA stage. While staging we are being utilized by Area Command to assist with Planning, Logistics and
Information functions at the Joint Field office of FEMA and loaning our overhead out daily to various other Incident Base Camps who are short handed. I was in New Orleans today. The FDNY responded to New Orleans with their IMT and 300 firefighters to provide relief to NOFD personnel. In addition several other fire agencies did as well. The numbers have swollen to about 1,200 out of area fire fighters and apparatus from all over the Eastern Part of the US.
We met with the FDNY/NOFD ICP today and offered them assistance as well. While down town today it appears that the French Quarter is in pretty good shape. The high rise hotels sustained some pretty heavy damage. The effort is monumental. The sights are surreal, there is an aircraft carrier sitting along the River walk with a cruise ship for emergency worker housing parked behind it and directly behind that is a Command ship for the Coast Guard. The streets are full of Military, Police and heavy equipment vehicles.
The water levels are coming down. They are beginning to get some power back on in the area and fires could become a bigger problem. Phone coverage is terrible limited road access. There are many structures that have totally and partially collapsed. The Human Remains are being processed at a facility in St. Gabriel where they have assembled DMORT teams. New Orleans and the entire Gulf region have suffered devastation beyond description but, in spite of that progress is being made. From my view, this will take a considerable effort over several months before things begin to normalize*.
Take care,
Bob Anderson
Fire Chief
Spokane County Fire District 9
3801 E. Farwell Rd.
Mead, WA 99021-9605
Greetings,
We are currently in Baton Rouge, LA stage. While staging we are being utilized by Area Command to assist with Planning, Logistics and
Information functions at the Joint Field office of FEMA and loaning our overhead out daily to various other Incident Base Camps who are short handed. I was in New Orleans today. The FDNY responded to New Orleans with their IMT and 300 firefighters to provide relief to NOFD personnel. In addition several other fire agencies did as well. The numbers have swollen to about 1,200 out of area fire fighters and apparatus from all over the Eastern Part of the US.
We met with the FDNY/NOFD ICP today and offered them assistance as well. While down town today it appears that the French Quarter is in pretty good shape. The high rise hotels sustained some pretty heavy damage. The effort is monumental. The sights are surreal, there is an aircraft carrier sitting along the River walk with a cruise ship for emergency worker housing parked behind it and directly behind that is a Command ship for the Coast Guard. The streets are full of Military, Police and heavy equipment vehicles.
The water levels are coming down. They are beginning to get some power back on in the area and fires could become a bigger problem. Phone coverage is terrible limited road access. There are many structures that have totally and partially collapsed. The Human Remains are being processed at a facility in St. Gabriel where they have assembled DMORT teams. New Orleans and the entire Gulf region have suffered devastation beyond description but, in spite of that progress is being made. From my view, this will take a considerable effort over several months before things begin to normalize*.
Take care,
Bob Anderson
Fire Chief
Spokane County Fire District 9
3801 E. Farwell Rd.
Mead, WA 99021-9605
Sign Waving Request
Mary Verner is a candidate we are supporting for CIty Council. She is requesting some help on Tuesday (the primary election day) to do some sign waving. Mary is a very thoughtful, intelligent member of the Spokane City Council. Bill Jackman has come to know Mary and says she is a very honest person. Mary Verner has always been supportive of our issues. More importantly she has gone out of her way to learn about us. She is part of a growing number of council people who are seeing Local 29 as more than just a bunch of city workers who want fair compensation. She sees us as advocates for the citizens of Spokane, their tax dollars and for public safety. I sense that we have proven our trustworthiness with her and that when our voice conflicts with others, she knows we speak the truth. And, according to Jackman, she is someone who values the truth.
If you would like to wave signs or help out with Mary's campaign, you can e-mail me or you can e-mail Mary at Verner4Council@dc4pc.net
Thanks, John
If you would like to wave signs or help out with Mary's campaign, you can e-mail me or you can e-mail Mary at Verner4Council@dc4pc.net
Thanks, John
Friday, September 16, 2005
Katrina FEMA Team update from Chief Schaeffer
Spokane Fire Department’s FEMA Teams and the Katrina Effort Update:
Our first 3 teams (HAUGHTON/WILLITS, TURPEN/GONZALEZ, ARCHER/ BAECHLER) are still working in Past Christian, MS. At the time of my phone call, they were boarding a helicopter to survey an area of interest. So far they have been one of the busiest teams deployed from Washington State. They have helped build a temporary City Hall, performed damage assessments, restored critical infrastructure and provide first aid (unofficially) and nourishment to the refugees. Their interaction with the victims has provided them with many stories of the devastating loss suffered; total loss of all personal belongings, home, vehicle, identification, money and businesses, etc. The many suffering are pleased to receive the assistance our six firefighters are providing and express their gratitude. The teams are working 16 hour days at times to serve the mass need.
Our second two teams (FRASER/ TIBBLES, SANDERS/ BRUNER) were sent from Atlanta, GA to Orlando, FL (6+ hour drive) yesterday to attend two days of fun-filled FEMA computer training (on laptops) to use in the field during damage assessments. The laptops will enable our personnel to identify the refugees and speed their access to FEMA funds and information. They are expected to be deployed to a damaged area tomorrow night or Sunday.
I will continue to update everyone as the soon as new information on our members occurs. Remember to check with Francie Archer if you are available to help out the families of our members that are deployed.
Brian Schaeffer
City of Spokane Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief
Our first 3 teams (HAUGHTON/WILLITS, TURPEN/GONZALEZ, ARCHER/ BAECHLER) are still working in Past Christian, MS. At the time of my phone call, they were boarding a helicopter to survey an area of interest. So far they have been one of the busiest teams deployed from Washington State. They have helped build a temporary City Hall, performed damage assessments, restored critical infrastructure and provide first aid (unofficially) and nourishment to the refugees. Their interaction with the victims has provided them with many stories of the devastating loss suffered; total loss of all personal belongings, home, vehicle, identification, money and businesses, etc. The many suffering are pleased to receive the assistance our six firefighters are providing and express their gratitude. The teams are working 16 hour days at times to serve the mass need.
Our second two teams (FRASER/ TIBBLES, SANDERS/ BRUNER) were sent from Atlanta, GA to Orlando, FL (6+ hour drive) yesterday to attend two days of fun-filled FEMA computer training (on laptops) to use in the field during damage assessments. The laptops will enable our personnel to identify the refugees and speed their access to FEMA funds and information. They are expected to be deployed to a damaged area tomorrow night or Sunday.
I will continue to update everyone as the soon as new information on our members occurs. Remember to check with Francie Archer if you are available to help out the families of our members that are deployed.
Brian Schaeffer
City of Spokane Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Enabling Posting
I'm enabling posting on the blog. That means that if you want to leave a comment to our folks down in MS, you can. We'll see how that goes! They might have Internet access at Stennis (it's a friggin' space center!).
Location of SFD TEAM #1
They're at Stennis Space Center which is real close to Lakeshore on the Mississippi Coast. That's where the hurricane directly hit.
Casino on the coast
Gonzo painted a picture of worsening devastation as they traveled towards the coast. A few broken trees in cities they initially passed through soon transitioned into arboreal destruction whilst moving south. These trees completely destroyed the homes around them. One person Gonzo talked to said that three out every four homes was destroyed. And this was before the team arrived where the worst of the damage was. Gonzo says they will be staging out of Stennis NASA Base by Gulfport.
Update from Gonzo and from the Assistant Chief
Gonzo left a message yesterday saying they had arrived in Mississippi. Today they start the real work. He isn't sure what the work will be. There is a chance that they will be relieving local firefighters on the trucks, giving them a chance to spend some time at home with their families. Now, that would be pretty cool.
There is also a good update from our Assistant Chief on your city e-mail account.
There are now 10 city firefighters deployed in the gulf area. I have not listed their names, because I'm not so sure I would want everyone in the world knowing that I was going to be away from my home for a month (sorry Gonzo and Brian).
There is also a good update from our Assistant Chief on your city e-mail account.
There are now 10 city firefighters deployed in the gulf area. I have not listed their names, because I'm not so sure I would want everyone in the world knowing that I was going to be away from my home for a month (sorry Gonzo and Brian).
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Word from Brian Turpen
Brian called the station today to tell us that they will be deploying tomorrow at 6 a.m. for Jackson Misssissippi. They were told that there will be no power and no utilities where they are deploying. They are bringing a week's worth of water with them. It's about an 8 hour drive from Atlanta to Jackson. They have been told they will be part of a "recovery effort," with no further explanation. There is no cel phone service, but Brian is going to be making attempts to keep us posted.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
UPDATE FROM GONZO
Bill says that they are still in Atlanta, but finished with their FEMA classes. Our 6 guys have been paired up with two guys from Maple Valley to form a team of 8. There are a lot of firefighters from the NW waiting to be assigned. They've been given shots, credit cards and FEMA IDs. They'll get their T-Shirts when they are deployed. They have to sit in a waiting room for a 2 hour shift to see if their team is called up. When they are called up, they will be going to a relocation center for displaced Gulf vicitms. It could be anywhere - New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Portland - Oregon. You name it.
Bill says they are pretty comfortable and are glad to be through the FEMA classes!
Bill says he will update us as things develop.
Bill says they are pretty comfortable and are glad to be through the FEMA classes!
Bill says he will update us as things develop.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Monday, September 05, 2005
SFD Firefighters off to the Gulf Coast...
Six members of the SFD are headed to Atlanta (their first stop) to help with the Katrina Disaster. We'll keep you posted at to what they're up to.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Thanks for House Save...
Hi there!
Just wanted to pass along a "THANK YOU" from local rental property owner Mr. Danny Robles. He lives in California and spends time here occasionally to handle his properties. I have worked with him for several years in the west and north central neighborhoods on some of his more "challenging" properties.
He said, "Tell everyone in the Fire Department THANK YOU for saving my house on Madelia and Desmet! If you all wouldn't have shown up when you did, the house would be lost." He went on to rave about the need for our services and spoke to the news about not cutting the fire department any more. He went on along the same lines for quite some time, but you get the gist. So thank you for all you do! People really appreciate it and it's nice to hear once in a while.
Take care!
*Lisa Jones, Fire Marshal
Spokane Fire Department
Just wanted to pass along a "THANK YOU" from local rental property owner Mr. Danny Robles. He lives in California and spends time here occasionally to handle his properties. I have worked with him for several years in the west and north central neighborhoods on some of his more "challenging" properties.
He said, "Tell everyone in the Fire Department THANK YOU for saving my house on Madelia and Desmet! If you all wouldn't have shown up when you did, the house would be lost." He went on to rave about the need for our services and spoke to the news about not cutting the fire department any more. He went on along the same lines for quite some time, but you get the gist. So thank you for all you do! People really appreciate it and it's nice to hear once in a while.
Take care!
*Lisa Jones, Fire Marshal
Spokane Fire Department
SFD Response to Katrina
All:
Our Nation is faced with the most catastrophic natural disaster in modern times and FEMA has called upon the Nation's fire service to aid the affected citizens and communities. The United States Fire Administration has contacted the nation's career fire departments in order to mobilize our available and willing members within Federal guidelines. Local 29 and Administration have agreed to support this activity with the understanding that personnel participating shall arrange their individual shift trades.
The current need is for the deployment of 1,000 two-person teams. A department may offer more than one two-person team, however since these people will be deployed as a team they must know one another prior to deployment. This initial request is for full-time career firefighters that are employed by municipal government and sponsored by that municipality because of the way that salaries and expenses will be reimbursed. They must be: Physically capable of performing manual tasks under severe conditions; Experienced in working with minimum supervision; Capable of living in austere, severe living conditions with minimal or no creature comforts for a period of at least 30 days; Free of medical condition(s) that would prevent them from working in these conditions for this period of time; and, Able to work within the ICS, provide basic first aid, and follow orders.
The work is non-operational community relations focused activities that consist of direct outreach to persons in the affected areas. They will assist victims in understanding how they will go about the process of getting Federal assistance, distributing information, providing minimal first-aid, and taking reports. The work will be outside, exposed to the elements and will require significant walking.
FEMA will notify the Chief of Department, and selected applicants will be notified by their Chief of Department that they have been selected. NO ONE SHOULD DEPLOY WITHOUT NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE FROM FEMA. Selected applicants will report to a central location in the Atlanta, Georgia area for training and further deployment. Travel to the Atlanta, Georgia area will be per government authorization in a manner specified upon acceptance. Acceptance information will also cover lodging and other related expense reimbursement information.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process is the exact same process as applying for a National Fire Academy resident course. Applicants will complete FEMA Form 75-5A (short form) general application which can be found at:
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/about/attend/nfa-abt1c.shtm
In box 12a. "Course Code and Title" the applicant should enter "COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPLOYMENT" and "L282". In Box #21, please fill in the names of BOTH team members. No other course information is required on the application, but everything else must be completed. This is the form that will be used for reimbursement to the department or jurisdiction. Additional salary / personnel information will be required upon acceptance. The application must be fully completed and signed by the Chief of the Department or the Chief's designee. The application should be faxed to 301-447-1234. A scanned completed/signed application can be emailed to: firehire@dhs.gov
The department must submit two applications (one team). Single individual applications will not be accepted.
We will notify the first 1000 teams of their acceptance and process any additional applications in the event that they are needed in the future.
Submission of an application DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE TEAM HAS BEEN ACCEPTED. Acceptance is a second, separate process. The Chief of the Department or designee will be notified of the teams' acceptance, and provided deployment information.
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION FOR THE TEAM BEING DEPLOYED
· If you are accepted, you will be given specific further directions from the Chief of Department.
· Each team should bring a basic medical jump kit (bandages, BP set) to provide minimal first aid. You will be provided government ID in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
· You will be deployed with another member of your organization as a team and will be working with that person for the duration.
Following are items which you must bring with you:
· sleeping bag
· personal hygiene necessities
· medications
· insect repellent
· sun screen
· rain gear
· Flashlight and batteries.
We cannot guarantee that you will have a vehicle or a means to transport or store gear. FEMA will provide you with FEMA shirts. Remember that you may have to carry with you everything that you bring for the entire time. Finally, please ensure that members of your family can function without your presence for at least 30 days.
Please contact me if you have any question or are interested in applying.
Brian Schaeffer
City of Spokane Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief
44 West Riverside Ave
Spokane WA, 99201
Office: 509-625-7002
www.spokanefire.org
Our Nation is faced with the most catastrophic natural disaster in modern times and FEMA has called upon the Nation's fire service to aid the affected citizens and communities. The United States Fire Administration has contacted the nation's career fire departments in order to mobilize our available and willing members within Federal guidelines. Local 29 and Administration have agreed to support this activity with the understanding that personnel participating shall arrange their individual shift trades.
The current need is for the deployment of 1,000 two-person teams. A department may offer more than one two-person team, however since these people will be deployed as a team they must know one another prior to deployment. This initial request is for full-time career firefighters that are employed by municipal government and sponsored by that municipality because of the way that salaries and expenses will be reimbursed. They must be: Physically capable of performing manual tasks under severe conditions; Experienced in working with minimum supervision; Capable of living in austere, severe living conditions with minimal or no creature comforts for a period of at least 30 days; Free of medical condition(s) that would prevent them from working in these conditions for this period of time; and, Able to work within the ICS, provide basic first aid, and follow orders.
The work is non-operational community relations focused activities that consist of direct outreach to persons in the affected areas. They will assist victims in understanding how they will go about the process of getting Federal assistance, distributing information, providing minimal first-aid, and taking reports. The work will be outside, exposed to the elements and will require significant walking.
FEMA will notify the Chief of Department, and selected applicants will be notified by their Chief of Department that they have been selected. NO ONE SHOULD DEPLOY WITHOUT NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE FROM FEMA. Selected applicants will report to a central location in the Atlanta, Georgia area for training and further deployment. Travel to the Atlanta, Georgia area will be per government authorization in a manner specified upon acceptance. Acceptance information will also cover lodging and other related expense reimbursement information.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process is the exact same process as applying for a National Fire Academy resident course. Applicants will complete FEMA Form 75-5A (short form) general application which can be found at:
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/about/attend/nfa-abt1c.shtm
In box 12a. "Course Code and Title" the applicant should enter "COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPLOYMENT" and "L282". In Box #21, please fill in the names of BOTH team members. No other course information is required on the application, but everything else must be completed. This is the form that will be used for reimbursement to the department or jurisdiction. Additional salary / personnel information will be required upon acceptance. The application must be fully completed and signed by the Chief of the Department or the Chief's designee. The application should be faxed to 301-447-1234. A scanned completed/signed application can be emailed to: firehire@dhs.gov
The department must submit two applications (one team). Single individual applications will not be accepted.
We will notify the first 1000 teams of their acceptance and process any additional applications in the event that they are needed in the future.
Submission of an application DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE TEAM HAS BEEN ACCEPTED. Acceptance is a second, separate process. The Chief of the Department or designee will be notified of the teams' acceptance, and provided deployment information.
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION FOR THE TEAM BEING DEPLOYED
· If you are accepted, you will be given specific further directions from the Chief of Department.
· Each team should bring a basic medical jump kit (bandages, BP set) to provide minimal first aid. You will be provided government ID in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
· You will be deployed with another member of your organization as a team and will be working with that person for the duration.
Following are items which you must bring with you:
· sleeping bag
· personal hygiene necessities
· medications
· insect repellent
· sun screen
· rain gear
· Flashlight and batteries.
We cannot guarantee that you will have a vehicle or a means to transport or store gear. FEMA will provide you with FEMA shirts. Remember that you may have to carry with you everything that you bring for the entire time. Finally, please ensure that members of your family can function without your presence for at least 30 days.
Please contact me if you have any question or are interested in applying.
Brian Schaeffer
City of Spokane Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief
44 West Riverside Ave
Spokane WA, 99201
Office: 509-625-7002
www.spokanefire.org
IAFF Disaster Relief Fund for Katrina victims...
Sorry, it's taken so long to post anything about Katrina, but it's been pretty hard to come up with anything adequate to say. And I'm certain this won't even come close.
After criticizing the priorities of our current administration and the way they spend our money, all that's left is the reality of the biggest catastrophe our country has ever experienced. The breakdown of a prosperous city into an immense cauldron of floating corpses, murder, rape and destruction was something I never expected to see in our own country. As families in attics, hospitals and churches lose hope, realizing that there will be no rescue, I feel angry and frustrated. You probably feel the same way too, because of our shared profession.
In Spokane, it's been a figurative "open season" on rescuers - due to layoffs and lack of funding from the city. We are severely hampered in doing our job. We all have stories of buildings we would have saved, people that would still be alive, if we had not lost 20% of our staffing.
But in New Orleans, it's a literal "open season" on rescuers. Even the remnants of the National Guard, those not deployed in Iraq, find themselves under fire.
I'm sure we're all going to give something to help, whether it's through the IAFF link above, or through some other avenue. But, when you read the news and hear the stories, giving money almost seems like a meaningless empty gesture. But, sometimes, that's all you've got.
If anyone has news about actually going down there to help in rescue efforts, let me know and I will post it.
Sorry about the morose tone of this letter. And thank you very much for reading it.
John
After criticizing the priorities of our current administration and the way they spend our money, all that's left is the reality of the biggest catastrophe our country has ever experienced. The breakdown of a prosperous city into an immense cauldron of floating corpses, murder, rape and destruction was something I never expected to see in our own country. As families in attics, hospitals and churches lose hope, realizing that there will be no rescue, I feel angry and frustrated. You probably feel the same way too, because of our shared profession.
In Spokane, it's been a figurative "open season" on rescuers - due to layoffs and lack of funding from the city. We are severely hampered in doing our job. We all have stories of buildings we would have saved, people that would still be alive, if we had not lost 20% of our staffing.
But in New Orleans, it's a literal "open season" on rescuers. Even the remnants of the National Guard, those not deployed in Iraq, find themselves under fire.
I'm sure we're all going to give something to help, whether it's through the IAFF link above, or through some other avenue. But, when you read the news and hear the stories, giving money almost seems like a meaningless empty gesture. But, sometimes, that's all you've got.
If anyone has news about actually going down there to help in rescue efforts, let me know and I will post it.
Sorry about the morose tone of this letter. And thank you very much for reading it.
John
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Testing for District 9 in September or October
Jack Cates - President of Local 2916 says that it looks like District 9 will be hiring soon. The test will probably be in September or October. They will probably be hiring around 4. Thank you Jack for the news.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
City Council is looking for your suggestions...
They've heard from Greg, Mike and Mark. They've told the Council ways that the city could save money (or make money) in the Fire Department. Councilperson Mary Verner, responding to the story about American Airlines, is asking for your individual suggestions. Please take a moment at home or work, to respond to her request. I've heard a lot of good ideas out there. Email CityCouncilMembers@SpokaneCity.org to let the entire Council hear your ideas and, hopefully, get us back on track.
Thanks, John
Thanks, John
A letter that John sent to city officials. Click to see the article:
Bankrupt American Airlines' CEO started paying attention to what its workers (union members) had to say about doing their jobs more efficiently, instead of just listening to department heads. The result? Profitability.
From the article:
"Two years ago, American was dodging bankruptcy, and labor strife hit a peak after unions voted to accept steep pay cuts, only to find out that management had given itself big bonuses and protected their pension plans from creditors in the case of bankruptcy. Unions were livid and temporarily suspended approval of the givebacks.
Call that the nadir. The board reacted almost immediately, ousting CEO Donald Carty and eventually bringing in Gerard Arpey, who put into place the current employee-based turnaround plan."
The article:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0725/p01s03-usec.html
Thanks,
John Griffith
Local 29 E-Board
From the article:
"Two years ago, American was dodging bankruptcy, and labor strife hit a peak after unions voted to accept steep pay cuts, only to find out that management had given itself big bonuses and protected their pension plans from creditors in the case of bankruptcy. Unions were livid and temporarily suspended approval of the givebacks.
Call that the nadir. The board reacted almost immediately, ousting CEO Donald Carty and eventually bringing in Gerard Arpey, who put into place the current employee-based turnaround plan."
The article:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0725/p01s03-usec.html
Thanks,
John Griffith
Local 29 E-Board
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