Uniformed Firefighters Association · Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City, N.J. Useful Telephone Numbers Trump Taj Mahal 1-609-449-1000 ... m ak e m e a n i n g f u l p r e se n t a t i

SEMINAR PRO

GRAM GUIDETHE

2007 EDUCATIONAL

UFA Delegate Education Seminar

May 1 - 4Trump Taj Mahal

Atlantic City, N.J.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Trump Taj Mahal

1-609-449-1000

Front Desk House Phone #6990

Guest Services House Phone #6612

Lost and Found House Phone #6307

Convention Registration is located on the Upper Level.

All seminars held on the Upper Level.

Uniformed FirefightersAssociation

Stephen J. CassidyPresident

James M. SlevinVice President

Robert StraubTreasurer

John G. Kelly, Jr.Brooklyn Trustee

Chairman, Board of Trustees

Stephen G. HumeneskyQueens Trustee

Daniel MurphyManhattan Trustee

Joseph A. MiccioRecording Secretary

William RomakaHealth & Safety Officer

Sergeant-At-Arms

Donald RulandStaten Island Trustee

Edward BrownBronx Trustee

Lester LayneFire Marshal Representative

204 East 23rd Street, New York, N.Y. 10010(212) 683-4832 • www.ufanyc.org

of Greater New York • Local 94 I.A.F.F. AFL-CIO

New York CityFirefighters

“The Bravest” The 2007 UFA Delegate EducationSeminar Program Guide

2007 UFA Delegate Education Seminar SponsorsOur generous sponsors, who provide significant financial support, help make the UFA

Delegate Education Seminar such a big success each year!

TITLE SPONSOR:

Morning Pride / Total Fire Group

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

CIGNA HealthcareInternational Association of Firefighters (IAFF)

GOLD SPONSORS:

AetnaAFLAC

Empire Blue Cross / Blue ShieldGroup Health Incorporated (GHI)

HIP Health Plan of New YorkPrudential Retirement Services

SILVER SPONSORS:

W.L. Gore and Associates

BRONZE SPONSORS:

AIG Life InsuranceMike Block Esq., UFA General Counsel(Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath, Cannavo, P.C.)

Chase Home FinanceHealthplex

MORNING PRIDE

800-688-6148

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Table of Contents

UFA Executive Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3

Seminar Agenda (Meals, Classes, Events) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 4-8

Tuesday, May 1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 4

Wednesday, May 2nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 4-5

Thursday, May 3rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 6-7

Friday, May 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8

Raffle Prize Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 9

2007 UFA Honorees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10-14

Seminar Exhibitors & Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-18

UFA Founder & History 1917 - 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-27, 46-50

Title Sponsor: Morning Pride/Total Fire Group . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover

THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE

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UFA Executive Board

STEPHEN J. CASSIDYPresident

JAMES M. SLEVINVice President

ROBERT STRAUBTreasurer

JOSEPH A. MICCIORecording Secretary

WILLIAM ROMAKAHealth & Safety Officer

Sergeant-at-Arms

JOHN G. KELLY, Jr.Trustee-Brooklyn

Chairman, Board of Trustees

DANIEL MURPHYTrustee-Manhattan

STEPHEN G. HUMENESKYTrustee-Queens

DONALD RULANDTrustee-Staten Island

EDWARD BROWNTrustee-Bronx

LESTER LAYNEFire Marshal Representative

Seminar Director

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JOSEPH A. MICCIO

Recording Secretary

Seminar DirectorSTEPHEN J. CASSIDY

President

The UFA Executive Board

Welcomes You

The 2007 UFA Delegate Education Seminar

Thank you for joining us for our 2007 UFA Delegate Education Seminar in Atlantic City. We have

accomplished much in the past year in our efforts to see that New York City Firefighters are more

adequately compensated and equipped with the right tools to allow us to protect ourselves and the

lives of 8 million New Yorkers each day.

This past year, thanks in large part to the leadership of this Delegate body, we have accomplished

many things for our members. When we stand united, we are much more effective in our negotiations and

political efforts, be it on the city, state or national level. It is our hope that your investment of time here

will help provide the means to improve your ability to effectively lead in this capacity. This is no small

task, but your members need you and the Executive Board is counting on you to bear the weight of this

very important role.

Over the course of these next four days, we will touch base on many interesting and important issues

to help you to more easily accomplish member-beneficial objectives. Knowledgeable guest speakers will

make meaningful presentations – including personalized workshops – where you choose topics that inter-

est you the most. When added to the Taj Mahal’s gourmet meals, wonderful people, prizes and great event

festivities, you are sure to have an unforgettable stay. This booklet is a reference guide to help you with

locations and times of the seminar activities each day of your stay. Keep it handy and refer to it often. Ask

questions and take notes. But most importantly, share what you have learned when you return to your fire-

house.

We also encourage you to visit our exhibitors, who have informative hand-outs about opportunities

and benefits for you and your family. We also want to express our appreciation to our generous sponsors

and corporate friends who help make this seminar better each year. This is a tremendous undertaking and

we rely on their support.

Sharing experiences with other Delegates is another important way to pass along institutional knowl-

edge while here. The FF Michael Boyle Hospitality Suite is just the vehicle for this. Once dinner activi-

ties conclude both nights, be sure to visit the Hospitality Suite, which is dedicated to our former UFA

staffer and Firefighter Michael Boyle, who made the supreme sacrifice on 9-11. Thank you once again

for joining us and it is our sincere hope that you will enjoy your stay!

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A G E N D A

1:00 pm — Lunch — Tiara Ballroom Sponsored by HIP

Wednesday Morning, May 2, 20077:30 am — Check-in: Delegate ID badge & Seminar Materials Pick-up at the Convention Counter

Upper Level – 7:30 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Sponsored by IAFF

Tuesday Afternoon/Evening May 1, 20074 pm — Check-in ‘till 8 pm: Delegate ID badge & Seminar Materials pick-up at the

Convention Counter Upper Level – Sponsored by IAFF4 pm —Welcome Suite Buffet ‘till 11pm, Tiara Room B: Sponsored by Chase Home Finance

5 pm — Defensive Driving Class: (location given at Seminar Check-in) Sponsored by FAST Consultants

07:45 am — Breakfast — Tiara Ballroom Sponsored by Aetna

Special Spouse Sessions — Health, Wellness & Home Safety AwarenessSilver Room — 11:00 am - 12:45 pm by Theresa Carapella, UFA Security (Health) Benefits FundAdministrator & Mike Chierico, FAST Consultants: Theresa explains Dental, Vision Care, Prescription Drugs andother UFA supplemental health coverage for your family. She also shares tips on how member benefit claims arehandled, explains how the the office is organized and who provides what services. Then join Mike and his team for afollow-up light, fun & informative workshop for more important info to safeguard and protect the wellness of yourfamily. Great gifts and raffles too!!!

Morning General Session — 8:55 am to 1 pm — Diamond Ballroom08:55 am — State of the Union by UFA President Steve Cassidy: Opens the seminar with anoverview of what the UFA has accomplished on behalf of our membership-but more importantly-our ongoingissues, current and future contract updates and the critical challenges & goals that lie ahead.

09:45 am — UFA Media & PR Strategies by UFA Media & Public Relations Director TomButler & President Steve Cassidy: Tom & Steve discuss what the UFA has accomplished in print, radio &TV media, and what it takes behind the scenes to get a piece published—or squashed. Specific examplesare shared of campaigns initiated by the UFA and benefits generated as a result. Explanations of how theUFA PR strategy factors into achieving longer term goals, which impact contract negotiations, Departmentsafety protocols and legislative agenda. They also explain the do’s & don’ts of speaking to the media.

10:15 am — Next Generation Bunker Gear by Mary Grilliot & Jack Reilly, Total FireGroup/Morning Pride (our gear manufacturers): Mary makes an eye-popping presentation regardingwhy your bunker gear is being replaced after 10 years, helmet replacements, the Drag Rescue Device(DRD) that is being placed in all new NFPA 1971 Structural Certified turn-out coats, Project Heroes andBeyond, and the FDNY 'Pant to Boot' field test. She concludes with the latest NFPA certified gloves andproblems imports will bring.11:10 am — Safe Apparatus Response by Lt. Michael Wilbur L-27 & Sgt-at-Arms BillRomaka: Lt. Wilbur presents a "Back to Basics" approach for Emergency Vehicle Operations andFire Ground Operations. A ‘Q & A’ session will follow. Lt. Wilbur has been a NYC Firefighter foralmost 25 years and is also a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine and Fire Apparatus Journal.He is nationally recognized in Emergency Vehicle Operations, Apparatus Placement and Purchasing.

12:00 pm — New Additions to UFA Compensation Accrual Fund (Annuity) byUFA Treasurer Bob Straub & Jim Reynolds, John Dolan, Prudential Financial: Bob and Jimexplain the additional choices that members will have when choosing where to invest their annuitycontributions. They explain the fund investment options, which will help your members better under-stand the impact of their annuity investment choices from the expanded number of funds available.

12:30 pm — UFA Criminal Attorney: Emergency Help by UFA Criminal CounselRobert Gallo, Esq. Rob shares info re the types of emergency problems members and Trustees call on him forat all hours of the night, and what emergency legal services the UFA covers. Ask questions. Get answers.

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2 pm — Your Choice of Workshops — Diamond BallroomRoom A — Grievances: How to Stop Bad Dept Policy Filing for Grievance, ImproperPractice, Workload Impact, Safety Impact—How You Get Results by Recording Secretary Joe Miccio & UFALabor Counsel Mike Axelrod: Joe & Mike show you how to identify bad Dept Policies that we can effectively fightthrough the system-with your help. You’ll learn fundamentals that will empower you to actually get the Department toblink, stumble-and sometimes fall! You’ll also learn what we can’t fight. A well invested hour.

Room B — 457 & 401(k) NYC Deferred Compensation Plans by Devindra Paul, JackAugenblick from NYC Deferred Compensation Plan: Jack & Devindra explain the advantages members receive byparticipating in the 457 and 401(k) Plans, investment choices and how retiring members can roll their final pension pay-ments into the 401(k) Plan and save on taxes today.

Room C — Cardiac & Other FF Health Issues by UFA Health & Safety Officer BillRomaka and Rob Brown, Physician Assistant & Director of the NY FFs Heart and Lung Institute: RobBrown, RPA-C, will be discussing issues important to the health & safety of all members of the FDNY. Someissues he will touch upon include: Cardiac Health, Injury Prevention, and PTSD, among others…

Room D — Disability Pensions by former UFA President Lou Sforza, UFA Pension Consultant:Lou explains the process of documenting and navigating the FDNY disability pension application system. His expertise willmake the difference if you should find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to retire due to a career-ending Line-of-Duty injury.

3 pm — Your Choice of Workshops — Diamond BallroomRoom A — Grievances: How to Stop Bad Dept Policy

Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description

Room B — 457 & 401(k) NYC Deferred Compensation Plans Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description

Room C — Cardiac & Other FF Health Issues Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description

Room D — Disability PensionsRepeat session-see 2pm workshop description

4 pm — Your Choice of Workshops — Diamond BallroomRoom B — Your Annuity & Compensation Accrual Fund by Ray Sweetland, TomReynolds & John Dolan -Financial Planners from Prudential: Prudential manages your annuity contributioninvestments. Bill, Ray and John will help your members understand the ins and outs of directing annuity contributioninvestments, via the web or phone, into investment plans that will most suit their ages & future plans.

6 pm — Evening Events6:00 pm — Exhibit Tables & Booths Open — Grand Ballroom ‘till 9pm

7:00 pm — Reception Dinner Buffet & Cocktail Party — Grand BallroomSponsored by Morning Pride / Total Fire Group

9:30 pm (approx) — FF Michael Boyle Hospitality Suite — (room # to be announced at events)

Sponsored by AIG Life Insurance

A G E N D AWednesday Afternoon, May 2, 2007

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A G E N D AThursday Morning, May 3, 2007

7:30 am — Check-in — Upper Level ‘till 1 pm: Delegate ID badge/Seminar Materials Pick-up at the Convention Counter (Last chance to pickup Delegate Hand-outs) Sponsored by IAFF

7:45 am — Breakfast — Grand Ballroom Sponsored by Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield

8:00 am — Exhibit Tables & Booths Open — Grand Ballroom ‘till 2pm

11:30 am — Spouse Session — Late Morning Aquafitness at the PoolHotel Pool — 11:30 am - 12:45 pm, by Mike Chierico, FAST Consultants: Bring your bathing suit for arelaxing, enjoyable, low impact, Aqua-Fitness class & health/safety session. Join Mary, a U.S. Navy HealthFitness Trainer at poolside, far end. Relax, enjoy a simple fitness routine, experience the benefits of improvedendurance, muscle tone and body composition. Win prizes & great gifts—and enjoyable refreshments too!

Morning General Session — 8:55 am to 1 pm — Diamond Ballroom08:55 am — UFA Discipline Attorney to the Rescue by UFA General & CriminalCounsel Mike Block: Mike shares his many years of experience representing and helping members addressserious issues we all hope to never find ourselves in. Now you’ll understand what help is available & how to getit when needed most!

09:35 am — 1-B Medical Board & Pension Board Explained by UFA Treasurer BobStraub: Bob sits on the FDNY Pension Board and has helped many members to properly document theirdisabling injuries in the manner legally prescribed to retire with Line-of-Duty disability pensions—includ-ing for members who were initially not approved by the 1-B Medical Board. Bob explains how the 1-BMedical Board and Pension Board are selected and set up, how they function and what you should know.

10:10 am — WTC Medical Monitoring & Treatment Program — 5 Year Review by BHSChief Medical Officers Dr. Kerry Kelly & Dr. David Prezant: Dr. Kelly and Dr. Prezant provide members withan update on the WTC Medical Monitoring Program; the current status, results they've seen so far, etc.Discussions will also include how new funds that were recently made available might be used.

11:00 am — UFA 2006-07 Legislative Agenda by UFA Vice President & LegislativeChairman James Slevin: Jim discusses UFA legislative activities and challenges in City Council,Albany & Washington D.C. He explains PAC funds use, various legislative initiatives, pending bills,how they benefit Firefighters & the steps it takes to get them passed. Jim also talks about this year’sLobby Day in Albany (June 12th) — Firefighters will once again blitz Albany in support of variousUFA Bills. Jim explains what you will be doing for Lobby Day and why, and reviews last year’s LobbyDay successes. He also touches on bus coordination so you can turn out as many members as possible.

11:45 pm — FDNY Counseling Services by Joe Hines, CSU: Joe, a well seasoned retired FFwho has helped many members, discusses various help available when your members need it most.

12:00 pm — UFA New Website by Recording Secretary Joe Miccio: Joe demonstrates the newUFA website with enhanced member service capabilities—and simplified ease of use. You will learnhow to quickly find answers on the UFA website to many questions you are asked throughout the year.

12:15 pm — WTC Pension Forms & FDNY Pension System by Albert Connolly, FDNYPension Bureau: Al explains the FDNY pension system, proper form preparation & documentation to insure WTCIllness Pension protection, what illnesses are covered, and answers questions. Hundreds of Firefighters come to Aleach year for guidance in making decisions that will have a permanent impact on the rest of their lives. Learn the bestways to improve your pension and retirement from Al.

1:00 pm Lunch — Grand Ballroom — Sponsored by AFLAC

Exhibit Tables & Booths Open During Lunch — close down at 2pm

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A G E N D AThursday Afternoon, May 3, 2007

2 pm — Your Choice of Workshops — Diamond BallroomRoom A — The Effective Delegate by Recording Secretary Joe Miccio & guest Trustees: Joe andTrustees explain & expand on various important Delegate roles & the ‘UFA Delegate’ chapter of your Delegate Manual.Trustees and experienced Delegates share their knowledge and experience—giving you useful pointers on how to be amore effective Delegate. This is a ‘must workshop’ for all newer Delegates!

Room B — ITHP Waiver, 50% Indicator, Roth IRAs & NYS College Savings Programby Pension Planners George Duignan & John Hurley, G & G Agency: This team of financial specialists explainshow these convenient NYC payroll deduction programs work, detailing the info you need to make your own important invest-ment decisions. They also show you how to use the FDNY Pension Planner web program, where you enter your specific infor-mation to get a better future financial picture based on investment choices today.

Room C — UFA Health & Safety Office 101 by UFA Health & Safety Officer Bill Romaka &Staff Christine Early, Tony Caracciolo: An introduction to our staff and their duties. Members will learn the pur-pose of the UFA Health & Safety Office and what it has accomplished over the past year. You’ll learn how fire-house issues should be dealt with, how this office is funded, and what it is doing to improve the health & safety ofour members. Lots of info provided verbally, in handouts and with special guests who may stop by.

Room D — UFA Security (Health) Benefits Fund by Theresa Carapella, SBF Administrator:Working with the SBF Chapter of the Delegate Manual, Theresa explains how to use the manual to easily find member benefitinfo. She shares tips on how member benefit claims are handled, and explains how her office is organized, and who provideswhat services to our members and their families. She also explains how you save money by utilizing “Coordination-of-Benefits” if your spouse has separate coverage, and how helpful is the NYC Health Plans chapter of the Delegate Manual.

3 pm — Your Choice of Workshops — Diamond BallroomRoom A — The Effective Delegate

Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description

Room B — ITHP Waiver, 50% Indicator, Roth IRAs & NYS College Savings ProgramRepeat session-see 2pm workshop description

Room C — UFA Health & Safety Office 101Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description

Room D — UFA Security (Health) Benefits FundRepeat session-see 2pm workshop description

4 pm — Workshop — Diamond BallroomRoom B — UFA Scholarship & LOD Funeral Funds by Queens Trustee Steve Humenesky:Steve, who is chairman of the UFA Scholarship and LOD Funeral Fund Committees, will make an informativepresentation. He explains and answers questions about these funds and how these committees function.

Room C — FDNY Pension System-the Answers! by Albert Connolly, FDNY PensionBureau: Al will answer your FDNY pension system & WTC bill questions in an informal setting in this follow-up workshopto this morning’s general session presentation by Al. Learn the best ways to improve your pension & retirement from Al.

6:30pm — Evening Activities — See Next Page

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A G E N D AThursday Evening, May 3, 2007

A G E N D AFriday Morning, May 4, 2007

— Dinner Wine & RefreshmentsSponsored by W.L. Gore & Associates

— Bagpipers for Honoree EventSponsored by Healthplex

— Raffles — See page 9 for our generous prize donors Listing.

10:00 pm — Music & Entertainment Sponsored by Prudential Retirement Services

11:30 pm (approx) — FF Michael Boyle Hospitality Suite (room # to be announced at events)Sponsored by AIG Life Insurance

08:45 am — Breakfast - Tiara Ballroom

Sponsored by Group Health Insurance (GHI)

09:55 am — Union Meeting Diamond Ballroom

12:00 pm — Delegate Seminar Concludes

6:30 pm — Banquet Cocktail Hour — Grand Ballroom

7:30 pm — Banquet Dinner — Grand Ballroom Sponsored by CIGNA Healthcare

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RAFFLE PRIZES Donated by many of our corporate friends, including:

AIG

Michael Axelrod, Esq.(Certilman, Balin, Adler & Hyman)

UFA Labor Counsel

Michael Block, Esq.(Sullivan, Papain, Block & Cannavo, P.C.)

UFA General Counsel

Awards Express Ltd.

CIGNA Healthcare

CPS Optical & CPS Dental

Empire BlueCross-BlueShield

GHI

Healthplex

HIP Health Plan of New York

Inner Imaging

Liberty Mutual

Reynolds Securities

Trump Taj Mahal

W.L. Gore and Associates

*Due to print deadline not all raffle donors are listed

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2007 UFA Seminar HonoreesFDNY CHAPLAINS

Rev. Msgr. John Delendick Rev. Msgr. Marc J. Filacchione Rev. Stephen Harding

Rev. Joseph M. Hoffman Christopher Keenan, OFM Rabbi Joseph Potasnik

Rev. Joel Warden, CO Rev. Everett Joseph Wabst(retired FDNY Firefighter)

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2007 UFA Seminar Honorees Contd. from previous page

Rev. Msgr. John Delendick

Anative of Queens, NY, he received a BA degree from Cathedral College in Douglaston and aM.Div. Degree from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington. He was ordained to

priesthood on February 12, 1977 in St. Sebastian Church in Woodside, NY. On March 19, 2003,Father Delendick was given the title of Reverend Monsignor.

Father Delendick received the appointment of FDNY Chaplain on May 15, 1996 and has servedin this capacity while remaining the Pastor of the Shrine Church of St. Jude in Canarsie.

On September 11, 2001, Father Delendick arrived at the World Trade Center soon after the sec-ond plane struck and then survived the collapse of the two buildings. He spent many hours overthe next eight months bringing families to the Trade Center Site, officiating at memorial and funer-al services, being present at the beginning of each support group that were set up throughout theregion and consoling the families and friends of the 343 Firefighters who died on that day.

Rev. Msgr. Marc J. Filacchione

Fr. Filacchione is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and was born in the Bronx. Currentlyhe serves as Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church located one block from the New York Stock

Exchange in the Financial District of New York City.Fr. Filacchione entered Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception in Douglaston, New

York where he began his studies for the priesthood and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English.After studying theology at Saint Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, located in Yonkers, he receivedhis Master’s Degree in Divinity. He was ordained a priest on November 15, 1980. In 1995, Fr.Filacchione was given the title of Reverend Monsignor.

For the past twenty-seven years since his ordination, Monsignor Filacchione has served theArchdiocese of New York in various capacities. In 1992 while Pastor of Saint Michael’s inManhattan, in 1992 he was also named Director of the Hospital Apostolate for the Archdiocese ofNew York. This office is responsible for the Catholic Pastoral Care of the Catholic and privatehospitals and nursing care facilities in the Archdiocese, a position that he has held for the past fif-teen years. In October 1995 he was appointed as a Chaplain for the FDNY.

Monsignor Filacchione, like many firefighters, civilians and other Chaplains, witnessed first-hand the events of September 11th and survived the collapse of the Twin Towers by escaping intothe subway station with the local Pastor of Saint Peter’s Church on Barclay Street. The events ofSeptember 11, 2001 and the months that followed have left an indelible mark on him, as it did onevery firefighter and person who witnessed or lost a loved one that day.

Rev. Stephen Harding

An Episcopal priest in the Diocese of New York, Harding grew up in Manhattan and went tohigh school in New Hampshire and graduated with a B.A. from Colby College in Maine.

Upon his return to NYC after graduation, Harding worked as a free-lance theatre technician andas an administrator in the performing arts. Following this six year phase – and for financial sta-bility – Harding went to work as an administrator for an investment bank on Wall Street, which hedid for four years before entering the Union Theological Seminary in 1990.

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Harding graduated from Union Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1993,and went on to earn the degree of Master of Sacred Theology in Spiritual Direction from theGeneral Theological Seminary in 1995.

Harding was ordained to the deaconate in the Episcopal Church in the spring of 1995 and to thepriesthood in 1999. A Board Certified Chaplain, Harding received his Chaplaincy training atMemorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center, and has served as Chaplain at Jacob Perlow Hospice,the Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care at Beth Israel Hospital, and currently servesas the Director of Pastoral Care at NYU Medical Center, in addition to his work with the FireDepartment. He was appointed the Protestant Chaplain for the New York City Fire Departmenton October 6, 2003.

Harding was inducted into the Honor Legion of the FDNY as an honorary member in October2006. In addition to his work as Chaplain, Reverend Harding has had a Sunday ministry with var-ious parishes in Brooklyn and in Manhattan.

He was married to the Reverend Canon Storm Swain in September of 2004. They live at theCathedral of St. John the Divine with their first child, Theodore, who was born on January 4, 2007.

Rev. Joseph M. Hoffman

Fr. Hoffman received a BA degree from Cathedral College in Douglaston in May 1975, and aM.Div. Degree from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, Long Island, in May

1979. He is presently serving in the Archdiocese of Brooklyn and has since June 1979. FatherHoffman served as Pastor in Saint Martin of Tours RC Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and is cur-rently Pastor of St. Bartholomew RC Church in Elmhurst, Queens.

Father Hoffman received the appointment of FDNY Chaplain in November 2001.

Christopher Keenan, OFM

Prior to coming home to NYC, he served as a founding team member of the WorldwideMarriage Encounter and Boston’s AIDS Action Committee. With the blessing of two Masters

and a Doctorate degree, Chris administered programs for 17 years in three graduate schools of the-ology preparing women and men for ministry at Boston College, DC’s Washington TheologicalUnion, and the Jesuit School of Theology at Cambridge.

Christopher is a Franciscan brother living and ministering in Harlem. In 1996 he returned toNYC to take care of his parents and during those five years was asked by the Franciscans torespond to special issues faced by homeless kids and their Moms in city shelters. Since 2001 hehas been in partnership with his Franciscan Brothers, Ben Taylor and Ralph Perez, who came toHarlem 40 years ago and opened their lives to the needs of families and their challenges withaddiction, homelessness, and unemployment.

From these needs have emerged the seven programs of CREATE, INC. Chris has been provid-ing resources to persons in their journey from homelessness to independent living. The programassists foster kids who are reuniting with their recovering Moms who had lost them due to addic-tion. The program helps homeless young adult men (18-25) who are now provided with a contin-

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uum of care that includes: job readiness and training; GED and licensing, social-cultural events,retreat days and a community-based mentoring with NYC firefighters.

Chris is currently gathering teams of firefighters who will visit and assist returning WoundedWarriors from Iraq and Afghanistan in Washington, DC and San Antonio, TX. One team is fire-fighters who are themselves returning from the Mideast and the other is firefighter burn victimsreaching out to the burned warriors hospitalized in San Antonio.

Chris finds great joy in being a Chaplain in the FDNY. “Who has it better that me being withsuch AWE-some people like the NYC firefighters? It is an honor and a gift!”

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik

Rabbi Potasnik received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yeshiva College, and his Master ofScience from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University. In 1972, he was

ordained from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University. In addition, in1986 he received his Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School.

Rabbi Potasnik is the former President, and presently the Executive Vice President of the NewYork Board of Rabbis, the largest interdenominational body of its kind in the world. He is the co-host along with Deacon Kevin McCormack of Xaverian High School and the Diocese of RockvilleCenter of “Religion on the Line” which airs every Sunday morning on WABC Talk Radio, 770AM from 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m., WABC’s longest running talk radio program. He is the religiouscommentator for Radio WINS 1010 for the last ten years succeeding the late Rabbi MarcTannenbaum. He is also the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Mt. Sinai in Brooklyn Heights, NewYork.

Launched in the fall of 2005, The New York Board of Rabbis has developed its own televisionseries, “Faith To Faith,” hosted by Rabbi Potasnik. This 30-minute award winning weekly pro-gram strives to show that unity of spirit and diversity of thought can coexist when there is respectfor the depth of the human mind and the recognition of our common humanity. “Faith To Faith”reaches a diverse body of viewers throughout the United States who hopefully learn about the rich-ness of their own religion and how it responds to the challenges of today.

As Chaplain of the New York City Fire Department and the Fraternal Order of Police, RabbiPotasnik maintained a high profile, helping many families cope with the disaster of September11th, 2001. Rabbi Potasnik is also Chaplain of the New York Press Club.

Rev. Joel Warden, CO

Father Joel Warden was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He has been a member of the Oratoryof St. Philip Neri, a small Catholic religious congregation, since 1993 and was ordained to the

priesthood in 1999. When a small fire broke out in his church during a Sunday morning Mass inAugust 2004, he had the good fortune to meet FDNY personnel from Engine 207/Ladder 110 andEMS Battalion 31. He was sworn in as an honorary FDNY chaplain in April 2006. In addition toduties as a curate at St. Boniface Church in downtown Brooklyn, he is working on a doctorate inmoral theology at Fordham University where he is considering problems in the ethics of patientcare for first responders.

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Rev. Everett Joseph Wabst(retired FDNY Firefighter)

Reverend Wabst, a native of Staten Island, who retired from FDNY firefighting in 1999, wasappointed to the FDNY from the 1968 eligible list. Until joining the Fire Department in

1972, Everett worked and attended college full and part time at Heidelberg College in Tiffin,Ohio and Wagner College on Staten Island. While a firefighter he earned a Bachelor of Arts in“Science, Letters and Society” and a Master of Science in Education from Richmond Collegeon Staten Island. In 1973 he was licensed by the NYC Board of Education as a teacher. He didfield work through Union Theological Seminary in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and in 1982 whileattending New York Theological Seminary (toward a Master of Divinity) he was ordained bythe American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York. He is also a member of TheMinisters Council, American Baptist Churches in the USA.

Both the FDNY St. George Association and the FDNY Retiree’s, Staten Island Division, rec-ognized Chaplain “Ed” as the “Millennium Man of the Year”, in 2000.

Over the last 25 years Reverend Wabst has been sworn in as chaplain to active and retiredFirefighter associations including: The FDNY St. George Association, The FDNY VikingAssociation, The FDNY Steuben Association, The New York City Honorary Fire OfficersAssociation, The New York State Honorary Fire Chief’s Association, The FDNY RetiredMember’s Association, The FDNY Retiree’s, Staten Island Division, and The United RetiredFirefighters Association. In 2000 the Fire Commissioner named Reverend Wabst HonoraryFDNY Fire Chaplain. In 2003 Reverend Wabst was named Chaplain to the New YorkFirefighter’s Burn Center Foundation by the late Jimmy Curran

Since August of 2006 Rev. Wabst has been battling a persistent form of lymphoma whichmay have come from 27 years of firefighting coupled with countless hours at the World TradeCenter Site. Everett notes,” This is the difficulty that I must fight for now, but I am far fromalone in this battle…may God Bless all those suffering illness and injury from our battle forthe public in all emergencies.


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SEMINAR 2007 EXHIBITORS

Wed. May 2, from 6 pm - 9 pm (Grand Ballroom)Thurs. May 3, from 8 am - 2 pm (Grand Ballroom)

AETNAGary Battle99 Park Avenue, 3rd FloorNew York, NY 10016212-457-0367 860-975-0922 (Fax) 732-910-6913 (Cell)E-mail: [email protected] www.aetna.com

AFLACCiro Abril, Steve White, Doug Meier199 Water Street, 23rd FloorNew York, NY 10038212-908-2575212-687-1930 (Fax)www.aflacny.com

AIGDenise Masella, Robert Stafford80 Pine Street – 3rd Floor New York, NY 10005212-770-1139 212-509-8824 (Fax)212-770-1248 (Cell)E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] or www.aigebs.com

AMBIT ENERGYC/O Randy Gool3924 Blue Monster VoceRound Rock, TX 70664512-658-5200 512 733-9422 (Fax)E-mail: [email protected]

AWARDS EXPRESS LTD.Glen Barile (Ret. L-84)P.O. Box 120-075Staten Island, NY 10312718-967-1671718-967-1671 (Fax)E-mail: [email protected]

BARASCH, MCGARRY, Salzman & Penson Law FirmBrian Harvey11 Park Place, Suite 1801New York, NY 10007212-385-8000 212-385-7845 (Fax)E-mail: [email protected]

CHASE HOME FINANCEFran Libretto-Ward145 Pinelawn Road, Suite 250 SouthMelville, NY 11747631-420-6501 917-667-1656 (Cell)866-560-5668 (Fax) E-mail:[email protected]

CIGNA HEALTHCARECyd Brooks499 Washington Blvd. – 4th FloorJersey City, NJ 07310201-533-7000646-459-9167 (Fax)E-mail: [email protected]

CPS OPTICAL & CPS DENTALJames Lyons, Leslie Chiorazzi11 Hanover SquareNew York, NY 10005212-675-5745 212-675-1147 (Fax)www.cpsoptical.com / www.cpsdental.com

EMPIRE BLUE CROSS / BLUE SHIELDChristopher Bugeya, Dominick PellegrinoThomas Canty, Gail Sands11 West 42nd Street – 16th FloorNew York, NY 10036212-476-7535212-476-7610 (Fax)www.empireblue.com

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FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERSNancy Carbone1591⁄2 Columbia StreetBrooklyn, NY 11231718-643-0980 718-643-1240 (Fax)www.friendsff.org

GBT AssociatesLuis F. Febus The Empire State Building350 5th Avenue, Suite 2418New York, NY 10118212-868-0200 917-402-1933 (Cell)E-mail:[email protected]

GENERAL VISION SERVICESSharon Devine520 8th Avenue – 9th FloorNew York, NY 10018212-729-5342 212-279-0498 (Fax) 646-413-4168 (Cell) www.generalvision.com

GHICustomer Service Division441 9th AvenueNew York, NY 10001www.ghi.com

HEALTH NETNatalie Blake Russell1 Far Mill Crossing, PO Box 904Shelton, CT 06484-0944203-225-8868 203-225-4094 (Fax)203-814-6656 (Cell) www.healthnet.com

HEALTHPLEXJoni Howe – VP Account Services333 Earle Ovington Blvd. – Suite 300Uniondale, NY 11553516-542-2701 • 516-794-3186 (Fax)516-662-2420 (Cell)E-mail:[email protected] www.healthplex.com

HIP HEALTH PLAN OF NEW YORKJune Guiffo55 Water StreetNew York, NY 10041646-447-6997 • 646-447-3001 (Fax)www.hipusa.com

INNER IMAGINGAlbert Barrette67 Irving Place, Ground FloorNew York, NY 10003212-777-8900 212-777-2008 (Fax)917-449-4561 (Cell)E-mail: [email protected]

LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUPMatthew Morse, Eugene Watt114 West 47th Street – 21st FloorNew York, NY 10036800-227-9887 (Ext. 295 Morse) (Ext. 291 Watt)212-398-2685 (Fax)www.libertymutual.com/lm/ufany www.libertymutual.com/lm/matthewmorse www.libertymutual.com/lm/eugenewatt

MARSH AFFINITY GROUP SERVICESMatt Arvanites1440 Renaissance DrivePark Ridge, IL 60068800-503-9230847-803-2553 (Fax)www.personal-plans.com/ufa

MORNING PRIDE MANUFACTURINGMary Grilliot, Jack Reilly, Kenneth Memmen, Doug Sloan, MikeMilner, Bob West, Bill Emmory#1 Innovation CourtDayton, OH 45414937-264-2662937-264-2677 (Fax)www.totalfiregroup.com

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MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATIONKatie Burke, Nerin Gayron1140 Avenue of the Americas #1801New York, NY 10036212-679-6215212-679-6244 (Fax)www.mdausa.com

NATIONWIDE FINANCIALMichael Hecht, James McBratney21 Commerce Drive – 3rd FloorCranford, NJ 07016908-653-7290908-276-1971 (Fax)E-mail: [email protected]

NYC DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN457 & 401(k)Georgette Gestely - Director40 Rector Street – 3rd FloorNew York, NY 10006212-306-7760 • 212-306-7376 (Fax)www.nyc.gov/deferredcomp

THE PENSION PLANNER“The Firefighters’ Financial Resource”George Duignan, John Hurley, Steve Goldis100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd.Garden City, NY 11530516-357-9293516-357-8989 (Fax)www.FDNYpensionplanner.com

PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENTJohn Dolan, John SchmidtRay Sweetland, Bill WalshOne Penn Plaza – Suite 2501New York, NY 10119917-339-4423 • 917-339-4426 (Fax)www.prudential.com/signature

ROYAL ALLIANCE ASSOCIATIONMike Carter414 Eagle Rock AvenueWest Orange, NJ 07052973-736-8400 Ext. 22914-213-0976 (Fax)E-mail:[email protected]

STANTON & GUZMAN, LLP.Ken Larkin585 Stewart Ave, Suite 410Garden City, NY 11530516-222-0099 516-426-6072 (Cell)516-222-0079 (Fax)E-mail: [email protected]

STERLING NATIONAL MORTGAGE CO. INC.John McGuire98 Cuttermill Road, Suite 200NGreat Neck, NY 11021516-593-7826516-593-2524 (Fax)E-mail:[email protected]

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UNITED INSIGNIAJim Hahl379 Bridge Street, 4th FloorBrooklyn, NY 11201-5246718-222-3400718-222-1459 (Fax)E-mail:[email protected]

VISION SCREENINGSeth Polan1919 Middle Century Road, Suite 304Centereach, NY 11720631-467-4515631-467-7786 (Fax)E-mail:[email protected]

WASHINGTON MUTUALJohn Halleran666 Old Country RoadGarden City, NY 11530516-745-6500 Ext. 238516-647-0261 (Cell)516-745-6594 (Fax)E-mail: [email protected] www.wamuloans.com/john.halleran

W.L. GORE AND ASSOCIATESBob Towe105 Vieres WayElkton, MD 21922410-506-5267410-392-4457 (Fax)E-mail: [email protected]

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Help protect your family's savings:• Increase your voluntary term life insurance to the next level — up to the maximum

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The underwriting risks, financial obligations and support functions associated with the products issued by American International Life Assurance Company of New York are its responsibility. American International Life Assurance Company of New York is responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

This ad is a summary only of products offered. All products are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policies. Actual offerings may vary by group size and by state. Please see policies and certificates for details.

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Contact Maria Zingone in Human Resources for easy enrollment — 212-683-4832/6503.

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CIGNA HealthCare - Proud Sponsor of the2007 UFA Delegate Education Seminar Thursday Dinner.

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1 Largest EPO/PPO network of providers in the 28 eastern and southeastern New York counties and 10 bordering counties ofNew Jersey and Connecticut. New Jersey counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Middlesex, Monmouth, Sussex, Union.Connecticut counties: Fairfield and Litchfield. (healthconnectsystems.com searched August 2006).

2 Based on EPO/PPO network and New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors in 2006” list, issue dated 6/19/06, and searches ofcompetitors’ web sites in June 2006.

3 Based on U.S. News & World Report 7/19/06 for hospitals in our service area.*Available only to registered UFA delegates.

Services provided by Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc. and/or Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., licensees of the Blue Crossand Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

4962 Uniformed Firefighters Assoc Jnl Ad (3/07)

Support, dedicationand respect

We know that, as firefighters, you’re constantly striving to make this a better,safer place for all of us to live. And as part of the New York community since 1935,we are very grateful for your hard work. We’re also proud to have been able toprovide New York City employees with health benefits for over 40 years.

Empire provides access to the largest physician network in New York1 and thewidest choice of top-quality physicians2 and hospitals.3 Which all adds up tomaking sure you get the care you need, when you need it.

To learn more about how we can support you, call Empire’s New York City DedicatedService Center at (800) 433-9592 or visit us online atwww.empireblue.com/nyc.

Stop by our exhibit during Banquet Night to find out if you’ve won tickets to aYankees or Mets game.*

Your Empire team wishes the UFA board and itsdelegates continued success.

Tom Canty, Christopher Bugeya,Gail Sands and Dominick Pellegrino

You can count on us, just like we count on you

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Your friends at

HIP Health Planof New York

Extend best wishes to the

Uniformed FirefightersAssociation

You give your best every day tomake New York the greatest placein the world. You deserve the samewhen it comes to your healthbenefits.

Now HIP offers more choices thanever before, including over 21,000providers in more than 31,000locations throughout the New Yorkmetro area.

And HIP offers a variety of plandesigns to meet the needs of yourmembership, including HIPaccess®

plans with no required referrals tospecialists and EPO and PPO plans.We also offer prescription drugcoverage.

What’s more, HIP provides accessto alternative medicine options,laser vision correction andpreventive dental, all at discountedrates.

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For more information, pleasecontact June Giuffo at 212-216-7716.

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THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDEU F A D E L E G A T E E D U C A T I O N A L S E M I N A R 2 0 0 6 1

For a free, no-obligation ratequote, please call 1-800-225-8281

(Please mention group #100449)

THROUGH THE 1920’s….

• 1917 FF Albert Guinness (pictured right) formedthe Uniformed Firemen’s Association of theFDNY, which became Local 94 of theInternational Association of Firefighters the fol-lowing year. Firemen were working “continuousduty,” of 151 hours per week with 3 hours offeach day. Annual salary was $1,500.

• 1920: UFA won a 27% increase to a more livableannual salary of $1,900.

• 1921: the Honor Emergency Fund was created toprovide financial assistance to active/retiredFirefighters and their families due to death, ill-ness or injury.

• 1922: UFA pressure resulted in a two-platoonsystem of 84 hours per week.

• 1927: due in large part to the lobbying efforts ofthe UFA, “Right of Appeal Law” legislation waspassed, the granting civil service employees theright to appear before legislative bodies toexpress grievances. Previous to the enactment ofthis particular measure, civil service employeescould be denied the right by departmental edict.

• 1928: the UFA won the right for referendum voteraising annual salary to $3,000.

THE 1930’s. . .

• As the Great Depression was taking hold, MayorJimmy Walker pressured city workers to take a“payless furlough,” claiming the city was on theverge of bankruptcy.

• 1930s The UFA was the only group to refuse tosubmit. Mayor LaGuardia had a bill passedreducing the salaries of all city employees. TheUFA fought the measure until it was rescinded.

• 1936 the UFA succeeded in achieving the three-platoon system (or eight-hour day) through a ref-erendum of the voters during the general election.

• 1936 passage of a local law granting a disabilitypension for Firemen with line-of-duty injuries.

• 1937 The UFA inserted a provision in the stateConstitution, making public employee pensionsa contractual requirement of the state.

• 1939 Voters then passed a UFA-sponsored reso-lution in 1939 reducing a Fireman’s work weekfrom 84 to 50 hours.

THE 1940’s….

• 1940 Two major pension systems were installedin 1940: Article 1, whereby members appointedprior to April, 1940 were to pay 5% or 6% oftheir salaries and Article 1B under which newappointees were required to contribute 9% to14% on an actuarial basis.

• 1943 the UFA and FDNY established the Medalof Supreme Sacrifice. Some 1,800 members ofthe Fire Department served in the armed forcesduring World War II.

U F A H I S T O R Y

FF Albert GuinnessUFA Founder

26


• 1944 the three-platoon system was suspendedand the remaining members worked 84 hours perweek.

• 1946 the workweek gradually reduced to 60 hoursper week. First grade FF earns $3,900 per year.

• 1947 a 28-day vacation for Firefighters andnumerous pension improvements went intoeffect.

• 1948, the UFA negotiated a 20-year retirementand a return to the two-platoon system, althoughthe City had the right to keep the three-platoonsystem. (More improvements came on this inthe 1960s.)

THE 1950’s...

• 1950 First grade Firefighter earned $4,400 ayear.

• 1953, the Mayor’s Management SurveyCommittee recommended the elimination of 52fire houses. The UFA opposed the plan and itwas disapproved.

• 1953 46-hour work week won.

• 1953 Uniform allowance

• 1953 UFA starts its 1st Political Action program

• 1957 a Constitutional Convention came up forapproval by the voters, the UFA campaignedagainst it, and the Convention was defeated. Theintention was to invalidate the contractual obli-gations on pensions.

THE 1960’s…

• The UFA successfully led the battle forincreased pensions of widows and retired men.

• 1961 a 40-hour work week mandated by referen-dum

• 1961 1/60th pension benefit secured for allFirefighters.

• 1961 Four paid holidays successfully negotiated,as well as emergency overtime paid in cash.

• 1961 UFA has abolished three-platoon system-both legislatively at the state level and by voterreferendum in NYC.

• 1962 Equalized vacations for all first-grade FFS.

• 1962 Residency restrictions liberalized. Paidholidays increased to six.

• 1962 Dues check-off inaugurated. Prior to that,all dues had been collected by delegates.

• 1963 Ten paid holidays secured.

• 1963 A two and one-half percent reduction inpension rate achieved.

• 1963 Improved 1/60th bill for Article 1 members;

• 1963 half final pay for Article 1 B members.

• 1963 Honor Emergency Death Benefitincreased.

• 1963 UFA’s Security Benefit Fund established.

• 1965 paid holidays increased to 11 annually.

• 1965 Dental and Optical Plans added to UFASecurity Benefit Fund.

• 1965 Members and families given choice ofhealth plans.

• 1965 Death Gamble provided.

• 1965 Payment of time-and-a-half for OT gained.

• 1965 First-grade FF earns $8,483 base pay.

• 1967 Pension contributions reduced by 5%.

• 1967 Longevity established.

• 1967 Pension escalation for disability retire-ments and service retirements after age 62.

• 1967 Personal leave day granted.

• 1968 The UFA successfully gets the “no strike”clause eliminated from the IAFF Constitution,then seeks approval of the membership to order

U F A H I S T O R Y — contd... on page 46

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The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) would like to thank the dedicatedmen and women of the Uniformed Firefighter Association (UFA) for your

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ONLY ONE LAW FIRMhas been General Counsel to the UFA for over 20 years, we have a proven record of obtainingsubstantial recoveries for firefighters and their families in all types of personal injury cases.

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The FirThe FirefightersefightersFinancial ResourFinancial Resourcece

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Aetna’s Government and Labor Division is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Uniformed Firefighter’s Association 2007 Delegate Education Seminar

The Aetna Difference

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you toknow

©2007 Aetna Inc.

Gary BattleAccount ExecutiveAetna Government & Labor DivisionPhone: [email protected] Park Avenue, 3rd FloorNew York, NY 10016

Joseph ScibiliaRegional Vice PresidentAetna Government & Labor DivisionPhone: [email protected]

The voice of UFA members for 43 years!

We would like to hear from our members about items you would like to see appear

in the publication. Is there an event, dedicationceremony, anniversary, or centennial that would be of interest to all Firefighters and

you would like to publicize? Call our offices at

(212) 683-4832 or e-mail us at:

[email protected] J. CassidyEditor-In-Chief

Stephen N. Symbolik IIIManaging Editor

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Union Plus® Mortgage ProgramExclusively provided by Chase Home Finance

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Union Plus® is brought to you by Union Privilege, established bythe AFL-CIO and available to UFA members, their parents and children.

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**Eligibility for mortgage assistance begins one year after closing on a Union Plus Mortgage through Chase Home Finance and is provided by the AFL-CIO. This offer may not be combined with any other promotional offer or rebate, is not transferable and is available to bona fide members of participating unions. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.Program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all loan amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply.

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40 Rector Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10006Tel: (212) 306-7760 Outside NYC: 1-888-DCP-3113

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Attend a DCP workshop on May 3rd at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM

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STANTON & GUZMAN, LLPAttorneys at Law

Jack Stanton, Esq.Stacey Rinaldi Guzman, Esq.

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VISIONSCREEN

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a strike. This wasprompted by the city’sfoot dragging in negoti-ating a new contract.Threats lead to negotia-tions and a contract with-in two months.

• 1968 UFA and the cityreach agreement on anew benefit for memberswho retire after 20 yearsof service-the VariableSupplements Fund(VSF). (Legislation issigned by the Governorin 1970, and the firstpayments are made in1973.)

• 1968 First-grade FF basepay reaches $10,325.

• 1968 Union name is changed from the“Uniformed Firemen’s Association” to the“Uniformed Firefighters Association”.

• 1969 Permanent “Lung Bill” was signed intolaw by Gov. Rockefeller,

• 1969 Heart Bill. The Heart Bill signed into law(was an original goal of the UFA, beginning withits first President Albert E. Guinness)

• 1969 UFA achieves vested pension option formembers after 15 years of service.

• 1969 Through negotiations, the UFA obtainsovertime pay for ordered overtime work, as wellas night differential.

THE 1970’s. . .

• 1970 City agrees to increase companies andmanning, creating one new Division, five battal-ions and eight companies. Manning increases to11,891 Firefighters.

• 1970 UFA-sponsored “one-man, one vote” res-

olution is adopted by the IAFF, giving New YorkCity’s Local 94 greater representation in theinternational.

• 1970 contract demands again fall on deaf ears atCity Hall, prompting yet another strike threatfrom the UFA.

• 1970 $25,000 line-of-duty death benefitachieved for New York City Firefighters.

• 1972 a new contract guaranteed five-man man-ning on all apparatus.

• 1972 night differential increased from 5% to 10%

• 1972 portal-to-portal & “clean-up” pay secured.

• 1972 number of FFs reaches its highest-12,500.

• 1972 The Rand Corporation retained by the Cityto study the fire service, recommends closing sixcompanies and relocation of seven others. Theplan is implemented, and the UFA responds byholding mass rallies and filing a lawsuit.

• 1973 after several threats over the past few yearsto hold a job action in response to the city’sunwillingness to negotiate a new contract, theUFA goes on strike. Members walk out at 8:30

U F A H I S T O R Y — contd... from page 27

The fireboat New Yorker was located at the foot of Beekman Street inManhattan when this photo was taken in 1930 and was designated as EngineCo. 77.


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a.m. on Nov. 6, but return to work five-and-a-half hours later after Supreme Court JusticeSidney A. Fine ordered the city to negotiate withthe union.

• 1973 by December, the union had reached anagreement with the city on a one-year contract.

• 1973 the UFA wins an increase in compulsoryinsurance (compensation insurance) coveragefor active Firefighters from $2,000 to $5,000.

• 1974 the City’s fiscal crisis citing financial prob-lems, disbanded eight companies. The UFAunsuccessfully sued to stop the closings.

• 1974 base pay of a first-grade Firefighterincreased to $17,458.

• 1975-7 the City’s fiscal problems worsen, morethan 40,000 city workers are laid off, including1,600 Firefighters, although 700 are hired backwithin three days. The UFA continues to providehealth, hospital and dental care to these membersand their families. The union also is instrumen-tal in getting Federal jobs for 250 brothers and inhaving another 300 hired in temporary jobs asbus drivers for the Transit Authority.

• 1975-7 the City reneges on minimum manningprovisions, reducing to 42 the number of five-man engines. (By 1982, the number of enginesriding with five Firefighters is increased to about140, leaving 71 four-man engines.

• 1976 The UFA establishes a Security BenefitFund for retired members.

• 1976 Federal legislation passed providing assis-tance to the family of a LODD Firefighter,$50,000 to surviving dependents.

• 1976 The first annual Delegates Seminar is held.

• 1977-8 As the number of fires soared in the mid-1970’s, and the fiscal crisis began to abate, thecity agreed to restore five-man manning on 20engines. By this time, all Firefighters who hadbeen laid off and wanted to return were rehiredby the FDNY.

• 1977-8 New programs created by UFA includesfree legal consultation and voluntary group lifeinsurance program.

• 1977-8 UFA achieves increase in pensions forline-of-duty widows through legislative actionssigned by Gov. Carey

• 1977-8 Union negotiates increases in compulso-ry insurance coverage for active Firefightersfrom $5,000 to $7,500, retired Firefighters from$2,000 to $4,000.

THE 1980’s…

• 1980 UFA plays key role with Uniformed ForcesCoalition, two-year contract, salary raises of 9%and 8% and no give- backs.

• 1980 Members vote to end the union’s 63-yearaffiliation with the IAFF

• 1980 Problems at the medical office, which hadbeen brewing for years, came to a head, the UFAand 1,000 Firefighters rallied outside theMedical Office to protest mistreatment andimproper care rendered. The protest led to theappointment of a special panel by Mayor Kochwhich recommended several operationalchanges at the Bureau.

• 1981 after many years of struggle, a supplemen-tal cost-of-living increase was passed by thestate Legislature, providing pension increases of3 % to 29% for retirees.

• 1982 Unified, more than 10,000 Firefighters,police officers and correction officers marchedon City Hall. Negotiating once again under theumbrella Uniformed Forces Coalition, severalmonths a two-year contract of 8% per year, one-percent higher than the civilian coalition.

• 1980 UFA filed for a court injunction to halt theretest of women who failed the FD physical.

• 1983-4 The UFA secures law for FFs laid off in1975 and later rehired the right to buy back timefor pension credit. Affected about 950

U F A H I S T O R Y — contd...


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Firefighters.

• 1983-4 back wages deferredas a result of the mid-70’sfiscal crisis were negotiatedby the UFA.

• 1983-4 Union sues to bringfive-Firefighter minimum-manning level to the remain-ing 71 engine companies stillriding with four Firefighters.

• 1983-4 UFA lobbying result-ed in a $5.2 million boost inthe FDNY budget, includingthe creation of two newengine companies, two truckcompanies, one battalion andthe Haz Mat unit.

• 1985-89 a negotiated contract is rejected by theExecutive Board and the delegates. The stickingpoint is the city’s offer to restore 5-Firefightermanning to only six additional engine compa-nies, out of 73 that still have four-Firefightermanning. Membership rejected two negotiatedagreements. UFA forced into an arbitration. Thecity’s Office of Collective Bargaining “scopedout” several key provisions, including minimummanning, vacation, the group chart and theFirefighter’s job description. It would take sev-eral years and several negotiated contracts towin back some of these important provisions.

THE 1990’s. . .

• 1990-91 Calling it unsafe for Firefighters andcitizens, the UFA urged the city’s Office ofCollective Bargaining to eliminate the FireDepartment’s roster manning program, which-despite promises to the contrary-had failed toprovide promised manning levels on engines(five Firefighters) the majority of the time.

• 1991 The UFA launches a political action com-mittee, Fire PAC, to fund effective lobbying

efforts in City Hall, Albany and Washington, DC.

• 1991 The union purchased a five-story buildingin Manhattan as its new Headquarters.

• 1991 Proposed draconian cuts of 10% of theFDNY budget-including firehouse closings-areavoided due to intense UFA lobbying efforts.The Department takes only a $1.3 million budg-et hit, out of a proposed $57 million cut.

• 1993 A pilot CPR program begins in Brooklyn,where Firefighters respond to medical emergen-cies. The program, established without unioninput due to the loss of the Firefighter’s jobdescription in the ‘87-90 arbitration, is expandeda year later to include the use of defibrillators.

• 1994 the Cancer Bill, allowing for line-of-dutypensions for members disabled by six differenttypes of cancer, was signed into law by Gov.Cuomo, capping an eight-year struggle to pro-tect Firefighters and officers.

• 1995 UFA settles Roster Staffing hearingsrestoring five-man manning to 61 engine compa-nies. In conjunction, 96 hours of RSOT is guar-anteed for every firefighter.

• 1995 Members vote 2-1 to re-affiliate with IAFF.



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For many years Engine Co. 72 was a Manhattan Engine Company locat-ed on East 12th Street between 5th Avenue and University Place.

• 1995 First Legislative Day in Albany sponsoredby UFA. Attended by several dozen members.

• 1996 Major UFA victory is won with the elimi-nation of the Home Visitation and PMLA pro-grams through a federal lawsuit.

• 1996 The Compensation Accrual Fund (CAF),or annuity, is converted into a self- directed plan.Members have direct control over their invest-ment funds.

• 1997-98 UFA negotiates 5-year contract whichincludes chauffeur pay and restoration of sever-al key provisions lost in disastrous 1987-90 arbi-tration decision: 39 hours vacation leave, andincreased longevity and annuity pay. In addi-tion, the contract included provision for SafetyCommittee comprised of Department and unionofficials which results in an additional five 5-man engine companies, bringing UFA-negotiat-ed number up to 66 five-man engines. UFAnegotiates and members ratify CFR-D agree-ment including a 3% pay differential, retroactivepay, training for ladder company members, anda voluntary feature that ultimately makes theprogram optional for all Firefighters.Unfortunately, the civilian pattern whichincluded two years of zero, was part of the deal.

2000 TO THE PRESENT

• 2001 Terrorist attack World Trade Center. TheUFA in partnership with the IAFF establishedthe 9/11 Fund, and dispensed millions to ourfamilies in need.

• 2001 The years of persistence through politicalefforts and the courts wins the UFA and PBA theabsolute right to arbitrate impasse contractsthrough state PERB—removing us forever fromthe City’s tilted system.

• 2002 A LOD Funeral Fund was established toprovide for members to travel to Firefightermemorial and funeral services nationwide.

• 2002 Unified, more than 10,000 firefighters &police rally in sweltering summer heat at TimeSquare, which resulted in contracts that elimi-nated 6 months of zeroes.

• 2002 Historic first PERB award granted to PBA.Leveraging that award, the UFA negotiated con-tract which exceeded the uniform coalition pat-tern established by civilian unions.

• 2002-3 UFA harnesses the newest communica-tion technology. Launches instantaneous tele-phone, fax and e-mail broadcast systems to fire-houses, Delegates and entire membership, pro-viding instantaneous info to the field. UFA web-site enhanced to include the most up-to-dateinformation about union initiatives.

• 2003 Major UFA legislative win to expand of theCancer Bill to include cancers involving the neu-rological, breast and reproductive systems aspresumed LODI.

• 2003 UFA efforts through public rallies and suc-cessful lobbying stopped the closing of 2 of the8 firehouses Mayor Bloomberg had on choppingblock.

• 2004 Pension loans legislative win allows retir-ing members to borrow up to 90% of contribu-tions.

• UFA reactivates legislative/lobby day program(May 10, 2005) in Albany with bus loads of FFsto push for WTC Presumptive Illness Bill’s pas-sage.

• WTC Presumptive Bill signed into law on June15, 2005. This Landmark Bill, which wassecured because of the tireless lobbying effortsof the UFA and its members of Fire PAC, allowsfor firefighters who become injured as a result ofthe work performed at the attacks and later on,the clean-up, at the World Trade Center to be eli-gible for accidental disability pension, even ifalready retired.

• December 2005, new contract overwhelminglyratified by the membership. Four-year contract



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is retroactive to 2002 and provides a com-pounded 17.5% raise for NYC Firefighters.Civilians agreed to 4% over 3 years.

• The 2005 contract extends the roster staffingagreement another 5 years and increases thenumber of engines operating citywide with 5-firefighters, a critical win for New York’sFirefighters

• Stroke Bill Signed by Governor Pataki. UFA issuccessful in its lobbying efforts of the StateAssembly, Senate and Governor ’s office. UFAmembers who suffer from strokes are protect-ed with LODI pensions. The Bill retroactivelycovers 4 members.

• WTC LOD Death Pension. UFA is successfulin getting this bill signed into law. Families of

members who die as a result of a WTC pre-sumed illness will now receive full LOD pen-sions—even if the death occurs after the mem-ber is retired. This law retroactively applies tofamilies of all members who died prior to itssigning into law.

• WTC LODI Prescription Drug Card approved.UFA is successful in convincing the City toprovide LODI drug cards for all members whoare ill as a result of exposure at WTC.Members no longer use UFA SBF money, orcash out of their own pockets.

• 2007 UFA Lobby day is set for June 12th 2007.Members of the UFA Political ActionCommittee will descend on Albany once againto push the UFA’s legislative agenda.


NOTES


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NOTES

Documents

Uniformed Firefighters Association · Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City, N.J. Useful Telephone Numbers Trump Taj Mahal 1-609-449-1000 ... m ak e m e a n i n g f u l p r e se n t a t i