seminarprogramguide the2007educational

Uniformed Firefighters
Association
of Greater New York • Local 94 I.A.F.F. AFL-CIO
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
James M. Slevin
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
Vice President
William Romaka
Robert Straub
Health & Safety Officer
Sergeant-At-Arms
Treasurer
John G. Kelly, Jr.
Donald Ruland
Brooklyn Trustee
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Staten Island Trustee
Stephen G. Humenesky
Queens Trustee
New York City
Firefighters
Daniel Murphy
“The Bravest”
Manhattan Trustee
Edward Brown
Bronx Trustee
Lester Layne
Fire Marshal Representative
E D U CAT I O N
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204 East 23rd Street, New York, N.Y. 10010
(212) 683-4832 • www.ufanyc.org
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.
UFA Delegate
Education Seminar
May 1 - 4
Trump Taj Mahal
Atlantic City, N.J.
2007 UFA Delegate Education Seminar Sponsors
MORNING PRIDE
Our 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 Healthcare
International Association of Firefighters (IAFF)
GOLD SPONSORS:
Aetna
AFLAC
Empire Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Group Health Incorporated (GHI)
HIP Health Plan of New York
Prudential Retirement Services
SILVER SPONSORS:
W.L. Gore and Associates
BRONZE SPONSORS:
AIG Life Insurance
Mike Block Esq., UFA General Counsel
(Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath, Cannavo, P.C.)
Chase Home Finance
Healthplex
800-688-6148
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
1
UFA Executive Board
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY
President
JAMES M. SLEVIN
Vice President
JOSEPH A. MICCIO
Recording Secretary
Seminar Director
ROBERT STRAUB
Treasurer
WILLIAM ROMAKA
Health & Safety Officer
Sergeant-at-Arms
JOHN G. KELLY, Jr.
Trustee-Brooklyn
Chairman, Board of Trustees
DONALD RULAND
Trustee-Staten Island
STEPHEN G. HUMENESKY
Trustee-Queens
EDWARD BROWN
Trustee-Bronx
DANIEL MURPHY
Trustee-Manhattan
LESTER LAYNE
Fire Marshal Representative
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Tuesday Afternoon/Evening May 1, 2007
A
4 pm — Check-in ‘till 8 pm: Delegate ID badge & Seminar Materials pick-up at the
Convention Counter Upper Level – Sponsored by IAFF
4 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
Wednesday Morning, May 2, 2007
7:30 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
07:45 am — Breakfast — Tiara Ballroom Sponsored by Aetna
Special Spouse Sessions — Health, Wellness & Home Safety Awareness
Silver Room — 11:00 am - 12:45 pm by Theresa Carapella, UFA Security (Health) Benefits Fund
Administrator & Mike Chierico, FAST Consultants: Theresa explains Dental, Vision Care, Prescription Drugs and
other UFA supplemental health coverage for your family. She also shares tips on how member benefit claims are
handled, explains how the the office is organized and who provides what services. Then join Mike and his team for a
follow-up light, fun & informative workshop for more important info to safeguard and protect the wellness of your
family. Great gifts and raffles too!!!
Morning General Session — 8:55 am to 1 pm — Diamond Ballroom
08:55 am — State of the Union by UFA President Steve Cassidy: Opens the seminar with an
overview of what the UFA has accomplished on behalf of our membership-but more importantly-our ongoing
issues, 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 Tom
Butler & 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 examples
are shared of campaigns initiated by the UFA and benefits generated as a result. Explanations of how the
UFA PR strategy factors into achieving longer term goals, which impact contract negotiations, Department
safety 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 Fire
Group/Morning Pride (our gear manufacturers): Mary makes an eye-popping presentation regarding
why 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 and
Beyond, and the FDNY 'Pant to Boot' field test. She concludes with the latest NFPA certified gloves and
problems imports will bring.
11:10 am — Safe Apparatus Response by Lt. Michael Wilbur L-27 & Sgt-at-Arms Bill
Romaka: Lt. Wilbur presents a "Back to Basics" approach for Emergency Vehicle Operations and
Fire Ground Operations. A ‘Q & A’ session will follow. Lt. Wilbur has been a NYC Firefighter for
almost 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) by
UFA Treasurer Bob Straub & Jim Reynolds, John Dolan, Prudential Financial: Bob and Jim
explain the additional choices that members will have when choosing where to invest their annuity
contributions. They explain the fund investment options, which will help your members better understand 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 Counsel
Robert Gallo, Esq. Rob shares info re the types of emergency problems members and Trustees call on him for
at all hours of the night, and what emergency legal services the UFA covers. Ask questions. Get answers.
1:00 pm — Lunch — Tiara Ballroom
Sponsored by HIP
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Wednesday Afternoon, May 2, 2007
2 pm — Your Choice of Workshops —
A
Diamond Ballroom
We d n e s d a y ’s Wo r k s h o p s S p o n s o r e d b y M i k e B l o c k , E s q .
Room A — Grievances: How to Stop Bad Dept Policy Filing for Grievance, Improper
Practice, Workload Impact, Safety Impact—How You Get Results by Recording Secretary Joe Miccio & UFA
Labor Counsel Mike Axelrod: Joe & Mike show you how to identify bad Dept Policies that we can effectively fight
through the system-with your help. You’ll learn fundamentals that will empower you to actually get the Department to
blink, 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, Jack
Augenblick from NYC Deferred Compensation Plan: Jack & Devindra explain the advantages members receive by
participating in the 457 and 401(k) Plans, investment choices and how retiring members can roll their final pension payments into the 401(k) Plan and save on taxes today.
Room C — Cardiac & Other FF Health Issues by UFA Health & Safety Officer Bill
Romaka and Rob Brown, Physician Assistant & Director of the NY FFs Heart and Lung Institute: Rob
Brown, RPA-C, will be discussing issues important to the health & safety of all members of the FDNY. Some
issues 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 will
make the difference if you should find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to retire due to a career-ending Line-ofDuty injury.
3 pm — Your Choice of Workshops —
Room A — Grievances: How to Stop Bad Dept Policy
Diamond Ballroom
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 Pensions
Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description
4 pm — Your Choice of Workshops —
Diamond Ballroom
Room B — Your Annuity & Compensation Accrual Fund by Ray Sweetland, Tom
Reynolds & John Dolan -Financial Planners from Prudential: Prudential manages your annuity contribution
investments. Bill, Ray and John will help your members understand the ins and outs of directing annuity contribution
investments, via the web or phone, into investment plans that will most suit their ages & future plans.
6 pm — Evening Events
6:00 pm — Exhibit Tables & Booths Open — Grand Ballroom ‘till 9pm
7:00 pm — Reception Dinner Buffet & Cocktail Party — Grand Ballroom
Sponsored 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
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Thursday Morning, May 3, 2007
A
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 Pool
Hotel Pool — 11:30 am - 12:45 pm, by Mike Chierico, FAST Consultants: Bring your bathing suit for a
relaxing, enjoyable, low impact, Aqua-Fitness class & health/safety session. Join Mary, a U.S. Navy Health
Fitness Trainer at poolside, far end. Relax, enjoy a simple fitness routine, experience the benefits of improved
endurance, muscle tone and body composition. Win prizes & great gifts—and enjoyable refreshments too!
Morning General Session — 8:55 am to 1 pm — Diamond Ballroom
08:55 am — UFA Discipline Attorney to the Rescue by UFA General & Criminal
Counsel Mike Block: Mike shares his many years of experience representing and helping members address
serious issues we all hope to never find ourselves in. Now you’ll understand what help is available & how to get
it when needed most!
09:35 am — 1-B Medical Board & Pension Board Explained by UFA Treasurer Bob
Straub: Bob sits on the FDNY Pension Board and has helped many members to properly document their
disabling injuries in the manner legally prescribed to retire with Line-of-Duty disability pensions—including for members who were initially not approved by the 1-B Medical Board. Bob explains how the 1-B
Medical 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 BHS
Chief Medical Officers Dr. Kerry Kelly & Dr. David Prezant: Dr. Kelly and Dr. Prezant provide members with
an 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 & Legislative
Chairman 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’s
Lobby Day in Albany (June 12th) — Firefighters will once again blitz Albany in support of various
UFA Bills. Jim explains what you will be doing for Lobby Day and why, and reviews last year’s Lobby
Day 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 FF
who 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 new
UFA website with enhanced member service capabilities—and simplified ease of use. You will learn
how 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, FDNY
Pension Bureau: Al explains the FDNY pension system, proper form preparation & documentation to insure WTC
Illness Pension protection, what illnesses are covered, and answers questions. Hundreds of Firefighters come to Al
each year for guidance in making decisions that will have a permanent impact on the rest of their lives. Learn the best
ways 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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Thursday Afternoon, May 3, 2007
2 pm — Your Choice of Workshops —
A
Diamond Ballroom
Room A — The Effective Delegate by Recording Secretary Joe Miccio & guest Trustees: Joe and
Trustees 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 a
more effective Delegate. This is a ‘must workshop’ for all newer Delegates!
Room B — ITHP Waiver, 50% Indicator, Roth IRAs & NYS College Savings Program
by Pension Planners George Duignan & John Hurley, G & G Agency: This team of financial specialists explains
how these convenient NYC payroll deduction programs work, detailing the info you need to make your own important investment decisions. They also show you how to use the FDNY Pension Planner web program, where you enter your specific information 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 purpose of the UFA Health & Safety Office and what it has accomplished over the past year. You’ll learn how firehouse issues should be dealt with, how this office is funded, and what it is doing to improve the health & safety of
our 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 benefit
info. She shares tips on how member benefit claims are handled, and explains how her office is organized, and who provides
what services to our members and their families. She also explains how you save money by utilizing “Coordination-ofBenefits” 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 —
Room A — The Effective Delegate
Diamond Ballroom
Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description
Room B — ITHP Waiver, 50% Indicator, Roth IRAs & NYS College Savings Program
Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description
Room C — UFA Health & Safety Office 101
Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description
Room D — UFA Security (Health) Benefits Fund
Repeat session-see 2pm workshop description
4 pm — Workshop —
Diamond Ballroom
Room 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 informative
presentation. He explains and answers questions about these funds and how these committees function.
Room C — FDNY Pension System-the Answers! by Albert Connolly, FDNY Pension
Bureau: Al will answer your FDNY pension system & WTC bill questions in an informal setting in this follow-up workshop
to 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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Thursday Evening, May 3, 2007
6:30 pm — Banquet Cocktail Hour
A
— Grand Ballroom
7:30 pm — Banquet Dinner — Grand Ballroom
Sponsored by CIGNA Healthcare
— Dinner Wine & Refreshments
Sponsored by W.L. Gore & Associates
— Bagpipers for Honoree Event
Sponsored 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
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D
A
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
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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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
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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2007 UFA Seminar Honorees
FDNY CHAPLAINS
Rev. Msgr. John Delendick
Rev. Joseph M. Hoffman
Rev. Msgr. Marc J. Filacchione
Rev. Stephen Harding
Christopher Keenan, OFM
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
Rev. Joel Warden, CO
Rev. Everett Joseph Wabst
(retired FDNY Firefighter)
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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2007 UFA Seminar Honorees
— Honorees listed in alphabetical order —
Contd. from previous page
A
Rev. Msgr. John Delendick
F
Rev. Msgr. Marc J. Filacchione
A
Rev. Stephen Harding
native of Queens, NY, he received a BA degree from Cathedral College in Douglaston and a
M.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 served
in 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 second plane struck and then survived the collapse of the two buildings. He spent many hours over
the next eight months bringing families to the Trade Center Site, officiating at memorial and funeral services, being present at the beginning of each support group that were set up throughout the
region and consoling the families and friends of the 343 Firefighters who died on that day.
R
r. Filacchione is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and was born in the Bronx. Currently
he 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 received
his 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 the
Archdiocese of New York in various capacities. In 1992 while Pastor of Saint Michael’s in
Manhattan, in 1992 he was also named Director of the Hospital Apostolate for the Archdiocese of
New York. This office is responsible for the Catholic Pastoral Care of the Catholic and private
hospitals and nursing care facilities in the Archdiocese, a position that he has held for the past fifteen years. In October 1995 he was appointed as a Chaplain for the FDNY.
Monsignor Filacchione, like many firefighters, civilians and other Chaplains, witnessed firsthand the events of September 11th and survived the collapse of the Twin Towers by escaping into
the subway station with the local Pastor of Saint Peter’s Church on Barclay Street. The events of
September 11, 2001 and the months that followed have left an indelible mark on him, as it did on
every firefighter and person who witnessed or lost a loved one that day.
R
n Episcopal priest in the Diocese of New York, Harding grew up in Manhattan and went to
high 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 and
as an administrator in the performing arts. Following this six year phase – and for financial stability – Harding went to work as an administrator for an investment bank on Wall Street, which he
did for four years before entering the Union Theological Seminary in 1990.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
11
2007 UFA Seminar Honorees
Contd. from previous page
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 the
General Theological Seminary in 1995.
Harding was ordained to the deaconate in the Episcopal Church in the spring of 1995 and to the
priesthood in 1999. A Board Certified Chaplain, Harding received his Chaplaincy training at
Memorial 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 serves
as the Director of Pastoral Care at NYU Medical Center, in addition to his work with the Fire
Department. He was appointed the Protestant Chaplain for the New York City Fire Department
on October 6, 2003.
Harding was inducted into the Honor Legion of the FDNY as an honorary member in October
2006. In addition to his work as Chaplain, Reverend Harding has had a Sunday ministry with various parishes in Brooklyn and in Manhattan.
He was married to the Reverend Canon Storm Swain in September of 2004. They live at the
Cathedral of St. John the Divine with their first child, Theodore, who was born on January 4, 2007.
R
F
Rev. Joseph M. Hoffman
P
Christopher Keenan, OFM
r. Hoffman received a BA degree from Cathedral College in Douglaston in May 1975, and a
M.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. Father
Hoffman served as Pastor in Saint Martin of Tours RC Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and is currently Pastor of St. Bartholomew RC Church in Elmhurst, Queens.
Father Hoffman received the appointment of FDNY Chaplain in November 2001.
R
rior to coming home to NYC, he served as a founding team member of the Worldwide
Marriage 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 theology preparing women and men for ministry at Boston College, DC’s Washington Theological
Union, and the Jesuit School of Theology at Cambridge.
Christopher is a Franciscan brother living and ministering in Harlem. In 1996 he returned to
NYC to take care of his parents and during those five years was asked by the Franciscans to
respond to special issues faced by homeless kids and their Moms in city shelters. Since 2001 he
has been in partnership with his Franciscan Brothers, Ben Taylor and Ralph Perez, who came to
Harlem 40 years ago and opened their lives to the needs of families and their challenges with
addiction, homelessness, and unemployment.
From these needs have emerged the seven programs of CREATE, INC. Chris has been providing resources to persons in their journey from homelessness to independent living. The program
assists foster kids who are reuniting with their recovering Moms who had lost them due to addiction. The program helps homeless young adult men (18-25) who are now provided with a contin-
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
12
2007 UFA Seminar Honorees
Contd. from previous page
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 Wounded
Warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan in Washington, DC and San Antonio, TX. One team is firefighters who are themselves returning from the Mideast and the other is firefighter burn victims
reaching 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 with
such AWE-some people like the NYC firefighters? It is an honor and a gift!”
R
R
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
abbi Potasnik received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yeshiva College, and his Master of
Science 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, in
1986 he received his Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School.
Rabbi Potasnik is the former President, and presently the Executive Vice President of the New
York Board of Rabbis, the largest interdenominational body of its kind in the world. He is the cohost along with Deacon Kevin McCormack of Xaverian High School and the Diocese of Rockville
Center of “Religion on the Line” which airs every Sunday morning on WABC Talk Radio, 770
AM from 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m., WABC’s longest running talk radio program. He is the religious
commentator for Radio WINS 1010 for the last ten years succeeding the late Rabbi Marc
Tannenbaum. He is also the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Mt. Sinai in Brooklyn Heights, New
York.
Launched in the fall of 2005, The New York Board of Rabbis has developed its own television
series, “Faith To Faith,” hosted by Rabbi Potasnik. This 30-minute award winning weekly program strives to show that unity of spirit and diversity of thought can coexist when there is respect
for 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 richness 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, Rabbi
Potasnik maintained a high profile, helping many families cope with the disaster of September
11th, 2001. Rabbi Potasnik is also Chaplain of the New York Press Club.
F
R
Rev. Joel Warden, CO
ather Joel Warden was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He has been a member of the Oratory
of 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 in
August 2004, he had the good fortune to meet FDNY personnel from Engine 207/Ladder 110 and
EMS Battalion 31. He was sworn in as an honorary FDNY chaplain in April 2006. In addition to
duties as a curate at St. Boniface Church in downtown Brooklyn, he is working on a doctorate in
moral theology at Fordham University where he is considering problems in the ethics of patient
care for first responders.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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2007 UFA Seminar Honorees
R
Contd. from previous page
Rev. Everett Joseph Wabst
(retired FDNY Firefighter)
everend Wabst, a native of Staten Island, who retired from FDNY firefighting in 1999, was
appointed 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 College
on Staten Island. In 1973 he was licensed by the NYC Board of Education as a teacher. He did
field work through Union Theological Seminary in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and in 1982 while
attending New York Theological Seminary (toward a Master of Divinity) he was ordained by
the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York. He is also a member of The
Ministers Council, American Baptist Churches in the USA.
Both the FDNY St. George Association and the FDNY Retiree’s, Staten Island Division, recognized 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 retired
Firefighter associations including: The FDNY St. George Association, The FDNY Viking
Association, The FDNY Steuben Association, The New York City Honorary Fire Officers
Association, The New York State Honorary Fire Chief’s Association, The FDNY Retired
Member’s Association, The FDNY Retiree’s, Staten Island Division, and The United Retired
Firefighters Association. In 2000 the Fire Commissioner named Reverend Wabst Honorary
FDNY Fire Chaplain. In 2003 Reverend Wabst was named Chaplain to the New York
Firefighter’s Burn Center Foundation by the late Jimmy Curran
Since August of 2006 Rev. Wabst has been battling a persistent form of lymphoma which
may have come from 27 years of firefighting coupled with countless hours at the World Trade
Center Site. Everett notes,” This is the difficulty that I must fight for now, but I am far from
alone in this battle…may God Bless all those suffering illness and injury from our battle for
the public in all emergencies.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
14
SEMINAR 2007 EXHIBITORS
SPONSOR
AFLAC
Ciro Abril, Steve White, Doug Meier
199 Water Street, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10038
212-908-2575
212-687-1930 (Fax)
www.aflacny.com
AIG
Denise Masella, Robert Stafford
80 Pine Street – 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10005
212-770-1139 212-509-8824 (Fax)
212-770-1248 (Cell)
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
www.aigaandh.com or www.aigebs.com
BARASCH, MCGARRY,
Salzman & Penson Law Firm
Brian Harvey
11 Park Place, Suite 1801
New York, NY 10007
212-385-8000 212-385-7845 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.firelaw.com
SPONSOR
SPONSOR
SPONSOR
AETNA
Gary Battle
99 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10016
212-457-0367 860-975-0922 (Fax)
732-910-6913 (Cell)
E-mail: [email protected] www.aetna.com
SPONSOR
Wed. May 2, from 6 pm - 9 pm (Grand Ballroom)
Thurs. May 3, from 8 am - 2 pm (Grand Ballroom)
CHASE HOME FINANCE
Fran Libretto-Ward
145 Pinelawn Road, Suite 250 South
Melville, NY 11747
631-420-6501 917-667-1656 (Cell)
866-560-5668 (Fax)
E-mail:[email protected]
www.franward.com
CIGNA HEALTHCARE
Cyd Brooks
499 Washington Blvd. – 4th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07310
201-533-7000
646-459-9167 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.cigna.com
CPS OPTICAL & CPS DENTAL
James Lyons, Leslie Chiorazzi
11 Hanover Square
New York, NY 10005
212-675-5745 212-675-1147 (Fax)
www.cpsoptical.com / www.cpsdental.com
AWARDS EXPRESS LTD.
Glen Barile (Ret. L-84)
P.O. Box 120-075
Staten Island, NY 10312
718-967-1671
718-967-1671 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.1075awards.com
EMPIRE BLUE CROSS / BLUE SHIELD
Christopher Bugeya, Dominick Pellegrino
Thomas Canty, Gail Sands
11 West 42nd Street – 16th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-476-7535
212-476-7610 (Fax)
www.empireblue.com
SPONSOR
AMBIT ENERGY
C/O Randy Gool
3924 Blue Monster Voce
Round Rock, TX 70664
512-658-5200 512 733-9422 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
15
SEMINAR 2007 EXHIBITORS
FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS
Nancy Carbone
1591⁄2 Columbia Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-643-0980 718-643-1240 (Fax)
www.friendsff.org
GBT Associates
Luis F. Febus
The Empire State Building
350 5th Avenue, Suite 2418
New York, NY 10118
212-868-0200 917-402-1933 (Cell)
E-mail:[email protected]
www.gbtassociates.com
SPONSOR
Wed. May 2, from 6 pm - 9 pm (Grand Ballroom)
Thurs. May 3, from 8 am - 2 pm (Grand Ballroom)
GHI
Customer Service Division
441 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
www.ghi.com
SPONSOR
HEALTH NET
Natalie Blake Russell
1 Far Mill Crossing, PO Box 904
Shelton, CT 06484-0944
203-225-8868 203-225-4094 (Fax)
203-814-6656 (Cell) www.healthnet.com
HEALTHPLEX
Joni Howe – VP Account Services
333 Earle Ovington Blvd. – Suite 300
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-542-2701 • 516-794-3186 (Fax)
516-662-2420 (Cell)
E-mail:[email protected]
www.healthplex.com
INNER IMAGING
Albert Barrette
67 Irving Place, Ground Floor
New York, NY 10003
212-777-8900 212-777-2008 (Fax)
917-449-4561 (Cell)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.innerimaging.com
LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP
Matthew Morse, Eugene Watt
114 West 47th Street – 21st Floor
New York, NY 10036
800-227-9887 (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 SERVICES
Matt Arvanites
1440 Renaissance Drive
Park Ridge, IL 60068
800-503-9230
847-803-2553 (Fax)
www.personal-plans.com/ufa
MORNING PRIDE MANUFACTURING
Mary Grilliot, Jack Reilly,
Kenneth Memmen, Doug Sloan, Mike
Milner, Bob West, Bill Emmory
#1 Innovation Court
Dayton, OH 45414
937-264-2662
937-264-2677 (Fax)
www.totalfiregroup.com
SPONSOR
SPONSOR
GENERAL VISION SERVICES
Sharon Devine
520 8th Avenue – 9th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212-729-5342 212-279-0498 (Fax)
646-413-4168 (Cell) www.generalvision.com
HIP HEALTH PLAN OF NEW YORK
June Guiffo
55 Water Street
New York, NY 10041
646-447-6997 • 646-447-3001 (Fax)
www.hipusa.com
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
16
SEMINAR 2007 EXHIBITORS
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION
Katie Burke, Nerin Gayron
1140 Avenue of the Americas #1801
New York, NY 10036
212-679-6215
212-679-6244 (Fax)
www.mdausa.com
ROYAL ALLIANCE ASSOCIATION
Mike Carter
414 Eagle Rock Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-736-8400 Ext. 22
914-213-0976 (Fax)
E-mail:[email protected]
NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL
Michael Hecht, James McBratney
21 Commerce Drive – 3rd Floor
Cranford, NJ 07016
908-653-7290
908-276-1971 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
STANTON & GUZMAN, LLP.
Ken Larkin
585 Stewart Ave, Suite 410
Garden City, NY 11530
516-222-0099 516-426-6072 (Cell)
516-222-0079 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
NYC DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
457 & 401(k)
Georgette Gestely - Director
40 Rector Street – 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10006
212-306-7760 • 212-306-7376 (Fax)
www.nyc.gov/deferredcomp
STERLING NATIONAL MORTGAGE CO. INC.
John McGuire
98 Cuttermill Road, Suite 200N
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-593-7826
516-593-2524 (Fax)
E-mail:[email protected]
THE PENSION PLANNER
“The Firefighters’ Financial Resource”
George Duignan, John Hurley, Steve Goldis
100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd.
Garden City, NY 11530
516-357-9293
516-357-8989 (Fax)
www.FDNYpensionplanner.com
STERLING OPTICAL
Amy Shapiro
100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd – Suite 508
Garden City, NJ 11530
1-800-EYES-789
www.sterlingoptical.com
PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT
John Dolan, John Schmidt
Ray Sweetland, Bill Walsh
One Penn Plaza – Suite 2501
New York, NY 10119
917-339-4423 • 917-339-4426 (Fax)
www.prudential.com/signature
SPONSOR
SPONSOR
Wed. May 2, from 6 pm - 9 pm (Grand Ballroom)
Thurs. May 3, from 8 am - 2 pm (Grand Ballroom)
SULLIVAN, PAPAIN, BLOCK,
McGrath, Cannavo, P.C.
120 Broadway
New York, NY 10271
212-732-9000
212-266-4148 (Fax)
www.triallaw1.com
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
17
SEMINAR 2007 EXHIBITORS
Wed. May 2, from 6 pm - 9 pm (Grand Ballroom)
Thurs. May 3, from 8 am - 2 pm (Grand Ballroom)
WASHINGTON MUTUAL
John Halleran
666 Old Country Road
Garden City, NY 11530
516-745-6500 Ext. 238
516-647-0261 (Cell)
516-745-6594 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.wamuloans.com/john.halleran
UNITED INSIGNIA
Jim Hahl
379 Bridge Street, 4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201-5246
718-222-3400
718-222-1459 (Fax)
E-mail:[email protected]
www.unitedinsignia.com
W.L. GORE AND ASSOCIATES
Bob Towe
105 Vieres Way
Elkton, MD 21922
410-506-5267
410-392-4457 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.crosstech.com
SPONSOR
UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES
Lou Sforza Jr., Frank Euvino,
Joseph K. Barbara
109 North Avenue
Westfield, NJ 07090
800-352-7930
908-789-3190 (Fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
VISION SCREENING
Seth Polan
1919 Middle Century Road, Suite 304
Centereach, NY 11720
631-467-4515
631-467-7786 (Fax)
E-mail:[email protected]
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
18
HELP PROTECT
YOUR FAMILY LIKE YOU
HELP PROTECT OTHERS
Enroll
Enroll Today
Today for
for the
the Maximum
Maximum
UFA
UFA Voluntary
Voluntary Term
Term Life
Life
Insurance
Insurance Coverage
Coverage Available!
Available!
Help protect your family's savings:
• Increase your voluntary term life insurance to the next level — up to the maximum
of $400,000 for you; $100,000 for your spouse
• You’re eligible for the highest Retiree coverage of $125,000 if you elect $400,000
term life coverage
Contact Maria Zingone in Human Resources for easy enrollment — 212-683-4832/6503.
AIG Employee Benefit Solutions insurance products underwritten by:
American International Life Assurance
Company of New York
New York, New York
A member company of American International Group, Inc.
www.aigebs.com
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.
Policy form series numbers: GL-10675, GL-10676, GL-10724.
© 2007 American International Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
19
00850006-3412 R04/07
CIGNA HealthCare - Proud Sponsor of the
2007 UFA Delegate Education Seminar Thursday Dinner.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
20
Support, dedication
and respect
You can count on us, just like we count on you
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 to
provide New York City employees with health benefits for over 40 years.
Empire provides access to the largest physician network in New York1 and the
widest choice of top-quality physicians2 and hospitals.3 Which all adds up to
making 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 Dedicated
Service Center at (800) 433-9592 or visit us online at www.empireblue.com/nyc.
Stop by our exhibit during Banquet Night to find out if you’ve won tickets to a
Yankees or Mets game.*
Your Empire team wishes the UFA board and its
delegates continued success.
Tom Canty, Christopher Bugeya,
Gail Sands and Dominick Pellegrino
1
Largest EPO/PPO network of providers in the 28 eastern and southeastern New York counties and 10 bordering counties of
New 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 of
competitors’ 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 Cross
and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
4962 Uniformed Firefighters Assoc Jnl Ad (3/07)
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
21
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
22
Your friends at
HIP Health Plan
of New York
Extend best wishes to the
Uniformed Firefighters
Association
You give your best every day to
make New York the greatest place
in the world. You deserve the same
when it comes to your health
benefits.
Now HIP offers more choices than
ever before, including over 21,000
providers in more than 31,000
locations throughout the New York
metro area.
And HIP offers a variety of plan
designs to meet the needs of your
membership, including HIPaccess®
plans with no required referrals to
specialists and EPO and PPO plans.
We also offer prescription drug
coverage.
What’s more, HIP provides access
to alternative medicine options,
laser vision correction and
preventive dental, all at discounted
rates.
HIP has received support from both
the AFL-CIO and the New York
City Central Labor Council. And
we’re the only fully unionized
HMO in New York City.
For more information, please
contact June Giuffo at 212-216-7716.
®
English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
23
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
24
For a free, no-obligation rate
quote, please call 1-800-225-8281
(Please mention group #100449)
1
U F A THE
D 2007
E L EUFA
G ADELEGATE
T E
E DEDUCATION
U C A T I SEMINAR
O N A L PROGRAM
S E M I GUIDE
N A R
25
2 0 0 6
U F A
H I S T O R Y
THROUGH THE 1920’s….
• 1917 FF Albert Guinness (pictured right) formed
the Uniformed Firemen’s Association of the
FDNY, which became Local 94 of the
International Association of Firefighters the following year. Firemen were working “continuous
duty,” of 151 hours per week with 3 hours off
each day. Annual salary was $1,500.
• 1920: UFA won a 27% increase to a more livable
annual salary of $1,900.
• 1921: the Honor Emergency Fund was created to
provide financial assistance to active/retired
Firefighters and their families due to death, illness or injury.
• 1922: UFA pressure resulted in a two-platoon
system of 84 hours per week.
FF Albert Guinness
• 1927: due in large part to the lobbying efforts of
the UFA, “Right of Appeal Law” legislation was
passed, the granting civil service employees the
right to appear before legislative bodies to
express grievances. Previous to the enactment of
this particular measure, civil service employees
could be denied the right by departmental edict.
UFA Founder
• 1936 passage of a local law granting a disability
pension for Firemen with line-of-duty injuries.
• 1937 The UFA inserted a provision in the state
Constitution, making public employee pensions
a contractual requirement of the state.
• 1928: the UFA won the right for referendum vote
raising annual salary to $3,000.
• 1939 Voters then passed a UFA-sponsored resolution in 1939 reducing a Fireman’s work week
from 84 to 50 hours.
THE 1930’s. . .
THE 1940’s….
• As the Great Depression was taking hold, Mayor
Jimmy Walker pressured city workers to take a
“payless furlough,” claiming the city was on the
verge of bankruptcy.
• 1940 Two major pension systems were installed
in 1940: Article 1, whereby members appointed
prior to April, 1940 were to pay 5% or 6% of
their salaries and Article 1B under which new
appointees were required to contribute 9% to
14% on an actuarial basis.
• 1930s The UFA was the only group to refuse to
submit. Mayor LaGuardia had a bill passed
reducing the salaries of all city employees. The
UFA fought the measure until it was rescinded.
• 1943 the UFA and FDNY established the Medal
of Supreme Sacrifice. Some 1,800 members of
the Fire Department served in the armed forces
during World War II.
• 1936 the UFA succeeded in achieving the threeplatoon system (or eight-hour day) through a referendum of the voters during the general election.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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U F A
H I S T O R Y — contd... on page 46
• 1944 the three-platoon system was suspended
and the remaining members worked 84 hours per
week.
• 1961 Four paid holidays successfully negotiated,
as well as emergency overtime paid in cash.
• 1947 a 28-day vacation for Firefighters and
numerous pension improvements went into
effect.
• 1962 Equalized vacations for all first-grade FFS.
• 1961 UFA has abolished three-platoon systemboth legislatively at the state level and by voter
referendum in NYC.
• 1946 the workweek gradually reduced to 60 hours
per week. First grade FF earns $3,900 per year.
• 1962 Residency restrictions liberalized. Paid
holidays increased to six.
• 1948, the UFA negotiated a 20-year retirement
and a return to the two-platoon system, although
the City had the right to keep the three-platoon
system. (More improvements came on this in
the 1960s.)
• 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 in
pension rate achieved.
THE 1950’s...
• 1963 Improved 1/60th bill for Article 1 members;
• 1963 half final pay for Article 1 B members.
• 1950 First grade Firefighter earned $4,400 a
year.
• 1963 Honor
increased.
• 1953, the Mayor’s Management Survey
Committee recommended the elimination of 52
fire houses. The UFA opposed the plan and it
was disapproved.
Emergency
Death
Benefit
• 1963 UFA’s Security Benefit Fund established.
• 1965 paid holidays increased to 11 annually.
• 1965 Dental and Optical Plans added to UFA
Security Benefit Fund.
• 1953 46-hour work week won.
• 1953 Uniform allowance
• 1965 Members and families given choice of
health plans.
• 1953 UFA starts its 1st Political Action program
• 1957 a Constitutional Convention came up for
approval by the voters, the UFA campaigned
against it, and the Convention was defeated. The
intention was to invalidate the contractual obligations on pensions.
• 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.
THE 1960’s…
• 1967 Pension escalation for disability retirements and service retirements after age 62.
• The UFA successfully led the battle for
increased pensions of widows and retired men.
• 1967 Personal leave day granted.
• 1961 a 40-hour work week mandated by referendum
• 1968 The UFA successfully gets the “no strike”
clause eliminated from the IAFF Constitution,
then seeks approval of the membership to order
• 1961 1/60th pension benefit secured for all
Firefighters.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
27
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Joseph Scibilia
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Phone: 781-902-3805
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©2007 Aetna Inc.
The voice of UFA members for 43 years!
We would like to hear from our members
about items you would like to see appear
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THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
37
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
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44
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THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
45
U F A
H I S T O R Y — contd... from page 27
a strike. This was
prompted by the city’s
foot dragging in negotiating a new contract.
Threats lead to negotiations and a contract within two months.
• 1968 UFA and the city
reach agreement on a
new benefit for members
who retire after 20 years
of service-the Variable
Supplements
Fund
(VSF). (Legislation is
signed by the Governor
in 1970, and the first
payments are made in
1973.)
• 1968 First-grade FF base
pay reaches $10,325.
The fireboat New Yorker was located at the foot of Beekman Street in
Manhattan when this photo was taken in 1930 and was designated as Engine
Co. 77.
olution is adopted by the IAFF, giving New York
City’s Local 94 greater representation in the
international.
• 1968 Union name is changed from the
“Uniformed Firemen’s Association” to the
“Uniformed Firefighters Association”.
• 1970 contract demands again fall on deaf ears at
City Hall, prompting yet another strike threat
from the UFA.
• 1969 Permanent “Lung Bill” was signed into
law by Gov. Rockefeller,
• 1970 $25,000 line-of-duty death benefit
achieved for New York City Firefighters.
• 1969 Heart Bill. The Heart Bill signed into law
(was an original goal of the UFA, beginning with
its first President Albert E. Guinness)
• 1972 a new contract guaranteed five-man manning on all apparatus.
• 1969 UFA achieves vested pension option for
members after 15 years of service.
• 1972 night differential increased from 5% to 10%
• 1972 portal-to-portal & “clean-up” pay secured.
• 1969 Through negotiations, the UFA obtains
overtime pay for ordered overtime work, as well
as night differential.
• 1972 number of FFs reaches its highest-12,500.
• 1972 The Rand Corporation retained by the City
to study the fire service, recommends closing six
companies and relocation of seven others. The
plan is implemented, and the UFA responds by
holding mass rallies and filing a lawsuit.
THE 1970’s. . .
• 1970 City agrees to increase companies and
manning, creating one new Division, five battalions and eight companies. Manning increases to
11,891 Firefighters.
• 1973 after several threats over the past few years
to hold a job action in response to the city’s
unwillingness to negotiate a new contract, the
UFA goes on strike. Members walk out at 8:30
• 1970 UFA-sponsored “one-man, one vote” res-
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
46
U F A
H I S T O R Y — contd...
a.m. on Nov. 6, but return to work five-and-ahalf hours later after Supreme Court Justice
Sidney A. Fine ordered the city to negotiate with
the union.
• 1977-8 New programs created by UFA includes
free legal consultation and voluntary group life
insurance program.
• 1973 the UFA wins an increase in compulsory
insurance (compensation insurance) coverage
for active Firefighters from $2,000 to $5,000.
• 1977-8 Union negotiates increases in compulsory insurance coverage for active Firefighters
from $5,000 to $7,500, retired Firefighters from
$2,000 to $4,000.
• 1977-8 UFA achieves increase in pensions for
line-of-duty widows through legislative actions
signed by Gov. Carey
• 1973 by December, the union had reached an
agreement with the city on a one-year contract.
• 1974 the City’s fiscal crisis citing financial problems, disbanded eight companies. The UFA
unsuccessfully sued to stop the closings.
THE 1980’s…
• 1974 base pay of a first-grade Firefighter
increased to $17,458.
• 1980 UFA plays key role with Uniformed Forces
Coalition, two-year contract, salary raises of 9%
and 8% and no give- backs.
• 1975-7 the City’s fiscal problems worsen, more
than 40,000 city workers are laid off, including
1,600 Firefighters, although 700 are hired back
within three days. The UFA continues to provide
health, hospital and dental care to these members
and their families. The union also is instrumental in getting Federal jobs for 250 brothers and in
having another 300 hired in temporary jobs as
bus drivers for the Transit Authority.
• 1980 Members vote to end the union’s 63-year
affiliation with the IAFF
• 1980 Problems at the medical office, which had
been brewing for years, came to a head, the UFA
and 1,000 Firefighters rallied outside the
Medical Office to protest mistreatment and
improper care rendered. The protest led to the
appointment of a special panel by Mayor Koch
which recommended several operational
changes at the Bureau.
• 1975-7 the City reneges on minimum manning
provisions, reducing to 42 the number of fiveman engines. (By 1982, the number of engines
riding with five Firefighters is increased to about
140, leaving 71 four-man engines.
• 1981 after many years of struggle, a supplemental cost-of-living increase was passed by the
state Legislature, providing pension increases of
3 % to 29% for retirees.
• 1976 The UFA establishes a Security Benefit
Fund for retired members.
• 1982 Unified, more than 10,000 Firefighters,
police officers and correction officers marched
on City Hall. Negotiating once again under the
umbrella Uniformed Forces Coalition, several
months a two-year contract of 8% per year, onepercent higher than the civilian coalition.
• 1976 Federal legislation passed providing assistance 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 mid1970’s, and the fiscal crisis began to abate, the
city agreed to restore five-man manning on 20
engines. By this time, all Firefighters who had
been laid off and wanted to return were rehired
by the FDNY.
• 1980 UFA filed for a court injunction to halt the
retest of women who failed the FD physical.
• 1983-4 The UFA secures law for FFs laid off in
1975 and later rehired the right to buy back time
for pension credit. Affected about 950
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
47
U F A
H I S T O R Y — contd...
Firefighters.
• 1983-4 back wages deferred
as a result of the mid-70’s
fiscal crisis were negotiated
by the UFA.
• 1983-4 Union sues to bring
five-Firefighter minimummanning level to the remaining 71 engine companies still
riding with four Firefighters.
• 1983-4 UFA lobbying resulted in a $5.2 million boost in
the FDNY budget, including
the creation of two new
engine companies, two truck For many years Engine Co. 72 was a Manhattan Engine Company locatcompanies, one battalion and ed on East 12th Street between 5th Avenue and University Place.
the Haz Mat unit.
efforts in City Hall, Albany and Washington, DC.
• 1985-89 a negotiated contract is rejected by the
• 1991 The union purchased a five-story building
Executive Board and the delegates. The sticking
in Manhattan as its new Headquarters.
point is the city’s offer to restore 5-Firefighter
manning to only six additional engine compa• 1991 Proposed draconian cuts of 10% of the
nies, out of 73 that still have four-Firefighter
FDNY budget-including firehouse closings-are
manning. Membership rejected two negotiated
avoided due to intense UFA lobbying efforts.
agreements. UFA forced into an arbitration. The
The Department takes only a $1.3 million budgcity’s Office of Collective Bargaining “scoped
et hit, out of a proposed $57 million cut.
out” several key provisions, including minimum
• 1993 A pilot CPR program begins in Brooklyn,
manning, vacation, the group chart and the
where Firefighters respond to medical emergenFirefighter’s job description. It would take sevcies. The program, established without union
eral years and several negotiated contracts to
input due to the loss of the Firefighter’s job
win back some of these important provisions.
description in the ‘87-90 arbitration, is expanded
a year later to include the use of defibrillators.
THE 1990’s. . .
• 1990-91 Calling it unsafe for Firefighters and
citizens, the UFA urged the city’s Office of
Collective Bargaining to eliminate the Fire
Department’s roster manning program, whichdespite promises to the contrary-had failed to
provide promised manning levels on engines
(five Firefighters) the majority of the time.
• 1991 The UFA launches a political action committee, Fire PAC, to fund effective lobbying
• 1994 the Cancer Bill, allowing for line-of-duty
pensions for members disabled by six different
types of cancer, was signed into law by Gov.
Cuomo, capping an eight-year struggle to protect Firefighters and officers.
• 1995 UFA settles Roster Staffing hearings
restoring five-man manning to 61 engine companies. In conjunction, 96 hours of RSOT is guaranteed for every firefighter.
• 1995 Members vote 2-1 to re-affiliate with IAFF.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
48
U F A
H I S T O R Y — contd...
• 2002 Unified, more than 10,000 firefighters &
police rally in sweltering summer heat at Time
Square, which resulted in contracts that eliminated 6 months of zeroes.
• 1995 First Legislative Day in Albany sponsored
by UFA. Attended by several dozen members.
• 1996 Major UFA victory is won with the elimination of the Home Visitation and PMLA programs through a federal lawsuit.
• 2002 Historic first PERB award granted to PBA.
Leveraging that award, the UFA negotiated contract which exceeded the uniform coalition pattern established by civilian unions.
• 1996 The Compensation Accrual Fund (CAF),
or annuity, is converted into a self- directed plan.
Members have direct control over their investment funds.
• 2002-3 UFA harnesses the newest communication technology. Launches instantaneous telephone, fax and e-mail broadcast systems to firehouses, Delegates and entire membership, providing instantaneous info to the field. UFA website enhanced to include the most up-to-date
information about union initiatives.
• 1997-98 UFA negotiates 5-year contract which
includes chauffeur pay and restoration of several key provisions lost in disastrous 1987-90 arbitration decision: 39 hours vacation leave, and
increased longevity and annuity pay. In addition, the contract included provision for Safety
Committee comprised of Department and union
officials which results in an additional five 5man engine companies, bringing UFA-negotiated number up to 66 five-man engines. UFA
negotiates and members ratify CFR-D agreement including a 3% pay differential, retroactive
pay, training for ladder company members, and
a voluntary feature that ultimately makes the
program optional for all Firefighters.
Unfortunately, the civilian pattern which
included two years of zero, was part of the deal.
• 2003 Major UFA legislative win to expand of the
Cancer Bill to include cancers involving the neurological, breast and reproductive systems as
presumed LODI.
• 2003 UFA efforts through public rallies and successful lobbying stopped the closing of 2 of the
8 firehouses Mayor Bloomberg had on chopping
block.
• 2004 Pension loans legislative win allows retiring members to borrow up to 90% of contributions.
• UFA reactivates legislative/lobby day program
(May 10, 2005) in Albany with bus loads of FFs
to push for WTC Presumptive Illness Bill’s passage.
2000 TO THE PRESENT
• 2001 Terrorist attack World Trade Center. The
UFA in partnership with the IAFF established
the 9/11 Fund, and dispensed millions to our
families in need.
• WTC Presumptive Bill signed into law on June
15, 2005. This Landmark Bill, which was
secured because of the tireless lobbying efforts
of the UFA and its members of Fire PAC, allows
for firefighters who become injured as a result of
the work performed at the attacks and later on,
the clean-up, at the World Trade Center to be eligible for accidental disability pension, even if
already retired.
• 2001 The years of persistence through political
efforts and the courts wins the UFA and PBA the
absolute right to arbitrate impasse contracts
through state PERB—removing us forever from
the City’s tilted system.
• 2002 A LOD Funeral Fund was established to
provide for members to travel to Firefighter
memorial and funeral services nationwide.
• December 2005, new contract overwhelmingly
ratified by the membership. Four-year contract
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
49
U F A
H I S T O R Y — contd...
is retroactive to 2002 and provides a compounded 17.5% raise for NYC Firefighters.
Civilians agreed to 4% over 3 years.
• The 2005 contract extends the roster staffing
agreement another 5 years and increases the
number of engines operating citywide with 5firefighters, a critical win for New York’s
Firefighters
• Stroke Bill Signed by Governor Pataki. UFA is
successful in its lobbying efforts of the State
Assembly, Senate and Governor ’s office. UFA
members who suffer from strokes are protected with LODI pensions. The Bill retroactively
covers 4 members.
• WTC LOD Death Pension. UFA is successful
in getting this bill signed into law. Families of
members who die as a result of a WTC presumed illness will now receive full LOD pensions—even if the death occurs after the member is retired. This law retroactively applies to
families of all members who died prior to its
signing into law.
• WTC LODI Prescription Drug Card approved.
UFA is successful in convincing the City to
provide LODI drug cards for all members who
are ill as a result of exposure at WTC.
Members no longer use UFA SBF money, or
cash out of their own pockets.
• 2007 UFA Lobby day is set for June 12th 2007.
Members of the UFA Political Action
Committee will descend on Albany once again
to push the UFA’s legislative agenda.
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
50
NOTES
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
51
NOTES
THE 2007 UFA DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR PROGRAM GUIDE
52