fire fighters - Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin

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Professional
OF WISCONSIN
FIRE FIGHTERS
a publication of the
Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, Inc.
SUMMER 2010
VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 2
City of Manitowoc Fire Department &
IAFF Local 368 p. 14
SPOTLIGHT: Cardinal Stritch p. 25
PFFW Convention p. 16
PFFW FIRE OPS 101 p. 8
Professional
OF WISCONSIN
FIRE FIGHTERS
a publication of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin
8
PFFW Fire Ops 101
&
14
City of Manitowoc Fire Department
& IAFF Local 368
16
PFFW Convention
23
PFFW Softball
24
New Inventory System Released
25
SPOTLIGHT: Cardinal Stritch
DEPARTMENTS
President’s Column | p 4
State Secretary/Treasurer Report | p 5
Volume 5, Number 2
Summer 2010
PFFW
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
State EMS Board Meetings
August 3, 2010
October 5-6, 2010
Madison, WI
PFFW Softball Tournament
August 14, 2010
Madison, WI
PFFW Golf Tournament
September 15-16, 2010
Janesville, WI
PFFW School for Workers
September 27-29, 2010
Madison, WI
Legislative Report | p 6
MDA Update | p 11
Mike Drury Thank You | p 20
EMS Report | p 21
The Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin would like to
thank all of our advertisers for their support. This magazine
would not be possible without them. We encourage our readers
to use their services whenever possible.
Professional Fire Fighters of WI
7 N. Pinckney Street, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703
[email protected]; www.pffw.org
608-251-5832 | fax 608-251-8707
The Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin is published quarterly. This magazine is created and produced by Troy Haase and AJS Designs (608) 3341333. Editorial contributions will be handled with care; however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for the safety of artwork, photographs, or
manuscripts. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin
All I Ever Wanted to be Was a Firefighter | p 13
3
PFFW / Summer 2010
President’s Column
Mike Woodzicka
State PFFW President
Brothers & Sisters,
J
ust returning from our State Convention I am again
reminded of how great a Union we are a part of. At this
year’s convention many decisions were made that continue to chart a path toward future successes. We also had several changes to your Executive Board. Steve Wilding was elected,
by acclimation, as your PFFW State Secretary/Treasurer. Steve
has been on the Executive Board since 2007 and brings a broad
range of experience to this position. Rich Gee, Green Bay and
Matt Simpson, Janesville, were both elected as Executive Board
Members. I would like to congratulate all of them on their accomplishment and look forward to working with them as part
of our team. The PFFW also lost two long time members of the
Executive Board, Len Orlando and Mike Drury. Len Orlando
spent sixteen years as an Executive Board Member and worked
on many projects during his time on the board. Len was probably known best for his work on the Membership Assistance
Program which he was a part of since its inception. Mike Drury
served the PFFW for fourteen years, four as an Executive Board
Member and ten years as the State Secretary/Treasurer. During
his tenure as Secretary/Treasurer, Mike took this position to
a new level. He modernized the position and kept the PFFW
GO! (Gals Only!)
Fire Science Camp
July 11-15, 2010
Fire
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2010
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under budget every year he served in the position. I personally
thank both Mike and Len for their time, talents, and sacrifice
for the members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin.
Good luck with all of your future endeavors.
As professional firefighters we face still many challenges. The
economic downturn continues to have an impact on our local
affiliates and their members. We are seeing a decrease in the resources available to fund the vital
services we provide. Professional
At this year’s convention
fire fighters everywhere are being
asked to do more with less. As
many decisions were
your state association, we continmade that continue to
ue to work hard and be a resource
chart a path toward
for our affiliates in this time of
future successes.
struggle. Despite these challenges,
we managed to win some important legislative battles. During this past legislative session we
passed two significant pieces of legislation that affect professional
firefighters. The first was our Infectious Disease Presumption. This
legislation was sponsored by Senator Sullivan and Representative
Sinicki and enjoyed bi-partisan support in both the Senate & Assembly. For the first time in Wisconsin history, if a fire fighter dies
or is disabled as a result of certain infectious diseases, there will be
a presumption that the disease was caused by the person’s employment as a fire fighter. This now shifts the burden of proof from
the employee to the employer, who must now prove the disease
was caused by some other source. We also passed a bill that would
require municipalities to pay health insurance premiums for survivors of a fire fighter who dies, or has died, in the line of duty. This
benefit would be paid to a surviving spouse until they remarry or
reach age 65, and to a dependent child who is a student until age
of 27. The bill would also apply, retroactively, to a fire fighter who
has died in the line of duty before the effective date of the bill.
This bill was sponsored and introduced by Senator Hanson from
Green Bay who very aggressively helped us move this bill forward
and ensured its passage this legislative session.
These victories—coming in the face of a massive budget
shortfall—are a testament to the power of political action. The
PFFW has enjoyed bi-partisan success in its legislative efforts,
even on tough issues. Although we have been successful in the
progress we have made, we must not rest on our laurels. The
November elections will have grave consequences for public
safety and labor in general. It is imperative that we all work as
hard as we can for the candidates that support our issues. There
have been twenty assembly members and three Senators that
have announced their retirement in November. We now face
the challenge of finding likeminded candidates to fill these open
Continued on page 20
PFFW / Summer 2010 / Department: COMMITTEE REPORTS
State Secretary/Treasurer Report
Steve Wilding
PFFW Secretary/Treasurer
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
rent capacity and represent firefighters throughout the State.
I have attended many schools and seminars throughout my
career. Some of them include School for Workers, PFFW conventions, IAFF Conventions, ALTS Conference, and Human Relations Conferences. One of the many goals that I have is to take the
schooling that I have been fortunate to receive and forward that
information to our 2800 brothers and sisters.
The PFFW has a long history of securing legislation and relationships that have continued to enhance our working conditions
back at the fire house. I plan on working day in and day out to
gain your confidence and continue strengthening the PFFW’s position at the Capital.
Given our difficult economic and political climate we have
substantial work ahead of us. I look forward to talking to each of
you soon via phone or caucus meeting. If you have any questions or
would like to talk about any issues please feel free to contact me at
414-491-8148. I can also be reached by email at [email protected].
Finally, I would like to humbly thank the delegates at the 75th
annual convention of the PFFW for electing me to be your new
PFFW Secretary/Treasurer. This is the proudest moment in my
professional union career. Again thank you and let’s get to work.
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I
am writing to introduce myself as your new PFFW
Secretary / Treasurer. I have been employed by the
City of Oak Creek for 21 plus years. I began my
career as a firefighter in 1989 and was promoted to Lieutenant in
2000. I come from a history of firefighters and union activists. I
was born and raised in the City of Oak Creek where I reside today.
My Union involvement started early in my career. I was elected Secretary of Oak Creek Professional Firefighters, Local 1848 in
my second year on the job and held the position for 8 years. I was
then elected Vice President of L-1848 and after my first year in the
position I was elected President and have held the position since.
The knowledge and experience that I have gained in the Local
Principal Officer Positions has greatly assisted me in my positions
with the Southeast Caucus group and the PFFW.
Other offices I have held include Southeast Vice President
and Southeast President. I served for a combined 6 years in those
positions. After ensuring that my experience and knowledge base
would support it, I seized the opportunity to run for the PFFW
Executive Board. During my tenure on the Board I have gained
much experience and enhanced my knowledge in organized labor
and political engagement. It has been an honor to serve in my cur-
5
PFFW / Summer 2010 / Department: Legislative Report
PWWA
Legislative
Victory
Joe Strohl
PFFW Lobbyist
The key provisions of the Survivor Health Benefit law
include:
Governor Jim Doyle signs the Infectious Disease Bill & Survivor Health
Benefit Bill
T
6
he PFFW scored major legislative victories on May 12,
2010 when Governor Jim Doyle signed into law two
important pieces of legislation.
The major item on the PFFW legislative agenda was the
Infectious Disease Bill. This victory came about as a result of a
successful lobbying effort by PFFW officers, board members and
rank and file members from across the state. The new law is officially 2010 Wisconsin Act 284. However, to the PFFW it will
forever be known as the Infectious Disease Presumption Law.
This new law joins the other two “presumptions” that fire
fighters may utilize after certain disabilities. These of course are
the heart and lung presumption and the cancer presumption.
The Infectious Disease bill passed both houses of the State
Legislature on unanimous voice votes. However, there was an
attempt by Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) and most Senate Republicans to gut the bill. They had an amendment that
would have made this issue a subject of collective bargaining.
So rather than the legislation establishing the presumption, you
would have had to bargain for it, probably giving up something
in return.
Opposition to the gutting amendment was lead by the bill’s
author Sen. Jim Sullivan (D-Wauwatosa). They were able to kill
the amendment on a 18-15 vote. No similar effort was attempted in the State Assembly.
The other major victory for the PFFW was Survivor Health
Benefit Bill. This simple but important piece of legislation requires that an employer continue to provide health insurance
benefits to the family members of a fire fighter killed in the line
of duty. This new law is 2010 Wisconsin Act 285.
This legislation was authored by Sen. Dave Hansen (DGreen Bay) after PFFW members in his district along with the
family of deceased fire fighter Arnie Wolff ask for his assistance.
This legislation passed both houses of the State Legislature on
unanimous voice votes. Opposition to this bill and the Infectious Disease Bill was from the League of Municipalities.
1. If an employer now pays for health insurance, they
must continue to provide the coverage to surviving
family members.
2. The surviving spouse received the benefit until either they remarry or reach the age of 65 and are thus
Medicare eligible.
3. Surviving children receive the benefit while they are
a dependent. If in higher education, the benefit continues until graduation or age 27.
4. The benefit is retroactive to any family member surviving today.
Both of the new laws were signed by the Governor at the
Fire Ops 101 program held at MATC in Madison.
Shortly after the Legislature passed these two bill they adjourned their 2009-2010 Session. The new Legislature will not
return until January 2011.
The next Legislature will not look like the current one. As
of this writing (June 15th) at least 23 state legislators have announced that they are not seeking re-election. Some are running
for other offices and others have simply decided they have served
long enough and want to spend more time at home. So that
means there will be at least 23 new faces come next January. And
that is even before the election! In most elections some incumbents are defeated so we could see even more changes in the new
legislature.
A full election preview will be in the next update.
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PFFW
Fire
Ops 101
Mahlon Mitchell
PFFW Executive Board Member
Photos by Kevin Hembrook
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
O
8
n Wednesday May 12, 2010 we ran our
first Statewide Fire Ops 101 Program in
Madison. I am pleased to report that
the program was a HUGE Success! We
had over 55 participants from all over the State that consisted
of State Legislators, Mayors, Alderperson’s, PFC Members and
Media. The feedback that we received during and after the
program was nothing but positive. There are many stories and
testimonials that have been written about the Fire Ops Day.
As you know this was a day that we were able to not only tell
key people what we do, but also have them experience it first
hand. There are over 55 Key People throughout the State that
now understand that what we do is labor-intensive, requires
skill, and in order for the job to be done efficiently and to be
effective requires adequate staffing. In a time of Budget cuts,
reduced staffing and Hiring Freezes, we needed this program
now more than ever.
On another note, I would also like to point out something
that I witnessed at the Fire Ops, which gave me a whole new
perspective on our job. We had over 85 Fire Fighters volunteer from all over the State to help put this program on. I was
very impressed at how we all worked together in unison to get
the job done! It was a thing of beauty to see fire fighters from
Merrill, Beloit, Sturgeon Bay, Kenosha, Sheboygan, Appleton,
Madison, Brookfield, Janesville, Wauwatosa, and many others
all work hand in hand to put this program together. There was a
comment made by one of our State Legislators to me, he asked
how many times have we all done this together, and he was as-
Participants watching backdraft simulator
State Senator Jim Sullivan watches as educated on extrication
Participants being educated on hose line evolutions
PFFW / Summer 2010
tonished when I told him that it was our first! To see all of us
work together gave me a renewed since of pride to be part of a
team that was able to make this program into a success.
So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all that
were involved, way to many to name all, but it was a time that
the state fire fighters were in Unison working toward a common goal! If you go to the IAFF Website Link at: http://www.
iaff.org/et/fireops101/allnews.htm. There are articles and news
stories from the media that participated in the program.
Fraternally,
Mahlon Mitchell
State Representative Tamara Grigsby & Fire Ops Coordinator
Mahlon Mitchell
Participants watching backdraft simulator
Franklin Alderperson S. Taylor at search and rescue station
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T
here were 30 Locals represented at this year’s
MDA Fire Fighter Appreciation/Boot Camp
Conference held in Madison April 12th and 13th.
Fire fighters were educated on and motivated by
such topics as street corner fill-the-boot, dealing with city ordinances and administration and MDA summer camp. Fire Fighters were
treated to a cocktail reception and dinner and a night on the town in
downtown Madison. They also had the opportunity to meet the current MDA Goodwill Ambassador families.
Congratulations to Manitowoc Local 368 for receiving the Fillthe-Boot Rookie award. This award is given to the Local who has the
highest new FTB total. We also started a tradition that will continue
on at Boot Camp – Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Platinum awards based
on total dollars raised.
On behalf of MDA thank you to those Locals that were represented. It’s a great opportunity for MDA to say thank you for all you
do to help the families in your communities living with a neuromuscular disease. Keep up the good work. It’s appreciated!
For more information or to sponsor an event, contact:
Heather Micoley; MDA Regional Coordinator, (920) 490-0478,
[email protected]
MDA Fire Fighter Appreciation & Fill-the-Boot Conference
Congratulations to the PFFW for raising $529,448.97 for
MDA in 2009! That’s an increase of $143,756.10 from 2008.
Congratulations and thank you to those top Locals who
raised funds for MDA in 2009.
Below are the award winning Locals:
Top 3 – Based on dollars raised/member
1st place - St. Francis Local 2717 - $1,564.50/member
2nd place - Pleasant Prairie Local 3785 - $1,266.37/member
3rd place - Superior Local 74 - $953.66/member
Top 10 – Based on total dollars raised
Wausau Local 415 - $44,000
Green Bay Local 141 - $38,020.96
Superior Local 74 - $31,470.85 Fond du Lac Local 400 - $26,028
Greenfield Local 1963 - $23,848.33 Appleton Local 257 - $19,047.28
Pleasant Prairie Local 3785 - $17,729.14
Kenosha Local 414 - $17,704.52
Madison Local 311 - $16,776.60
North Shore Local 1440 - $14,770.58
Highest Fill the Boot Total
Green Bay Local 141 - $36,419.96
MDA FIRE FIGHTER
APPRECIATION
2009 PFFW/
MDA TOTALS
11
PFFW
PFFW/ /Summer
Summer
2010
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PFFW / Summer 2010
Len Orlando
Green Bay Local 141
Gulf Shore following Hurricane Katrina. The work they did and
continue to do cannot be measured, but it is invaluable. You
know who you are and THANK YOU for making my job as
committee chair so easy. A special “thanks” must also go to all
the members of Local 141, both past and present, who supported my time on the executive board, and to the crews I worked
with at Stations 2 and 7 of the Green Bay Fire Department who
were exposed to numerous phone calls, meetings, and interruptions to their daily schedule over the years.
Some recent events have led to much animosity, discord
within the organization. For the mere survival of the organization, this must end. It is not wrong for a member or a local to
voice an opinion that is different than what you believe. That
is America, that is the IAFF, that is what we are about, and that
is how it should be. If we are about silence, if we are about the
stifling of opinion, if we are about ‘group think’, if we are about
name calling, if we are about refusing to assist a local’s request
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Supporting the Professional
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w w w. im age tr e nd. com /e ds . 8 88 -46 9 -7 789
P
araphrasing from Retired IAFF General
Secretary Vinnie Bollon “All I ever wanted
to be was a fire fighter.” That simple phrase
pretty much sums up my humble beginning
when in 1979 I was hired as a fire fighter by the Allouez Fire
Department. From that beginning I was blessed to have been
able to do so much more for IAFF members from this state
and beyond. Having been a local union officer since 1989, I
was able to utilize that position as a launching pad for service
to you from the state executive board level with my election
to that position in 1994 at Oshkosh. I have been fortunate to
have been able to experience working with some dynamic union
leaders from throughout the state. Some were members of the
board, some were not. There was John Celebre of Kenosha Local 414, Pat O’Brien of Menasha Local 695, Mike Kunesh of
Manitowoc Local 368, Dave Wenzel of Greenfield Local 1963,
Ann Peggs of Green Bay Local 141, Tom Klemmer of Wauwatosa Local 1923, and Gordy Woodrich of Janesville Local 580
to name a few. Did our views on issues always concur? Absolutely not. But from each and every one of them, there was a
mutual respect and a lesson to be learned just as each and every
member today has something to offer. We just have to learn to
listen and not dismiss those we disagree with. Over the years,
we met many challenges. Some of these challenges were successfully met, some were not. These challenges were staffing reductions in Superior, a station closing in Ashland, providing EMS
service in Sheboygan, and unfair disciplinary actions in Watertown. Politically, we were able to work both sides of the aisle,
because we had the ability to choose our priorities wisely and
not waste political capital on issues of marginal or no benefit to
fire fighters. We were also fortunate to have a very skilled legislative representative in Joe Strohl working for us in Madison. At
the state level, there were presumptive cancer and infectious disease laws enacted that provided benefits to fire fighters and their
families. These were signed into law by Governors Thompson
and Doyle, respectively. Also enacted were improvements to fire
fighter’s pensions, improved fire fighter safety through changes
to Comm. 30, and educational benefits to children of fire fighters killed in the line of duty, among other accomplishments.
I have been fortunate to have been blessed with the best
when it comes to assisting fire fighters with issues that, at times,
overwhelm even the strongest of us all. The “best” are the individuals that comprise the Membership Assistance Team/Peer
Support Network of the PFFW. When called upon, they have
responded not only to the needs of Wisconsin’s fire fighters, but
also to Ground Zero following the attacks on 9/11 and to the
13
GET TO KNOW
PFFW / Summer 2010
14
City of Manitowoc Fire Department
& IAFF Local 368
M
anitowoc was incorporated as a village on March 6,
1851. From that date, the municipality had a concern for the dangers of fire and the service provided to
fight and contain them. Throughout the early years,
volunteer organizations such as the Torrent Fire Company, Phoenix Hook
and Ladder Company, Protection Bucket Company, and the Badger Engine
Company had the responsibility for the protection from fire for the citizens of
Manitowoc. It was not until 1883,
when the young City of Manitowoc
expressed a need to hire members to
fight fire in a career oriented field.
Eleven members, including August
Dueno as Fire Chief, were paid $25
a year. Manitowoc Professional Firefighters Local 368 was chartered on
October 19, 1933 with 30 charter
First Career Fire Fighters for the
members.
City of Manitowoc 1883
From the date of its origin in
1883 to present day, exactly 400 personnel have been appointed to the Manitowoc Fire Department (MFD). There
were 104 people who retired on regular pension. Three fire fighters retired because of a disability. There were 36 members that were discharged for various
reasons. There were 185 people that had resigned. Five members fought in WWI
and didn’t return. Nine members died during the
course of their employment. Of the nine men who
died during the course of their employment, two
died in the line of duty: John P. Hall was killed by
a falling wall on January 14, 1906 and Fran Kopidlansky died at a fire on February 22, 1922.
The current force strength is 58 (60 by the
end of 2012), which includes: The Chief of the
Department, two Deputy Chiefs, three Battalion
Chiefs, nine Captains, three Lieutenants, 15 Motor Pump Operators (MPO), and 25 Firefighters.
Mikadow Theatre Fire 1950’s
There are also two civilian secretaries.
The City of Manitowoc Fire Department protects 35,000 people in 20 square
miles and also provides EMS (Paramedic level) coverage to 50,000+ county residents in a 120 square mile area in Manitowoc County.
On average, the Manitowoc Fire Department responds to 4500 EMS calls in
a given year. This ranges from emergency calls, inter-facility transports and nonemergency 911 calls. The department also covers 900+ engine responses including: motor vehicle accidents, fire alarms, CO problems, and public service calls of
which approximately 60 are actual fires (vehicles, structure, dumpster, and brush).
It is the mission of the Manitowoc Fire Department to “utilize the cooperative efforts of supervisory and line personnel to protect the lives and property of
our citizens and those who visit our community.” In order to achieve this goal,
several programs have been developed including: Fire Suppression, Paramedic
Manitowoc fire fighters battling blaze
Local 368 Members during Memorial Day
Parade L-R Lt. Jeff Keehan, FF Brad Olivera,
FF Rodger Whiteside
Manitowoc Local 368 MDA Coordinator
Brian Lodel during 2009 Fill-The-Boot
PFFW / Summer 2010
The EMS System in Manitowoc traces back to the days of
Meisner Wrecker Service utilizing a Cadillac style ambulance
for transport in the early 1960’s. This service was acquired by
Reine Herzog (later became Fire Chief Reine Herzog) who ran
Manitowoc Ambulance and was also a member of the Manitowoc Fire Department. The services ranged from minimal firstaid care and had evolved to Paramedic level care in 1991. The
Manitowoc Ambulance was transferred to Holy Family Hospital in the 1980’s, creating Holy Family Ambulance. Holy Family Ambulance eventually merged with M&T Ambulance to
create Unified Ambulance Service.
Initially the MFD had been a first responder in the EMS System. Starting in the middle 1970’s Chief Reine Herzog spoke with
a man named James Page who was one of the first pioneers to study
the use of fire-based EMS. From this point, the MFD worked as
a transporting entity through countless political hurdles that ruled
the Ambulance business which included response zones, first call
agreements, and animosity between the hospital based Ambulance
and the MFD. These politics culminated in 2003 when a merger
agreement between Unified and the MFD created a single ambulance service and smoothed out the quality of care and response.
The Union is comprised of four primary officers and four
executive board members. Primary officers are as follows: President Scott Moran, Vice-President Charles Olson, Secretary Jason Sweney, and Treasurer Joe Skinner. Executive Board MemContinued on page 26
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logo and IAFF-FC’s exclusive endorsement of these Nationwide programs. For more information, including fees paid,
Nationwide encourages you to visit NRSforu.com.
©2009, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH 43215.
Nationwide®, On Your Side®, and the Nationwide framemark are service marks of
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NRM-3756AO-IF.1 (05/09)
Retirement Specialists are registered representatives of Nationwide Investment Services
Corporation, member FINRA. In MI only Nationwide Investment Svcs., Inc.
Ambulance Response, Public Education, Fire Code Enforcement, Specialized Rescue (Trench, Confined Space, Rope, and
Water), Project Childsafe, Smoke Detector Installations, CO Investigations, Haz-Mat Response, and Fire Investigation.
Since the opening of the Station at N. 8th and Reed Avenue
in 1957, there were no changes to the stations in Manitowoc until a new campaign in the 90’s by the City of Manitowoc garnered
support for replacement and adding of buildings starting with
the downtown headquarters fire station in 1992. This replaced a
building that had been built in 1879 and had several reconstructions and was in disrepair for several years prior to its replacement. This campaign also was instrumental in the adding of a
fourth fire station on the Northwest side of the city. Station #4 at
Fleetwood Ave. and Waldo Blvd. was opened prior to Christmas
of 1998. Finally, the Southwest side of the City was booming
with the addition of residential and industrial areas west of Interstate 43. The S. 26th and Hamilton St. station was moved to S.
39th and Dewey St. in April of 2001.
The largest change in the fire apparatus that are assigned
to the four fire stations in Manitowoc was in October 1999.
At that time the apparatus color was returned to the traditional
red, since its change over to what was thought to be a safer
color of lime-yellow. The color change was helped by the factor
of a petition. It was passed by members of the department and
signed by citizens of Manitowoc that showed a 3-to-1 interest in
the change. The stations are utilized at the current time with a
heavy emphasis on cross-staffing which started in September of
1998. Station #1 houses a Ladder, Engine and a Rescue Squad
(Ambulance) and the three outlying stations have an Engine
and a Rescue Squad respectively with a daily minimum of fifteen personnel throughout the four stations.
There have been five dramatic fires since the early eighties
that showed a considerable impact on the fire department. July
1, 1984 an electrical failure caused one million dollars in damage
and destroyed one-third of the Eck Foundry. August 27, 1984 a
fire caused by an apparent Kiln air heater malfunction, destroyed
Kiln No. 6 of Busch Agricultural Resources, Inc. and caused an
estimated seven million dollars damage and injured eighteen firefighters. Three years later, July 4, 1987 a fire initially hidden by
a suspended ceiling caused in excess of 2 million dollars to the
Shopko Plaza. It was determined to be a short in an electrical
wire caused by signage that was improperly installed. February
28, 1998 John Paul was found guilty of Arson of the fire at the
Watercare complex on North 23rd Street. The fire was started in
a pile of cardboard and spread quickly and caused catastrophic
failure of the roof structure just minutes after interior firefighting crews had exited. The fifth incident was caused by a fork lift
and resulted in an estimated two million dollars damage when
it punctured a gas line near the ceiling causing an explosion and
subsequent fire at the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry on December 13, 2000. The fire was contained to an area of the complex
adjacent to the pattern room. If fire reached this room, it would
have ended the business, which employs 500 workers.
15
Photos by Kevin Hembrook
S
uperior Firefighters hosted the 75th Annual Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Convention June 13-16 in Duluth, Minnesota.
The convention was opened by State President Mike Woodzicka, State
Vice-President Bob Baird, State Secretary-Treasurer Mike Drury, and
the PFFW Executive Board welcoming the delegates, alternates and guests to Duluth.
The PFFW Honor Guard honored the families of the deceased members with dignity and professionalism, and once again showed the members of the PFFW that they
are dedicated to this organization.
President Woodzicka opened with his state of the union address and continued
with the PFFW Executive Board committee reports and the business of the PFFW.
The following resolutions were taken up by the delegates and were passed:
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger
addresses the delegation
• Resolution 1 abolished the requirement for each local to return the leadership
information form that accompanies the rebate from CSA fundraising.
• Resolution 2 was a Constitution and By-Laws change that addressed the process of filling vacancies on the PFFW Executive Board.
oIn the event a vacancy occurs in the position of the State President, the State
Vice-President shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the State President until the next convention at which time an election will be held to fill
the remainder of the unexpired term.
oIn the event a vacancy occurs in the position of the State Vice-President or
State Secretary-Treasurer the Executive Board shall meet, and elect by secret
ballot no more than fifteen days from the date the office is vacated, one of
the members of the Executive Board to fill the office vacated, until the next
convention at which time an election will be held to fill the remainder of the
unexpired term.
Robert Manke winner of Paul Conway Shields
2010 PFFW Political Supporter Award
• Resolution 4 addressed the lack of funding for the committee that was formed
in 2009 by the PFFW Board to study, evaluate, and research the current PFFW
structure. Resolution 4 requires the PFFW to fund the committee, so they may
meet twice prior to the 2011 PFFW Convention and report back to the membership at the convention with any findings and recommendations.
John B. Kiel, a lawyer and a fire fighter.
As a Union Official you have enough to worry about. You
shouldn’t worry about whether you can afford a lawyer.
16
John Gee receives his 20 Year Award
Under a retainer with The Law Office of John B. Kiel, LLC, you’ll
receive professional legal services at a reduced hourly rate.
Under the maximum attorney fee schedule your members will
know their maximum attorney fees before litigation begins.
Professional, Cost-Effective Legal Services for Professional Fire Fighters
The Law Office of John B. Kiel, LLC
262.914.5435
3300-252nd Avenue • Salem, Wisconsin 53168
Phone: (262) 914-5435 • Fax: (262) 537-4855 • Email: [email protected]
“It’s not often that you find a lawyer who is also a fire
fighter. A lawyer who understands fire fighter issues.”
On behalf of MDA, Heather presented
Mike Drury a Lifetime Achievement Award for
his dedication to MDA for the past 25 years
• Resolution 5 requires that the PFFW explore the formation of a
coalition with other public employee unions to plan for and implement the necessary measures for the protection of our pension
benefits.
• Resolution 6 requires the PFFW to solicit interested members of
the clergy to voluntarily serve as chaplain(s) to the PFFW and then
the Executive Board shall select a chaplain to serve as an official
PFFW Chaplain.
• Resolution 7 requires the PFFW to sign on to a resolution being
submitted to the 2010 IAFF Convention that will encourage its
members to participate in the “Cares Enough to Wear Pink” campaign in honor of women fighting cancer. Each local will create
its own pink shirts to wear for three days in early October. These
shirts shall be worn on duty if approved by its department, and
sold to the public throughout the month of October. Each local
will donate 50% of funds raised to women’s cancer organizations
of its choice; the remaining funds will be used for our fire fighters
and dependants battling cancer.
Constitution & By-Laws Committee: Front Row: Mahlon
Mitchell-Chair, Tim Dietman, Jeff Murphy, Brian Winter, Norm
Nitz, Lance Hanson-Co-Chair Back Row: Jeff Petermann, Brian
Goldschmidt, Jason Hempel- Vice-Chair
The convention provided five workshops Monday and Tuesday which
included:
2010 MDA top fundraising locals
Governor Jim Doyle addresses the delegation
Ways And Means Committee
Front Row: Scott Pelkin, Robert Baird- Co-Chair, Mike Drury-Chair
Back Row: Steve Warn-Vice-Chair, Roger Running, Chad Bronkhorst,
Ted Taugtes
Heather Micoley and a client family talked about the benefits of
MDA and the support the families receive during their care. Heather
awarded the top three fundraising locals by per capita and the top ten locals overall. On behalf of MDA, Heather presented Mike Drury a lifetime
achievement award for his dedication to MDA for the past 25 years.
Rules And Order Committee
Len Orlando-Chair, Steve Wilding-Co-Chair, Rich GeeVice- Chair, Jim Hintz, Pat Kilbane, Aaron Swaney, Not
pictured-Lloyd Pickart
• The New Delegation Orientation Workshop allowed the new delegates and alternates to sit down with PFFW President Woodzicka,
Secretary/Treasurer Drury, and Vice-President Baird to exchange
information, ideas, and assist them in maximizing their convention
experience. The topics discussed were the PFFW’s role vs. the IAFF’s
role when it comes to servicing locals, the pending Governors race,
shared revenue, and budget issues.
• Attorney John B. Kiel reviewed the information union representatives and bargaining unit members are entitled to in advance of
and after investigatory interviews. Attorney Kiel also discussed
the remedies available in the event an employer unlawfully refuses
to provide the union with such information. Attorney Kiel also
stressed to the leadership to inform their members to always ask for
a union representative before beginning an investigatory interview.
• Green Bay President Chad Bronkhorst, Vice-President Rich Gee
and PFFW Executive Board Member Len Orlando discussed the
advantages and disadvantages of consolidating multiple locals under one umbrella. This was a look at a strategy in growing to give
your local strength and unity.
• PFFW Lobbyist Joe Strohl discussed the passage of the “Discipline
Procedure for Fire Fighters” and the “Infectious Disease Presumption for Protectives.” He described the difference in the two processes to pass these pieces of legislation including the pros and cons
of each. Joe also discussed Legislative Councils and the process being
used currently by State Legislators in regards to encouraging more
consolidations of fire services.
17
PFFW / Summer 2010
PFFW State Honor Guard
After 20 years of dedication and commitment to the
PFFW including 11 years as a PFFW Executive Board Member, John Gee received an award for his devotion to our organization.
Governor Jim Doyle addressed the membership and
explained the economy and the impact it is having on the
State of Wisconsin. He thanked the members for their support over the past eight years and asked them to support the
candidates that protect the PFFW interests in the upcoming
elections.
Emeritus Nancy Metcalf addressed the attendees
and thanked the PFFW for the invitation and hospitality.
RPFFW President Dave Bosanko informed the members of
the role of the RPFFW and its willingness to work with the
members of the PFFW.
IAFF President Harold Schaitberger and IAFF 5th District Vice-President Joe Conway Jr. updated the delegation
on the current issues affecting the IAFF locally and abroad.
They discussed the following topics: the Disaster Relief Fund,
National Collective Bargaining, and the Burn Foundation
funding and the need for donations. New and upcoming
programs will be starting soon including a new interactive
IAFF internet magazine, a do-it-yourself GIS study program,
and a Fire Ground Survival Program. IAFF members should
Mike Drury receives an award from the Central Wisconsin Professional
Fire Fighters Association
take advantage of an upcoming grant program to purchase
the next generation SCBA using pressure-vessel technology.
The IAFF received 2.7 million dollars in grant money and
partnered with MSA to build this prototype SCBA.
PFFW Secretary-Treasurer Mike Drury announced that
he would not run for re-election this year. Mike served on the
Executive Board for 4 years and as Secretary-Treasurer for 10
years. In each of his 10 years Mike balanced the budget and
even managed to be under budget. Mike served on numerous
committees and boards, including the appointment to the
Credentials Committee
Front Row: Mike Drury-Chair, Mark Villalpando-Co-Chair, Steve
Wilding, Steven Unruh Back Row: Chris Marion, Ted Frank, Greg
Sikora, Chuck Goettl
Bachelor of S
18
Convenient
fin
Follow the road to success.
CONTACT US TODAY! Broo
Cardinal Stritch Univeristy is accredited b
PFFW / Summer 2010
Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Board by Governor Doyle
in 2004.
The Central Wisconsin Professional Fire Fighters Association presented Mike Drury a fire bell for his commitment
to the PFFW, and the locals of their Association.
Steve Wilding was newly elected to the position of PFFW
Secretary-Treasurer by acclimation by the delegates. Rich Gee
was elected to the Executive Board after the first election, but
the second open seat was highly contested in two consecutive
elections with Matt Simpson being elected over Tim Dietman
and Juan Gamez by a narrow margin of victory.
Manitowoc, IAFF Local 368 was awarded the 78th PFFW
Convention in 2013.
Superior Fire Fighters were applauded for their dedication to the PFFW as they passed the red cap to the Madison
Fire Fighters for the 2010 PFFW Convention. Superior Fire
Fighters were thankful that they were able to continue their
tradition of hosting the 25th, 50th and now the 75th Annual
Convention.
The PFFW Executive Board and members want to thank
Superior Fire Fighters Local 74 for their hospitality in hosting
the convention.
Resolutions Committee
Front Row: Mike Havey, John Gee- Chair, Troy Haase- Co-Chair, Craig
Ford, Derek Matykowski Back Row: Ken Blaedow, Travis Teesch, Clay
Christenson-Vice-Chair, Jeff Weidner, Erick Gerritson, Jason Shikoski
Fundraising Committee
Front Row: Steve Tippel, Juan Gamez, Bob Baird-Chair Back Row: Justin
Pluess, Kevin Sherry, Erick Gerritson Not pictured: Len Orlando-Co-Chair
Newly elected PFFW Executive Board Member Rich Gee, State SecretaryTreasurer Steve Wilding & Executive Board Member Matt Simpson take the
oath of office from 5th District VP Joe Conway Jr.
Elections & Sargent At Arms
Front Row: Lance Hanson- Co-Chair, Larry Derosier, Hank Wendt- Vice
Chair, Patrick Krajnik, Al Hefter-Chair, Glen McCoy Back Row: Paul
Murphy, Joe Breznik, Brad Breuer, Bob Manke Not pictured: Joe Flister
Science in Public Safety Management
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okfield & Kenosha : Annette DiZinno (414) 410-8662 [email protected]
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PFFW / Summer 2010
President’s Column
Continued from page 4
Brothers and Sisters
of the PFFW,
For the past 14 years, not a day has gone
by in which I have not thought, spoken, or
acted on an issue relating to the PFFW. It
is a profession I respect with great dignity,
and am extremely proud to be a member of.
Mike Drury
Merrill Local 847
With the commencement of this year’s convention in Duluth, my term as State Secretary/Treasurer of the PFFW will end. I am writing this letter to
inform you that, after 14 years of dedicating my life working for
the organization … for you …, I will not be seeking re-election.
While it remains bittersweet to close this chapter of my life, the
workload, the travel, and the events of the last couple of years
have taken a toll on me and my family. I simply can not continue under these circumstances. I will miss the camaraderie and
countless friendships I have acquired over the years. Please know
that my heart and soul will always be with the PFFW. It has
truly been a blessing to work for each and every one of you!
Fraternally, Mike Drury
positions, as well as re-elect those incumbents who support us. Many incumbent legislators in both the Senate
and Assembly face tough races this November and it
is important that the members in these districts do all
that they can to help elect the right candidates. And of
course, there’s the all important Governor’s race.
The PFFW Executive Board continues to look at
new ideas to enhance and improve the PFFW in every
area of service we provide. We will continue to find
ways to improve the livelihoods of our 2,800 members. As we look forward, there is little doubt that the
struggles will continue, that the economic climate will
continue to play a role in the services fire departments
provide. We will continue to see those decision makers
who blame public safety for all of their cities ills. Standing up to these attacks requires vigilance, commitment,
and dedication to the needs of those who stand on the
front lines. The PFFW is ready for what lies ahead. We
will continue to thrive and move forward for all of the
members of the PFFW.
Fraternally, Mike Woodzicka
YOU PUT OUT THE HEAT.
RYAN SENDS IT
OVER
THE
OUTFIELD WALL.
FIREFIGHTER AND PARAMEDIC DAYS!
WED 7:10 P
VS.
8/11 8/12
SAVE 50% ON SELECT TICKETS!
Ryan Braun and the Brewers power hitters love to send fastballs flying out of the park. And you’ll want to act fast to score the best seats
with this special ticket offer. When the Brewers take on the Diamondbacks on August 11 and 12, firefighters across the state of Wisconsin
and their families can SAVE 50% on tickets in select seating areas. Tickets for this offer will go on sale June 21. To order, please visit
http://bit.ly/c8l02w for the 8/11 game, and http://tiny.cc/d7khu for the 8/12 game and use the password FIRETRUCK.
Offer ends August 9, 2010. To order group tickets of 20 or more, please call Ivan Ignatowski at (414) 902-4492.
(414) 902-GAME
RYAN BRAUN #8 OF
20
THU 1:10 P
BREWERS.COM
PFFW / Summer 2010
T
his article is being published as my regular
feature in several different publications. I
normally do unique articles for each one
but this time I felt that the message was so
important that it needed to reach as many people as possible —
especially to those that “do the job” day in and day out. Please
take the time to read this article because it is about you and how
you can make a difference.
The tones go off — the neighboring service is paged for a
call ... no response. Several minutes later they go off again ... no
response. Finally your tones go off and you are now enroute to
their call.
The other day you were paged to intercept with a neighboring service. When you arrived you find the trauma patient
without a patent airway, the immobilization is poor at best, and
the scene time was 30 minutes without extrication.
You arrive to work to find you are partnered with the weakest person on the service. They don’t know their basic skills and
always wait to be told what to do on scene.
You applied for your license and it’s been 3 months — numerous calls to the state office have not been fruitful and you are
frustrated.
Your service wants to upgrade to the intermediate tech
level, training is finished and you want to get using your skills
but “the state” is taking its sweet time in approving the service to
upgrade.
We submitted our new CPAP protocol and plan to the state
— it’s been 90 days ... our patients could really use this life saving procedure.
Why is it when I call the state office I can never get through
and they never return my call?
Our service director is new and could really use some assistance in all the things they now need to know to operate effectively. Where are the resources from the state to help us?
Why is it that the ambulance services get funding assistance
and the first responders still continue to scrimp and save and
make ends meet?
Do any of these sound familiar? Do they frustrate you as
much as it frustrates others — believe it or not it certainly frustrates us in the State office. Wisconsin has 19,655 licensed individuals with 772 licensed services (448 ambulance services and
324 first responder services.) Wisconsin has a high level of community pride with local volunteers having strong work values
and ethical responsibility to their communities to be ready to
respond; 54% of all licensed personnel are volunteer.
Brian Litza
State EMS Section Chief
We (and I do mean “we”) all have concerns about the way other services operate and how some individuals provide care for
their patients. We complain to each other and we think that
no one will do anything about it even if a formal complaint is
lodged. We are concerned about credibility and being addressed
as professionals; yet we are all talk and no action. Well ladies and
gentlemen the time to act has come upon us.
While we were going about our business serving our communities the organizations that we call our stakeholders have
been working on a way to start fixing these problems. In the
near future there will be information coming out regarding an
additional fee to the automobile registrations that will go directly to fund the EMS system in this state. There will be local,
county, and state officials asking you and your service what are
the problems and how can we help. The complaints and situations that I began this story with are the types of things that need
to be shared. If your service does not have enough people, can’t
fill your schedule, can’t afford equipment or supplies, constantly
are requested for mutual aid, or any other issues; they need to
be shared. We are the unsung heroes and we go about our duties without the need for attention. We make do with what we
have because our goal is to serve our communities. Now is not
the time to keep our thoughts and opinions to ourselves. You
may have wondered who to complain to or better yet the right
time to do so. This is the time and the community leaders are the
ones that need to know. It is very important that you not just say
everything is just fine. This sends the message that there are no
problems and we all know better. We need to be honest and up
front with everyone especially if you are having problems with
the state EMS office. We can’t help or improve service unless the
decision makers know there are issues.
The stakeholders will be disseminating additional information to everyone in the very near future. If you want to help
yourselves, improve quality care in this state, and assure that the
person you are working with is as qualified as you then now is
the time to act. Talk to your leaders, share your stories and let
them know your frustrations. Help us support this initiative and
we assure you that additional resources will be available to your
service for training and equipment and supplies. Resources can
be made available to help with technical assistance and we can
assure that we have what is needed to develop and maintain a
high quality EMS system in Wisconsin. Remember, we don’t do
this for the glory; we do this for the patients!
Help EMS by Helping Others
as Well as Yourselves
21
PFFW vs. PACKERS GREEN MACHINE
F
our PFFW locals played fundraising softball games against
the Packers Green Machine
softball team this spring. On
Saturday, May 15, Wausau Local 415 hosted
the Packers at Athletic Park in Wausau with
the Packers prevailing by a score of 8-6. The
next day the Packers traveled to La Crosse’s
Copeland Park where La Crosse Local 127
defeated the Packer team by a score of 5-2
in seven innings.
The next weekend on Saturday, May
22, Madison Local 311 defeated the Packers
11-3 in seven innings at the “Duck Pond”
in Madison’s Warner Park. On Sunday, May
23, Sheboygan Local 483 traveled to Milwaukee County’s Wilson Park to play and
defeated the Packers by a score of 11-5 in
seven innings.
A few of the Packer players included
James Jones, Jermichael Finley, John Kuhn,
Desmond Bishop, Charles Dillon former
player Rob Davis and other roster members.
Thank you to these four locals for representing the PFFW in this year fundraising
softball games against the Packers “Green
Machine.”
Top Right: Wausau Local 415 vs. the Packers
at Athletic Park in Wausau.
Third Right: LaCrosse Local 127 vs. Packers
at Copeland Park.
Bottom Right: Sheboygan Local 483 vs.
Packers at Milwaukee County’s Wilson Park.
Second Right: Madison Local 311 vs. the
Packers at the “Duck Pond” in Madison’s
Warner Park.
23
PFFW / Summer 2010
New Inventory System Released
E
veryone loses things sometimes. When
it’s your left sock or your favorite hat,
it can be annoying. When it’s supplies
for your fire station, it can be downright
dangerous.
That’s where inventory systems come in. If your agency
uses an inventory system, you can easily look up how many
pairs of fire boots you have or who was the last to have the
training mannequin. If your system is powerful enough, you
can even find the fuel receipts for the ambulance or check your
inventory of a product using a scanner. When your agency’s
inventory is documented and kept track of, you don’t need to
worry about losing track of your important items.
Based on its several years of experience with Fire and
EMS agencies, ImageTrend created its new Inventory module in response to the unique needs of these agencies. The
module allows you to easily keep track of where all of your
equipment is placed and leads you straight to it when needed. With this system, each item and product has a record that
keeps track of its information, from bar code and location to
allocations and photos.
ImageTrend’s Inventory module gives Fire and EMS
agencies the control over how their items are organized, classified and recorded. Categories can be stacked as much or
as little as needed, allowing agencies to create an unlimited
depth of subcategories. If your agency has two or ten levels
of categories, the system can reflect that.
Above all, ImageTrend’s Inventory solution is configurable to fit your agency’s needs. Categories and locations for
24
items can be nested to show hierarchies for as many levels
as your agency wants. If necessary, you can create a single
record for an item that is also a site to store things (such as
a desk or an ambulance). For products that need to keep
track of specific information (such as tire information for
apparatuses) you can create special data categories to collect
information for those specific products. Additionally, you
have the ability to save preferred vendors according to specific items, speeding up your purchasing process. ImageTrend
understands that a system can only help your agency if it fits
smoothly into the way things are already done, and the high
level of configuration ensures that this is possible.
Barcode scanners can make keeping track of inventory
faster and smoother, and ImageTrend’s Inventory system
makes working with barcode scanners easy. Each product can
store barcode information in its profile, and you can use the
scanner to add new products or find records in your system
with the scanned barcode.
ImageTrend’s Inventory system can integrate with any
of its existing Fire and EMS products to keep track of all
your information in a single system.
ImageTrend, Inc. is an innovative software company in
Lakeville, MN, devoted to bringing cutting-edge technology
to the forefront of business. ImageTrend’s award-winning
applications contribute to its ranking as one of Minnesota’s
fastest growing technology companies. ImageTrend combines business analysis, creative design and database-driven
architecture with sophisticated development standards to
provide tomorrow’s solutions today.
Public Service is Personal at Stritch
By Brett Kell and Jennifer Lembrich
F
irefighters often are characterized as
heroes. Johnny Winston Jr., a firefighter
with the Madison Fire Department who earned a Master of
Science in Management degree
from Cardinal Stritch University’s College of Business and
Management, knows what it’s
like to face a ferocious fire.
But fighting blazes is not
what defines him. His heroism comes as much from his dedication to and involvement
in his community as his work with hydrants, hoses and ladders. Winston is a board member of the Madison Metropolitan School District, where being in touch with kids has made
dealing with difficult issues in the district a welcome challenge.
“It allows me to utilize my Stritch degree to look closer at the
management issues involved,” he said.
For Winston, the pursuit of a master’s degree was the next
logical step in his dedication to education. After graduating
from Madison’s West High in 1986, he went on to an associate’s degree in fire science, a bachelor’s degree in public administration management, and a certificate in certified public
management.
“I knew that to get to another level, I would need more
education. I think young people today need to look at it the
same way. It opens doors for you.”
Winston found Stritch online and was drawn toward the
structure of the management program. “It’s one of the best
decisions I’ve ever made,” he said. “We really bonded. I looked
forward to class!” He said much of what he learned at Stritch
has come in handy in his efforts to serve the community.
But he isn’t alone. Because the University has campuses
throughout southeastern Wisconsin, there is a concentration
of Stritch graduates in leadership positions in the two largest
fire departments in the state. In addition to former Milwaukee Fire Department chief Bill Wentlandt and deputy chief
Don Doro, a number of other Milwaukee firefighters are current or former Stritch students, including Alonzo Chapman,
captain of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Engine 36. Winston’s neighbor, Madison Fire Department Assistant Chief Jim
Keiken, ’03, is also a Stritch graduate.
As one of three assistant chiefs in the department, Keiken is
responsible for personnel, planning, and training, with 318 em-
ployees under him. When Winston was considering programs,
Keiken was quick to offer his
glowing opinion of Stritch.
“I told Johnny what an exceptional experience it had
been for me, especially the opConv
portunity to collaborate with
others in a way that most programs don’tFollow
allow.” the road to succes
Similarly,CONTACT
Chapman learnedUS TODAY
about Stritch’s College of BusiCardinal Stritch Univerist
ness programs through an associate in the fire department.
“I’ve always thought that having a master’s degree would be beneficial, both personally and professionally. I had to keep going.”
Wentlandt, who recalls talking with Chapman about
Stritch when Chapman was considering graduate programs,
said that his time at Stritch was “a powerful experience,” one
that brought together public and private sector employees in a
uniquely collaborative learning environment.
Doro, who graduated in 1998 with an MBA, echoed this
sentiment. “As a public sector employee, I benefited from the
perspectives of those classmates who worked in the private sector,” he said.
Chapman said he has benefited from the enhanced perspective. “Now, when the department comes out with policies
and procedures, I understand better the managerial aspects of
what they’re doing. As firefighters, I think we tend to lose sight
of the behind-the-scenes process. Understanding that makes
me a better officer.”
For those who currently possess a bachelor’s degree,
Stritch’s Master of Science in Management (MSM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are popular options
which allow for personal and professional growth and increased marketability. An advanced degree is instrumental in
developing the elite future leaders of public safety departments
and organizations. Stritch also offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety
Management in an accelerated, online format to best meet
the needs of law enforcement and fire service personnel. The
program is designed for busy working adults who wish to
relate their practical career experience to business and management theories. Ideal candidates for this program include:
firefighters, police officers, law enforcement officials, and
city/county workers. Bachelor
SPOTLIGHT: Cardinal Stritch
PFFW / Summer 2010
25
PFFW / Summer 2010
Cardinal Stritch
In addition to the major sequence of courses, graduation
plans may include transfer credits and credits earned for various
life and work experiences such as licenses, certificates, technical
coursework and military experience. Stritch offers a 25% military tuition discount, convenient payment plans, and upfront
financial aid options which make earning a degree a reality for
those who thought they couldn’t afford it. To learn about the programs starting in August 2010, contact Susan Slonac at (414) 410-4133 or [email protected]
(Milwaukee) or Annette Dizinno at (414) 410-8662 or [email protected] (Brookfield and Kenosha). Susan and Annette are visiting local fire and police departments, conducting
informational sessions and teleconferences, and waiving $20
application fees. E-mail them today to schedule a session for
your department! Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin
“All I Ever Wanted to be is a Fire Fighter”
26
for information, because we didn’t like their position on an issue
then we seriously need to evaluate who and what we are and the
direction this organization is going. Mistakes have been made
of the most serious nature. There is no denying that fact. If an
individual believes that those who made these mistakes be held
accountable, that is OK. That is their right. And if your belief is
essentially “no harm, no foul” that, too, is OK. I may not agree
with that belief, but it is your right to have a position contrary
to mine. Each and every member has the right and responsibility to make an informed decision just as each and every local has
that same right and responsibility. It is called local autonomy
and it is one of the tenets of the IAFF.
I have witnessed much change within the fire service,
some I believe good while other changes occurred for the sake
of change, or because some fire executive reacted without much
thought or input from those directly affected by their decisions.
And we will continue to see change. Some will occur because
of the above stated reasons while other changes will occur because a changing culture within our communities will demand
greater efficiencies while maintaining the same high quality of
service we have come to provide and our citizens have come to
expect. These are the challenges that will be facing you in the
near future. Prepare to meet them; be proactive, be creative, be
vigilant and be demanding of your leadership. But most of all
be a positive influence within your local, your department, and
your community.
Thank you for your support over the years. I will forever
cherish the memories and friendships I have made. Stay safe and
stay in touch.
Len Orlando
PFFW E-Board (Retired)
Manitowoc
Spring 2003 Manitowoc Fire Department merger with Unified ambulance
bers are as follows: Dan Hrudka, Jason Pielhop, Jeremy Wagner,
and Brad Olivera. Local 368 has been active in our community
annually raising funds for MDA, Salvation Army, Little League
(Fire-Flies), and numerous other charities and organizations.
Manitowoc Fire Fighters have been active with the PFFW with
past members Michael Kunesh and Robert Burtard holding state
positions. Manitowoc has hosted two conventions in the past in
1963 and 1988. It is our hope to continue hosting every 25 years
by hosting the 2013 convention.
Submitted by: Jason Pielhop & Jason Sweney,
Manitowoc Local 0368
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Whether protecting the rights
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dedication, experience and
commitment are unmatched.
In addition to assisting the PFFW with labor issues, we also
provide services at reduced fees for Fire Fighter union members and their families in the following areas of law:
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fire fighters - Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin

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