Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin

Transcription

Professional
FIRE FIGHTERS
a publication of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, Inc.
FEATURE STORY:
PFFW 73rd Annual Convention
SCBA Maker: INTERSPIRO | p 10
Meet the
Madison Fire Department
and IAFF Local 311 | p 11
| 13
OF WISCONSIN
SUMMER
VOLUME 3, NUMBER 3
Professional
SUMMER
VOLUME 3
NUMBER 3
OF WISCONSIN
10
SCBA Maker:
INTERSPIRO
11
SPOTLIGHT:
Meet the Madison Fire Department
and IAFF Local 311
13
Feature Story:
PFFW 73rd Annual Convention
17
UW-Oshkosh
Fire & ER Management Program
18
PFFW Plays Packers “Green
Machine” in Softball Games
DEPARTMENTS
Committee Reports | p 6
Calendar of Events | p 7
Cover: State President Rick Gale presenting Line of Duty Medallion
to wife of James Zimmer and the members of Rice Lake Local 1793.
For cover and convention photos special thanks go to John Lathrop, Local 2051
MDA | p 8
Professional Fire Fighters of WI
7 N. Pinckney Street, Suite 200 • Madison, WI 53703 • admin@pffw.org; 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 Phoenix Services. 608/588-3706.
Editorial contributions will be handled with care; however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for the safety of artwork, photographs, or
manuscripts. Copyright 2008. Phoenix Services. All rights reserved.
President’s Column | p 4
3
2008 Executive Board
State President
Rick Gale, West Allis Local 1004
2831 South 114th St, West Allis, WI 53227
Home: 414-321-6590; Fire: 414-302-8905
Fax: 414-321-7596; Cell: 414-429-2582
Email: pffwpres@aol.com
State Vice-President
Robert Baird, Brookfield Local 2051
Station: 262-781-1375; Fax: 262-798-1541
Cell: 414-429-2590; Email: exbdbaird@aol.com
State Secretary/Treasurer
Mike Drury, Merrill Local 847
Station: 715-536-2522; Fax: 715-539-9190
Cell: 715-218-2962; Email: mdrury4@charter.net
Board Members:
Leonard Orlando, Green Bay Local 141
Station: 920-391-3621; Fax: 920-469-4060
Cell: 414-429-2596; Email: orlfire53@msn.com
State Liaison to Antigo, Marshfield, Merrill, Rhinelander,
Stevens Point, Wausau, & Wisconsin Rapids
John Gee, Oshkosh Local 316
Station: 920-236-5294; Fax: 920-233-4418
Cell: 920-379-8822; Email: unionn@sbcglobal.net
State Liaison to Fond du Lac, Grand Chute, Kaukauna, Neenah/
Menasha, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, & West Allis
Lance Hanson, Eau Claire Local 487
Station: 715-839-7270; Fax: 715-874-4426
Cell: 715-829-2595; Email: lhanson778@aol.com
State Liaison to Ashland, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire,
La Crosse, Menomonie, Onalaska, Rice Lake, & Superior
Alan Hefter, West Bend Local 2025
Station: 262-335-5054; Cell: 262-388-0297
Email: ahefter@charter.net
State Liaison to Cudahy, Franklin, Greendale, St. Francis,
South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, & West Bend
Mike Woodzicka, Appleton Local 257
Station: 920-832-5822; Fax: 920-779-8804
Cell: 920-915-0514; Email: unions@msn.com
State liaison to Allouez, Appleton, DePere, Manitowoc,
Marinette, Oconto, Sturgeon Bay, & Two Rivers
Troy Haase, Fond du Lac Local 400
Station: 920-322-3803; Cell: 920-979-1235
Email: local400president@charter.net
State Liaison to Caledonia, Kenosha, Mount Pleasant,
Pleasant Prairie, Racine, Sturtevant, Watertown
Tracy Aldrich, Stevens Point Local 484
Station: 715-344-1833; Fax: 715-341-4556
Cell: 715-630-6627; Email: taldrich5@sbcglobal.net
State Liaison to Beaver Dam, Beloit, Town of Beloit,
Green Bay, Janesville, Madison, Portage
Steve Wilding, Oak Creek Local 1848
Station: 414-764-0321; Cell: 414-491-8148
Email: oclt1815@aol.com
State Liaison to Brookfield, Greenfield, Menomonee
Falls, Milwaukee County Airport, North Shore, Oak Creek,
Waukesha
PFFW Lobbyist
Joe Strohl
Madison, WI
Cell: 414-429-2589; Phone: 608-251-0900
Fax: 608-251-8707; Email: jstrohl@pffw.org
President’s Column
Rick Gale
State of the Union
State President
I am pleased to report to you that the state of our union is strong. We had a legislative year unlike any
in the history of this organization. We were able to roll back a 110 year-old piece of legislation containing 62.13, which provided that when a firefighter was involved in a discipline case, he or she needed to
go before the city-appointed Police and Fire Commission. I do not think I have to explain to anyone
the absurdity of trying to get an impartial hearing before a group that generally golfs with, supports,
and stands behind the fire chief on every issue.
I can share with you that there is a significant number of unhappy people concerning this legislation. The
fire chiefs and police chiefs are out of their minds at this point. Clearly, we have some work to do on this
legislation; and it may need some adjustments. A number of you have tried to negotiate it and we are
finding a lot of pushback in the jurisdictions throughout the state, even though, we do have a number of
success stories where we were able to get in and incorporate it into the contract.
We need the State focused on this issue. We need to understand that back in 1973, before any of us
were involved; our collective bargaining arbitration law was passed. It took six or seven years to finetune it and get it to the document that we have today to provide the protection we have today. However, I want to share with you that we will get there; we will get it done; we will have those changes
made institutionally; and we will make sure that fire fighters have a fair and impartial hearing when it
comes to discipline in the state of Wisconsin.
We worked with Governor Doyle and had Tim Hawks write the language in a manner where the cops
could be vetoed back in. We did that for two reasons: first and most importantly, this organization
gave its word. I sat down with the cops and I said we need to work together; we need to try to pass this
legislation; and we will not cut a deal for ourselves. The alliance of cities came to us. Ed Huck said,
“Rick, we will speak for your guys, but we don’t want the cops to have it.” We could not do that. A
commitment was made; our word was given.
Secondly, it was a concern on part of your Executive Board that if we were to separate this issue and
have the arbitration without the cops, it would give them a fundamental argument that all the fire
fighters have the same discipline as garbage men or some other general employee classification. We
wanted to make sure that Protective Services were treated the same and in that treatment, be fair. So,
don’t let any police jurisdiction in our state tell you that it was anybody other than the fire fighters that
got this done, because it is simply not true.
Additionally, the International, Harold Schaitberger, Joe Conway, and the Executive Board were able
to craft legislation: the HELPS Bill. This provides retired police and fire fighters up to $3000 per year,
tax-free to pay for health insurance costs. The one glitch in the system is that the disbursement needed
to come from the Pension System. Given the fact there is 435,000 people in the Wisconsin Retirement
Fund and we are somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000 prospective, there was significant pushback from the department to craft a computer program to do all the entries and data needed for 15,000
people. In fact, they put a million-dollar cost on this and would need two additional staff to get the job
done. We clearly did not agree with that analysis. Nonetheless, that is where they stood.
In last year’s budget, we were able to get Governor Doyle to add an exemption for state tax. Therefore,
that $3000 was exempt from state and federal tax but it still had to cross the threshold or get over the
hurdle of the disbursement through the retirement system. Governor Doyle put in our legislation
“Having been able to sit on this
dais for twenty-one years, I have
been to many conventions. Never
in the history of this organization
have we had the slate that we have
for you this year.”
At the risk of making this the Governor Doyle appreciation
show, I need to also share with you during that same budget reconciliation bill when everything was on the table. The
Governor publicly said everything is on the table: education
cuts, and transportation cuts. He privately met with us and
privately said “shared revenue will not be touched. I will not
touch shared revenue.” He did not, he never brought it up,
he never allowed it into discussion, and he never allowed any
conversation on it. Shared Revenue was fully protected in the
budget reconciliation bill, which is also outstanding.
Some disappointments, clearly in the budget bill last fall, we would
have liked to see a shared revenue increase; that did not happen.
However, to that end, your Executive Board crafted a retreat with
the executive board of AFSCME and the WPPA (cops) in January
2008. Just getting those groups in the same room was very difficult. I think many of you know that the WPPA and AFSCME
have had a very rocky relationship in terms of raiding each other
and not getting along. However, we were able to organize this
meeting and bring the boards together with a very narrow agenda
that is in all of our interests. That agenda was Shared Revenue. We
talked about three things: Shared Revenue, Shared Revenue, and
Shared Revenue. We had mayors in from Waukesha, Appleton,
Watertown, Janesville, and we brought other elected officials in.
We brought in Ed Huck from the Alliance of Cities. They are all
on-board; they will all follow the fire fighters lead. They are all
going to work with us to make shared revenue the number one
legislation agenda for city and county municipal employees next
year. I am here to tell you that we are going to get that job done. I
am not exactly sure how we are going to do it yet, but we are going
to get that job done.
The next issue that we want to
get on the docket (John Gee
has sent out documents) is an
Infectious Disease Bill. We
have our Heart & Lung Bill;
we have our Cancer Presumptive Bill; we have our Tuition Remission Bill. The last key in the
link, the last block in the building we want to build in terms of
providing protection is to get this infectious disease bill done. We
really need the information, even if it is anecdotal: Any story, any
documentation you have. I can’t underscore how critical it is that
you get that information to John Gee so we can start crafting the
arguments we need. At the end of the day, this will be a pure politics fight. At the end of the day, we will get it because we got the
votes. As much cover as we can provide for our friends, we need to
do that and that is why we have to have that legislation.
We have had a very busy year. We have talked to you about it
a number of times. We have people on the State EMS Board;
Bob Baird is on the State Insurance Board, and Mike Drury is
on the State Deferred Compensation Board. I think many of
you know that a month or two ago, I was elected Chairman of
the Wisconsin Retirement Board. I think you all know me well
enough to know that we are certainly going to try to provide
some changes in that agency in terms of making sure that city
and county employees get the same attention and same service
that state employees have been getting for a long time.
Having been able to sit on this dais for twenty-one years, I have
been to many conventions. Never in the history of this organization have we had the slate that we have for you this year. We
have the Governor; we have the Lieutenant Governor; we have
the Attorney General; we have the Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court; we have the Speaker of the State Assembly;
and we have the Senate Majority Leader. They are not coming
here because they don’t want something; they are coming here
because they want something. I think it is significant that they
view this as an organization that they need to get something
from because when you really know you’re hurting is when nobody cares.
So, enjoy it. It should be fun. We have a lot of work to do. Your
Executive Board has been outstanding and has worked hard over
the last year. They are ready to do the heavy lifting that needs to
be done in January 2009 to further our legislative agenda and our
legislative goals. God bless you and the PFFW.
to direct the agency to craft
the computer program to provide the information we need
in order for our retirees to use
the HELPS bill. Given the fact
that the state faced a $600 million deficit, Governor Doyle provided over $500,000 in funding
to hire two staff for the department in order to get that job done
for you. Just to show how staff was still unwilling to let it go, they
approached Governor Doyle asking him to veto the January 1,
2009 date and in his veto message say, give us until April 1. Governor Doyle flatly told them, without question, I will not veto it;
I want this done by 1/1/09 for fire fighters in the state. That is
outstanding.
5
Legislative Report
T
he Wisconsin Legislature concluded its
2007-2008 session with the passage of a budget repair bill and the Great Lakes Compact.
Both of these were considered in special session. The only item on their special session call that was not taken
up was campaign finance reform. There was just no consensus on
how to proceed so no action was taken. Legislators were anxious
to go home and begin the campaign.
The budget repair bill did contain a provision the PFFW had lobbied for. Both federal and state laws give an income tax break to
retired fire fighters to help with the cost of health insurance. Once
retired you will be able to take up to a $3,000 tax deduction if
funds to pay for the insurance premium are made directly from
your annuity. The budget provision directs the Department of
Employee Trust Funds (ETF) to do that if requested to do so by
the annuitant.
The next 6 months are likely to be consumed with politics and
elections. Wisconsin will of course get lots of attention from the
presidential candidates since we are a swing state. That is both
good news and bad news. Good news is that we will have lots of
opportunities to see John McCain and Barack Obama up close.
Bad news is our TV sets will be saturated with presidential ads.
Other than the presidential race, there is no other statewide race
this year. Neither US Senator is up for re-election nor is the Governor. This only happens like once every twenty years.
Spring 2008 • Volume 3 Number 3
The only competitive congressional race is in the 8th CD where
there is a rematch between US Rep. Steve Kagen and former Assembly Speaker John Gard. This race is thought to be the GOP’s
number one targeted district in the country for a takeaway.
6
Races for the state legislature are another matter. A couple of
things of note make races there different this election. First the
large number of incumbents that are not seeking re-election. It
looks like at least 13 are not running again. Second the control of the State Assembly is also at steak. The GOP majority of
53-46 is being seriously challenged by Assembly Democrats and
their allies.
Of the 13 incumbents not running at least six are from swing
districts and the results of those races could impact at least the
control of the State Assembly. The other districts are not competitive so the replacement is likely to be of the same party as the
incumbent was.
The 13 leaving are Sen. Roger Breske (D-Eland), Sen. Carol
Roessler (R-Oshkosh), Rep. Cheryl Albers (R-Reedsburg), Rep.
Joe Strohl
PFFW Lobbyist
Frank Boyle (D-Superior), Rep. Barbara Gronemus (D-Whitehall),
Rep. Eugene Hahn (R-Cambria), Rep. Sue Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls), Rep. Jim Kreuser (D-Kenosha), Rep. Terry Musser (RBlack River Falls), Rep. Carol Owens (R-Oshkosh), Rep. Dave
Travis (D-Madison), Rep. Sheldon Wasserman (D-Milwaukee),
and Rep. Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton).
Those leaving competitive districts are Breske, Roessler, Gronemus,
Hahn, Musser, and Wieckert. Of the four state representatives leaving competitive districts three are represented by Republicans.
In addition to these 4 districts there are at least 14 other Assembly
Districts in play. Democrats are targeting Republican incumbents
Rep. John Murtha (Baldwin), Rep. Brett Davis (Oregon), Rep.
Mark Honadel (South Milwaukee), Rep. Doc Hines (Oxford),
Rep. Terry Moulton (Chippewa Falls), Rep. Karl Van Roy (Green
Bay), and Rep. Jeff Mursau (Crivitz). Some of these Republican
incumbents won by less than 200 votes.
Assembly Republican’s are targeting at least seven Democratic incumbents some of which won by less than 200 votes. Republican
targets are Rep. Ann Hraychuck (Balsam Lake), Rep. Andy Jorgensen (Fort Atkinson), Rep. Kim Hixson (Whitewater), Rep. Phil
Garthwaite (Fennimore), Rep. Steve Hilgenberg (Dodgeville), Rep.
Jim Soletski (Green Bay), and Rep. Jim Smith (Eau Claire).
The picture in the State Senate is clearer. Only half the State Senate is
up for election. Democrats now have an 18-15 majority and no one
credible believes the GOP has a chance to gain control this election.
However, there will likely be serious challenges to Sen. Jim Sullivan
(D-Wauwatosa) and Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) in 2010 so
Democrats want to pad their numbers this election.
Senate Democratic leaders have targeted three GOP incumbents.
Those are Sen. Alberta Darling (River Hills), Sen. Dan Kapanke
(La Crosse), and Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (River Falls). In addition,
the retirement of Carol Roessler in the Oshkosh-Fond du Lac area
have given Democrats new hope there.
Senate Republicans have targeted three seats now held by Democrats. These include Sen. Dave Hansen (Green Bay) and Sen. Bob
Wirch (Kenosha). In addition the appointment of Sen. Roger
Breske (D-Eland) to the Railroad Commission has given the GOP
new hope there. However Democrats believe they have a strong candidate in former State Rep. Jim Holperin (Eagle River) who also
spent time as Governor Jim Doyle’s Tourism Secretary.
As you can see from this listing of targeted races there will be
heightened political activity in just about every community
across the state.
Award of Valor
Manitowoc Firefighter/Paramedic Jacob Johnsrud was spending his days off like he mostly does back on April 14, 2008. FF
Johnsrud was enjoying a cup of coffee with his fiancée on the
porch of her apartment in Milwaukee. This wasn’t a normal day
though; breakfast was interrupted by screams and yells for help.
FF Johnsrud investigated
the sounds and found a
middle aged female in the
road with a wound to the
throat. The wound was
profusely bleeding due to
an ear-to-ear knife wound
from an attempted homicide. FF Johnsrud started
with basic first aid using his own sweatshirt
to control the bleeding,
while instructing his fiancée to call 911. While attempting to maintain the airway and
stop the bleeding the assailant came into the street, knife in hand,
to possibly finish off his victim. FF Johnsrud attempted to talk
down the assailant, demanding that he leave the victim and him
alone. The assailant ended up fleeing the scene only to be found a
few hours later and arrested. The Milwaukee Police Department
Homicide Division credits FF Johnsrud’s quick and selfless action
in saving this woman’s life.
Which brings us to May 5, 2008 when City of Manitowoc Mayor
Kevin Crawford presented the Award of Valor to FF Johnsrud.
The Award of Valor is the highest honor the city can bestow. The
Award of Valor is for conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, exceptional ability and devotion to duty, thereby exemplifying the highest
traditions of service to the community. The City of Manitowoc
& Manitowoc Professional Firefighters Local 368 both commend
Jacob for his selfless service and dauntless actions above and beyond the call of duty.
Respectively submitted,
Jason Sweney, Secretary, Manitowoc Local 368
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
State Secretary/
Treasurer
Report
Mike Drury
State Secretary/Treasurer
Congratulations to Appleton Local 275 for hosting another
enjoyable and productive PFFW Convention. I hope all of
you had a safe return home and are settling down to enjoy
your summer.
As we talked about at convention, we have implemented a new
and more cost effective way of billing and submitting payment
of each local’s per capita dues to the PFFW. Effective July 1st,
2008, we will no longer solely rely on the two-copy per capita
sheet delivered through the standard mail service. Instead, we
will utilize a new per capita sheet sent via e-mail to your local’s
secretary/treasurer (or treasurer). He/she will be responsible to
type in on the e-mailed form the current number of members
your local pays for each month. The form will electronically
calculate the total per capita amount due based on the number of members you have typed in. In addition, a second page
is attached to the e-mail to record any changes to your local
officers. Upon completion of this, the secretary/treasurer (or
treasurer) will print out a copy (or two if a hard copy is desired
for your own reference) and mail it in along with a check for
the billed amount to the PFFW State Sec./Treas. Once your
per capita check is received, I will acknowledge payment by
again e-mailing you the blank per capita form for payment
for the next month’s dues. For those locals that pay quarterly
or two months at a time, I ask that you just mark the months
that you are paying for along with the number of members
you are paying for. While we are always looking for ways to
be more efficient and cost effective, we are optimistic that this
new process will indeed save the PFFW time, printing costs
and postage. However, as is evident in any change, sometimes
it takes time to work all of the bugs out. So I ask each of us
ahead of time to be patient and understanding as we convert
to the new process. I am confident, as always, that if we work
together as a team, we can accomplish great things.
Have a great summer!
Rhinelander Fire Fighters, IAFF
Local 1028 Poker Run • Aug 2, 2008
PFFW School for Workers
Sept 9-11, 2008 • Madison
PFFW Softball Tournament
Aug 2, 2008 • Janesville
PFFW Golf Tournament
Sept 22-23, 2008 • Stevens Point
Manitowoc Firefighter
Receives
7
Congratulations to the PFFW for raising $306,464.20 for MDA in
2007! Congratulations and thank you to those top Locals who raised
funds for MDA in 2007. Below are the award winning Locals:
Top 3 – Based on dollars raised/member
1st place
St. Francis Local 2717
$ 1,878.65/member
2nd place
Wausau Local 415
$ 1,079.31/member
3rd place
Merrill Local 847
$ 773.57/member
Top 10 – Based on total dollars raised
Wausau Local 415 $55,045,00
Kenosha Local 414
$26,077.67
St. Francis Local 2717
$16,907.88 Merrill Local 847
$16,245.00
Fond du Lac Local 400
$14,550.45 Green Bay Local 141
$13,697.21
North Shore Local 1440
$13,234.49
Greenfield Local 1963
$12,937.65
Two Rivers Local 423
$10,954.85
Madison Local 311
$10,300.00
Highest Fill the Boot Total
Kenosha Local 414 $26,077.67
Boot Camp Awards
FTB Rookie Award – Madison Local 311
Golden Boot Award – Kenosha Local 414
8
St. Francis Fire Fighters Local 2717
Raise a Glass for MDA
The St. Francis Fire Fighters Local 2717 hosted the 4th Annual Raise A Glass to our Angels beer and wine tasting
event on Saturday, March 29th at the St. Francis Community Center. The event, which started to honor the memory
of Devin Carrillo, an MDA client, who passed away on
September 11, 2004 at 10 months old from Spinal Muscular Atrophy and in tribute to the St. Francis Fire Fighters,
raised $11,621.
The members in the photo from left to right are Mike Corso,
Nick Poplar, Tony Kloc, John Boyd and Mike Buckhalter.
www.uwosh.edu/newlearning/bferm
email: newlearning@uwosh.edu
800-463-6896
GOLD LEVEL ($100 or more)
• PFFW Window Sticker
• Gold Level Pin
• Choice of Duffle Bag or Overnight Bag
• Recognition in the PFFW Magazine
Your PAC & Conduit contribution
allows the PFFW to educate
members of the State Legislature
about issues important to your
profession as fire fighters and
emergency medical personnel
and to help elect candidates to office
who support those issues. For those incumbents
or candidates who are supportive of the PFFW
legislative agenda, PAC or Conduit will make a
contribution to their campaign.
SILVER LEVEL ($50 - $99)
• Bronze Pin
• Bronze PFFW Coin
BRONZE LEVEL ($25 - $49)
• Bronze Pin
2008
PFFW PAC & Conduit
Contribution Levels
Please submit the following information:
Duffle Bag with
machine stitched
PFFW logo
Name ______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________________________
Home No. ____________________________________________
Cell No. _____________________________________________
Overnight Bag
with machine
stitched PFFW logo
Local Name & No. ____________________________________
Employer Name ______________________________________
Employer Address ____________________________________
City, State, Zip _______________________________________
Gold Level
PFFW Window Sticker
Overnight
Silver Level
Bronze Level
Duffle Bag OR
Bag
Please return to:
Front side of
bronze coin with
PFFW logo
Back side of
bronze coin with
IAFF logo
PFFW Office
7 North Pinckney Street, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53703-5805
Questions? Call Troy Haase at 920-979-1235
Contributions of $100 or more will be accepted as a PFFW Conduit Contribution. Contributions of less than $100 will be accepted as a PFFW PAC Contribution.
The PFFW can only accept personal checks, or money orders payable to the PFFW PAC or PFFW Conduit. Please make checks or money orders payable to the
appropriate fund based on the amount contributed. Federal election laws prohibit the PFFW from accepting business or union dues (treasury) account checks.
Contributions to the PFFW do not qualify as charitable for federal income tax purposes.
SCBA Maker
Interspiro
Now a Wisconsin Based Company
O
nly a few fire departments in Wisconsin are
familiar with Interspiro, but the manufacturer has taken steps to change that with the
relocation of the company’s headquarters to
Pleasant Prairie, near Kenosha. In late 2003, Interspiro was acquired by Ocenco Incorporated of Pleasant Prairie WI, one of
Wisconsin’s top exporters, shipping respiratory protection equipment to over 40 countries around the world. Interspiro/Ocenco
is Wisconsin’s largest suppliers to the US Military with their
SCBA and closed circuit compressed oxygen escape respirators.
With its new home in Wisconsin, Interspiro has reached out to
nearby fire departments to introduce them to the range of firefighting and diving products produced by Interspiro. Interspiro’s
efforts were enhanced when Todd Vokovitch joined Interspiro as
Regional Manager for the North Central Region.
Todd grew up in Wauwatosa in a firefighting family. His dad is a
retired fire fighter from Wauwatosa serving as President of Local
#1923 Fire Fighters Union, as well as serving for many years as
President of the Professional Fire Fighters of WI.
Todd is working with fire departments to identify additional distributors and representatives that can help to spread the news
about the benefits of Interspiro products like Interspiro’s new
2007 Edition S6 SCBA and Divator SCUBA System for public
safety divers. As Todd says: “a good product is only half of the
equation, you also need good local support to keep the equipment in service and keep everybody in the department happy.”
10
Interspiro has supplied SCBAs to the US fire service since 1985,
but has developed and manufactured SCBAs for over eighty
years, supplying SCBAs to fire departments all over the world.
According to Mike Brookman, President, most of the innovations in SCBA design over the last twenty years can be traced to
Interspiro firsts. Interspiro was the first to develop and approve
high pressure (4500 psi) cylinders, the first to integrate the regulator in the mask for maximum breathing performance, the first
with an integrated heads up display (HUD) and the first SCBA
to obtain CBRN approval.
That innovation continues today with state of the art communications accessories, new respirator technologies like the high
performance, breath responsive PAPR (Powered Air Purifying
Respirator) in certification testing now, and the Divator Lite, a
complete rescue diving ensemble used by militaries around the
world and currently being introduced in the US for Public Safety
Rescue Divers.
The demands on firefighters are ever-changing, and their
equipment has to keep up with those demands. Interspiro is
now a Wisconsin-based supplier of respiratory protection to
the fire service, and it hopes many more fire departments will
give them the chance to show how the right combination of
tradition and innovation can provide superior respiratory protection for its members.
For more information on Interspiro products or to schedule a
plant tour, please contact Todd Vokovitch at 262-358-2442 or
by email at todd.vokovitch@interspiro.com.
As the MFD continues to grow and expand its services, Fire
Fighters Local 311 has helped lead the way. Following in his
father’s footsteps in 1996, Joe Conway Jr. was elected president of Local 311. With a 240 member local, he faced wavering daily staffing and a new chief hired from outside the
department. Within two years of taking office, staffing was set
at 58 and a new program to increase that number was in place.
Over the last 10 years, President Conway’s Creative Staffing
Program has helped increase daily staffing to its current 68
and has saved the Madison tax payers millions of dollars in
overtime expenses.
The 314 commissioned personnel of the Madison Fire Department (MFD) now protect over 217,000 citizens and more
than 67 square miles with an operating budget close to 40 million dollars. The 11 stations (Station 12 opening in early 2009)
house seven Paramedic Units, four Ladder Companies, and
nine Engine Companies. All 13 fire apparatus are fully staffed
with four Fire Fighters. With a daily staffing of 68 personnel,
the MFD responded to more than 24,000 calls in 2007. The
Department is a regional H.U.R.T. and Haz-Mat Team provider for the State of Wisconsin and supports special teams in
Lake Rescue and a Rapid Intervention Team. A Tactical Emergency Medical Service Team, comprised of MFD Paramedics
that work with the Madison Police Department SWAT Team,
was added in 2007. A Fire Prevention Division (Public Ed. and
Inspection/Enforcement), an Administrative Staff, and a Fire
Investigation Unit increases Madison Fire Department total
membership to 335.
In 2000, President ConOver the last 10 years, President
way was elected as InterConway’s Creative Staffing Program
national Association of
has helped increase daily staffing
Fire Fighters 5th District
to its current 68 and has saved the
Vice President, overseeMadison tax payers millions of
ing Wisconsin, Minnedollars in overtime expenses.
sota, North Dakota, and
South Dakota. Vice President Conway’s track record of excellent service to the IAFF and
the states he represents was reinforced with all four states voting
to endorse him, as he runs unopposed for re-election heading
into the 2008 IAFF Convention.
Local 311 members have a strong history of giving back to the
communities they serve, exemplified by Local 311 Charities.
Formed in 1998 as a 501c3, under the direction of Vice President Tim Healy and four other Trustees, Local 311 Charities
has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Through payroll
deduction, over 240 members of Charities donate $26,000 a
Two members, Apparatus Engineer Dan Belovarac and
Paramedic Che Stedman served in Iraq and Kuwait.
They serve in the 115th Air National Guard.
President Conway and Local 311 subsequently addressed the
need to organize smaller full-time departments throughout the
Madison-metro area. Beginning with Monona Fire in 1998, Local 311 now represents Monona Fire, Middleton EMS, FitchRona EMS, Oregon Fire, Sun Prairie EMS, Verona Fire and
Fitchburg Fire bringing the Local’s total membership to 340.
Continued on page 12
11
Continued from page 11
year to fund ongoing charitable programs such as scholarships
to local high schools, donations to the Y.W.C.A., firehouse
work programs for disabled adults, youth athletic programs,
Santa visits to area hospitals, and large donations. These donations include $30,000 to HospiceCare and $50,000 to the
U.W. Children’s Hospital. Due to great membership participation, President Conway was able to deliver a $5,000 check to
the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund within days of Hurricane Katrina to our Brothers and Sisters in the IAFF southern Locals.
The diversity of the Madison Fire Department and Local 311
is one of our greatest strengths. Our distinct workforce was recognized by the 2006 International Association of Fire Fighters
(IAFF) Diversity Initiative report. The Department ranked #1
in its sample for excellent diversity in all groups. This is a result
of a commitment from the Administration and the Union in
working together to reflect the community we live and serve in.
The joint Labor/Management Recruitment Committee looks to
build on this recognition to continue to lead the Fire Service
with a strong, quality, and diverse workforce.
PAUL CONWAY
SHIELDS & EQUIPMENT
PAULCONWAYSHIELDS.COM
Madison Fire Fighters fighting a blaze.
Awarded the 2011 PFFW Convention, Local 311 membership is honored to bring our Brothers and Sisters from across
the state back to Madison to witness firsthand how nearly 175
years of progressive improvement and commitment to our
profession has made the Madison Fire Department the exemplary department it is today.
PAULCONWAYSHIELDS.COM
1.800.955.8489
distributors of:
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12
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73rd
PFFW
June 7 – 11 • Appleton WI
Annual Convention
T
he Professional Fire Fighters of WI held
their 73rd Annual Convention June 7-11 in
Appleton, WI. The convention was opened
by State President Rick Gale, State Vice
President Bob Baird, State Secretary-Treasurer Mike Drury, the
PFFW Executive Board, Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna, and Appleton IAFF Local 257 President Mike Woodzicka welcoming
the delegates, alternates and guests to Appleton.
Line of Duty Medallion for James Zimmer.
Convention continued on Monday with IAFF President Harold Schaitberger addressing the members and guests. He asked
for the members support in his upcoming election in Las Vegas at the IAFF Convention. Vice-President Bob Baird asked
the membership to endorse President Schaitberger and with a
unanimous vote and standing ovation he graciously accepted.
Constitution & By-Laws Committee: Front Row: Lance Hanson,
Vice-Chair; Wally Endsley, Vice-Chair; Norm Nitz; Jeff Murphy;
Steve Wilding, Chair Back Row: Jason Hempel; Brian Goldschmidt;
Jeff Petermann; Garrett Cieczka
The business of the PFFW was highlighted with the passage of
the following resolutions:
• Resolution 1 was passed and the Constitution and By-Laws
will be changed to read; beginning on January 1, 2008 and
every year there after, the PFFW Budget will be increased
by the consumer price index as determined by the Milwaukee Metro Area rate from the previous twelve-month
reporting period.
• Resolution 2 was passed and the splits of fundraising dollars
in the Constitution and By-Laws will be changed to a percentage of the actual negotiated Royalty with CSA. The disbursement of the non per capita funds from fundraising will
be disbursed as follows; forty five percent to discretionary
revenue, forty five percent to refunds for the PFFW Locals,
and ten percent to the general fund.
Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton discussed the importance
of getting involved in the political arena in order to prevent further erosion of government in Wisconsin and the United States.
Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson addressed the membership
and asked for their support in the upcoming election.
President Gale opened with his state of the union address and
continued with the PFFW Executive Board committee reports
and the business of the PFFW.
State President Rick Gale; Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson; State
Secretary/Treasurer Mike Drury; State Vice-President Bob Baird
The opening ceremonies began with the memorial service honoring James Zimmer who died in the line of duty and the deceased members from the past year. The PFFW Honor Guard
along with State President Gale presented a line of duty medallion to the members of IAFF Local 1793 and the family of James
Zimmer. The PFFW Honor Guard honored the families with
dignity and professionalism and once again showed the members of the PFFW that they are dedicated to this organization.
13
Continued from page 13: PFFW 73rd Annual Convention
if an independent audit is completed on an annual basis
which will also include but not be limited to how many
miles are traveled by each member per event. Said audit
shall be submitted to the Secretary/Treasurer upon completion each year within 30 days. The said annual audit will be
an addendum to the PFFW audit and submitted to the delegates along with the PFFW audit at convention, and no
per capita funds will be used by the PFFW Honor Guard
to attend any Volunteer Fire Fighter Event.
Elections & Sargent At Arms: Front Row: Joe Breznik; Steve
Wilding, Vice-Chair; Al Hefter, Chair Back Row: Larry Derosier;
Juan Gamez; Cliff Hunke; Mark Guehlstorf; Paul Murphy; Hank
Wendt, Vice Chair; John Young; Brad Breuer (Missing - Glen McCoy)
Fundraising Committee: Front Row: Len Orlando- Co-Chair;
Bob Baird- Chair Back Row: Steve Tippel; Erick Gerritson; Kevin
Sherry; JB Moody (Missing - Steve Panger)
• Resolution 6 was passed and states that the delegates attending the 73rd Annual Convention in Appleton hereby support
the Muscular Dystrophy Association and encourage participation in the “Fill-the-Boot” Program with their respective locals
from the middle of August to the middle of September.
• Resolution 7 was amended and passed and stated the per
capita costs of the PFFW Honor Guard shall continue only
14
State PFFW Honor Guard Performing Opening Ceremonies
The convention provided four workshops Monday and Tuesday
which included:
• A workshop that allowed the PFFW Executive Board to sit
down with the delegates and alternates of the Locals they
represent. They discussed issues of concern to their local,
concerns of statewide implications, and/or issues that are
currently affecting them.
• Attorney John B. Kiel from the law firm of Hawks, Quindel Ehlke & Perry S.C., discussed the Union Officers role
in disciplinary settlements and last chance agreements.
• Attorney Tim Hawks from the law firm of Hawks, Quindel
Ehlke & Perry S.C., and State President Rick Gale enlightened
the Union Officers on what steps are necessary in bargaining
the appropriate discipline language. This language will ensure
that the members will have the right to take discipline matters
to an arbitrator that normally would be a matter in front of the
Police and Fire Commission.
• PFFW Membership Assistance Program member Scott Abbrederis discussed the increasing effects of the fire service and
it’s stressors towards the members, their relationships within
their department and in their personal lives.
Throughout convention proceedings numerous guests addressed
the convention body. Heather Micoley and a client family attended to update the membership on MDA and present awards
to the top fundraising locals.
Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, Assembly Speaker Mike
Huebsch, and Representative Mark Pocan received the PFFW
Legislator of the Year Award.
Above: Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch receives
PFFW Legislator of the Year.
Attorney John B. Kiel and Tim Hawks from the law firm of
Hawks, Quindel Ehlke & Perry S.C. discussed the legal battles
locals around the state are currently dealing with.
Legislator of the Year Mark Pocan, Joe Conway, Jr. the IAFF
5th District Vice-President and Madison Local 311 Members
IAFF 5th District Vice-President Joe Conway Jr. updated the
delegation on the current issues affecting the IAFF locally and
abroad. He discussed the upcoming IAFF convention and the
importance of filling out proxy votes. Joe challenged the PFFW
Locals to get involved in the MDA Fill-the-Boot Program and
will be awarding the State organization that raises the most
money with a traveling trophy.
Candidates Tony Mejia and Mike Fredrickson addressed the
members and asked for their support in the upcoming election
for the IAFF Western Trustee.
PFFW State Vice-President Bob Baird was nominated by Secretary/Treasurer Mike Drury for another term as Vice-President
and with no other nominations he was elected by acclamation.
Executive Board Members John Gee, Lance Hanson, and Mike
Woodzicka ran unopposed and were also elected by acclamation.
PFFW Board with Steve Kagen
United States Congressman Steve Kagen addressed the members
and asked for their support in the upcoming election.
Senator Dave Hansen from Green Bay discussed his upcoming
election and asked for the support of the PFFW. He was assured by State President Gale that the PFFW would support his
campaign to be re-elected.
Emeritus Nancy Metcalf addressed the attendees and thanked
the PFFW for their support. RPFFW President Dave Bosanko
informed the members of the role of the RPFFW and its willingness to work with the members of the PFFW.
MDA Top Fundraising Locals
Attorney General JB Van Holland with State President Rick Gale,
State Secretary/Treasurer Mike Drury, State Vice-President Bob Baird
Swearing In of Board: PFFW Executive Board Members Mike
Woodzicka & Lance Hanson, State Vice President Bob Baird, and
Executive Board Member John Gee, take the oath of office.
Wisconsin Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen addressed the
membership informing them of the changes he has made and the
direction he will take the Department in the future.
15
Continued from page 15: PFFW 73rd Annual Convention
Madison Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 311 were awarded the 76th
PFFW Convention in 2011.
On behalf of the PFFW, State President Rick Gale received an
award for his dedication and commitment to the PFFW for
25 years of service.
The Appleton Fire Fighters were applauded for their dedication
and commitment to the convention as they passed the red cap
to the Eau Claire Fire Fighters for the 2009 PFFW Convention. The PFFW Executive Board and members want to thank
the Appleton Fire Fighters for a well organized and outstanding
convention.
Credentials Committee: Mark Villiapando, Vice-Chair; Mike
Drury, Chair; Chuck Goettl; Chris Marion (Missing - Greg Sikora)
Political Supporter Award: Paul Conway Shields helmet drawn
for from the members that contributed to the PFFW Conduit.
Resolutions Committee:
Front Row: Pete Rohde, Vice-Chair; John Gee,Chair; Brian Winter;
Jason Shikoski; Ken Blaedow
Back Row: Jeff Dykes; Clay Christenson; Jeff Weidner; Jeff Nelessen;
Troy Haase, Co-Chair; Craig Ford
Rules And Order Committee:
Front Row: Len Orlando, Co-Chair; Lloyd Pickart
Back Row: Aaron Swaney, Tracy Aldrich, Co-Chair; Pat Kilbane;
Rich Gee, Vice-Chair; Barry Bobber
Ways And Means Committee : Mike Drury, Chair; Robert Baird,
Co-Chair; Steve Warn, Vice-Chair; Jay Selissen; Roger Running; Jim
Whitehead; John Maydak; Jim Easton (no photo available)
16
UW-Oshkosh— Fire & Emergency
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has worked closely with
fire chiefs and emergency personnel throughout Wisconsin in
planning this program. Course offerings began in Fall 2006,
through evening, weekend, and online classes. This program is
designed to meet the needs of the working professional through
flexible and innovative scheduling and delivery methods.
This program is the first and only such baccalaureate program
in Wisconsin. The major consists of interdisciplinary courses
that cover a wide array of topics, including management of human and financial resources and emergency medical services.
Administrative law, policy and politics, leadership, communication, research, diversity and strategic planning are also em-
“I began the BFERM program in an effort to increase my
knowledge, skills, and abilities in the realm of fire service management. I plan to use this newly gained knowledge in my
everyday job responsibilities. I transferred from the University
of Cincinnati to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. This
has proven to be a very positive move. The class schedule is
very flexible, and accommodating to the working professional.
The program has offered a good mix of traditional classroom
lectures with modern methods of learning via the internet. The
instructor to student ratio is at a very good level for learning.
This program is an excellent opportunity for Fire Service professionals to gain advanced education for future promotional
opportunities.”
— Assistant Chief Michael Sipin
For further information, contact: Cynthia Brun, M. S., Program Coordinator, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Center
for New Learning, Dempsey Hall 322, 800 Algoma Blvd.,
Oshkosh, WI 54901, 920.424.1458, brunc@uwosh.edu
According to the U.S. Department of
Labor, firefighters and emergency
management specialists will be among
the highest-demand jobs through 2014.
Fire fighting and emergency response is a hands-on career with
constant training; but the role of education is to expand the
mind and to developing a larger view of the world. Promotion
or advancement in fire service and emergency management
requires education as well as training. That is why we now offer a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree with a major in Fire
and Emergency Response Management. This bachelor’s degree
focuses on the ability to manage and prepare a vision for the
future of the fire service.
phasized. An orientation to the major serves as a bridge into
university level academic work, focusing on the connection
between theory and practice, critical thinking and analysis. We
currently have 17 students enrolled in the program.
Did You
KNOW?
T
he University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Fire
and Emergency Response Management
program specially designed for people seeking careers in managing any public agencies
that respond to crises. Approved by the Board of Regents in
June 2006, this program makes available a degree option for
persons who have completed an associate degree in the field
of fire protection, fire science, paramedic technician, or emergency management.
17
PFFW plays Packers “Green Machine”
in Softball Games
T
he Professional Fire
Fighters of Wisconsin played members of the Packers
in four softball games around the state
this spring. Madison Local 311 played
the first game on May 17 at the Duck
Pond with the Packers winning by a
score of 1-0. The next stop was Corson
Park in Eau Claire as Local 487 hosted
the Packers on a Sunday afternoon. In a
nine inning game the Packers prevailed
by a score of 10-5. On to Appleton for a
Monday night game at Fox Cities Stadium, Appleton Local 257 could not keep
up as the Packers won in a slugfest by a
score of 34-12. After a week off the Packers traveled to Milwaukee to play West
Allis Local 1004 at Wilson Park. In a
game that saw 76 runners cross the plate,
the Packers won in a hard fought game
40 to 36.
West Allis Local 1004 members
Fans were treated to a great family event
as they could get up close to the players.
After all the games the Packers signed autographs for fans and were well received
by the fans.
18
Madison Local 311 members
Photo courtesy of Robert Goodland Local 487
The PFFW hopes to make this a yearly
fundraising event. Thank you to our Locals and the Packers for making these
games a success.
Eau Claire Local 487 members
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Lawyers for the
Professional Fire
Fighters of Wisconsin
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:
• WORKER’S COMPENSATION
• WISCONSIN RETIREMENT SYSTEM
and OTHER PENSION LAW
• DUTY DISABILITY BENEFITS
• SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
• EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION
• CIVIL RIGHTS and FAMILY LAW
Our
attorneys
are proud to
be part of
Wisconsin’s
dynamic
labor
movement.
Our philosophy is
simple — our clients
come first!
Whether protecting the
rights of Wisconsin’s fire
fighter unions or individual
members and their families, our
dedication, experience and
commitment are unmatched.
Hawks Quindel
Ehlke & Perry, S.C.
“When Experience Counts”
For an initial consultation, please call our
offices toll-free statewide:
7 N. Pinckney Street, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53703
MILWAUKEE 1-800-236-3348
MADISON 1-800-610-0040
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAI D
WAUSAU, WI
PERMIT NO. 600

Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin

Transcription

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