PDF Version - Uniformed Firefighters Association

Transcription

PDF Version - Uniformed Firefighters Association
The Bravest
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK
JUNE/JULY 2006
A Fitting Tribute
President’s Message
By STEPHEN J. CASSIDY
n June 10th a fitting memorial, dedicated to the 343 New
York City Firefighters who
died on 9-11, was unveiled at the
quarters of Engine 10 / Ladder 10.
The 57-foot long, 6-foot high bronze
bas-relief sculpture was commissioned by the law firm Holland and
Knight, and will forever hang on the
Greenwich Street side of the “Ten
House.” The UFA Executive Board
was honored to join hundreds of family members and friends at the emotional event.
Holland and Knight lost one of
their own in the 9-11 terror attacks.
Glenn Winuk, a partner in the firm
and volunteer Firefighter / Paramedic
with the Jericho Fire Department was
last seen leaving Holland and
Knight’s Broadway offices and enter-
O
ing the Towers to help rescue trapped
during the production. Each firefightindividuals. Once it was discovered
er and piece of equipment is fashthat he had died in the collapse of the
ioned to represent all firefighters. No
South Tower, the firm sought a way to
one is singled out. Even a ladder commemorialize him and help those who
pany in the background is emblawere operating in the rescue and
zoned with “343” on the rig where the
recovery efforts at the Site.
company number would be. It is this
They began fundraising efforts in
strict attention to detail that makes
order to provide ice to cleanse and
this memorial a truly awe-inspiring
cool the eyes of the workers at
piece.
Ground Zero. Nine weeks and 20
The memorial serves not only to
tons of ice later, their ICE campaign
honor those who were lost on 9-11,
was no longer needed. Insisting more
but the Firefighters who, on a daily
could be done, they turned their
basis, put themselves in harms way
attention to a memorial and a way to
for others. It honors the sacrifice of
honor their partner and the members
all New York City Firefighters. A
of the FDNY who perished while
large inscription, spanning the length
facilitating the largest rescue in
(Continued on page 6-7)
American
History.
The firm teamed up
with Assistant Chief
Harry Myers and the
foundation was laid for
the memorial.
The finished product
is an immense sculpture which traces the
timeline of the attacks
from the impact of the
planes to the completion of recovery efforts
at the Site. Chief Meyers worked with the UFA President Steve Cassidy is joined by City Council Speakartists from Rambusch er Christine Quinn at the 9/11 Memorial Sculpture located
Photo by: Todd Maisel
Studios to advise them on the side of “Ten House”.
Page 2
Fire Lines
JUNE/JULY 2006
FIREFIGHTERS DESCEND ON ALBANY
Stroke Bill, WTC Death Benefit and Terminal Leave Passed
2006 UFA Lobby Day Brings Success for Legislative Agenda
By JAMES SLEVIN
UFA Vice President/
Legislative Chairman
ajor gains were made in
Albany as the Stroke Bill, Terminal Leave Bill and WTC
Death Benefit Bill have all passed the
Senate and Assembly. We will now be
working hard to convince Governor
Pataki to sign this important legislation
for UFA members into law. These bills
are the result of 6 months of intense lobbying up in Albany and a strong turn out
from the membership as they joined the
Executive Board and myself at the 2006
UFA Lobby Day.
More than 125 Firefighters joined the
UFA Executive Board in Albany on June
6th to participate in the 2006 UFA
Lobby Day. The annual event plays a
vital role in the UFA’s efforts to accomplish our legislative goals. The strong
showing by our membership this year
was a clear indicator that the UFA’s legislative agenda is a priority to both the
Board and the membership.
A number of meetings were scheduled throughout the day with the state’s
top lawmakers. In addition, the members who attended also met with their
individual legislators in order to lobby
for the bills which the UFA heavily supports. Each member in attendance was
provided with a booklet outlining these
bills. This overview of our agenda provided detailed descriptions of almost a
dozen legislative proposals affecting
Firefighters and their families.
Among the most critical bills lobbied
that day was the Stroke Bill, WTC Presumptive Death benefit Bill and the Cash
for Terminal Leave Bill. These legislative proposals deal with the health and
safety of our membership as well as
other benefits. It was clear to each lawmaker who was paid a visit by our members that these were of paramount concern to the Firefighters of New York
City. We would like to thank those that
voted in favor of our bills.
Following the afternoon meetings, a
reception was held in which many of the
M
legislators
were
able to attend and The UFA Executive Board was joined by more than 125 Firespeak with our fighters at the 2006 UFA Lobby Day. The day resulted in a nummembers in a more ber of UFA supported bills being passed.
informal setting. It
year’s event.
Firefighter Malone
was here where they got to hear firstrecently suffered a stroke and is currenthand how important the bills are to us
ly rehabilitating from his injury. He
and how they would affect our families.
played an important role in showing the
Prior to the passage of the Stroke and
politicians the added dangers we face as
Terminal Leave Bill, we had to secure
firefighters.
home rule messages from the City CounA complete list of the 2006 UFA Legcil. Many unions walked away with no
islative Agenda is available for downhome rules and the UFA was successful
load
on
the
UFA
website,
in getting two. In years past it was not
www.ufanyc.org, under the “Legislauncommon for the City Council to pass
tive” section. Remember, just because
upwards of 50 home rules for unions.
Lobby Day has come and gone, does not
This past year we saw less than 15 and
mean that the lobbying stops. In the
two of them were for the UFA. I would
future we will be calling on members to
like to thank City Council Speaker
turn out for our friends in Albany that
Christine Quinn in helping us with the
have helped us. They will need our help
home rule messages.
in the fall. They helped us with our legI would also like to extend a thank
islation – we need to help them get reyou to Firefighter Kevin Malone, his
elected. Get involved, stay informed
wife Monica, and the members of
and turn out!
Engine Company 315 for attending this
UFA Endorses Clinton for Re-Election
By JAMES SLEVIN
UFA Vice President/Legislative Chairman
tanding outside Brooklyn’s Engine
255 / Ladder 157 on April 19th, the
UFA Executive Board publicly
announced its support for the re-election of
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Joining
the UFA were members from the UFOA
Executive board and Engine 255 / Ladder
157.
Clinton has remained a staunch supporter of legislation and programs that
affect New York’s Firefighters. She has
(Continued on page 8)
S
www.ufanyc.org
The UFA has thrown its support behind
Hillary Clinton in her bid for re-election.
JUNE/JULY 2006
Fire Lines
Page 3
2006 UFA Delegate Education Seminar
Annual Event Provides Necessary Resources to be an Effective Delegate
By JOSEPH MICCIO
Recording Secretary
Delegate Education Seminar Director
he 2006 Delegate Education Seminar took place May 2 – 5 and once
again proved to be a resounding
success. Hundreds of Delegates made
the trip to the Trump Taj Majal in Atlantic
City to take part in the various educational opportunities that were available. Topics ranging from pensions to public relations were covered in general sessions,
and numerous smaller workshops were
also available to those in attendance.
Each event and presentation was specifically designed to ensure that all Delegates
are provided the necessary tools and
resources to effectively do their job.
The event kicked off with the State of
the Union Address by UFA President
Steve Cassidy. During the speech, he
provided the membership with an
overview of the UFA’s accomplishments
over the past year as well as a description
T
of the critical
issues
affecting
New York City’s
Firefighters now,
including future
contract updates.
The UFA also
highlighted three
individuals /groups
as our 2006 honorees. They were
chosen because of
their tireless efforts in assisting firefighters and their families. Stan Reimer,
Director of the Honor Emergency Fund,
Milton DiRienzo, Coordinator of the
UFA/UFOA Welfare Fund, and the members of the Fire Family Transport Foundation were this year’s recipients. They
were presented with a sculpture of a firefighter, complete with a personal inscription applauding their efforts.
In addition to the speakers and workshop presenters, the Annual UFA Delegate
www.ufanyc.org
Education Seminar would not be possible
without the help of our corporate sponsors
and exhibitors. They help to educate our
Delegates on a wide range of programs
available to firefighters and their families—and their generous support helps
make the Seminar possible. A complete
list of exhibitor contact information is
available on page 11.
Lastly I would like to extend a big
“Thank You” to the staff at the Trump Taj
Mahal, who year after year provides us
with the amenities and resources needed
to host such a large-scale, successful educational event.
We look forward to continuing the successful tradition of the Delegate Seminar
in 2007.
To download the entire 2006 UFA Delegate Education Seminar booklet, which
features a complete rundown on the topics
covered and workshops offered, please
visit www.ufanyc.org.
Page 4
Fire Lines
JUNE/JULY 2006
Health and Safety Office Secures Grants
Funding will provide the membership with additional education & outreach
By WILLIAM ROMAKA
Sergeant-at-Arms
Health & Safety Officer
he UFA Health and
Safety Office was
recently notified by the
New York State Department
of Labor Hazards Abatement
Board that we had been
awarded a Grant in the amount of $65,444
for the grant year August 1st, 2006 to July
31st, 2007.
In late May, I met with Ms. Janice
Caminiti, a Workforce Programs Specialist assigned to assist us with our grant’s
requirements. For those unaware, there
are strict guidelines regarding how the
funds can be used and the necessary documentation needed to support it. Fulfilling the requirements of the grant successfully puts an organization in a good position to improve upon these resources in
T
the future.
We will be holding Health and
Safety Seminars at the UFA
Offices on 23rd Street. Education
surrounding important health and
safety issues is the main focus of
the grant. With so many new firefighters on the job, we feel the
need to give them as much information as possible to help them
build a solid foundation early in their
careers.
We have also been fortunate to secure
a $5,000 September 11th Recovery Grant
from the American Red Cross Liberty
Fund. This will be used to produce outreach material to better inform the membership of the benefits and treatment
options available under the WTC Medical
Monitoring Program. We feel this is a
necessary function to try and reach the
members on light duty, detailed, or Fire-
YOUR UNION LAWYER.
YOUR PERSONAL LAWYER.
Michael C. Axelrod, as the trusted union
counsel for 50,000 police, fire, and
public safety employees, represents the
Uniformed New York City Firefighters
Association, the New York State Troopers
Benevolent Association, and many other
organizations in the metropolitan area.
He has a solid track record of counseling
and representing union members in their
personal litigation and life plans. Turn to
Michael, and the law firm of Certilman
Balin, regarding your private legal matters.
• Employment
Discrimination
• Personal Litigation
• Bankruptcy
• Sexual Harassment
• Criminal Defense
on Long Island
• DWI
• Estate Planning
• Elder Law
Since 1965, Certilman Balin has been
helping clients with responsive and
affordable legal counsel, free of excessive
legal actions and unwarranted costs.
With offices in Nassau and Suffolk
Counties, we are available 24 hours
to advise, counsel and represent you.
Call Michael directly at (516) 296-7172
to resolve your personal legal matters
with confidence.
PROVEN ADVISORS.
POWERFUL ADVOCATES.
Nassau County: 90 Merrick Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554 • phone: 516.296.7000 • fax: 516.296.7111
Suffolk County: 1393 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Suite 301S, Hauppauge, NY 11788 • phone: 631.979.3000 • fax: 631.979.7070
www.certilmanbalin.com
CERTILMAN BALIN ADLER & HYMAN, LLP
www.ufanyc.org
fighters who may be on long term medical
leave.
Grant Director Christine Early will be
finalizing plans in the coming weeks
regarding the new program initiatives.
Autism Grant
Awarded to UFA
The UFA has received a grant to help
assist our families who currently have a
child / children with autism. However,
due to the specific parameters of this
one-time grant, the program is only open
to ACTIVE MEMBERS at this time.
One in 166 children is diagnosed with
autism and much has been done to raise
public awareness and funds for the
developmental disorder. Because little is
known about autism the majority of
funding goes towards research. In addition, some costs such as specialized educational programs, medical expenses,
and drugs not covered by insurance can
impose a huge financial burden. This
grant will help defer some of the cost of
treatment.
In order to qualify for the grant, the
UFA will need the following:
1. Documentation of the condition
(Doctors note)
2. Copies of some of the bills which
are results of the condition
3. A brief explanation (3 paragraphs)
on the current household situation
and support needed
Please send the above to:
Uniformed Firefighters Association
c/o Ed Burke
204 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
Deadline for submissions is
August 1, 2006.
**All submissions will be kept
in the strictest of confidence**
JUNE/JULY 2006
Fire Lines
Page 5
10-ALARM BLAZE HITS GREENPOINT
Fire Sheds Light on Brooklyn’s Depleted Resources
By Herb Eysser, UFA Staff
ne of the biggest fires to ever hit
New York City took place alongside the Brooklyn Waterfront on
May 2, 2006. The fire was reported in
early morning hours at 4753 West Street,
a vacant warehouse, and soon spread to
the surrounding properties. The blaze
ultimately engulfed 14 neighboring buildings, leveling them, and incurred a
O
response of 10-alarms. It was the largest
response, notwithstanding 9/11, by New
York City’s Firefighters since the 1995 St.
George Hotel Fire, also in Brooklyn.
With the two largest responses in
FDNY history taking place in Brooklyn it
is unimaginable to consider the closing of
companies anywhere in the Borough.
However…
• The nearest Firehouse to the 10-alarm
blaze was closed in 1972 – Engine 215,
located at 88 India Street
• The second closest Firehouse to this
fire was closed in 2003 – Engine 212,
located at 136 Wythe Avenue
• Between 1922 and 1959, a fireboat
was located down the street from the fire
buildings at Noble Street and the East
River. It is no longer there.
The closures of these companies and
disbanding of units over the years resulted
in the inability for them to arrive at the
scene and begin operations. This is proof
that cuts to the Fire Department will have
a negative impact on firefighting operations.
New Phone System
Enhances Member Service
new telephone system that improves
member services has been designed
and installed at the UFA and the Security
Benefits Fund Offices. The new system
still allows members to immediately
speak with our operator by pressing “0”,
and also allows you the choice to directly
reach UFA employees and UFA Departments via the greeting message options.
As always, Board Members can be
reached via the operator during business
hours or via the answering service for
after-hours emergencies.
Photo courtesy of Craig Warga/Daily News
A
A 10 alarm fire in Greenpoint highlighted the impact of closing fire companies.
Joseph Miccio – Recording Secretary /
Information Technology Chairman
Attention UFA Members
The UFA has arranged for its members….ACTIVE & RETIREES, as
well as your EXTENDED FAMILY (spouses & parents) to obtain Long
Term Care Insurance at DISCOUNTED RATES.
Take this opportunity to learn more about this
important retirement planning tool.
Call Ron or Derek today
YOUR RESPONSE IS ESSENTIAL FOR UFA ENDORSEMENT.
Ronald Brie
Derek Arnold
(212) 799-3900
(914) 245-6070
SEMINAR 2006 EXHIBITOR
www.ltcfp.com
www.ufanyc.org
Fire Lines
JUNE/JULY 2006
Photo by Todd Maisel
Page 6
— Dedicated to those fell and those wh
President’s Message
Apparatus Update
(Continued from page 1)
of the sculpture reads “Dedicated to
those who fell and those who carry on.
May we never forget.”
The June 10th program included a
number of speeches and presentations
by various dignitaries and elected officials, including a video message from
President George W. Bush. In his
speech, he drove home the point that
while we may continue to move
ahead, it is important we take time and
never forget those we have lost.
His participation in the event came
after the UFA Executive Board, while
in Washington D.C. to lobby for additional federal training funds, suggested to the White House that the President come to New York for the unveiling of this spectacular tribute. However, the day posed a number of
scheduling and security issues that
would prevent him from making an
appearance. The UFA then suggested
he produce a video for the event. He
agreed and the result was seen at the
ceremony.
Overall, the day was a bittersweet
moment for a many of us in attendance. Many remembered those we
lost and were glad to have such a stunning memorial dedicated to their lives.
But one could not help but to look
across the street to the vacant space
where the towers once stood. It was
evident that this, in fact, was our
memorial. Each individual Firefighter is listed with his rank and badge
number, as well as assigned unit. The
UFA has been a staunch proponent for
this recognition of first responders at
the World Trade Center Memorial.
However, the WTC Memorial Foundation has yet to address our concerns.
Now they only need to glance to the
corner of Greenwich and Liberty
Streets to take notice of how a fitting
tribute looks.
Our sincere thanks go out to all the
employees and staff at Holland and
Knight for their efforts in providing
the Firefighters of New York City
with a memorial that will last the test
of time.
As I mentioned in the previous
issue of “Firelines,” the UFA is continuing to place pressure on the Department regarding their lack of properly
working apparatus. I recently testified
at a City Council hearing before the
Fire and Criminal Justice Committee
on the subject. The session was held
after the UFA publicly demanded an
investigation into the circumstances
surrounding the injury of FF Joseph
Moore of Ladder 13. In December,
Moore was hurled from the Company’s 18-year old spare tower ladder as
they turned a corner in Manhattan.
The Department sent representatives
from Technical Services and Fleet
Services to the hearing in order to provide the Council with testimony on
the subject. The Commissioner was
absent.
Prior to the hearing, I was joined by
UFA Health and Safety Officer Bill
Romaka at a press conference on the
steps of City Hall. It was here where
we provided the media with a glimpse
into the maintenance program currently employed by the Department. We
presented them with a comparison of
Continued on next page
www.ufanyc.org
JUNE/JULY 2006
Fire Lines
Page 7
who carry on. May we never forget. —
Continued from previous page
two separate maintenance checklists
for City vehicles – a sanitation truck
and a FDNY tower ladder.
Needless to say, the fact that the
sanitation truck had a checklist of
almost 200 separate points and the
tower ladder had a mere 26 points was
proof enough that there is something
wrong with the way spare and front
line apparatus are being inspected and
placed into service.
At the hearing, the Department
officials were grilled by members of
the City Council Fire and Criminal
Justices Committee. The Deputy
Commissioner for Technical Services
explained that “The Department has a
very aggressive preventive maintenance program.” Yet, he couldn’t
explain why the Sanitation Department allots more time and effort
inspecting their vehicles than the Fire
Department does for apparatus that is
charged with protecting the lives of 8
million New Yorkers. City Councilman Miguel Martinez called the
checklist comparison “An embarrassment.”
We also brought to the forefront
that 98% of the FDNY fleet is produced by one manufacturer, Seagrave.
I explained that this is the wrong way
to ensure a quality product. We advocated for the Council to examine the
bidding and awards process currently
used by the Department. It is our feeling that hiring more companies to produce our vehicles will encourage
competition and ensure a better product; a notion the members of the City
Council agreed with.
In addition, we brought to the
Council’s attention that the Department was issued four recommendations by the Office of the City Comptroller in 2005 regarding the maintenance of spare apparatus; none of
which have been addressed or implemented. When asked of this, the
Deputy Commissioner responded that
he only knew of two recommendations and that he was unaware of four.
We made sure that he was provided a
copy of the recommendations before
heading back to Metrotech.
While we no doubt made strides at
the council hearing, the problem is far
from solved. We were successful in
exposing a number of flaws in Department oversight and procedures within
www.ufanyc.org
their Fleet Services Division. These
shortcomings resonate as nothing less
than negligence on their behalf.
It is obvious by the lack of preparation displayed by the Department at
the hearing as well as their halfhearted approach to resolving this problem,
that this administration is not taking
this issue seriously. Now that the
Council has heard first hand from the
Department, and seen how faulty the
procurement, awards, and maintenance processes are, we will make
sure to press them for further action in
this matter.
Fraternally,
Note: A complete copy of President Cassidy’s City Council Testimony is available on the UFA Website,
www.ufanyc.org
Page 8
Fire Lines
JUNE/JULY 2006
Firefighter Matthew Long Released From Hospital
Critically injured member takes giant step towards recovery
By DANIEL MURPHY
Manhattan Trustee
irefighter Matthew Long
of Ladder Company 43
was released from New
York Presbyterian Hospital on
May 24th, taking another crucial step towards recovery.
Long, 39, was struck by a bus
and critically injured on the
morning of December 6th
while riding his bicycle during
the transit strike to the FDNY Fire Academy where he was assigned as a fitness
F
FF Matthew Long is greeted by friends &
family as he leaves the hospital on May 24th.
instructor.
Matt spent more than 5
months in the hospital and
endured 15 surgeries. However, throughout his stay, he was
surrounded by family, friends,
and a never-ending procession
of Firefighters. Now that he has
been released, Long will continue his rehabilitation on an outpatient basis.
At a press conference prior
to leaving the hospital, Long explained
how he maintained his resolve to get better. “Without the support of my friends
and family, and all over New York – to
having fundraisers for me in Atlanta and
California – I would not have been able to
do it. I thank you all,” he said.
Matt’s mother Eileen also addressed
the crowd. “I thought my family was big
before this happened, but now I have 50
other sons,” referring to the members
assigned to Matt’s Firehouse who were a
staple at the hospital from admittance to
release. “You truly are a part of our family.”
Prior to the accident, Matt Long was
an avid tri-athlete and placed a huge focus
on physical health. He recently completed an “Ironman” competition in Lake
Placid as well as the New York City
Marathon. It was his peak physical con-
I've got your back when going
down the hallway – I've got your
back when getting a mortgage!
FF Jerry Farina
Engine 289/Loan Advisor
As a fellow brother, I know how hard it is to find the right mortgage program with
the right mortgage company. With GreenPoint Mortgage, you'll have more options
to get into the right program to purchase the home of your dreams or refinance the
one you already have.
Programs For Purchases/Refinance on Residential or Commercial
C o nventional • Full Doc • No Doc • No Asset • No Income • Stated
J u m b o • S u p e r Ju m b o • I n t e r e s t O n l y • P i g g y b a ck • H E L O C • C o m m e rc i a l
Call Jerry Farina at (516) 383-3944
jerry.farina@greenpoint.com
Subject to credit approval.
GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, Inc. (GPMF) is a licensed Arizona Mortgage Banker (BK0015050). In California GPMF is licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California
Residential Mortgage Lending Act, and holds a California Finance Lenders License. GPMF is also an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, a Massachusetts Mortgage Lender (ML1465), is
licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department, a New Jersey Mortgage Banker licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance, and a Rhode Island Licensed Lender.
New York address is 265 Broadhollow Road, Melville, NY 11747; Corporate address is 100 Wood Hollow Drive, Novato, CA 94945; telephone number 415-878-5000. GPMF will be
performing acts requiring these licenses. Subject to change without notice. True NoDoc® and e-Point® are registered service marks of North Fork Bancorporation, Inc.
www.ufanyc.org
dition which his doctors credit for his survival.
After he addressed the media, Matt
walked out of the hospital with the assistance of crutches and was greeted by hundreds of well-wishers. Echoing outside
the hospital were cheers and chants of
“Go Matty!” as well as the celebratory
hum of the bagpipes played by the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. He then
smiled and was whisked away in his
brother’s 1963 Ford Galaxy convertible.
We wish him a speedy recovery. Our
thoughts will continue to be with Matt
and the entire Long family.
Clinton
(Continued from page 2)
secured millions of dollars in federal funding in order to track the health of those
who took part in the rescue and recovery
efforts at Ground Zero – an important step
in studying the long-term health effects of
the City’s first responders.
In addition, Clinton has been an outspoken opponent of the formula for distribution of Homeland Security Funds. She
has joined with the UFA in advocating for
a threat based approach to secure the funds
necessary to help us properly protect the
residents of the City in this post 9-11
world. She has also conducted numerous
Homeland Security Surveys in order to
highlight the flaws in the current distribution system.
“Hillary Clinton has delivered for New
York City Firefighters,” said UFA President Steve Cassidy. “She has continued to
push for legislation and secure funding
that directly affects us and for that, we are
here to support her in her bid for re-election.”
“I am honored to have the support of
the brave men and women of the New
York City Firefighter Unions,” Clinton
said. “I look forward to continue to serve
with them to keep New York safe.”
The UFA was among the first unions to
publicly support Clinton’s bid for re-election. In fact, our announcement served as
an unofficial kick-off for her campaign.
With the support of New York City’s Firefighters, we are confident that she will
gain re-election and continue to deliver on
her promise of increased funding for New
York’s Bravest.
JUNE/JULY 2006
Fire Lines
Page 9
Firefighter Kevin Malone Heads Home
Kevin Malone (center) and family are greeted by some of Queens’ bravest as he is
released from the hospital on March 31st.
was honored to join the members of
on an outpatient basis. Together with his
Engine 315, Ladder 125, Battalion 50
wife Monica and son Mickey, Kevin sent
and the 14th Division as FF Kevin Malthanks for all the support that he and his
one, Engine 315, left Jamaica Hospital on
family have received. As noted by UFA
March 31st. Malone was admitted after
VP Jim Slevin, Malone also made the trip
suffering a stroke on March 2nd. Memto Albany for UFA Lobby Day to help
bers from surrounding companies were
secure passage of the Stroke Bill. We
also in attendance to salute Kevin and
wish him well in his recovery.
wish him well as he headed home. He will
— Stephen Humenesky,
now continue his rehabilitation program
Queens Trustee
I
Reminder from the
Security Benefit
Fund (SBF)
In order to receive SBF benefits,
parents of children attending college
need to provide the SBF with the following:
A letter each semester from the
registrar on school letterhead listing
the student’s name and acknowledging he/she is taking 12 or more credits.
A copy of a paid tuition bill from
the college for each semester
These items are necessary for the
SBF to provide the proper benefits to
the children of firefighters.
All info should be mailed to:
Security Benefit Fund
204 East 23rd Street – 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10010
Or Fax to 212-683-0693
Union Plus® Mortgage Program
Exclusively provided by Chase Home Finance
Receive Valuable Benefits You Are Entitled to as a UFA Member
Union Plus Benefits:
Programs for Every Need:
! Reduced Closing Costs
! Chase Mortgage Servicing for the life
of the Loan
! Mortgage Assistance Benefits*
(helps with mortgage payments if
unemployed due to disability, strike,
layoff or lockout)
! First Time Home Buyer
! Those with less than perfect credit
! Low or no down payment
! Interest-Only options
! Limited or No-Documentation options
! Purchase or Refinance
Union Plus® is brought to you by Union Privilege, established by
the AFL-CIO and available to UFA members, their parents and children.
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE PRE-QUALIFICATION
Working For Working Families
Fran Libretto-Ward
Mortgage Loan Officer
631-420-6501
fran.libretto-ward@chase.com
www.franward.com
© 2006 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.
*Eligibility for mortgage assistance begins one year after closing on a Union Plus Mortgage through Chase Home Finance and is provided by the AFL-CIO. This offer may not be
combined with any other promotional offer or rebate, is not transferable and is available to bona fide members of participating unions. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.
Program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all loan amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply.
www.ufanyc.org
Page 10
Fire Lines
JUNE/JULY 2006
Bravest Football Sacks the Cops
Members of the Bravest
Football Club celebrate
their victory over the
NYPD Football Club 16-6
in the 34th Annual Fun
City Bowl on May 20th.
After their win, the FDNY
Squad headed to Phoenix
for the National Public
Safety Football League
(NPSFL) Championship
where they lost a hard
fought battle to the
Phoenix Thunder 31-26.
We congratulate them on
their continued success
and look forward to 2007.
Firehouse Comics Supply Laughs and Raise Funds
Bravest Comics Pictured from left to right: Billy Bingo, ret. L-126; Steve Alleva, L-7;
Jarrett Kotarski L-135; Colin Quinn, Adam Lake, R-5; Ray Garvey, Brian Finley, L-7;
Ed Sullivan, ret.E-211; Jimmy Lawrence, L-26.
Firefighters & Families Special!! Discounts!!!
Great Prices • Great Selections • Great Service
(631)
(Across from Republic Airport)
Fax: 631-420-8852
www.ufanyc.org
ew York’s Bravest Comics took to the
stage on May 1st to once again provide
an evening of laughter to raise money for a
special cause. The 7th Annual Bravest Night
of Comedy was held at Queensboro Community College and featured special guests
Ray Garvey and Saturday Night Live’s own
Colin Quinn.
A packed house was treated to the comical talents and firehouse humor of active and
retired members of New York’s Bravest
before the headliners took to the stage. The
event was a resounding success and raised
more than $8000 for the Thomas Elsasser
Scholarship Fund, which provides financial
assistance to families of Firefighters who
passed away non line-of-duty.
N
JUNE/JULY 2006
Fire Lines
Page 11
2006 DELEGATE EDUCATION SEMINAR EXHIBITOR CONTACT LIST
*
*
*
AETNA
Gary Battle
99 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-457-0367
212-457-0301 (fax)
www.aetna.com
212-675-1147 (fax)
www.cpsoptical.com /
www.cpsdental.com
*
AFLAC
Ciro Abril, Steve White,
Mike Burak,
Doug Meyer, Enida Michi
199 Water Street, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10038
212-983-8567 ext. 2946
212-687-1930 (fax)
www.aflacny.com
*
CHASE HOME FINANCE
Fran Libretto-Ward
145 Pinelawn Road
Melville, NY 11747
631-420-6501
866-560-5668 (fax)
www.franward.com
*
CIGNA HEALTHCARE
Ally Tavera
499 Washington Blvd. – 4th Floor
GENERAL VISION SERVICES
Sharon Devine
520 8th Avenue – 9th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212-729-5342
212-279-0498 (fax)
www.generalvision.com
*
*
GHI
Customer Service Division
441 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
212-501-4444
www.ghi.com
Health Net
Natalie Blake
1 Far Mill Crossing
203-225-8868
203-225-4094 (fax)
www.healthnet.com
MORNING PRIDE
MANUFACTURING
Mary Grilliot, Jack Reilly,
Kenneth Memmen,Doug Sloan,
Mike Milner, Bob West, Bill
Emmory
#1 Innovation Court
Dayton, OH 45414
937-264-2662
937-264-2677 (fax)
www.totalfiregroup.com
MORTGAGE LINKS, INC.
Joe Larstanna
1855 Richmond Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-494-8300
718-494-0900 (fax)
www.mtglinks.com
Jersey City, NJ 07310
201-533-7000
201-533-7150 (fax)
www.cigna.com
HEALTHPLEX
Joni Howe – Sr. Account Liaison
333 Earle Ovington Blvd. – Suite
300
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-542-2701
516-794-3186 (fax)
www.healthplex.com
CPS OPTICAL &
CPS DENTAL
James Lyons, Leslie Chiorazzi
11 Hanover Square
New York, NY 10005
212-675-5745
HIP HEALTH PLAN
OF NEW YORK
June Guiffo
55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041
646-447-6997 • 646-447-3001 (fax)
www.hipusa.com
*
*
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
ASSOCIATION
Katie Burke
1140 Avenue of the Americas #1801
New York, NY 10036
212-679-6215
212-679-6215 (fax)
www.mdausa.com
UNITED INSIGNIA
379 Bridge Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-222-3400
718-222-1459 (fax)
www.unitedinsignia.com
PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT
Kristin Dempsey, John Schmidt
Ray Sweetland, Bill Walsh
One Penn Plaza – Suite 2501
917-339-4423
917-339-4426 (fax)
www.prudential.com/signature
VISION SCREENING
Seth Polan
1919 Middle Century Road
Centereach, NY 11720
631-467-4515
631-467-7786 (fax)
WACHOVIA MORTGAGE
CORPORATION
Lorraine Moufang
19 Hill Court
Manalapan, NJ 07726
732-446-1653
732-446-0276 (fax)
lorraine.moufang@wachovia.com
ROYAL ALLIANCE
ASSOCIATION
Mike Carter
414 Eagle Rock Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-736-2400 ext. 22
973-736-8977 (fax)
SEPTEMBER 11TH
FAMILIES’ ASSOCIATION
Marian Fontana
22 Cortlandt Street – 20th Floor
212-669-6122
212-406-9794 (fax)
info@wvfa.org
STERLING NATIONAL
MORTGAGE CO. INC.
John McGuire
98 Cuttermill Road, Suite 200N
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-593-7826
516-593-2524 (fax)
SULLIVAN, PAPAIN, BLOCK,
McGrath, Cannavo, P.C.
120 Broadway
New York, NY 10271
212-732-9000
212-266-4148 (fax)
www.triallaw1.com
UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES
Lou Sforza Jr., John Dugan
Frank Euvino, Joe Barbara, James
McBratney
109 North Avenue
Westfield, NJ 07090
800-862-9045, 908-789-3179
908-789-3190 (fax)
Frank.euvino@ubs.com
THE PENSION PLANNER
“The Firefighters’
Financial Resource”
George Duignan, John Hurley,
Steve Goldis
100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd.
Garden City, NY 11530
516-357-9293
516-357-8989 (fax)
www.FDNYpensionplanner.com
LTC FINANCIAL PARTNERS
Ronald Brie
12 East 86th Street #439
New York, NY 10028
212-799-3900
212-879-0029 (fax)
www.ltcfp.com
MARSH AFFINITY
GROUP SERVICES
Matt Arvanites
1440 Renaissance Drive
Park Ridge, IL 60068
847-493-4416
847-803-2553 (fax)
www.personal-plans.com/ufa
*
NYC DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
457 & 401(k)
Georgette Gestely - Director
40 Rector Street – 3rd Floor
212-306-7760
212-306-7376 (fax)
www.nyc.gov/deferredcomp
LIBERTY MUTUAL
INSURANCE LOANS
Rich Insley
114 West 47th Street – 21st Floor
New York, NY 10036
800-227-9887 ext. 333
212-391-1902 (fax)
www.libertymutual.com
FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS
Nancy Carbone
1591/2 Columbia Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-643-0980
718-643-1240 9fax)
www.friendsff.org
BEACON FINANCIAL GROUP
Luis Febus –
Sr. VP Civil Service Division
Empire State Building – 350 5th
Avenue,
Suite 5321
New York, NY 10118
888-769-4333
973-748-4556 (fax)
www.beacon-financial.com
BARRASCH, MCGARRY,
Salzman & Penson Law Firm
Brian Harvey
11 Park Place
New York, NY 10007
212-385-8000
212-385-7845 (fax)
www.firelaw.com
EMPIRE BLUE CROSS /
BLUE SHIELD
Christopher Bugeya,
Dominick Pellegrino
Thomas Canty
11 West 42nd Street – 16th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-476-7535
212-476-7610 (fax)
www.empireblue.com
FIRECASTGIFT.COM
Glen Barile
P.O. Box 120-075
Staten Island, NY 10312
718-967-1671
718-967-1671 (fax)
www.firecastgift.com
AIG
Denise Massella
80 Pine Street – 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10005
212-770-1139
212-509-8824 (fax)
www.aigaandh.com
908-653-7290
908-276-1971 (fax)
mhecht@nationwide.com
INNER IMAGING
Bert Barrette
67 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
212-777-8900
212-777-2008 (fax)
www.innerimaging.com
WASHINGTON MUTUAL
John Halleran
9 Law Drive
Fairfield, NJ
973-575-3400 ext. 280
John.halleran@wamu.net
*
W.L. GORE AND ASSOCIATES
Bob Towe
105 Vieres Way
Elkton, MD 21922
410-506-5267
410-392-4457 (fax)
www.crosstech.com
STERLING OPTICAL
Amy Shapiro
100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd –
Suite 508
Garden City, NJ 11530
1-800-EYES-789
519-390-2170 (fax)
www.sterlingoptical.com
NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL
Michael Hecht
21 Commerce Drive – 3rd Floor
Cranford, NJ 07016
www.ufanyc.org
*
DENOTES EVENT
SPONSOR
Uniformed Firefighters Association
PRESORTED STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT # 14
HUNTINGTON, NY
OF GREATER NEW YORK
204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010-9998
Tel (212) 683-4832 • Fax (212) 683-0710
www.ufanyc.org
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY
President
ENG. 236
JAMES SLEVIN
Vice President
LAD. 7
JOSEPH MICCIO
Recording Secretary
ENG. 295
ROBERT STRAUB
Treasurer
ENG. 45
WILLIAM ROMAKA
Health & Safety Officer
Sergeant-at-Arms
ENG. 238
LESTER LAYNE
Fire Marshal Representative
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY
Editor-In-Chief
BFI
DONALD RULAND
Trustee-Staten Island
ENG. 157
JOHN KELLY
Trustee-Brooklyn
ENG. 201
Chairman, Board of Trustees
STEPHEN HUMENESKY
Trustee-Queens
ENG. 301
DANIEL MURPHY
Trustee-Manhattan
ENG. 74
EDWARD BROWN
Trustee-Bronx
LAD. 48
MICHAEL LOUGHRAN
Managing Editor
1105
ONLY ONE LAW FIRM
As General Counsel to the UFA for over 20 years, we have a
proven record of obtaining substantial recoveries for firefighters
and their families in all types of personal injury cases.
• Our firm recovered more than $830 Million for our
clients in the last five years alone.
• Over 250 of our clients have been awarded over
$1 Million each.
• Line of Duty Injuries
• Automobile Accidents
• Pharmaceuticals/Vioxx
• Labor Law
• Slips and Falls
• Medical Malpractice
• Birth Related Injuries
• Defective Products
• Lead Poisoning
Contact: Michael Block 212-732-9000
S ULLIVAN PAPAIN B LOCK
MCGRATH & CANNAVO P.C.
55 MINEOLA BOULEVARD
MINEOLA, NY 11501
516-742-0707
120 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NY 10271
212-732-9000
WWW.TRIALLAW1.COM
126 STATE STREET
HACKENSACK, NJ 07601
201-342-0037
The above figures are based on actual cases the firm has handled. These figures do not guarantee a particular recovery. Each case must stand on its own merit.
www.ufanyc.org