The Fire Lines - January 2006

As we move ahead into 2006, welook back on what has beenaccomplished over the past year

and what can be accomplished in thefuture. From the passing of importantlegislation to the successful negotiationof a well-deserved raise, the UFA hasbeen working hard to advance the rightsand increase the benefits of our member-ship. We also remember those who areno longer with us, but whose memorieslive on.

CONTRACTIn October it was announced that the

UFA and City came to a tentative agree-ment on a contract. That tentative agree-ment was overwhelmingly approved bythe membership on December 29th, 2005and is now officially ratified. The 50-month contract is retroactive to June of2002 and entails a compounded 17.5%raise as well as an increase in staffing lev-els. The agreement calls for a $100increase in the amount the City con-tributes to the Uniform Allowance and

health benefits. All this was accom-plished with minimal givebacks.

After the PBA received their PERBaward, many believed that the UFA wouldfollow suit and accept what was given tothe cops. Although the UFA and Citywere at odds during the long negotiationprocess, we felt that by opening the linesof communication a deal could be accom-plished. The end result was a contractwhich not only compensates our member-ship financially, but allows for a 5-yearextension of the Roster Staffing Agree-ment, increasing the amount of 5-fire-fighter engine companies operatingthroughout the City. This serves toenhance both public and firefighter safety.

In total, 77% of our membershipturned out to vote on the contract. Thehigh number of members who participat-ed and the 86% vote to approve the con-tract is proof that the Firefighters of thisCity stand united. I would like to thankeveryone who participated in the ratifica-tion process.

Retro checks will be sent out shortlyby the City. A complete and informativebreakdown on the pay schedule and 457and 401k allowances are available on theUFA website and 65-2’s.

UFA LOBBYING EFFORTS In addition to the raise, the UFA was

successful in lobbying government on anumber of levels. In June of 2005, as adirect result of our lobbying efforts, theGovernor signed into law the World TradeCenter Presumptive Bill. This piece oflegislation allows for members who par-ticipated in the World Trade Center Res-cue, Recovery or Clean-Up Operations to

file a notice of participation with the Cityin the event they become disabled as aresult of their work. It extends to bothactive and retired members (retired mem-bers must have been active at the time(s)they participated) who participated in theoperations at the WTC. UFA Vice Presi-dent James Slevin has compiled an exten-sive and informative article in this issueon the registration criteria for the newbill, as well as requirements and back-ground information on its benefits andimportance.

Our lobbying efforts also helped tooust both the International Freedom Cen-ter (IFC) and Drawing Center from thefuture of the planned World Trade CenterMemorial. These two controversial insti-tutions were part of the World Trade Cen-ter Memorial Foundation’s proposed siteplan. Once the UFA became aware of thepast exhibits by the Drawing Center andfuture planned exhibits of the IFC, we hadno choice but to publicly withdraw sup-port of the WTC Memorial Foundation.It was obvious that the inclusion of thesetwo institutions in the Memorial would

JANUARY 2006

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THEUNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORKThe Bravest

CONTRACT RATIFIED!

President’s MessageBy STEPHEN J. CASSIDY

IN THIS ISSUE

(Continued on page 2)

� WTC Presumptive Bill – What YouNeed To Know

� The Growing Apparatus Problem � UFA Work-Chart Calendar and

Parking Plaques Issued� FDNY VFW Plays Host to Vets Dur-

ing Marathon� UFA Holiday Party a Success

Fire Lines JANUARY 2006

work to take focus away from the center-piece of the site, the victims.

We wrote letters to politicians andcivic leaders at all levels of Governmentstating our position, compiled an informa-tive package on the proposed plans andemployed an effective public relationscampaign which helped to educate andrally the public to our views on the issue.In the end, the IFC and Drawing Centerwithdrew themselves from the MemorialPlans.

POLITICAL ACTIONNot only have we accomplished much

with regards to our lobbying efforts,but the UFA also made strides thisyear in the political arena.

During the Mayoral Election webacked Congressman Anthony Wein-er. Anthony has been an ardent sup-porter of Firefighter and Public Safetyand it seemed only natural that aftermeeting with all the Democratic can-didates for Mayor, we throw ourweight behind him. Anthony creditsthe support of New York’s Firefighterswith his late jump in the polls andalthough he did not win, he solidifiedhimself as a frontrunner in 2009 to runfor the office of Mayor.

Our Political Action Committee(PAC) also participated in an informalinterview process to decide who wewould endorse for the various NewYork City Council races. The over-whelming majority of UFA supportedcandidates won their bids for election.

We have worked closely with ourSenators in identifying and supportingimportant legislation which benefitsour membership. Most recently, the UFAsupported a bill introduced by SenatorsClinton and Schumer which restored $125million in federal aid to monitor healtheffects of our Firefighters.

In the coming year, we will continue tosolidify our relationships with our electedofficials, including the new City CouncilSpeaker Christine Quinn, as well as con-tinue to be a strong voice at Albany andCity Hall.

TRAGEDYThe UFA also experienced loss in

2005. On Sunday, January 23rd, a daythat became known as “Black Sunday,”

the New York City Fire Department lostthree members at two separate incidents.Their sacrifice is an unfortunate reminderof the dangers we face on this job.

Lt. Curtis Meyran, Battalion 26, andLt. John Bellew, Ladder 27, sustainedfatal injuries when they were forced tojump from a 4th floor window at 236 East178th Street in the Bronx. They becametrapped when the third-alarm fire theywere battling engulfed the room in whichthey were operating. Meyran and Bellewwere joined by Firefighters Jeff Cool,Joseph DiBernardo, Eugene Stolowski, allof Rescue 3, and Brendan Cawley of Lad-der 27 in the leap to the ground below.

Meyran and Bellew were treated at thescene before being transported to St.Barnabus Hospital where they succumbedto their injuries. Cool, Dibernardo,Stolowski and Cawley all suffered seriousinjuries and are making strides in theirrehabilitation.

Across town in Brooklyn, only hoursafter the Bronx fire, FF Richard Sclafaniof Ladder 103 lost his life in a fire as hewas searching for trapped victims in thebasement of a private dwelling. The sec-ond-alarm blaze occurred at 577 JeromeAvenue. He was transported to BrookdaleHospital where he was pronounced dead.

I stood and mourned with our member-ship at each man’s funeral. We all knowthe dangers that come with this job. Eachtime we suffer a loss, we hope that it willbe the last. However, all of us know itwon’t. Our hearts and prayers go out tothe families of these brave men. Theywill not be forgotten.

HEALTH AND SAFETYThe tragic fire in the Bronx highlight-

ed an important safety issue affecting ourmembership. These men were forced tojump out of a window because they didnot have a rope in which to repel safely.Only one of the 6 men who were in thatroom had a rope. This piece of equipment

was not issued by the Department butrather purchased on his own. We havebeen an outspoken critic of the lack ofsafety ropes in the field and due to ourdiligence in this matter the Departmenthas decided to re-issue a Personal SafetySystem to all members. This will helpensure that the choice faced by ourbrothers in the Bronx is never presentedagain.

Bill Romaka took office in August2005 as UFA Sergeant-at-Arms / Healthand Safety Officer and has identified anumber of critical issues affecting ourmembership. He has written a detailedstory in this issue of Fire Lines regardingthe Department’s policy on the procure-ment of new apparatus and its standardsof placing spare rigs in service - an issuewhich has come to the forefront recentlyafter one of our members was criticallyinjured.

In addition, Bill continuously updatesthe Health and Safety section of the UFAWebsite. This section features usefulinformation on topics such as cancer

warnings, the FDNY Medical Office andcounseling, among others. Bill also issuessafety messages to the field on a regularbasis. These bulletins highlight andremind the membership of importantFDNY regulations that should be fol-lowed.

HURRICANE RESPONSE / MILITARY ACTIVATION

In August 2005, we saw one of theworst natural disasters to ever strike thiscountry when Hurricane Katrina relent-lessly pounded the Gulf States. As soon asa fund was established, the UFA donated

President’s Message(Continued from page 1)

(Continued on page 3)

General Membership ContractVote Results By Borough

Borough Yes No

Brooklyn: 1925 152

Queens: 1427 209

Manhattan: 1229 297

Bronx: 1044 145

Staten Island: 469 26

Total 6094 829

86% 14%

w w w . u f a n y c . o r g

Fire LinesJANUARY 2006

$100,000 to the IAFF to help ease the bur-den on our brothers and sisters whoselives were in disarray as a result of thedestruction. In addition, countless Fire-fighters from New York City signed upand were among the first wave of firstresponders to travel to the affected regionin order to provide support to the peopleof Louisiana and Mississippi. They oper-ated in dangerous conditions, respondedto emergencies, and on their down time,helped the Firefighters of New Orleansrebuild their Firehouses and homes. Asone of our members put it, “After the sup-port we received following 9-11, it’s theleast we can do.”

Since the War on Terror began we havealso seen more than 100 UFA memberscalled up for active duty in the Military tohelp protect our homeland and serve ourcountry overseas. Some of these individ-uals have been called upon to serve morethan once and they do so with bravery and

dedication. Our hats are off to all of theUFA family who are currently serving orhave served our country over the pastyear.

COMMUNICATIONS IMPROVEMENT

As we move into the second half of thisdecade, the UFA will be improving theway information is available and dissemi-nated to our membership. A priority ofthe Executive Board is the redesigningand improvement of our website. It hasbeen a topic of frequent conversations andwe understand that the website is aninvaluable tool in helping to update youwith current events and important infor-mation.

The revamping of our website will pro-vide an avenue for our membership toeasily acquire the extensive informationthat Recording Secretary Joseph Micciohas compiled. Joe has been a drivingforce behind the improvement of ourcommunications and will be a key con-tributor and advisor in the way the UFAcontinues to upgrade its communicationscapabilities.

As you can see, Fire Lines has under-gone a change as well. The former broad-sheet style has been redesigned into thisglossy newsletter. In its previous format,the paper had equal parts editorial contentand advertising. We are currently issuinga newsletter which is more than 70% edi-torial content in order to increase the out-put of information to our 22,000 activeand retired members. Fire Lines is alsonow available in its complete form fordownload on the UFA website.

As the voice of New York’s Firefight-ers for more than 85 years the UFA willcontinue to highlight the issues that areaffecting its membership. We look for-ward to building on last year’s accom-plishments by making more strides in2006.

Fraternally,

President’s Message(Continued from page 2)



WTC Presumptive Bill – Requirement OverviewBy JAMES SLEVINUFA Vice President/

Legislative Chairman

In June 2005, GovernorPataki signed the WorldTrade Center (WTC)

Disability Law as a directresult of the lobbying effortsof the UFA. This law permitseligible members who partic-ipated in the WTC Rescue,Recovery or Clean-Up Oper-ations at certain locations to file a Notice ofParticipation with the New York FireDepartment Pension Fund and a subsequentapplication for disability benefits shouldthey become disabled. Any disability result-ing from illnesses specified in the law willbe presumed to have resulted from the per-formance of duty, assuming the membermeets the pre-qualifying criteria discussedbelow. Any pension that is reclassified to adisability pension under this law will begranted prospectively after approval by theBoard of Trustees of the Fire DepartmentPension Fund.

Any active member, vested member,Service or Ordinary Disability pensioner(who vested or retired on or after 9-11-01)who participated in the WTC Rescue,Recovery or Clean-Up Operations betweenSeptember 11, 2001 and September 12,2002 should file a Notice of Participation ifthey meet all of the following pre-qualify-ing criteria:

1. Successfully passed a physical exam-ination for entry into public service (whichall firefighters have done)

2. Worked at one of the following placesbetween September 11, 2001 and Septem-ber 12, 2002:

• World Trade Center Site (the WorldTrade Center Site is defined as anywherebelow a line starting from the Hudson Riverand Canal Street; east on Canal Street toPike Street; south on Pike Street to the EastRiver; and extending to the lower tip ofManhattan)

• Fresh Kills Landfill • New York City Morgue or the tempo-

rary morgue on pier locations on the WestSide of Manhattan

• Barges - between the West Side ofManhattan and the Fresh Kills Landfill (orin a firehouse within this zone)

3. Participated in the WTC Rescue,Recovery or Clean-up Operations for aminimum of 40 hours. If the minimum of40 hours was not met due to a documentedphysical injury which is a Qualifying Con-dition or Impairment of Health (as defined

below), and was incurred whileworking in the WTC Rescue,Recovery or Clean-Up Operationsbetween September 11, 2001 andSeptember 12, 2002 that preventedthe member from working the min-imum number of hours the membermay still be eligible

The “Notice of Participation inthe World Trade Center Rescue,Recovery or Clean-Up Opera-tions”form must be completed,

notarized and filed with the Fire Depart-ment Pension Fund by June 14, 2007. If thisform is not on file by June 14, 2007, youWILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE to file for adisability pension under this law. It is high-ly recommended that you send this form byCertified Mail, Return Receipt Requested,as verification of filing and keep a copy ofthe form for your records. If you workedfor 40 hours or more at the above men-tioned areas, you should file a Notice ofParticipation even if you are not ill. Doingso will protect your option to claim a WTCrelated line-of-duty injury and permit youto obtain accident disability benefits as aresult.

The Fire Department pension unit is inthe process of verifying the registrationforms. The pension unit will notify anymember who they are not able to verify.These members will be given an opportuni-ty to provide further documentation of theireligibility.

This form was mailed to all members ofthe Department who were active on 9/11/01and those members appointed after 9/11 butbefore the July 2002 probationary class.Some members who did not receive theform because they were appointed to theFDNY after this period may still qualify. Ifa member transferred from the NYPD,EMS or another City agency that is coveredunder the bill during the previously men-tioned dates, they should also file this form.Verification of their eligibility will takeplace by their former agency.

Set forth below is a list of QualifyingConditions or Impairment of Health:

• Diseases of the upper respiratory tractand mucosae, including conjunctivitis,rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis,vocal chord disease, upper airway hyper-reactivity and tracheo-bronchitis, or a com-bination of such conditions; or

• Diseases of the lower respiratory tract,including but not limited to bronchitis, asth-ma, reactive airway dysfunction syndrome,and different types of pneumonitis, such ashypersensitivity, granulomatous, or

eosinophilic; or • Diseases of the gastroesophageal tract,

including esophagitis and reflux disease,either acute or chronic, caused by exposureor aggravated by exposure; or

• Diseases of the psychological axis,including post-traumatic stress disorder,anxiety, depression, or any combination ofsuch conditions; or

• Diseases of the skin such as contactdermatitis or burns, either acute or chronicin nature, infectious, irritant, allergic, idio-pathic or non-specific reactive in nature,caused by exposure or aggravated by expo-sure, or

• New onset diseases resulting fromexposure as such diseases may occur in thefuture including cancer, chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, asbestos-related dis-ease, heavy metal poisoning, musculoskele-tal disease and chronic psychological dis-ease.

Retirees who wish to file a disabilityapplication, pursuant to this law may onlyfile one application per calendar year unlessthey become terminally ill. Members mayrequest applications from (718) 999-0148or 999-7041.

Below are simple instructions for fillingout the registration form:

• Fill it out to the best of your recollec-tion. Specifics are not required.

• Do not be concerned with specifichours. Fill in only days or weeks thatyou were there.

• If you did a 30-day detail just statethe month and year that you participated.

• Make a copy and retain it for yourrecords.

• Most importantly JUST FILL ITOUT. You may not feel sick today butyou are protecting yourself for thefuture.

Additional copies of the registrationform are available on the UFA websitewww.ufanyc.org

During the upcoming legislative session,the UFA will be looking to make someminor technical corrections and possiblyexpand the scope of the bill. Once againwe thank everyone who helped lobby forthe bill. We look forward to your partici-pation in the upcoming legislative session.This spring we will be having another UFAlobby day in Albany. As soon as we havethe date we will publish it in a 65-2.Don’t forget – without your help and sup-port, a successful legislative program isvery difficult. Get involved and encourageall members of your company to getinvolved.



By WILLIAM ROMAKASergeant-At-Arms /

Health and Safety Officer

An incident occurredrecently which onceagain highlights the

City’s shortcomings when itcomes to the safety of ourmembers. On Friday December2, while safely responding to an alarm,Firefighter Joseph Moore of Ladder Com-pany 13 was ejected from their truck asthey turned onto Lexington Avenue from85th Street. He was critically injured andimmediately rushed to Cornell MedicalCenter where he was treated for severehead injuries.

This should have never happened. Therig that was assigned to Ladder Company13 was a spare open-cab Mack TowerLadder, built in 1988. It was being usedbecause their usual rig, a 2000 Seagrave,was being repaired. The open cab towerladder violates the principles of NFPAStandard 1901. (See box at right)

New York City’s Firefighters are fac-ing a severe problem when it comes to oursafety and equipment. Too often ourmembers are forced to use outdated anddangerous apparatus because of problemswith their assigned engines and trucks.Furthermore, many of our Firefightershave never been trained on these olderspare rigs. As many senior Firefighterswill tell you, there is an art to riding inthese trucks and if you have never riddenon the back step of one, it can be verydangerous.

The UFA has been a vocal opponent ofthe City’s slanted procurement process forobtaining new vehicles and what stan-dards, if any, are held when it comes tospare apparatus. However, our argumentshave continued to fall on deaf ears.

The Department refuses to acceptresponsibility and instead shifts the blameto their current manufacturer, Seagrave -stating that Seagrave is at fault for theirlack of timely repairs. While Seagravehas made recent strides in the ability tofulfill their obligations, a bigger problemlies in the procurement process for appa-ratus.

In October the Department hired a con-

sultant to review Seagrave’soperations. The outcome satis-fied the administration enoughfor them to place an order for 12additional tower ladders. Theoutcome apparently did notaddress the procurement process.Should not the consultant’sreview and report have beeninclusive of the procurement

process currently employed by the City?When will there be a City Administrationthat provides the proper resources to theDepartment to adequately address its safe-ty concerns and needs?

While we agree that our fleet should beof the highest standard, we find fault inthe way the process excludes many quali-fied manufacturers. The Department turnsa blind eye to some technical recommen-dations made by their own manufacturer,leading to problems down the road. Theyshould be working with the manufacturerin order to put out a superior product.

There are plenty of other well-respect-ed manufacturers who would like theopportunity to build the apparatus of NewYork’s Bravest. We would like to see theCity select more than one company toconstruct our engines and trucks. Cur-rently, 98% of our fleet consists of Sea-grave apparatus. A diverse fleet wouldallow for competition among the manu-facturers and ultimately benefit the City’sbudget, our firefighters and the citizenswe are sworn to protect.

We have called for an outside investi-gation into the circumstances behind theinjury to FF Moore, as well as the entireprocurement process and what standardsare applied when placing spare apparatusin service. The conclusion of the investi-gation should not have the appearance ofbeing motivated by politics. It should bereflective and inclusive of every facet ofthe investigative process and be guided bythe principles of NFPA 1901, which gov-erns apparatus standards and safety.

On a positive note, FF Moore wasreleased from the hospital on December29th. We wish him a speedy recovery, andhis family and his company all the best aswe move ahead into the New Year.

Flawed Process Leads to Unsafe RigsNFPA Standard 1901

– Key Elements14.1.1 – Each crew riding posi-

tion shall be within a fully enclosedarea.

14.1.5 – All interior crew anddriving compartment door handlesshall be designed and installed toprotect against accidental or inad-vertent opening.

Upgrading or Refurbishing Fire Apparatus

Any apparatus, whether in firstline or reserve service, should beupgraded as necessary to ensure thatthe following features are includedas a minimum:

– Fully enclosed seating is pro-vided for all members riding on thefire apparatus.

Source: NFPA 1901, Standard forAutomotive Fire Apparatus, 2003Edition



THE FIREFIGHTERS GROUP

2005 TAX PREPARATION FOR $79*The Firefighters Group Is Offering A Free Consultation

With A Firefighter Certified Public Accountant Including But Not Limited To: • A Complete Review Of Prior Year Tax Returns

• Analysis Of Missed Firefighter Deductions

• Advice On 401 ,457, Ithp Waiver, 50% Indicator,Roth Ira, Pension Loans, Etc.

• Knowledge Should Start At Proby SchoolNot At Retirement

• Advice On Second Occupations And RealEstate Investments

*Includes 1040 & Sch A And Nys Return

Other Professional Services By The Firefighters Group Include:• Attorneys-Real Estate & All Other Legal Issues • Mortgages And Loans • Financial Services- Investments, Insurance, Etc.

Professional Services By Firefighter Professionals Locations: (212) 931-8329

By JOSEPH MICCIORecording Secretary

The 2006 UFA Work-Chart Calendar andInformation Directory is

currently available to all mem-bers. If you have not yetreceived your copy of thisimportant and informativeitem, please contact your Delegate.

The calendar has been formatted foreasy use and contains a large amount ofhelpful information. In addition to theyearly work-chart, it also includes a com-prehensive firehouse phone number direc-tory as well as important phone numbersfor the UFA Offices, union attorneys andmore than 80 important FDNY contacts.A version of the calendar, minus the list offirehouse, UFA and FDNY phone num-bers, is also available for free downloadon the UFA website - www.ufanyc.org.

Throughout the year various UFAevents and important dates are highlight-ed. These include Union Meetings, dead-lines for 65-2 information, as well as hol-idays and pay dates. However, there ismore than enough room for you to addany important dates you may have in thespace provided. There are also a number

of important email addressesand information throughout thecalendar, providing avenues ofcommunication to UFA officessuch as the Security BenefitsFund, Prescription Drugs, Den-tal, Optical, and Life Insurance.

The front page of the Calen-dar features a vintage phototaken from the UFA archives. It

is a picture of Engine Company 48 out-side their quarters in the Bronx with their1947 American La France Pumper. Eachyear the UFA likes to highlight a differentborough and this year the history of theBronx takes center stage.

On the back you will find your list ofimportant phone numbers for you to keephandy. You will also find an easy to fol-low flowchart designed for you in theevent you may have a problem whichneeds to be resolved. Many times thismay happen and the member is unawareof the proper channels needed to follow inorder to solve a problem. The flowchart isa perfect example of what to do and whoto contact. We hope it comes in handy ifthe need ever arises.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did notmention that the cost of the 2006 UFA

Work-Chart Calendar and InformationDirectory was underwritten by the lawfirm of Sullivan, Block, McGrath, & Can-navo PC. This firm is not only the UFAGeneral Counsel, but for years they haveproven a great friend of New York City’sFirefighters. A sincere thank you goes outto UFA General Counsel Mike Block andhis legal team for their generosity.

Parking PlacardsThe 2006 UFA Parking Placards have

also been distributed to our membership.These new plaques are for “Official UseOnly” and have been issued with uniqueidentification numbers to help preventillegal copying. Any unauthorized per-sons found to be using these placards willbe prosecuted to the fullest extent of thelaw by the UFA. They are an importantidentification tool and will afford ourmembers a level of consideration by lawenforcement when parking near FDNYFacilities. We distributed them at theNovember Union Meeting. If you havenot yet received your plaque, please con-tact your Delegate.

UFA Calendar and Parking Plaques Distributed



FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR TRAINING COURSES AT PACE UNIVERSITY, DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN

by REMS Training, Inc. Jerry Strollo, DirectorF.D.N.Y. Instructors

Same location 12 years Evening and Daytime classesFor more info and class schedules please visit: www.FireSafetyDirector.comTel: 212 591-6700 or 718 670-6700 Mailing Address:

Fax: 888-802-5637 REMS Training, Inc.267 Sunrise Hwy. Suite 1, PMB 184

E-Mail: [email protected] Rockville Centre, NY 11570

FDNY VFW Helps Vets Cruise in MarathonBy EDWARDBROWN

Bronx Trustee

Among thethousandsof athletes

who took part inthis year’s NewYork City Marathonthere was a specialgroup of military veterans who were intown as guests of the FDNY VFW, StaffSergeant Christian Engeldrum Post. Thedozen vets were seriously injured in com-bat, with many making the journey toNew York from Walter Reed MedicalCenter in Washington D.C. They came toparticipate in the Marathon but were treat-ed to a weekend of events hosted by theFDNY VFW.

Marathon weekend kicked off at apresentation ceremony held on ThursdayNovember 3, at the Sailor, Soldier, Marineand Airman (SSMA) Club in Midtown.At the event, the Vets were presented witha custom-made hand-crank bicycle whichwas paid for by donations collected atfirehouses citywide.

The bicycle was used by Army StaffSergeant Joe Bowser during theMarathon. “To be the one chosen to repre-sent the soldiers on the FDNY bike was anawesome feeling. I felt like I wasn’t onlydoing the marathon for me but for theguy’s that came back from Iraq and theones who didn’t make it back to theirloved ones,” said Bowser. “I was also rid-ing for those who gave their lives at theWorld Trade Center, the Pentagon and inthe field of Pennsylvania.”

In April of 2004, Bowser was hit by a

122mm Chinese Rocket in Balad, Iraq.The injuries sustained by the attackrequired the amputation of his right leg.

The Vets took part in a wide range ofactivities while in town. They visitedGround Zero and were guests at a numberof firehouses throughout the City. Theyalso attended a New York Rangers gameat Madison Square Garden before takingpart in the pre-race events. “All of theseactivities were made possible by the gen-erosity of the firehouses who contributedto this cause. I hope this becomes anothergreat New York City Fire Department tra-dition,” said Captain John Gormley ofDivision 6, FDNY VFW Commander.

Once the race was completed, the bicy-

cle made its way down to Walter ReedMedical Center where it is currently inuse as a physical therapy tool for those onthe path to recovery.

The Staff Sergeant Christian P. Engel-drum FDNY VFW post was formed onAugust 12, 2005 by active and retiredmembers of FDNY who have previouslyserved, or are current reservists in the Mil-itary. The Post was named for FirefighterChristian Engeldrum of Ladder Company61. Engeldrum was killed in action whileserving in the Army National Guard out-side of Baghdad on November 29, 2004.More info on the FDNY VFW can befound at www.fdnyvfw.com

Members of the FDNY VFW present custom-made handcrank bicycle to injured vet-erans in town for NYC Marathon



UFA HOLIDAY PARTYBy JOHN KELLY

Chairman, Board of Trustees

The 51st Annual UFAWidows’ and Children’sHoliday party was held

on Sunday November 20th atToys “R” Us Times Square andonce again it proved to be anoverwhelming success. Theenormous flagship store gra-ciously opened their doors to us and pro-vided our families with the perfect back-drop and facilities to kick-off the holidayseason.

The UFA Executive board was onhand to welcome the more than 300 wid-ows and 1000 children of firefighters whohave passed away, both line of duty andnon-line of duty. Also attending the eventwas President of Toys “R” Us John Bar-bour and a number of special guests,including New York Mets CenterfielderCarlos Beltran and WWE Superstar MickFoley, among others.

“I would like to thank the folks at Toys“R” Us and all the volunteers here todayfor once again making this a very specialday for our families. We look forward tothis event every year,” said UFA PresidentSteve Cassidy. “I also want to thank thestaff at the UFA who works tirelesslyyear-round in order to make this happen.Without your dedication and hard work,this would not be possible.”

In addition to Batman, the Rugrats, and

Darth Vader, the daywouldn’t be com-plete without a visitfrom Santa Claus.This year St. Nickwas escorted toTimes Square in thebucket of LadderCompany 35’sTower Ladder. He

greeted guests and onlookersalike in the heart of the Citybefore hearing Christmaswishes from the kids.

CSA TAX SERVICEIncome Tax Consultants

Tax Preparation andFinancial Planning

Thomas McCarthyCapt. FDNY Retired

678 BroadwayMassapequa, NY 11758

516-798-7373

McCarthy & McCarthyAttorneys at Law

Real Estate TransactionsEstate Planning

Criminal and Civil Matters

678 BroadwayMassapequa, NY 11758

516-797-5500

Top – Santa makes his arrival in Times Square courtesy of Ladder 35. Middle- (FromL to R) UFA VP Jim Slevin, NY Mets Centerfielder Carlos Beltran, Brooklyn TrusteeJohn Kelly and Bronx Trustee Eddie Brown at the UFA Holiday Party. Bottom – Batmantakes time out from Gotham City to join two future super heroes in the festivities.



By STEVE HUMENESKYQueens Trustee

We have all seen andheard of the manyyoung people who

enlisted with the military tofight the War on Terror afterSeptember 11th —joiningthose who had served beforethem to defend America andour way of life—and, sadly, the casualtiesthat have resulted. As New York CityFirefighters, we understand the sacrificesof duty and appreciate what our ArmedForces do every day to serve our country.One Queens Company decided to thankthem personally.

On the last weekend of October, Ijoined 13 members of Engine Company289 and Ladder Company 138 (the Coro-na Tigers) on a special trip to Walter ReedMedical Center in Washington, DC. Wepacked vans with hundreds of companyand memorial T-shirts collected from UFAmembers to present to the wounded mili-tary personnel who had returned from

duty overseas. We met withinjured soldiers and officers, aswell as their families in hospitalrooms and the NCO Club. Weeven toured the rehabilitationfacility to meet with some whohad already begun the long roadto recovery. In spite of some veryserious injuries, everyone we metwas astonishingly positive. I was

struck by the bright outlook and energy ofthese courageous men and women. Theyall seemed happy to see us—and everyoneappreciated the shirts.

The members of E-289/L-138 wouldlike to extend their thanks to everyone whodonated shirts and assisted with the collec-tion—I can assure you that your generositymade an impression. And speaking ofimpressions, I can honestly say that themutual gratitude we, as firefighters andAmerican citizens, were able to express tothe soldiers, and their appreciation for whatwe do and the losses we have suffered wasone of the most memorable and unforget-table experiences of my life.

TIGERS VISIT TROOPS Compensation AccrualFund Report for 2004

To: All ParticipantsFrom: Board of TrusteesRe: Annual Membership Report

In compliance with Directive 12,

Employee Benefit Funds – Uniform

Reporting and Auditing Requirements,issued by the Office of the Comptroller ofthe City of New York, set forth below is areport of the financial condition and oper-ations of the Fund for the fiscal yearended December 31, 2004.

The Compensation Accrual Fund ofthe Uniformed Firefighters Association isa defined contribution pension plan thatprovides retirement benefits to New YorkCity firefighters pursuant to collectivebargaining agreements between the Cityand the Uniformed Firefighters Associa-tion of Greater New York, Local 94,I.A.F.F., AFL-CIO (the UFA). Firefight-ers are eligible to participate in the planon the date they commence employment.Benefits are funded through employercontributions, which are established bythe collective bargaining agreements.

The value of Fund assets, after sub-tracting liabilities of the Fund, was$97,497,204 as of December 31, 2004,compared to $88,000,556 as of January 1,2004. During the fiscal year the Fundexperienced an increase in its net assetsavailable for benefits of $9,496,648.Additions to the Fund totaled$15,335,007. These additions includedinvestment income of $5,553,311, contri-butions of $9,588,238, and participanttransfers from other funds of $193,458.

Deductions from the Fund totaled$5,838,359. These deductions includedbenefits paid to or for participants of$5,516,807 and administrative expensesof $321,552.

For additional information write to:Board of Trustees

Compensation Accrual Fund of theUniformed Firefighters Association

204 East 23rd Street, New York, NY, 10010Or call: 212-683-4832



Engine Company 30 was one of the original Engine Companies established when thepaid Fire Department was created in 1865. This photo shows the members of the Com-pany outside their quarters at 278 Spring Street, between Hudson and Varick Streets, nearthe Holland Tunnel in Manhattan. Engine 30’s first alarm district consisted of loft build-ings, piers and warehouses which provided them with a heavy workload. They were theonly Company in Fire Department history to have three (3) sections at one time. EngineCompany 30 was disbanded in 1959. They may be gone, but they are not forgotten.

— Herb Eysser, UFA Staff

Gone But Not Forgotten UFA FAMILY SKI DAY

– NEW LOCATIONThe UFA Family Ski Day has moved

to a new location. On January 27th we

will take to the slopes of Mt. Peter in War-

wick, NY. Once again the members of

Engine 53 / Ladder 43 will be hosting the

event which provides all day / all

expense-paid skiing for the widows and

children of New York’s Bravest.

For more info on how to volunteer, or

to register families, please call FF Dave

Rowan or Louis Giaconelli at (212) 570-

4253.

As part of the ongoing effortto provide the membership

with the most up-to-date andaccurate information, theUFA has recently set-up a

new email address for Fire-lines. If you have a news-

worthy story, upcomingevent, or great photos

featuring our members inaction, please write to

[email protected]

We will monitor the emailaccount on a regular basis toreview the information com-ing in. Please note that not

all story ideas or photos sentto the address will make it

into the paper.

Your input is appreciated. We look forward to

By EDWARD BROWNBronx Trustee

Sports Chairman

The FDNY Bravest Boxing Teamrecently took the gloves off and played

Santa Claus for an evening. At their Annu-al Christmas Party, the team donatedmoney they had raised throughout the yearto a number of well-deserving charities.

On December 2nd, the team celebratedat O’Neill’s in Maspeth. They raised anddonated more than $15,000 in 2005. Atthe party the following donations weremade:

• $1000 to Lowes Syndrome Fund ofEngine Company 59

• $1000 to the Ministry of Care andService (Food and Clothing for the Poor)

• $3000 to Angels on the Bay (PediatricCharity)

• 11 $50 gift cards to the boys at the St.Francis Home for Boys in Brooklyn

All of these donations were made in

addition to the $10,000 the team hasdonated to the Wounded Warrior Projectduring the past year.

LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERSThe FDNY Boxing Team is always

looking for new members with all levelsof experience. They train on Tuesdaysand Wednesdays at the Starret City Gymfrom 11AM to 1PM and one-night perweek at the New York Athletic Club inManhattan.

The “Boxing Bravest” has a busyspring, with bouts scheduled against Jer-sey City PD & FD, Boston PD, ChicagoPD & FD, and the London Metro Policeand Fire Brigade. In addition, they will befacing the NYPD at the “Battle of theBadges West,” in San Diego, CA. Thetime for interested members to start train-ing is now!

For more info, please contact BobbyMaguire at 917-282-8727 or log on towww.fdnyboxing.com

Boxing Bravest Give To Charity



DEDICATED TO A HEROBy ROBERT STRAUB

Treasurer

On Friday December2, hundreds offamily, friends,

firefighters and soldiers,packed the quarters ofEngine 66 / Ladder 61 inthe Bronx to memorializeFirefighter Christian P.Engeldrum. Engeldrum, or “Drum” as hewas known, was killed in action outsideof Baghdad on November 29, 2004 whileserving in the Army National Guard. Hewas the first New York City employeekilled while on active leave overseas.

UFA Bronx Trustee Ed Brown spokeat the event along with a number of Cityofficials. “Chris embodied the values andattributes of both soldier and firefighter.He was always willing to put his life onthe line for the safety and well-being ofothers,” said Brown. “He will never beforgotten and will constantly be missed.”

Also on hand for the ded-ication were Engeldrum’swife Sharon, his two sons;Shawn and Royce, and hisnewborn baby girl, Kristian,named for her father. Sharonechoed the day’s sentiment,“He was a hero.”

Engeldrum had a long anddistinguished career of serv-

ice, both to his country and City.He was an active member of theUnited States Army from 1986-1991 and served in OperationDesert Storm in 1990. After hisservice was complete, heremained a reservist with theNational Guard’s famed “Fight-ing 69th.” He was a New YorkCity Police Officer at the 47th Precinctbefore he became a firefighter in 1999.During his 5 - year FDNY career he wasassigned to Engine 89 in the Bronx andEngine 58 in Manhattan. He eventually

came back to the Bronx where he wasassigned to Ladder 61 in December of2001.

He will be remembered as a great fire-fighter, heroic soldier, and loving father.

Sharon Engeldrum holds baby Kristian at theDecember 2nd plaque dedication ceremony for herhusband FF Christian Engeldrum.


THINKING ABOUT REFINANCING? BUYING? SELLING?Let the Firefighter’s Network work for you.

WE “RISE” TO A HIGHER STANDARD• NO Points and LOW closing cost mortgages.• Special Discounts for all Union members and their

families.• On the spot or over the phone Approvals• Fixed and Adjustable Rate Programs• Investment & Second Home Mortgages • LOW and NO Down Payment Program• Loans for less-than-perfect credit• LOW and NO Documentation Programs• Interest Only Loans• Loans in all 50 states• Reverse Mortgages, 40 Year Amortized, Lot &

Construction LoansDANA GRIFFINSr. Loan Consultant“Wife of NYC Firefighter”

(516) 924-0050Equal Housing Lender. © 2001 Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Arizona Mortgage Banker License Number BK8805; Licensed by the Department of Corpora-

tions under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, 5900 Windward Parkway, Suite 375, Alpharetta, GA 30005; Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, 1135 Wheaton Oaks Court, Wheaton, IL 60187; Regis-tered under the Kansas Mortgage Business Act; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License No. ML 1623; New Hampshire Mortgage Banker License No. 5251-MB; Licensed Mortgage Banker - NJ Department of Banking, 224 Middle Road, Hazlet, NJ 07730

(732) 335-8801; Licensed Mortgage Banker - NYS Banking Department, 620 Erie Blvd., West, Suite 213,Syracuse, NY 13204; Licensed Mortgage Banker - Pennsylvania Department of Banking; Rhode Island Lender's License. This is not an offer to enter into an inter-est rate lock-in agreement under Minnesota law. Up-front approval subject to satisfactory property review and no change in financial condition. Rate protection subject to time limits. Restrictions apply. Some products not available in all states. Call for details. 04/01

*Upfront approval subject to satisfactory property review and no change in financial condition.

ASK M E ABOUT MYREFERRAL NETWORK FOR:• Legal Services• Title Services• Appraisal• Real Estate

OF GREATER NEW YORK204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010-9998

Tel (212) 683-4832 • Fax (212) 683-0710www.ufanyc.org

DONALD RULANDTrustee-Staten Island ENG. 157

JOHN KELLYTrustee-Brooklyn ENG. 201Chairman, Board of Trustees

STEPHEN HUMENESKYTrustee-Queens ENG. 301

DANIEL MURPHYTrustee-Manhattan ENG. 74

EDWARD BROWNTrustee-Bronx LAD. 48

STEPHEN J. CASSIDYEditor-In-Chief

MICHAEL LOUGHRANManaging Editor

STEPHEN J. CASSIDYPresident ENG. 236

Uniformed Firefighters Association

JAMES SLEVINVice President LAD. 7

JOSEPH MICCIORecording Secretary ENG. 295

ROBERT STRAUBTreasurer ENG. 45

WILLIAM ROMAKAHealth & Safety Officer ENG. 238Sergeant-at-Arms

LESTER LAYNEFire Marshal Representative BFI

ONLY ONE LAW FIRMAs General Counsel to the UFA for over 20 years, we have aproven record of obtaining substantial recoveries for firefightersand their families in all types of personal injury cases.

• Our firm recovered more than $830 Million for ourclients in the last five years alone.

• Over 250 of our clients have been awarded over $1 Million each.

• Line of Duty Injuries • Medical Malpractice • Automobile Accidents • Birth Related Injuries • Pharmaceuticals/Vioxx • Defective Products• Labor Law • Lead Poisoning • Slips and Falls

Contact: Michael Block 212-732-9000

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.

SULLIVAN PAPAIN BLOCKMCGRATH & CANNAVO P.C.

55 MINEOLA BOULEVARD 120 BROADWAY 126 STATE STREET

MINEOLA, NY 11501 NEW YORK, NY 10271 HACKENSACK, NJ 07601516-742-0707 212-732-9000 201-342-0037

WWW.TRIALLAW1.COM


PRESORTED STD.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT # 14

HUNTINGTON, NY

The Fire Lines - January 2006

Documents

Transcript of The Fire Lines - January 2006