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April1(nojoke)—Middletown---Local 336 President Jon Harvey
welcomed the fourth district to the meeting and spoke briefly,
thanking Ohio’s Fire Fighters for their support. He then introduced
Middletown Council member and former Mayor David Schiavone as a true
friend to Middletown’s Bravest. Schiavone praised Local 336 with
the fire fighters in the community and their work on a recent tax
levy. “They were a big reason we were successful, I can’t say enough
about their efforts.”
Harvey then turned the
podium over to Fourth Dist VP Bill Quinn. MDA was the first issue
of the meeting with Natalie Lipinski, Regional Director, discussing
new info and upcoming functions including Summer Camp from June 29
to July 4 at Camp Campbell Guard. She also invited members to attend
the MDA golf outing on May 29. Check oapff.com’s MDA page for more
info.
Akron Local 330
President John Beavers addressed the meeting about 2008 Conference.
For more info on the conference visit
www.iaff330.com.
IAFF 8th Dist
VP Tom Miller updated the district about current issues in the IAFF.
The US Presidential election was the first issue he spoke about.
“The IAFF is not sure if it will endorse any candidate.” Miller
confirmed, “The good news though is that we kicked Rudy Guilliani’s
ass!” to applause. Miller also addressed recent successes including
the increase of Safer Act funding by 50%. We, the IAFF, work hard
with the state organizations to deliver the best services to your
local. The state associations are the backbone of the IAFF
services.” Miller concluded. The eighth dist caucus will be held
July 18 at the Omni in Indianapolis.
DVP Quinn opened the
floor to candidates seeking office with the OAPFF. Tom Miller was
unanimously endorsed for Eighth Dist IAFF VP. Dan Mitsch was
unanimously endorsed for Sgt at Arms. The fourth dist endorsed Pat
Gunn, Phil Gauer and Joe Richard for Trustee. Fourth Dist Retirees
endorsed Tom Rave for Retiree VP. Mark Sanders was unanimously
endorsed for OAPFF President. The Fourth Dist unanimously endorsed
Mark Horton for Secretary/Treasurer. The final endorsement of the
night belonged to Bill Quinn for Fourth Dist VP. It carried
unanimously.
Director of Health and
Safety Larry Petrick spoke briefly on the Tan Book and concerns
regarding fire fighter safety inside it. He also reminded members
that a hi-vis coat on fedrally funded roads is required when we are
out at emergencies. That rule starts in November, more info to
follow.
The next speaker was
Director of Education and Research Mark Lundy. The change in fire
certification was Lundy’s main topic. He reminded the district that
members must certify for fire fighter and fire inspector(by January
2009) by updating their information at ohio.ems.gov. Fact Finders
and Conciliators are now charging a max cost of $950. Updating
contracts on the SERB website is also a main point of focus, if your
contract at SERB is not current forward a copy to the OAPFF office
and Lundy will ensure it gets posted at SERB.
Fourth Dist Work Comp
Rep Ken Kiefer talked about salary continuation of injured fire
fighters. This is done to avoid separation of employment and the
filing of permanent partial disability. Monies received in that
situation are considered tax free. Ken urged affected members to
contact their employers about the proper “C-55” forms.
Retiree VP Tom Rave
reminded those about to roll over Drop monies to consult a financial
planner to avoid a substantial penalty.
President Sanders
praised the OAPFF staff and officers for all their dedication and
hard work. Moving on to legislative issues, Sanders thanked the
Legislative Committee for a successful Legislative Conference. HB
431 Presumptive Cancer and Contagious Disease is moving on through
the process due in no small part to the efforts of the OAPFF.
Sherrod Brown is interested in cosponsoring a bill to standardize
fire response. We have approved a policy for OAPFF operations; a
finalized copy will be available after conference. With the help of
the board committee size at the conference will have doubled. This
was Sanders said to allow an opportunity for more members to be
involved. President Sanders then reviewed resolutions for the
Conference. These are available at oapff.com.
Secretary Treasurer Mark
Horton addressed the finances of the OAPFF and discussed in length
the OAPFF’s plan to relocate offices. The OAPFF will be moving its
headquarters to the 12th Floor of the Ohio Police and
Fire Pension Building near the statehouse. “If we are going to play
the game, we should be nearer the players,” Horton commented.
DVP Quinn offered the
floor to Angie Witt. Ms Witt took time to thank Middletown’s fire
fighters for battling a three day blaze at her family owned business
last summer. The fire started in packed cotton and threatened to
destroy the entire business. Local 336 President Jon Harvey
downplayed the thanks stating, “all we did was our jobs. But it is
nice to be recognized nonetheless.”
The floor was then
opened for comments from the district. Following updates of various
locals, the meeting was adjourned. |
