Asa result of the recent PBAarbitration award coveringthe (2004-06) contract, the

UFA has suspended its (2008-10)contract negotiations and exercisedthe reopener clause from the mostrecent 2006-08 contract. The 2006-08 contract included improvedreopener language that covered theprevious contract of 2004-06. TheUFA insisted on a retroactivereopener clause because we knewthe PBA was in arbitration seekingan award to cover 2004-06.

As with the PBA’s previousadventure into arbitration in 2002-04, this award is also a mixed bagof raises and givebacks. TheExecutive Board, labor council andour actuary are reviewing the award

and preparing for upcoming negoti-ations. We have a meeting sched-uled in late June with the Office ofLabor Relations (OLR).

It is with deep regret weattended the funeral of FirefighterSean M. McCarthy of E-280 onMay 27, 2008. The UFA requestedthe Department give FirefighterMcCarthy a full line-of-duty funer-al as we believe his death wasdirectly related to 9/11. The FireCommissioner and Chief ofDepartment refused. Like so manyfirefighters, Sean spent countlesshours at the Trade Center in the res-cue and recovery efforts. He is notthe first Firefighter to have died as aresult of his work at the toxicremains of the terrorist attack. TheNYPD has officially recognized thedeaths of nine Police Officers as aresult of their exposure at the WTC.The UFA is committed to ensuringthat Sean McCarthy and our broth-ers who have or may in the futuremake the ultimate sacrifice due totheir heroic efforts at the TradeCenter be properly recognized.

On Wednesday, June 4th,the Department observed MedalDay 2008. A listing of Medal Dayrecipients, as well as a completeprogram, can be found on the

Department’s Web site with hyper-links to biographical data on eachmedal recipient.

I would like to thank all themembers who stepped up to helpadvance UFA issues in Albany forLobby Day 2008. Your dedicationis greatly appreciated!

As always, stay safe!

VOL. XLIV NO. 2, 2008

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THEUNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORKThe Bravest

President’s MessageBy STEPHEN J. CASSIDY

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Steve Cassidy, UFAPresident, and New YorkState Governor DavidPaterson met at the NY StateCapitol in Albany on June10, 2008.

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Lobby Day 2008LobbyDay 2008

On Tuesday June 10th, fire-fighters from across the city bravedthe sweltering heat to attend UFALobby Day in Albany. Uponarrival in Albany they were givenbriefing packets with the UFALegislative Agenda along with talk-ing points and support memos.Among the items on the Agendawere the MTA Fare Waiver,Interest on VSF DROP Funds andthe Cash for Terminal Leave Bill.

Members lobbied their indi-vidual legislators and finished theday by attending a reception thatwas attended by numerous mem-bers of the legislature. In addition,Governor Paterson made time in hisbusy schedule to attend our recep-tion and spent time talking withmembers of the UFA ExecutiveBoard and firefighters. He wasurged to sign the Citizen SoldierSalary Act and also asked to supportthe rest of the items on our agendashould they make it to his desk.

Lobby Day was once againpraised by those members in atten-dance. Legislators were also were

enthusiastic about it. It is importantfor legislators to hear first-handaccounts from firefighters as to whya particular piece of legislation isimportant. When a firefighter fromthat legislator’s district shows up intheir office and presents our agen-da, it reminds that legislator that wewill support those that support us.There are only a few days left inthis year’s legislative session.Hopefully by the time you are read-ing this article we will have goodnews to report to you. Lobby Day2009 is tentatively scheduled forMay 19th, 2009. Speak with any-one on the list below to learn aboutwhat you missed out on and makethe trip to Albany next year.*

Sal Argano – ENG 010

Leonard Baione – ENG 039Dan Beck – ENG 291Edwad Bergin – ENG 080Thomas Bevan – LAD 048Michael Bossom – ENG 006Gregory Broms – LAD 010John Byrnes – LAD 022

Christopher Camarco - LAD 144Robert Campana – ENG 305Brian W. Conton - ENG 052

Paul DeLeo – LAD 041James DeVito – RES 004Nicholas DePierro – ENG 001

John Faherty – LAD 007Gerard Fitzgerald – ENG 318Thomas Furlong – ENG 080

Laurie Galiato - LAD 037Louis Giaconelli – ENG 053Keith Gough - ENG 026James Guidice – ENG 094

Philip Halpin – LAD 012Scott Hamelburg - LAD 16Jonathan Henderson – ENG 072Anthony M. Henry – ENG 010

Daniel Knoblich – LAD 023

Adam Lanes – LAD 144Ed Lawler – LAD 140Erik Lema – ENG 097

John McCromick – ENG 080Robert McDevitt – BFI QueensChristopher McGuire – LAD 051Michael Mularkey – ENG 080Brett Munsey – LAD 136

Kevin Neasfsey – ENG 251

Matthew O’Brien – ENG 079Terence J. Osborn – LAD 163

Carl Reach – LAD 164Jeffrey A. Reinhardt - ENG 062Diego Rivera – LAD 041John Rodriguez – ENG 039Bruce Rowland – ENG 305

Michael F. Schunk – RES 001J.W. Smith – ENG259

Steven Tagliani 0 ENG168Abundi Thomas –LAD041Martin Tighe ENG 088William Tonner – LAD 032

Peter Utschig – LAD 007

James Walsh – LAD 023Kevin Walsh - ENG 079

*This list includes those membersthat signed the registration sheet.We apologize if we missed any fire-fighters.

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NO. 2 2008Fire LinesPAGE 2

By James SlevinUFA Vice PresidentLegislative Chairman

LEGISLATIVE UPDATELobbyDay2008

Firefighters Travel to Albanyto Push the UFA Legislative

Agenda

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In November 2007 theTrustees of theUniformed Firefighters

Association /Security Benefit Fundimproved dental benefits and pro-vided a significantly expanded listof participating dentists to mem-bers enrolled in the UFA FamilyDental Plan/Healthplex.

T h e H e a l t h p l e xP a r t i c i p a t i n g P r o v i d e rOrganization (PPO) panel has anetwork of over 4,000 participatingdentists who will provide services

at a reduced fee schedule. In manycases, when using a participatingPPO dental provider, the coveredservices will be paid in full with nomember co-payments.

Healthplex members havethe option of using a PPO dentalprovider for covered services orthey can receive treatment from anon-participating dentist and getreimbursed according to the newEnhanced Union Allowance FeeSchedule. However, out-of-net-work dentists may charge higherfees and your out-of-pocketexpenses could be more. At thistime the Trustees of theUFA/Security Benefit Fund arepleased to announce that membersenrolled in Dentcare are beinggiven an opportunity to changedental plans.

The Enrollment Period willbegin on June 15, 2008 throughJuly 15, 2008 with an effective

date of August 1, 2008. Membersenrolled in Dentcare will be receiv-ing literature shortly. Review andconsider your options carefully.

If you elect tochange your dentalplan, fill out theenrollment card pro-vided and return tothe Security BenefitFund Office by July15, 2008.

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DENTALBENEFITCHANGES

By Robert Straub,Treasurer

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(Above) Honoring Brian McCauley on May 15th at the 2008 Delegate Education Seminar are: (R-L) DanielMurphy, Manhattan Trustee; William Romaka, Health & Safety Officer; Edward Brown, Bronx Trustee; JohnG. Kelly, Jr, Chairman of the Board of Trustees & Brooklyn Trustee; Robert Straub, Treasurer; Jim Slevin,Vice President; Brian McCauley; Steve Cassidy, UFA President; Joseph A. Miccio, Recording Secretary;Lester Layne, Fire Marshall Representative; and Stephen Humenesky, Queens Trustee.

(Above R-L) Former UFA Presidents Jim Boyle 1983-85; LouieSforza Jan-July 1990; former Broolkyn Trustee Dan Stromer,1975-79; former UFA President Nick Mancuso, 1979-83, 1985-90.

2008 UFA DELEGATENO 2 2008Fire LinesPAGE 4

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(Left) Michael A.Block, UFAGeneralCounsel, addressesD e l e g a t e s .Sullivan PapainBlock McGrath &Cannavo P.C. washonored by theCity Council ofNew York City onSeptember 9, 2004

for its pro bono work on behalf injured fire-fighters and the families of deceased firefight-ers in representing them obtain awards fromthe Victim Compensation Fund. TheProclamation notes that the firm "...has dedi-cated itself to recovering over $260 millionfrom the Fund for injured firefighters andfamilies of fallen firefighters while foregoingmillions of dollars in legal fees; " The firmwas honored for its "unparalleled work onbehalf of New York City's Bravest and theirfamilies, affected by the tragedy of September11, 2001."

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EDUCATION SEMINAR

(Above) Honoring Richard Grasso on May 15th at the 2008 Delegate Education Seminar are: (R-L) JosephA. Miccio, Recording Secretary; Daniel Murphy, Manhattan Trustee; Donald Ruland, Staten Island Trustee;Steve Cassidy, UFA President; Honoree Richard Grasso; Edward Brown, Bronx Trustee; John G. Kelly, Jr.,Brooklyn Trustee, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Steve Marley (L-44); and Jim Slevin, Vice President. MrGrasso is widely known for his behind-the-scenes philanthropic efforts. His post 9/11 efforts have been con-centrated on the victims of the attack. He is currently working on acquiring the resources and funds to assistFDNY members and other first responders and workers who have incurred 9/11-related illnesses. His goal isto create a fund that has the financial depth and stability to ensure that those who toiled at Ground Zeroreceive the best medical care if they become ill.

(L-R) Christine Early, UFA Grant Director &Program Manager; conducts day-to-day office oper-ations, Daily Member in Hospital & AccidentReports, and assists with Firehouse issues. She alsosupervises the status of all grants, including propos-als, reimbursements, and reports on grant status.William (Bill) Romaka, Health & Safety Officer,Sergeant-at-Arms. He is in charge of all Health &Safety Issues (Exposure, Injuries, BHS Issues)FDNY Issues (WTC MM&TP, Gloves, BunkerGear, Apparatus/TOC/Misc Meetings, etc.);Antonio (Tony) Caracciolo, Field SafetyRepresentative. Tony conducts Field SafetyTraining at Firehouses, Union Meetings, and uponrequest from Firehouse Delegates. He also assists

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FirehouseTradition ?

We are in a unique time inFDNY history. In the years sincethat tragic day, we have lost manyexperienced firefighters to retire-ment and promotions. The FDNYhas looked to lessen their laborcosts and have hired more firefight-ers at a lower base salary and goneover quota. This situation has cre-ated problems in the firehousewhere there are often not enoughsenior firefighters to pass along

many long standing practices, ortraditions. This coupled with theincreased frequency of electronicdevices has hampered the proper“teaching and learning” atmosphereof the firehouse.

Though the FDNY hasproperly increased training in aneffort to “replace” experience, thisand many other factors such asincreased building inspections, playa part in the deterioration of fire-house traditions. In the past, proba-tionary firefighters were, and stillare, required to do the most workaround the firehouse. Is this unfair?No, it is a way to get the focus onthe job, learn the job, and learn tobe humble. Its fairness is rooted inthe fact that all that come on this jobare required to go through the same,time- honored tradition. How aprobationary firefighter performs

during this crucial first year tends todictate the rest of his/her career andhow others perceive them. Exertingone’s independence or “personali-ty” during this period might givethe sometimes erroneous impres-sion that one does not understandthe “team concept” in firefighting.

The fact that there is adecreasing number of “senior” fire-fighters means that the “five to fif-teen” year firefighters are needed tostep up during these unique timesand be additional mentors to ournewer members. The education offirefighters is a never-endingprocess. To be a member of theFDNY Bravest requires an under-standing of our history and tradi-tions, along with a desire to upholdthe high moral standards. It isimportant to remember that yourwhole life is “an integrity test” soalways act in a way that you wouldprefer to be remembered!

With this in mind, I wouldlike to offer a Father’s Day tributeto my father, George D. Romaka(this essay was penned by him onNovember 14th, 1946 at the age of21), and which I hope our firefight-ers can ponder.“I Owe It All to My Ancestors”

We are all born in this worldwith gifts we are seldom gratefulfor. Some are born with “silverspoons in their mouths” and othersin poverty stricken homes.

One of the most importantgifts that I am indebted to myancestors for, is that I was born intoneither one of the above categories.My station in life is at the present,one of middle class well being. Tohave been born otherwise, mighthave meant that my ideas of wealthand poverty would have been great-ly distorted. To be raised in

William RomakaHealth & Safety OfficerSergeant-At-Arms

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(Continued page 7)

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Page 7Fire LinesNO. 2 2008

poverty would have cultivated inme a greed or lust for the betterthings in life. On the other hand tohave been reared among luxurieswould have left me lacking inambition or the will to work.

Which of the two “evils”would have left its mark on me ishard to say. The only thing I amsure of, is that being raised the wayI was has made me neither greedyor lifeless.

George D. Romaka, 7/4/25 to4/3/92

(Romaka -Continued from Page 6)

SOCIAL SECURITYDISABILITY

GET BENEFITS NOWFree Consultation

Contact Stacey Guzmanor Ken Larkin

atSTANTON & GUZMAN, LLP585 Stewart Avenue, Ste 410Garden City, NY 11530Phone: 516-222-0099Fax : 516-222-0079

Stanton-Guzman@verizon.net

The Stanton & Guzman First Annual Benefit Concert forthe UFA Scholarship Fund took place on December 1,2007. (L to R) Ken Larkin and Stacey Guzman of theLaw Firm Stanton & Guzman present UFA PresidentSteve Cassidy with a check for $4000.

By Herb Eysser, UFA StaffBronx’s Engine 85 was organized on July 1, 1967 in the quarters of Engine 82, Ladder31 and the 3rd Battalion at Intervale Avenue and East 169th Street. The reason thatEngine 85 was organized was simple: The Bronx was burning down and additionalfire companies were urgently needed to fight the fire storm that was sweeping theSouth Bronx. Squad 9 from Manhattan’s Yorkville section was disbanded the sameday and the manpower of Squad 9 was used to open Engine 85. The officers andmembers of Engine 85 did a tremendous amount of fire duty. Engine 85’s first alarmdistrict was put to the torch! Fires were everywhere! In 1971 Engine 85 moved intothe newly constructed “tin house” at Boston Road and East 169th Street and remainedthere until they were disbanded on May 20, 1986. Gone but not forgotten!

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

HAPPYFATHER’S

DAY

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204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010-9998Tel (212) 683-4832 • Fax (212) 683-0710

www.ufanyc.org

DONALD RULANDTrustee-Staten Island ENG 157JOHN G. KELLY, JRTrustee-Brooklyn ENG 201Chairman, Board of Trustees

STEPHEN G. HUMENESKYTrustee-Queens ENG 301DANIEL MURPHYTrustee-Manhattan ENG 74

EDWARD BROWNTrustee-Bronx LAD 48

STEPHEN J. CASSIDYEditor-In-Chief

STEPHEN N. SYMBOLIK IIIManaging Editor

STEPHEN J. CASSIDYPresident ENG 236

Uniformed Firefighters Association

JAMES M. SLEVINVice President LAD 7JOSEPH MICCIORecording Secretary ENG 295ROBERT STRAUBTreasurer ENG 45WILLIAM ROMAKAHealth & Safety Officer ENG 238Sergeant-at-Arms

LESTER LAYNEFire Marshal Representative BF1

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U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT # 14HUNTINGTON, NY

FIRST CLASS