Local 2507 Delegate Training Seminar

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Local 2507 conducted a Delegate Training seminar, today for all delegates. Several guest speakers spoke directly to the delegate body,
about a range of issues that affects the General Membership and delegates should be addressing these issues. 
The District Council sent several guest speakers including Mr Steve Syckes,from DC 37 Legal. 
VP Joe Conzo opened the days events, speaking about the Roles and Responsibilities of the Delegate. 
It was a long day for all the delegates, as each speaker took the delegate bodies through addressing the issues that affect
the membership.

Staten Island Borough President Honors Fire Department Personnel

Friday January 13, 2012

Borough President James Molinaro, honored Fire Captain Gregg Hansson, and FDNY EMT Matthew Cook.
Matt Cook assigned to Division 1 in Manhattan is a staten island resident, who was in Bloomingdale Park on Christmas Eve jogging
when he came across Fire Captain Gregg Hansson who had started CPR on a man who collapsed in Cardiac Arrest.
Matt Cook continued CPR along with Captain Hansson, until Paramedic and EMT Ambulances from the Fire Department arrived, 
took over, and transported the man to the hospital in critical condition

      

Controversy On Medal Day 2010 (June 3rd, 2010

Poor Handling and planning to blame for disrespect to the EMS Command (click here for letter from Comm Cassano)

Announcing Our Sister Site, www.your911ems.com

The site is up but not officially launched , we are in the process of creating content for it. If anyone is interested in developing content , submitting articles, photos, etc.. please contact us.

Announcing the passing away of Dr. Gary Lombardi, FDNY EMS Telemetry

Dr. Gary Lombardi, has passed away. Gary was one of our flag ship, telemetry doctors, and will be missed. Our condolences to his family.

Following are the wake and funeral arrangements:
Wake: Malverne Funeral Home, 330 Hempstead Ave., Malverne, NY 11565, (516) 593-7230, Tues 7 -9 pm, Wed 3-5 pm, 7-9 pm. ,
Funeral services - Thursday, 10/15   St. Thomas the Apostle, 24 Westminster Road, West Hempstead, NY 11552  (516) 489-8585,
 
Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Local 2507 and 3621 Support Bill Thompson For Mayor 

It is time for Mayor Bloomberg to find other employment.
That is the message that several major NYC unions are sending the mayor.
With many city residents still angry about the Term Limits issue and how Mayor Bloomberg used his influence to overturn what New Yorkers, twice 
voted for, several unions are counting on that among other issues to end the 2 term Mayor.

With several of the mayor's agenda, failing over the past several years, and the issues surrounding the actual performance of the Mayor during his 2 terms, many New Yorkers do want him anymore.
With so much accumulated wealth, and record spending on his election campaign, all out of his pocket, New Yorkers feel that he is out of touch, with the issues that the city faces.
Record unemployment rates, record city spending, cuts in personnel, including vital departments, like the Administration for Children Services, have not fared well with New Yorkers.

The Mayor has touted, his belief that only he can save the city in todays fiscal crisis, but the fact is that the city has joined other cities throughout the country in this fiscal crisis while under his control.
This raises the question of whether the Mayor actually can make a difference. While the financial woes of the city, are greatly blamed on the overall economy and the collapse of the financial markets, it is no secret that NY has had record spending over the past several years. So is Mike Bloomberg to blame.

Many question the fact that a multi billionaire, may be able to run his own company, but there are serious doubts about whether he can run a major city, under so many factors like labor unions, and so many civil servants, whom he blames for a large percentage of the cost of operating the city itself.

With over 12,000 layoffs already, and a plan to cut up to 23,000 jobs overall, Michael Bloomberg claims that it will not hurt city services. However, this cannot be possible, with the threat of closing firehouses, reducing ambulances and cutting administrative personnel.

Bill Thompson brings new ideas in rebuilding the city and taking it through these hard times. He understands and is in touch with New Yorkers. He will bring back the will of the people.

11th Homicide on Staten Island

The 11th Homicide on Staten Island occurred in public on the street, as a 29yr old male was shot 1 time in the head and 2 times in the torso. Emergency Medical Personnel from the Fire Department pronounced the male dead on scene at approx. 7:15pm.

The shooting occurred in front of the Arlington Houses, on Holland Ave. While the motive is unknown, this is the 11th homicide on the Island this year.

Tune into www.silive.com for the full story, photos and video. Click here for video and photos of the scene. If you are bothered or disturbed by graphic photos and video please do not click.....

FDNY Plans Cuts In EMS Ambulances

As the fire department has brought in private ambulance companies to help with the increasing call volume, the cuts in 30 ambulance tours imposed by Mayor Bloomberg are still in effect and start July 1st. EMS is one of the most in demand and needed services in NYC, but these cuts are still in place. This as the cuts that would have cut Engine 161 on Staten Island, have been sparred. So while EMS continues to answer to over 1.3 Million calls for emergency medical care in NYC, they will do so with 30 less ambulance tours. The problem is that the overtime that the city will pay on ambulance tours still being run due to personnel shortages, sick leave, line of duty injuries, and vacations still cost more than the cutting of these tours....

Staten Island Advance Article EMS With Private Companies

Read the article (Click Here)

Arch Bishop Timothy Dolan Visits EMS Station 22 (Click Here for Photos)

Today May 19th Arch Bishop Timothy Dolan visited EMS Station 22. Arranged by Division 5 Captain Wayne Baskin, Bishop Dolan, arrived at 9:30am greeted by EMS personnel from Station 22, 23 and Brooklyn's Station 43.

Other members of HHC Seaview Home, also were present to greet the Bishop, as he spoke about EMS, its goal and service to the NY Community.
Bishop Dolan said a prayer and blessed the station and its personnel, greeted and took photos with everyone there.

The event was covered by NY 1 News, and the Staten Island Advance.

Street Naming In Honor Of Lt. Brendan Pearson, Station 23 April 23rd, 2009 (Click Here for Pictures) (Click Here for Video)

Today, a Ceremony for the Street Renaming of Veterans Road East, on Staten Island was held at FDNY EMS Station 23.

This was in honor of Lt. Brendan Pearson, who died on this date, 4 years ago.Commanding Officer, Captain William Olsen, along with officers from Staten Island, and other boroughs, welcomed Brendan's Family and friends as they gathered for the ceremony.

Councilman Vincent Ignizio, who was instrumental and whom without, this may not have happened, was present and greeted the crowded station, along with EMS Chief of Department John Peruggia.

Besides the Councilman, and Chief Peruggia, addressing the crowd was President of Local 3621, representing the EMS Lts and Captain, Mr. Thomas Eppinger.

Immediately following the ceremony, Laura Pearson, Brendan's Wife, addressed and thanked all for their support during what she described, "As the most difficult time of her and their son, Matthew's life.

I will post the video of the event shortly.

Media Allowed to Record the Return of Soldiers Killed In Action....
For the first time in 20yrs, since George Bush banned the media from being present at the arrivals of soldiers killed in action back to the states, the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, has lifted the ban.

The Media was allowed to be present for the return of Staff Sergeant Philip Myers, 30, who was killed in action on Saturday in Afghanistan. Sergeant Myers was killed in a road side bombing. His wife, was asked as are many families of fallen soldiers, if she would allow the media to be present. She agreed.

Division 5 Nonsense....
So when the vehicle is not checked, and the quickcheck has not been done, according to OPS Guide Procedure 107-02, you must complete the quickcheck, get it signed and then go to the assignment. This is the rules, and you must follow it until it is changed... Yes it causes delays, but if you dont do this then, you can get into trouble....

Station 22 Unit Awards Ceremony *Feb. 27, 2009 (Click Here for Pics) (Click Here For Video)

Chief Of Operations John Peruggia was present today at Station 22 to present a "Unit of The Month Award" to Jason Wisniewski, Joseph Salzano and Edward Lowe from 22 Henry Tour 3.

Along with Deputy Chiefs Sophia Kwok and Mitch Berkowitz, Chief John McFarland and Chief James Booth, Station Commander Captain Roberto Colon opened the ceremony in the presence of many of their colleagues and family members.
Chief Peruggia spoke about the award, and presented the Certificates along with a $50 check to each employee. We congratulate them and are proud of each of them. We would like to extend thanks to Lt. Anthony Curatola, and EMT Debbie Melon, who purchased the food. Anthony cooked the food and catered the event, through a private donation from yours truly on behalf of Local 2507.

Rescue Medics Medivac Sanitation Worker *January 26, 2009** (Click Here for Silive.com Story and coverage)

**Click Here For Medevac Video of Manhattan Landing**

A sanitation worker from Staten Island, was severely injured today, in an accident at his work site. Charles Kish, 61, from Tottenville, was working at the site, by the Waterway, just west of the West Shore Expressway. He was operating a bulldozer, when sources say, he stepped out of the cab of the equipment, onto the tracks. Suddenly the vehicle lunged forward, knocking him down, and running over both of his legs.

The injuries while not immediately life threatening, were severe, and involve a partial amputation of his right lower leg. He sustained crush injuries to both of this feet.

911 was called, and his coworkers moved the bulldozer away from his legs. Fire Department EMTs  Wendy Ireland and Marty Finkelstein, arrived on the scene, with NYPD ESU Officers, right behind. They treated him and prepared him for transport, as EMT Ireland, immediately requested, the Fire Department’s elite Rescue Paramedic Unit.

Within minutes, Rescue Paramedics Katherine Devaynes, and Kevin LaRoy, arrived, stabilized, him and prepared him for the incoming NYPD Aviation Helicopter.

The Fire Department EMS Paramedic Rescue unit is a special unit, deployed out of the Rossville Station, trained in Crush Medicine and Rescue Operations. That training along with Haz-Mat and their Paramedic Schooling, make this 1 out of the City’s 5 specialized units, deployed in each borough by EMS.

Last year, during the crane collapses in Manhattan, both the Manhattan Rescue Paramedic Unit and the Brooklyn and Staten Island Rescue Units, worked together at the site. This training and their equipment make these units the most advanced Emergency Paramedic Units, in the city, and one of the country’s elite.

As other ESU Officers, secured the landing site, the helicopter landed. Paramedics Devaynes and LaRoy placed Mr. Kish on the helicopter with Intravenous Lines, and medication on standby. The helicopter took off, on the 10 minute trip to 34th St Heliport, right outside Bellevue Hospital, Manhattan.

A Fire Department EMS unit and ESU Officers, were waiting at the heliport. As the helicopter landed, he was placed in the awaiting FDNY Bellevue EMS Ambulance, and transported to Bellevue Hospital so that hopefully his feet and his right leg can be saved.

Bellevue Hospital is one of the city’s Re-implantation and Microsurgery unit and the closest to Staten Island.

EMT Ireland said,” ESU and us worked great together, and everything went like clock work.”

Retro Money

Payroll will issue retro money for the 2006 and 2007 contract period on January 23rd.

Firefighter Dies on Staten Island

Fire Lt. Robert Ryan died today while battling a blaze at 39 Van Buren St. He was assigned to Engine 155 from New Brighton. We wish his family our deepest condolences.

(View Video Clip)

(Read the Advance Article Here)

We have a Contract***

The city has finally Acknowledged the Uniformed Status of the EMTs and Paramedics and have negotiated the same Uniformed Contract with Local 2507 as it did with the other uniformed services. In a stunning surprise the city also agreed to provide the Haz-Tac personnel with an additional 12% Specialty Differential Pay.

Welcome ***President Barack Obama***

The racial barriers are finally broken. It started with a dream, and it is fnally here. The shame that the man is not here to enjoy this. God bless Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as The United States of America has its first black President. It is time to rebuild this Country, and we wish him well.

Bloomberg Announces Closing 5 Engine Companies...

The wonderful Mayor elite announced today that he will announce tomorrow the closing of 5 Engine companies throughout the city, and cut back through layoffs and the rest through attrition.

Shortages Of Medications?

Are there shortages of medications? Interesting question but we all know the truth. As Mayor Bloomberg orders a 2.5 % cut from ALL CITY AGENCIES.

(read the Staten Island Advance Article <Click Here>)

EMS Boots...

Apparently 36 EMS personnel have been restricted because they cannot wear or have not gotten the required PPE Boots that the department purchased 2 yrs ago.

We have been wearing the standard issued black boots for years with very little problems.
The new boots are larger in size and heavier. They are higher on the ankles and more restrictive, in movement. Their design makes the boot much larger than normal work boots, which make things like carrying patients on stair chairs, down stairs more awkward.
This is aside from the fact that several personnel either cannot be fitted properly or have needed special custom boots made, which are on backorder.

So is the decision to restrict personnel because of this, reasonable? (Click Here)

One of our own...

EMT Jason Ruiz killed while off duty yesterday. Funeral details will be posted as soon as available. Our condolences to his family and friends. <Click Here>

Nobody is talking about Sarah... except Matt Damon..

The possibility that John McCain could die during his term, if elected President is over 33%. So if he goes that will leave us with President Palin. In the event that this happens does being a Mayor for one of the smallest towns in the country, and Governor for less than 2 years, really qualify her to be president? She is not a good choice, as Matt Damon speaks about this to CBS.  

McCain vs- Obama, elections coming....

Yes the elections are coming soon, so register to vote and go make your voice be heard. (Read Authors View click here)

Summer is over...

Summer is over, but there are still shortages of people throughout the city, so mandates are still prevalent.

KVO Program Cancelled, no suspended, wait it's back again... (Click Here)

More Chiefs, still short indians...

EMS promotes Captains Jonathan Pistilli, Mitch Berkowitz, and Anne Fitton to Deputy Chiefs. DC Pistilli, a resident of Staten Island will be assigned to Brooklyn, Division 3, leaving Station 43, Coney Island to a yet to be named Captain. Deputy Chief Berkowitz will be assigned to Division 5, Staten Island, congratulations to them.

23 Victor Moving To station 23.....

Effective August 17th, 2008, 23 Victor, which normally comes out of station 22, will be re-assigned to station 23, in Rossville. Apparently this was done to keep 2 Medic Units are each station. The area of coverage will not be changed. Paramedics D'Angelo, Wilkey, Cordero, Dixon, Boiko, Bartolomey, Rosati, Bracken and Esposito will be reporting on the 17th. Trust me they are going to a much better place... But they will be missed at station 22.

Labor Negotiations....Why the city does'nt have to negotiate (Click Here)

Dolphins Sited in Island Beach New Jersey (Click Here)

What does this have to do with EMS ? Nothing.. But it is nice to see such a wonderful site, in our local waters....

Labor Relations meet with 2507 re: Contract...

What happened? Nothing!!!! According to sources who attended the meeting, "IT WAS A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME!" Reportedly the city offered less than what was on the table prior. Offending us even more..

Major Gun Ruling By The Supreme Court...

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the 2nd Ammendment does guarantee the right of the individual to bear arms without having to be affiliated with a Militia. However, in its ruling the court also said, "this does not impair the ability of local and state governments to pass sensible and effective gun control laws which protect citizens." This ruling overturns the Washington DC Law which prohibits any ownership of any handgun by anyone other than government officials. Read CBS News Here

Mayor Bloomberg Announces Financial Woes...

No , the Mayor is not having financial difficulty, his savings and checking account is doing well, it's the City's Financial Status that doesnt look well. Standing next to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, he announced that the city is facing less money in the budget. The budget must be approved soon by the city council. We do not know if this includes any slush funds, but it looks like the city will be cutting everything except the absolute necessities.

City Wants More Overtime from EMS Crews...

As if facing continous mandatory overtime is not enough. The fire department has ordered that effective July 1st, 2008 crews must work 4 tours of overtime per month, to avoid being mandated almost everyday. That means that Paramedics and EMTs must work 48hr Weeks every week. The union, Local 2507 has already filed a grievance with Labor Relations and will be looking to have this requirement removed. In the mean time there are significant reductions in personnel throughout the city, causing an increase in response times. EMS paramedics and EMTs responded to over 15000 calls in the 72hr heat wave earlier in June.

Goodbye to EMTs...

We wish good luck and the best to EMTs' Turricell, Rivera and Derenzo. Turricelli and Rivera will be in the next Fire Academy class that starts at the end of the month, and Derenzo will be attending Nursing School fulltime in the fall. This is just part of over 150 EMTs and Paramedic that are leaving EMS for higher paying jobs, often in fields that require less education. this thanks to the NYC Office of Labor Relations who still refuses to properly compensate the higest trained Pre-hospital Emergency personnel.

George Carlin Passes Away...

George Carlin has passed away from Congestive Heart Failure at age 71. We all knew he had to go some time, he will be greatly missed by all for his unique humor about religion, politics, society etc. Here is one of his famous skits on American BS as a tribute to him courtesy of HBO and Youtube. **Warning foul language used**Do not listen if the use of foul language offends you in any way. EMS Lt's Exam June 21st, 2008

Almost 900 EMTs and Paramedics took the Lieutenants Exam. Although the Department has indicated that only those who are certified as Paramedics will be promoted, Almost 650 EMTs are still taking the exam. Only those who succesfully pass the exam, score high enough to make the list will be promoted. For EMTs it means an increase in salary by almost $10,000 while for Paramedics the increase is a measly $850.00 For years the Unions have argued that the payscales are off and should be adjusted. In many cases a Senior Paramedic makes more money than most Lts and Captains. With Overtime and Shift Differentials most Paramedics make more money than most Deputy Chiefs and some Senior Chiefs.

Division 5 Receives New Trucks

Today Division 5 received new Haztac ambulances. 22Henry and 22Zebra, will receive the new trucks at Station 22. 23 Rescue and 23Henry will receive the new trucks at Station 23. these new ambulances are longer and have more room to accomodate the Haztac Gear that these teams have. Pictures to follow...

Overtime Cap Is increased...

The department is now allowing EMTs and Medics to work up until 4 shifts of overtime per week with up to 5 shifts with the Chief's approval. the department has had a 2 shift per week cap for almost 7 years. While sources say that this is due to the increase in call volume, many feel that this is happening because of the decrease in personnel. The contract still not settled as the union prepares to go to arbitration since the city continues to deny the members fair wage increases

Tim Russert Dies ...

Tim Russert from "Meet the Press" has died at age 58 from an apparent Heart Attack in Washinton. A favorite of mine, we wish his family and friends our deepest heart felt condolences. I know I will miss his presence and political knowledge.

Mandatory Overtime For EMS Personnel

As call volume is soaring, and EMS gears to lose people to higher paying jobs as firefighters, cops and sanitation members, remaining personnel must be faced with repeated forced overtime to cover the shortages. The EMS Command issued orders for everyone who is working Overtime, that they must remain working a full 8hrs. That is Mandatory work of 16Hr. days. This has already caused more people to call in sick, and leave from exhaustion.

FDNY Cutting Beach Patrols...

When a person drowns, seconds count. As EMS Professionals we all know this. With average response times of 6 minutes for Basic Life Support Ambulances and over 8 mins. for Advanced Life Support Ambulances, that could mean that a person who has drowned and been pulled out of the water by lifeguards may have very little chance of surviving. The response times are measure not when the personnel arrive at the patient but when the amuulance pulls up to the location. It could be another 3-8 mins for the crew to actually arrive at the patients side. So when the FDNY cuts these beach patrols that is potentially placing the public at risk. (Click Here for CBS Report)

Increased Response Times

Increased response times for ambulances, due to increased Call Volume. On Wed July 11th the NYC Fire Department EMS received over 4250 Calls in a 24hr Period. As such the Daily News reports that a woman in Manhattan waited for over 1hr. for an ambulance as she laid injured. Read about it HERE.

Politics Central...

A thought and a page dedicated to supporting my view of Barack Obama For President....<Click Here>

Summer is Here......

It is'nt even summer yet, but 96 F is on the thermometer.. That means increased call volumes, problems with vehicles, shortages of manpower.. Mandatory Overtime. Keep safe, stay hyrdrated...

EMS Competition 2008 (Please Note that all team's Videos will be posted as completed)

Division 5 Paramedics Anthony Wilkey, Jonathan Damato , Daniel Rella led by Lt. Philip soto, competed in this years competition. While they did not place, they did a great job, and we thank them for representing out station. The video can be seen here. (CLICK HERE)

Division 1, Station 8 Bellevue Paramedics led by Lt. Chris Bliz took first place. Click Here for the video.

Division 1, Station 4 Pier 11 Paramedics led by Lt. James "Bubba" Fallar took 2nd Place. Click Here for the Video

Division 5 EMTs Patricia Scaduto, Frank Puma and Wendy Ireland competed and took 3rd place. Congratulations to them, we are very proud of them. I will place their video here as soon as I can.

EMS Week 2008

EMS Week May 18-24th: Station 22 bbq a great success, with the help of Capt. Rousso, EMT Patricia Scaduto and Debbie Mellon, along with many others everyone had a great time. Pictures to follow here

SI Borough President Molinaro's EMS Breakfast 2008

Jim Molinaro in his continued support of the Staten Island EMS Community held the EMS Breakfast at the Vanderbilt. Along with honoring many EMS providers from both the volunteer and Hospital Sector as well as Private companies, Fire Department paramedics from Station 23(Rossville) were also honored. I will post pictures and video here as soon as I can.

Division 5 Gets New EMS Commander

Divsion Chief Marylou Aurrichio has been appointed as the new division 5 commander. We welcome her and look forward to working with her.

Guiliani Out.....

Yes the arrogant Rudy who self proclaimed that he saved NYC, is out... It is over as he loses big time in Florida. I place my support behind, Barrack Obama for President.

Union Placards

I will begin to collect the old union placards so that new ones can be issued. Please remember to bring your old placard in to me.

January 3rd, 2007: FF Lt. John Martinson Dies in the Line of Duty

Lt. John Martinson of Staten Island, assigned to Engine 249 in Brooklyn, died while fighting a fire that was accidentally started by a child who was playing with a lighter.He leaves behind Jessica his wife and his 1yr Old son John Patrick. His wife is expecting their second child. We wish his family our sincerest condolences. You may view his funeral by clicking here, we remember him in our prayers.

Update : Paramedic John Wyatt

John is doing well and still recovering. We wish him a speedy recovery.....

Local 2507 Declares an Impasse

Since the City's Labor Relations office has failed to continue to bargain in good faith with Local 2507, the local had no other choice but to declare an impasse.This is the first step towards arbitration should the union continue without a contract.

11/15/07 Paramedic John Wyatt

Will be on Medical leave, he is in the hospital, recovering following surgery. We wish him a speedy recovery. If you would like to visit him you can call me and I will provide you with the details or email me (Click Here)

11/07/07 Local 2507 News.. (No GM Meeting In December) <Click Here For Pictures>

General Membership Meeting today at 7pm at Local Headquarters, good turn out, standing room only. Topics of discussion, FLSA Lawsuit, Filing to be re-opened early next year to allow personnel who did not file prior to file now.

Negotiations are still going on, the GM voted to allow the Local to declare an impasse, if talks are still stalled. The first reading of an ammendment to the Local Constitution to allow Union Dues to be increased. This will help the union fund additional money to include raises for Union Staff, including the Officers.

Staten Island Haz-Mat Job, Well Done...

Staten Island Emergency Units, including RUMC units responded to a Haz-Mat job in the New Brighton section of Staten Island. 2 Critical patients, and 11 patients with minor exposure were treated, decontaminated and transported to Richmond University Medical Center. The Haz-Mat incident included units from the Fire Department Haz-Mat , Rescue 5 and Engine 155, Ladder 77. A decon site was established for patients who were exposed to Anhydrous Lime, to be decontaminated before they were treated by EMS Haz-Tac units 22Henry and 22 Zebra. A city bus was then utilized to transport the decontaminated patients to RUMC. Information regarding incident can be found at SILIVE.com

10/30/07 Merv 5 Dedication (Click Here for Video and Pictures *Quicktime required to view Video)

Today, the Staten Island Borough President, James Molinaro, joined by Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano, EMS Chief of Operations John Perrugia, EMS Division 5 Chief James Booth, and other Officers of both departments, dedicated the new specialized vehicle, Merv 5. Through direct donation from the Staten Island Borough President, this marks the first time ever that such a specialized vehicle will be assigned to the borough. This vehicle is a Major Emergency Response Vehicle, designed to work as a mobile emergency room. Division 5 EMTs will staff the vehicle as operators, and the vehicle will run 24hrs per day, 7 days per week.

EMT Arrested for False 911 Calls...

In the Staten Island Advance today, they reported that EMT Pamela Falco, 48, from staten island, was arrested after making several false 911 calls, while intoxicated.

10-12-07 Our Own Ralph Cabello Gets Married

On Friday October 12th, 2007 our own EMT Ralph Cabello, was married to Dorothy. After a cruising honeymoon the couple will reside on Staten Island. Our congratulations to both families and our best wishes to Ralph & Dorothy.

OLR Meeting goes nowhere...New Parking Rules for station 22..

Today Sept. 24th, 2007 the Locals met with OLR to discuss this new contract. The local reports that while things are moving ahead, they are not going as well as the locals would like. Next meeting with OLR is scheduled for Oct. 18th.

The station reports that Capt. Fioranti will no longer be CO of the station. Chief Booth has appointed Capt. Rousso, as new CO. While many object to this, this is the Chief's decision and we will aim to work with the new CO on the variety of station issues.

Parking regulations: Due to expctance of the new MERV 5, we have lost many parking spots . However, there are plenty of spots available for people who are on-duty and working at the station for the tour. Therefore, people car-pooling to the academy, etc. will need to park their vehicles in the upper lot, across from Primary Care. Only personnel who are working on units will be allowed to park in the lot.

There are to be no ambulances in the lot. A couple of cars have been hit by people moving ambulances and therefore they should not be in there. Dont be lazy, cary your equipment to the bus.

There are to be no cars left in the lot...

FLSA Lawsuit 09/12/07

If you are involved in the FLSA Lawsuit, and do not know if you have been selected as a test case. Please see below… You must contact Woodley and MgGillavary at 202-833-8855 These are the lawyers for the lawsuit representing us. You do not have to call me or the local office to ask us if you were selected, cause we do not know. You must contact them directly.

Test plaintiffs were randomly selected and individually notified via mail. Certain test plaintiffs that were selected, have not filled out the form and/or returned it to the Lawyers. This may delay the process. Therefore if have been selected as a test plaintiff, contact them to make sure that they received the form. If you are unsure about if you were selected, then contact them to see if you are on that list. Please do so as soon as possible.

Vehicle 199 , 23Adam goes out in a ball of fire...

Uniformed Status is Affirmed by the Appellate Court

June 12th, 2007 is a day long awaited day for all of us. The NYS Appellate court has affirmed that Fire Alarm Dispatchers, EMTs and Paramedics who work for the NYC Fire Department, are classified as "Uniformed Status". This win which came with the help of the NYC City Council, supported by various other unions, including the United Federation of Teachers ammended Local Law 18 and 19. EMS Paramedics, EMTs and Fire Alarm Dispatchers join the other 4 Major Emergency Agencies which include the Police Department, Firefighters, Correction Officers and Sanitation Workers. While this law doesnt automatically guarantee, any specific benefit to EMS, it is sure to impact, and benefit EMS workers over the next years. Local 2507 representing EMS Workers and Local 3621, representing EMS Supervisors are currently in negotiations with the City's Office of Labor Relations for their next contract. We hope it goes well for all of us... (More to come...)

Fire Fighter Dies at Brooklyn Fire

Fire Fighter Daniel Pujdak, a 2yr. Firefighter passed away, as a result of a fall from the top of a building in Bklyn. on June 21st. while working on a fire on the 5th floor of the building. Labeled as an accident, Fire Fighter Pjudak climbed up an aerial ladder, to the top of the building, with over 100lbs of equipment, when he lost his footing and fell 5 stories. He was treated by EMS units from Station 35, and transported to Bellvue, where he passed away shortly afterwards.He leaves behind 2 brothers, and his parents. Mayor Bloombergh, said, "This tradgedy reminds us of how dangerous the jobs of the men and women of the NYC Fire Department are."

Tues, June 26th, 2007

Funeral For Fallen Fire Fighter

Fire Fighter Daniel Pujdak, was remembered today at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Bklyn, as his Father, Mother, 3 Brothers, his girlfriend Vanessa and thousands of fellow Fire Fighters, EMS and Police Officers gathered outside in 90 degree weather, to pay tribute to what his girlfriend Vanessa said, "A fallen Fire Fighter, a brother, a son, a friend and a boyfriend."

As he was carried out following the Funeral Mass, a Police Helicopter, performed a low flyby, as an honor in his memory.

Division 1 Adds Paramedic Unit

Cabrini Hospital suddenly discontinued to run their units. Now Division 1 has tons of overtime to cover that area. This is a greater concern among the EMTs and Paramedics of New York City. With existing staffing levels at a constant low, they are already taxed heavily with covering for each station's own units much less additional units that cannot run because of recent and possible future hospital closings, and cut backs.

Division 5 Adds Paramedic Unit_

Pending the imminent closure of Victory Memorial Hospital, in the Bayridge Section of Brooklyn, the Paramedic Unit, normally staffed by the hospital has been discontinued. The Fire Department has added a Paramedic Unit 42X-Ray, assigned to Coney Island, Station 43 to cover that area.

Victory Memorial Hospital is one of several that has been selected to close its doors, due to Non-Profitability.

The Fire Department has transferred several Paramedics to the Division following the added need to staff this Unit. 2 Paramedics from Division 5's Station 22 has also been transferred to Station 43, to man this unit.

Merv 5 Coming.....

Merv 5 while delayed in arriving at the station is supposed to be arriving in late June. Just in time for any potential disasters in the summer. The new Merv or Mobile Emergency Room is the largest Merv and will reside at Station 22 Willowbrook.

The parking location is set and the wiring has been done to accomodate the new Merv. Assigned personnel have not been announced yet, but Im sure there wont be a shortage of volunteers.

EMS Week 2007

EMS Week 2007 went by pretty quick. Congratulations to the Division of Training Paramedic Team led by Paramedic Fallar and the BOT EMT Team led by EMT Forte. They will be heading to Florida for the nationals.

Øn Wed. May 30, 2007 the BOT Teams led the Closing Bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange, with CFO David Chan, and Chief John Peruggia.

We would like to extend a congratulations for the efforts of our own EMT Team led by EMT Patricia Scaduto, and Paramedic Team led by Lt Paramedic Phil Soto. Good Luck next year.

EMS Second Chance Breakfast at Randalls Island (Click Here For Pictures)

Congratulations to Paramedics Jonathan Damato and John Rosati from our station. They were honored for succesfully resucitating a patient who experienced Cardiac Arrest on Staten Island. Pictures to follow...

George Burbano