Received via Email 9-28-10 I like the 9-22 post comparing us to the military. You are right on, the military provides you with the food they want you to eat, Ok I'm all for the city providing me with my meals. The military has officers that inspect you everyday and comment on things that need to be taken care of, Ok I'm ok with that too. The military has special training for those that become out of shape and provide instructors to help you through, Hey city bring it on. The military provides you with all of your basic daily needs and then advanced care, I'm beginning to see a trend here. It seems that there are organizations that care for and about their people and then there are those that just care about pointing out poeples shortcomings.
Received via Email 9-28-10 I was just wondering how come we dont require all firefighters to take the combat challenge every year and have to pass it.
Received via Email 9-28-10
will
someone
fix
this
Banner
PLZ.
Received via Email 9-29-10 I agree, we should have to pass a physical agility/ combat challenge yearly. Why do I have to try so hard keeping in shape when there are those that obviously don't? The Union would fight it tooth and nail because the top three officials couldn't pass it. Well, maybe the VP could. Maybe.
Received via Email 9-29-10 9/29 #1 Which chiefs do-boy are you? Before you ask the question of whether or not to, better ask what the impact will be if you take it and can't pass. HQ isn't going to invest any effort into something that they can't enforce. Of course you'd already know that if you spent some time paying attention to those who protect all of us and not just the few chosen ones.
Received via Email 9-29-10 9/29 #1 And another thing. How did we get from physicals paid for by the city that probes into your personal information to the combat challenge? Are you another one of those guys that believes that you've got to train like you fight and fight like you train? If that were the case you'd still be heading to the drill grounds all summer long with your buker gear on. Stop picking on the fat guys. Everybody that headquarters ever sent downtown they eventually got tired of looking at and sent back to the stations. As to your combat challenge, we've taken it before and so what? It proves what when they're looking at a stopwatch? Lets do this, lets pull up to a structure fire with 3 on the truck and time an evolution such as saving YOUR kid from the 2nd story bedroom. Lets do it again with a 4 man truck company and see what the stop watch says. Lets time the fire chief and the mayor with their bullshit understaffing instead of timing all the supermen on this job that have to do more with less. You guys have got to quit making excuses for these f+ckwads that make $100K a year and look down their noses at you. I'll take your bullshit combat challenge and I'll purposely fail it. What do you think headqaurters is going to do with me? NOTHING! And if you don't know the reason why (and I don't think you do) you can call 323-1786 and talk to the man who can tell you. P+ssy! FTM
Received via Email 9-29-10 9-28 #2 Who's "we"?
Received via Email 9-29-10 I think that would be the point of an annual fitness evaluation: to weed out those that couldn't accomplish your 3/4 man truck scenario before it becomes a real event. Then if it shows that you need work, efforts can be made to help get you into shape. Calling the 9/28 poster a "pussy" is misdirected since a "pussy" can be inferred as someone who is scared of something. From reading his post, he doesn't infer that he is scared of anything. You, however, seem to scared of a rather easy fitness test like the "Combat Challenge".
Team: After reading the past couple of posts we'd like to make a couple of observations. Physicals are taken by many on the job. There's a MOU between the city and SPAFF. It's the law and it stands. The MOU allows one to opt-out if one so chooses but you can always take your free physical. When the chief tells you that he wants you to have a physical because he's concerned for your health - take him at his word that there are no other underlying reasons for his zealous push for you to take one. Again, get your free physical.
Likewise, when individuals tell him that he cannot be trusted or that the city cannot be trusted with our personal information, they should take us at our word. There is ample, well documented evidence that indicts both their words and deeds. If you aren't aware that the abuses of the past are still haunting us - they are. Within the past month another member who thought it was a good idea to get a free physical got jammed-up with information that should have been guarded jealously by Life Scan. It wasn't and it will never be. Until each of you takes control of your own lives and quits allowing the chief to guilt-trip you with this "Wouldn't you feel bad if you fell out?" shit, you're always going to be looking over your shoulder. The city pays the contractor for the physicals to be performed and you will never know when your career is being compromised. Why is the physical that you get from your Dr. so heavily discredited by the chief yet Life Scan is placed on a high pedestal but you never see their Dr.?
Regarding the combat challenge - the chief can order you to take one a day and it's quite doubtful that the union will have anything to say about it. If you pass it, nothing will happen. If you can't, nothing will happen, either. To note: SPF&R has what's called a 'training' division. It's grossly understaffed and does little training - mostly testing of individuals that it didn't train. Similarly, we have peer fitness trainers who don't train anyone in a physical conditioning program that we don't have but we do have physicals to test individuals that we didn't train to be fit.
Can you see the hypocrisy here? Why do we keep pointing the finger at each other when the fire chief and the city are guilty on multiple levels of failing to address the root cause of illness and injury on the job. FTM
Received via Email 9-30-10 I can see the hypocrisy here. We've got something that they want really really badly they've got something that we want and they are going to stall just as they've done in the past and we're used to it. It's no big deal really considering they're not offering anything. Those of you who constantly criticise the union and take up for our poor poor chief are widely known to all the rest of us. You keep telling him he's doing a great job and that you're 100% behind him. He's got no more juice that we give him and that aint much so knock yourselves out suckboys.
Received via Email 10-01-10 Okay, Okay. Let's give this physical thing a rest and get to the REAL subject that is in all our minds. How many gays are on the department and how many druggies are at number 8 station? There's a rumor that the cubicles are hiding some pret-ty shady shenanigans when it comes to after hours activity. Take a look at the person next to you. Does he look gay to you? If he does he probably is. Do you want to work with gays? Are you willing to take a test to see if you're gay? How do we know there aren't any gays on the job that are just waiting to sneak a peek at you in the shower? Wait until the week end when the football game is on and see who yells "FA-BU-LOUS" when his team scores. He's probably gay. But how do we know for sure? How do you tell if a guy is a certified pillow biter? The only way is to give the suspect a physical. Now Jimmy will conduct the physical himself and the method used to tell if you're gay will be the Bung Meter.
This device is used to measure the width of your bung. Simple, eh? You'll have to get on your elbows and knees with your bung high as possible while Jimmy spreads your cheeks and measures the width of your bung. Bungs wider than the benchmark of 1.5 inches or 70 centimeters are considered suspicious and will be checked for elasticity. This is a simple non-invasive operation guaranteed to weed out the effeminate in our ranks. Testing will begin in January. Bring your own lube. In addition to the gay testing there will soon be drug testing. But before you get all "panties in a wad" indignant remember that once the gays are identified the drug problem will probably disolve too. But to be sure there are no druggies on the job the Chief is asking that each of us be a . . . well, not so much a NARC but something a little more palatable. . . like what he likes to call a RARC. RARC stands for "Reach A Round Combo". The RARC is performed by first determining if your suspect is actually high. Ask him. "Are you baked?" If he says no and you suspect that he's lying it's your responsibility to perform the RARC on him. Get behind him and reach around to all his pockets and check for drugs. Pat him down fast as most of the suspects will get all pissy and try to hit you. Once you've determined that he has no drugs ask if he'd be willing to accept a little oral as compensation. If he says yes then call Jimmy. You just caught your first gay. See how that works? A little complicated but they'll never see it coming. And that kiddies is what's "in the mill".
Received via Email 10-03-10 WOW i want to yell FABULOUS but my pillow keeps getting in the way!!!!! ;)
Received va Email 10-03-10 How good can this city's contract offer be when Jimmy Large and the most hated (next to Large) man on the planet (Pumpkinhead) are out in the stations on a Sunday trying to drum up support for this piece of shit offer? When was the last time you saw Jimmy come to work on a Sunday or snaggletooth drive across the Skyway on a Sunday? The city's best and final don't even begin to look like an offer, it should be called their best and final take away. We're going to have a couple of days of explanation for this turd. Everyone needs to hear the bombshell of an offer that the fire chief told the city to make. Just remember the mayor doesn't know shit about the dept. that Jimmy don't tell him. The shit offer you're going to hear about is brought to you by your lying fire chief.
Received via Email 10-04-10 Gee do ya think? These two guys are punks. When Large talks about tightening up the ship he's talking about his ship. He keeps losing his ass to us because we've got strong contract language that's been in existense since the beginning of time and now they want to overhaul it to benefit them. You know what they say about the golden rule. He who has the gold rules. Too bad Jimmy, you don't have our gold. We've got it invested between our ears. They won't hire another guy and now Large who is Mr. Public Safety is giving the Mayor 6 more position? How does that help anyone of us at 3 in the moring when you're dragging your ass? This guy is not a FIRE CHIEF, he's a deputy mayor. He 's helping them to hurt you and me. We want better staffing so where does it come from? They steal it from our time off book. Want to go to school (on your own time) you better get ready for their answer to that, they want you to take off in 12 hour chunks now. What worked for them to put them through school so that they could lord over you is now coming back to bite us because the city promoted a jerk for a chief and the pudgy red headed kid is riding it for all it's worth. They want random drug testing but who is randomly getting tested and who's getting left out? And now you notice they want to do steroid testing too? They don't have a dime to spend on staffing but they've got money to buy a bigger stick to shove up our asses. The physicals are a joke too. Wimberly just got caught with personal information again and now he's blaming it on Life Scan. Don't throw them under the bus by telling us that WE have to deal with the company that the city contracted with and dictates terms to. Wimberly is a liar. He's a religious hypocrite and a liar. The who headquarters staff lies to us all and they have the neverto want to smile at you too. If you vote for this POS contract you're voting for Jimmy's best and final.
TEAM: The physicals thing seems to be a recurring theme. Take a gander at what someone just sent to us. Read it all the way through...
Received via Email 10-04-10 Jimmy Large is telling the story that we were offered a $1500 bonus by the city but the union refuses to take the offer back to the membership. It's all bullshit. Tom Hagen started that one, just ask him. Jimmy Large, when are you going to learn that anything you say at the MFS doesn't stay at the MFS. You have no friends that work as firefighters, only suck asses that pay some attention to you when they need you. You have the divide and conquer skills of an 11 year old.
Received via Email 10-04-10 Here's a nutshell of the "Random Drug Testing" document. Granted it's in some areas taken out of context but is word for word on it's face as to what was determined. Omissions are indicated by a series of three periods and commnencing with text.
"Although the City need not present a “compelling” interest,
the City’s interest must be “important enough” to justify
the government’s intrusion into the firefighters’
legitimate expectations of privacy."
"In addition, we must look to the nature and
immediacy of the City’s concern. That is, has
the City identified a real and substantial risk?"
"whether the invasion of privacy is calibrated
to the defined risk"
"As the City conceded at oral
argument, the record is devoid of any indication that the
City has ever encountered any problem involving drug use by
its firefighters. The record lacks not only evidence of
even a single instance of drug use among the firefighters
to be tested but also any evidence of accidents,
fatalities, injuries, or property damage that can be
attributed to drug or alcohol use by the City’s
firefighters."
"The absence of evidence of drug use, at least as reflected
in the record, provides no basis for us to conclude that
random, suspicionless testing is calibrated to respond to
any defined risk. At most, the Program’s random testing
component furthers only a generalized, unsubstantiated
interest in deterring and detecting a hypothetical drug
abuse problem among the City’s firefighters."
"The very nature of random, suspicionless searches
precludes any advance notification and subjects employees
to continuous government scrutiny. Random testing, therefore,
necessarily raises the specter of the “‘unsettling show of
authority’ that may be associated with unexpected
intrusions on privacy.”
". . .the increased intrusion occasioned by the Program’s random,
suspicionless testing component represents the very type of
“arbitrary and invasive acts by officers of the Government
or those acting at their direction” against which the
Fourth Amendment is meant to guard."
". . .the Program’s random component falls outside the
“closely guarded category of constitutionally permissible
suspicionless searches,” . . . and violates the
Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution."
This precedent would knock a big hole in the city's argument that their
suspicionless random drug testing demands are anything less that legal.
It takes a complete reading of the case to determine the ins and outs of
how the court came to the conclusion it did. I suggest you read it all.
TEAM: Damn... you went through it faster than we did. "Suspicionless random drug testing" must not be a good thing, We're going to call Ch. Large again and ask him. Be right back.
Received via Email 10-04-10 I sure hope that $1,500.00 BONE-us gets here soon. We are going to need almost $1,000.00 of it to pay St. Pete College to get the State Certs for Engine and Aerial operator. I hope I can get some extra points when I show up wearing my new structual firefighting boots. Oh shit, I just remembered, most of the other departments in this area already issue necessary equipment to their Firefighters.
TEAM: Don't pull that shit here, buddy. Don't go trying to confuse folks with the facts.
Received via Email 10-04-10 So, we have a**holes in their last 3 months of employment helping fire admin to lie us into a new worthless contract. I hope you all remember these stooges in December when everyone starts calling the union office to get them a free $450.00 boxed presentation axe for these fine upstanding maggots. Maybe we can convince Kidwell not to give up his free time and labor to build the display boxes. Anyone that cant see through this proposal as a straight temper tantrum being thrown by the invisible man, Wimperly, and the ass clown, just aint paying to much attention.
Received via Email 10-04-10 You know. If the chief ever finds out about this web site and the fact that we're on to him, we're all going to be fired. But since he doesn't................blow on the Jimbo.
Received via Email 10-04-10 Randon drug testing will include; *** Alcohol .020-.039 will get you scutinized, above .04 gets you time off and visits with AA. Dont think that you will able to fool them with "I'm taking cold medicine". ** Steriods, unless you have a presription, you will have all the time you want to do your thing out on a beach somewhere. You had better plan on Gandy because you wont have any money to go far. ***Prescription drugs, if you can't produce a script, out of your ass within a moments notice, C Ya. *** If you get stopped somewhere and a substance that is deemed as illegal is found in your possession, or vehicle, you are through. No ands, if's, or but's. They dont want to hear about how many kids you have, your bed ridden relatives or how many spotless years you have on the job. Just pack you things and plan on working on a different slave ship somewhere else because SPFR will never give you a good reference. So far the city wont say how many will be piss tested per day, week, or monthly. If your called out and your on a 3 man engine crew, do your co-workers go sit around or are they just OOS at the station until you come back? They wont tell that either. They wont let anyone watch the random draw of the names, go out with the pickup vehicle to watch for hankey panky either. Yup, this is going to be one real a**fu**in when the fools that want free boots vote this one in. Can I get a Whoa is me? On second thought, I guess a FTM is more appropriate.
TEAM: Wow... that visitor meter shure is clicking away now. We're at 492,143 visits in just five years and we're averaging 177 visits per day. We're getting close to that half million mark. We're currently at 217 visitors for this day. Ahhhh... Peyton Place.
Received via Email 10-04-10 Yeah, Peyton Place where Hitler and Mengele come to visit on a Sunday in the hopes of selling you their latest program.
Received via Email 10-04-10 Hay Jimmy. When you're reading this tonight why don't you call the wife over and show her what a good job you're going.
Received via Email 10-05-10 WOW i want to yell FABULOUS but my pillow keeps getting in the way!!!!! ;)
Received via Email 10-06-10 I sense a little dissension among the troops. Hmmmm, the city is sure doing a good job keeping up the morale. Great Job Chiefs. NOT
Received via Email 10-07-10 With the upcoming drug testing, physicals, and same sex partners heading our way, might I suggest that this page be named something dirfferent? maybe like The Truth? I am sure that wont offend too many people, or will it? Oh well I dont give a f**k. FTM. FTM. FTM.
Received via Email 10-07-10 Hey I saw jimmy and B-ass-et on tv this morning clapping away at the mayor when he was shitting out his mouth. I mean normal people with a spine talk out there mouths not sh!t.....right GIRK!!!!
Received via Email 10-07-10 Rays suck today. St Greedysburg has got their championship team.
Received via Email 10-07-10 Lets go Yankees !!!
Received via Email 10-08-10 Reports state Firefighter Tidwell, suffered a head injury in a motor vehicle crash. he was riding a motorcycle,no helment. He is currently at Bayfront, in a coma. Anyone with better updates please reply.
Received via Email 10-10-10 Best wishes for fireman Tidwell from us here in the northeast, and to you, his fellow firefighters, strength and brotherhood will help him heal through this difficult time.
Received via Email 10-10-10 Haven't we fired a couple of people in the past who had addiction problems? Why all of a sudden when they aren't offering us anything but half a pair of leather boots do I need random drug testing? I think the management around here needs to be tested because they've got to be smoking something if they think I'm going to vote for a contract just so I can say we have a contract. WTF? FTM
Received via Email 10-10-10 I have a question. If my partner is drunk and high and shoots his load in my ass will I test positive. Just want to know before I go into HQ.
TEAM: Before you can be approached while under suspicion it must first be determined that the 'load' that you received was compromised. That would ultimately have to be determined by the load taste tester, AKA "LTT." It has yet to be determined who the LTT will be but if past practice is any indicator, it will be whomever is currently being groomed for the chief's position (well, that and he looks like a Jack-O-Lantern).
Received via Email 10-11-10 We had a pretty good laugh today at the informational meeting. One of the chief's special projects (Ray Landis) was on hand. Mitch Paul asked him why he was there since the captains and chiefs contract was not up for a vote and Ray looked all confused because he somehow wasn't aware and got up and left. A reliable source tells me that this is the guy that the captains and chiefs have chosen to sit in on negotiations for them because he's really up on things. They better start looking at Bernie Williams cuz he's one of the few that ever shows up to his own contract negotiations. Some things never change.
Received via Email 10-12-10 Guess I messed up.
I was dropping off the pension schedule and transcripts, and thought they were going over what had transpired in negotiations. (remember we are negotiated together for the most part)
I sat down trying to get some info for the members at the station that couldnt make it, as well as myself.
I decided to leave when Mitch explained that there was going to be a seperate meeting for the chiefs and captains coming up. Also I really didnt feel the love, with at least three of you announcing nice and loud that the "spy was here".
You really have to be proud of this brotherhood that we have nurtured.
Received via Email 10-12-10 Bernie Williams has been a class act and a man of honor since the first day I met him. That was my opinion of him then and now, thirty years later, it's still my opiniion of him. He's always been a man of quiet leadership and honesty and I am proud to call him a friend. He cares about the fire service and about SPF&R. That's why he shows up at the negotiations meetings. A lot of folks could follow his lead.
Received via Email 10-12-10 Don't let it get you down Ray. The chief vouches for you.
Received via Email 10-12-10 I was there in the afternoon and Rosetti stuck around because a lot of this stuff is exactly the same in his contract. Honestly, Mitch is not the union president. you should have stuck around and confronted those that called you out if you thought you were being played dirty. As to Brotherhood, I'm not talking to you Ray but Brotherhood has never been for mutts.
Received via Email 10-12-10 FTM
Received via Email 10-12-10 Woohooooooooooooo shoes!
Received via Email 10-12-10 With the reduction in workforce by 6 positions as of October 1st, I'm sure glad that we didn't fall for Leslie Curran's antics in council last year where she called for us to use our holiday pay to keep people on the job. Our fire chief (Old Smoke and Mirrors) would have us all believe that it was the BROTHERLY thing to do. We would have had empty pockets and been 6 people lighter to boot! Fool me once......
Received via Email 10-12-10 What if I have to swallow the load. Im scared. I need guidence.
TEAM: Not a problem. You may qualify as an Acting Load Taste Tester or ALTT. You'd have to take three classes at SPC or from Jack-O-Lantern U. You'd have to pass any state testing as well as any required testing that the brain trust here at SPF&R might come up with off the top of their head's. There may be others with greater seniority already 'goûter le chargement' (that's French for "tasting the load") but not to worry. Seniority never trumped a good test score here at the department whose motto is, "Screw labor. I got mine!"
Received via Email 10-13-10 To Kevin Minnerly. If you had 1/10 the union blood in your veings that Dave Nolshiem has, you'd shut your pie hole now. For you to spread rumors about Dave's lack of concern about a brother in the hospital is shocking but because it's you doing the bullshitting, none of us should be a bit surprized. I called Dave myself to find out how this all started rather than listening to shit stirring and to say that a fool is spreading rumors from third hand wrong information would be an understatement. Kevin, you're one of an elite group of about a dozen dues paying scabs on this job and if you've got nothing good to say (and why would you) then maybe you should quit while you're way behind.
Received via Email 10-12-10 Looks like a certain LT got screwed in his custody re hearing. Karma sucks doesnt it.
Received via Email 10-13-10 Talked to my union official a few minutes ago and found out they were bargaining with the city for the captains and chiefs. If they can get the language hammered out the captains and chiefs will have to go through random drug and alcohol testing and have to take physicals just like us. The big difference???? They'll get an R-Day every 3 weeks.
C'mon everyone. Let's vote to approve this contract. We're gonna get some big boy fire boots just like the chief promised us.
Received via Email 10-13-10 DC's talked how important their job was and now we have them off every three weeks with the lower ranks filling in for them. How pathetic.
Received via Email 10-13-10 Ballot received in the mail today. Ballot sent back today with NO checked. FTM
Received via Email 10-13-10 Should we mark it with an X or a check? I was gonna smear mine with dog turds.
TEAM: Don't even kid, Bro/Sis. Mark your ballot properly and make your intentions count. Do The Right Thing.
Received via Email 10-13-10 All little Jimmy is offering is some boots. I've got a boot for ya Jimmy. I'm going to boot this offer to the curb. You and the rolly polly mayor can be shocked all to hell with this thing takes a big brown squirt.
Received via Email 10-13-10 To the 10-12 poster that's supposed to be Ray, I was in that room when you walked in LATE and didn't hear anybody call you a spy. Poor Ray, poor Ray. Professional victims get nothing from me.
Received via Email 10-14-10 LARGO – The International Association of Firefighters Local 2427 voted 104-0 against ratifying a new labor agreement, including the articles imposed by the Largo City Commission through the impasse procedure.
The terms and conditions of the expired contract, including the new range pay plan as imposed by the City Commission, will continue in effect until a new agreement is reached, city officials said.
Assistant City Manager Henry Schubert will contact the union leadership to schedule bargaining sessions and an executive session will be scheduled with the City Commission later this month. The union represents Largo firefighters.
Received via Email 10-14-10 When and if I want a pair of Fire Boots I will buy them myself. I will not sell my soul to the devils in order to get them for free. Because if you really study the proposal they sure wont be free when you put on the chains that come with them.
Received via Email 10-15-10 Regarding the gay rumors, if you look at the plans for the renovation at number eleven they are installing glory holes in the cubicles.
Received via Email 10-15-10 Is it bad if your kids cant read at their grade level?
Received via Email 10-16-10 Well, it's not so irrational to have "glory holes" in the stalls in the fire station. Actually it's about time we caught up with the cops who have had them for years and years. It gives a whole new meaning when you're in the Po Po locker room and hear someone squeal in a high pitched girly voice, "Stop, or I'll shoot ! ! !" They have little tiny red lights and sirens on the top of the stools to encourage realism. So why shouldn't we have the same thing? The cops have that "stop or I'll shoot" thing going for them. I think ours at number 11 could easily be "First In, Last Out Y'all".
Received via Email 10-17-10 Me thinks the boots is because the city realizes how deep the sh*t has gotten here and they are just trying to protect us from serious infection.
Received via Email 10-18-10 beware who you go drinking with the night before or who you tell. Your so called friend will be your enemy. Look what happened when DK got promoted. They could alcohol test you.
Received via Email 10-20-10 If this damned web site were gone I'd finally get my message across.
The chief.
TEAM: Nice try. We all know that the chief doesn't visit this site.
Received via Email 10-20-10 Is Ray +++? Is there a +++ Ray? Ray stop giving other people advice especially when they hold a higher certification than you. Because you really have no clue on what you talking about. Well let's keep it simple so you can understand and you don't have to ask your HQ fags for your opinion, stop trying to tell medics how to do there jobs, even if you think you know what your talking about cause you really don't.
Received via Email 10-20-10 Congrats to Lt. Rick Gomolak.
Received via Email 10-20-10 Who'd thought 2 years of United Way would Rick! lol.. Really Congrads!
Received via Email 10-22-10 So we found out in at the union meeting last night that little Callahan voted for this contract because it's got a DRIVER ENGINEER provision in it. He's about as deep as a thimble of water. Someone tell him what's going on because he's not going to get the real story listening to Jim Large.
Received via Email 10-23-10 Me thinks the family line of Bud-taliens has returned.. Look out!
Received via Email 10-23-10 Well I guess we will need to find someone else to do United Way!!!!! ANY TAKERS?
Received via Email 10-25-10 Its obvious from what i am reading, that since the UNION isn't doing anything else, maybe they should be doing the United Way thing. But then, how would ass suckers get promoted? You wont see anyone, in a 'do something for eveyone line', but you will be certain to see them in the 'What about me line'.
Received via Email 10-27-10 Callahan won't be the only one voting for this piece of shit contract. There are too many weak minded individuals being molded into future leaders for this dept. Mark my words.
10-27-2010
President Rainey and IAFF 12th DVP Osborne,
Attached you will find a ruling on a recent grievance that Local 1158 took to arbitration. East Lake Tarpon Special Fire Control District made unilateral changes to the Health Care Insurance Plan which increased deductibles, co pays and out of pocket expenses for our members. After former President John Lee laid the foundation, Paul Donnelly and Andy Ingram worked their magic. The arbitrator ruled in our favor and awarded our members to be made whole with interest over the past two years. This is yet another enormous victory for Local 1158.
This could not have taken place if it weren’t for the support of the IAFF, the FPF and all of the members of both great organizations who have supported us over the years. We still have many battles ahead and with the help promised at the 2008 FPF Convention, I have no doubt that we will prevail. Thank you!!!
Fraternally,
Gerard DeVivo, President IAFF Local 1158
Representing Firefighters and Paramedics of Clearwater, East Lake and New Port Richey
Rank and File Vote On Your Fire Chief's Piece of Shit Contract Offer
10-28-2010
276 Ballots Mailed - 100%
212 Ballots Returned - 76%
Yeah Votes - 4 - 1.9%
Nay Votes - 207 - 97.79%
Invalid Ballots Returned - 1
Notes Included - 1 - (note reads as follows: "Tell the F**k Sticks to Kiss My Ass.") The note did not invalidate the vote because it was not written on the ballot.
HA-HA!
Received via Email 10-28-10 Never in the History have we had such a landslide. Awesome.
Received via Email 10-28-10 10/27 it is not as bad as you think. Only 4 without a clue
Received via Email 10-28-10 Have the captains and chiefs voted their contract down yet? (you know. as a show of support for us)
Received via Email 10-28-10 Can you imagine what must be going on around the Kumm-bye-yah circle jerk session tonight? I can hear Mayor Froster asking Jimbo turd what happened? Jimbo must be asking himself "who are my Real sum be-atch back stabbers? I know that more than 4 line up and bow before me daily. I now must ask myself if they are secretly spitting out my miracle wisdom as well? I wonder how solid the ground is around Jimbo now? The next time the 5 bugle wonder comes near you it may be a good idea to give him a wide birth
= since it is evident that the earth around him is crumbling rapidly. Of course its a given that he will try to place a great deal of the blame on his Master Negotit-e-liars and should therefore be spared the blame. Ok, I agree let them all fall as they should. One thing we must all be ready for. Froster has already begun ordering gallons of blame to spread on the council and news medias, he will now find ways to show the Supervisory unit that he thinks they are the greatest and if they vote in their 3 year screwing over he will make sure KY is supplied daily. Who knows maybe Froster will put some of those homeless street walkers to work and provide happy endings to his last line of hope. Maybe the Sup Unit members will get new belts to use on us, the educated Slaves. I have this last question to ask Mayor Froster, Chief Jimbo, Ass Chief Jimbo the second, and Chief Pumpkin Head, HOW DO YA LIKE US NOW????
Received via Email 10-28-10 How come LeCry can't just count the ballots? How come he's got to tell everyone in the union hall that we should have voted for this contract because HQ is just going to tell the city to impose their bullshit on us anyways. I know this guy never ate lunch at school because some bully was always eating it. What pussies they promote. And they wonder why we think about them the way we do. Captains and chiefs, if LeCry's your best foot forward you'd be better off cutting off both legs.
Received via Email 10-28-10 Newsflash. Just minutes after counting the ballots and finding out that we didn't vote anything near a split decision, the city's Attorney Chris Guella called Winnie to let him know that the city (St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue Chief James D. Large) had forgotten to add a simple request to their contract proposal. They wants to give everyone in the supervisory unit who works at HQ another $50 per pay period ($1300 a year pensionable pay raise) because they have a hard time finding people to come into HQ. Let me see.........they create another boat load of time off for the supervisory unit and the fallout is that no one will want to come to HQ to work so we'll throw more money on top of what the union already got everyone for HQ assignment pay? Kathleen Ford is was last seen saying "do you miss me know?"
Received via Email 10-28-10 LaClot is headquarters secret weapon. He's also the union's secret weapon. When the Punisher is around he'll blame Winnie for not fighting to make him eligible to sit for the DC's test. When Winnie's around, he blames his failure to be promoted on the Punisher. He's like the Double agent that nobody claims to know or want.
Received via Email 10-28-10 The city has more money in its reserves than ever. A rich rich city. But very selfish. A proverb found in chapter 11 verse 24 of the Holy Bible. "It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything." Our lets be stingy attitude to the firefighters, police, other city employees, and the homeless may not be the best course of action for this city to take.
Received via Email 10-28-10 Its a good thing a stamp does'nt cost more money. Those 4 idiots would have blown a wad. Nah, it wouldn't be any different then pissing good money down the urnials at the bars they frequent. A drunk mind is a pretty funny thing to watch when it is coming back into reality.
Received via Email 10-28-10 The city has more money in its reserves than ever. A rich rich city. But very selfish. A proverb found in chapter 11 verse 24 of the Holy Bible. "It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything." Our lets be stingy attitude to the firefighters, police, other city employees, and the homeless may not be the best course of action for this city to take.
Received via Email 10-29-10 I am willing to bet that a new OATH to The Invisible Man is already being drafted. I hope he lost tons of sleep last night with the thoughts that his Army of Yes boys has dwindled down to this measley few (4) to be exact. I am sure there will be plenty of I sent mine chief, Honest. Chief, you must ask yourself this, How can any of your Army of back stabbing SOB's ever use the word Honest?
Received via Email 10-29-10 I work at HQ and while I wasn't really paying much attention I cannot believe that you guys didn't pass this thing. The chief kept telling us tht it was going to pass and that it was really a great contract. Wonder what went wrong?
Received via Email 10-29-10 When you cant give hard working folks even a cost of living raise to keep up with the normal increases in every other bill we have then there is a huge problem. That and that alone is way the contract failed and will continue to until we get such. PERIOD
Received via Email 10-29-10 hey Zamp you worthless coward. instead of writing peeople up why dont you stroke a check to help Tidwell.
Received via Email 10-29-10 It's true that the law gives the city the last word when it comes to the negotiation process in Florida. The fact that when all the dust clears the city can implement their last best offer in the face of the Hearing Officer's decision or just the impasse between the parties. This can be done without recourse and with the full blessing of the law. One might ask themself just what IS the purpose of collective bargaining if one side can bargain in bad faith and then impose their will . . . at will? Consequently the term "negotiate" is meaningless when it comes to this process. But then I'm preaching to the choir. The point here, that I wanted to make, is that the members have destroyed any ability the city may have to crow to anyone who would listen that the union voted FOR the contract. And that's a very important and necessary action There's no doubt that Mr. Hateful and Jimmy the Juice would consider it a win. And the press can never spew their hate using the vote to make a point. The members have readily shown by vote that they know how to handle a POS offering from the employer.
What makes the vote even more telling is that the city has found money for all kinds of other things, and you know what they are, but they can never seem to find the money when it comes to the Fire Fighter contract. Again, preaching to the choir. All I can say is that as one of the old, old timers it's very gratifying to see that you all so collectively understand what you must do. I support you all in this.
To those four who voted FOR this steaming pile of insulting bullshit let me just ask you one question and make one request. What was your reasoning behind your YES vote and please post it here so that we can all try to understand. Who knows? Maybe you're on the right track with your thinking. I have no intention of belittleing you and your analysis may just be on the right track. Who knows? I strongly think one or all of you voted YES just to play the devil's advocate and get the other 207 member's panties in a knot. Who knows? I'm offering you a venue to vent your reasoning behind your decision to vote YES on the city's crap. I'm being honest here. Let's see what you've got. Who knows? It could be good.
Dick Tully
Received via Email 10-29-10 To answer Mr Tullys question, as to why did I vote for the contract. I know alot of people read these pages so without a lot of details all I can say is that an occasional reach around didnt sound all that bad to me, and my lover.
Received via Email 10-29-10 How come we dont picket in front of the mayors house?
Received via Email 10-30-10 I heard that the lost 157 showed up for a meeting with union officials and Tom Kimler repeatedly interupted others while they were talking and was asked several times to let others talk. He refused to sit down and be quiet several times and when everyone had had enough he was asked to leave AND THEN REFUSED! I hear that Winnie had his hand on the phone to call the popo and Tom finally left. What the hell is he thinking? Tom no longer pays any kind of dues and Winnie allowed him to talk as a courtesy to a guest and the abused his host. Tom, when you leave and you refuse to pay dues and then want shit from the union, we're all carying you.
Received via Email 10-30-10 It is clear that a negative outcome was avoided in the matter of Tom Kimler vs. Local 747. It sounds like Kimler has some very emotional thoughts about the matter of the lost 157. That's not surprising. There are a lot of folks who know what happened to the lost 157 and aren't happy or unconcerned about it. But causing enough of a problem during a meeting to where a person has to be asked to leave or the police will be called is very disturbing. Since, and this is important, the poster has based his thoughts COMPLETELY ON HEARSAY it's hard to make a determination as to validity since the poster wasn't there. And we all know how the circumstances can be interpreted. But obviously a confrontation did occur and it should never have been allowed to escalate to the point of calling the police. Can you imagine the field day the Times would have had with that? And if the lost 157 wanted some publicity to air their grievances they would have gotten it in spades. Only not in a positive manner, I'm sure.
Based on the hearsay of this individual who wasn't even at the meeting it would seem the lost 157 should pick a different poster boy than Kimler who hasn't learned the art of patience and manners. Kimler was a guest it would seem, since it has been stated that he no longer pays dues to the Local. So as such he should have an opportunity to speak as a guest and in a manner fitting the situation. Mob rule isn't on the agenda yet so yelling will get you nowhere.
Perhaps this was an impromptu meeting between the lost 157 and the Union leadership and was intended to allow each side to hear the other. And it should have been recognized and taken as an opportunity for ideas and/or facts to be exchanged. That's what it sounds like. Civilized and like gentlemen working out a problem. Those who can't conduct themselves accordingly should be dealt with accordingly. In this case the meeting should probably have been adjourned after the numerous times the agitator was asked to shut up. And definitely after he refused to leave after being asked. It would be a less than desirable outcome if the police had been the last resort. And the next time, if there is one, Kimler should be "asked" by some of the lost 157 to stay away. Not because he doesn't have a right to be there but because they don't want him to be construed as the spokesperson for their problem. Some "brotherly" attention to this matter is all that's needed.
Received via Email 11-02-10 We still love you Tom. from the fraternal group - Brothers who turn on Brothers
Received via Email 11-02-10 Alex looks like she is starting to Sink.
Received via Email 11-03-10 The House sweeps us the mess.
TEAM: 498,412 Visitors since August 2005
Received via Email 11-03-10 WOO-WOO, WOO-WOO, I am saddened to see that we have dues paying union members of LABOR that are gloating about last nights electorial defeats. Well ok, if you liked and were able to live with the tax cuts and the housing market crash before, you are going to be able to party like a rock star now. Your self proclaimed Saviours of the working men and women of America have some real eye opening things planned for those that are registered as Democrats, Republicans, Independants, and the Tea Baggers. No it does not matter if you were on the winning or losing team or even if your one of the many that dont even care enough to vote, hold on to your ignorant asses because here are just a few of the campaign promises. Rick Scott has promised additional tax cuts and reductions in Government employees, also a total revamp of our Pensions. Tax cuts = reduced city services, more job losses, Less Government employees= I will let you figure that out Mr. Mrs. City worker. Pension cuts are promised as reductions in annual multipliers with no protection of current workers (aka grandfathering in), and a larger share of the plan paid for by the worker (kinda like taking a pay cut to continue working) The Republicans will now control the House, State and National. On the National level they will make every effort as they have in the past to kill the national labor bill, (this would allow ALL of our Brothers and Sisters in our same profession the right to bargain wages, hours, terms, and conditions of employment) once and for all. On the State level expect to see the TABOR bill come back full force. TABOR = tax increases tied strictly to growth (with no provisions for a loss of citizens or taxable properties) not necessity, this will = more jobs lost. (Check the state of Colorado if you want an example) On the County Commission level 6 R's to 1D, expect to see FD transport idea buried for good, but make way for Consolidation. This is only the tip of our problems. They are not scare tactics just facts. WOO-WOO, does anyone else hear the Train wreck that is headed our way?
Received via Email 11-04-10 Liberal Gibberish. Negative Nelly is at again. We can finally avert socialism with the house taking some of the power away from the Executive Branch.
NOTICE
Date: November 4, 2010
TO: All St. Petersburg Firefighters, Paramedics, and Lieutenants
Ref: Town Hall Style Meeting
Note: The time and date changes below supercede previous memos.
Bring your questions and concerns about the Collective Bargaining Agreement and what you think it will take to get it ratified.
All Rank and File members of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, There will be a Town Hall style meeting held at the UNION Office 5240 1st Avenue North, There will also be an opportunity for this same meeting during the Monthly General Membership meeting on Thursday November 18th beginning at 7:30 pm.
These meetings will be your opportunity to discuss the contract that was presented and rejected by the membership on October 28th, 2010.
Thursday - November 18th, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00
Thursday - November 18th, 2010 - 7:30 p.m. - till
Friday - November 19th, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00
Your attendance is beneficial for you to remain educated on issues that concern You, Your future and Your family’s future.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me (727) 323-1786 ext. 3
Fraternally,
Will Newton
President, Local 747
Received via Email 11-05-10 What is wrong with consolidation?
Received via Email 11-05-10 The train conductor is probably the same poster over on the bullshit page that believed that members were going to flock to the union office and make donations to the benevolence fund. LOL I really found that one to be a big HOOTY-HOOT
TEAM: You mean they aren't?
Received via Email 11-06-10
Stupid union. What were they thinking?
Received via Email 11-06-10 Hey Zamp did your wisdom kick in and you write up thos guys involved in the crash?
Received via Email 11-10-10 Isnt it funny the biggest rule breakers and rebels on the job, become chiefs and then they expect everyone to tow the line with perfection and never brake a rule. What a bunch of hypocrites.
Supervisory Unit Vote
100% of the ballots returned - 18
14 Vote to Accept
4 Vote to Decline
11-15-2010
Received via Email 11-15-10 Four captains and DC's voted against but I bet at least 15 would claim that they did if you asked. Wish I could work part time too.
Received via Email 11-15-10 How does it feel to do much more of the dirty work and get half the R days then the guys who sit in their car at a scene and never get dirty. Cool isn't it.
Received via Email 11-15-10 I'm not opposed to anyone at any rank in the union getting anything but come on. Some of these guys are like super convinced by Jedi mind trick to believe that they're so much better that the bottom feeders on the job. Except for maybe Bernie Williams, Kelly Palenius and maybe John Adams (who said he'd be crazy not to take it) when it comes to union anything for everyone they stand way back and watch like they're about to catch something.
Received via Email 11-16-10 Bernie isn't an ass kisser and works for his union whenever called. Nuff said!
Received via Email 11-17-10 I guess Brother Daves memo had no effect on their decision!
501,437
11-17-2010 @2351 Hrs.
(The number of visitors that crept up on us in 5 years & 3 months, while we weren't looking!)
Received via Email 11-18-10 Pure bullshit. The chief told us that no one visits here. In fact, I'm not here now.
Posted: November 20th, 2010.
Dear Brothers and Sisters
The link below was provided by one of our affiliate Presidents and gives a good indication of what the League's strategy will be. As you may have read in today's newsletter as well, Governor elect Scott spoke yesterday and laid out his plans for this session which included a property tax rollback and requiring all City, County and State Firefighters and other public employees and teachers in FRS to make a contribution to the pension fund. He stated that he will be seeking 1.4 billion dollars from the employees salaries which equates to a 5-6% contribution rate, and an equivalent reduction from your take home pay.
Fraternally,
Gary Rainey, President
Florida Professional Firefighters
TEAM: And how many showed up for the informational meetings in the last couple of days? Read the above pdf file and know that war has begun in Pinellas County, already. Quit asking stupid, useless and wasteful questions of your union officials like, "Hey, how much of our dues goes to the AFL-CIO?" Or how 'bout this one, "I can't give to FLAME because the candidate that the union's supporting supports abortion." Or try this favorite on for size, "Can I opt-out of donating 5 hours of Union Pool time because I think it's unfair that we allow the union president time off to work against the Mayor, the Fire Chief and twenty-four city attorneys who work full time trying to shove it up my ass and break it off?" Who gives a shit about the AFL-CIO and the Communists or abortion from a local labor perspective? Get out of the union if you don't like where a sliver of your dues ends up. Go carry a pro-life sign in front of the abortion clinic if you're really all that bothered. Join the city's union, the League of Cities and see how they treat defectors.
Largo City Commission recently pulled the step plan from your Brothers and Sisters. Dunedin's Pension Board has completed their pension Stop/Start - redefining what's a benefit. St. Pete Beach's City Council has called for their Fire Fighters multiplyer to be downgraded from 3.4% to 2.75% not to mention that they've pushed the minimum pension payout age to 55. If you're not in the fight then you're just in the way.
Alan Jones Arbitration
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Municipal Services Center
Conference Room 800 starting at 9 a.m.
Pass this information along and please attend. Alan is depending on your presence in this proceeding.
Received via Email 11-21-10 So how do you think this arbitration will end up? hmm
TEAM: Maybe the better question might be, "Why does management suddenly find the need shit on every Fire Fighter at every turn?" Being a stand-up guy is never rewarded by management. Total loyalty to a single man is.
Received via Email 11-22-10 Keith Brahm turned in his paperwork to become a SCAB because he's weak minded and was easily persuaded by Jeff Wayne. Now Jeff has pulled out and become a SCAB as a final statement that his life truly sucks. He left here years ago because he couldn't hang and went to a better paying job at Longboat Key. He made a mistake leaving here then makes another leaving Longboat Key just to return back here because he couldn't hang. He's told EVERYONE what a mistake he made coming back to SPF&R because everyone that he was on the job with in Longboat has retired with fat pension's already. Jeff couldn't hang with the guys on shift work so he tried his hand at a 40 hour gig in Prevention. Because he couldn't convince the Fire Marshal (Jimmy Large) to allow him to work a combination of day job and shift work allowing him to have 3 day weekends he decided that he coudn't hang anymore and went back to the companies. When he couldn't hang with the guys at Station 9 anymore he headed off to semi retirement at Station 2. He was bitter that the city couldn't hold on to Station 2 and ended up at the MFS as the permanent squad driver where he's bitter to this day. He sits with Large every day stirring the pot and talking shit about our union. Hey asshole............if you hadn't dropped out and become a SCAB someone there with half a brain should have asked you to leave. Jeff you're now SCAB No. 3 and that will be your name from now on. Anyone who shits on a labor organization day after day like you should have been tossed out by the membership as a member not in good standing long ago. SCAB No. 3 you should be less than shit to everyone that has to come around you while you draw a paycheck here. FUCK YOU!
TEAM: Ew. We coudn't find the star key.
Received via Email 11-22-10 Reference Alan Jones. Hmmmm an A shift day which most of his supporters are on duty December 8 and the day of the officers meeting. Funny how the city and admin set up these meetings. All to their advantage. What a joke. I hope the B and C shift shows up in masses.
Received via Email 11-22-10 It is apparent that if Jeff aint happy, then why should anyone else be happy. He has been a true puss pocket for a long time that has dripped dripped dripped for a long time, now like a diabetic scab that wont heal. His ooze is now being smeared on anyone that will get close to him. Once they get infected they become like the walking dead in a mindless manner. I dont understand how one person that never chose to be a leader, never sought to be a station steward, shift vice president, or hold any type of elected office, and never chose to sit for promotional advancement could convince others that his way is the right way. How many raises, R-days, or COLA's has he ever secured for anyone? I am sure he believes that the world should be right if only leaders would listen to him. Where was he when the Social Security offset was eleminated? Has he ever sat on a displinary review board to help a fellow firefighter good their rightful due? It is only to obvious that Steve Watkins, Keith Braham and now Jeff Wayne were never in it for the team, but only to ride the horse until they couldnt get anymore pleasure out of whipping it any longer. In their eyes they have played it out and therefore they consider everything a worthless heap. So I bid you 3 new Mutts a Happy Screw You holiday season. Are you counting down how many miserable shifts you have left? I know I am. P.S. the average for the DROP is 3 years, let's not go against the law of averages.
Received via Email 11-22-10 Its not just Alan Jones on the hot seat this time. This arbitration like all the others is for the protection of our bargained for rights. While not everyone on the job currently had to give up anything to secure what we now enjoy, it will take all of us now on the job to keep what we have. If you dont care then dont show up. When you lose more each time maybe one day you will wake up. As for the posts about Jeffery the whiner, this is just another obvious attempt by the invisible man to try to get someone else to shovel shit. What Jimmie dont know is that most of us quit listening to Jiffy the shit spread(er)a long time ago. Like what was said earlier Happy Mutt holidays to them all.
Received via Email 11-22-10 Come on don't be so rough on Jeff, he cant help it his initials are JW. A lot of good men have those initials. JW Cate even has a center named after him. And our beloved ops chief share those initials. How swell.
Received via Email 11-23-10 It's troubling that Mr. Wayne is spreading all of his ill winds right under to noses and often in the presence of 2 past union presidents. It makes one wonder if they were ever committed to the responsibilities of being a Union Leader, after all they like every other elected officer took an oath of office. Just remember this, for every person that Jeff alienates is another loss for the invisible man.
Received via Email 11-23-10 It was good knowing you, Jeff. Now I don't! And Jimmy, if your plan was for everyone to think you're a dick, it's working. we ALL think you're a dick.
Received via Email 11-23-10 Wow. Jeff must be like a Jim Jones cult character. All of his followers are now going to drop out of the union and start their own thing. That's a tough loss for the union because all of his followers were a driving force in keeping us all safe. NOT!
Have you ever know a class clown to be a success at more than one thing? Stick to what you know dud(e).
Received via Email 11-23-10 I've got a couple of questions. Is there a comments section on the form you have to fill in to get out of the union? Can we find out what's so wrong with all the rest of us that a few of you risk never being talked to in the firehouse again? And I think this bullshit of sending in your forms to get out via fax machine is just so chicken shit. Real pussies. You guys that want out so bad need to nut up and walk through the door to the union hall like men.
FRS Pension Named "One of Nation's Best"
Fund Grew by $9.8 Billion in 2009-10
The Florida Retirement System (FRS), the main pension plan for state workers, teachers, and local government employees has exceeded expectations in the last year.
After paying out $4.1 billion to Florida's retirees, the FRS pension system was left with an extra $9.8 billion for the fiscal year that ended June 30th.
In its annual report, The State Board of Administration reported that FRS actually had a 14% total net return. The overall size of the fund grew to $109 billion dollars.
Cost to Taxpayers Misleading
The Independent Pew Center on the States has reported that Florida's Pension Plan stands out as a "solid performer" among public pension funds and praised Florida for its strong actuarial position and history of solid funding.
"Over the past 22 years, more than 66% of pension plan payments have been funded by investment gains, not taxpayer dollars" states Ash Wiliams, Executive Director and CIO of the State Board of Administration.
According to the Pew Center, Florida's position as one of four states with a fully funded pension plan going into the 2008 recession put it in a stronger position to weather the market downturn.
State Board of Administration Releases 2010 Annual Investment Report
When they tell you that FRS is in trouble and the Local Law plans aren't far behind, be prepared with this:
-SBA exceeds investment objectives for the year, capturing significant economic benefit as global financial markets recover.
“The SBA has a history of cumulatively producing required returns since the fund’s inception. Over the past 22 years, more than 66% of Pension Plan benefit payments have been funded by investment gains, not from taxpayers,” said Ash Williams, Executive Director & CIO. “Since June 30, 2010 the Pension Fund value has grown an additional $9 billion to over $118 billion after approximately $1.5 billion being paid to retirees.”
• The SBA’s performance ranks among the best in the nation. Wilshire’s Trust Universe Comparison Service (TUCS) Top Ten Public Plans Universe performance comparison results as of June 30, 2010 indicate that Florida ranks in the top quartile for one- and three- year performance results.
• By virtue of the size of its operations, the SBA has the potential to capture significant scale economies, and it aggressively seeks to do so. This has resulted in the SBA remaining one of the nation’s lowest cost providers as ranked by independent sources. CEM (Cost Effectiveness Measurement Benchmarking) shows for the calendar year ending 2009 that Florida ranked in the lowest quartile for total cost in its peer group.
• The independent Pew Center on the States reported in February 2010 that Florida’s Pension Plan stands out as a “solid performer” among public pension funds and praised Florida for its strong actuarial position and history of solid funding. Florida’s position as one of only four states with a fully funded pension plan going into the 2008 recession put it in a stronger position to weather the market downturn, according to the Pew Center study.
• Based on the June 30, 2010 figures, the Florida Retirement System was estimated to have a preliminary funding ratio of 87.9% when the Pension Fund was valued at $109 billion. Most objective sources consider a funding ratio above 80% as financially secure. Prior to the recent economic turmoil, the FRS Pension Fund enjoyed a funding ratio of 107.1% as of June 30, 2008 when the total fund value was $126.9 billion.
Received via Email 11-23-10 So Jeff's been pumped up by Large. What a shock............two bitter pills.
Received via Email 11-24-10 Wow, if Chief Large hates the dirty laundery that gets aired out on this site wait until he sees what shows up on the cities email system now that Lt Sweet has chosen to ask for open replies to his Mutt email.
Received via Email 11-24-10 Yesterday, I attended the retirement party for Lt. Rob Edwards. I am extremely proud to be able to say that Rob was a true stand up, mean what he said Firefighter. I will miss his wittiness and his ability to teach in a manner that could be understood. Thank you Rob for being there through a large part of my career, you were always there to protect the brothers and didnt give a flip about telling a MUTT to take a hike. We are so f#*%ed now that you are gone. God Bless you and God help us. I hope you never forget us and will always remain true to your self.
Received via Email 11-24-10 Funny how Jeff bad mouths the Union and then the next day he bad mouths Large when he is not around. What kind of guy is this. Can't be true to himself. Now that is sad. Time to leave Jeff. Retire and rid yourself of the misery of your confusion by moving to Kentucky. Then you wont like and hate Winnie one day and then the next day, like and hate Large.
Received via Email 11-25-10
November 25, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We have recently received your request to “opt out” of your annual donation of 5 hours of Union Pool Time.
This annual donation was conceived to allow All of the members of the Union to donate equally to fund the Union Pool Time account. In the past a few Union brothers and sisters donated the Lion’s share of the time, along with the Union officials using their own time. A lot of time and energy was spent going station to station to only have the same members donate time to operate the Union.
The purpose of Union Pool is time is to provide Union Officials and Any member time off to handle the business of the Union.
This time is used by members who already have a time off slot to attend Union Meetings, Negotiations, Educational classes, construct retirement axe boxes, and work to make our Union stronger.
With the recent vote to reject the Cities 3 year offer and the current attitude of taxpayers and law makers towards Public Service Employees, your “fair share” contribution could make the difference of winning and losing. As a result of the vote to reject you must realize that we are staring at the possibility of going into impasse proceedings. This will result in many additional hours being spent to defend your desires to be treated fairly.
You will never find a better deal for your contribution. As a point of importance your 5 hour contribution is the equivalent of less than 12 minutes per pay day, and can be replaced in less than 4 shifts (80 hours).
Any Union Member who encourages others to “opt out” is hurting this organization. This year will be the first year that the names of members who “opt out “will be posted on the Union Board at each station.
Please take this time to reconsider to contributing your “fair share” to enable the Union to continue to represent each member, and to protect your job security and benefits to its fullest ability.
As always I am open to anyone that desires to discuss this issue. Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.
Fraternally,
Richard Pauley
Executive Vice President
IAFF, Local 747
(727) 323-1786 ext 2
Received via Email 11-25-10 That's awesome. I am glad we are going to list the so called brothers at the stations who are opting out so the rest of us can finally see who is on our side and who is trying to hurt our organization. It is a small minority who opt out and actually seeing this list is a good thing. I think we should treat them like Headquarters, specifically our EMS Division, treat Sunstar. Total respect of course.
Brother Pauley,
Executive Vice President
Received via Email 11-25-10 Well put brother Pauley. Pool time has always been the bane of those in the Local who "do" and the excuse of the spineless to opt out. It will probably never change. I don't know how many choose at the present time to not contribute but I'm sure they are known in the stations. During my meager four year stint as a president of Local 747 I was continuously accused of abuse of Pool Time. Even by some of the members of the Executive Board who thought they should have been President but didn't have the balls to stand up and be counted. Consequently I lived under the gun every day to the accusations and suspicious rumors that were embraced by the whiners and crybaby's. Bottom line was that they didn't have the balls to do the job but were never satisfied by those who did no matter who it was in the office. I don't know Mr. Sweet nor do I need to. But by his actions he's told me everything I need to know about his character. That doesn't mean that there may not be a very good reason why he's opting out and that should be considered. I don't know if that exists or not. But I do know that the Pool Time donation is one, if not the only contribution most of the members will ever make to bolster the Local.
Any officer of the Local quickly learns that no matter how good a job you do or how much effort you put into doing it that there will always be someone who for whatever reason isn't satisfied. One can't let those people occupy one's time for even an instant. They are and should be dead to the Local and their words deemed worthless by all who hear them. There's no reason to encourage their membership since that only gives a means for them to spew their crap. The best thing to do is ignore them since they are never going to be convinced that they're not correct in their thinking. Better to have them on the outside than on the inside spreading hate. I hope Mr. Sweet has thought this through along with any others who would take the same path. Unions today are being vilified and hated by many who would use them to make personal gains. It's not a time to waste your skills and knowledge on those who would only seek to undermine you from the inside.
Thank you for your service as a member of the Executive Board and for carrying on the best traditions of the fire service. I am very proud of the work the entire E-Board does and especially in the form of the bargaining team. I know the Local doesn't hear from many of the "old timers" and I understand why. They just aren't willing to try to understand what's going on with the Local today. They put in their time and now they "just want to be left alone". That's ok. There are some of us who watch and remember and we realize how much harder it is now than it was then due to years of changes in the way things are done. A very large pat on the back should be given to those who DO take care of US and also those on duty. Thank you and I sincerely hope the open house was a big success. Happy belated Thanksgiving and stay safe out there.
With best regards,
Dick Tully
engin747@windstream.net
Received via Email 11-25-10 Wayne is the worst kind of "brother". He would look for ways to get an advantage, pretend to be someone's friend, then slam them from here to wherever. I saw this morning show at the MFS for many years covering 2 shifts. His nose was so far up pumpkins ass when it helped him, was shameful. He has no friends, he makes up for his sour life by buying new and more expensive shit! What today, a semi/motorhome, jet ski? We will not miss him when he leaves the only ax he'll get is when it falls off the station wall as he sneaks out. I remember Zamp saying to him one morning at the MFS the best F-in thing you ever did was go to the A shift. Those poor slobs. FT-Fino
Come on everybody. Let's tie the hands of our Union officials by denying them the use of Pool Time. Read all about your future:
State Rep. Bill Proctor, a St. Augustine Republican who represents most of Flagler County, outlined a proposal that drew general agreement from the rest. He suggested state employees less than 10 years from retirement would see no changes, while others would keep the benefits they've earned but be shifted into a program that replaces guaranteed pensions with defined contribution plans, similar to a 401(k).
Rep. Mike Weinstein, R-Jacksonville, said it was just a matter of time before old-fashioned pensions disappeared altogether. "I don't think a defined benefit program will exist anywhere in five years," Weinstein said. "The sooner we cut it, the more financially sound we'll be."
Received via Email 11-25-10 Bad company always corrupts good character. Too many fools on this job to lose more benefits by following them. I'll always pay my fair share, thank you very much. FTM
Received via Email 11-26-10 True Look what happened to DK before he got promoted. Now look at the company he keeps.
Received via Email 11-27-10 To bad many of our top staff has corrupt character. The chief knew this but promoted them anyway. The real shame is on the promoter. Now the damage is done and cannot be corrected for years and years to come. When people lie, take credit for things that others have done, back stab brother or sister firefighters and care more about their self and power they retain then the common good, then we have major morale problems. All know who these people are, it is no surprise. Worst of all. they promote each other. Very Sad.
Received via Email 11-27-10 I'm just guessing here but it looks like the city's email system is open to all to solicit others in the opposite fashion too? I am now free to solicit the additional donations of pool time? How does sweet get away with soliciting others not to give pool time which hurts our union but the rest of us promoting the union using email or GOD forbid interoffice mail will get a letter of instruction and cautioning? Jimmy, you need to do something and the first thing I would do is attend church of Sunday and get straight with the MAN because your anti union bias is showing.
Another TITAN Exits for the Last Time...
Received via Email 11-27-10 Your tax dollars may once again go to work building the Uhuru Movement.
Taxpayers have funded this violent hate group that led the demonstration last year to honor a killer who murdered 4 Oakland police officers. The city of St. Pete has provided them with staff, services and a federal block grant. They are now preparing an application for state funding to open a charter school.
This was from BSO on the LEO pages. I thought the city was poor. Seems not.
Received via Email 11-27-10 Edwards always told it like it was. Most of the time he was right. Admin never really liked him because he told the truth and the truth often hurt them. Most officers left on the job, minus a few, are all about covering up the truth to make the chief look good. Forget about what is best for our citizens or firefighters. Rob will sure be missed, and as the picture above shows, "Edwards has left the building"
Received via Email 11-27-10 The prick is not gone yet. He is sucking up a slot till the end of the year.
TEAM: Ya'll hear that? All of you retiring pricks holding up a slot, leave early so the city can hire your replacement.
Received via Email 11-29-10 Hi Mark. I'm nominating you for officer of the year. Did you ever think when you started here that anyone would nominate you for anything? We're about to.
Received via Email 11-29-10 PRAY WITH ME AND I WILL PRAY FOR YOU!!!!!
Here's a picture of Rob and Winnie. Rob's sporting one of the new dept. issue shirts.
Received via Email 11-30-10 what tpye of officer of the year. The screw your subordinates over tyoe officer. stab you in the back officer
Received via Email 12-01-10 So, my name will be posted on a list when I opt out of the union pool time donation? Will my name be taken off of the list when I voluntarily donate time? You see, I am against the "forced" donation, but wholeheartedly believe in VOLUNTARILY donating.
TEAM: We're guessing that if that's the case and you can prove that you give by whatever means, your name won't show up anywhere. But you have to know that in the past some have made the very same claim and never produced. All of this nonsense can be alleviated by doing away with this notion of opting out. The only reason that this option even exists is due to fire administration's pressuring HR to only agree to the 'donation' of pool time as an option. Administration meddling and union busting at it's best.
Received via Email 12-02-10 There has definitely been union busting going on for the past year. Admin purposely picks out Union officials and then tries to make life very difficult. But the problem is that Union officials have a life and most admin retards don't. So the only problem they (admin) really cause is making themselves look stupid in front of an audience of about 300.
Received via Email 12-02-10 Hey Webmaster, give yourself multiple ribbons for the last post. ^5.
TEAM: Give yourself a ribbon. You're on the TEAM!
Received via Email 12-02-10 The best thing about pool time having an opt out is that you get to know who supports the union and who is buying the great Jimmy Large's shit (which aint many). Some of the people who claim that they don't need to give pool time because they aren't going to need defending by the union have been jammed up by the invisible man and the punisher and were facing charges. The first thing the union officials do when they have to spend $5000 on you is to check to see if you gave up your golden 5 hours of time. They can't get that pen in their hand fast enough then and I think thats bullshit. I think if you need defending and you don't pay up front you need to pay 24 hours to make things happen or you get the B Team effort. Just sayin.
Received via Email 12-02-10 I am not feeling very festive, so I am pretty sure I won't be at the MASTER STATION Holiday see and be seen by the admin's and FINO's. How about all of us that give a shi- meet up at say Hooter's or winghouse, or, anywhere else! Merry Christmas to all... FTM
Received via Email 12-02-10 I wish to send out holiday wishes to all of my Brothers and Sisters that chose NOT to opt out of their pool time contributions to the Union. It is appearent to many of us that the Unions ability to spend work hours to defend our contracts, our rights, and to consistently put together winning cases, is a great benefit to all. However to the few that see this as a threat to themselves and their Masters it is appearent that the possibilities of not getting a promised right hand seat next to their saviour at the dinner table is too great for them to endure.
And to the earlier poster about not being in a festive mood. I hope we will see you at the union office on Thursday 12/9 and/or Friday 12/10 next week at the Annual Open House. If you are expecting lots of back slapping and secret hand shakes, you wont get them there. But you will get the feeling that you are appreciated and deserving of the gratitude that is bestowed upon you by this Brotherhood of Professionals.
Received via Email 12-02-10 More for less, that is all we are asking. Forget about the what about me attitude and remember it is really all about what is best for fire administration. I mean we go to all of our city functions and we need these stories about how we whipped the slaves in order to keep face amongst our fellow liars. I mean if the 4th largest city in the state cant come up with an extremely humongous doosey on a regular basis then we may as well stay home with the rest of you peons. I hope I didnt give anyone the impression that I am one of the best, but when you get right down to it I really am.
Received via Email 12-03-10 My calendar is set to be at the 747 gathering, both days,and I will be there to help set up too. Oh yeah, please have pool time donation forms there, I wanna fill another out too! happy Holidays!
Received via Email 12-03-10 So can we ban that loser and backstaber Sweet from the Christmas Party. Oh wait. Hey write me up for not saying Holiday Sweet. I just worked with you. You know who I am.
TEAM: Who???
Received via Email 12-05-10 Holiday Sweet, what kind of bad joke is this? Is he like Doc Holiday the drunk from Wyatt Earp days? Or is it that he is out on permanent holiday? Now that I will agree with.
Received via Email 12-05-10 We're not here to play folks. The dicks in the front office are about to change life as we know it. Just another Clearwter
Received via Email 12-05-10 who did he borrow his knee pads from?
Received via Email 12-07-10 Hey Large, remember when everyone thought you were cool before you became the worlds biggest sellout against firefighters? Remember when people used to talk nice about you? Me neither.
Received via Email 12-07-10 So you dont have to be a US Citizen to be a SPFR F/F ???
Job Requirements
Age 18
US Citizen No
High School Grad/GED Yes
Valid FLORIDA State Driver's License Yes
Ability to Read and Speak the English Language Yes
Candidate Testing For this position, candidates must achieve a passing score on the video-based FireTeam test at National Testing Network.
A current CPAT and Fire Team test is required for this position. After scheduling their Fire Team test, candidates can schedule a CPAT on this same web site, www.NationalTestingNetwork.com
Received via Email 12-07-10 We have plenty of non US Citizens on the job. They are from Spain, Canada, Belize. Is there a problem with that?
Received via Email 12-07-10 No, I'm soo good I know I could walk into one of those countries fire Depts. and get the same job given here! Who needs a red blooded american to do this job anymore anyways!
Received via Email 12-07-10 No problem. All of them have more character and values than a certain Sweet. True.
FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES LAUNCHES FULL FRONTAL ASSAULT ON PENSIONS: Concluding that the Florida Legislature must act to help cities reduce “runaway” pension costs for firefighters and police officers before they “cripple municipal balance sheets,” The Florida League of Cities has released its 2011 Pension Reform Proposals. Here, with no editorializing on our part, are the eleven League Pension Reform proposals:
· Allow cities receiving insurance premium tax revenues under Chapters 175 or 185, Florida Statutes, (fire and police defined benefit pension plans) to use these funds to pay for current plan benefits. This would remove the state law mandate that specified insurance premium tax revenues be used only for "new or extra" pension benefits for firefighters and police officers.
· Require that determinations of average final compensation in public employee defined benefit pension plans include salary only, and do not include pay for overtime, unused leave times, or any other additional payments.
· Allow cities to convert firefighter and police officer defined benefit pension plans operating under Chapters 175 or 185, Florida Statutes, to the Florida Retirement System without losing insurance premium tax revenues.
· Allow cities desiring to place their public safety officers (fire and police) into the Special Risk Class of the Florida Retirement System the opportunity to purchase past credit service at an up-to-3% annual accrual rate rather than the current up-to-2%. This will remove a practical barrier to convert plans to the Florida Retirement System.
· Change the governance structure of pension boards of trustees to move away from having plan participants serve on the boards.
· Require 30 year cost projections on any proposed benefit increase to a defined benefit pension plan.
· Allow cities to reduce defined benefit pension levels within all plans if it is determined to be actuarially appropriate in order to stabilize the plan's funding and keep the plan properly funded.
· Restrain the state Division of Retirement's non-rule based administrative activities and restrict the Division's broad interpretations of the provisions in Chapters 112,175 and 185, Florida Statutes, that result in increased pension costs to cities.
· Provide flexibility to cities in the Florida Retirement System by allowing them to either retain a standard defined benefit plan, or at the employer’s option move to a different retirement plan, such as a hybrid, or modified “defined benefit/defined contribution” plan. This will provide flexibility to cities in the FRS to decide at the employer level which pension plan to provide to its employees. The goal would be to reduce long term tax payer impacts and provide a reasonable pension plan with economic diversification for plan members.
· Remove statutory disability presumptions for firefighters and police officers claiming disability pension or workers’ compensation benefits.
· Remove statutory provisions requiring that cities and other governments offer subsidized health, hospitalization and other insurance coverages to retirees.
Along with these proposals the League has published some general information about Florida defined benefit pension plans, including those for firefighters and police officers:
· There are approximately 450 different municipal defined benefit pension plans with a total asset market value of approximately $23 billion; 100,000 active employees; and 60,000 retirees/beneficiaries.
· Approximately 150 municipalities voluntarily participate in various membership classes of the Florida Retirement System, but make up less than 5% of the participants/members of FRS. FRS membership classes include special risk (fire and police), general employees, elected officials and senior management.
· Chapter 175, Florida Statutes, Municipal Firefighters’ Pension Fund was enacted in 1939. Chapter 185, Florida Statutes, Municipal Police Officers’ Pension Fund, was enacted in 1953.
· In 1986, the legislature revised Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes, to establish minimum standards for a uniform retirement system for firefighters and police officers. The revision included a general change to compensation of plan’s board of trustees to include five members: two members selected by the city, two members selected by the plan participants/employees and the fifth member selected by the other four. Several local governments challenged constitutionality of the 1986 amendments, but Florida courts held they did not violate the constitution.
· In 1988 the legislature lowered the percentage charge of the tax on insurance premiums used to fund the plans (fire was lowered from 2% to 1.85% and police was lowered from 1% to .85%).
· Chapter 99-1, Laws of Florida, was signed into law by Governor Bush on March 12, 1999. That law made virtually all provision of Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes, expressly applicable to all participating firefighter and police pension plans. All plans were required to meet specific minimum benefits standards and provide extra benefits from additional premium tax revenues.
Fraternally,
Gary Rainey, President
Florida Professional Firefighters
TEAM: We can't think of a single reason why you'd want to give pool time to your union officials other than to allow them to read about items like these in the newspaper, once they become law.
Received via Email 12-08-10 Yeah we have some real geniuses on this job, who are trying to get people to opt out. And Sweet is the King brainless one. Oh yeah. You too Jeff W.
Received via Email 12-09-10 Damn I hate it when I miss a couple shifts,and hear the bad sh-- that came out of the ofc's meeting. I have to wait now, or canyou all give the short version of what new and backstabing info was presented?
TEAM: "The beatings will continue until morale improves" was the best they had.
G.
9. Ratifying the proposed collective bargaining agreement between the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Association of Firefighters, Local 747 ("SPAFF") for the collective bargaining unit covering the job classifications of Fire Captain and Fire District Chief, effective December 9, 2010 through September 30, 2013.
10. Approving the increase to Pension Benefits for Retirees and Beneficiaries receiving benefits under the Employees' Retirement System ("Plan").
The Captains and the DC's decided to split the union and they got theirs.
Watch the video from today's City Council meeting starting at 3:07:00. The COLA above is for everyone BUT Retired Police Officers and Retired Firefighters. If the mayor and his buddy Jimmy are waiting for those of us still working to fund the Lost 157, then they might as well give in and give them a pay raise cuz I'm never going to agree to sharing my COLA with anyone. The video mentions the fact that the PD's 185 COLA money is guaranteed. We need ours guaranteed and by letting the 157 in this will never happen. Educate yourselves before you buy a pig in a poke.
TEAM: It took several attempts but we got the video to recycle and play. Thanks.
Received via Email 12-09-10 I had one of my most enjoyable days today. Todays gathering at the union office saw a big crowd of happy folks. Thanks to everyone that gave of themsevles to pull this off.
Received via Email 12-09-10 I will second that. Thank you to everyone that helped to put today's (and tomorrow's) Union Hall gathering together. Lots of food, beverage and really good company. Great seeing some of my old academy cohorts and everyone else. Thanks, guys. My career might wrap up in a couple of years but brotherhood is forever.
Brother Dave Fraser
Received via Email 12-09-10 Funny how the city gives the rest of the normal employee retirees a COLA and all vote unanimous for it. But Police and Firefighters get screwed again. Hey, the city honors you if you mop a floor, but if you save a life like police and fire, forget it your screwed. Great place to give of your life isn't it. This city is so screwed up its worse than ridiculous. It is actually INSANE. And King Cornhole is a real putz.
TEAM: It's like chaos!
"Ditto" It won't be much longer now...
Received via Email 12-09-10 It is already so bad at SPFR that Clearwater FD very soon - if not already- will be saying "if we don't change will be becoming like another St. Petersburg" think about that one !!
Received via Email 12-10-10 And Pinellas Park want's to be like St Pete now too, way to go Doug!!
Received via Email 12-10-10 Just another St. Petersburg
Received via Email 12-10-10 Pretty soon Jimmy will qualify for his 6th bugle, too.
Received via Email 12-12-10 MY NAME AINT JEFFERY........ITS KUTA KINTAE...............SIR!!!!!!!
Received via Email 12-12-10 Let me ask this why is that the pukes in the ems division especialy the LR'S dont fn know anything about the m.o.m.s.? serious they supervise us and let us know what we do wrong but cant tell us what any of the protocols are with out looking them up. I want you to just ask your LR a question about the M.o.m.s I guarante they wont know it.That should be brought to the citys attention.Also what college does the EMS capt. have to take that spot?
Received via Email 12-12-10 Over the years Jimmy the Large has lost a little more character with each bugle he retained. Sad how these chiefs sell all out (even of their own self) for a little bit of power and prestige. On a global level even with all the bugles they are quite insignificant. Of course, they don't think so.
Received via Email 12-13-10 I think the bugle thing is kind of an oxy-moron kind of thing. I mean as you go up in rank you are supposed to get respect. But if the Bugle was used to give the orders, than why did they choose to use more bugles to represent higher ranks? Does this mean they have to tell more people? Is this redundancey? Or is it that the higher you go the more chance you have of repeating yourself to the lower ranks? Is this because you have lost your leadership integrity? Or has one lost the trust of their underlings? I believe it to be the latter, hence Chiefs now looking to upgrade to a 6th bugle. Lets hear it for the Invisible Man.
Received via Email 12-13-10 St. Pete Fire. Here is a question from a neighboring department. Why, tell me why are most of your division chiefs, pompous assholes. Are they so great that they can not only act like their sh-- doesn't stink but they can also treat people with such disdain and arrogance. Folks on the street are mostly ok. But those chiefs. Come on. Just sayin.
TEAM: Oh! This ought to be good.
Received via Email 12-13-10 Come on now, some of them have already moved into new area codes so they dont stink up the city on their off duty time. If we could only get them to stay there.
Received via Email 12-13-10 It really is amazing isn't it. Our two self proclaimed genius' in EMS have no reason to act the way they do, but somehow have managed to convince somebody that they are the ones to make it all work out. They are not super PM's. Never were. They never understood what the fire service stands for either. Neither one is an outstanding FF. They have no respect for seniority or experience (2 totally different things). Oh lets face it. They have no respect for anyone else and refuse to even entertain another opinion. We're all idiots. As the years pass we do have to make some changes whether we like them or not. But there are ways to go about it without crapping on people. Don't worry, karma is a powerful thing.....
Received via Email 12-13-10 Some departments promote arrogant assholes while others promote those who really have the abilities and talents to do the job. Unfortunately, SPF@R mostly - not always- but does and has promoted over the years the wrong people and put them in positions they really have no business in. And the ones that should have been promoted - who are respected by all the veteran FF and FF/PM are the ones who should be running this place. If that were the case, our morale problems would be next to none, our relationship with the Union would be much greater than it is with the current administration. And our department would be much more progressive then it actually is. We would truly be a rung above the rest, instead of a whole ladder below. Although if the current leadership were back on the street and having direct connect with the citizens, patient care and overall safety would be crap because they would be treating innocent people like they treat their subordinates, With arrogance and disdain as mentioned in the above post. They would not paying attention to the reality of the situation. So, it is probably better the arrogant losers are in charge because it is better to treat us like crap than the citizens themselves. Actually, they would have fit better in a career, like say, security guards after midnight at a used car lot with no one around to belittle except for the car lot guard dogs.
Received via Email 12-13-10 Hey, the 6 bugle Fire Chief of Clearwater is in jail for 9 years of sexual battery on a juvie under the age of 12. Boy is this for real? Hey Jimmy Large I know where there is a spare 6 bugle manhole cover available. Will you be able to fill Chief Geers shoes?
Received via Email 12-13-10 Clearwater fire chief faces charge of capital sexual battery.
Received via Email 12-13-10 Chiefs that bully others, often have trouble, that follow them.
Just another St. Petersburg
TEAM: Sorry about the late postings. We forgot to hit Publish last night.
Received via Email 12-14-10 Steve THE GREAT Knight that's who!
Received via Email 12-15-10 So how many medics showed up from Frsers Arbitration the other day?
Received via Email 12-15-10 How many are in the same boat as Frasier ? Pretty obvious he is getting screwed royally. Especially after all his years of service. He has run more EMS calls throughout his career than the Chief of Ops, Chief of EMS, and Capt of EMS combined and probably tripled or more. Ridiculous how they treat veteran employees. Simply ridiculous. It is a true out rage. Just sayin.
Received via Email 12-18-10 OK whats Frasier's Arbitration about? Didn't he drop his patch? Of course the HQ FINO'S think of ways to screw all ranks...WHAT HAPPENED?
Received via Email 12-19-10 OK. Now that don't ask don't tells been taken away, SKarrottop can come out! Oh wait, thats an insult to alternative lifestyler's everywhere. Keep the door closed a--knocker
Received via Email 12-21-10 How is it, that The Commanding Officer of Station 12 can fire off a memo speaking for all of the members in his crew and on each the 3 shifts, that they are more than willing to continue the tradition of keeping the records neccessary for the wish list, only to have the Fire Administration say FU to each of us and threaten to take it away? I know it was a long question but I just had to ask. It continues to amaze me the great lengths this group of demoniac idiots are willing to go. Oh BTW, are you planning to go to the Firefighter furnished "Chief's Look what I have done for you fools," holiday party? I am sure that the list of MUTTS will be long. They will be easy to spot, look for the worn out knees and shine a black light on their faces for a great laugh.
Received via Email 12-22-10 Two Chicago Firefighters Killed, Dozen Injured in Blaze
Received via Email 12-22-10 I am happy to report that another member has found his escape from this beautiful wonderland. I was surprised at the extremely large crowds that chose to pay thier respects to Reker while at the same time totally ignoring the *ss sucking crowds at the Head Gonzo's holiday bring your own good time party.
Received via Email 12-23-10 2nd 12-22 Looks like the Head Gonzo was pretty happy at the Christmas Party. Someone snaped a quick picture of him telling one of his ole "back when I was a firefighter stories"
Received via Email 12-23-10 IAFF President is someone we can respect. The head Gonzo is just that! Never has and never will get my respect until he believes in something bigger than his ego. THE BROTHERHOOD.
Received via Email 12-23-10 We are not afraid to say it. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you who work the streets everyday. You may not ever hear that from HQ administration, but your fellow firefighters, paramedics, and a few good officers wish you and yours the best this Christmas Holiday season. Don't forget why we celebrate this Christmas season. And its not because Large can get a few handshakes at his make shift holiday party.
Received via Email 12-23-10 Not for nuts but I don't want to show up for his ANYTHING, ANYWHERE! It's not the city that holding up a contract to nowhere. It's Large. The city doesn't care about drug testing. It's Large. The city doesn't care about EMT pay. It's Large. The city doesn't care if your most senior drivers drive. It's Large. The city doesn't care to spend on physicals. It's Large. The city doesn't care if Alan Jones takes the next available slot. It's Large. The city doesn't care if Fraser rides from time to time for a measly couple of grand a year. It's Large. The city doesn't care how many medics we ride to a box. It's Large. In fact a year earlier he presented facts and figures to city hall telling them that it was better for the citizens to ride two. Who's changing that. It's Large Let's not kid ourselves. We're all getting it shoved up our ass during a year when the union didn't ask for anything and city hall can't believe we won't bite on a contract that offers the medics NOTHING. Offers the officers NOTHING. Offers the drivers a classification that's non pensionable and offers everyone else NOTHING. Offers everyone free fire boots that much of the rest of the county dept.'s SUPPLY.
Up ur ass MR. FIRE CHIEF. If I'm saying it you can bet there's at least one more than me thinking it.
Received via Email 12-23-10 I think we all would rather have Harold Schaitberger as our boss than that spineless egomaniacal self centered simp that sits in the Chief's office. And especially more than the scumbag sorry-ass excuse for a man that sits in the Mayor's office. But this is not the season for venting about those who run the fire service in the city of St. Petersburg on a day to day basis. This is the time of year when those things are to be put aside and left for dead and a new outlook should be on our minds. Not how to continuously complain and whine about the things we can't change right now but more to looking forward to what can be done to eliminate those two from our lives permanently.
Let's start with getting that buffoon of a mayor out of office at our earliest convenience. Let's start organizing and preparing
to defeat the little cretin at the next election and this time make sure he goes away for good. And anyone who tells you that
you can't kill two birds with one stone is just not paying attention. Getting rid of the Mayor bird will automatically, if done
right, get rid of the Fire Chief bird. And let's take a hard look at those who are on the Council that will be up for election
next. There are several gutless professional politicians there who need cleansing too. Especially the ones who think our
pension is a stepping stone for their stinking re-election. They're worthless as leaders and don't deserve to hold any public
office of any kind. None of them should be in a position to have people listen to a word they say. After all it's only their own ass they're worrying about and kissing the asses of the downtown so-called movers and shakers.
There's a new year starting out there and it has to be the year this department gets serious about how much longer it's going
to be used as a pawn in some scab's political agenda. There's not one of these losers on the Council that ever had to work
for someone or an entity that was so badly corrupted that unionism was the only answer to a fair shake for the employees.
Those of us who did and still do should have no trouble finding the balls to fight back when the "man" imposes things in a
way that's bad for all of us. The League of Cities mutts and all these politicos who want to blame the fire fighter union for all the trouble they have is just bullshit. And it's NOT up to us to try to educate the voters or plead our case before an ignorant bunch of Council members who can't hold a job. What IS up to us is making sure that we prepare ourselves to make a
difference at the voting booth. What IS up to us is to us is to make sure that we field candidates this next time that will
listen. And we need to be the one damn reason that sumbitch gets elected. In fact we need to be the ONLY damn reason
that sumbitch gets elected. When will we understand that? When will EVERY member of this union do SOMETHING to fight
the mindless uncaring piss ants that control us?
Work for each other and the hell with those who can't see the facts. Be proud of your service and make a contribution above
and beyond just paying dues. Because times are changing fast. And we need to be prepared. At the same time we need to
be physically involved with the needs to do what it takes to win. Merry Christmas and a wish for a prosperous and healthy
New Year to each and every member of Local 747.
Dick Tully
Received via Email 12-24-10 Well said Mr. Tully. Everything you said was right on. Hopefully Large will read this and take a hard look at himself in the mirror. We know he does that everyday to tell himself how great he is, but hopefully he will look at himself differently. As a person who needs to be a man and stand up for his firefighters both on the job and retired, and not just look at himself and how pretty he thinks he is. Grow up Large, we are tired of working for a Kid who always cares about his little world and his stuff more than caring for his firefighters who give all they have everyday to make his sorry Ass look good.
Received via Email 12-24-10 I really hate the way you guys come on here and throw stones at my chief and his 11% 401A plan. Double Dipping Jimmy deserves better.
Received via Email 12-24-10 Are you refrencing The Top Fire Administrators non contributory, FULLY CITY FUNDED 11% ($13,000.00+) 401A, his $120+ thousand dollar annual salary, or his $7,000.00 a month retirement check? Yes our own Top Dog is pulling off 3 of the things are new Gov. and his League of City Cronies are claiming to be the death of all tax payers. I wonder how he will survive if anything happens to his little fifedom?
TEAM: All talk. You guys can't prove any of these allegations (short of a public information request which the union has in its hands) and are just jealous that management takes care of management. Besides, I think the chief would contribute if the city would let him but they won't so he don't!
Received via Email 12-24-10 The webmaster hath partaketh of too much egg nog durnig the Christmas season methinks.
TEAM: Cheers, mate!
Received via Email 12-24-10 Thank you Mr. Tully for continuing to be concerned about those of us that are still here. It is plain that you have a much more secure State Statute designed Pension, than our City Ordinance, you dont have to face these idiots daily like we do, you will never have to wonder what tantrum is going to be thrown next, and your vacation slots are no worries. But you still feel it necessary to constantly bring it to our attention what our Union is capable of doing, but how much more it can do when we support the unions agendas. And funny but you suggest the more we support our Union the more we benefit. I continue to applaude you Mr. Tully for always telling it like it is. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Received via Email 12-25-10 I just got a phone message from Pinellas County utilites ref the water problem. OMG i found out were the voice from all those you tube vid's came from. Whod a thunk that Pinellas County was behind all those videos making fun of our Fire Administrators. LOL, I cant believe it.
Received via Email 12-26-10 I watched it twice and never saw the executive washroom, lounge or war room . What I did notice what a great respect for the company's senior people and not one of them was in the front office. Did I miss something?
Received via Email 12-29-10 A quick update on the latest round of escapees from SPFR. Since Dec. 17th we have seen Edwards,Spinelli, Bennett, Hagan, Latlers, Green, Adams, and Reker say their goodbyes. Tomorrow Crum will most likely run like hell when that final bell rings from him too. Oh boy the Administrator is hiring some new meat to relieve us of our overtime burden. Oh wait another 2 months before we see anything good come out of that. The new meat gets a heavier dose of kool-aide and 30 years of attitude sandwichs a day before they are released out into the companies. God I hope we dont get anymore of those f***in idiots like L*********a. God I know Wally Eanos is proud of his protege but I'm not.
TEAM: They'll figger it out.
Received via Email 12-29-10 Recently I had the pleasure of spending some time at the Union Office and enjoyed good food and drink during the annual open house. I want to thank everyone involved for pulling this great event off. While I was there we discussed many things that are currently happening around this area, the state, and the country. It was a definite eye opener as to the beatings we as emergancy services workers and as Public employees are taking and will continue to be subjected to in the coming years. All of this is under the guise of the difficult enconomic crisis we are all in. As I heard about the attacks on our pensions, health care, and general enjoyments of life I asked myself, what can I do to help? Well, yesterday I received the IAFF magazine and ended up on the page that shows the FIRE PAC clubs. I have now deceided that while I still have mine, I would donate the equivelent amount of money that I would get from 48 hours of my holiday pay, they will even set up an automatic monthly deduction plan from a credit card. This is a small drop in the big bucket, but I still get mine. Just ask our sisters and brothers in Lealman and St. Pete Beach who have lost their Holiday pay, suffered R-day reductions, and have lost vacation hours. They lost theirs for nothing so I feel I will willingly give up mine for a little more protection on the national level. I suggest that ALL of the Sisters and Brothers of this and every department around the globe do likewise before we have nothing left to give. The phrase "give til it hurts" means the most who have the least to give. We still have ours, lets make it count. If you need help in signing up for this, contact your Secretary Treasurer and he can help you. We cant give up now, Lets at least take a stand.
TEAM: We'd like to give a shoutout to whomever it is at All Children's Hospital who takes the time to visit our little corner or the world. Happy surfing!
Received via Email 12-30-10 The Christmas party at the union hall was great. Unlike the fake atmospere surrounding the chief's HOLIDAY PARTY where the station cook has to bring a covered dish and everyone has to gulp their food down in 20 minutes, the union hall is a great place to meet with old friends that you haven't seen in a while. If the chief and all his do boys were to come they'd probably have a good time too but he's got a huge stick up his ass because the union don't play any nicer that he does. So be it.
Received via Email 01-01-11 And if you didn't show up to large's party you got a phone call from him and his wannabe to find out why you weren't.
Received via Email 01-01-11 That is true. The chief had the nerve to call me and ask why I didn't attend Suckfest 2010. I think he heard me rolling my eyes.
Received via Email 01-01-11 Well the truth is now out. It is all Harold Havertys fault... Thats right, he is the one and only that designed the wish list that the department never encouraged, liked, embraced, or was even aware of. Oh thats right, many of you are probably wondering who wrote the admisistrative policies we have all followed for as long as most of us can remember. Well, it was NOT haverty. So if it was not embraced by the department then how has it stood the tests of time? Only and administrator can twist the lies out of this one. I for one say thanks to Haverty for developing this wonderful thing that we have enjoyed behind the backs of those who think they lead us.
TEAM: It's all about making it easier for the soon to be part-time DC's. Software and computers are where it's at, you squares! Just sit back and let Guardian and Colossus run things for us and a bright future is ensured. We're just going to have to learn to let go of some of the unneeded encumbrances of the past. Take Educational Leave, for instance. The Punisher told members during a negotiations meeting that he NEVER used Educational Leave to go to school. (And that man don't lie unless he thinks we can't prove it!)
Received via Email 01-02-11 Well, because you were the only one that missed the chiefs HOLIDAY party you also missed being thanked for the good work you do. EVERYONE else was thanked. What do you think of that?
Received via Email 01-02-11 A new website show-casing firefighters in action, including the St. Petersburg region. Go to www.911-photography.com and the nclick on Photo Galleries. A limited number of Florida incidents so far, but we are hoping 2011 brings more "Hot Shots". Have a safe and prosperous 2011 brothers!
Received via Email 01-03-11 I was always taught that actions speak louder than words. Administrators Large and Wimberly's actions sure do not thank us. Anybody can tell you thank you including most 3 year olds. Their actions speak more loudly to their intent than the empty words that the speak.
Received via Email 01-04-11 Chief Large - FAIL
Received via Email 01-04-11 Large is always been a failure in the eyes of the firefighters. How he ever got promoted past the rank of lieutenant is just unexplainable. Guess they always thought if he gets promoted to the next step maybe he could handle that position. Well, with each promotion he has proven he cannot handle the position, so to remove him from the position they just put him up a notch hoping he will succeed. He did succeed at one thing - He does do a good job of admiring himself in a mirror.
Received via Email 01-04-11 Yuk it up boys. This web site's never going to live past a year.
Received via Email 01-05-11 Funny. I can go back and read 5yrs. worth of posts.
Received via Email 01-05-11 Re: 01/04/2011-#4
Thank you, Chief Large, you pig brained shit rooter. Your ego takes you places none of the rest of us can even imagine. Stay the hell off the site and quit trying to be scary. There's not one swingin' dick on this department that gives a flying shit what you have to say or what your squealing supporters have to say. You're nothing. Let's keep it that way. Shut the f*ck up asshole.
TEAM: Wow! Someone's got a First Amendment bug up their ass. Viva La Constitutione'
Received via Email 01-05-11 I'm hearing that Winnie has filed an Unfair Labor Practice on our behalf. Thank you President Newton. He and Rick and Bill are still in talkes with Chris Guella and Jimmy Large and the 40 Theives. They want to take away the wish list that we've all used for so long. Winnie says he has talked to the DC's and they aren't the reason for the list going away because they don't manage it now and never have. DC Domonte even confirms this. He's talked with everyone at station 12 and they don't mind managing it because they'll lose the use of the list too. The hold up is Jimmy Large. Winnie said that in their meeting the other day after running out of logical excuses that Wimberly got pissed and said the bottom line is they've got other things for the guys at station 12 to be doing other than manage the wish list. That's it? That's the best reason they could come up with? I'm sure it took a lot for Prince to finally tell the truth but there it is. When faced with facts their DC's don't want to magage it story don't hold water. Their 12 don't want to do it story don't hold water and teleshit can't do it story just fall apart as being the real reasons. When 300 can't help substantiate their story for them they run out of stories that we'll swallow. Their stories look more and more like the lies they are. Folks, these are union busting tactics pure and simple. They want to run us out of money and break the back of our union. They claim they want to give us a wish list of sorts that will be used to hold only the gaps in your vacation picks. Wow......I guess that if you call it a wish list it becomes one. If you steal my Mercedes and bring me back a Yugo, I guess I'm supposed to thank you for leaving me with SOMETHING. Screw that. That's stealing.
Oh.......they want to take away the station lottery too. Seems that teleshit has to run everything in our lives and there's no room for a single page list of stations to make 2nd round vacations pics either. I guess the part time DC's won't have enough time to manage more stuff that they already don't manage now. Just another Clearwater is right!
Received via Email 01-09-11 Clearwater. Just another St. Petersburg. that is more like it.
Received via Email 01-09-11 I'll betcha we'd have a wish list if we'd have accepted their contract offer. And the vote was so close. Hey HQ staff.......................................Suck one!
Received via Email 01-10-11 Once a great department. Now a joke to all. Thanks Jimmy.
Received via Email 01-10-11 I'm thinking that I retired at a good time. All the good men are down below bailing while the rats are on deck looking for a way off.
Received via Email 01-10-11 I understand management not personally caring much for the current union administration, that's certainly their prerogative. This isn't the first time this has happened. But after many years it's the first time I have seen headquarters take their aggression out on the entire fire department. They can't beat Winnie so they beat on the blue shirts the same way a child abuser vents his anger when he is really just mad at his wife. Imagine a man so afraid of a woman he beats a child. That's the mindset of the men we are working for.
This is what you get when your entire administration is comprised of men who have never actually mastered any talent besides test taking.
Received via Email 01-14-11 During the Good and Welfare portion of the union meeting last night we received a brief report on Chris Tidwell's status. The membership was reminded that all of his time is exhausted and that forms are available to donate time to him until he returns to L/D status. Additionally, President Newton advised us that Andy Pepe gave ONE HUNDRED HOURS of his time to Chris. Later it was also mentioned that Andy donated ONE HUNDRED HOURS of his vacation time to the union's Pool Time account.
Andy doesn't live in Pinellas County and rarely attends union meetings but when I need help and he's available to work for his Brothers and Sisters, he makes himself available to me and we work our asses-off, rain or shine. For those times when I can't get him to help in-person, he still manages to be his Brothers and Sisters keeper. Funny how that works.
If you're of a mind to, give Andy a call at 7-C and thank him for carrying you and me another day.
Fraternally,
Jon Pearl 9-C
Received via Email 01-15-11 Just dont confuse him with someone else. This MAN is deserving of all of the Praise we can reap upon him.
Received via Email 01-17-11 poor SW not a captain. guess the despair keeps piling on.
Received via Email 01-18-11 Who's sw?
Congratulations to Mark Callahan, Buddy Feinberg and Heather Sanford
on their promotion to the rank to Fire Lieutenant.
Received via Email 01-20-11 Congrads to the new young Lieutenaut's. They will do ok, but you have to admit it sux that the almightly JL won't promote seasoned veterans that would do as good,( and happens to be tight with the union) if not better than the new rookies LT's.
Received via Email 01-20-11 they probably meant SZ
Received via Email 01-20-11 What about a congrats to Captain Nugent? Or since he is staff we could give two shits?
TEAM: Sorry... Meant to but forgot!
Received via Email 01-20-11 Did anyone else get the county's EMS report emailed to them? I love the following:
The City of St. Petersburg engaged the services of a fire and EMS consulting firm, TriData, to explore transport feasibility for their City. The projections of revenue and expenses suggested that the City of St. Petersburg could net between $7.4 and $10.4 million annually if it did its own ambulance transportation and billing operations. These net revenue projections were based on billing $600 per transport and a 100% collection rate. These assumptions fail to consider payer types, allowable billing amounts and actual collection rates.
Chief Large. Is this what we're telling the mayor and council? If so I'm sure we'll be transporting any day now. I'm sure that it didn't take the county to figure that we're full of shit. A child could easily done that.
Received via Email 01-21-11 1-20 #4 that was the county proposal not the cities numbers. Just like your opinion; it may be skewed.
TEAM: In an attempt to shed some light... We too, remember reading that St. Petersburg was not looking for 100% collection rate! From pages 37 & 38, 'Review of Fire and Rescue EMS Delivery, St. Petersburg Florida'
We estimated financial information based on the following factors and assumptions:
The City provides all emergency EMS transportation and performs contracts for financial collections.
The number of EMS responses
The percentage of patients transported. (We calculated the transport rate at 50, 60, and 70 percent.)
An average reimbursement rate for EMS transport that includes a baseline fee, some disposables, and mileage. (We used an average fee of $600 per patient transported.)
The total billed fee – Transports multiplied by $600 for 50, 60, and 70 percent transport rate.
Estimated successful fee collection – Total billed fees multiplied by 70 percent collection rate.
The cost of fee collection services. (We used a fee of 8 percent multiplied by the estimated total collection fees.)
The estimated total yield. (We subtracted the estimated collection costs from the estimated total collection fees.)
Received via Email 01-21-11 Notice: On the passing of Charles "Beatle" Bailey. Retired 1992 SPFD. Father in-law of Don Schwartz. Please keep Don and Susan in your prayers.
Received via Email 01-26-11 Is the Chief going to let our honor guard go to he services?
You know I was talking with my crew and we bet that if that were firemen we would have been wriiten up even though we were dead. Sweet would probably have given Large the idea.
Received via Email 01-26-11 I have a great idea. Let's try for a change to be the bigger people around here and not drag the deaths of 2 of our BROTHERS into this. I was there. I did my best. Yaz and Tom are not political pawns. They died doing the right thing. They died with honor and dignity, lets keep it that way. When I walked out of the trauma room both Chief Large and Mayor Foster were there...no cameras, nothing to gain...and both showed genuine concern for the slain officers, the officers grieving in the ER, the ER staff and also for me. Thank you to all of my brothers and sisters who called to make sure myself and all of the crews that dealt with this horrid situation were doing ok. So go ahead and call me whatever you will becasue I just don't give a shit. I was amazed at what I saw on Monday and the days that followed. I was equally amazed at some of the things I didn't see. I will honor my fallen brothers by showing up and answering the call...no matter what the cost and I will do the right thing...no matter what people have to say about it. Kevin Dooley R10B
P.S. Could we please add the deaths of our BROTHERS to the home page on this site.Thanks.
TEAM: Thanks for your service, Bro/Sis. Your request was already in the works...
Received via Email 01-27-11 Thank you Kevin. Unfortunately the poster of 1/26 #1 is one of the biggest reasons the dept is in the state its in, and they'll never 'get it.'
Received via Email 01-27-11 I grieve as much as you do. But the only tears Large would shed are alligator tears
Received via Email 01-28-11 I don't think it's fair to say that just because you feel our fire chief has vastly overestimated his authority and intelligence that he is incapable of the emotion required to shed tears for fallen officers. His inability to admit that he's over his head with his job has nothing to do with the certainty that he has emotions like anyone else. Incompetence and empathy are not mutually exclusive.
TEAM: Wow! You threw the "mutually exclusive" bomb.
Received via Email 01-29-11 As I watched the memorial Friday for the fallen officers, my sorrow turned to anger, as our city hall boss, in the background, as others spoke kept smiling, and closing his eyes attempting to be interested in what was going on there. To make things even more frustrating, the new Gov sat there next to him, said nothing. Did not speak. Even though Florida has lost officers in another metropolitan city of Florida. Am I being too thin skinned as to their lack of actions? Did the boss not make a point on TV the day of the tragedy to say it in no way had happened due to his budget cuts?? The importance of these fallen officers was honored not by the suits, but by the thousands of civil servants there. Thanks to those that really care.
Received via Email 01-31-11 WOW!!!!!!! footprints in the sand. Taking out "GOD" and putting "Union" in its place. That is a bit over the top. But I guess that is how things are suppose to be in 747s Officials eyes.
Received via Email 01-31-11 To 1/29- If you actually paid attention you would see that the Mayor was smiling when they were addressing the kids about their father, and when verses from the bible were being spoken he was saying them to himself without a bible in front of him. Now we didn't back the guy but for cryin out loud lay off him a little. Is now the time to be picking his ass apart. Instead, try calling our Union President to see how 11's crew or our SWAT medics are doing since they were in the middle of it all. Never mind it was the PBA president that went there to 11, not our president.
Received via Email 01-31-11 To the site master...you replied to Dooley that his request to honor the fallen Officers on the front page was in the works. That was 5 DAYS AGO!!! Silly me to think something would be there by now. It is always preached on here that we take care of our own and I assumed that meant the cops as well. No doubt though if the flavor of Kool-aid changed at the Union office it would be all over this site. Do us a favor, please don't honor the Fallen officers on this site. They stood for so much more than any of US, including myself.
TEAM: They were honored within hours of Kevin's request which coincided with the obituaries being published in the 'Times. The URL's for these obits is not a lock until someone pays to keep them online. They're subject to change/removal.
You need look no further than the upper right of the index (home) page for two additional LE stars and and one additional Maltese cross. If you mouse over each one, you'll find their names there. Click on them and they'll open up!
Received via Email 02-01-11 What a bunch of whining about us. This thing has never been about us. I'm already hearing stories about FF's who were pissed that they didn't get into the service. Go wear green and you'll get an invitation next time.
Received via Email 02-02-11 The only reason one wouldnt be able to get in the service is if you had a criminal background. used drgs. were fat and out of shape or were screwed up in the head. Or a serious medical problem. So who are we hiring.
Received via Email 02-04-11 If you're not on the union's email list you should be. Some of the best information to come out about our pensions was just sent out. Now go sign up and be prepared for the storm. www.iaff747.org
Received via Email 02-05-11 We will not be transporting, we just cant handle it.It was all talk or hype which ever you want to call it.
Received via Email 02-08-11 I really hope there were NO FD attendance at the Lacy funeral. If they were. That should be made known and that person shunned.
Received via Email 02-13-11 Tell Winnie that Egypt called... They are looking for a new dictator.
Received via Email 02-13-11 Funny you would point your finger at Winnie. This city's got 24 lawyers working to screw you at the drop of a hat. A mayor in office that we didn't back and wouldn't be in office if lazy cops and firefighters got off of their asses. And we've got a fire chief who kisses the mayors ass because he's already got his pension check in the bank and is working for what's best for him and not for you. I guess every union needs a dictator to run the show because you 're not going to do it.
Received via Email 02-13-11 Tell Large that Egypt called... They are looking for a new dictator.
Received via Email 02-13-11 And I suppose that also like Egypt you have no idea who or what would replace Winnie. But if he quit today your ass would be sucking wind for a very long time. Instead of thinking up cutsie remarks you'd do better to find a way to be a positive force for your Union and your department. Truth be told you're probably lucky to HAVE a job right now and if you don't wake up and get your ass in gear you may still find yourself on the street in the near future. I hope you don't think this is as bad as it gets because you are seriously flawed mentally if you do. It's going to get a lot worse in more ways than you or I can count. The city can't wait to roll out it's best and finest screw jobs they have waiting for us and with that sorry ass mayor running the show you can depend on them not being in your best interest for a very long time. Do you think that what happens today will just go away tomorrow? Hell no it won't. We're going to live with this mess for the rest of our careers and probably far into the future. And everything we lose today will take years to get back if ever. Wake up numb nuts and use your brain. You're not helping at all with your negative half assed humor right now. We definitely have bigger fish to fry than snickering like school girls over your inuendos. Do you really want to take your chances against the city let alone the state and the public in general by encouraging Winnie to quit and throw you to the wolves? Is that what you want? You have no idea how lucky you are that he doesn't just go "screw it" and walk.
Received via Email 02-13-11 in addition to the words imparted in the 4th post of 2.13.11. I have been hearing from way too many of our IAFF sticker showing brothers and sisters, about how they dont understand the concerns over the FRS folks having to pay 5% for their pensions. Listen up sticker showers, it aint about them having to pay. Its all about the loss of a benefit that has been bargained for, earned, and in many cases the reason they chose to work for that agency over another. To think that just paying up would make this all go away and make it safe for the rest of us is assinine. If the many stories that get sent out through our locals website and through every form of media our any indecation of whats to come, then we should all know just 1 thing isnt going to placate these idiots. They want your heart, they want your soul, and they want you to bow down before them. Its a cash strapping fight they want and only the financially able are going to come through with some semblance of what they had. As the poster pointed out, it will take many years to recover only some of what we will lose if we roll over and tell everyone to just pay up. We need to be stronger now than we have ever been, we need to have as many strong backs on the line everyday, and we need to be asking our leaders what we can do to help. We do not need more of our own DROP participants choosing to disassociate themselves from the very Union that got them through their past 20+ years of employment, provided them and their families with every form of promise and comfort they have come to know and rely upon. I can just imagine were we would be as a local now if this selfish peeps would have ever held an elected position in this Union. If they can turn thier backs on the rest of us now, its not to hard to think they would have taken the easy road out then.
Received via Email 02-13-11 To start with. People should post the names of all the back stabbing double faced ffs and officers. That way people know who to talk to and who not to talk to.
Received via Email 02-14-11 Hey, 2-13-11 #4 wipe your mouth, you have a major "kool-aid mustache" going there!
Received via Email 02-14-11 Regarding the "Footprints in the Sand" poem, it is utterly ludicrous to infer that the Union carried me at any time during my career. Our Union officials are so out of shape they get out of breath patting themselves on their backs!
Received via Email 02-14-11 Retiree health costs hurting government budgets.
Received via Email 02-15-11 “It’s only fair. The private sector, they fund their retirement benefits so the public sector ought to be doing the same thing,” - Gov. Rick Scott
I don't have a problem with that statement.
Received via Email 02-15-11 We're getting ready to possibly lose our pension, cola and drop and some of you are worried about who modified a poem that didn't appear anywhere in the bible or where Winnie's sleeping tonight. When you can find him a fire station 10 shifts a month you won't need to wonder anymore. Grow up.
