IAFF-NYC Fire Fighter Relief Effort
This is an update from the IAFF 1st District, which covers New York and New Jersey. The IAFF is on the ground and has established a command center to provide relief to affected members.
A lot of people have been inquiring about how they can help. This is what is needed at this time..
DO NOT self dispatch yourself up to the NY area. There is nowhere to stay. All of the hotels are filled with people who lost their homes. If there is a call for volunteers, you will be notified.
1st District Update
This has been a long week, where our aggrieved Brothers and Sisters had to go through the complications of a Nor'Easter on top of the pain and misery they have already endured. Snow and cold kept our members from being able to move forward with clean up and needed repairs.
To bring everyone up to speed, here are some of this week's highlights:
* After a visit to Local 287's firehouse and President Bill Piazza in Long Beach, it was clear that this is a long term event for him and his members. The town has no traffic lights, porta potties everywhere and residents living on edge and in total darkness. Long Beach Fire Department has a residency requirement so all 25 of its members might qualify for IAFF assistance. Members are still suffering and cleaning up from the surge of salty ocean water that will keep the electric off for a long time.
* I visited Staten Island and viewed the damage on their south shore that was total and complete. I remember seeing houses that were reminiscent of the house that fell out of the sky in Wizard of Oz. Many homes were knocked off their foundation. Frustration and despair was everywhere. The majority of these relatively new homes, apartment and businesses look to have been built in the last decade. I was informed that this was a low to middle class neighborhood before the hurricane. This also very much appears to be an area where members will not get back in their homes anytime soon.
* I went into New Jersey, but the majority of damage in the northern portion of New Jersey is inaccessible due to the hazards involved. I have worked the phones talking to the PFANJ President Marino and Local leaders to make sure their needs are met. Due to the complications from the Nor'Easter, they were forced to cancel next week's Monthly meeting. To date, 13 NJ Firefighters and Fire Officers have qualified and received assistance. Atlantic City still needs this IAFF assistance and we are working to get it there.
* This morning the IAFF has resources and personnel here to augment the FDNY Counseling Service needs, in addition to FEMA and Red Cross assistance. I wish to thank the General President for agreeing to send such disaster experts as DVP Danny Todd, and the unflappable Patrick Morrison, who put together an extremely experienced team. These crisis centers are opening in Staten Island and Brooklyn. Retired DVP Emeritus Kevin Gallagher has continued to be intricately involved and helpful to the situation.
* To date, the IAFF has provided over 70 total relief checks, and have assisted with our damaged firehouses and members' property. The IAFF staff have been nothing short of fantastic in helping to give us the resources and assistance we need.
* Currently, we are not seeking clothing donations, and are inundated with offers of help and assistance. I believe we all are aware against self deploying due to the unintended consequences. Organization is key. Anyone interested in helping is still directed to the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund, which helps so many of our members.
* My thanks and appreciation for all of your support, and words of encouragement!
Fraternally,
Bill Romaka
IAFF 1st District Vice President
