the fire lines - march 2007

On Friday, March 2, 2007, the UFAExecutive Board announced thedetails of a tentative agreement

with the Office of Labor Relations. This isfar and away the best contract negotiatedby any municipal labor union with theCity in this current round of bargaining.It is a win-win for all Firefighters becausethe package has something for everybody.It looks to the future and creates a newavenue of compensation for our member-ship which has been the goal of many fireunions across the nation. We believe itwill become the benchmark that other fireservices seek to duplicate.

The base pay for starting Firefightersmoves from $25,100 to $35,000. The newstarting salary affects hires after April 1,2007. Everyone hired prior to this datewill enjoy the benefits of the past contractand the increased salary. The agreementis retroactive to August 1, 2006, and runsuntil July 31, 2008. The base salary afterfive years on the job would also be raised

to $68,475, from the current $63,309 andthere would be additional longevityincreases beyond. A 5-year Firefighterwho is CFR-D and a chauffer (includingRSOT) will make $89,561. A 20-yearFirefighter who is CFR-D and a chauffer(including RSOT) will make $92,970.There are no givebacks in this contract.

The new contract is also groundbreak-ing because in addition to the other itemsin this no-concession package, wesecured a 12% increase in the base pay forspecial assignment duty to Haz-mat, Haz-mat Battalion, 4 Haz-tech companies, theSquads, and Rescue Companies (a total of17 Companies). This increase is at no cost

to our members. It is free money.The UFA has been seeking specializa-

tion pay since the 1960’s. For example, onDecember 1, 1997, the UFA negotiatedChauffer pay. CFR-D compensation wasadded on April 15, 1998. Had both ofthese been accomplished years earlier,these differentials would be significantlyhigher today.

The 12% specialization pay puts us onparity with the NYPD’s Emergency Ser-vices Unit, which receives the pay rate ofDetective Specialists. As noted above, inthis round of negotiations we reached 17Companies at 12%. We then attempted to

VOL. XLIII NO.1 2007

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THEUNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORKThe Bravest

President’s MessageBy STEPHEN J. CASSIDY

(Continued on page 3)

Marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade are: (L to R) Kevin Atkinson L-16; JamesSlevin, UFA Vice President; Edward Brown, Bronx Trustee; Adolfo Carrion, Jr., BronxBorough President; Steven J. Cassidy, UFA President; Daniel Murphy, ManhattanTrustee; William Romaka, Health & Safety Officer, Sergeant-At-Arms; Wing Tsang E-16;Devin Powers L-7. PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen N. Symbolik

CONTRACT

1 Holiday Pay: July - December paid in 1st full pay period in January. January - June paid in 1st full pay period in July

2 CFR-D: is calculated on a per-tour basis. Grades 2 thru 5 have fewer vacation days and therefor work more tours per year. As a result, CFR-Dper year is greater. Probies do not earn CFR-D while in the academy)

3 Chauffeur Pay (1st grade) per tour = $8.85 (9 x 6) & $14.73 (6 x 9) = $23.58 per 24 hour shift

4 Annuity: is deposited into each FF’s individual Compensation Accrual Fund account, not in the paycheck

5 Formulas Used: Bi-weekly Base = Annual base x (14 days per pay period/365 days per year); Annual Night Shift = (Annual base + Old (pre7/1/89) annual longevity) x .057 (5.7%) (for wipers: 5.4%); Bi-weekly Night Shift = Annual night shift x (14 days per pay period / 365 days peryear); Total Annual Longevity = Old annual longevity (pre 7/1/89) + additional longevity (post 7/1/89); Bi-weekly Longevity = Total longevityx (14 days per pay period x 365 days per year); January Holiday Pay = (Bi-weekly base + Bi-weekly longevity / 10) x 6 days; July Holiday Pay= (Bi-weekly base + Bi-weekly longevity / 10) x 5 days; Hourly Rate = (Annual base + total longevity + annual night shift + total holiday) /2088 Hrs. per year; Overtime Rate = [(Annual Base + Total Longevity) / 2088 hours per year] x 1.5; Night Shift Overtime Rate = overtime rate+ 10% of the overtime rate calculated with only the old longevity; 96 Hours Roster Staffing = 60 hours at night shift overtime rate + 36 hours atovertime rate

6 Probie Night Shift Differential (NSD) Pay: No NSD 1st 6 months. 90% NSD after 6 months. 100% NSD after 1 year.

7 Uniform Maintenance Allowance: Paid in lump sum each December to FFs who have completed 6 months service during fiscal period July 1thru June 30.

8 RSOT (Roster Staffing OT): Four 9-hour day tours & four 15-hour night tours per FF guaranteed per calendar year, regardless of grade andassignment. Tours are pre-scheduled based on vacations. RSOT mutuals are permitted.

• Union Dues (bi-weekly deductions): UFA ($23.85); IAFF ($3.25); Scholarship Fund ($1.00), Line-of-Duty Funeral Fund ($1.00)

Fire Lines NO.1 2007

w w w . u f a n y c . o r g

FIREFIGHTERS’ SALARIES (See Separate Scale for Hires after 2/06 on Page 8)

Formula: August 1st, 2005 Rate x 1.04 x 1.04 = August 1, 2007 Rate.The below info is unaudited, and is a DRAFT that will be carefully scrutinized for errors. Annual figures have been rounded.

Current Firefighter • Annual Salary • Effective September 1st, 20072nd 3rd 4th 5th

Annual Salary 20 yrs 15 yrs 10 yrs 5 yrs Grade Grade Grade Grade

Base5 68,475 68,475 68,475 68,475 56,571 53,925 51,406 49,008

Longevity5 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000

Night Shift5,6 3,937 3,932 3,926 3,920 3,224 3,074 2,930 2,793

Holiday1,5 (6 days, July-Dec) 1,718 1,696 1,673 1,649 1,305 1,244 1,186 1,131

Holiday1,5 (5 days, Jan-June) 1,432 1,413 1,394 1,375 1,088 1,037 989 942

Uniform Allowance7 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450

96 hours RSOT8 5,335 5,265 5,199 5,127 4,145 3,952 3,767 3,591

CFR-D2 2,287 2,287 2,287 2,287 2,328 2,403 2,403 2,455

Chauffeur3 2,234 2,234 2,234 2,234 1,697 1,618 1,542 1,470

Annuity4 1,044 1,044 1,044 1,044 1,044 1,044 1,044 1,044

Combined Total 92,912 91,796 90,682 89,561 71,852 68,747 65,717 62,884

Hourly5 (Base/long/holiday/night) 39.06 38.56 38.06 37.56 29.78 28.39 27.03 25.8

OT Hourly5 (day) 53.5 52.78 52.06 51.35 40.64 38.74 36.93 35.21

OT Hourly5 (night) 56.81 56.08 55.37 54.64 44.7 42.61 40.62 38.73

CFR-D (per day tour) 11.01 11.01 11.01 11.01 11.01 11.01 11.01 11.01

CFR-D (per night tour) 18.32 18.32 18.32 18.32 18.32 18.32 18.32 18.32

Fire LinesNO.1 2007


split the 12% and expand the pool ofthose who would receive an increase. TheCity rejected this on the basis of paritywith the NYPD. It is this ExecutiveBoard’s goal to expand the pool of Fire-fighters receiving specialty pay.

The UFA Executive Board’s charge isto deliver the best possible contract forour members and this contract does that.Every member of the Executive Boardsupports this contract unanimously. Why?Because the contract is good for the entiremembership! When the UFA can put extramoney in the pockets of brother Firefight-ers at no cost to the membership, thisUFA Executive Board says “we have totake it.” Remember we set the pattern; wegot all the extras! If the pattern is set byanother union, our future is out of ourcontrol. We would be stuck with someother union’s deal or arbitration and getnone of the extras unique to this contract.

NYC Firefighters have one of the mostdangerous jobs in the country. Let’s getthis contract done! Let’s move forward asthe leading labor union of the City’s uni-formed services, get the raises and retro

money in our pockets, and start negotiat-ing the next contract. Here’s a breakdown:

Total value of the package is 9.75% Additional specifics of the contract are: • Length of contract: 24 months • 4% base salary increase retroactively

effective 8/1/06 • 4% (compounded is 4.16%) base

salary increase effective 8/01/07• $1,000 Annual Longevity increase

for 5, 10, 15 and 20-year steps • Chauffeur Differential increase to 3% • 5 Rescues, 7 Squads, 4 Haz-tech

Companies, Haz-mat Battalion andHaz-mat-1 will receive assignmentdifferential of 12% of base salary

• $1,100 Fire Marshal UniformAllowance annual increase

• $80 per member annual increase tothe UFA Retired Firefighters Securi-ty Benefit Fund

• Line-of-Duty Prescription Drug Card(no out-of-pocket expenses)

Non-Monetary Extra Benefits• Elimination of Extra-Departmental

Employment filing requirements(except existing PA/ID 12 of 1967provisions for volunteer Firefighters,conflict of interests, or while on med-ical leave or light duty)

• Contract re-opener language protect-ing the UFA if the PBA breaks parityin either collective bargaining or thearbitration process (PERB). We haveno such protection unless this con-tract is ratified.

The UFA ratification process is thelongest in the City. Many questions willbe raised. A meeting was held with Bat-talion Delegates on March 13th and thevote was 33 “For” and 17 “Against.” Aspecial Delegate meeting for information-al purposes was conducted on March20th. These Delegates will convene onApril 19th and their vote will determine ifthis contract is sent out to the member-ship. Each member has the right to cast a“Yes” or “No” vote. Ask your Delegate tovote “Yes” to send this contract out to themembership. You, the rank and file Fire-fighter, should determine your own fate.The UFA Executive Board and I are anx-ious to answer your questions or explainthe details of the contract now andthroughout the ratification process. Wewelcome the opportunity to meet withyou or to visit your firehouse.

President’s Message(Continued from page 1)

The UFA haspicked up rightwere we left off

in 2006 by continuingto have our billspassed and signed bythe Governor. We arepleased to report that Governor Spitzerhas signed his first bill for Firefighters.Chapter 5 of the Laws of 2007 clarifiesand corrects the WTC Death Benefit Bill.The state portion of the death benefit willnow be paid to the beneficiaries of thosemembers that die as a result of a WTC-related illness. Currently there are 4Firefighter’s families that will benefitfrom this law, including a Firefighter thatsuccumbed to Interstitial PulmonaryFibrosis in August of 2004. This is thefirst death that we believe is directly relat-ed to exposures at the site.

We continue to move forward with therest of our Agenda. As you have proba-bly seen, there is a major shakeup going

on in Albany with the arrival of Gover-nor Spitzer. When this paper went topress there was no budget agreement inplace. The major battle seems to becentered on healthcare. Until the budg-et is worked out we do not expect therest of our agenda to move forward.

Please take a look at the agenda belowand familiarize yourself with it. Lobbyday is set for June 12th and we are onceagain asking for a large turnout from our

members. Further information will be sentto every member. In the meanwhile,please clear your calendar and make a com-mitment to join us on June 12th. All mem-bers are welcome and encouraged to attend.Legislation does not happen by accident.We need your help! Check out the UFAWeb site for more legislative updates-www.ufanyc.org/political_action/agenda.phpA4697 or S2509 Signed By GovernorSpitzer Ch. 5 of 2007Amendment of the General MunicipalLaw, as it Relates to Accidental DeathBenefits Under the WTC PresumptiveBillA3872 or S1597 PERB EXTENDER –Sent to Governor for his Approval

Extends for an additional two years theeffectiveness of provisions establishingdispute resolution during collectivenegotiations. S2084 GENERAL BENEFITSEXTENDERExtends certain temporary benefits andsupplementation programs. Heart Bill,Cancer Bill, HAT Bill and ITHP. S2083 TIER II PENSION EXTENDERExtends application of article 11 of theretirement and social security law to allpolice officers and firefighters whojoined the system before July 1, 2009 A5658 or S2492 LINE OF DUTYWIDOWS COLAIncreases certain special accidental deathbenefits for surviving spouses and chil-dren of certain police and fire personnel. A 6263 or S3335 MTA Fare Waiver forFirefighters This piece of legislation would permitmembers of the FDNY to receive a farewaiver on New York City’s public trans-portation systemA4529 or S2414 Crediting Prior Ser-vice by the Fire Department PensionFundThis bill would credit pension service formembers who served in various uni-formed titles prior to gaining employ-ment with the New York City FireDepartment. A6537 or S 3598 Terminal LeaveThis bill would allow members of theNew York City Fire Department to take amonetary payment in lieu of TerminalLeave at the rate applicable at the date ofretirement.

A4592 or S1301 Negotiability of Disci-pline Affecting Public EmployeesThis piece of legislation would establishemployee discipline as a mandatorynegotiable term and condition ofemployment for the purpose of collectivebargaining.

A 6513 Powers and Duties of the NewYork City Fire Department PensionFund - Corpus FundingThis piece of legislation would allow forthe Board of Trustees of the New YorkCity Fire Department Pension Fund todraw upon the Fund’s assets to pay itsexpenses.



Nassau County: 90 Merrick Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554 • phone: 516.296.7000 • fax: 516.296.7111

Suffolk County: 1393 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Suite 301S, Hauppauge, NY 11788 • phone: 631.979.3000 • fax: 631.979.7070www.certilmanbalin.com

CERTILMAN BALIN ADLER & HYMAN, LLP

PROVEN ADVISORS.POWERFUL ADVOCATES.

YOUR UNION LAWYER.YOUR PERSONAL LAWYER.

Michael C. Axelrod, as the trusted unioncounsel for 50,000 police, fire, and public safety employees, represents theUniformed New York City FirefightersAssociation, the New York State TroopersBenevolent Association, and many otherorganizations in the metropolitan area.He has a solid track record of counselingand representing union members in theirpersonal litigation and life plans. Turn toMichael, and the law firm of CertilmanBalin, regarding your private legal matters.

• EmploymentDiscrimination

• Personal Litigation• Bankruptcy• Sexual Harassment

• Criminal Defenseon Long Island

• DWI• Estate Planning• Elder Law

Since 1965, Certilman Balin has beenhelping clients with responsive andaffordable legal counsel, free of excessivelegal actions and unwarranted costs. With offices in Nassau and SuffolkCounties, we are available 24 hours to advise, counsel and represent you. Call Michael directly at (516) 296-7172to resolve your personal legal matterswith confidence.

By JAMES SLEVINUFA Vice President/

Legislative Chairman

2007 Legislative Agenda – Lobby Day set for June 12th

*DON’T FORGET TO FILE THE WTC NOTICE OF

PARTICIAPTION BY JUNE 14TH*

Fire LinesNO.1 2007

On January 24, 2006, asChairman of the Boardof Trustees for the Uni-

formed Firefighters Associationof Greater New York, and onbehalf of all of the 8,900 active New YorkCity Firefighters, I testified before a specialhearing concerning the impending sale offirehouses in Brooklyn. The hearing washosted by the Brooklyn Borough President,Marty Markowitz, and took place inBrooklyn Borough Hall.

New York City firefighters are veryconcerned about the New York City FireDepartment and the Department of City-wide Administrative Services (DCAS)desire and actions to sell off firehouses,most especially Engines E-204 and E-212.

Allowing these vital properties to besold off is in essence signing off on the FireCommissioner’s decision in May of 2003to close four Brooklyn engine companies.

We are outraged that the city is movingforward to sell these vital emergency infra-structures and believe that the loss of thesebuildings will now guarantee Brooklynwill be underserved in fire protection forgenerations to come. In fact, the FDNY’sown data supports how underserved theborough currently is with regard to fireprotection.

In 1956 total firefighter emergencyresponses in the borough of Brooklynwere 20,466; 50 years later in the year2006 that volume of emergency calls toour firefighters increased a staggering700% to 138,683 firefighter emergencycalls. If that is not enough to counter theCity’s desire to sell off these propertiesconsider this: During that same period oftime the total number of engine companiesserving the people of Brooklyn hasDECREASED by nine, including the fourtaken away from Brooklyn in May 2003.

This increase is demand for fire servic-es is obviously related directly to the pop-ulation increase over the years, and it ispreposterous to think that increased needswill not continue, especially in light of thenumerous new development plans beingforged.

As a city we can not be eliminating and

reducing infrastructure as ourcommunities grow. To advocatefor closing and selling firehousesis negligence at best and a betray-al of the common good at worst.

On December 12, 2006 theMayor forecasted in his 2030report a population boom like noother for our city. Within the next

two decades our city population will swellby more 1 million residents - the equivalentof adding the population of Miami andBoston to the current population, theMayor says. This increase in populationdoesn’t even take into account the 50 mil-lion tourists expected to visit New YorkCity by the end of the decade.

It is expected that 60,000 new housingunits will be built in Williamsburg, Green-point and on the Brooklyn waterfront.Each of these new residents will requireemergency protections. Selling off ofclosed firehouses is only endorsing a short-sighted plan to downsize the fire protectioncurrent and future residents of this boroughneed. One has to ask: Why would the citysell off an asset it already owns when eventhe Office of Long Term Planning and Sus-tainability is pointing out significant infra-structure challenges in the next twodecades.

The Uniformed Firefighters Associationadvocates the reopening the four Brooklynfirehouses closed by Commissioner Scop-petta in May 2003. To give your blessingto this sale is akin to the final nail in thecoffin of those firehouses and any futurethey might potentially have under futureFDNY administrations.

Finally, it has been rumored that repre-sentatives from the city are suggesting tothe community that that these buildings areno longer viable, modern enough, or struc-turally sound to serve as firehouses. Thatis just not true.

This is not a credible excuse for sellingthe property, considering that Engine 212’squarters served it quite well even in May of2003. Engine 212’s building could morethan likely be reopened and returned toservice with an engine company runningfrom it within just a short few weeks.

Our city and this borough are starvingfor additional fire companies, and by sub-tracting Engine companies rather thanadding them, New York City becomes aless safe place to live and work.

I sincerely hope that my testimony willconvince Borough Presidents and CityCouncil members to stand with New YorkCity Firefighters against the selling off ofvital community firehouses.

Testimony Against the Selling of FirehousesBy JOHN G. KELLY, Jr.

Brooklyn Trustee, Chairman of the Board


By JAMES DAHLUFA Retiree Liaison

Mon-Wed-Fri 9 am to 4 pm212-683-4723 Ext. 6577

This article contains important informationpertinent to all current and future retirees.Please save the following and use as a refer-ence for any future problems.1. Notification of death of a retired Firefighter

Notification of a retired firefighter’s death ismade to the NYC Fire Department by calling718-999-2320 or 718-999-2321. Retirees havea life insurance policy in the amount of $5800with the FDNY Life Insurance Fund. This isthe $9 deduction on your earnings statementlisted as Fire Life.

Members who have retired after January 1,1971 have a death benefit with the SecurityBenefit Fund (SBF) in the following amounts:

Up to age 49 $10,00050 to 69 $5,00070 and over $2,500A claim for this benefit will be sent to your

beneficiary when we receive notification ofdeath.

2. Reimbursement for Medicare part “B”If you are receiving a City pension check

and both you and your spouse are enrolled in aCity health plan, you will be reimbursed foryour Medicare part “B” by the City of NewYork. You should send the following informa-tion to Employee Health Benefits. Make acopy of your Medicare card to show that youhave both parts “A” and “B” and include thefollowing information:

Birth dates for yourself and your spouseA. Your retirement dateB. Your pension numberC. Name of your health planD. Name of your unionSend this information to:Office of Labor RelationsEmployee Health Benefits Program40 Rector Street – 3rd FloorNew York, NY 10006Attn: Medicare Division

If you are in an HMO (Example HIP,AETNA, etc.) you must inform your healthcarrier that you are going on Medicare due toforms that need to be filled out with yourhealth provider.3. Make notification of any change in status

The Security Benefit Fund must beinformed of any changes in your status. Forexample:

A. When you get married, we need a copyof the marriage certificate

B. When you become a new parent weneed a copy of the birth certificate

C. If you get divorced we need a copy offirst and last page of the divorce decree

D. When a spouse dies we need a copy ofthe death certificate

E. When you move please update youraddress with the SBF

To change your address with the NYCFire Department or to make changes fordirect deposit please call pension and payrollat 718-999-2327

4. Changing Health or Dental PlansChanging Health PlansYou can change health plans every other

year during the even numbered years (2004,2006, 2008, etc). The normal time to changeis in November or December in order to takeeffect the following January. You may alsochange plans at anytime if you move out ofyour health plan service area. A change canoccur outside the normal change period“Once in a lifetime.” If this option is used,you can only change during the allottedchange over period, or if you move out ofyour service area.

Changing Dental PlansYou may change dental plans each year

between October 15th and December 15th.Most plan changes take effect on January 1st.

James Dahl is availableMonday, Wednesday, Friday 9AM – 4PM212-683-4723, Ext. 5977Correction: The wallet cards recently

sent to retirees incorrectly list General Pre-scription as the drug carrier. The correctplan is Pharmacare, formerly EHS. Theycan be reached at 1-866-832-0563. Also,the correct # for the SBF is 212-683-4723

Please refer to the following as a summaryof Retired Security Benefit Fund Benefits:

Summary of R.F.S.B.FELIGIBILITY: Retired Firefighters andFire Marshals, who retired on or after January1, 1971 (July 9, 1993 for Wipers), and theireligible dependents, including duly registereddomestic partners and their dependents.U.F.A. SELF INSUREDHEALTHPLEX: Retiree is reimbursed inaccordance with the RSBF Schedule of Fees adental form must be filled out. $1,500.00Limitation per family member per 12month period Orthodontic services fordependents under 19 years of age only.DENTCARE PROGRAM: A Pre-paid com-prehensive dental program- provides the nec-essary dental care, including orthodontics atno cost to the member, except for electivegeneral anesthesia, porcelain crown, porcelainw/metal or pontic - $50.00. Orthodontic serv-ices for dependents under 19 years. Membersmust select a dentist from the DENTCAREpanel of dentists. Cosmetic dental treatmentnot covered.AMERICAN DENTAL: Effective January1, 1995, Retirees residing in Florida mayelect coverage by the American Dental Plan(ADP), a Preferred Provider Plan with mostroutine and preventive care provided at nocharge after payment of $5.00 routine officevisit fee. A defined schedule of reduced feesapplies for other general dental services. Par-ticipating ADP specialist’s charge 25% belowtheir usual fees.OPTICAL: One eye exam and either onepair single vision, bifocal or contact lenses(subject to providers’ surcharges), for Retireesand eligible dependents EVERY TWOYEARS through optical provider panel Effec-tive January 1, 1999, maximum of $60.00($15-exam, $20-Frame,$25-Lenses, $45-Con-tact Lenses) reimbursed to Retiree if otherthan provider (s) is used.DEATH BENEFIT: Only the Retiree is cov-ered for this benefit insured through the AIGLife Companies Payment is made to the des-ignated primary or Contingent beneficiary ofan eligible deceased Retiree upon submissionof a completed claim form with certifieddeath certificate.Effective April 1, 1997, coverage based uponage is:

Up to Age 49 $10,000.00Age 50 to 69 $ 5,000.00

Age 70 and over $ 2,500.00

HEARING AID: Effective January 1,1999,Retiree is reimbursed up to $600.00 towardshearing aid (s) purchased in a five-year periodupon referral of a physician or audiologist.

IMPORTANT RETIREE INFORMATION !SAVE!

Continued on next page

Security Benefit Fund (212) 683-4723

Fax (212) 683-0693Welfare Fund (AMB/OXY)

(718) 999-1886Pension Payroll (718) 999-2327

Art 1(718) 999-1207Surgucal Assistance

(718) 999-1252Pension Life Ins (718) 999-2320

Honor Emergency Fund(718) 999-2531/2

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERSPharmacare (EHS)

(866) 832-0563Dentcare/Healthplex

(800) 468-0608Counseling Services Unit

(212) 570-1693/6FDNY Retirement Desk

(718) 999-2324

City Health/Medical/Medicare Benefits

(212) 513-0470** Not managed by the UFA

Security Benefits Fund


Fire LinesNO.1 2007


Send the paid bill, a copy of the prescriptionand a copy of the audiologist report to the R.F. S. B. F. for reimbursement.PRESCRIPTION PLAN : Plan adminis-tered by PharmaCare (formerly Eckerd HealthServices) effective September 1, 2004. Insulin (including oral agents) and diabetesequipment and supplies are covered by AllCity Health Plans (NON-MEDICARE).MEDICARE members are covered underPharmaCare. Up front annual family deductible $125.PARTICIPATING PHARMACY: Once thisdeductible is met you will pay 35% of thecost of the drug or a minimum $5 Generic/$20 Brand-name. Retirees can obtain up to a30-day supply at a participating pharmacyNON-PARTICIPATING PHARMACY:Retirees using non-participating pharmaciescan obtain up to a 30-day supply and may bereimbursed up to average wholesale price +dispensing fee, minus co-pay. Up-front annualdeductible of $125 must be met first beforeco-pays apply. Reimbursement claim formscan be obtained by callingPHARMACARE at 1-866-832-0563.ANNUAL FAMILY DRUG CAP - $5,000.MAINTENANCE DRUGS MAIL ORDER: If you or an eligible fami-ly member regularly takes medication forchronic long-term conditions such as arthritis,high blood pressure, heart conditions, etc.,you may receive up to a 90-day supply ofmaintenance medication through EHS’ mailservice pharmacy. NOTE: No deductiblewill be required for prescriptions beingfilled at mail service. 35% of the cost of thedrug still applies to mail order. Deductiblestill applies to retail prescriptions.

PICA:Plan administered by NPA. If you have anyquestions contact NPA’s Customer ServiceDepartment at 1-800-467-2006. SponsorNumber 2020.Effective July 1st 2005, Most Injectable andChemotherapy Medications will continue tobe covered under PICA (non- medicare) whiletransferring the asthma and psychotropicdrugs to the UFA Retired Security BenefitFund Prescription Drug Plan administered byPharmaCare. INJECTABLE AND CHEMOTHERAPYMEDICATIONSUP to a 30 dav supplv at Retail Pharmacy: $10 Generic $25 Preferred Brand (Formulary) $45 Non-Preferred Brand (Non-Formulary)* UP to a 90 day supply at the Mail OrderPharmacy: $20 Generic $50 Preferred Brand (Formulary) $90 Non-Preferred (Non-Formulary)* Annual Deductible for Injectable andChemotherapy Medications EffectiveJanuary 1st 2006, there will be anannual deductible of $100 per person forInjectable and Chemotherapy Medications.This deductible is independent of any otherdeductible. *If you choose a non-preferred brand drugthat has a generic equivalent you will pay thedifference in cost between the non-preferredbrand drug and the generic drug PLUS thenon-preferred brand co-payment. (Increase inCo-Pays: Effective July 1st 2005)MEDICARE members are covered underPharmaCare. Up-front deductible co-paysand annual family cap apply.

CATARACT LENSES: R. F. S. B. F allowsup to $75.00 towards purchase after healthplan Medicare etc has paid its portion. Sendthe paid bill and health plans (s) Explanationof Benefits (E O B ) To the R . F. S. B. Foffice for reimbursement.SURGICAL ASSISTANCE FUND: R F S BF pays the yearly dues for its eligible Retirees.DEPENDENT STUDENT 19-23 YEARSOF AGE:Dependent full-time students covered to theend of the calendar year of the unmarried,dependent student’s 23rd birthday, or untilGraduation, whichever occurs first. STU-DENT VERIFICATION MUST BE ONFILE EVERY SEMESTER.Reminder from the Security Benefit Fund(SBF)In order to receive SBF benefits, parents ofchildren attending college need to provide theSBF with the following:* A letter each semester from the registrar onschool letterhead listing the student's nameand acknowledging s/he is taking 12 or morecredits.* A copy of a paid tuition bill from the collegefor each semester.These items are neessary for the SBF to providethe proper benefits to the children of firefight-ers. All info should be mailed to: Security Ben-efit Fund, 204 East 23rd Street - 3rd Flooor,New York, NY 10010 or FAX to 212-683-0693HANDICAPPED DEPENDENTS: RetireeMUST notify basic health carrier when depend-ents become mentally or physically handi-capped, prior to 19 yrs of age. Dependent mustbe unmarried, living at home and dependentupon retiree for support. Upon receipt of thehealth carrier’s confirmation that the dependentis handicapped, R.F.S.B.F. coverage will becontinued while the criteria are met.VESTED RETIREES: Vested Retirees mayenroll in the R F S B F to cover themselvesand their eligible dependents for the followingbenefits upon payment of the City’s contractu-al contribution (7/1/06 = $1,640) Death Bene-fit , Dental, Prescription, Optical, Cataract,Hearing Aid Benefits Coverage does notinclude the City’s Health Plans.In all cases where there is a change of familystatus, member must file an ERB and forwardit to:

For Medicare questions call or write:Employee Health Benefits ProgramEmployee Health Benefit Program

40 Rector Street 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10006(212) 513-0470

WIDOWS’ BENEFITSThe Retired Security Benefits Fund providesbenefits for widows and eligible dependents ofretired firefighters, who retired after January 1,1971 (July 9, 1993 for wipers) who becomeswidowed after July 1, 1987, will be entitled tothe same health plan and benefits under theRFSBF for a period of ONE YEAR ONLY.The Trustees of the Fund reserve the right tomodify or discontinue the benefits of the Fundat any time. Notification of changes in the ben-efits or procedures will be sent to your addressas listed on the Fund records.

Mortgage Services Banking ServicesPurchase, Refinance, Home Equity Personal Loans First Time Home Buyer Program Business Line of Credit

24 Hour Pre-Approvals Business Loans Land and Construction Loans Asset Based Loans Zero Down – 100% - 103% Financing Lease Financing

Commercial Loans

Firefighters Mortgage Hotline 551166--559933--77882266

Email: [email protected]

“I commit to you, as a member of the New York City Fire Department, to try and get you the best program and rate available at the least expense, that serves the needs of you and those you love.”

NO APPLICATION FEE APPRAISAL AND CREDIT FEE WAIVED AT CLOSING

98 Cuttermill Rd. Great Neck, NY 11021 FAX: (516) 593-2524

Email: [email protected]

JOHN McGUIRE

STERLING NATIONAL MORTGAGE CO., INC. IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE STERLING BANCORP FAMILY OF COMPANIES

NYSE: STL EST. 1929 MEMBER FDIC

1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year 5th Year 6th Year6th Grade 5th Grade 4th Grade 3rd Grade 2nd Grade 1st Grade

Last Contract 30,800 34,412 38,248 42,232 45,472 55,082New 4/1/07 Contract 35,000 36,725 40,000 44,000 48,500 65,841New 8/1/07 Contract 36,400 38,194 41,600 45,760 50,440 68,475

If Hired 4/11/06 4/11/07 4/11/08 4/11/09 4/11/10 4/11/11 TOTALS DIFF.Before 30,800 34,412 38,248 42,232 45,472 57,082 248,246 12.30%After 31,756 37,747 41,600 45,760 50,440 71,475 278,778 30,532

If Hired 6/11/06 6/11/07 6/11/08 6/11/09 6/11/10 6/11/11Before 30,800 34,412 38,248 42,232 45,472 57,082 248,246 12.53%After 32,090 37,979 41,600 45,760 50,440 71,475 279,349 31,103



Please Note: This illustration only includes base pay and longevity.* Disclaimer * This graph is unaudited and shown only as an illustration as we await factual numbers from the Department.



My mission…

is to exclusively service theneeds of all FD members andtheir families.

For a home loan as individualas the home itself, call meand ask about all the loanoptions available to firedepartment members andtheir families.

Office:(516) 745-6500 ext. 238New York:(516) 647-0261New Jersey:(201) 421-4917

John Halleran

Retired FDNY

Loan Consultant

Garden City Home Loan Center

666 Old Country Road

Garden City, NY 11530

[email protected]

PURCHASES

REFINANCES

EQUITY LOANS

1st Time Buyer Programs

100% FinancingAvailable

Home Buyer Seminarscall for Date/Location/Times

Certain restrictions and conditions apply. Programs subject to change. Washington Mutual has loan offices and financial centers andaccepts loan applications and deposits in: Washington Mutual Bank – many states; Washington Mutual Bank, doing business as

FA ID UT; ( only).

Scale for Members Hired After February of 2006

CORRECTIONS: FOR THE RECORDBecause of an editing error, on page

10 in the Nov/Dec issue of Fire Lines,

the first letter to all participants of the

Security Benefit Fund erroneously

stated in the second paragraph the

retired firefighters were eligible par-

ticipants. This first letter was directed

only to current on-duty participants.

In addition, the correct address and

phone number for additional informa-

tion should read:

Board of Trustees

Security Benefit Fund of the

Uniformed Firefighters Association

204 East 23rd Street

New York, NY 10010

Or call (212) 683-4723

Because of an editing error, on page 4

of the Nov/Dec issue of Fire Lines

the byline for the Wounded Warriors

photograph should read Engine 33

instead of Engine 22.

Fire LinesNO.1 2007


Every New York City Firefight-er wears a motion detectorcalled a Personal Alert Safety

System (PASS) device that soundsan alarm if, while battling a fire, thefirefighter stops moving for 30 sec-onds. A strobe light flashes and aseries of high-pitched fluctuatingchirping alarms are sounded signal-ing help. PASS devices are considered aFirefighter’s last defense.

I recently received a phone call fromMrs. Margaret Brick, the mother of fallenFF Thomas Brick, who we lost in a fire onDecember 16, 2003. She had seen thespecial on MSNBC about PASS Alertalarms and, since this is a very personaland serious issue with her, she wanted tomake sure that the UFA members werefully informed.

New York City firefighter ThomasBrick was missing in a mattress ware-house fire. When he was located, hisdevice emitted a faint sound and was notoperating properly. Through testing, itwas determined that FF Brick’s PASSdevice operated improperly because of theeffects of heat and water in the fire area.According to the Fatal Fire Report anexamination of his device showed a “dis-torted seal and corrosion damage insidethe controller portion” which “potentiallycould have made the unit inoperable dur-ing the incident.”

The February 9, 2006, MSNBC Spe-cial Report detailing PASS alert perform-ance failures was conducted by PulitzerPrize-winning investigative reporter BillDedman. This report, which can beviewed in it’s entirety atwww.msnbc.msn.com , posits that “testsby federal and independent labs show thatsome PASS alarms can fail to perform as

intended if they get too hotor wet.” Moreover, “tem-peratures commonlyencountered by firefight-ers could hurt the perform-ance of at least somePASS alarms.” Althoughthere are several manufac-turers of PASS devices,“researchers said theybelieve that all of the half-

dozen or so brands of PASS alarms on themarket would be similarly affected” andthat “some PASS devices made by at leastthree manufacturers have had problemsover the past decade with water leakinginto the electronics or battery compo-nents, causing them to either beep contin-ually or stop working all together.”

The National Fire Protection Associa-tion issued new standards for testingPASS devices in heat and water, and thesestandards will be published in April. Evenwith these new standards, however, thequestion remains: What about all of theold devices currently being used by theFDNY? The UFA is concerned first andforemost about the safety of its members.

The union is carefully monitoring PASSdevices currently being used by theDepartment and has every confidence thatgoing forward any problems will bereported and appropriately investigated.With manufacturers voluntarily adheringto more rigorous standards to withstandheat and water, it is hoped that the newPASS alert devices will be more effective.

Pass Alert Safety SystemsBy DANIEL MURPHY

Manhattan Trustee

Representing the UFA,Sgt-at-Arms, Bill Romaka isflanked by Trent Smith, Regional Sales Director forSCOTT (on left) and retired Fire-fighter Tom McDonald, who is aconsultant for SCOTT (on right)as we accept a generous donationto our Thomas Elsasser Fundwhich helps benefit our non-line-of-duty widows and children whodie from an accident or illness.Such kindness is deeply appreci-ated!

As a reminder all members who areeligible should fill out the notice ofParticipation in the World Trade Cen-ter Rescue, Recovery or Clean-UpOperations form if they have notalready done so. The form must becompleted, notarized and filed withthe Fire Department Pension Fund, byJune 14, 2007. The form is availableon our Web site www.ufanyc.org. Itis highly recommended that you sendthis form by Certified Mail withReturn Receipt Requested, as verifica-tion of filing and keep a copy of theform for your records.

REMINDER

Pho

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Engine Co 13 was one of the original engine companies established when the paid department was created in 1865. This photosows the officers and members of the company outside their original quarters at 99 Wooster Street near Spring Street. This build-ing is still standing today. For almost 40 years Engine Company 13 was designated a double company because of their very heavyfire workload. Engine Co 13 was located in the heart of “Hell’s Hundred Acres” a fire-scared commercial district south of Hous-ton Street which is today’s SOHO. Engine Co 13 was disbanded from their quarters at 251 Lafayette Street in 1974. They may begone, but they are not forgotten! — By Herb Eysser, UFA Staff

Gone But Not Forgotten

Heavy smoke pushes from taxpayer at East Kingsbridge Road and Creston Avenue in the Bronx. Fire went to four alarms (Box 3381)on February 11, 2007. PHOTO by Herb Eysser, UFA Staff

Fire LinesNO.1 2007


The UFA’s Health & SafetyOffice recently invited Lt.Rob Brown to our offices

to discuss many of the health andsafety issues firefighters face.Rob is a Physician Assistant andDirector of the NY Firefighters Heart andLung Institute in Syosset, NY. Rob hasalso been a NYC Firefighter for over 10years (currently assigned to Lad-120).

The UFA Health & Safety Presentationwas paid for through a grant provided bythe NYS Dept of Labor/Hazard AbatementBoard. During the presentation, Rob cov-ered many topics which are relevant to theHealth & Safety of NYC Firefighters,including: Cardiac Health, Pulmonary/Lung Health (asthma, reactive airway, etc.),PTSD/ Counseling/Job Stress, RespiratoryProtection, Heat & Cold Stress, BackStrains and Sprains, Medical Office/LODI,Personal Protective Equipment, etc.

At one point, Rob told the audience aninteresting story, which we’ve summarizedbelow:

“Joe” has been an active NYC Fire-fighter for ten years. Back in the day, thatwould have put Joe into the category of a“youngster”. Post 9/11, he’s probably oneof the most senior guys in his house.

Joe and Rob Brown have known eachother for years. When Joe ran into RobBrown at a job in Brooklyn, he got to talk-ing with Rob about Rob’s work at the FDNYHeart & Lung Institute.

Rob encouraged Joe to come by theHeart & Lung institute for a visit. Joe hadsome vacation time coming up, so he calledthe Heart & Lung institute and decided tomake an appointment for a Friday (the daythat Rob works).

Keep in mind that Joe had absolutely noevidence that he had any heart problems.There is no history in Joe’s family of Coro-nary Artery Disease and Joe’s blood workalways came back with his cholesterol inthe “OK” levels. His blood pressure was-n’t high, and he felt great.

Well, the day that Joe showed up for hisvisit to the Heart & Lung Institute, the firsttest came back showing there was some-

thing wrong. A second (thenthird) test led the doctors tobelieve that there was a majorproblem with Joe’s heart. Thatsame day, he was taken to LongIsland Jewish Hospital wherehe had a stent put into his heartto clear up a 95% blockage ofone of his coronary arteries.

It’s already accepted as factthat firefighters are at anincreased probability of heart

disease and cancer. Of the 87 firefighterfatalities in 2005, 47 were attributed tostress and over-exertion. Of those 47 fatal-ities, 40 were classified as “sudden cardiacdeaths”. That means that 45% of firefight-er fatalities in 2005 were caused by “suddencardiac deaths”. Heart attacks are the causeof 60% of firefighter fatalities in the line ofduty for firefighters over the age of 40.

A firefighter dies from a LOD heartattack every 8 days. Don’t be another sta-tistic. Get yourself checked out, regardlessof your risk factors or history. Your occu-pation as a firefighter alone increases yourrisk of heart disease.

Even though “Joe” didn’t have anyphysical symptoms, he could have suffereda cardiac arrest at any time. Thankfully,he’s in good health now and grateful tohave found this ticking time bomb before itharmed or possibly killed him.

Please don’t assume that because youare feeling OK (or since you have no fami-ly history of heart disease or worrisome testresults) that you don’t have a reason to beconcerned about your health. The bestthing you can do for your family and yourbrother firefighters is to ensure that you arein the best possible health you can be in – tobest perform your job, and to make sureyou always return home to your family.

It doesn’t hurt to be vigilant – especiallywhen it comes to your own health! It isimportant to remember that nothing shouldtake the place of an annual physical withboth the Department and your own privatephysician. If you would like more infor-mation about this program or others, pleasecontact the UFA’s Health & Safety Office at 212-545-6965 or via email at [email protected]. Lt. RobBrown will also be providing memberswith information about this important sub-ject during the UFA Annual Delegate Sem-inar in May.

NFPA Statistics:Sudden cardiac death continues to be the

leading cause of on-duty firefighter fatali-ties. Steps to reduce the risk of heart attacksamong firefighters must be taken. Theseinclude:

• conducting annual medical evalua-tions;

• screening for coronary artery disease(CAD) risk factors;

• conducting exercise stress tests forthose with multiple CAD risk factors;and

• giving appropriate treatment for thoserisk factors and restrictions for fire-fighters with positive stress tests.

The risk factors for CAD include dia-betes, smoking, high cholesterol, highblood pressure, family history and obesityor physical inactivity.

Firefighter fatalities (2005)There were 87 firefighter deaths in 2005. Stress and overexertion, which usually

results in heart attacks or other sudden car-diac events, continue to be the leadingcause of fatal injury. Of the 47 stress-relat-ed deaths in 2005, 40 were classified assudden cardiac deaths.

Responding to and returning fromalarms accounted for the largest share offirefighter deaths, with 26 deaths.

Fireground operations accounted for 25deaths.

18 firefighters died in vehicle crashes,while three others were fatally struck byvehicles and one firefighter fell from thejump seat of an engine.

Firefighter injuriesThere were 80,100 firefighter injuries in

2005. 41,950 (48.6%) of all firefighter injuries

occurred during fireground operations. Anestimated 13,325 occurred during other onduty activities, while 12,250 occurred atnon-fire emergency incidents.

The major types of injuries received dur-ing fireground operations were: strain,sprain; wound, cut, bleeding, bruise; burns;smoke or gas inhalation and thermal stress.

Fall, slip, jump (25.5%) and overexer-tion, strain (24.1%) were the leading causesof fireground injuries.

Regionally, the Northeast had the high-est fireground injury rate with 4.8 injuriesoccurring per 100 fires; this was more thantwice the rate for the rest of country.

Health & Safety Information for FirefightersBy WILLIAM ROMAKAHealth & Safety Officer

&CHRISTINE EARLY

Grant Manager

OF GREATER NEW YORK204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010-9998

Tel (212) 683-4832 • Fax (212) 683-0710www.ufanyc.org

DONALD RULANDTrustee-Staten Island ENG. 157

JOHN KELLYTrustee-Brooklyn ENG. 201Chairman, Board of Trustees

STEPHEN HUMENESKYTrustee-Queens ENG. 301

DANIEL MURPHYTrustee-Manhattan ENG. 74

EDWARD BROWNTrustee-Bronx LAD. 48

STEPHEN J. CASSIDYEditor-In-Chief

STEPHEN N. SYMBOLIKManaging Editor

STEPHEN J. CASSIDYPresident ENG. 236

Uniformed Firefighters Association

JAMES SLEVINVice President LAD. 7

JOSEPH MICCIORecording Secretary ENG. 295

ROBERT STRAUBTreasurer ENG. 45

WILLIAM ROMAKAHealth & Safety Officer ENG. 238Sergeant-at-Arms

LESTER LAYNEFire Marshal Representative BFI

ONLY ONE LAW FIRMhas been General Counsel to the UFA for over 20 years, we have aproven record of obtaining substantial recoveries for firefightersand their families in all types of personal injury cases.

In all types of personal injury cases:• Our firm recovered more than $830 Million for our

clients in the last five years alone. • Over 250 of our clients have recovered at least

$1 Million each.

• Line of Duty Injuries • Medical Malpractice • Automobile Accidents • Birth Related Injuries • Pharmaceuticals/Vioxx • Defective Products• Labor Law • Lead Poisoning • Slips and Falls

Contact: Michael Block 212-732-9000

The above figures are based on actual cases the firm has handled. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case must stand on its own merit.

SULLIVAN PAPAIN BLOCKMCGRATH & CANNAVO P.C.

55 MINEOLA BOULEVARD 120 BROADWAY 126 STATE STREETMINEOLA, NY 11501 NEW YORK, NY 10271 HACKENSACK, NJ 07601

516-742-0707 212-732-9000 201-342-0037WWW.TRIALLAW1.COM

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the fire lines - march 2007

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