Changes

I am preparing to leave for Las Vegas next week to represent my local at the IAFF national convention and contemplating all the changes going on in our local.  Today July 30, 2008 is the last duty day for Captain Tomlinson. He has accepted the fire chief’s job in Three Rivers Michigan.   Dan was one of our up and coming officers in the department.  He is very well spoken and was a great asset to our department, city and community.  It is sad to see someone like Dan leave, but also exciting to see one of your fellow brothers excel to the next level.  I would like to wish Captain Dan Tomlinson the best of luck with his new opportunity in Three Rivers.  With Dan leaving there will be a new Captains position available and a new firefighter position.  So once again out come all the reading material for all the movers and shakers of the department to study for the test.  The city has posted an internal job posting for the firefighters position.  It appears right now that our newest firefighter will come from the ranks of our on-call.  The move is to expedite the hiring process due to all the overtime. 

Another member is sitting in a hospital bed recovering from cancer surgery in Texas.  On July 25^th, Brother Wilson had his left lung, part of his diaphragm, and pericardium sack removed.  With the surgery came some sad news that the cancer has grown and it is stage 4 not stage 3.  They found cancer in the chest wall and they are not able to remove it.  Brad is very special to me, because he was my first real partner assigned to at the Portage Fire Department.  He has become a dear friend even though we are on different shifts.  Brad has always been someone that thought of everyone else before himself.  It has been great to see the support for him within the department and community.  We can not wait for Brad to get back to Michigan and see him.  We will continue to support Brad with anything he needs.  Brad has come to the realization that he will not be able to return to work as a firefighter.  So on September 26^th the city will be hiring another firefighter to replace his position. 

And at the last union meeting our Treasurer Brother Steve Tanner announced that he will not be running for his position again in December.  It is really sad to see Brother Tanner go as the Treasurer because he has served our union with great pride.  Our books have been kept up without any hiccups for a decade.  I would like to thank Steve for his dedication and service to the union.  But with that said it is time for someone else to step up to the plate.  I hope that we will be able to find someone that is willing to serve our union with the pride that Steve did.  Steve definitely made my job easier as President.

The economy in Michigan and Portage are not doing the greatest and that is very hard to swallow.  Our budget has been cut and they are trying to save the mighty dollar with cut backs in fuel, energy, etc.  But it is very hard to make cuts when we are run volume is up 14% over last year.  As of today July 30, 2008 at 14:00 we have run 2146 call for service for the year,   last year at the same time it was 1882 (+264).  With the volume of service calls, more inspection, and less money to run the department it becomes very hard to operate.  It makes me think where we will be next year at this time. 

The changes will come and go and we will still be here fighting the fight.  I believe that all things happen for a reason and although they may not seem fair or right at the time it will make us stronger.  So in closing I would like to say good bye to Dan and good luck,  thank you to Steve for your dedication and service and to Brad we are there every step of the way.  We love you brother. 

Fraternally,

Rick Nason

President PPFFU