We are one month into our new Administration.  Just like my predecessors, I am trying to get my feet on the ground.  Joe, Matthew, and Glenda are giving me as much help as possible.  As you may know, I started my term while in Jackson, TN attending the TPFFA Convention, which was already scheduled prior to my taking office.  

Prior to going to Jackson, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger requested the newly elected officers come to Washington, D.C.  This was a meeting and informational session with every department head in the IAFF.  Since the International picked up the tab for two rooms and two plane tickets, how could we say no?  As I thought about this trip, I decided that Joe should go, as well as the longest consecutively serving Executive Board Member, Robert Kramer.  While in D.C., Kramer was appointed to work with the IAFF on a GIS mapping project between us and the County Local.  This will help us in showing the need for more stations, manpower, and equipment.  

We will continue to partner with Fire Administration on the IAFF Wellness Initiative.  The IAFF is in the process of finalizing a trainig program called Fire Fighter Survive.  After talking with Chief Payton, he has agreed to work with Local 1784 by supplying the training facility and instructors along with selected instructors from Local 1784 and the IAFF.  As you can see, the trip to Washington, D.C. was very productive.  This was not a fun trip, work all day, eat, go to bed, then start all over the next day.

We have already made some positive changes.  By now your Division Rep has been by the station.  If not, he will be, to introduce himself to the members.  As manpower is available, he will be doing this on a regular basis.  As time goes on, he will be instructing the members on the MOU, what not to do, and bring information to the stations that will help you stay out of trouble.

In the past, there was an informal policy passed stating that Lcoal 1784 would send a representative to all multiple line of duty deaths.  Unless these deaths are in IAFF District 14, only one representative will be sent.  These are some of the measures to try to cut cost.

I think the communication responsding to your questions and complaints have improved significantly.  As time goes on, there will be changes and upgrades.

You, the members, are much more responsive to the request for involvement.  We are having members coming by just about everyday saying that they were close by and just wanted to say hi or check to see if there was anything needing to be done.

What I do need you to do is fill up the meeting room on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm.  It is imperative that you come out and see first-hand what is going on with your Union.  Show us the direction we need to go.  You run the Local.  It's your voice, your vote, your future.  What are you going to make of it?

Don't let this opportunity pass to be a part of rebuilding a great orginization.  The furture of IAFF Local 1784 is in your hands.

Freaternally,