|
March President's Note
March first has arrived and spring feels like it’s on its way…..wait maybe not!!! The month of February was one that ended up being quite interesting. There was a hearing of the charges brought against the Mayor by a citizen, the PFFW principle officers meeting, one of our own members kicked into high gear his run at Bellevue Trustee, De Pere members were awarded honors by the city of De Pere, an ASIA member successfully resuscitated a person while on duty at the airport, and we finalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Fire Marshal’s. That’s a good month if you ask me.
As most of you are aware, the Green Bay Common Council had taken up the citizen’s complaint of the illegal campaign financing of Mayor Schmitt. This was a precedence setting case as no elected official has been brought up on these charges in the history of the state of Wisconsin. It was interesting to watch the legal counsel for both sides argue the points of the complaint however, in the end the vote found cause for removal by the mandatory 2/3 majority but when it came to removal the vote ended at an 8 to 4 decision, failing to reach the 2/3 majority for removal. The four members voting no were Barb Dorff, Bill Galvin, Joe Moore, and Randy Scannell (who voted in favor of cause). I’ve had conversations with council members since the hearing, I’ve expressed in every walk of life integrity matters. As athletes, industrial workers, doctors, accountants, police, and firefighters we often pay a severe price when our actions involve unethical behavior. The recent proof involves the GBPD the day prior to the hearing for the mayor. The only group of people who continually can skirt the law are the ones who make laws. This was the reason we sent our letter out to the council, commission, and HR expressing that a new standard has now been set by the policy makers of the city for termination.
I realize that some of you may be upset by the actions of some of the council members through this process. Please remember the big picture, don’t let the Mayor actions and our personal opinions distract from the progress we have made together. We need to keep our eyes set on what is important and put the things that are out of our control behind us. We must look forward and continue to work for full staffing of Ambulance 7.
This pasted month, three members of the De Pere fire department were honored by the City of De Pere for an incident which occurred in the community. Tom Nelson, Ben Hermans, Dan Lotter where all given awards for outstanding service to their citizens, CONGRATULATIONS to each of you. In Addition, this Thursday (March 2nd) Ashley Hull will be given an award for an incident in which she responded to while working her shift at Austin Straubel. She used an AED to revive a patient in the terminal. Way to go 141!!!!!!!!
The Village of Bellevue Fire Department has gone through its ups and downs over the past few years. Some of the tension has been because of a village board unwilling to even consider problems exist within the department. That may change in this upcoming election. We have one of our own stepping up to the plate to unseat one of the most unapproachable members of the village board in Dave Kaster. Kaster wrote in his literature last election that he was a friend of the firefighters, but when asked to talk with his firefighters about the issues in the department he refused to even have a conversation with our members. This is your chance to help a brother out. John Sinkler has stepped up to run for Village board to be someone who listens first and make decisions based on the people of the village and their wishes and needs. John’s effectiveness as a leader has been proven time and time again while a 141 representative at Austin Straubel including being instrumental in our member being brought back to work after being wrongfully terminated. Local 141 has already indorsed John Sinkler and I will be seeking an endorsement from the executive board for Adam Gathier for Bellevue Village Trustee. He has proven himself to our Bellevue members who have already endorsed him. If you would like a Sinkler yard sign they can be obtained from John just call or text (920)639-3116. Even more important VOTE for Sinkler and Gathier in April.
This month with the help of the members in the Fire Marshal’s office we signed a MOU which gives GBMFD 24-hour coverage of a fire Marshal. Member’s will be on call during their scheduled on-call week and paid an on-call rate while away from the office. Soon we will be looking for members on the floor to become investigators to assist the Marshal’s office and possibly expand on-call to the floor investigators. Watch for more to come as it may be a good opportunity for people to earn a little extra income. I would also like to congratulate Jim Weeks and Mike Ireland on their new positions in the Fire Marshal’s office. I’m sure they will serve us well.
Finally, in the month of March a few big things are happening for your principal officers. Both Vice President Hintz and Myself will be attending the legislative conference in Washington DC. This will give us some insight on what the agenda may be by the new administration. We will also be meeting with congress and senate members face to face to lobby for items that might have a chance to succeed like greater cancer research in our membership nationwide. In next month’s article Vice President Hintz will cover what was discussed at both the PFFW leadership meeting and at the IAFF Legislative conference. I will also be attending the IAFF Political Training Academy in Maryland, this is an academy that is run annually by the international with only 50 people selected each year. This training teaches effective ways to campaign for all levels of elected officials as well as ways to develop and effectively use social media, TV, Radio, print, and targeting voters. This is six full days of training with the only cost to the local being an airline ticket. It is a great bargain for local 141 and you have my word I will use what I learn to help our entire membership. The last big piece of news for the month of March involves our Secretary/Treasurer Todd Madson. Todd has been busting his tail to get ahead of the upcoming Sec/Tres work so he can welcome a new addition to his family. He and Rachelle are expecting their first child this month, so if Todd seems a little more edgy than his normal self just remember he is the first person to go through the trials and tribulation of being a new father and cut him some slack. In all seriousness, I would personally like to congratulate the Madson’s on their soon to arrive bundle of joy. There is nothing more important than being a parent, enjoy every second with your children because they grow up fast. That’s a great message for all of us who have children.
Have a safe and wonderful month of March.
Fraternally,
Chad Bronkhorst
President Local 141
|
