Union Members,

This up coming Saturday the Aug. the 26 is going to be a very important day for some school children. This is the day that LT. Divenus Parker host her School Supplies Drive, which helps families provide the necessary school supplies that their children will need to go to school.

Last year she was over run with parent’s of school children who came for the free supplies.  LT. Parker could not believe her eyes, the amount of people was over whelming.  People we’re waiting in line for so long that LT. Parker bought pizza to keep them fed.

This year going to be a little different.  But it can only be different if you help.  The Union Executive Board has donated money to this event, but she needs something more important than money…

She needs our time and more: top two she is looking for

     “VOLUNTEERS” for just 3hrs from 2:00pm to 5:00pm and

    Donations (please call 915 549-1451 for more details)

The following flyer describe what she has planned. Please review and see what you could do to help with or even add to the event.

If you can please come and help. This is a great opportunity for the Local 51 to help out the community and show that we care.

Thank you,

L51 Executive Board

BackToSchool.jpg

Attention Members, login and visit the updates/ information section of the Member Resource section for a letter from President Tellez regarding the Arbitration Award.

The following links contain some interesting articles regarding the state of pensions across the nation. 

The Real Retirement Crisis

Editorial: For Detroit retirees, Michigan's pension promise must be kept

California court battle with unions sets stage for pension reform showdown

Attention PAC Contributors! Your support is always appreciated.  As a token of our gratitude we have nice incentive gifts available at the hall.  Come pick yours up!

Attention Members!  By using this link friends and family can donate online to their Battalion of choice! 

Have them visit the site and help your Battalion win by receiving the most donations!

There has been many questions regarding what boots are to be used for the Boot Drive.  As per Chief Pena, you may use your boot.  If you want to leave your gear intact and ready to respond, you may use the boot of an off duty, permanantly assigned person at your station.  If you do this, make note of this in the daybook!  Also, do not affix any stickers to line gear (boots).

Brothers and Sisters,

The schedule for the MDA boot drive in station visits has been sent out and will start on Tuesday the second of April. The drive will kick off on the 16th of May and collections will start on the 17th and end the 26th. One of the weekends for the drive will be a volunteer weekend for crews or individuals that had not or have not been able to participate. Times and locations are forthcoming on that issue. Kathleen Born and I had a meeting with Chief Pena and we have his complete and total support. He views this is as a department sponsored event and he expects total participation at all levels to make this a successful campaign. A block of one week has been “cleared out” for this campaign.  Inspections, hydrants and other routine operations are to be delayed allowing this time to be devoted to the FTB campaign.

That being said, EPFD and MDA have a history of accomplishing great things to battle the large umbrella of illnesses as well as provide assistance to the families affected by these illnesses. In recent years we have been granted the opportunity to conduct the campaign while on duty in a more efficient and greater visible manner than ever before.  Our ability to collect on duty and in uniform has made us the envy of many departments.  Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen declining collections for our department for several reasons. Local 51 Executive Board has decided to revamp the department’s involvement in the campaign, namely our participation. Last year we collected a little over 53 thousand dollars, a huge decline from the usual 70 thousand we were averaging. We have set a new goal to meet this year.  I am confident we can accomplish this goal and so much more. Our goal this year is 1OO thousand dollars.  For a week campaign this should be a simple goal to achieve. MDA has dedicated their time and financial resources to help us be successful in this campaign and now it is our turn to return the favor to this great organization. For the top grossing battalion, MDA has bronzed a firefighter boot to be used as a traveling trophy!   We are involving the chiefs to be active in the push to motivate and get companies out to collect.  Battalions need to get out and work for it if they want to gain possession of the boot and accompanying bragging rights for the year. A “Challenge Coin” is being designed for the participants in the Battalion that collects the most. One last incentive to mention, Wing Daddy's Wings is in the process of sponsoring Monday Night Football Night for each station in the winning Battalion.  I believe that this will entail 17 Monday nights during the NFL season.

Corner captains are in demand again!  Those that volunteer for these positions will be rewarded with a “pre-kickoff dinner” for the Corner Captain and a guest.  This dinner will allow them to discuss duties and meet and greet. They will also receive a FTB polo shirt and “Challenge Coin” for the extra effort. Kathleen Born and her assistant, Tracy, will be headed out to the in station training sessions.  They will be educating the members regarding the importance of their participation, where the funds are distributed, and the details surrounding the incentives for the winning crews. With the full support of a new Fire Chief; now is the time to show the State of Texas that El Paso is here, strong, and willing to meet any goal thrown at us.

Fraternally Yours,

James A Younger

915-497-1163

Below is a clickable link that will take you to an article from the IAFF pertaining to media relations.  Included are tips and factors to consider when dealing with the media.  There are a lot of good points to consider.  Interactions with the press can "make us or break us" when it comes to getting our point across in an efficient and positive manner.  It is well worth the read.

Your Pension at Risk!!!

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 Reminder

H2U Wellness Center flyer.pdf

  EL PASO FIREMEN & POLICEMEN'S PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

REGULAR MEETING TO BE HELD

3rd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM

El Paso Firemen and Policemen's Pension Fund Office

ChaseTowerSuite

201 East MainEl PasoTexas79901 

Click here for more information.