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Early Voting from 2/18-2/28
Attention Brothers and Sisters! Get out to vote early at any of the early voting locations between 2/18 and 2/28!
For locations go to:
http://www.elpasoearlyvoting.com/
Have your voice heard! Vote!
Show the powers that be that we do carry weight in terms of active voters. Encourage your families to vote.
Read More...
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Campaign Event for County Judge Veronica Escobar
Attention Brothers and Sisters! Local 51 is hosting a campaign event for County Judge Veronica Escobar this Saturday, 2/8/14, at the Firefighter's Hall. We are looking for volunteers to help out. There will be food and beverages provided. Any contribution of time and assistance is greatly appreciated. You do not need to work the whole event.
Read More...
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MDA Recognition
The El Paso Association of Firefighters Local 51 has won the 2013 Jack Bostick award for “Highest Dollar Increase” over 2012. Jack was the founder of the Fort Worth Local and served as the IAFF/MDA liaison when the 60th partnership between the IAFF and MDA began 60 years ago this year.
Be Proud of this accomplishment.
Read More...
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Login for Letter From President Tellez
Attention Members, login and visit the updates/ information section of the Member Resource section for a letter from President Tellez regarding the Arbitration Award.
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Login for Arbitration Document
Attention Members,
Login to access and view the Arbitration Award document. You will find this under updates/information in the Member's Resource (protected) area of the website.
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Election Reminder!!
Brothers and Sisters, as mentioned in the article below pertaining to elections, ballots will be sent out this week on October 30. If you do not receive yours by Monday the 4th, due to weekend mail delivery, please contact Ruben Loweree @ 28's "B". Voting will occur until 11/18 at noon.
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By-Laws Ballot results
October 23, 2013 By-Law Ballot & Vote Yes-354 No – 52 $347.76 – Wasted postage 9- Voided Ballots Ruben Loweree Election Commitee
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Attention Members!
Attention Brothers and Sisters, on this home page you will find an announcement pertaining to upcoming elections. Please make note of this information. Also, be advised, I have added a menu option "Updates/Information" under Member Resources. You will need to log in to view these updates. This is going to be the area in which you will find important updates and information from the Executive Board and the President. This will be in the Member Resource area for a reason so, keep this information protected and privileged. There is a currently an Arbitration Update that I have posted there. We are attempting to update records regarding personal email, cell phone, and home addresses. This is to keep you better informed of issues. We ask that you provide your personal email and not the city/ work email address. Brothers Gunther and Cobos both have the necessary forms or send an email to the editor. Again, we welcome comments and questions. Please log in and check the aforementioned tab. Fraternally, Ken Persinger
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ELECTION INFORMATION
October 12, 2013 Dear brothers and sisters, This letter is to inform you that nominations will be accepted at our regular union meetings at the Fire Fighters Hall on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 and Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 7:30 PM for five Executive Board Officer Positions. The offices and incumbents are listed below. As per our By-Laws, those brothers or sisters that are nominated on the above dates must sign an Acceptance of Nomination form by 8:00 PM on October 22, 2013 and October 23, 2013, respectively. The mail out date will be October 30, 2013. The voting period for this election will begin on November 2, 2013, and end at 12:00 noon on the election date, November 18, 2013. Any ballots received after this time and date will be declared invalid. Those members that have not received their ballot by the 3rd day, November 2, 2013, should contact the Elections Committee Chairman, Ruben Loweree, to have a ballot mailed to the correct address. Office Current Officer 1. President Joe Tellez 2. 2nd Vice President Tavo Cobos 3. Trustee Ruben Camacho 4. Trustee Paul Thompson 5. Parliamentarian Hector Padilla Fraternally, Fernie Zeh Secretary Treasurer Local 51
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The Hidrant Celebrates an Anniversary!
We are having our 6th anniversary party on Saturday, Sept 21st. We will have 2 live bands, one being Texas Roadkill. The other is still in the works. We will have a lunch buffet about 3 in the afternoon for those that want to swing by for a sandwich and a beer. The bands should start around 7 or 8. I'll confirm all that info asap!
Barbara
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Upcoming By-Law Vote
Dear brothers and sisters, ? We will be conducting an election to vote on Local 51’s revised By-Laws. Copies of the revised By-Laws will be delivered to each station and division so you can compare them to the existing ones. In-Station voting will begin on September 20, 2013 and end on October 5, 2013. Those members that did not In-Station vote will receive a ballot in the mail. The mail out date will be October 7, 2013. The voting period for this election will begin on October 8, 2013, and end at 12:00 noon on the election date, October 23, 2013. Any ballots received after this time and date will be declared invalid. Those members that have not received their ballot by the 3rd day, October 10, 2013, should contact the Elections Committee Chairman, Ruben Loweree (Station 28 B-shift), to have a ballot mailed to the correct address. If you have not recently done so, contact the Local 51 secretary at 915-598-8117 to update. Thank you, Fernie Zeh Secretary-Treasury El Paso Association of Fire Fighters
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Hidrant News
Our specials are as follows: Monday Monday Night Football Beer Specials $2.00 during the game! Tues All Tequila 2.00 6-11pm Wed 1.00 Kazis, 2.00 draft pints 6-11pm Thurs 2.00 premium shots (Jack, Crown, Cuervo, Jager are a few examples) 3.00 Bombs (Jager, Vegas, etc) 6-11pm Friday 2.00 premium shots 6-10pm Saturday 1.00 Margaritas and 1.50 wells 5-10pm Sunday 1.50 domestic beer and wells 5-10pm
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L51 Member Raises Money for Houston L341 Fallen and Injured
Our own Local 51 Brother, Adrian Gomez, raised $1421 to contribute to accounts established to assist the families of the fallen and injured firefighters of Houston Fire/ Houston Professional Firefighter's Association Local 341. Adrian is a Firefighter with our department and a previous member of the Houston Fire Department. Adrian belonged to the HPFFA Local 341 while with HFD and is now a brother belonging to Local 51. Adrian served at Fire Station 39 in Houston. One of the fallen, Captain Renaud, had served at this station previously in his career. WIth the generous donations from those that contributed, Brother Gomez was able to raise money and assist the families of our Brothers and Sister affected by this tragic event. Brother Gomez actions exemplified the kind of care and support that exists in our extended Fire and Union Family. His actions represent Local 51 and we are proud to have him as a member. Fraternally, Ken Persinger
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July Membership Meeting
July Membership Meetings this Tuesday the 16th and Wednesday the 17th at 730 pm. Our special guest will be IAFF District 11 Vice-President Roy L. "Sandy" McGhee. As our District VP, Sandy represents Texas, Oklahoma, and the Panama Canal Zone. He will be at both meetings and would like to meet the membership. Sandy is a good friend to Local 51 and will be speaking about fire fighter issues at the national level and will update us on the happenings at the IAFF. Please save the date and come out to meet our brother Sandy McGhee.
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Union Life Increase
July 8, 2013 Dear brothers and sisters, We have been notified of a rate increase to our Union Life Insurance Plans by the Standard Insurance Company. Please be advised the members’ monthly deduction will increase to $50.80 for the Union Life Insurance. The increase will take effect on payday Friday, August 2, 2013. The retirees have incurred the same increase. You may call 915-598-8117 with any questions or concerns. Thank you. Fraternally, Paul Thompson Trustee Local 51 July 8, 2013
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Appreciation gifts for PAC contibutors
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!
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MDA Update
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).
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Login for Letter From President Tellez
Attention Members! Please login in to the member area, " Letters From Local 51", for a letter from President Tellez. Also, this coming Saturday, May 11, is election day. Volunteers are needed and welcome to hold signs for the candidates we are endorsing. If you are interested, please contact VP Gunther at 526-1823
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MAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING DATE CORRECTION
ATTENTION BROTHERS AND SISTERS! The L51 Calenders are incorrect for the May Union meeting dates. Be advised the May meetings will be 5/21 and 5/22. They are always the third Tuesday and Wednesday of the month unless told otherwise. Please attend and get involved.
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MDA Incentive Update
Brothers and Sisters, Please disregard the offer mentioned in the letter from Trustee Younger regarding Wing Daddy's. Unfortunately, this could not be finalized. But, do not fear, there are other incentive offers in works. Stay tuned and we will keep you informed of them as they come. Fraternally, Ken Persinger
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MDA Letter From Trustee Younger
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
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Login for Updated Letter from President Tellez
Brothers and Sisters, I am hoping to have more articles forthcoming. For the time being, if you login to the the Member Resources area and click on Pension Benefits; you will find a letter from President Tellez regarding the recent Pension Issues that have been in the Media. The Executive Board has a meeting with the Pension Board in the near future. I will have that information as soon as it is made availalble. Information and articles pertaining to these issues will only be viewable in the member accessible areas of this site. Ken Persinger
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Article about interactions with the press
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.
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News for the week of 2/18-2/22
Greetings Brothers and Sisters, I hope to update the home page and message at least weekly. Today, below this message, you will find that I copied a letter from President Tellez responding to the El Paso Times article printed yesterday, 2/17, regarding the underfunding of the pension. As stated in the letter, we will not stand by in silence while we are vilified and the Pension Board is smeared. The article in the Times may have disturbed some but, as exemplified by the President's response, we will tactfully respond to offset the misinformation that has been put out. Reminder! Union Meetings this Tuesday and Wednesday! Your attendance is important. I will try to have a recap at the end of the week for those who could not attend. Fraternally, Ken Persinger
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Local 51 response letter to the El Paso Times
To the Editor: Your coverage of El Paso public safety employee pension issues (“Pension fund faces shortfall,” Feb. 17) fosters an important fiscal discussion. As city leaders know, the cash infusions in 2007 and 2009 strengthened the pension fund and established a pathway to ensuring fund solvency. The core problem, then and now, is contribution amounts by both the city and pension plan participants. Both sides agreed to future concessions. That time has come. The fact is, El Paso firefighters and police have been good pension partners with the city. In recent decades, our level of pension contributions has nearly tripled to 15.28 percent while the city’s has remained flat at about 18 percent. Firefighters and police have shown our commitment to helping solve the pension challenges facing El Paso by agreeing to at least $186 million in concessions, but we will not stand by silently as we are vilified and the pension board leadership is smeared. Even then, we remain ready to address the pension challenges before us – and encourage city leaders to support Mayor John Cook’s efforts to sensibly negotiate a solution before he leaves office in June. Until then, as always, El Paso citizens can count on firefighters to continue striving to deliver excellent service, be good stewards of city resources, and give back to the community. Joe Tellez President El Paso Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 51
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Greetings from Ken Persinger
Hello Brothers and Sisters! This is Ken Persinger. I have recently taken over the Editor and website duties from our retired Brother, Mando Chavez. I will be learning the ropes as far as the website goes but, I intend to do so quickly and keep you all informed in a timely manner. You can look forward to a printed newsletter. This will likely occur on a quarterly schedule. I am honored to be able to serve you in this capacity. I welcome your feedback and suggestions. A member recently requested that the Minutes of the Meeting be updated. This is something I am going to approach the Executive Board about doing. This will have to be in the membership "protected" areas of the website. I encourage requests such as this one in order to be able to keep you informed. I will update this site as soon as possible so keep on the lookout for new information and items! Fraternally, Ken Persinger
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2013 Calendars
2013 Calendars are In!!! $5.00 Pick up at Office or contact Executive Board Member
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City Wellness Clinics
Reminder With the school year arriving, it's time to get physicals for the kiddos to play sports. Remember that school physicals are not covered under your health insurance plan. Various clinics around town will be offering discounted school physicals. Check with your child's school, as most have this information. Some urgent care clinics will also offer school sport physicals. Make sure to check with the school to see if there's any special paperwork that needs to be filled out.
Take care,
Paul Thompson
1st Vice President Local 51
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Download:
 H2U Wellness Center flyer.pdf
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View our Online Store
Check Out Our Online Store Local 51 Merchandise Make Great Christmas Gifts T-shirts for men and women, warm ups and hoodies, caps, mugs, belt buckles, and much more!!! Contact Our Office at 598-8117 for availability and office hours (Current Office hours Monday thru Friday 10 am to 4 pm) Internet orders not possible at this time, store pick up only    
New Local 51 Coins!!!!  
(2 " diameter X 3/16 wide)
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scholarship_letter.docx
