July 04, 2008
Important Links
Visit iaff.org/!
Visit www.tsaff.org/index.cfm!
IAFFLocals.net
Visit firefightershall.com!
Visit www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/government.asp!
Visit www.epmpoa.org/!
Visit www.aetna.com/index.htm!
Visit www.ingemployeebenefits-us.com/!
Visit www.elpasofireandpolice.org/!
Visit texastaichi.net!
Visit www.ffcancer.org!
Visit fireengineering.com/index.html!
Visit www.asbestos.com/occupations/fire-fighters!
Visit firehero.org/!
Welcome
 
You are not currently logged in.
Station 4

 Fire Station 4

100 years of Service

Established in Sunset Hieghts on July 4, 1908, Fire Station 4 will be celebrating 100 years of service on Our Nations Independence Day.  At this time we have some events in the works following the 4th.  We will be selling Station 4 T-shirts and which I hope some of you already have and will be working with Administration, Mayor and City Counsil to celebrate the Stations' years of service. 

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank C Shift; Capt. R. Reyes, Fst. G. Soto and FF. P. McGill,  A Shift; Lt. J. Sarabia, Fst. M. Aguirre and FF. M. Dominguez and last but not least, my crew, B shift; Fst. C. Sims and FF. L. Rodarte. These men have really made the station what it is and have all invested time and effort to make it "Home".

 Again Thanks, to all who have past through and those yet to find our "Little House on the Hill with the Flag out Front".
 
Fraternally Yours,
 
George E. Nieto  Lt. P4B

Local  51 1ST Vice President

4th of July

Celebrate the Glory of America!

Wishing You an Independence Day Filled with Pride in our Country and the Special Love of Family and Friends

Zoo

 

Sick Leave Reminder

Sick Leave Reminder

The six month period is defined as thirteen consecutive full pay periods in which the employee has not utilized sick leave.  The employee shall be responsible for notifying the fire department payroll section when they have completed six months, within 30 days of completion.  If an employee fails to timely notify payroll, the qualifying period is measured from the date the employee notifies the Department.  The start date of this cycle was January 18th.  Payroll is requesting a written statement of your name, rank and last six to be faxed on/after July 18th so they can run an audit and credit your vacation leave.

40 hr employees = 16 hrs

56 hr employess= 48 hrs

Take Advantage of Your Benefits

Staffing Shortage?

Know Your Rights

 City Website Information

Personnel Staffing:

 ApprovedActual
Fire/Medical876788
Civilian7870
Facilities:
Fire Stations31 
Apparatus:

Pumpers

31 
Quints6 
Battalions6 
Ladders7 
HazMat1 
Ambulances19 

Overtime Shortage Crisis?

The Staffing Shortage is a high priority issue for us as a labor organization and we will continue to address staffing.  The 60 or so recruits that graduate after September 1st should bring us closer to full staffing. 

If you perceive that discipline will arise out of any incident or situation you have the right to request Union Representation. 

Online Store

 

 Check Out Our Online Store

Local 51 Merchandise Make Great Gifts and Souvenirs

Contact Our Office at 598-8117 for availability and office hours

Internet orders not possible at this time, store pick up only

 

 

Worker's Comp

Have You Ever Been Out On Workmen’s Compensation?

For your information, if you have ever been out on workmen’s compensation you must remember to schedule follow up appointments with your doctor at least once every six months. If you fail to adhere to this guideline you will not be covered by workmen’s compensation for doctor visits, medications, surgeries, hospital admittances, etc arising from future complications of your condition. If you have not followed up with your doctor, you need to contact your doctor to request that your case be reopened and reviewed by workmen’s compensation for follow up approval. As a result, workmen’s compensation closes your case due to your failure to schedule follow ups causing you an out of pocket expense for future treatment.

Treasurer Earl Hayden

Upcoming Lock Up Events

  Upcoming MDA Lock-Ups

 Fire Fighters needed to help us with transportation between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. Vehicles will be provided.

 Great American (Northeast)      July 9th

 Landry’s Seafood House           August 13th 

 Contact Trustee Hector Padilla At Sta 19A or at 317-8304

                       

Pics from Westside Roadhouse May 21 2008

MDA Boot Drive

   

Details Coming Soon

Battle of The Badges

Well, if you missed it you missed some great Boxing and a Great Time had by all.  I want to take this opportunity to thank  Rick "Cheech" Marin and  Matt "Don King" Widtfeldt for all their work and cooperation in getting this great event done.  Despite some set backs and venue change, Rick stepped up once again, and got this thing to work for charity.
 
Ok, well they got the trophy but our fighters literally kicked ass.  As usual some back seat boxers will ridicule, but I say usually the mouthiest  are the ones who never had a playground scrape or ever stepped foot in the ring, so lace up or shut up.  I also want to thank all of you who came out and supported the cause. 
 
As for all of you who participated in the art of "The Sweet Science". I owe you all a round and I don't mean in the ring let me know, I'm good for at least one.
 
Thanks Again to the Boxers and Congrats!
 
George E. Nieto

1st VP Local 51

 

PICTURES COURTESY OF RICK MARIN

    

    

YOU TUBE VIDEOS

RANGEL FIGHT

http://www.youtube.com/v/6yevNzGRYGY&hl=en

 DVD video copies available of all the fights 

Contact Armando Chavez at 588-0469

Asbestos.com

                                                 

Welcome to the Asbestos & Mesothelioma Center

The Asbestos & Mesothelioma Center is committed to providing the latest, up-to-date information to our visitors in hopes of spreading awareness about the real and eminent dangers of asbestos. This month, we are campaigning to educate the community on how to identify asbestos within the home and workplace. This naturally occurring mineral has been widely used in construction throughout the last century for its heat and fire-resistant qualities. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, most structures built before and even throughout the 1980s contain asbestos in some shape or form.

In order to help better educate our firefighters on these risks, we've created a firefighter-specific section.This covers possible exposure points, symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, and safety measures that can be taken to avoid exposure. We'd like to suggest our site as a resource to your users.

http://www.asbestos.com/occupations/fire-fighters.php

An engine crew from California, led by 2 x cancer survivor FF Lorenzo Abundiz (ret.) will be hosted by fire departments across the U.S.. as they complete their unique mission of hope on or about July 14th in Los Angeles, California.

Each city's visit features a moving presentation of cancer survival and remembrance of the fire fighters lost from cancer. FF Abundiz, wife Peggy Abundiz, and Engineer John McNight offer both informal and ceremonial moments with the sharing of good will and advancements in fire fighter cancer awareness, education, and research,
as we work toward a cure!

We would appreciate participation with their visit to your city. Please consider the generation of any press opportunities and departmental support!

El Paso Fire Department, Texas
7/10/08  3:30pm
7/11/08  7:00am


What's New at IAFF 51
District 3 Endorsement

Updated On: Jun 11, 2008 (22:07:00)

 

 

 To the El Paso Association of Fire Fighters

Thank you for your generous contribution to my campaign, for your endorsement, and for hosting a very special fundraiser for me. Most importantly, thank you for all you do for this community.  God Bless all of you.

East -Central City Representative-elect

Emma Acosta 

The Hydrant

Posted On: May 01, 2008 (23:42:04)

VISIT THE COOLEST BAR IN TOWN

LIVE BANDS, KAROAKE, AND DRINK SPECIALS

2009 Calendar

Updated On: Jun 20, 2008 (01:55:00)

 

 

 

 To:   ALL ACTIVE DUTY FIRE FIGHTERS

Ref:  2009 FIRE FIGHTER CALENDAR

Let the Search Begin!!

 

How would you like the opportunity to be on the

2009 Fire Fighter Calendar?

 

The Auxiliary of the El Paso Fire Fighters Local 51 is in the process of creating a 2009 Fire Fighter Calendar and is having a contest to find fire fighters to represent EPFD.  Any active duty El Paso Fire Fighter may apply.  Please submit a digital photo, short biography, and the reason you would like to be part of the calendar. Keep in mind that you will be representing the EPFD; all photos should be family-oriented. An independent panel of judges will choose the winners.   Once fire fighters have been chosen a professional photo shoot will be scheduled.  Submissions should be sent to auxcal2009@yahoo.com  by May 31, 2008. If you have any questions, please contact Martha Garcia, at 757-3921.

 

Anyone interested in helping the Auxiliary with this and various projects may contact Martha Garcia at 757-3921 for dates and times of meetings.

Post an Ad

Updated On: May 01, 2008 (00:12:00)
Classifieds
Do you have something you want to sell?  A vehicle, a boat, or a musical instrument etc.  Place your ad on this page so others can see what you are offering.  The cost is free if you are an active duty union member.  You get 25 words + 1 photo.  Just follow the instructions on placing an advertisement on the classified ads section. Approval by the webmaster will be within 24 hrs.  Advertisements will automatically be deleted after 90 days unless renewed.
Blanket Sale

Updated On: Apr 11, 2008 (21:34:00)

The Firefighter's Auxiliary is selling Blankets as one of the fundraisers for this year.  Proceeds will help fund our charitable account. Blankets come in Red, Blue or Beige.   

Size 60 x 70

Cost $25.00

 
To purchase your blanket call:
Teresa Franco  915-422-5773
Martha Garcia    915-328-9765 

Firefighter Art Garcia, Station 12, B-shift 915-920-6391

Insurance Questions

Important Insurance Questions

 Please email your questions or concerns in this order
Messages can be left for;

to:  zunigagx@elpasotexas.gov  (Gaby Zuniga,Aetna Rep)

cc: casarezm@elpasotexas.gov (Monica Casarez,OMB)
      moralesiy@elpasotexas.gov (Irene Morales,OMB)
      conchaje@elpasotexas.gov

Gabby Zuniga at 541-4117
Monica Casarez at 541-4880
Irene Morales at 541-4448

John Concha, Local51 Health Insurance Liasion 373-1761

Rudy Portillo, Local51 AWP Liasion 373-1842

All employees are encouraged to call and ask questions and make any necessary changes. Employees who cannot attend one of sign up sessions may still go the Insurance and Benefits at City Hall to make changes after these dates.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Attached is a brochure on the Aetna Vision Discount Program.  The Aetna Vision Discount Program is not vision insurance.  It is a program that provides discounts with Aetna vision providers.  If you have other vision coverage, check with the Aetna vision provider you select to see which vision plan/program would fit your vision needs the best.

 How do you find an Aetna Vision Provider?
 
1.    Go to www.Aetna.com
2.    Under Shortcuts (right-hand side of screen), select Find A Doctor
3.    Select Zip, City or County and enter the appropriate prompts
4.    In provider category drop down menu, select pharmacy/vision/hearing
5.    In provider type drop down menu, select vision locations
6.    Click on Start Search button at bottom.

 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 EMPLOYEE INSURANCE AND BENEFITS UPDATE

Insurance Update

Brothers and Sisters,

            Brother Paul Thompson here to discuss our new insurance, and hopefully answer some of your questions. These are the most frequently asked questions I have received since switching to the new insurance plan. Be sure to visit the new union website at http://elpasofirefighters.org/ for more information. You can also visit http://www.elpasotexas.gov/omb/forms.asp#benefits for more useful information. Just click on the links below the Benefits heading.

 

1. What if I haven’t received my new insurance cards in the mail?

            You can print a temporary card by logging onto the Aetna website and clicking on the ID card shortcut on the left-hand side. You can also order a new card from there. If you choose not the use the website, you may call Insurance and Benefits at City Hall and order a new ID card.

2. What should I do if my Doctor is still charging me the old co-pays?

            Explain to him that your insurance has changed and that you have a new co-pay. You will be responsible for the higher amount even if you pay a lower amount during an office visit.

3. Do I still need referrals to a specialist or other Doctor?

            No, you can visit any specialist or Doctor who is in the network. However, some may insist or refuse to see you without a referral from your General and Family Practitioner. In this case you can call your regular Doctor and see if they can fax you the referral, or if you can just go by and pick it up. In some cases they may make you come in for an office visit and pick up the referral. This may require you to pay two co-pays- one for the referral and one for the specialists.

4. How do I get reimbursed from the FSA?

            When you first sign up for the FSA you are automatically signed up for streamlining. This means you will automatically get reimbursed for your claims. For example, let’s say you asked to contribute $1,000 into your FSA. Every time you pay a co-pay, get charged any deductible, go for a dental appointment, or have to pay co-insurance you will automatically get reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expense. Aetna will send you a check or you can sign up for direct deposit and get your money faster.

5. Can I use my FSA even though I haven’t contributed my full amount?

            Yes. The beauty of having an FSA is that you have access to the full amount, even though you will pay your total contribution throughout the year. So if you asked to contribute $1,000 into your FSA, you can use the whole amount right away for whatever medical expenses you have. This can be a great resource for you, especially if you know you will have expenses such as a pregnancy at the beginning of the plan year.

6. Should I file claims throughout the plan year on stuff like over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, prescriptions, etc?

            No. You should create a file at home and file away all receipts for prescriptions, OTC drugs, and bandages etc. Ideally you want to use the money in your FSA first on co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance. Then if you have any money left over in your account, you can file claims with the receipts you have saved throughout the year. You also have a grace period of 90 days after the end of the plan year to submit your claims. Remember you can use the FSA for dental work, glasses, contacts, LASIK surgery, Nicotine gum and patches, etc. There is an extensive list on the Aetna website of qualified expenses.

7. I seem to be getting charged too much for prescriptions.

            Make sure to tell your pharmacy that your prescription coverage info is on the back of your insurance card. It is in small print in the middle on the back of the card. Remember your co-pays for the first year are $10 for generic, $20 for preferred, and $40 for non-preferred. To save money, make sure your Doctor allows generics to be dispensed on your prescriptions. If you think you are being charged too much, make sure to call Insurance and Benefits at City Hall.

8. Can I save money by taking advantage of $4 prescriptions at Target and Wal-Mart?

            Yes. Both Target and Wal-Mart offer generics at $4 for a 30 day supply, and $10 for a 90 day supply. Both retailers have an extensive list and the link for Wal-Mart is:

http://i.walmart.com/i/if/hmp/fusion/four_dollar_drug_list.pdf

and for Target is: http://sites.target.com/site/en/health/generic_drugs.jsp

This is a great way to save money so be sure to take advantage of it.

 





4874 visitors since Jan 2, 2008
Member Login
Username:

Password:


Not registered yet?
Click Here to sign-up.

Forgot Your Login?
Site Search
Site Map
RSS Feeds
<<  July 2008  >>
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31