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MDA Lockup
Volunteers Needed for MDA Lockup! 
7600 Alabama St July 1st @8:00 am Rental cars and lunch will be provided For more info call Hector Padilla at 317-8304
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Economic Downturn

The economy is affecting IAFF members throughout this union through staffing reductions, station closures, cost shifting and wage concessions as local governments lose revenue. To help IAFF members get a clearer understanding of the depth of the financial crisis, the effect it's having at every level of the economy -- including local and state budgets -- the IAFF has prepared the following summaries of and links to "economic crisis" news articles related to cuts in state and local budgets, fire fighter staffing, health care benefits, compensation, pension plans and other areas as a result of the economic downturn. Click to view http://www.iaff.org/et/economics/EconomicCrisisNews.htm Firefighters see cuts eroding safety Thousands of firefighters across the country face possible layoffs this year, prompting concern that deep local government budget cuts will delay emergency response times. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-06-18-firecuts_N.htm Recession Impacting U.S. Fire Departments Content Provided By Fireman's Fund Insurance Company http://www.kfoxtv.com/family/19663306/detail.html
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Pay Deferral Vote
Upcoming Voting Issues Upcoming election on the deferral of the January 2010 pay raise since receiving a formal request from the city. In-station July 1 thru July 11, Mail out July 15, Voting period begins July 18 and end at 12:00 noon on the election date, July 28 Those members that have not received their ballot by July 18, should contact the Elections Committee Chairman, Ruben Loweree, to have a ballot mailed to the correct address. Click to view KVIA News story http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?s=10560515 Plan freezes city payBy David Burge / El Paso Times http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_12728049 Budget hearing schedule All budget hearings will be in City Council Chambers, second floor of City Hall, 2 Civic Center Plaza. 9 a.m. Tuesday, budget overview.9 a.m. July 9, municipal clerk, police, fire, public safety communications and public health.9 a.m. July 15, airport, international bridges, Sun Metro, streets.9 a.m. July 16, financial services, human resources, tax, Office of Management and Budget.10 a.m. July 20, community development, museums and cultural affairs, library, zoo, parks and recreation, convention center and performing arts.Noon July 22, development services, economic development, environmental services, information technology, general services, engineering.Noon July 23, city attorney, mayor and City Council, city manager.9 a.m. July 29, budget wrap-up.1 p.m. July 30, budget wrap-up.Hearings will be broadcast live on cable Channel 15 and rebroadcast at 6 each night. Brothers and Sisters, The economic crisis has placed a strain on resources all across the country. Our brothers and sisters in other cities are facing station closures as well as layoffs. Our city is facing a 13 to 15 million dollar budget shortfall and we have been asked to help out with a memorandum of understanding. Our contract allows this as long as both parties agree. We are being asked to defer our next pay raise that is effective January 3, 2010 to April 11, 2010. In return, the City agrees to defer the increases to our health plan that were to take effect in January and wait until the April pay raise is effective. In addition, the city will increase our life insurance coverage from $15,000 to $50,000. The letter that went out to the membership was simply a notification that a referendum election will take place on this proposal. The Executive Board will be going out to every station and every shift to conduct the referendum election. Our legal counsel is reviewing the language and as soon as it is acceptable it will be available for review by the membership. I am aware that many of you believe that we gave up a pay raise in 1996 but the documentation shows that we deferred a 1% pay raise from April 1, 1996 to October 1, 1996. The contract was then extended for another year and we received a 1% pay raise effective September 30, 1997. The upcoming election will set the stage for contract negotoations next year. If we agree to help the city in these difficult economic times we will be viewed in a very positive light. I am fearful of what will happen if we don't agree to help out. The truth of the matter is that there is a budget shortfall and the money has to come from somewhere. Please feel free to call your Executive Board members if you have any questions. Do not rely on rumors. Now is the time to band together as a union and support each other. There is nothing that can tear us apart if we are united. Fraternally, Joe Tellez, President
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The Battle of the Badges
 
Attention Fire Fighters!! It's that time again to defend your badge, in "The Battle of the Badges". If you are interested in showing who's the best in the Ring. Contact Rick Marin at 915-474-5787 To All, It is on again !!!! The Fd -vs- PD boxing tournament is on and slated for some time in August. With that in mind we are going to hold the Fire Department Boxing Team meetings this Wednesday and Thursday, May 13th and 14th at the Firefighters Hall at 1900 hrs.. Our Team Coaches FST Ben Rodriguez (last years Main Event Champ!) and the equally skilled FST Mark Torres will be in attendance. Any and all prospective fighters are invited to these organizational meetings to get information on the event and training plans. We have to get that trophy and braggin' rights back! If you are unable to make one of these meetings contact myself or one of the coaches for details after the meetings. Matt Widtfeldt Team Manager (self proclaimed!)
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UTEP
 UTEP Tuition Exemption For Firefighters All Firefighters who are planning on attending classes in the Fall of 2009 should submit their application to the Financial Aid Office no later than August 1, 2009, in order to ensure a timely processing of payment for the courses. Any questions may be referred to Ms Lourdes Sanchez at the UTEP Financial Aid Office at 747-7317. As per EPFD Memo 08-168, "Degrees that are eligible are limited to degrees that will assist the firefighter with career progression in Fire Administration." The eligibility of any other course of study not listed must be determined by the Firefighter's direct supervisor. According to Attorney General of Texas, Greg Abbott; In Education Code section 54.208, "fire science" is a technical term that refers to a course that falls within a designated fire science curriculum, as well as a course that is primarily related to fire service, emergency medicine, emergency management, or public administration, regardless of whether that course falls within a curriculum designated as "fire science." A fire fighter seeking an exemption from tuition under section 54.208 need not be pursuing a degree in fire science and may already have a degree in fire science. Reference http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinions/opinions/50abbott/op/2006/htm/ga0397.htm
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Chief Update
EPFD Fire Chief Drozd Visits May Union Meeting Topics discussed included concerns over female station accomadations, next TA makeup, Texas Tech oversights, sick leave reduction and many other issues Local 51 membership talked about over food and drinks. 

The Fire Chief will be having dinner at Central Fire Station with the mayor on June 1st A-shift to film the "walking in the Mayor's shoes" TV Show segment that day. The Mayor will be cooking dinner for central that day.
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Joe Alexander
FYI, Joe Alexander of Alexander Financial Management will be back in town next week to assist Local 51 members with their retirement planning. He will be at the FF's Hall on Wednesday, July 8, from 9 AM till 5 PM, and also Thursday, July 9, from 9AM till 5 PM. Joe is a financial planner and has been assisting FF's with their retirement planning for the past 20 yrs. He can help you with any financial or retirement questions you may have. He will also assist a spouse with their retirement planning. Take advantage of this valuable service. It is provided free of charge to all Local 51 members. Be sure to send Joe an email or give him a call to schedule an appointment. Each appointment will last about one hour. This service is not just for FF's close to retirement. Joe has already helped some of your younger FF's with their financial planning, including advice on purchasing a home. Joe's contact info: email: joe@alexfm.com phone: 972-896-5600
Any questions call Paul Thompson at 256-8094 Insurance Updates Insurance Cards Insurance and Benefits notified me that the new insurance cards were not sent our in January. Aetna was notified and you should receive your new card within 7-10 days. You can also manually order your card on the Aetna website if you don't receive your card with this time period. Also, remember the Copays changed in January to $20 for office visits and $30 for specialist visits. Let me know if you have any questions. Preventative Exam You are allowed 1 preventative exam in a 12 month period for papsmears, mammograms, colonoscopy, and prostate exams. This is based on a rolling 12 months and not by calender year. After your co-pay this exam is covered at 100%. Just make sure it was 12 months since your last one. By sure to tell your spouses. Call me if you have questions.
Paul Thompson Local 51 - Trustee 915-256-8094
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Member's Only Blog
Blog Guidelines We want to hear from you! Keep in mind when posting comments those members can read what you have to say. Please do not include personal information, such as your last name, phone number or address when replying to our blogs.
All comments will be reviewed before they appear. Spam, profane language, personal attacks or inappropriate comments will not be posted, and we reserve the right to edit or delete any comments that violate these guidelines. For members only (Scabs can login to yourvoicedoesnotcount.com)
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Shop on our Online Store
Check Out Our Online Store Local 51 Merchandise Make Great Gifts T-shirts, caps, mugs 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 
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PENSION BOARD
 EL PASO FIREMEN & POLICEMEN'S PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING TO BE HELD
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 1:00 PM El Paso Firemen and Policemen's Pension Fund Office
ChaseTowerSuite 201 East MainEl PasoTexas79901
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EL PASO FIRE DEPARTMENT BASKETBALL
Updated
On: Jun 04, 2009 (00:38:00)
EL PASO FIRE DEPARTMENT BASKETBALL BIG UPS to the El Paso Fire Department Basketball team as they continue there dominance by taking 1st place in the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement and Fire City Championship tournament. From start to finish team Fire played with unmatched intensity and heart. EPFD had a lot in stake since they had lost in the championship game the year before to the Federal All-Stars. The road to the championship was not easy as they battled a strong Border Patrol team and a veteran stacked Sheriff’s team. Once again they meet the Federal All-Stars in the championship game. But only this time it was a whole different game and outcome as EPFD basketball dominated the game and won 67-52. On the other hand the EPFD Basketball team wasn’t as fortunate in College Station, Texas as they received Bronze at the Texas Fire Olympic Games. Even though they finished with an impressive 5-1 overall record that was not good enough to get them Gold. That one lost put them in consolation bracket which meant no chance to play for gold. The team started strong by beating Dallas, Corpus Christi, and Austin the first day and losing to Houston the second day. They then battled for Bronze against Ft. Worth Fire Department which EPFD beat decisively. Next for the EPFD Basketball is San Angelo Texas which is the site for the 2009 Texas Fire Olympic Games in July. Last but not least is the El Paso Heat Basketball Team which consists of Fire and Law Enforcement agencies. This team is a select team that competes in major amateur tournaments throughout the nation. The team just recently won Gold at the Arizona Police and Fire Games in Tucson. They are now back to back champions in Arizona as they won gold in 2008 as well. Next for team Heat is Western State Games in California then on to Las Vegas for Nationals. But one fact that stands out is that ever since Team Heat picked up FST Mario Herrera and FF Arron Gonzalez team Heat has gone undefeated. Due to the recent success, this team in now recognized as the best team in the southwest. 
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Fire Fighter's Hall
Updated
On: Jun 20, 2009 (14:53:00)

Fire Fighter’s Hall Stimulus Package
Four hour event Two Sheriff Deputies Two Bar Servers Unlimited sodas Unlimited ice and cups 2 kegs of beer Use of beer pitchers Stir straws Cocktail napkins 45 round tables White table linen Sign-in table We clean after the function Seating up to 350 Down payment of $300 Fridays $2,000 Saturdays $ $2,350 Add $450 for a six hour event
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Retirement Planning
Updated
On: Apr 16, 2009 (18:34:00)
Retirement Planning -The top 5 mistakes retirees make and how to avoid them -Managing your deferred comp account in this market environment -How to retire safely and make sure you don’t run out of money -Should you take the DROP? -Successful strategies that are being used in today’s economy (Any questions: call Paul Thompson 256-8094) Investment Advisory Services offered through Brookstone Capital Management LLC, Joe Alexander Email: joe@alexfm.com Cell: 972-896-5600 An SEC Registered Investment Advisor
Alexander Financial Management is endorsed by the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters. He is a frequent speaker at law enforcement associations across Texas and specializes in retirement planning.
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Off Duty Pro
Updated
On: Apr 18, 2009 (22:39:00)
 I am a member of L4137. Pflugerville Professional Firefighters. I have created a website soley for professional Emergency responders to advertise there off duty job's. It's called www.offdutypro.com. Bobby Ortiz
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2009 Fire Department Calendars
Updated
On: Dec 28, 2008 (11:15:00)
2009 Fire Department Calendars $5.00 Contact any Executive Member or Pick Up at Local 51's Office Support our Association and ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES!
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20726 visitors since Jan 2, 2008
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