Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Mexico will once again recognize “Heroes” from across the state for their commitment to MADD’s mission. The Honoring Heroes event will be held on November 5, 2011. The event will focus on recognizing law enforcement officials, first responders and community advocates from throughout NM who have gone beyond the call of duty to combat drunk driving, prevent underage drinking and educate the public on the effects of alcohol abuse. Nominate someone today! Please print the flyer and the nomination forms below.

www.honoringheroesnm.com

The IAFF Local 244 Executive Board is accepting letters of interest for the position of County Chapter Chief Steward for the next 14days. The Executive Board will appoint a member for the remainder of the term who meets the eligibility requirements on September 1, 2011 in accordance with the IAFF Local 244 Constitution & Bylaws, Article VI, Section 4.

Chief Steward Keith Clark has decided to step down from the IAFF Local 244 Executive Board. The Executive Board would like to thank Brother Keith Clark for his leadership, dedication and commitment to our great union. Brother Clark will continue to serve as the County TV Fund manager.

On August 1, 2011, Chaplain Michael Trujillo presented an IAFF Local 244 chromed axe to Sergeant Leroy Petry on behalf of Albuquerque Firefighters, Bernalillo County Firefighters and Santa Fe Firefighters to Sergeant Leroy Petry to commemorate his extraordinary heroism with the utmost honor and respect.

Leroy Arthur Petry, Sergeant First Class of the United States Army received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama on July 12, 2011 in a ceremony at the White House for his courageous actions during a firefight in Afghanistan as a Staff Sergeant in the 2nd Ranger Battalion. He is the second living recipient of the medal, after Salvatore Giunta, for actions in the Vietnam War.

“Instantly realizing the danger, Staff Sergeant Petry, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, deliberately and selflessly moved forward, picked up the grenade, and in an effort to clear the immediate threat, threw the grenade away from his fellow Rangers. As he was releasing the grenade it detonated, amputating his right hand at the wrist and further injuring him with multiple shrapnel wounds. Although picking up and throwing the live grenade grievously wounded Staff Sergeant Petry, his gallant act undeniably saved his fellow Rangers from being severely wounded or killed. Despite the severity of his wounds, Staff Sergeant Petry continued to maintain the presence of mind to place a tourniquet on his right wrist before communicating the situation by radio in order to coordinate support for himself and his fellow wounded Rangers.”

 

AFD Station 13 personnel hosted the ‘Ride for 9-11’ Firefighters from Los Angeles Fire Dept., IAFF Local 112 members: Jorge Ostrovsky, Scott Hambly, Marv Williams (R), Jim Prabhu and Los Angeles County Fire Dept., IAFF Local 1014 members: Scott Smith, Randy Wright as they made their stop in Albuquerque on the cross country ride in commemoration of 9/11. Station 13 crew was joined by Commander Robert Sanchez, Commander Brian Sanchez, Arson Investigator Martin Mcoy and IAFF Local 244 President Diego Arencon in honor of our IAFF brothers for their commitment and sacrifice for this honorable event.

 

These Firefighters began the tour on July 24, 2011 cycling across the USA for the 10^th year anniversary of 9/11 in a “Ride for Honor”.  They are raising money for the Leary Firefighter Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project.  They will be arriving in New York City on September 9, 2011 after cycling more that 3,300 miles. 

 

Mission Statement - We are a team of firefighters that will be cycling across the United States to honor those whose lives were lost 10 years ago on September 11, 2001 and those who continue to fight for our freedom and safety.

 

Link to website: www.ridefor9-11.org

 

 

On Saturday, July 30, 2011 the IAFF Local 244 honored Driver Julian Trujillo and Firefighter Mathew Breeswine for rescuing a victim from the arroyo on a flash flood emergency in the arroyo system on July 24, 2011. We also honored the fire and rescue personnel at station 13 and all other crews that helped make this rescue possible. Several crews and Battalion Commanders stopped by to pay their respect to our brothers for their rescue.

 

Mathew Breeswine initially reached the victim on the bank of the arroyo.  Mathew said, “My first thoughts were to hold the victim out of the water until Julian arrived to assist.”  Julian Trujillo was also tied off and once he reached Mathew he assisted with grabbing and calming the victim.  Both Mathew and Julian pulled an exhausted and frightened victim to safety on the bank of the arroyo.  The victim was quickly assessed and treated by Rescue 13 Paramedics, Lieutenant Charles Dimas and Driver Casey Duree. This will mark Julian Trujillo’s third arroyo rescue to date!

 

The membership of the IAFF Local 244 by unanimous consent the July General Meeting created the “Honoring Our Own” ceremony and this event was the first of many more to come. Thank you all for your leadership.

 

 

 

The crisis in public safety leadership continues in Albuquerque. Only 36% of Firefighters have confidence in Chief Breen’s ability to lead the Albuquerque Fire Department. Despite this crisis, Albuquerque Fire Fighters will continue to stand strong in protecting your life and property, committed to the public we serve and not the Mayor’s political agenda.

The voting period for the Bernalillo County CBA has ended and the results are in.

129 members participated in the process out of the 198 total members.  

Of those who voted, 93 members voted "FOR" the contract, 36 members voted "AGAINST" the contract.

The contract PASSES with a 72% to 28% vote.

We would like to thank all those involved in the negotiating process and in facilitating the vote today.

The contract will be presented to the Commission at the August meeting.

 

Executive Board memebers and Negotiating Team memebers met yesterday to discuss concerns with the TA'd Contract that is up for vote.  Only a couple items were changed with others to be looked at down the road.  Those changes were presented to Management yesterday as well, and they were approved.

The Membership of the IAFF Local 244 unanimously voted in favor of conducting a vote of “No-Confidence” for Fire Chief James Breen by secret ballot at the July 14, 2011 General Membership Meeting. The vote will be held the July 26, 27 & 28 at the Union Hall. On July 26 & 27 the poll will be open from 10:00am to 2:00pm and on July 28^th the poll will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.

Albuquerque Area Firefighters had an overwhelming vote of No Confidence in Public Safety Director Darren White today.  The vote was affirmed by IAFF Local 244 members at our general membership meeting.

“Like the rest of the public, our members are deeply concerned by the questions that have been raised concerning Darren White’s conduct this past week. However, just as important to the Albuquerque’s Fire and Rescue personnel is his overall record and the decisions he has imposed on the Fire Chief and the Albuquerque Fire Department.  Firefighters have affirmed a vote of No Confidence in his leadership. As public safety officials we are all held to a higher standard and are duty-bound to the same level of accountability.”   

-Diego Arencón, President, IAFF Local 244