Senator Michael Sanchez has sponsored our bill to increase our employee contributions to help correct our 68% funded ratio in Municipal Fire Plans, SB 529 Fire Fighter Retirement Contributions. Our membership is approximately 900 out if the 2,100 of Fire Fighters in Municipal Plan 5 along with 35 Fire Departments throughout New Mexico (90% of FFs).

Please click PDF links to view our Motion to Reconsider and Union Attorney Fred Mowrer's letter to Membership:

We would like to congratulate Keith Clark in being appointed the New County Chief Steward.  As you may remember, the Chief Steward position was vacated by Robert Sanchez when he was elected to County Chapter Vice President. With Keith moving up we have a Vacancy on the County Executive Board to fill; County 3rd Steward.

The IAFF represents more than 298,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 80 percent of the nation's population. More than 3,100 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada. In addition to city and county fire fighters and emergency medical personnel, the IAFF represents state employees (such as the California Forestry fire fighters), federal workers (such as fire fighters on military installations), and fire and emergency medical workers employed at industrial facilities. Below you will find a 30 second video produced by the IAFF to help educate people about what we do everyday.

Please click link to watch the IAFF video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO-4O1Ccxtw

Local coverage of a close-call:

 http://www.koat.com/video/26762921/detail.html

As dedicated public servants and citizens of Albuquerque we worked diligently with City Council to find solutions to the economic crisis that both balanced the budget and preserved public safety. The Mayor signed the budget, approved by City Council which included ‘ideal’ solutions to addressing the budget shortfall.

As Fire Fighters we are defined by our commitment to the community and that commitment doesn’t stop when our shift is over. We are known for going above and beyond the call of duty. We are proud to sponsor this fundraising effort to assist the citizens and families that were displaced due to the Royal Crown Apartment fire. We are calling it the “Displaced Families Fund.” We are working with Rio Grande Credit Union to collect the contributions for the next thirty days. Visit any Rio Grande Credit Union branch and ask to contribute to the “Displaced Families Fund.” RGCU will collect contributions until March 9, 2011 then we will distribute the contributions to the people affected. Individuals wishing to donate clothing or household items may do so at the following institutions: Clothing Only: Any Rio Grande Credit Union Branch (Please refer to attachment for various locations) Clothing & Household items (bedding, furniture, kitchenware, etc.) May be dropped off at: Albuquerque Grand Senior Living (1501 Tijeras Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108) For questions feel free to contact the Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters Union at 505-342-0680.

 Dear Members,

On behalf of the IAFF Local 244 Executive Board, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims who lost their homes in the fire today at the Royal Crown apartment complex on San Mateo & Gibson. Thank you to our Brothers and Sisters who bravely responded to the 3 alarm fire. We as a membership are counting our blessings and are especially grateful for the safe recovery of our Brothers, Jason Chavez, Nick Gallagher, Anthony Martin, Courtney Rhoads and William Manus. This close-call is a reminder of the danger of our job and the sacrifices we make to protect life and property.

 I would also like to acknowledge our Brothers from Station 13 who rescued victims from the fire: Phil Luna, John Brown, Will Chavez, Andrew Casaus, Eddie Garcia, Jason Valles, Adrian Cordero and Steve Ortiz, Jr

 Fraternally,

Diego Arencón, President

IAFF Local 244 

Attention Members: Due to the ongoing operations at the City’s EOC the AFD 'A' Shift Station Bids have been suspended for today (2-4-11) and are scheduled to resume on February 10, 2011.

Please click the PDF links below to view legislation we are tracking and address lists of Legislators. Please send emails with questions and/or comments to iafflocal244@hotmail.com. It is strongly encouraged for IAFF members to attend the session and contact their respective Senators and Representatives for support!

Please click the PDF links below to view newly introduced legislation. Please send emails with questions and/or comments to iafflocal244@hotmail.com. Be advised, there may be several bills we will need to track.  It is strongly encouraged for IAFF members to attend the session and contact their respective Senators and Representatives for support!