IAFF Local 244 was well represented today for the first day of the 50th Legislative Session with Executive Board Officers and Legislative/PR Committee members. We hit the ground running and met with Senators and Representatives before and after the opening ceremonies. We received great feedback from the Legislators we met with and appreciated our proactive approach in handling our PERA funding and solvency issues. We are currently explaining the urgency of preserving our 20yr retirement and how critical it is for the health and well being of Fire Fighters and the benefits it provides for municipalities. Below we have attached our preliminary solvency proposal and talking points that were developed by our Legislative/PR Committee, Executive Board and IAFF Local Presidents throughout the state. Please email us with any input you may have.
Attached is Senate Bill 87 sponsored by Senator Munoz and PERA’s Ideal Plan summary. We will be meeting with the sponsors of these bills and keep you updated with all other legislation that is introduced over the next couple weeks. 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!
1-13-11 From General MeetingWith the swearing in of Robert Sanchez as the County Chapter Vice-President we have a Vacancy on the Executive Board. The position is the County Chief Stewards position and the obligation is for the remainder of the term (1 year).We are now taking letters of interest to fill the position of County Chief Steward.
Another year has passed and our union is still standing strong after 90 years of representing its members and their families. This past year has had its trials but we believe in our brothers and sisters and their leadership to pull us through the hard times. As a tradition at the annual Fire Fighters Ball, we honor our members who show outstanding leadership and representation of our great union, AFD and BCFD. The recognition for Outstanding Leadership was awarded to Brian LeVie. Fire Fighters of the year were Chris Maes and Michael Trujillo. Fire Fighter Paramedics of the year were Kerry Murphy and Humberto Aguilera. These brothers were blessed to have 300 people in attendance to honor them on December 10, 2010. Thank you all for your service!
In order to strengthen the bond between Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters and the citizens we so proudly serve, President Arencón has appointed the IAFF Local 244 Legislative/Public Relations Committee. The newly appointed committee members are George Asi, Toby Baca, Adam Eakes, Joel Gallegos, Jason Hackett, Jed Hyland, Matthew Painter, Sara Ranney and Gary Smith. The committee will focus on community outreach and working with elected officials to raise the level of awareness of how critical fire fighters and fire paramedics are to public safety.
We will need your help in developing new and creative ways to build stronger relationships with citizens of Albuquerque. Any member that is interested in getting involved please contact brother Toby Baca @ (505)-730-2778
The IAFF Local 244 Executive Board would like to commend Brothers Pasquale Gallucci,William Reed, Art Garcia and Michael Bricault for representing us as well as all New Mexico’s Fire Fighters and preserving our professional image during this Holiday season. Brothers, thank you for your leadership!
Robert Sanchez will take office as new County Chapter Vice -President on January 13, 2011. The Executive Board would like to thank former County VP Gary Smith for his dedication and service to IAFF Local 244 members. Please read VP Sanchez' letter by clicking the link below:
As of now, no legislation has been passed to amend the current status of retirement benefits for municipal fire fighters. The Public Employees Retirement Act (PERA) Board has been dealing with solvency issues, currently having an Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability (UAAL) which has grown from $2.3 billion last year to $3.3 billion this year.
The polls have closed and the ballots have been counted. We would like to congratulate all those who were elected and thank all those who ran for positions. Please continue to be involved and run for other positions as they become available. For those who ran, if you would like to know the numerical tally, you can contact Kelly at the Union Hall.
The process has been set in motion to start a NEW MEXICO Chapter of the Dist 10 IAFF Motorcycle Group.
We have set up a link on the left side of our webpage to post information regarding the group but while we are getting started you can contact Sergeant at Arms, Richard Sanchez at 288-2311 for more information.
The IAFF Local 244 is sponsoring the first annual "Fire Fighters Feeding Families" Christmas charity event on December 18, 2010. We will invite homeless/underprivileged families, whose children are excelling in school, to a firehouse Christmas dinner. Fire Fighters will serve in this event at all AFD and BCFD stations (34 total). The intent is for 34 families to participate.
SB87 Contribution Increases Employee - Employer.pdf
PERA Ideal Plan Overview.doc
Kerry Murphy 2010.jpg
Chris Maes 2010.jpg
Michael Trujillo 2010.jpg
County VP Letter.PDF
