What's New at IAFF 682

Posted On: Dec 05, 2009 (21:22:55)

The following letter to the editor of the Winston-Salem Journal was written by our member Jerry Amos:

The inspectors' side

This is in response to statements by Bobby Haymore and Harold Day concerning the fire-code violations at their businesses ("Smoldering businesses," Nov. 22). As inspectors, we are all trained and certified on the fire code. But as fire officials, what should we do when we observe violations; ignore them? If Haymore's building was to have a fire and we had ignored violations, he would be screaming about the fire department not advising him of these violations and wanting to know why.

Judge Denise Hartsfield dismissed the case against Haymore for lack of evidence because "she was reluctant to see a successful businessman hassled unnecessarily…" What is hassling about noting safety violations and then following up on those violations to ensure compliance? Haymore had options; he could have reduced his storage to less than 12 feet high.

As an engine-company officer, I take offense with why these gentlemen want the engine companies back to doing inspections. I guess they think we would ignore the fire code or choose not to enforce it.

We don't treat business owners as criminals or as if they're stupid; on the contrary, most responsible business owners I have been in contact with over the last 22 years as an inspector are willing to comply after I explain the violations to them and offer suggestions as to how to correct these violations.

Haymore should also remember, even though he has never had a fire, the chief design engineer of the Titanic thought his ship was unsinkable.

JERRY L. AMOS

CAPTAIN, WINSTON-SALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT

Walkertown

Combat Challenge Team Recognized

Updated On: Dec 05, 2009 (21:38:00)

The Winston-Salem FD/Local 682 Combat Challenge Team was recognized by City Council with the following resolution at the October 19 Council Meeting. Seven of our Local Union members were included in the resolution. Congratulations to Duane, John, Ricky, Phyllis, Scott, Chaz and Danielle. Thank you to the rest of the team members who helped us out at our Fair Booth:

RESOLUTION FOR COMMENDATION TO THE WINSTON-SALEM FIREFIGHTER’S COMBAT CHALLENGE TEAM OF THE

WINSTON-SALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS

, the Winston-Salem Firefighter’s Combat Challenge Team was founded by

Duane Cheek, Ricky Brown and John Pennington in 1994. The Combat Challenge Team has

been traveling and competing around the country for the last fifteen years, making a reputation

for the Winston-Salem Firefighter’s Combat Challenge Team and the Winston-Salem Fire

Department; and

WHEREAS

, the Winston-Salem Firefighter’s Combat Challenge Team is mainly

composed of members of the Winston-Salem Fire Department. On August 14th and 15th of 2009,

members of the Combat Challenge Team participated in a competition in Lexington, KY. The

female team (Marlene Kostyrka, Amy Harris, Phyllis Heitman, Danielle White and Joy Lacy)

finished in third place. The Co-ed team (Scott Blair and Danielle White) finished in first place

and (Chaz Browning and Amy Harris) finished in second place overall. The over 40 relay team

(Ricky Brown, John Pennington, Scott Blair, Duane Cheek and David Bowman of the Charlotte

Fire Department) set a new world record time in that division while placing first. Ricky Brown

and Duane Cheek finished in first place and John Pennington and Rick Jordan of the Lexington

Fire Department finished in second place in the over 50 tandem division. In the over 50

individual divisions, Ricky Brown finished in first place and Duane Cheek finished in second

place. Scott Blair also finished in second place in the over 40 individual division and qualified

for the LION’S DEN; and

WHEREAS, the Winston-Salem Firefighter’s Combat Challenge Team is a distinctive

and well diversified group. The members are of all rankings, genders, and ethnicity from the

Winston-Salem Fire Department, Charlotte Fire Department and Lexington Fire Department.

The primary aim is to be competitive in a sport that aids in enhancing their wellness and

firefighter skills that are essential in being effective and efficient firefighters.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

that this commendation be spread upon the

minutes of the City Council and a copy furnished to the Winston-Salem Firefighter’s Combat

Challenge Team.

City Council Candidate Endorsements

Updated On: Dec 05, 2009 (21:39:00)

October 13, 2009

The Winston-Salem Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 682 is proud to endorse the following candidates for Winston-Salem City Council:

Southwest Ward- Dan Besse

Northeast Ward- Vivian H. Burke

South Ward- Molly Leight

North Ward- D. D. Adams

The endorsements come as a result of a unanimous vote of the members at our September monthly meeting after a review of responses to our City Council Candidate Questionnaire. These candidates made it clear in their responses that they are dedicated to providing safe and efficient fire-rescue services. At the same time they respect the dedication of our firefighters and believe in fair and equitable treatment of these public servants.

These candidates share the primary concerns of the members of our Association. We look forward to working with them as City Council members.

Polaris ATV Raffle Winner

Updated On: Dec 05, 2009 (21:39:00)

2009 Polaris ATV Raffle Winner

Shane Brooks, Winston-Salem, NC

2nd Prize- $350- Chris Clifton,

Winston-Salem, NC

Thank you to all of our supporters!

Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. ATV

To support the Winston-Salem Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 682.

ATV purchased from, and raffle sponsored by Carolina Polaris. Shop online at

carolinapolaris.com

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Section at 1-888-830-4989. This license is not an endorsement by the State.

Download:

Polaris Flyer.doc

MDA Phil-The-Boot Results

Posted On: Jun 23, 2009 (23:44:11)

The Phil-the-Boot (in memory of Local President Phil Reed) grand total was $9303.06. Big thanks to the volunteers that helped this year. They were M. Cockerham, E. Duffield, M. Nichols, D. Mabe, S. Castle, J. Burris, M. Brock, S. Murray, C. Hampton and Charity, R. Meeks, R. Sutcliffe, B. Hernandez, J. Stone, M. Ingram, A. Grey, D. Penry, M. DeRidder, C. Browning, D. Pollard, R. Groce, P. Heitman, D. Miller, J. Warner, J. Allred, S. Vernon, M. Mitchell, J. Pennington, Scottie and Sam Emerson, R. Lakey, and Eric Hutchins from Fire Prevention. We couldn't have been this successful without their hard work!

Thanks to Damien Poole for helping with the Lock-Up I left him off the first list (Sorry).

Michael Hodges
Local 682
MDA Coordinator