Just an FYI to the Membership:

At the OAPFF Convention on May 11th, there was a new resolution passed that prohibits putting the IAFF logo or the OAPFF logo on any items that aren't union/American made.  Ensuring that our dollars are going to union companies is critical.  This applies to us for several reasons, and I wanted to outline those:

1)  I have asked VP Blades to take a look at the current order for union made items that has not been placed yet, and to make sure that any items that are being purchased are union made/American made.

2)  If you order anything on your own, please make sure that it is union made, and if union made is not available, at least ensure that it's American made.

3)  This doesn't mean we need to throw away things we already have, just from this point forward, don't order any non union made products that bear the IAFF or OAPFF Logo.

4)  As an FYI, there are a number of places that are printing the IAFF and OAPFF logo that aren't union places.  We shouldn't be allowing them to have our business.  If you have a question as to whether or not something is legit, please let me know, and I can assist you in finding out.  Thanks!

Mark Gerano, President, Local 4049 

 Vote David Witner for Ohio Police and Fire Pension Board.

Today each of you will receive in the mail a ballot for the election to the Ohio Pension Board.  These are the people who make critical decisions on our behalf that have high value for our futures.  We have endorsed David Witner, a fire fighter from the Akron area to fill this position.

We need your vote.  To do so follow these simple instructions:

1)  Get the ballot out of the mail.

2)  Vote DAVID WITNER.

3)  Place the ballot in the secret ballot envelope.

4)  Place the secret ballot envelope in the other envelope, and mail it.  No need to attack postage.

5)  If you don't feel like mailing it yourself, bring it in to me.  

6)  This all needs completed ASAP as there is a deadline of May 18th.

Thanks in advance!

 The members of the IAFF Local 4049 have voted to endorse Tom Grossmann for Warren County Commissioner.  Tom has demonstrated his strong support of public safety when he was Mayor of Mason, Ohio and will continue to do so at the county level.  Please see press release below for further information.

 The MDA Golf Outing is set for Friday, July 16, 2010 at Crooked Tree Golf Course in Mason with a shotgun start at 1:00 PM.  The cost is $75 per player/$300 per foursome.  Price includes golf, cart, dinner, and all beverages.  Registration forms are available here.  Please send in completed registration forms with payment by June 10th so that we can give Crooked Tree an early, accurate count on the number of golfers that will be present. Local 4049 was able to donate $10,600 to the MDA last year thanks to the support given to events like this.  Let's see if we can donate more this year!

UPDATE 4/25/2010: Sponsorship levels have been set by the Golf Outing Committee. Sponsorships are $100 for a tee box/green and $200 for a hole.  The sponsorship form is located here.

 Good news from Columbus, Ohio.  Today, members from the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters including Mason Professional Fire Fighters attended the hearing for House Bill 433.  HB 433 provides for extended military leave for members of the fire service who serve in the military reserves.  The current law doesn't provide enough time for members who have to conduct annual training and duty weekends.  This new update would increase the amount of allowed hours and alleviate some pressure from members serving their country in the military.  GOOD NEWS:  The committee took the issue to a vote and passed the issue.  The next step is a floor vote in the Ohio House of Representatives.  Stay tuned for more information.

Mark Gerano, President