JunebugKFD257

I might be biased because I got the job, but I don't see anything wrong with the system as it is. If you want to be a Firefighter, then you should have a "whatever it takes" attitude to get on.

I might be biased because I got the job, but I don't see anything wrong with the system as it is. If you want to be a Firefighter, then you should have a "whatever it takes" attitude to get on.

Fair enough, But I know a number of mayors who will gladly reduce their depts. close companies, lay off, not do call back, ect. because the next community will shoulder the burdon, no matter how much "I" cut mine.

Bottom line, if the volunteers don't show up, they HAVE to hire more members. It is cut and dry. Now if you volunteer somewhere and are professional fireman somewhere else, it doesnt apply. Look at the IAFF magazine, what do they add like 5 locals nationwide each issue, and those are already paid members without representation. If they said tomorrow they were adding paid staff where I volunteer I would quit as of 2359 tonight, and if you are in a union somewhere else and volunteer in the same place you are a scab.

Nichols brought one up to look at. Drives nice, jacks only come out 29". But it still doesn't navigate well on our tight streets, which is why our job needs a TDA.

You can not compare it with a combination dept. One guy is doing for free what you are doing to feed your family. I would not want to sit with a guy who would be the one stealing the fork out of my mouth, or worse my wife's! Outside of the work place setting is where you see it. But at work you are at work, where you get paid to do your job. And to be honest, the 'brotherhood' is about what happens when you are not at work, not being paid to do something, that is what makes it so special. I have helped at guys houses I hated, why? Cause its not about personalities, it is about the bond that if I need help they would be there too.

I agree with Benz. Despite what a lot of guys say, it IS sometimes about the money. Yes, we still do things for our communities, especially on our days off but when the rubber meets the road, there is still food to be put on the table and a mortgage to be paid. Although I was capable of doing something different with my life, I chose this life. I'm grateful for my defined benefits, and grateful for a flexible schedule. I'm also grateful for never spending a day in the firehouse without laughing at/with somebody or something. This isn't a job you just "kick the tires" at. There are other people behind you on the list that are willing to put their 20+ years in. Taking the job to "just go around the block" isn't fair to the municipality that paid for you to go to probie school and it certainly isn't fair to those who want to be in it for the long haul.

I agree with Benz. Despite what a lot of guys say, it IS sometimes about the money. Yes, we still do things for our communities, especially on our days off but when the rubber meets the road, there is still food to be put on the table and a mortgage to be paid. Although I was capable of doing something different with my life, I chose this life. I'm grateful for my defined benefits, and grateful for a flexible schedule. I'm also grateful for never spending a day in the firehouse without laughing at/with somebody or something. This isn't a job you just "kick the tires" at. There are other people behind you on the list that are willing to put their 20+ years in. Taking the job to "just go around the block" isn't fair to the municipality that paid for you to go to probie school and it certainly isn't fair to those who want to be in it for the long haul.

I agree with Benz. Despite what a lot of guys say, it IS sometimes about the money. Yes, we still do things for our communities, especially on our days off but when the rubber meets the road, there is still food to be put on the table and a mortgage to be paid. Although I was capable of doing something different with my life, I chose this life. I'm grateful for my defined benefits, and grateful for a flexible schedule. I'm also grateful for never spending a day in the firehouse without laughing at/with somebody or something. This isn't a job you just "kick the tires" at. There are other people behind you on the list that are willing to put their 20+ years in. Taking the job to "just go around the block" isn't fair to the municipality that paid for you to go to probie school and it certainly isn't fair to those who want to be in it for the long haul.

just had 4 guys from Detroit Fd in last week not a lot of surround and drown, more like 3 - 5 fires a shift and get your ass kicked. And for no money, and now no city pension. More like a 401-k. Shame what the city has done to that dept. And you don't try to be a firefighter for a couple of years, it isn't like buying a car to see if you like it.

I think this is a great step for the PFD and about time. The next step ( in my opinion ) should be a full time Chief. For a department the size of Peeskill's with career and volunteers members there has to be a strong leader, not someone who is VOTED in for 3 years then out.

thanks for the share, our last two contracts were decided by binding arbitration.

Not to be a chicken little but it doesn't look good...

Next he will be going after the Triborough Doctrin and for people who dont know what it is.
The Triborough Doctrine - The Facts
In the early 1980's the New York State Legislature passed legislation that amended the Taylor Law. The Triborough Amendment was passed as a counter to the fact that NYS public employees do not have the right to strike.
Most public employees don't think about the Triborough Doctrine or remember its importance. There are some in the NYS legislature that would like to eliminate this important legislation.
What does the Triborough Doctrine do?
Prevents an employer from changing terms and conditions of employment until a new contract is negotiated. Requires empoyers to negotiate in good faith, in exchange employees are protected from striking. Employers changing terms and conditions of employment after a contract expires but before a new contract commit an improper practice.
What effect would a repeal of the Triborough Amendment have?
Step increases, increments and longevity pay amounts could be stopped. Employers could reduce work hours and workers' pay and change benefits after a contract expires. Holiday and sick pay could be eliminated. Health coverage could be reduced and employees' share of the premium could be increased. Employers could implement a contract on its employees if no agreement is achieved. The Triborough Amendment puts UPSEU members on a level playing field. An elimination of this important legislation or even a watered down version would have a devastating effect on public employees throughout the state of New York.
For those wondering if their legislators working to stop public employees of this important legislation believe public employees would be granted the right to strike to be law, they don't. They want a one way bargaining process.

I think its paramount that everyone who belongs to a labor union, whether or not your private or public sector to oppose this proposed repeal. It would mean the literal enslavement of the public sector workers that would be suject to the whim's of administrators and politicans currying votes. I'm not public sector, but i'm private sector union and I know the damage it can do to a union; It's tantamount to putting a knife into someone with their back turned away from you. The playing field has to be level. It has to be stopped at all costs.

It was NOT a rekindle. I know these aren't your words but there were members there after midnight into Sunday morning on fire watch. Extensive overhaul was done and all burned contents get thrown out. The word "Rekindle" is not part of this department's way of doing business.

It was NOT a rekindle. I know these aren't your words but there were members there after midnight into Sunday morning on fire watch. Extensive overhaul was done and all burned contents get thrown out. The word "Rekindle" is not part of this department's way of doing business.

It was NOT a rekindle. I know these aren't your words but there were members there after midnight into Sunday morning on fire watch. Extensive overhaul was done and all burned contents get thrown out. The word "Rekindle" is not part of this department's way of doing business.

It was NOT a rekindle. I know these aren't your words but there were members there after midnight into Sunday morning on fire watch. Extensive overhaul was done and all burned contents get thrown out. The word "Rekindle" is not part of this department's way of doing business.

From Facebook -

Yes, we are understaffed. Our minimum manning is 10, which puts 2 on each rig, and that includes the truck.

No. They will be purchased in 2013. Why not sooner you might ask? It's a long story that is being resolved. I will not divulge into the matter.

Yes, we are understaffed. Our minimum manning is 10, which puts 2 on each rig, and that includes the truck.

No. They will be purchased in 2013. Why not sooner you might ask? It's a long story that is being resolved. I will not divulge into the matter.

No. They will be purchased in 2013. Why not sooner you might ask? It's a long story that is being resolved. I will not divulge into the matter.