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FEBRUARY 2026 MEETING MINUTES
After President Jimmy Hayhurst led us in the Pledge of Allegiance,
we continued standing for moments of silence for those who have passed since our last meeting and for all World Trade Center related deaths.
Jimmy then asked all to keep Mark Dzieman in their prayers. Mark
continues to breathe on his own but shows no signs of brain activity.
Let's all pray for a Miracle!
Jimmy then asked for donations to Building Homes for Heroes by passing around an envelope for members to make donations.
BH4H has built 460 homes for our returning war heroes and will complete by year's end their 500th home. Visit their website to donate to this great cause!
Jimmy then introduced our first speaker to the 61 members that showed up;
Dom DeRubbio-Executive Director of the FDNY Fire Museum
{Dominick R. DeRubbio is a lifelong New Yorker with deep ties to the New York City Fire Department. His three uncles and father all served in the FDNY and his uncle, David P. DeRubbio, was killed in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11th 2001. Mr. DeRubbio is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fire and emergency management studies. He also served as an adjunct lecturer at the college for multiple semesters. Mr. DeRubbio is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, Association of Safety Professionals, International Society for Respiratory Protection, Fire and Life Safety Director’s Association of Greater New York, and the Fire Bell Club of New York. Prior to assuming the position of director, he managed a New York based health and safety consulting firm, where he provided occupational health and safety services, with a concentration in fire safety planning, education and training.}
Dom requested volunteers to come to the Museum and help
with a few tasks. If you are interested get in touch with Dom.
He would like to have a list of Vollys when the Museum opens up
to the Public. He once relied on retired FDNY firefighters, who assisted in conducting our children's fire safety tours and sharing the rich history of New York City's Bravest with visitors from all over the world. We believe volunteers are the heart and soul of the Museum.
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please submit your interest via our contact form.
Dom went on to say:
We hope to open in just two short months; Yes April of 2026!
Progress in the Building:
They plan to dedicate the 2nd floor to a Library and our 3,000 square foot third floor is rented for private functions ranging from corporate meetings to weddings and other parties. We also have special children’s “Junior Firefighter” birthday party packages.
We are a Not for Profit Organization, we accept donations.
To Donate, >Click Here<
FEBRUARY MEETING MINUTES (cont'd)
Our next guest speaker was Jake LeMonda from the UFOA.
Jake opened up by informing us all that Jack Hughes' (Hero of the
USA Hockey Team and dedicated forward of the NJ Devils)
Grandfather was a retired BC from the 46 Battalion.
He then told us that the recent "New" Pre-Medicare Health
Plan was under the control of United Healthcare. He said it
had an abundance of Doctors waiting to assist you.
Regarding Express Scripts, they recently reduced the
Co-pay from 100% to 60%.
(Editor's Note: Those of us in Medicare should keep
their receipts if you had to pay a Co-pay since last year,
Marianne is involved in a court case to defeat the Co-pay.
She said you will be able to get a refund once the
decision is rendered in our favor)
Jake continued, The Dental Program continues to
thrive. Now $2500.00 per tooth.
(Marty Tighe from the UFA did not show}
~~~~
Our Next Guest Speaker was Mike O'Connell. Mike was pleased to announce that the WTC Health Care Program is in full force till 2035. Thru the efforts of Barasch/McGarry and by making 20 trips to Washington DC; HR 1410 Passed!
Mike went on to say to go out and get checked for Skin Cancer which is the number 1 form of cancer and that it is preventable-Go See a dermatologist to get checked up. Another Good Person to see is Rob Brown and take the free tests that he offers....
Jimmy then spoke about the Trip to Albany which is run by Marianne Pizzitola. The trip goes to Albany for the day (3/24/26). She is fighting for us. She also wants all of us to keep your receipts when you pay a co-pay at your doctor. She has hope that you will be refunded this money.
To sign up for the Bus Click Here:> www.nycretirees.org
To Donate, send your check to:
NYC Retirees
C/o JSH Accounting
PO Box 143538
Fayetteville, GA 30214
~~~
Mary Travers spoke next. You can see her info. on this website. Go to the Health Care Page and read under the heading of: FUNERAL DECISIONS AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE...
She then informed us about what the wife would get if you died from a WTC Related Disease, she would get your pension. However, you would have to die within 25 years of your date of Retirement or your date of Re-Classification...more to come...check back soon...
FDNY FIRE COMMISSIONER ROBERT TUCKER SAYS GOODBYE
"It was worth waiting for"
FDNY Fire Commissioner who on two tries before finally showed up at our Brooklyn Meeting. He gave a nice closing speech. He was personable and informative. See below for what he had to say and the rest of the minutes of the November 25th, 2025 Brooklyn Meeting.
MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 25th, 2025 MEETING
It was a Rainy Night in Brooklyn, but 47 members braved the inclement weather to attend the Brooklyn Meeting.
Executive Board members present: Jimmy Hayhurst, Mike O'Keeffe,
Bill Romaka, Paul Mallery and myself.
We began at 8pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Our #1 Guest of Honor;
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker led us in the Pledge,
after which we paused for a moment of silence for
Lt. Patrick Brady who died in the line of duty. Jimmy then remembered
the 413 who have passed from exposure from 9-11, since 9-11-01.
The Commissioner then informed the 47 that he will soon retire
from the FDNY. He then stated how honored he was to be
the FDNY Fire Commissioner and to be a part of the best job in
the world. He recalled growing up and buffing fire scenes
in his early childhood, then later in life to wear the FDNY Patch.
He hopes the FDNY can endure in the next administration. "You
will be in good hands when Mark Guerra takes over on 12/19/25.
He will be the interim Fire Commissioner until our New Mayor
has to make the decision to keep Mark or appoint a new FC.
He then went on to praise the supporting staff of the FDNY;
from Fire Dispatchers to Firefighters and then of course up the Ranks,
all the knowledgeable Officers to his staff at Metrotech.
He will stay with the FDNY Foundation and looks forward to
helping people that way instead of under a microscope.
He added that the best days of the FDNY are ahead of us.
The young Chiefs that are now in charge have a bright
outlook on the job. The FDNY is in good hands.
"Remember always leave it better then when you found it",
which is something I hope I did.
To all the retirees that are here tonight, "You all helped
build the FDNY, be proud of the job you did."
Now a Q n A followed:
First question- What's the status of EMS?
FC: EMS is in the crisis stage. It needs guidance to
continue to help with public safety. EMS answers over
1 million calls per year. EMS is woefully underpaid.
Most if not all EMS personnel choose to promote
to the Rank of Firefighter. They need equal pay so
the job will be more appealing, and they will stay and
eventually become Paramedics, another increase in pay.
Also, the issue concerning Cross Training, when a member who has been
in EMS promotes to Firefighter. When that member goes back to
EMS he only learns about CFR-D training. They need to change
that and have them have refresher courses in EMT and Paramedic
Training.
The FC was asked about the New List. Currently there are 200
probies left in the class which started at 400. This was an experiment
to have a larger class. He was unsure of when the New List would start.
A question came up about the 68 boxes of Health Data that
had just been recovered. He wasn't sure of the details, but he stated
that it was a shame because if that data was available it could
have helped someone from dying, and to that it was a disgrace.
Thanks to the RMA for allowing me to say Goodbye...
(A standing ovation followed for the Commish)
We took a short 10 minute break, after which Jimmy brought up
some other issues.
He reminded all of the demise of Lt. Mark Dzieman who is still
in a coma after suffering a heart attack at a job.
Anything you can donate to help Mark and his family is greatly appreciated. Go to this page to help>Upcoming Events Page<
Jimmy then asked members to donate to
11/25/25 MINUTES CONTINUED
The next issue on the agenda was all about the Medicare Disadvantage issue,
of which Maryanne Pizzitola is heavily involved with. There are a few lawsuits still going on, so Donations to her organization is greatly appreciated.
Click here to donate: Donation Form
Now even though you are currently paying a co-pay when you visit
the doctor, please keep your receipts for that payment, because
you may one day get that refunded back to you. That issue is still in
litigation. Marianne stated that nothing major will change in the near future.
Jimmy then did a roll call of Executive Board Members present and thanked all for their hard work. He told everyone of our great website and NEWSLETTER. He mentioned that 3 new members joined tonight.
MIKE O'KEEFFE then told everyone about the
Homeless Shelter in the Bronx which is ran by Mike Donlon. They have
secured parking and the security is tight, so if you want to help,
Call Mike at (917) 733-4664. Mike also reminded us of the statue
destined for Fort Totten which is a go by all except the
Parks Dept. The Parks Dept. is the only Roadblock to this issue...
Tommy Chang then spoke about the Fire Riders, to urge
members to buy a chance. Go to NYC Fire Riders MC - New York City Fire Dept, Motorcycle to donate...
Jimmy reminded all of the Burn Center Outing to be held at the:
Welcome to Plattduetsche Park | German Restaurant, Events and Catering
on Monday Dec. 1st, 2025 from 7-10pm. $80.00 Donation p/p
Jimmy then gave up the floor to Lt. Joe LaPointe:
A standing ovation greeted Joe who recently retired just 2 months ago.
Formerly a member of Ladder 114 and an Officer in the 40 Bn.
Joe went on to "invent" the Ceremonial Unit after 9-11.
Jimmy then gave up the floor to Lt. Joe LaPointe.
Joe received a standing ovation and much deserved, after all
he invented the Ceremonial Unit after 9-11.
Chief Nick Santangelo summoned him to help with this
Monumental Task. Arranging Funerals & Memorials
and giving each member the proper sendoff.
He applauded all for the good turn outs at each service.
Rabbi Potasnick was an inspiration to him as well as the
interim Chaplains. The Funerals go on, 413 so far since 9-11-01.
He credits Dominique Joseph from the Family Assistance Unit
with her hard and loyal work. She continues to help all
of the families affected by 9-11.
High praise for the Fire Family Transport Foundation
A new way to identify a member who has succumbed
from the effects of exposure to 9-11 dust:
"65-3" WTC Related death, he/she gets a 9-11 Funeral.
(If you think that your loved one died as a result of
exposure you may request an autopsy to prove it)
Currently in the Ceremonial Unit, there are 400 members.
All of the new personnel are doing a great job.
He praised Commissioner Tucker for his help with the CM.
Joe then gave up the floor to Dominique Joseph after much applause.
DJ has worked tirelessly for the last 14 years, working hand in hand
with Joe. She has worked to coordinate Cancer Treatment
of members during that time. (Tommy Chang chimed in and
Thanked her when he went thru his cancer treatments)
She made sure everyone had help with the daunting task
of going thru Chemo and Radiation. She also praised the Fire Family Transport Foundation for their coordinated efforts as well
as Doctor Kelly, Fight for Firefighters & the American Cancer Society,
She received much applause.
Joe added if you want the Ceremonial Unit at a service to
call (718) 999-7900. (On a personal note I was at a Funeral Service
for a retired BC who died at the age of 91 and the Ceremonial Unit
showed up with 5 members-quite impressive)
Joe is confident that more diseases will be added to the WTC
list. Dementia should be added soon.
There's a new wall in Metrotech for those that volunteered
in the cleanup after 9-11. Those members will be added.
The wall should be completed by May of 2026.
Joe stayed along with DJ and enjoyed the food and
refreshments. Jimmy asked all to recruit new members.
Our membership list continues to lose members each month.
We need new blood!
Bring a friend to the next meeting which will be a Daytime Meeting
on Tuesday Feb. 24th, 2026 at 11:00am to be held
at the Elk's Club 901 Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park, NY.
Our next Brooklyn Meeting will be held April 28th, 2026 at 7:30pm.
"Chows On" as Jimmy called out but not before
we selected the winners of the 50/50.
Many Thanks to Paul Mallery, our Treasurer for running the Raffle.
Three prizes were awarded: $150, $100 and $100.
Meeting Concluded.
Minutes Finally Submitted 12:30pm 11/30/25
by Bill Schillinger (Media Manager)
L to R: Mike O'Keeffe, DAC Joe Schiralli & Jim Hayhurst
Many Thanks to all Speakers at our June Meeting
.