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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)
OUR SEPT. MEETING MINUTES 9/30/25
SCHEDULED GUEST SPEAKERS:
FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker
&
Sal Banchitta Ret. FF E-316
~~~
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jim Hayhurst, Richie Fuerch, Paul Mallery,
Bill Romaka, Vinnie Doherty, Mike O'Keeffe and
Bill Schillinger
Meeting began at 8:05pm on 9/30/25.
Attendance: 130
Location: The Elk's Club 901 Lakeville Road NHP, NY
~~~
Jimmy started us off with the Pledge of Allegiance
followed by a Moment of Silence for members that
recently passed; George Lonergan (9/27/25) &
WTC FF Aaron Clark R1
~~~
Joe Bryant then blessed us with a Prayer of Faith
Jimmy thanked Joe and went on to say we have
the best Retiree Organization around!
We are glad you could join us as he thanked everyone for coming.
Jimmy then asked those in attendance to donate to
Building Homes for Heroes. They plan to build their 500th home by the end of 2026. We need to help our Disabled Vets. They gave up everything for us, now its time to pay them back.
At this time of the Meeting, there was still no phone notification from
the Commissioner whether he was coming or not, so Jimmy gave him a
little more time.
~~~
Our First Guest Speaker;
Sal Banchitta (Retired FF E-316)
Sal is involved with bringing a Sculpture to
Fort Totten to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of 9-11-01.
The 50 ton Sculpture will be located at the North End of Fort Totten
in what is called the North End Park near the original Fort.
He said its for all of us who continue to struggle with the effects of 9-11.
It will be a place to come to and reflect on previous events.
The stone is coming from a quarry in Connecticut to its final
resting place at Fort Totten. Unfortunately, not everyone is on board,
the Parks Dept. is the biggest challenge, they don't want to allow
this to happen. Hopefully Sal and his staff will make it happen.
On the horizon is a documentary and a benefit concert once it gets
approved. He hopes it will all happen by the 25th Anniversary of 9-11-01.
He asked for any questions before he concluded.
Many Thanks to Sal!
Tick, tock, tick tock, hmm still no Commissioner and no phone call either???...
~~~
Jimmy then brought us up to date on the Medicare Disadvantage issue.
Marianne Pizzitola still needs donations from all of us to continue the fight. There are a lot of variables with the courts and still many other
lawsuits that she and her staff still have to resolve. Only time will tell.
The Health Care Bill in the City Council is stagnant. And now with the Mayor dropping out of the race and a new Mayor taking the reins,
well your guess is as good as mine.
To donate to the cause, >click here<
Recently the City and the MLC made a deal with Pre-Medicare
Retirees. Marianne said the proposed plan is not transparent enough.
However the Unions agreed to it. This plan does not effect us.
Marianne has been battling the city for the past 4 years,
so lets all help her continue her quest.
And the clock just kept on ticking for the FDNY Fire Commissioner
to show up. Jimmy then called it, "sorry guys, he ain't coming!"
Onto our next guest Speaker:
John Newman, John is raising funds for the Memorial Fund.
The fund is going to be used to erect a monument at Parris Island in
honor of the 17 Firefighters who were killed on 9-11-01, all of these
Firefighters were US Marines. John is a member of the FDNY Marine Corps Association. It will be holding its Big Bucks Cash Bonanza Raffle
on 11/5/25 at the 250th Birthday Celebration of the USMC. It will be held at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY. And yes you can attend the Party, just RSVP Joe at 631-605-1444. He will give you all the details.
500 Raffle Tickets will be sold at $100.00 each. There will be 13 winners
of the following prizes ranging from $500.00 to a Grand Prize of $10,000.00. The fee for you to attend will be $50.00.
To go to their website, >Click: ABOUT — FDNY USMC ASSOCIATION
~~~
Jimmy then brought us up to date about the 10-13 organization.
They are a very important and political organization.
To keep up to date with what they do,
Go to: NY1013.org
~~~
Mike Donlan was our next Guest Speaker.
Mike was there to sign up volunteers to help out at a
Homeless Shelter in the Bronx.
He, himself helps out the Sisters who in turn help
with the Homeless Population in the South Bronx.
He said its very rewarding to help these people.
You would start at 4am and be out of there by 7am.
For more information on this, Call Mike at (917) 733-4664.
~~~
Our next speaker was Joe Bryant. Joe was there to promote the
Capt. Timmy Stackpole Retreat at Thomas Berry Place
The Mid-Week Retreat begins on Wed. October 27th and
goes to Thursday October 23rd.
Join the FDNY Holy Name Society for this overnight retreat
at Thomas Berry Place <click
Check-in begins at 3pm on Wed, with Dinner being served at 6pm.
For all the details click on the Link above.
For any other questions call (929) 357-6700 ext: 205
~~~
Next Important Event to Consider Attending:
Join us at the New York City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Run/Walk at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island on Sunday, October 19, 2025, to support the invaluable work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Counseling Service Unit. Barasch & McGarry - Lawyers for the 9/11 Community proudly represents thousands of firefighters, many of them 9/11 responders, as well as firefighters injured in the line of duty. Every day, these heroes risk their lives to protect our communities. We have a responsibility to help them and their families in times of need.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE 10/19 EVENT AT
RANDALL'S ISLAND, CLICK HERE> About Us - Stair Climb
~~~
A BROTHER'S FAMILY IN TIME OF NEED:
FF JIMMY HALVERSEN’S FAMILY NEEDS HELP
You may remember back on January 4, 1997, Jimmy Halversen, a young firefighter assigned to L-174, was shot and killed by a thrill killer while jogging on a track near his home on Long Island. Jimmy left his wife, Rosie, and three young daughters. Since the death was non-line-of-duty, Jimmy’s family did not receive a pension. Now, Rosie is facing difficult times and needs our help. A fund has been set up through the FDNY Foundation. You can donate by logging on to www.fdnyfoundation.org/donate there, click on the list of funds and select “FF Jimmy Halversen Fund.” You may also donate by check. Make the Check out to the FDNY Foundation Fund and write Jimmy Halversen Fund in the memo. Mail to FDNY Foundation, 9 Metrotech Center, Room #5E-6, Brooklyn, NY11201.
/donate
~~~~
Leroy McGinnis and Newby Chris Jensen spoke about
Our Pensions:
Leroy spoke about "Reclassification" of which you
can do within 25 years of retirement. If you pass from 9-11 illness,
your wife can continue to get the 9-11 Pension.
After death wife or next of kin can request an autopsy to see
if you died from a 9-11 illness.
Then Chris spoke and thanked everyone for having him. He told us
that the Pension Fund is solvent and doing well, there's
23 billion in the fund with a 10% return.
Both men got much applause.
~~~
Jimmy then reminded everyone of the Upcoming
Emerald Society Dinner Dance<click
and of the Street Re-naming for Gene Kelty,
go to the HOME PAGE on this website for the whole story.
~~~
Meeting was closed, Jimmy delayed the Chow Call to draw
the 50/50 winning tickets. 4 prizes were distributed,
$300.00, $200.00, $100.00 and $100.00 again.
Next "Chows On" & The Bar is Open.
Meeting concluded at 9:05pm
~~~
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Bill Schillinger 8:10pm 10/3/25
JUNE MEETING MINUTES 6/24/25
99 MEMBERS ATTENDED THE MEETING. IT WAS A GOOD TURNOUT FOR A VERY HOT NIGHT.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
PRESIDENT JIMMY HAYHURST, SEC'Y MIKE O'KEEFFE, TREASURER PAUL MALLERY, TRUSTEE VINNY DOHERTY & of course yours truly> WEBSITE MGR. BILL SCHILLINGER
Jimmy started off by welcoming everyone who showed up on this one of the hottest nights of the year. Almost 100 total members. A night in which we saw almost 10 new members.
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was observed followed by a moment of silence for all recently departed especially Bobby Checco. Please also keep in your prayers Mark Dzieman who is currently in Re-Hab after suffering a Heart Attack at a job in Brooklyn. His Go-Fund Me Page continues to thrive. Before the members sat, Jimmy remarked about our Military and the recent operation carried out against the IRAN Nuclear Facilities....
Jimmy then informed the membership that he was passing around envelopes for members to give to Building Homes for Heroes. Their quest is to build 50 homes by years' end and complete and finish 500 total homes by the end of 2027 since their inception.
Our first Speaker was then introduced due to Time Constraints.
"ROB BROWN"
Rob is the driving force in promoting the FDNY HEART AND LUNG organization. It was started in 2002 to treat the effects of the 9-11 exposure. It has blossomed into one of the
premier post 9-11 Health Care Associations.
"WE WANT YOU TO STAY ALIVE" was Rob's opening line.
The clinic located at 1165 Northern Blvd
Suite 400 Manhasset NY 11030 and affiliated with St. Francis Hospital has been detecting
numerous health care issues for all of the brothers & sisters.
"A comfortable enviornment, come on down!" Early detection is the key, says Rob.
The 3 main areas that they concentrate on is Cardiac, Pulmonary and Dermatology.
Blood Pressure, Asthma, and Skin Cancer are looked at intensely.
Diet & Exercise is prescribed as well as making recommendations to see Specialists if you have any afflictions.
They have teamed up with Dr. Jeff Stahl MD FACC, A Past Chairman of Cardiology St. Francis Hospital.
Their website explains everything and also how to make an appointment.
Every Friday Doctor Weidman, a Certified Board Pulmonologist sees on average;
20 members both active & retired for breathing issues.
It's a most efficient process to detect an early issue.
Now to create an even friendlier place, they are installing a "Fire House Kitchen".
Just like the one you were used to, to sit around and feel comfortable voicing your opinion and yes having Bagels & Coffee.
Since the beginning of the year 1-2 FF's per week have been diagnosed with blockage in their arteries and then those members have received a stent.
There can be times when no symptons are noticed and then you wouldn't think anything was wrong but thru their process and testing they are finding out that these
blockages are present and then a stent is inserted. So Rob says, "Get it Checked Out!"
CALL (516) 741-7614 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!
QnA: Billy Carlson asked about SLEEP APNEA.
Rob answered, that those with Sleep Apnea do not know they have it, however your wife may be able to detect it. The best way to detect this is to reach out to their office. You may be recommended to participate in a Sleep Apnea Study. If you are experiencing this your oxygen level is depleted because you are not experiencing REMS SLEEP. In REMS SLEEP your body recharges which makes for a better night of rest where you can re-charge.
Come to the office so they can help you, don't let a little problem become a BIG PROBLEM!
GET THE TESTS DONE!
Rob received much Applause.
~~~
Our next Guest Speaker came out of the Bullpen because Commissioner Robert Tucker could not make it. City Wide Tour Commander & Deputy Assistant Chief Joseph Schiralli got the call and did a great job filling in.
DAC Schiralli started off by praising Rob Brown for the work he has done in promoting prevention of Heart & Lung Issues for all of the members, both active and retired.
He also reminded all present at the meeting to send in their Verification of Life Letter if requested.
An Update on the Private Dwelling Lithium Battery Fire was given to us. Chief Schiralli informed us that the Firefighter who was in Critical Condition is now breathing on his own and expected to make a full recovery. He was given a special treatment called
"HYDROXYL" and is now making good progress.
The Chief then turned his attention to what was going on with terrorism. Since the attack on Iran, heightened security is going on at the NYPD and also at the FDNY.
All mobile phones have Apps on them to report any suspicious activity and to view those activities throughout the city.
PROBIES!
326 are in class now, 366 have graduated at the end of May. The next class will be in the Fall of 2025, the new number will be 343 from now on for the class size.
Concerning the Rotation Program, the new standard will be to keep the rotating Firefighter in his own area and not send him or her all over the city.
MODIFIED RESPONSE
Just as Kevin Woods said at our last meeting, 2nd due will go with lights & sirens to gas leaks-thats a change. In the future they will send 1, 1 & 1 to these situations.
DRONE PROGRAM
This valuable tool has proven to be a real winner, especially at Beach Responses, to locate a drowning victim. It can also perform Thermal Imaging into Buildings from the sky.
Another great enhancement for fighting fires.
NEW MASK PILOT PROGRAM
The three types of masks that the job is looking at are: The Scott Mask, which we use currently, The MSA Mask and the Drager Mask.
Multiple Boros are involved in rating these masks. Questionaires are being filled out after their use. The data will be an invaluable tool in determining which mask we will use in the future. So far, the members prefer the MSA.
The Drager Mask is used extensively in Europe, its lighter, clearer but not as sturdy as the MSA. NIOSH will be in charge of the Certification Process.
BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR THE LT. TEST
The "Job" is coming out with a 3,000 page booklet of study material for the next Lt's Test. The Upper Ranks want the new Lt's to concentrate on certain areas of the job, hence the new bibliography.
NEW CONCERNS:
Cancer is a major concern of the New Firefighting Classes. In the field many if not all are taking advantage of cleaning the turn out coats immediately after a job. Also the members are being told to continue to wear their masks at the OVERHAUL PHASE of the fire. This is where CO Levels are highest at a fire. The 1st due Chief is responsible for members heeding this warning.
The EMT Problem; the job continues to lose EMT's due to promotions to the FDNY.
if you do not live in the city you do not get the extra points, so to get on the job they become EMS. The new suggestion is that those in EMS have to stay in that rank for four years and then they would be allowed to take the promo test to be become a Firefighter.
The bottom line on this is that the FDNY & EMS need to merge, which should have been done from Day 1.
Chief Schiaralli had to take a phone call from FDOC and was informed that a member of Engine 219 was exhibiting chest pains. He then told us that he gets two of these notifications per week.
Congestion Pricing: In the beginning of this, over 2000 members were complaining and it was just an awful mess. Since then, it has died down. Data is being collected to solve this problem. Messenger Vans in the 1st Division are still being used efficiently to help with this debacle.
END OF SPEECH-MUCH APPLAUSE FOR THE RELIEF PITCHER! Thanks Joe!
~~~~
Jimmy then reinerated to all, the need for the proof of life paper that the job requires, "SEND IT IN!"
The Jimmy talked about Marianne and on how she saved us from 4 years of Medicare Disadvantage. He implored all members to check this website's ACT NOW & DO YOUR HOMEWORK pages to help pass a bill in the City Council #1096 which would prevent any future politician from screwing with our Promised Healthcare.
Now even though the Higher Courts ruled in favor of the City, the City "AT THIS TIME" has chosen to not enforce the Medicare Advantage Plan on its seniors. Also there are 12 more arguments that need to be discussed about Medicare Advantage, so the fight isn't over yet. Also the Higher Court actually kicked it back to the Lower Court for a decision.
Marianne has requested more funds to continue the battle, so click on>
to Donate. Thanks to all members that have already donated.
NEW BUSINESS
Tom Reilly advocated for members to help the Widow of Jimmy Halversen.
Jimmy if you recall was killed as he ran around a track at a local High School.
Since then his widow has had to endure increasing bills. He had no life insurance and only received 3 years back pay. They have had countless fund raisers for his wife.
If you wish to donate to the JIMMY HALVERSEN FUND
Make Check Payable to the FDNY FOUNDATION
and send to:
The FDNY Foundation
9 Metrotech Center
Room #5E-6
Brooklyn, NY 11201
In Memo on your check write: FF Jimmy Halversen Fund
Tom then said, "On Behalf of Rosalie & her daughters & Snyder Island-
THANK YOU!
~~~
Ed Moriarity then implored all members to attend the:
HEAD AND NECK EXAMS AT SLOAN KETTERING ON JULY 24th AND 25th MSK is once again providing free head and neck screening. No appointment is needed. The first opportunity is on Thursday, July 24 from 9am-noon at the MSK Koch Building at 530 East 74th St , near the FDR Drive. On Friday, July 25 from 10 am to noon the exams will be given at the MSK Ralph Lauren Building at 1919 Madison Ave (East 124 St). Many different malignant tumors can develop in the head and neck area. These include, but are not limited to, throat, thyroid, tongue, mouth and laryngeal cancers. According to the MSK website, heavy alcohol and tobacco use have been linked to these cancers. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) has also been implicated. Early detection and treatment provides the best chance for a cure. For more information, visit mskcc.org or call 646-551-5245
END OF NEW BUSINESS
RAFFLES WERE DRAWN by Paul & Vinny
Jimmy Called Chow...
MEETING ENDED AT 8:55PM
-Minutes Respectably Submitted by Bill Schillinger 6/26 1245hrs-
L to R: Mike O'Keeffe, DAC Joe Schiralli & Jim Hayhurst
Many Thanks to all Speakers at our June Meeting
.