GO TO THE ACT NOW PAGE TO DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE TO HELP SECURE A HEALTH CARE BILL
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Lauren Sheets (right) stands with Executive Board Member Vinny Doherty. Lauren is the driving force in the Esoguard Testing which occured before our meeting from 4-7pm.

John Newman, President of the USMCFDNY points out a
bench which will be supported by steel from the WTC.
This monument will be placed at Parris Island to honor the
FDNY Marines killed on 9-11-01.
~~~~~
These two speakers spoke eloquently describing their
important issues. They were joined by Les Saltzman of the FF Cancer
Support Network, David Rocco, Author of FIREBOATS OF THE FDNY,
Mike O'Keefe and our own Jimmy Hayhurst.
Here are the rest of the Guest Speakers:
Les Saltzman (FF Cancer Support Network)
David Rocco (Author of Fireboats of the FDNY)
Vinnie Doherty (Retreat 10/21 to 10/22)
& Jimmy Hayhurst (President)
Jimmy addressed the 120 by welcoming everyone and thanking them for their interest in our organization. He reminded everyone present to go out and "RECRUIT". Yes that's right we need more members. (we did have 5 new members join at the meeting-Yay!) "Please Stand for the Pledge of Allegiance" was the next command, remain standing to give a moment of silence to the 343 and all who have died since as a result of exposure from Ground Zero contaminated air.
Members remained standing for the Prayer delivered by John Guarino +,
Jimmy then did a roll call of all the Executive Board Members present; Vinnie Doherty, Paul Mallery, Mike O'Keeffe and Bill Schillinger. Bill Romaka, Dick Webb and Everett Wabst could not make it, but they all sent their best...Jimmy then started passing out some envelopes for donations for Building Homes for Heroes, who will be completing their 500th home by December 16th for our disabled Veterans, after which he reminded all to donate to NYC Retirees . org
GO TO NEXT SECTION \/

Marianne Pizzitola is a fighter for all of our "Promised" Benefits. She recently won a court case that will refund any co-pays that we made from January of 2022 to January or 2023. If you received a claim form in the mail, then you are entitled to get back any money that you paid during this time for co-pay visits to your doctor. Be diligent and trace back your payments, its worth every penny you put out. She also has submitted a Bill into the City Council #1008 to prevent any City Official from denying us our Promised Healthcare. So, its time to start doing some Homework! (GO TO NEXT SECTION)
Jimmy then introduced John Newman to speak about a new monument down in Parris Island (see picture above) It will be a bench supported by World Trade Center Steel. They are raising money to complete the project with Raffles and Fund Raisers.
Go to https://fdnyusmc.org/ for more information.
~~~
Our next speaker was Lauren Sheets to speak about the ESOGUARD TESTING.
Lauren came to us to test Retired NYC Firefighters for Esophageal Cancer.
The test is simple; nothing to eat or drink 2 hours prior, come to the testing center,
which has been right here at the Elk's Club, then swallow a pill which is on a string,
then after a few seconds they pull it back up. Yes there is a little irritation in your throat,
you drink some water which they provide and then you are on your way.
Please bring your Insurance Info with you for you will be required to fill out some paperwork prior to the test. This past test held on 9/29 we welcomed walk-ins,
but in the future all will have to make appointments to take the test. Also on 9/29 one of the nurses could not make it and we had to cancel the morning and early afternoon testing. Many showed up and have since been rescheduled. GOOD NEWS:
There will be a 3rd test given on
Tuesday November 17th, 2026-FROM 10AM TO 2PM right here at the Elk's Club.
Please call Bill at 917-902-6689,
to make a dedicated appointment, no walk-ins will be allowed and don't wait till the last moment to do this. Remember Firefighters are on the top of the list to contract this deadly cancer! Now to save time and energy, please do not come if you already were diagnosed with Barretts Esophagus or you had an endoscope within the last year or you are over the age of 85. If you test positive for the test (results within 3 weeks) you will be required to
get an upper GI (endoscope).
The ESOGUARD TEST that you take here at the Elk's is just the first step in a series of
tests that you will go thru provided you test positive. So if you currently have GERD
and are experiencing problems GET THE TEST DONE! It's free and may save your life!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE: https://www.esoguard.com/
Our Next Guest Speaker was Les Saltzman of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
Les told us their motto is :
"YOU FIGHT FIRE, WE FIGHT CANCER"
FCSN helps firefighters, EMS professionals, and their families cope with cancer. It is their goal to provide occupational-cancer awareness, prevention training, and support for those dealing with cancer nationwide. Join the fight today to educate, support, and make a difference.
Les singled out Retired BC Wes Schelling for his help in making the FDNY Connection.
FFCSN is a nationwide program. It's an organization of Firefighters helping Firefighters.
Cancer Survivors are the ones helping you. They help you cope with your struggles.
Cancer is the #1 Killer of Firefighters.
A special guest speaker was introduced by Les;
An Ex Capt of Engine 3 from Franklin Square, NY-he went thru many surgeries
and is a survivor of Cancer. He stressed to all present to get the word out
about this important Cancer Network. Early Detection is the key,
so be aware of the symptons and get your tests and screenings done early!
~~~
Dave Rocco was our last guest speaker and with the help of Mike O'Keeffe
manning the slide projector put on an interesting slide show about the History
of FDNY Fireboats; The Havemeyer was the first Fireboat put into service in the late 1800's.
When future vessels were put into service they were named after NYC Mayors.
Seth Low, William Strong were put out before 1898.
Then in 1900 Abram Hewitt & Mills Fireboat saw action including the General Slocum Disaster. Later on the 1900's, 1953 to be exact The McClellan was put into service. Pier A was where these Fireboats were anchored and they responded to many Pier Fires along the Hudson and East Rivers. 1960 was a banner year for West Side Pier Fires.
Another Fireboat was born;
The McKean Smoke 2. Now we have Fireboat 343 and the Feehan.
We also have many smaller boats like Marine 6. There's also a small Fireboat
near Russo's on the Bay anchored in the Canal.
Many boats also respond to non fire related incidents.
When "Sully" put down his plane in the Hudson, Marine 1 responded.
Marine One also has a "FAST BOAT", which can get to the scene swiftly and
then make an evaluation of whether to call in the larger boats.
Many thanks to Dave for his presentation...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh wait we have one more Speaker, well its our own Vinny Doherty to speak about
a Retreat. See the Flier below.
{Raffles were distributed and winners won $300.00, $200,00 and a $100.00 prize}
[Chow was then called and the meeting was closed]
See you at our next meeting on Tuesday November 24th in Brooklyn.
Minutes respectfully submitted 12:21am 10/7/26
Sincerely,
~Bill Schillinger Retired Lt. Div. 14~

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Lauren Sheets once again spoke about Esoguard. Click on the link to read all about it. It may prove to save your life.

Michael Barasch from the 9-11 Law Firm of Barasch McGarry along with Richie Alles and Staff were very professional and informative.
After distributing a bag of goodies to all of our attendees, Mike gave a distinct talk about the many issues about 9-11 and how they affect each and every one of us. He stressed to all in attendance to constantly get checked for the various afflictions that could besiege us.
Whether it be your dermatologist to check for skin cancer, a gastroenterologist to check for Colon Cancer and problems with the Esophagus, the pulmonologist to check for Lung Cancer, the urologist to check for Prostate Problems and the list goes on and on. And above all to make sure you attend your World Trade Center Medical Annually!
He gave credit to Lauren Sheets and her test for determining Esophageal Cancer and Barretts Disease. Yes!, by all means get tested for this aggressive disease. Many did just that at this meeting and signed up for the July 28th Test.
Yes we had many incredible Guest Speakers; Lauren Sheets, Michale Barasch, Richie Alles, Marty Tighe, Sal Bianchita, Ed Moriarity, Mike Hyland and of course our own Jimmy Hayhurst. Our elite staff was also in attendance beginning with Mike O'keeffe, Richie Fuerch, Paul Mallery, Bill Romaka and Bill Schillinger. We always try to keep our membership informed, that's why it's very important to check this website often and to attend our meetings. You will not be disappointed.
Now here are the remaining minutes of the June 2026 Meeting:
Our President, Jimmy Hayhurst opened the meeting at 8:05pm with
welcoming all of the 135 in attendance and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
"It's our 250th year of Freedom, let's hear it!" remarked Jimmy.
Next a moment of silence for all that have gone before us, the 343 on 9-11-01
and the 450 since due to exposure. Mark Keller, a devout member had his
WTC Funeral in the morning. He is listed as # 450.
Jimmy then asked all to keep Mark Dzieman in their prayers. Mark suffered
a heart attack on March 17th, 2026 and has been in a coma ever since.
{CLICK HERE TO HELP MARK'S FAMILY OFFSET EXPENSES}
Recently there was a Fund Raiser for him at the NY Mets Game last week.
The tailgate and fund raiser were a tremendous success unlike the playing of the NY Mets who made 6 errors in a double header loss.
Jimmy then passed out a few envelopes for members to donate to.
#1 Envelope was for Building Homes for Heroes, of which Jimmy is a proud
supporter. They plan to build their 500th Home by year's end.
The #2 Envelope was to donate to Marianne Pizzitola's Cause to secure
our Promised Free Health Care for all retirees. Her 5 year battle continues
and so does her expenses. Click here> To Donate <
After Thanking the Executive Board for their hard work, Jimmy then informed us of Everett Wabst continuing battle with his ills of exposure from 9-11.
He hopes to be at a future meeting and sends his warmest wishes.
Vinny Doherty was also absent because of a previous engagement.
Our Sgt at Arms; Dick Webb is also battling sickness.
We wish them all well.
Our First Guest Speaker was then introduced:
LAUREN SHEETS
She thanked us for being given the opportunity to speak at our June Meeting.
She had previously been at the Brooklyn Meeting in April.
She gave a short rendition of what ESOGUARD is.
This brief Test can prove invaluable to determine if you require
further treatment for your Esophagus. It can determine if you have
Barretts Disease. She then informed all that she will be in the foyer
to sign up anyone who wants the test. It will be held at the Elk's Club, right here at this location on Tuesday July 28th. I, myself will be attending the 12 Noon session. Anyone taking the test cannot eat for 2 hours prior to the test.
She then said there are a few symptons which would qualify you to take the test:
#1 You were a Firefighter and you are over the age of 50
#2 You are overweight
#3 You have GERD and or Acid Reflux
#4 You are or were a smoker
#5 You have a Family History
If you have these symptons you are 62% more likely to develop
Esophageal Cancer. The age bracket that it hits most is 59-69.
If you are having trouble swallowing or have pain when you swallow
then you need to address this further. See your Doctor!
QnA: "Is this covered on my Insurance?"
Answer: No it is not but it's a free test, there is no charge, but bring
your Medicare Card with you, so that some pressure can be put on
Medicare to get this test qualified, the more data they have, the better it
is to get the test as part of a WTC Check-Up. You will receive
your results in 3 weeks. If you have Barretts, don't worry because it can be treated. Mark DiMaggio has it and takes the pills now.
He found out early he had it and is being treated for it.
UFA Rep. Marty Tighe said he also has it and is being treated for it.
He hopes to one day get the test at the WTC medical.
Marty then continued and informed all that the GLP-1 injection
(for Diabetes and weight loss) is now available (as of 7/1/26)
for a $50.00 co-pay. For more info on this go to: https://ufanyc.org/
Sleep Apnea is also being addressed by the UFA.
Retired Firefighters should check the UFA website for further updates.
{go to the next page to see our next guest speaker>
Mike Barasch thanked us for letting him speak to the crowd of Retirees. Mike then informed all to keep up to date through organizations like the RMA.
Read their Newsletter-its very informative, don't just read the Headlines.
Go to their website and keep up to date too:
VCF ATTORNEYS FOR THE 9-11 COMMUNITY
Mike said it was worth it with 14 trips to Wash. DC to get the
Zadroga Health Bill signed into Law in 2010. He also stated
that its worth it to keep up to date with your WTC Medical and to
have a full body scan prior to the Summer Months and then after the Summer to
detect to see if you have any skin cancer. {Go See your Dermatologist!}
Early Detection is the key! 69 cancers are now qualified for WTC Exposure.
And anyone who volunteered at the site is also covered, so tell
your friends to make the call into the Law Firm and get represented!
Mike then introduced Richie Alles to speak to the membership:
Richie started off by praising associate Briget Gormley who is from a
Firefighter Family. Her Dad a firefighter had recently passed in 2016.
{Appplause for Bridget}
Richie also told all to have friends call them if they were down there.
There still are many who haven't signed up because they have no symptons.
But be on the safe side if you ever develop symptons.
Use the WTC Health Plan to fulfill your prescriptions, the money is there
for our benefit, stop being so stoic! You're not Superman!
He said to go to Rob Brown at FDNY Heart and Lung and get tested there.
The Tests are free and they may one day save your life.
Richie further stated that the Death Benefit to your spouse if you die of a 9-11
disease is limited to 25 years from the date of your retirement.
However maybe Michael and his Firm can make a 15th trip to DC to
extend it to 30 years, since many are continuing to die from 9-11 exposures.
He then said that they are trying to get ALS, Dementia, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
on the List. His work continues. If you feel your loved one was rejected
you may ask for an autopsy to get him or her qualified for the Death Benefit.
Mike then came back on and told everyone he had Prostate Cancer but because
he detected it early he didn't have to remove it instead
he is on "Active Surveillance" and see's his Prostate Doctor frequently.
Again, Early Detection is the key!
{Go to Next Page for Our Next Speaker>
Our next Guest Speaker was Ed Moriarity who informed us to attend the Head & Neck Screening, which will be held at Memorial Sloan Kettering Koch Building; 530 East 74th Street on Friday July 30th, 2026 from 9am to 12 Noon. No Appointment is needed,
just Walk-In! The test is Free!
Many Cancers can be detected such as Throat, Thyroid, Tongue, Mouth and Laryngeal Cancers. Retiree Member Mike Hyland then came up to speak and to remind everyone to get detected early. Mike is a survivor of Throat and Neck Cancer.
He also had prostate cancer and has survived that one too.
On July 31st you can also visit the MSK Ralph Lauren Bldg.
located at 1919 Madison Ave (@124th St) from 10am to Noon for the scan.
For more info, call 646-658-9541 or go to their website: https://www.mskcc.org/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next Up: Sal Bianchita who is trying to secure a location at Fort Totten
where all of us can go and reflect on 9-11-01.
He has a Sculptor that he wants to place there, it weighs 44 tons.
There's only one obstacle denying him from having this and its someone at the Parks Dept.
He hopes he will have a change of heart soon, for the 25th Anniversary is almost here.
He has the backing of Chief Esposito and City Council Woman Vickie Paladino.
It won't cost the city any money for it is privately funded. It's a No-Brainer.
Come On, NY Parks Dept. Let There Be a Monument at Fort Totten!
Maybe everyone should ask their constituents to help Sal get this finished...
~~~~
Our Final Speaker was Enrico-he asked for volunteers to help with cleaning the headstones
at LI Nat'l Cemetery on 9/12/26.
Also he mentioned that 83 wounded vets will be coming to Rockaway on
Thursday July 9th. Anyone interested in welcoming the Vets can come to the Marine
Parkway Bridge at 5:30pm to wave flags.
~~~~
Jimmy then ended the meeting asking anyone who wanted to donate to Marianne
Pizzitola's Cause by putting money in the envelope that was passed around at the
beginning of the meeting. To donate once again,
Go to: https://nycretirees.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation
~~~~
Jimmy entered a motion for the meeting to be Closed, it was seconded.
CHOW WAS ON!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June Meeting Minutes, Respectfully Submitted at 4:30pm on Monday July 1st, 2026
To all:
Have a Great Summer, keep cool, we want to see you back in September
on Tuesday Sept. 29th, right back here at the Elk's Club...
The Brooklyn Meeting held the night of April 28th, 2026 was one of the most interesting meetings of the year. Attended by only 45 members, well they got an earful. Many Board members were there; the list included-
Vinnie Doherty (Trustee), Mike O'Keeffe (Editor), Paul Mallery (Treasurer),
Richie Fuerch (Asst. Editor) "Welcome Back, Richie", Jimmy Hayhurst (President) and yours truly, Bill Schillinger (Website Mgr.)
Jimmy started off by welcoming everyone and standing for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by moments of silence. A separate moment of silence was held for Donna Dempsey wife of Dan Dempsey who is a member of the Executive Board of the Emerald Society. Her funeral arrangements can be viewed by clicking here: Mrs. Donna E. Dempsey | Fairchild Sons Funeral Home
Jimmy then reminded everyone to recruit new members.
"We need more new members because many of our existing members are moving on to the next plateau" Please ask any of your friends to join us.
You can be our personal recruiters. Jimmy then asked for donations for Building Homes for Heroes, of which he is heavily involved with.
Jimmy then gave us an update on "Marianne Pizzitola's", continuing battle with protecting our Healthcare. She now has a bill in the New York State Senate #9945 which will protect our Healthcare just like Our Pensions are protected up there. Again she needs donations to help continue the fight. A similar bill is in the City Council #1096 with the help of Council Member Marte it will be re-introduced and hopefully be protected in NYC. The Senate Bill would protect us in New York State.
To donate to her (our) cause go to https://www.nycretirees.org/
Jimmy then mentioned that the Mayor wants to "borrow" some money from our 4 Billion Dollar Bank. "Hands Off Mayor Mondani" should be our next slogan for the mayor. Hands Off our Healthcare too. Let's see what the Unions will say...Hey did you get your Medicare Part B Reimbursement yet? Well you should have gotten it the 2nd week of April in your direct deposit account.
Also you need to register every year for your IRMAA Refund, unlike the Medicare Part B Reimbursement which you only have to register once. Yes there are refunds that are coming your way but you must register.
Part B:Next year the refund will increase from $4400 per couple to $4845.00
So go to our Medicare Page on www.fdnyrma.org and register!
~~~
The meeting continued with a bevy of Guest Speakers that included:
Lauren Sheets discussing Esogard which is a test that you take to see
if you have further damage of your Esophagus.Michael Barasch and Staff discussing the benefits of the World Trade Center Health Fund and related subjects pertaining to 9-11-01 andRob Cefoli (E-211 Retired) discussing his organization FYR Tribe.
See below for what the Guest Speakers had to say:
Lauren Sheets was our first Guest Speaker. She was there to discuss a test you can take to diagnose any damage to your esophagus by swallowing a pill which allows a small camera to take pictures of the inside of your esophagus. She was very informative in explaining this new procedure. The test does not have to be done in a doctor's office. A meeting can be arranged with a group where this could be held, say before the next meeting.
You can also go to their website and register. You will need to be a little computer savy to register for you will have to take pictures of your Insurance Cards and submit them.
Lauren is scheduled to come back to the June Meeting where she wants to get the word out to more of our members. Maybe then we can all register with her and then set up a meeting to get the test done. Through Medicare the test only costs $10.00.
To register go to: https://www.esoguard.com/
TO SEE WHAT THE TEST INVOLVES,
GO TO THIS LINK FROM YOU TUBE:

Richie Alles, pictured to the left of Jimmy Hayhurst, Michael Barasch, Lee London and Bridget Gormley, was the first speaker of the night from their firm. Richie urged all retirees to get and stay involved in a Retirees Group such as the RMA for which he had high praise. Do what Jimmy said to do and talk to your fellow retirees and tell them to join wherever they may hail from. The RMA E-newsletter is very informative and will keep you up to date with what is going on with that specific organization as well as with Barasch McGarry and your Healthcare. He also told our membership to continue to see your dermatologist to keep an eye on your skin cancer which is the number one cancer out there, "Melanoma!" See your doctors regularly, every 6 months and of course attend your WTC Physical yearly. Richie gave us the true fact regarding how long your wife would still receive your pension if you die from a World Trade Center related disease, it's only 25 years from the date of your retirement, NOT when you got re-classified-it's from your original retirement date! Also if you do get re-classified make sure its registered with NIOSH. Any ailments you have should be listed with them. When you see your WTC Doctor after your WTC Physical at Fort Totten make sure he or she lists you with NIOSH. Make sure your wife knows to put those ailments on your Death Certificate too if you should die from say "Cancer". This is imperative! (Jimmy Hayhurst also mentioned that if the husband should pass that the wife needs to re-register for Catastrophic Insurance, also your kids can get their own plan when they turn 30) For other questions Call Richie directly at Barasch McGarry (212) 385-8000...Lee London was the next speaker Lee urged any member that did not sign up to sign-up and never wave your rights.
He also re-reminded everyone to keep up to date with all of your doctors, early detection is the key in this battle. (I, personally go to see my dermatologist twice a year, in May before the summer months and in October after the summer)... Next up we heard from Michael Barasch who also urged everyone to see their doctors and to attend the WTC Annual Physical. He himself has had to battle Prostate Cancer so make sure you see a Urologist twice a year for early detection of any cancer. The blood test that you get at your WTC Annual includes a PSA Test which is a marker for Prostate Cancer. If you have anyquestions,
Call the firm! (Thank You Mike for going to Wash DC 14 times to make sure our Healthcare is protected under the WTC Bill!)


Rob returned to talk about his organization https://fyrtribe.org/
"FYR TRIBE" Their Mission:
OUR GOAL IS TO NURTURE A CULTURE OF EMPATHY, HEALING, AND PROACTIVE SUPPORT FOR BOTH MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF FIRST RESPONDERS AND THEIR NETWORKS
WE ARE DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING THESE INDIVIDUALS TO ADDRESS & RELEASE TRAUMA, MANAGE STRESS, AND ADOPT HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES
They have monthly workshops to battle the effects of many years of stress and trauma that we as NYC Firefighters faced over the years. The 25th Anniversary of 9-11 is one of those stress factors that we faced and carry the PTSD till this day though we may not show it, it's there deep down inside of us and any other situations that you may have faced through your long-term careers. Rob is here to help you cope with that through a procedure he calls "TRE": "TENSION, "RELEASE" and "EXERCISE". He went on to say he doesn't want to charge anyone so he is trying to raise money to keep this service free of charge. Go to the website to donate.
End of Guest Speakers, Jimmy then had the floor;
He informed us that the Job will be putting 154 names up on the Monument at Metrotech on June 9th. They will be arranged by Boro. They are the names of the members that have passed from exposure due to 9-11...
Mike O'Keeffe then reminded everyone that if you have or know someone with Special Needs to get in touch with the Special Needs Organization within the Job. Go to this website: https://www.fdnyspecialneeds.org/
The 50/50 Raffle then took place, 3 awards were handed out; $100.00, $50.00 and $50.00. then Chow was called. All members remarked on how good the meeting was. See you all in June on 6/30/26 at the Elk's Club in New Hyde Park...
[Minutes Submitted 11:25am 4/30/26 by Bill Schillinger]