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>

 Donation Form 

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-

APRIL 29Th, 2025 RETIRED MEMBER’S ASSOCIATION MEETING

K of C HALL 3051 NOSTRAND AVE BKLYN, NY 8:00PM

Executive Board Members present:

Pres. Jim Hayhurst, Newsletter Editor Mike O’Keeffe, Treasurer Paul Mallery, Trustee Vinnie Doherty, Legislator Bill Romaka, & Recording Sec’y & Website Mgr. Bill Schillinger

Meeting Opened at 8:00pm by Pres. Jim Hayhurst

Jim conducted the Pledge of Allegiance 

Jim then asked Joe Bryant to conduct the Prayer for All

Jim then asked for a moment of Silence for deceased members, notably

Lt. Gregory John Schmidt Engine 8(4/25/25). Jim also asked membership to prayer for Mark Dzieman (E-217) who is still in a coma after suffering a Heart Attack at a job. Mark is the Pulaski Assoc. President. 

Jim then stressed the need for more members and asked everyone at the meeting to go out and recruit new members. Jim then passed out an envelope for Building Homes for Heroes, which is in the process of building its 407th home for its next deserving wounded warrior.

He then presented at the front of the room, hats from the VFW for sale, 343 stickers and all the informational bulletins on the dais desk. He then gave an update on Board Member, Dick Webb who could not attend the meeting for he is unable to drive at night. Jim also mentioned our Chaplain Everett Wabst who is on the mend and will be returning to NY in early May, we hope to see him at our June Meeting (6/24/25).

Medicare Disadvantage Update: Jim then asked the membership to donate funding to the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees. Marianne Pizzitola who is their President has done an exhausting job of combating the city’s attempts to take away our deserved Medicare Benefit. She has defeated the city 5 times in expensive court cases, hence the need for donations to her organization. Go to our ACT NOW Page on fdnyrma.org to donate or just write a check to NYCOPSR and send to: NYCOPSR c/o JSH Accounting  PO Box 143538 Fayettevile, Ga. 30214. Marianne is also organizing a bus trip to Albany on 5/15/25 to gain support for protecting our Health Care further. She already has one bus filled and looking to get a second bus of supporters. Go to “Do Your Homework” on fdnyrma.org to help further.

GUEST SPEAKERS:

KEVIN WOODS CHIEF OF OPERATIONS

We were honored to have Kevin Woods at our meeting. Kevin in his 35 year career has seen lots of action including being a Deputy Chief in the 11th Division, the Staten Island Boro Commander and being at the helm of Operations for the last two years. He praised the Fire Commissioner, Robert Tucker and our Chief of Dept., John Esposito on the good job they are both doing. Now concerning promotions, the FDNY has made good on promotions to the upper ranks; the last class at FLIPS seeing 64 new Lieutenants & 48 Captains. The will be 16 new Battalion Chiefs in June. Also a class of Probies will be graduating on 5/15/25, 329 in all. He then said a new class will go in in May and that the current list will be exhausted. In the future they want all classes to be 343 in number. All new recruits will be in the Tier III pay class and able to retire in 22 and a half years. EMS Promotion Classes will continue and he also said the Cadet Program continues to thrive. He then informed us that the New List will start in January of 2026. Concerning the points credited to candidates; you get 10 points for Legacy, 10 pts for being a city resident and 10 points if you were a US Veteran. 

Now concerning the Rotation Program, that has been re-instated and proves to be successful. It takes probies in the field and puts them into different sections in the city, so that a member coming out of a private dwelling area goes into an H-Type area so he/she learns all aspects of firefighting. Many “Rotaters” who are in slower companies are putting in their papers for the busier companies throughout the city. This is a good sign for the job. He likes the encouragement of the new personnel. The new guys/girls are very health conscious, they clean their gear after each job efficiently and take showers. They use their wash up time efficiently. They are aware of how contaminants enter their skin; inhalation, absorption and digestion. The job wants them to wear their facepieces during overhaul and all are using the facepiece during this operation. 

MODIFIED RESPONSE

There has been a program in place for awhile of 2nd due on a gas leak responding in a 10-20 mode, well that’s out! Everyone will respond into the box unless notified by the first due Chief of a reduced response. There has been an increase in Class 3’s, 31,000 in the Bronx alone. We are looking to fix this and address it further. Kevin then broached the dining sheds that engulf the city. Restaurant owners may put them up from 4/1 to 11/30 and have to be modified to fit each block. His Dept. is also addressing the Summertime Staffing which needs to be also modified and hopefully will be run more efficiently this summer. 

“We had a busy Winter!” A cold snap saw an increase in 10-75’s and multiple alarms, there were 26 3rd alarms. Just this past Easter Sunday there was four 10-75’s. 

Members have been informed of Cancer Awareness. Again they were told to use their facepiece in the overhaul phase of each job. We all know that cancer among retirees is high, Blood Cancer which is irreversible is among their many concerns. Again the new personnel are very health conscious and continue to perform at a high standard. We are encouraged by their performances.

BRUSH FIRES

The Dept. is addressing this closely. Chief of Dept. Esposito went to Calif in the aftermath of the Calif. Fires to see how that scenario could be averted here. There are many unforeseen difficulties which we encounter at Brush Fires but we are encouraged to avert such tragedies here in NYC. 

NEW TOOLS

DRONES! The Drone Program has proved invaluable. (Also for the NYPD) it gives us a clearer picture of involved structures at jobs and helps our Incident Commander make split second decisions for the safety of our members and that’s what it is all about, “SAFETY!”. Another tool that has been used at cockloft fires is the bent tip nozzle which can be operated from the roof to extinguish stubborn cockloft fires. Another tool for the Incident Commander is the Incident Command Ap. This has proved to be an invaluable tool which can be brought up on the Chief’s Cell Phone or Tablet and can be used enroute. Also for the responding companies in the rear cabs on screens in there, the members can see three views of the building involved so as to aid in attacking the fire. Yes Technology is catching up to our Fire Operations and all resulting in a safer operation for all of our members.

CONGESTION PRICING

At the Q n A, a member asked about the Congestion Pricing Program and how it impacts on us. Kevin addressed it and said its not good for our members to incur this additional cost. He said however that Division Messenger Vans are being used to transport members below 60th street to avoid the fee. The FDNY is exploring ways to work with the city on this, a work in progress…

Kevin then got a standing ovation from the 47 strong! Kevin thanked the Board once again for the opportunity to speak at our meeting. We wished him good luck.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER WAS BONNIE STEINWOLF, an Attorney involved in the AFFF Foam Exposure Litigation.

She opened with thanking the RMA for the opportunity to speak to our Retirees concerning this important Health Issue. She’s with the Meirowitz & Wasserberg Law Firm.

Their main office is in Manhattan with many satellite offices on Long Island. (see the links following the minutes) Their lawyers represent many involved in mesothelioma, lung and cancer law suits and also for asbestos exposure from boilers. She made us aware of the recent expired law suit involving the contaminated water at Camp LeJeune. That just expired in August of 2024. Their law firm has and is representing hundreds of US Marines.

Now concerning the AFFF exposure. Many if not all of the retired firefighters at our meeting has in some way been exposed to the dangers of AFFF Foam. Remember according to our training manuals we had to keep the Foam Can properly filled and pressurized at all times. She then told us it is not a difficult task to prove you were exposed to this chemical into your body which can cause cancer, mostly liver cancer but also prostate, bladder, testicular, thyroid, and breast cancer and it can cause colitis too. They would be suing 3M and Dupont who is responsible for its content. She said the date of exposure is not important.

She informed the membership that she would stay and take personal questions, of which the membership did after Jimmy concluded the meeting.

She then thanked us again for being able to speak to all of us, the members responded with applause.

Jimmy then brought up the subject of the Part B reimbursement, to make sure everyone received it via their direct deposit accounts. He also informed the members of the IRMAA Reimbursement, a form that has to be sent in annually in May. Members approached Jimmy for personal answers concerning this. The IRMAA subject can be addressed by going to the OLR website which will be put up after the minutes have concluded here.

Mike O’Keeffe then spoke about the Special Needs Group which has its own website, again it will be put up as soon as the minutes have concluded.

A member from the audience then informed us of an event on 6/26, a Fishing Trip to benefit the FDNY Marine Corps Assn.. It goes out of Captree and costs $90.00 per person, everything included.

Jimmy then concluded the meeting, invited everyone up for “CHOW”.

Paul Mallery & Vinnie Doherty then ran the raffle and distributed the winnings.

Members had nothing but praise for our executive board present.

And so the meeting was concluded, all had a nice time. It was a nice night in Brooklyn except for the 2 hour ride home on the Belt Pkwy when I for one was greeted with a closed Belt Pkwy east at Pennsylvania Ave due to a stolen car and the shooting of the suspect. The Porsche was stolen on Pennsylvania and met its end in Brooklyn at Pennsylvania Ave. I guess that’s poetic justice! 

See you all on 6/24 in New Hyde Park at the Elks… 

[Repectfully submitted this the 30th day of April, 2025, by Bill Schillinger]

LINKS AS PROMISED:

MEIROWITZ & WASSERBERG PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS   

 FDNY SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP - Home 

 www.fdnyvfw.com

 Office of Labor Relations