Day 2 Of The 2014 PFFPNC Convention

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Day 2 ended with a powerful presentation from Greensboro Fire Capt. Sterlin Suddarth.

Capt. Suddarth was injured in the line of duty in January 2014. He was among nine fire fighters injured after a roof collapsed on a working structure fire.

“It was like a freight train hit me,” Capt. Suddarth said.

He spent weeks at Baptist hospital with seven second and third degree burns and has had four surgeries so far.

Speaking today, he emphasized to not assume anything going into a fire, encouraging all your guys to speak up if anything seems out of place and listening closely to radio traffic and changing conditions.

Prepare every day for “the call of a lifetime. I wasn’t prepared that day.”

Capt. Suddarth along with members of Greensboro Local thanked other Locals for their support following that the January roof collapse, especially Winston-Salem whose President David Pollard and other members provided around-the-clock care through visits, meals and support to Capt. Suddarth, his family and Greensboro fire fighters.

The day also included talks from IAFF President Harold Schaitberger and Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Miller. Schaitberger acknowledge how tough it is to be a Local leader and member in the state of North Carolina.

“The toughest job in the IAFF is right here at these tables,” he told the crowd. “(I) have such an enormous understanding and great respect for what you are dealing with.”

Schaitberger touched on the rough election year and emphasized they will work with all politicians but will hold people accountable for their actions. He said the IAFF is committed to fighting for the men and women in the fire fighter and paramedic professions.

The day also included recognition of two of three new Locals this year that are present at the convention, Boone and Eden. Outgoing PFFPNC President David Anders was presented with a plaque and thanked for his nearly three decades of service to the organization.

Day 2 also included presentations from representatives from the D.C. Burn Foundation.

The convention will conclude after morning business and elections on Wednesday.

Day 1 Of The 2014 PFFPNC Convention

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Day one of the 2014 PFFPNC convention is in the books in downtown Winston-Salem.

The morning started with sounding notes of support and thanks from members of the Winston-Salem city council and mayor Allen Joines.

PFFPNC President David Anders addressed the crowd next. The outgoing leader touched on his more than 20 years experience with PFFPNC. He encouraged recruiting, not lowering membership dues and the importance of building good relationships with city leaders.

Walt Dix with the IAFF 12th District also spoke in the morning hours. He reiterated the importance of politics and backing candidates. He also emphasized Fire Ops 101 and encouraged all locals to get involved.

Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette addressed the crowd before lunch with a touching story of Capt. Scott Bowen, who died in the line of duty in July 2011. Chief Burnette talked about the lessons learned from the incident and how the department has changed and improved since. He pointed out six areas that all departments should work to improve:

  1. Air management
  2. Staffing
  3. IMT
  4. RIT
  5. Mayday training
  6. Health and wellness

Following lunch, members of the D.C. Burn Foundation spoke, sharing stories of survival and how to get involved with the Burn Center.

The day ended with nominations for office. All district vice president candidates were nominated unopposed and voted in to office. The following DVPs were named:

  • District 1: Scott Mullins
  • District 2: David Pollard
  • District 3: Keith Wilder
  • District 4: Frank Conklin
  • Charlotte: Marty Puckett

For position of PFFPNC President, two candidates were nominated: Donald Ragavage and Tom Brewer. For PFFPNC Secretary-Treasurer, two candidates also were nominated: Richard O’Brien and Josh Smith. Nominated for Trustee were Curtis Collins and Joey McIntyre.

The day recessed at 5 p.m. and will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Captain Eric D. Lacewell Of Wilmington IAFF Local 129 Passes

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Wilmington Fire Figther Captain and IAFF Wilmimgton Local 129 member Eric Lacewell passed away Nov. 4, 2014, from complications of an injury he received on duty three years ago.

Capt. Lacewell was a Brother, friend, father and husband. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. Capt. Lacewell fought a long, hard battle with his injury taht paralyzed him from the neck down, but he never lost his smile and never lost his faith.

Wilmington Local 129 said this on their Facebook page:

“We are not saying good bye for Capt. Lacewell will always be in out hearts, thoughts, and souls. He was the true meaning of what brotherhood is about. You will be missed but never forgotten!!!!!!!”

Capt. Lacewell was laid to rest on Monday, November 10, 2014.

Expressions of sympathy or condolences for the family or the local can be sent to IAFF Local 129, P.O. Box 15185, Wilmington, NC 28408-5184.

Guilty Plea Accepted In Death Of Local 673 President

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This past February, IAFF members in North Carolina were shocked when they heard the news that a hit and run incident had killed Todd Martinez, President of IAFF Local 673. 

This past Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, a guilty plea was entered by Andrew Barham of Reidsville who struck Todd on his bicycle. Judge Joseph Craig ordered that Andrew Barham serve four months behind bars followed by 48 months of probation.

Todd and his wife Melanie Harless were riding their Bicycles when Todd was hit not far from the Martinez’s home. Todd is survived by Melanie and two boys, ages 12 and 14.

Our prayers and thoughts will continue to be with Melanie and the other members of Todd’s family.

Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association Donates Much Needed Food To Salisbury’s Homeless

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The members of the Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association are helping to make it possible for Rowan Helping Ministries to provide meals for citizens in need. 

On Friday, Aug. 8, members of Salisbury Local 2370 delivered supplies to Rowan Helping Ministries. Fire fighters unloaded several truck-loads of canned goods to help restock the ministries’ food pantry.

“The fire fighters are always here to serve us during emergencies, but the fire fighters in this community are stepping up and serving beyond their call of duty,” says Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Mrs. Kyna Grubb.

The Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association has adopted this worthy organization in the city after reading about the need for more food at the shelter.

“We read about the needs of the ministry in the Salisbury Post and immediately knew we needed to serve those in need,” says Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association President Chris Haynes.

The Fire Fighters Association is challenging everyone in the city to step up and do whatever you can to fill this need.

“We are in need of all food, but especially canned and dried beans, canned corn and vegetables, and canned meats,” says Mrs. Grubb.

A small group of men and women cannot answer this need alone, we have to work together.

“The success of this community is solely based on what we as a community step up and do today and the fire fighters want to be a part of making a difference!” says Haynes.

About SPFFA: The Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association represents over 30 local firefighters, both active and retired, in their efforts to take a pro-active approach to fire safety and community services throughout our area. Through the generosity and support of the community and hard work of its members, SPFF is able to give back to the community through local projects. Like us on Facebook (Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters)!

 

About Rowan Helping Ministries – Rowan Helping Ministries is a continuation of Rowan Cooperative Christian Ministry, a ministry begun in 1967 by several of Salisbury’s downtown churches.  Their programs include: the Overnight Shelter, Soup Kitchen, Clothing Center, Food Pantry, Crisis Assistance Network, Transitional Housing Programs, Rowan Helping Ministries-West, and New Tomorrows. We have a full-time staff of nineteen and a part-time staff of twelve. We rely on 45-50 volunteers daily, and without them, Rowan Helping Ministries wouldn’t be possible.  Rowan Helping Ministries is located at 226 N. Long St. in Salisbury, NC. Like us on Facebook (Rowan Helping Ministries)!

Asheville Local 865, IAFF Can Be Proud Following North Carolina Legislative Elections

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It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Democrats in North Carolina on Tuesday. Asheville is the state’s silver lining. Democrats and Asheville Local 865 supported candidate Brian Turner (pictured below with Local 865 member Matt Ballance) pulled off an upset over incumbent Republican Representative Tim Moffitt in NC House District 116.

Moffitt was a co-sponsor of a bill with Rep. William Brawley (R) from Mecklenburg County designed to strip fire fighters and paramedics’ rights to dues deduction. Currently, city and county administrators do not have to do dues deduction but Moffitt did not want local governments to have a choice. Moffitt was also a co-sponsor of a bill with Speaker Thom Tillis (R–Mecklenburg) that would have transferred all the public employee anti-collective bargaining laws to the North Carolina State’s Constitution.

Asheville Local 865 President Scott Mullins and Association members spent months campaigning for Turner. Efforts included calling voters, publishing ads in the local newspaper, social media posts, word of mouth, T-shirts and simply getting as many Local members involved as possible.

“Buncombe County voters got out and voted and we helped do that,” Mullins said.

Members of Asheville Local 865 worked the polls across the county Tuesday. Mullins said he worked a four-hour slot alongside a state representative. Working the polls opened doors for Local members to talk to community members, council members and representatives not on the ballot that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Turner defeated Moffitt with 52 percent of the votes, or 13,236 votes, compared to Moffitt’s 48 percent or 12,273 votes.

If re-elected, Moffitt was most likely going to be named Speaker of the House. In addition to sponsoring a bill that would have stripped fire fighters and paramedics right to dues deduction, Mullins also said Moffitt’s record includes actions detrimental to the city of Asheville including taking the water system and airport from the City and transferring them to private run entities.

Beating Moffitt wasn’t just about Asheville politics, Mullins said. Had Moffitt won re-election, his template for weakening municipalities would’ve been followed by other legislators across the state and would have negatively impacted professional fire fighters safety, compensation and retirement benefits.

This is a larger victory than many people realize since the legislative House districts had been gerrymandered to give legislators like Moffitt an unfair advantage in an election.

Another close race and victory in the western part of the state was in NC House District 115, Mullins said. Democrat John Ager defeated incumbent Republican Nathan Ramsey.  Ager had 51 percent of the votes, or 15,452 votes, to Ramsey’s 49%, or 14,959 votes.

The past two years was Representative Ramsey’s first term in Raleigh but he quickly became a rubber stamp for all of the legislative mischief from Moffitt and other House leaders.

At the end of the day, Republicans continue to control both the State House and State Senate. Democrats did make strides as there are three more Democratic seats in the House, 46, and three less Republicans, 74.  In the State Senate, Democrats gained one seat, now with 17 as opposed to 33 GOP seats.

Across the state, PFFPNC Locals got behind pro-firefighter and paramedic candidates through various methods including social media posts and word of mouth.

Regardless of your opinion as to how the elections turned out, PFFPNC Locals should be proud of going to the polls and supporting their candidates. Work will continue in Raleigh to support the rights of fire fighters and paramedics and the citizens we serve and protect.

Fire Fighters And Paramedics Give Back To NC Jaycee Burn Center

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On April 17, 2014, the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina continue their efforts to give back to the community. Throughout their careers, fire fighters and paramedics witness the tragedy of many burn victims and, in the course of their duties, often suffer burns themselves.

The PFFPNC Board decided that giving to the aftercare program of North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center was the natural thing to do. The PFFPNC E-Board traveled to the North Carolina Burn Center in Chapel Hill to present them a $15,000 check.

The PFFPNC Board approved the donation and the check was presented by President David Anders to the Center Director, Bruce Cairns, MD and Wes Googe, Chairmen of the Center’s Advisory Board. The PFFPNC Board was served lunch and given a tour of the Burn Center facilities by members of their staff.

The North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at the UNC Hospital is a 36 bed facility and is one of a few in the nation that is American Burn Association verified for adult and pediatric care.

This center is one of two in the state. Their aftercare program is second to none. They are able to boast that their facility has saved hundreds of lives and restored thousands of people, both children and adults, to lives of health and productivity.

At the same time, the Burn Center has advanced the scientific knowledge of burn care and rehabilitation. For more information, go to http://www.med.unc.edu/burn.

The donated check came from the profits of fund raising by IAFF affiliates across the State of North Carolina selling tickets to entertainment events.

The PFFPNC would like to express our thanks to FireCo, LLC. These profits would not be possible without their expertise as a fund raising Consultant and Council for IAFF Affiliates.

T-Shirt, Hoodie Purchases In Memory Of Fallen Brother Todd Martinez Support Sons

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The High Point Fire Fighters Association is selling T-shirts and hoodies in rememberance of Todd Martinez.

Martinez passed away after he was struck by a car while out riding bikes with his wife on Feb. 2, 2014.

The T-shirts and hoodies will be printed on black, carry the IAFF logo and have Fallen Brother Todd Martinez High Point on them.

T-shirts cost $15 and the hoodies are $25. Sizes XXL and XXXL cost $1 more. The High Point Firefighters Association will place an order soon and plan to have them by the end of the month.

If you would like to pre-order a T-shirt or hoodie contact Charles Wilson, High Point Fire Fighters Association President, at 336-302-7649 or email [email protected].

They will take debit and credit cards. The money raised from the shirts will be given to Todd’s sons for use for college.

READ: Obituary, Funeral Arrangements For Todd David Martinez

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Todd David Martinez, age 49, passed away on Sunday February 2, 2014 in Summerfield. Todd was born November 3, 1964 to Loretta Martinez in Clark County Nevada and grew up in Oakland and Hayward California. As a young man, he served proudly in the US Coast Guard and the United States Naval Reserves. Todd worked as a fireman and paramedic in Alameda County, California before moving to High Point, NC with his first wife Kelli. Todd started working at the High Point Fire Department as a Firefighter in 1997 and was also a part-time Paramedic with the Guilford County Emergency Services. He served as president of the International Firefighters Association Local 673 Post. 

Todd lived his life with passion and enthusiasm for absolutely everything. He was extremely dedicated to his profession and performed his duties with diligence, compassion, and empathy. Because of his devotion and commitment, Todd will have a lasting impact on so many lives. He was a humble man who never wanted or expected anything in return for his gracious behavior and commitment to society. 

Todd lived life to the fullest and had strongly held views on just about every subject. He was an ardent supporter of the Republican Party yet was also a strong advocate for organized labor and was head of a local Labor Union. Todd was a devout Catholic and his faith guided his life. He had a strong presence and influence as a faithful member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point. He fervently believed in the importance of family and has helped build the next generation of society by instilling faith, confidence, and perseverance in his children.

Todd was an amazing joker and enjoyed nothing more than making others laugh. He loved anything and everything to do with model trains, cycling, scuba/snorkeling, and hunting-shooting sports. He was well known in the neighborhood for his Halloween bonfire, a surprising activity for a fireman but at least we could be confident that the neighbors were not in danger!

Todd is now with his Heavenly Father. He leaves behind a host of dedicated friends as well as brothers in firefighting and extended families on the East and West coasts. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. He will be sorely missed by his mother Loretta, his devoted children, Bryce, Ryan, Mitchell, and Rachel, and his loving wife Melanie.

“You will be missed, ‘my love.’” – Melanie

Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday February 6, 2014, at Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Friday February 7, 2014, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point with Reverend Vincent E. Smith, OSFS as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Todd’s name to VIP for a VIP 2406 Farm Gate Road Brown Summit, NC 27214.

—- http://www.cumbyfuneral.com/obituaries/Todd-Martinez/#!/Obituary

IAFF Family In N.C. Lose One Of Our Own

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It is with heavy hearts that IAFF members across North Carolina mourn one of our own. High Point IAFF Local 673 President Todd Martinez died approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday after being struck by a hit and run vehicle while riding his bicycle.

The PFFPNC Executive Board and all our affiliates are deeply sorrowed by this tragedy. We would like to ask that everyone keep Todd’s family and High Point Local members, as well as the full Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers.