Day 3 Of The 2014 PFFPNC Convention
Day three of the 2014 PFFPNC convention wrapped up Wednesday shortly after noon following a morning of business.
Among the discussion was the announcement of the PFFPNC elected executive board members for the following two years. Here are your newly elected officers:
PFFPNC President: Tom Brewer, Local 660 Charlotte
PFFPNC Secretary-Treasurer: Josh Smith, Local 3137 Statesville
District 1 Vice President: Scott Mullins, Local 865 Asheville
District 2 Vice President: David Pollard, Local 682 Winston-Salem
District 3 Vice President: Keith Wilder, Local 548 Raleigh
District 4 Vice President: Frank Conklin, Local 1867 Greenville
Trustee: Curtis Collins, Local 3393 Cabarrus County
It was reported that 21 Locals participated in the voting process with 2,122 total votes.
Also discussed were several resolutions. Among those that were approved included developing an EDF policy; making fire fighter and paramedic separation pay upon retirement a legislative priority; and amending the PFFPNC Constitution that would allow for the Resolution Committee to be a closed committee and that all committee members adhere to the Resolution Committee Rules and General Guidelines currently in the constitution and by-laws.
A late-filed resolution that also was approved was for the PFFPNC board to make legislative effort for a bill setting guidelines for obtaining an IAFF-affiliated license plate for members and honorary guests.
Among the resolutions that failed included Voluntary Forfeiture of IAFF Charter and encouraging Local political participation.
During the business meeting, Wilmington and New Hanover Locals asked and were approved to host the 2016 convention. Next year’s convention will take place in Asheville.
This convention was the last that David Anders severed as president and Richard O’Brien as secretary-treasurer. Both have served PFFPNC for decades and their dedication was honored and recognized on many levels.
Day 2 Of The 2014 PFFPNC Convention
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
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:
- Air management
- Staffing
- IMT
- RIT
- Mayday training
- 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.