Statesville Local 3137 Donates 50 Coats To Kids
Approximately 50 Iredell County children, and around 350 others across the state, will not worry about staying warm at the bus stop or playground this winter thanks to the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association of North Carolina.
Statesville Professional Fire Fighters Local 3137 donated its portion of the coats to Yokefellow Ministry. A donation presentation was held at Yokefellow Ministry, 1292 Shelton Avenue, Statesville, at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
“The association thought this is a great idea and opportunity to provide to children in need in our community that we are proud to serve with something they could benefit from immediately,” said Statesville Professional Fire Fighter Vice President Brandon Wiggins. “As fire fighters and citizens that live in and around this community, we want to see our kids in warm coats. It’s an honor knowing that we are able to provide American-made coats to kids in need this winter.”
Neil Furr, executive director for Yokefellow Ministry, said the coat donation is a blessing, especially this time of the year, because so many families are struggling to pay higher utility bills and put food on the table. Furr also hopes the Statesville Professional Fire Fighters’ donation inspires others to help needy families in the community with warm clothes, food and help with utility bills.
“We see kids come in with bad coats or no coats at all,” Furr said. “Many are going home to houses that are drafty and might have to wear coats at home. It’s essential these kids have coats. With most donations, we don’t really get to pick out sizes we need, and we don’t get many new coats. With the holidays here, this is just a blessing.”
PFFPNC and its statewide local associations are active participants in Firefighters Coats for Kids, an outreach foundation that provides never-worn, American-made coats for children in need. Firefighters Coats for Kids is part of Operation Warm, a national non-profit organization that addresses the need of children living in poverty in the United States with new coats.
PFFPNC 2013 Convention Day 3
The 2013 PFFPNC Convention wrapped today at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. The day mainly revolved around resolutions.
Delegates approved to adopt a resolution that was introduced this morning by Asheville Local 865 and Winston-Salem Local 682 to establish the Frank D. Stevens Training Division. The Training Division will plan, schedule and execute training programs on topics important to PFFPNC and its members. It will establish rules and methods of applying for and awarding scholarships to locals for the purpose of attending PFFPNC or IAFF sponsored educational classes.
A resolution to adopt a PFFPNC Executive Board per diem increase also was approved, as well as a resolution that E-Board members may make votes via email during urgent matters.
Members also approved of established roles of the PFFPNC president, secretary-treasurer and district vice presidents. They voted against a resolution to change the PFFPNC Rules of Order to be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.
In other matters of business, Asheville Local 865 President Scott Mullins was elected Trustee to the E-Board.
It was decided upon that Asheville would be convention host site in 2015. Winston-Salem hosts next year’s convention.
Cabarrus Professional Fire Fighters Local 3393 received a standing ovation for its great job hosting this year’s event. Convention wrapped at 12:45 p.m.
PFFPNC 2013 Convention Day 2
Everyone returned to Great Wolf Lodge Tuesday for the second day of the PFFPNC Convention.
The day began with the honor of hearing from IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger and General Secretary/Treasurer Tommy Miller. Schaitberger spoke on the stable membership numbers and the importance of continued growth. He encouraged everyone not to get frustrated with legislation, and offered IAFF’s continued support to PFFPNC. He made it clear that IAFF will not support a particular politician because of their party or the letters behind their name, but if they support IAFF.
Miller briefly touched on some financial updates that IAFF is taking to improve membership dues and budget needs. He told the crowd the organization received a perfect audit.
Morning session wrapped up with a second workshop with Attorney Travis Payne. Today he spoke on worker’s comp and grievances.
After lunch, we heard from Tom Flamm, Phil Tammaro and Lionel Crowther with the IAFF Burn Foundation. Both Tammaro and Crowther are burn victims. Tammaro was injured as a young child in a house fire, and Crowther in 2007, on duty at a house fire, in which two of his captains were killed.
“Thirty-nine years the fire, I’m still having surgery, still having to deal with it,” Tammaro said. “I was little; it’s all I know. The scars are a part of me but don’t define me.”
Crowther shared his experience and encourages Locals to have plans in place if a fire kills or injuries a member. He said the IAFF Burn Program is a new, great resource to take advantage of for education, training and support.
The day wrapped at 3:40 until 9 a.m. Wednesday.