PFFPNC 2021 Convention report: Day 2
The 2021 PFFPNC Convention continued on day two with a presentation from IAFF General Secretary/Treasurer Frank Lima. The day also included an update from District 12 VP Walt Dix and a labor presentation from South Florida’s John O’Brien.
Lima talked about his first tenure as GST. He promises checks and balances, transparency and accountability. He showed members a break down of where each penny of their $15.68 or $7.84 (retirees) dues go towards.
He also thanked North Carolina fire fighters for their continued hard work, especially during the difficulty of the COVID pandemic.
“We are all in this together. We accomplish more when we unite.”
Lima was followed by Walt Dix, who gave us an update on the district as well as future events, such as ALTS coming back to in-person in January. Dix also talked about the growth of the district and North Carolina.
The 12th District has more than 38,000 members and is the third largest district within the IAFF. Within NC, we have grown to 39 locals and more than 3,400 members, with 700 of those joining just within the last several years.
South Florida Council of Fire Fighters President John O’Brien gave an enjoyable history of the labor movement. It was a good reminder that, “Everything was earned,” and we should continue the labor fight of those that came before us.
O’Brien also encouraged members to think outside of the box when it comes to organizing and growing membership, raising PAC funds and raising public awareness of the work our members do not just as fire fighters but labor members.
Some other speakers included presentations from First Responder Benefits Association, NTA Life and Center for Excellence, as well as PFFPNC Legal Council Trisha Pande. She’s been working alongside longtime attorney Travis Payne helping PFFPNC members with legal issues. She went over three cases currently in court concerning wrongful termination and worker’s compensation.
The afternoon concluded with a presentation from PFFPNC’s Josh Smith and Brian Lewis of New Frame on political updates. They went over some of our legislative goals including:
- Presumptive Cancer
- Expand Line of Duty Death benefits
- Separation allowance/expand retirement
- PTSD worker’s compensation
- Blue lights on fire trucks
- Motorcycle license plates
The success in the House and now the Senate on passing presumptive cancer shows not only growth of our presence in Raleigh but the success we are having as working on both sides of the aisle.
“We are now seen as a bipartisan organization, and we have a working relationship with those who support fire fighter issues, regardless of red or blue,” Lewis said.
The two also stressed the importance of supporting our PAC fund and promised that every dollar given is only to politicians who help us. Donate to our PAC now.
Scott Mullins finished the afternoon stressing the nuts and bolts of the presumptive cancer bill for all active North Carolina fire fighters including the fact that all cancers are covered and fire fighters will get a $25,000 lump sum for up to two cancer diagnosis. It also includes disability if you miss work because of your cancer.
Unfortunately, it’s not reactive but this is a great benefit for the future. PFFPNC Leaders and the team at New Frame have worked tirelessly to get this bill passed. It’s a victory will we celebrate for a long time, as Brian Lewis said.
PFFPNC 2021 Convention report: Day 1
The 2021 PFFPNC Convention got off to a fantastic start on Tuesday. The day included numerous addresses from our many supporters from IAFF General President Ed Kelly to NC Speaker of the House, Tim Moore.
The morning started with a State of the Union address from PFFPNC President Scott Mullins. He thanked the e-board for the extremely hard work they’ve done during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID hit everyone hard, but we fought for PPE, testing and vaccination.
We continued to work on cancer legislation, which currently is in the budget – a big thanks to Rep. Moore for his support on that. We’ve also worked on PTSD legislation and separation allowance.
We’ve added three new locals, with others in the works, grown membership across the state and offered training on political networking, organizing and communication.
IAFF General President Ed Kelly also addressed the crowd. We are so grateful to President Kelly for his support in getting cancer legislation passed. He is the first General President to walk the halls of NC State House, Mullins said. Kelly took time to talk to our political leaders in Raleigh, and we are forever grateful.
One reason for that is because presumptive cancer legislation in every state is a priority for Kelly. It is the No. 1 killer of our fire fighters. We must protect them and their families, he said.
President Kelly addressed the challenges of the last two years but said the IAFF is committed to its members and making the union stronger and better than ever with legislation, finances and taking care of our members and their families.
The keynote speaker of the day was NC State Speaker of the House Tim Moore. A crowd wearing yellow North Carolina Fire Fighters for Moore t-shirts greeted him.
Speaker Moore started his speech by asking, What can we do to make your job safer? It’s one reason he fought so hard for fire fighters in the upcoming budget, which Gov. Cooper announced today he would sign.
The new budget includes $15 million for supplemental insurance for fire fighters fighting cancer. There’s also more than $7 million to establish a pilot health program for fire fighters and additional funds for equipment.
“We went from the bottom of the nation to the top in fire fighter benefits.”
And it’s just the beginning, he said.
Rep. Jason Saine, who spoke next, added that it’s a budget we will all be proud of, and both representatives thanked PFFPNC members for working “hand in glove” to improve benefits for fire fighters.
Other speakers to round out the day included an update on the Peer Support Program from Greensboro VP Justin Price, as well as a new software developed by Wilmington’s Scott Monroe, called Essential Personnel, to assist with peer support, health and wellness. Several supportive vendors, including MDA, Spangler Restorations and Fire Fighter Cancer Network also addressed the crowd.
The day wrapped up with the start of business, including nominations for officers. Your current e-board will remain mostly in tactic. Reelected were:
- President Scott Mullins
- Secretary-Treasurer Josh Smith
- District 1 VP: Jeff Tracey
- District 2 VP: David Pollard
- District 3 VP: Keith Wilder
- District 4 VP: Ben Bobzien
There will be an election on Thursday for three available Trustees seats. Nominees are:
- Jerry Wiggins (current Trustee)
- Dave Coker
- Anthony Evans
- Tim Carpe
There were no resolutions to discuss and business was closed until 9 a.m. Wednesday.
