Lincolnton Professional Fire Fighters Association Donates Nearly 70 Coats To Area Children
Nearly 70 students at Battleground Elementary School received a special surprise from the Lincolnton Professional Fire Fighters’ Association in mid-November. 
Jeffrey Hurt, president of Local 4866, along with other members of the association, came to the school with boxes of brand new winter coats to hand out to students as ambassadors of Operation Warm.
Operation Warm is a nation-wide project that provides new coats to children in need. These high-quality coats are Union-made in America. The project not only serves to provide coats to children but also to create American jobs.
“These coats don’t just provide warmth to children,” said Battleground’s school counselor Kennan Eaddy. “They give them a sense of community, confidence and belonging. Many of the students haven’t taken their coats off since they got them. They call them their ‘firefighter coats!’”
To date, Operation Warm has given new winter coats to over 1.7 million children throughout America and beyond.
“The coats are purchased with the money we collect throughout the year through our fundraising concert ticket sales,” said Hurt. “Working with operation Warm and the International Association of Firefighters gives us a chance to give back to the community that we serve and protect.”
A brand new Operation Warm coat gives a child new found freedom and confidence to play more, learn more and do more.
To donate or learn more about the Lincolnton Professional Fire Fighters Association’s partnership with Operation Warm visit www.operationwarm.org/lincolnton.
Fire Fighter, Statesville Local 3137 File Suit Against City Manager, Assistant City Manager
Statesville Fire Fighter Scott Butler and Statesville Professional Fire Fighters Association have filed a suit against the city manager and assistant city manager asking the city’s leaders to allow Butler his right to a Civil Service Board grievance hearing, which has been denied to him following his failure to receive a promotion.
In a suit filed in Iredell County Superior Court, Butler and Statesville International Fire Fighters Association Local 3137 are asking for a mandatory injunction to direct Lynn Smyth, assistant city manager, and Larry Pressley, city manager, to grant Butler’s grievance be heard in front of the Civil Service Board. Under the City of Statesville Charter, specifically Article V, Section 5.5, employees have a right to bring their grievance before the Civil Service Board. According to the charter, grievances include promotions, demotions, suspensions and terminations of members of the fire and police departments. Butler, a veteran of the fire department since 1992 and a member of Statesville Local 3137, applied for a deputy chief position in October 2014. He successfully completed the promotional process, but in June 2014, the position was filled by an outside candidate. Butler has since requested his denial to this promotion be heard in front of the Civil Service Board multiple times over the course of the last year. All his requests have been rejected.
In the suit filed, Butler and Statesville Local 3137 are asking for a preliminary mandatory injunction directing the city manager and assistant city manager to allow Butler to present his grievance regarding the failure to be promoted to Deputy Chief to the Civil Service Board as required by the Statesville City Charter. The suit also asks for a permanent injunction directing the city manager and assistant city manager to abide by Article V of the City Charter and allow fire fighters to file and pursue grievances before the Civil Service Board as to all matters of concerns set out in Sections 5.5 and 5.14.1.
“As president of Statesville Professional Fire Fighters Local 3137, we regret having to go to this extent to get results,” said John Perry, Statesville Local 3137 president. “We have a member who has applied for a position and he has a right to be heard during an grievance appeal.
“We will continue to be supportive of the Statesville Fire Department and the citizens of Statesville. They are our primary concern.”
Statesville Local 3137 is an affiliate member of the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association of North Carolina (PFFPNC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). PFFPNC attorney Travis Payne, of the law offices of Edelstein and Payne out of Raleigh, filed the suit on behalf of Butler and Statesville Local 3137.
“It is unfortunate that fire fighters have to resort to a lawsuit because city officials will not follow and respect the clear directives of the city’s charter,” Payne said. “Hopefully this matter can get quickly resolved.”
Both Butler and the Statesville Professional Fire Fighters also are hopeful for a fruitful outcome.
“We feel there has been a law broken to not allow this (appeal) to happen,” Perry said. “We want due process – due process that is already in the statute in the law.
“This is not an attack on the City of Statesville but a matter of public safety for both fire fighters and police. We have a right to appeal.”
Greenville Professional Fire Fighters, City Of Greenville Reach Agreement In Suit Filed In 2013
A lawsuit that was filed almost two years again between the Greenville Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1867 and EMS Specialist Lisa Davis-Christ vs. the city of Greenville has been settled after determined efforts from Davis-Christ, Local 1867 and Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina Association attorneys.
Among the agreements in the settlement are:
- The city agrees its employees may join and/or support any lawful fraternal, professional or other association as long as such participation does not interfere with the duties or responsibilities of the employee with respect to their work as a city employee. This includes the right of employees of Greenville Fire Rescue to join and/or support the GPFFA.
- The city agrees that … the fire chief will meet with representatives of GPFFA to discuss any concerns GPFFA may have with respect to Greenville Fire Rescue, upon written request of GPFFA … requesting no more than one meeting a month.
- The city agrees that Greenville Fire Rescue employees may participate in the MDA Fill-the-Boot campaign while off-duty. For a period of two years, the city agrees to permit off-duty firefighters to wear GFR clothing while engaging in Fill-the-Boot activities, and to permit the use of reserve fire truck in the fund-raising activities.
- … The city agrees to pay EMS-Specialist Lisa Davis-Christ the gross sum of seven thousand dollars. … The payment set forth is in comprise of a disputed claim for damages, reimbursement of costs and/or attorney’s fees.
“Being almost two years, we are glad it’s settled,” said Davis-Christ. “We are happy with the outcome, and I think we got some good points. (There are agreements in the settlement) that are good for not only the fire department, but for all city employees.
“We still have bridges to build between the city and fire department. One of our points is that we will get a meeting once a month with the Local and chief. That’s never happened before. We are hopeful we can work together.”
The suit was filed in August 2013. Davis-Christ stated the city violated her constitutional rights. Greenville Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 1867 also filed as a plaintiff in the suit. Davis-Christ and GPFFA stated the city was trying to “weaken and destroy the GPFFA”, and it resulted in unfair punishment toward Davis-Christ, the vice president of the association, that most likely caused her not to qualify for a promotion to lieutenant.
PFFPNC attorney Travis Payne of Edelstein and Payne out of Raleigh represented the case.
“The faith in the International (International Association of Fire Fighters) and their backing is the reason was possible,” said Davis-Christ. “This couldn’t have happened without their support both financially and backing of us.”
Fayetteville Local 1873 Plays Large Role In Department Getting Raises, Bonuses
For the first time since 2000, Fayetteville fire fighters will see either substantial pay raises or bonuses after a hard-fought battle with the Fayetteville City Council.
Fayetteville Local 1873 was in the forefront of the battle, in particularly by starting Fire Ops 101 to educate its elected officials.
Throughout the last few months, members of Local 1873, as well as the department, stayed strong and mature as city council questioned how hard the fire fighters actually worked and why they deserved pay increases.
“We are very passionate about what do,” said Frank Kocsis, president of the Fayetteville Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 1873. “The statements we heard from our bosses were very hurtful … But we knew we had to react in a positive way, which was very difficult because we had to take the emotion out of it.”
Fayetteville City Council approved a general fund budget on Monday, June 8, that includes a plan for pay raises that lower-ranked fire fighters and new hires can expect to see over their careers. Some fire fighters will receive upwards of a five percent increase in pay, while everyone will get no less than two percent. Ranked captains up to chiefs will get bonuses ranging from $500 to $1,000. The approved budget also included a one percent city contribution of employees salaries to their 401K – a first for the city.
Since 2006, the Fayetteville Police Department has had a more generous pay step plan, according to local media. Also in 2009, police officers received pay raises while fire fighters got nothing.
The battle with the city council was not without drama and often included snippy shots from the city council. However, under Kocsis’ leadership, members of Local 1873 and the department took the high road and were able to get their message across while staying mature.
“Often times our Chief’s hands were tied, so the Union stepped up to educate elected officials on the job we do,” Kocsis said. “We offered Fire Ops 101 to city council to educate them, and less than a week after it started, the statements of inadequacy stopped.”
In addition to the pay increases, the department got a public apology and one council member praised fire fighters for their professionalism.
President Tom Brewer and District 3 Vice President Keith Wilder represented the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina by attending a city council meeting with the department. Wilder also assisted in helping Fayetteville start Fire Ops 101.
Brewer said it was inspiring to see nearly 100 fire fighters, their spouses, kids and retirees attending city council meetings in a show of solidarity.
“The members of the Fayetteville Local and fire department show what can happen when we stand together and get active,” Brewer said. “I am tremendously proud and inspired by everyone coming together. Hopefully Fayetteville can build on this, and we can all learn from this.”
The ordeal, while not over, is a success and example of achievement. Kocsis thanks fellow Local 1873 members and PFFPNC Locals and E-board members for their support. He was also surprised and humbled but the citizen’s support, as well.
There’s still work to be done in Fayetteville. Local 1873 plans to stay focus on getting fair compensation and benefits for all fire fighters.
“This has been 15 years in the making and it’s not going to get solved in 15 days or even 15 months for that matter,” Kocsis said. “But the people are listening to us, and we don’t want to see that door close.”
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.
Captain Eric D. Lacewell Of Wilmington IAFF Local 129 Passes
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
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.