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.