MainLine - San Francisco Firefighters Local 798

Folsom Street Fire 4th Alarm May 5, 2011 Photo By: © 2011. Jesse Smith. All Rights Reserved

Main LIneMay/june 2011A special edition of the Main Line in tributeto Vincent Perez and Anthony Valerio willbe coming soon.Executive BoardPresidentTHomas O’connorVice PresidentDanny GraciaSecretaryJim VannucchiTreasurerShon BufordDirectorsStephen GiacaloneFloyd Rollins IIMichael A WalshKathy GilbraithTony RiveraPublisherStephen GiacaloneDesign editorAdele WhiteOn the coverFolsom Street Fire 4th Alarm May 5, 2011© 2011. Jesse Smith. All Rights ReservedDeadline for August Main Line submissions:July 22, 2011ContentsLetter From the PresidentLetter From the Vice-presidentLetter From Stephen GiacaloneDavid Scannell ClubLetter From Tony RiveraSoftballStation StewardsLetter From Mike WalshInterstation Run6912152428333640

Letter From the President“After many months of hard work and countless hours of negotiations, wehave come up with a real solution to our pending pension crisis. It will not bepainless though.“Letter From thePresidentTom O’ConnorAs we go to deadline the final touchesare being put on the “consensus ballotmeasure” regarding pension reform.After many months of hard work andcountless hours of negotiations, we havecome up with a real solution to our pendingpension crisis. It will not be painless,though. The ballot measure requiresthat we pay more “out-of-pocket” thanwe currently do, but it is money we arepaying into our own retirement. By doingso, the ballot measure ensures the continuedgood health of our pension systemfor years to come. Lastly, the ballot measurewe helped to craft does not unfairlypenalize City workers like Jeff Adachi’sdoes.Without any structural reforms, the City’spension and health costs would increaseto over $2 billion per year over the nextten years. The brunt of this cost increaseis the result of the economic free-fall wewitnessed in 2008-09. Nearly 30% of ouroverfunded pension fund disappeared.This wasn’t the fault of city workers, ratherit was the result of excesses on WallStreet. Regardless of the cause of theproblem, it is still imperative that we finda solution. This ballot measure is that solution.The basis of the ballot measure is a slidingscale contribution model. In effect, whenthe City is faced with an increased liabilityto fund the pension, the employeeswill pick up a share of that cost. There isalso a new tier created for all new hires, aprovision to help fund retiree health carecosts and a change in the structure of theHealth Service System to help find newefficiencies to reduce costs.For firefighters, the most relevant partsare:a sliding scale contribution (cost sharing)to the retirement system. Actuary expertspredict additional contributions of3-4.5% over the next 5 years.Beginning in 2016, employees throughoutthe City will contribute a percentageof salary into the Health Service Trustfund. There will be an increase of .25%from 2016 until 2019 when employeeswill pay 1%. The City will match with anadditional 1%.There will be a new tier for future firefightersand paramedics/EMT’s that willsecure long-term savings for the City. Forpublic safety workers the new pensionwill be 3% at age 58, based on the highest3-year average of pay.Most importantly, the way of calculatingyour pension, for current employees, willnot change.4 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

For most of us, the most important aspect is how much more will we be paying out of our paychecks? According to current returnsfrom the pension fund, our increased percentage payments will look something like this:(Miscellaneous 1=income of 50,000 to 100,000Miscellaneous 2=income greater than 100,000Safety=all pensions of 90%)As noted from the charts above, public safety would see a fairly notable increase in our contribution to the pension system.If we compare it to the Adachi proposal though, it is far more equitable. The Adachi proposal has the pubic safety contributionstarting out at a 10% base and then the cost sharing begins…if it passes, firefighters would be paying roughly 15-19% towards ourpension, beginning January 1, 2012.The consensus ballot measure will not be easy…we all feel the pinch of this economic downturn and our wage concessionsonly add to this pain. It is critically important though, that we take the lead in addressing responsible pension reform in order topreserve our pensions. Paying more will be difficult, but when retirement rolls around…this will be the best investment we have evermade. Just call any retiree and ask them…www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 5

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WAYS TO SAVE IN 2011TRANSFER YOURCREDIT CARD BALANCES **RATE AS LOW AS *APRSave money in 2011 by transferring balances from credit cardissuers who charge high rates and steep fees over to a fee-friendly,®low rate SF Fire Credit Union Platinum Visa.It’s quick and easy-to-do:NO BALANCE TRANSFER FEENOT AN INTRODUCTORY RATEONLINE – log-in to Online Banking and clickon "Ways to Save in 2011" for step-by-stepinstructions to make the transfer yourself.CALL US – our friendly and knowledgeableRepresentatives will be glad to do it for you.IN PERSON – Stop by the California Street or Buckingham Way branch, Monday through Fridayfrom 8:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday from 8:30am to 3:00pm.TO LEARN MORE CALL US OR VISIT US ONLINECALL CENTER & WEB CHAT HOURS 6:00AM-10:00PM – 7 DAYS A WEEK 1.888.499.FIRE(3473)Deposits in SF Fire Credit Union are insured by American Share Insurance, the largest provider of private share insurance. Each SF Fire Credit Union deposit anddoes not guarantee that depositors will get back their money. Accounts with this institution are not insured by any state government.www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 9

Letter From the directorStephen GiacaloneBrothers and Sisters,It was brought to my attention that attimes it can be a little tedious or redundantto read repetitive articles about pensionreform, etc. So, with that in mind, Iam going to try to talk about some otheritems of interest.Steve and Irene AgerAfter 30 years of dedicated service to theCity, Steve and Irene Ager are retiring.Our very own“A-Team” is finally calling it quits! Theyears of service with both DPH and theSFFD are impressive, but what is reallyspecial is that not only are they partnersbut they are husband and wife. I say thisknowing full well that there are otherhusband and wife teams within the SFFD,but working side by side, every single day,and then going home together… well, thatis truly a partnership. For a career withsuch high turnover rates and stress, theiraccomplishment is worth recognizing. Ihave been fortunate to know and workwith Steve and Irene. They are truly genuineand nice people. I certainly wish themcongratulations on their retirement. I alsohope they enjoy to the fullest their nextadventure as “partners”!Pension ReformYou didn’t really think I was going to sayabsolutely nothing? Change to the systemwas inevitable. You are all well aware ofthe political and social climate that existsregarding pensions. A proposal from laborand the mayor’s office is moving forwardand it appears to have the supportof the Board of Supervisors. The actualdocument is upwards of 240 pages butthe highlights can be found in both LotusNotes (yes, there is actually a reason tolook at Lotus Notes!) and in this issue ofthe MainLine.Fire and EMSWe had four greater-alarm fires since ourlast issue of the MainLine. To the companiesand crews that responded – a job welldone. All civilians were rescued and thosethat were injured were all treated andtransported appropriately. Unfortunatelywe also had several of our own membersinjured at these greater alarm fires. However,all of our members are now backingat work. It is also unfortunate that theMedia felt more compelled to discuss howthe residents at 1040 Folsom felt the SFFDwas not “aggressive enough”. Also, theMedia gave entirely too much credenceto the opinions of a “chief” from CalFireon HIS thoughts about OUR fire tactics.C’mon! Really!? All of this, as opposed tothe great work we did, the physical sacrificesour members made and the peopleand property we saved.As for EMS, legislation to return our exclusiveoperating rights (EOA) remains in Sacramento.It is moving along, albeit slowly.More to follow!Social CalendarMany events on the horizon! First out ofthe gate we have the 2 nd Annual SFFD BenefitShoot and All American BBQ put on bythe SFFD Shooting Club and benefitingthe Toy Program. This will be held at PacificRod & Gun Club on Saturday June 25,2011. Secondly, we will have the FarewellBBQ to Old Station 30 on Sunday, July 30,2011. Finally we will have the 5 th AnnualJohnny V Chili Cook-Off (again, benefitingthe Toys) on Saturday, September 17 th . Alwayslots of fun. As always, this scheduleof events and many more can be found onour website.It is often said in the firehouse “…youknow what the union should do…” Well,these are events that the membership“should do”.ConclusionThoughts and prayers to the families andfriends of our members who have passed.Take care and be safe,Stephen GiacaloneBarry Lo, Sean Bonetti, Steve Giacaloneand Mike Walsh were in San Carlos thismonth to support San Mateo CountyFire Fighters Local 2400. The San CarlosCity Council was looking at privatizingthe San Wackenhut Union privategovernment firm and the RedwoodCity Fire Department. Several hundredpeople wer in attendance to show supportfor localized control. In the endthe Council voted in favor of the RedwoodCity plan. This was a victory fororganized labor across the country.10 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

LAFD plans fire engine cutbackThe Daily News of Los AngelesApril 23, 2011BUDGET: Chief says changes will boost city’s ability to respond to medical emergencies.Bracing for a $54 million cut in the next budget, Fire Chief Millage Peaks on Friday announced a new plan to reduce the number offire engines in service while boosting the city’s ability to respond to medical emergencies.Peaks said the new plan, detailed in a 14-page memo released Friday, brings an end to the rolling brownouts at fire stations aroundthe city, but gives the department flexibility to respond to emergencies.“The 2011 Deployment Plan is designed to maximize service delivery under a reduced budget,” the memo to all LAFD workers said.The plan will be phased in beginning in June and take full effect by July 5.Once implemented, it will eliminate one division and two battalion offices; end service by 11 engine companies and seven lightforces; upgrade 10 fire companies to paramedic companies; and open an emergency medical service battalion office.It eliminates the staff assistant positions from seven battalion companies and renames the remaining staff assistants as emergencyincident technicians.The changes are partly to reflect the fact that demand for fire service is secondary to the medical calls the department receives. Officialshave said more than 80 percent of its calls are for medical care.Pat McOsker, president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, harshly criticized the new plan.“This is really disgusting,” McOsker said. “The mayor and the fire chief came out with a plan to permanently reduce fire companyand ambulance protection in neighborhoods throughout the city only two days after the City Council’s Personnel Committee votedto hire nine more civilian investigators.“The money they are throwing at their pet project would be much better spent keeping a couple of fire companies or ambulancesopen to protect lives. Closing fire department resources means responses will be delayed to emergencies and that means lives willbe lost unnecessarily.”The Personnel Committee action was taken to hire investigators for the voter-approved Professional Standards Division.The proposal is modeled after the Inspector General’s Office in the Los Angeles Police Department and was the result of a number oflawsuits and incidents within the LAFD.Under the new plan, emergency medical services are being elevated and a new concept of paired battalions is being developed tomake sure there is coverage throughout the city.Plans are to develop a computerized tracking system of calls to adjust deployments.In the San Fernando Valley, which is being renamed from Division 3 to North Division, five engine companies are being closed andtwo light force companies are being dropped, to be replaced with assessment companies. Also, there are a number of shifts in ambulanceservice throughout the area.The plan is expected to be reviewed by the City Council’s Public Safety Committee as well as the Budget and Finance Committee asthey review the $6.9 billion proposed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 11

BART Walkway to Ocean Ave. Geneva StationDedicated in Memory of Anthony “Tony” SaccoIn attendance: Some friends of Tony, SFFD RetireesANTHONY “TONY” SACCO DEDICATIONOn Friday, April 15, 2011, the Balboa Park (Geneva BART Station) WestsideEntrance and Walkway was dedicated to the memory of Tony Sacco.Tony had a special interest in improving the Westside Walkway to be a safeand direct route from BART to and from the Balboa community. A formalplaque (see photos) was unveiled at the ribbon-cutting, to be placed on thenew plaza when the eastside connection project is complete.Tony, graduated from Mission High School (SF) in 1943, served his country inWorld War II and Korea. He was a retired SFFD firefighter of 38 years, a Local798 Board member and past President of the Retired Employees of the Cityand County of San Francisco, the San Francisco Retired Fireman/WidowsAssociation, as well as a member of many other organizations.Tony Sacco was a husband-father-friend. He also served proudly as aparliamentarian to many groups.The Walkway dedication was attended by family, BART, MUNI and CityOfficials, SFFD (Station 15), community groups, neighbors, friends and brotherand sister firefighters. His companion pet/dog (Maxi) was missed.A special thanks to the Tannous family; Peter, Tony, Simon of Roxie Marketsfor refreshments and Ms. Molly Burke, BART Event Coordinator.Anthony “Tony” Sacco PlaqueL.R. Dan Weaver- project coordinatorRob Firmin- Plaque designerTim O’Brien- SFFD Ret. FriendLeo Martinez- SFFD Ret. FriendRetired SFFD Tim Obrien remembering TonyCutting walkway ribbon, Tony Sacco Jr stands in rearwhile city, community, federal and BART leadershipobserve, BART general manager Dorothy Dugger usinggolden scissors12 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

The David Scannell ClubDuring my time in the hospital,following my back injury, the businessof the David Scannell Club, of which Iwas president, had to go on. It was notunusual, either day or night, for a groupof my officers and directors to be engagedin knock-down, drag-out discussionsregarding some issue needing tobe resolved. I had been the instigator ingetting the firemen to affiliate with theAFL-CIO and due to Frank Blackburn andI, we became Local 789 International Associationof Firefighters. My most politicallyactive years while in the SFFD werefrom 1938 until my retirement in 1949. In1938 the department went on the ballotwith so many charter amendments thatthe people became confused and voteddown the complete packet. San Franciscovoters have always claimed it was betterto vote NO on something they couldn’tunderstand than to vote YES and then bestuck with a lot more taxes. They reallygave a NO vote in 1938.I was in the department lessthan a year when I decidedto get this ridiculous situationstraightened out.The 1930 Charter Revision Committeepresented a new charter which passedeasily. We were in the midst of the Depressionand people were panickedinto the drastic amendment which cutout most of the benefits that had beengained during the last thirty years. Thisamendment also split the fire and policedepartments into opposing camps anddestroyed the unity of purpose whichhad existed for years. The new charterretained all the benefits with few exceptionsto all newly hired men. We now hadSubmitted by John F McCloskeytwo types of firemen: Old Charter andNew Charter. I was in the San FranciscoFire Department for more than sixteenyears, yet I was still classified as a “new”man.I was in the department less than a yearwhen I decided to get this ridiculous situationstraightened out. It was easier saidthan done. I had joined the David ScannellClub, but did not attend meetings. Ifigured only a handful of new men actuallyjoined. I was ninety-third on the list andthe last one appointed, and we were inno position to bargain. Since doing nothingwas never one of my failings, I madeit a point to visit every firehouse in SanFrancisco and just feel out the attitudeof the firemen. I would stop in at a firehouseand start a discussion on most anysubject. It did not take long for me to realizethat many of the older men thoughtthat the new men had gotten “the shaft”and that the system was totally unfair.The only reason they had accepted thenew plan was to take advantage of thelongevity clause which allowed them toremain in the department after age sixtyfive.The charter had called for compulsoryretirement at age sixty-five. It alsogave them an automatic salary increaseafter retirement if one was available toactive men. A “new man” had to put in33 years of service and would receive afifty percent allowance which was frozenonce set by the retirement board. A retiredfireman would receive no raises inpay if the active men got a raise. A fireman’swidow received half of the allowancedivided between her and her minorchildren if her husband was killed in theline of duty. This was an upgrade to someextent since I retired but was not retroactiveto past widows.The Retirement System was empoweredto reduce my allowance if I earned over$110 per month on a secondary job. Veryfew people realize that the RetirementSystem is a two-way street. The city payson half of the costs and the firemen paythe other half by cash deductions fromeach paycheck. The city put in an IOUand had done so for over forty years. Inever paid less than ten dollars monthlyand it went as high as sixty dollars beforeI left.Blackburn, Callahan and I andthe other members of our committeeimmediately walked out of thechambers of the Board ofSupervisors and got on th ephoseand called every supevisor andpolitician we could get in touchwith and told them what washappening.When the men in the Department finallygot control of the David Scannell Club,which took about five years, conditionsstarted to improve for the better. In orderto gain control of the club, we persuadedone of the mot popular men under theold system to run for president. He believedin the necessity of change and didsomething about it. Battalion Chief TomWebb defeated Captain Fred Ireland andhis group of yes-men. And in a matter ofmonths, we received resignations fromthe old guard or we soundly beat themat the next election. I was elected tothe board of directors and by 1948 I waselected president. In the meantime, BobCallahan, who become very active duringthe election, and was subsequentlyelected secretary. He was re-elected tothat position and then became ExecutiveSecretary, a job which he held untilwww.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 13

he retired in 1974. Callahan and I werepersonal friends but deadly adversariespolitically. One thing I will say… we didour in-fighting in committees, but whenthe majority ruled we all stuck togetherno matter what we personally thought ofthe issue at hand. We had one rule andthat was UNITY.Once the die was cast, there was no concessionmade to the supervisors or to thedowntown groups. Chief Fred Baumeister,who was killed many years later ata fire, gave us a good ideawhen he claimed that all weneeded to win an electionwas a “formula for victory.”These three words set intomotion a definite programwhich was followed to theletter.Every member of a campaigncommittee was tiedinto the formula and noone was allowed to substituteany change in theplan adopted until it washashed out at a formalmeeting. Once we appeared before theBoard of Supervisors with a request fora charter amendment affecting the firedepartment, we refused to compromise.This was not true of our joint policeand fire campaigns. The police departmentcouldn’t get a charter amendmentpassed without us and we couldn’t’ getby without their support. Anytime eitherof us was tempted to try it alone wewere reminded of 1938. Sometimes bothdepartments would have their committeesjoin in what as known as “SolidarityMeetings.” We would all agree on a certainproposal and then we would take itbefore the appropriate supervisor’s committee.Imagine our surprise when wediscovered that the police departmenthad a new amendment with entirely differentwage formulas for them than theterms which we had agreed to in ourmeetings only hours before!Blackburn, Callahan and I, and the othermembers of our committee, immediatelywalked out of the chambers of the Boardof Supervisors and got on the phone andcalled every supevisor and politician wecould, and told them what was happening.It wasn’t long before the police departmentlearned what the meaning of “solidarity”entailed. To us it meant “one forall and all for one” with no special concessionsto either side. The police departmentwas trying to make 1 st class detectivessuperior to firemen whom theyregarded as second class citizens.After I was elected asPresident in 1948, oneof the first things I hadpassed was the formationof a Committeeof One Hundred.I was tired of dealingwith each separatedgroup in the department,from chief officersdown to theHydrant-Gatemen,etc. We had pilots offireboats, engineers inpumping stations andnumerous other classificationswho, although they were notmembers of the firefighting force, had torespond on certain alarms.There were no helmets...for the tower. A wethandkerchief was theusual protection. Ifyou had a couple ofbucks you could buy anose-piece which wouldget you into the areabut seldom lasted morethan three minutes.Each and every one of these categorieshad their own issues and expected us topull them out of trouble. I must agreethat some of their complaints were entirelyjustified, particularly the fire patrol,which was and adjunct of the insurancebusiness. They had no connection to theSFFD but were under direction of theChief of Department at fires. The Fire Patrolwas responsible for the preservationof personal property. They responded toall downtown boxes and had to respondanywhere in the city. During the fire itself,they would be on the floors below afire covering all merchandise and otherproperty to prevent excessive water damage.They really did a good job.One of their men had been killed in theHerbert Hotel Fire. They were just asvulnerable to injuries as the regular men.My problem was that I couldn’t reconciletheir wishes to be classified as a firemensince their officers and men would automaticallyupset our civil service seniorityand other hard-fought conditions. Later,the patrol became part of the departmentand I f a fireman wished to take theexamination in that service he was free todo so, but he had to relinquish his right topromotion in our department. The cityand county became stuck with the cost ofmaintaining the patrol and the insurancecompanies profited from this massivetakeover.The Committee of One Hundred held itsfirst session at the Palace Hotel. We invitedall branches of the service to attendand allowed them to present their grievancesin writing. We had more in attendanceat this meeting than at any time Icould ever recall. No one was denied theright to present his case. After an hour orso of open discussion, I decided to breakthe gathering into a round table discussion.This system was successfully usedby the Los Angeles Fire Department, andout of it we formed a “Formula for Victory”plan which was acceptable to all.I named the most contrary members ofeach rank or group as chairman for thatsector, and it worked miracles. They soonfound out that it takes more than wishfulthinking to get any improvement in theirconditions or to get a charter change onthe ballot. Our formula concerned theretirement system and it was agreed thatwe concentrate on changing it before wetackled any other project.I am proud to say that I rewrote the provisionsfor the changes contemplatedwhich included a ninety per cent disabilityallowance for all classes of men in thedepartment ad it was submitted with allour changes excepting the ninety percentclause. We were more than willingto except a seventy-five percent clausein place of the ninety percent, which wehadn’t expected at all. This was a milestonein fire department retirement plansin the whole nation.We were very conscious of the problemsthat beset the families of our men whowere killed in the line of duty. The Citytook a very stern approach about payingmore than fifty percent of a fireman’s pay14 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

as a result of death or permanent injuryreceived in the line of duty. If the wifeof a deceased fireman remarried, she notonly lost her retirement pay, so did herchildren.This reminds me of an event that happenedwhile I was in office. One of theassistant drill-masters, who had servedtwenty-four and a half years in active service,died at home the day after his tourof duty. He had severe heart attack anddid not survive. Under normal conditions,had he lived another six months,his widow would have gotten the fiftypercent allowance, but since he died inbed, she was cut off completely. Ourretirement committee investigated herclaim and found that her husband hadbeen in one of the most active companiesduring his time in the department.His duties, including training raw recruitsin the drill tower, were extremely hazardous.He also had to train the regularsin the operation of new equipment. Hedemonstrated the actual results of certaininflammables by building real firesin the basement of the tower and wouldthen lead men into it. The basement wasI must say that many of theactions I took while in the DavidScannell Club were not wellreceived by the membership.a mystic maze. The fire was contained toa wheel-barrow which had been fueledand refueled for an hour or more beforegoing in there. The smoke was horrible.In those days the only men equippedwith self-contained oxygen helmets werethe men on the Rescue Squad. Therewere no helmets, as such, for the tower.A wet handkerchief was the usual protection.If you had a couple of bucks youcould buy a nose-piece which would getyou into the area but seldom lasted morethan three minutes. These black felt coveringswere more hazardous than the fireitself. Everytime we had a fire drill wewere ordered into this very hot basementto find and extinguish the wheelbarrowfire and to find and rescue a doll whichwas presumably trapped therein. All thishad to be done within three minutes orthey would have to come in and rescueus. Many times they had to do just that.When the trap door to the basement wasopened, we had to make our exit via thisopening which was ten feet above us.The opening of the doors gave us sufficientair and some coolness to be ableto navigate this last hazard. It was toughenough for a young man but it was pitifulto watch some of the old-timers tryingto scale the walls. This is the reason thatour friend lost his life. After such a drillhe went home and died.The retirement board denied the widow’sapplication because they didn’t want toset a precedent. She was left with sevenchildren, all of school age or younger.This all happened before 1945 and wewere not in the AFL-CIO-CIO. If it wasn’tfor our own associations, she would havebeen left destitute and wouldn’t havebeen able to decently bury her husband.This case sparked our members to demanda change in the whole system.We went to Sacramento to try and get aspecial tax to pay widows and to firemeninjured in the line of duty. This tax wasto be levied against fire insurance companies.The idea met with tremendousopposition from the insurance industry,when in fact, it wouldn’t have cost thema penny. If we had succeeded, all theywould have had to do was increase theirfire insurance rates by one half of onepercent and it would have returned morethan enough premiums to carry this slightburden.It took a big part in this cause and eventuallythe State of California will enactsuitable legislation making the HeartPneumonia Bill justification for industrialcompensation, not only for firemen, butother crafts as well. The wheels grindvery slowly but once it’s in the statutes,it becomes law.I must say that many of the actions I tookwhile in the David Scannell Club were notwell received by the membership. Yet itwas also true that I gained more supportfrom my former antagonists. As I gatheredmore and more supporters, I introducedmore and more reforms. WhenI put a stop to solicitations of ads in theyearbook and the sale of Firemen’s Balltickets, my popularity increased by leapsand bounds. The men were glad to berid of the job of going out in full dressuniform year after year demanding merchantsto purchase ads in the yearbookand to purchase Firemen’s Ball tickets.The yearbook was presumed to be theproperty of the Veteran Firemen’s Association,but in reality, it belonged toa select group of members. This majoraccomplishment established me as a firmcontender in any political confrontationfrom that time on.Some years later, I was instrumental inconvincing the membership to join theAFL-CIO-CIO. We became Local 798 ofthe International Association of Firefighters.In spite of terrific opposition fromBob Callahan, our Secretary, and outspokenrepresentative in legislative matters, Iwas elected President in 1948. Bob wasdeeply concerned when I secured thevotes necessary to amalgamate with theUnion. He believed that we should maintaina neutral position in our struggle withorganized labor on the one-hand and thedowntown groups on the other. I didn’twin by much, but I did win.We were no sooner in the Union, whena letter was sent by our local to all firehouses.It stated that in our opinion,each man should belong to the Unionand if a man refused to join the Union,no man should let that man use any of hispersonal equipment. Firemen owned everythingin the firehouse except the rigs,the stove, the bedsteads, chairs and tablesin the sitting room and other parts ofthe house. Everything else was ours. Wehad to purchase our own uniforms, workclothes, helmets, turnouts, boots, housepants, jeans, pots, pans, dishes, food condiments,blankets, towels, soap, etc. Thedepartment did furnish axes and beltswith spanners.Our letter inferred that each of our membersshould treat non-members as if theydidn’t exist, but did not actually say so.When we were non-Union, we had membershipof the “rank and file” of 80% andabout 50% of the “gold braid.” Once wewww.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 15

NERT BBQApril16,2011On Saturday April 16, 2011 the San Francisco Fire DepartmentNERT volunteers gathered for the 21st annual Citywide Drill.The SFFD has provided consistent, professional training in earthquakepreparedness and response sine 1990, immediately followingthe Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989.The drill was a chance for graduates to work together to practicetheir response plans and skills with their neighborhoodteams under the guidance of the SFFD Instructors. Over 300Photos by: Dawn Rosalesvolunteers were in attendance. They practiced rescue techniques,provided neighborhood damage assessment reports tothe Battalion Chiefs in the drill and used fire extinguishers.The drill was concluded with an all hands lunch at the DOTyard. Thank you so much to the SFFD members and fire reservistswho volunteered to prepare an amazing barbecue lunch forall who participated. Also a big thank you to Local 798 and theSF Police Credit union for generously donating the funding forthe lunch.Last Alarm Richard AmesRichard Ames was laid to rest after a two year battlewith multiple myeloma. Rich was born on July 25,1948, in San Francisco. He was a graduate of HolyName of Jesus Grammar School, St. Ignatius HighSchool, and the University of San Francisco. He lovedbasketball, and he enjoyed great success as a playerand coach for many years. Rich served with the SanFrancisco Fire Department from 1975 to 2003. Richwas preceded in death by his parents Frank and MarcellaAmes and by his brother Frank Ames. His belovedwife Alice Maney Ames, died in 2003. Rich issurvived by his three sons, Justin and Devin, of Sacramento,and Jeremy, of Mansfield, Texas; by Jeremy’swife Dana and Rich’s cherished granddaughterBrooke. He is also survived by his brother Jerry, of SanRafael, and his sister-in-law Lois Ames of San Bruno,and by numerous nieces and nephews in the BayArea. Rich will be remembered as a lover of travel,sports, good books, and lively conversation. Not oneto stand on ceremony, Rich offers a few last words:“I enjoyed a gloriously common life, the particularsof which would bore you to death. What could havehappened, did.” And an Irish blessing, in his name:May the Luck of the Irish possess you. May the devilfly off with your worries. May God bless you foreverand ever. A memorial Mass will be celebrated onThursday, May 19, at Our Lady of Loretto Church inNovato, at 10:30am. Donations in Rich’s name maybe made to Hospice by the Bay.www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 17

“He knew there was a defibrillator at the club andsprinted to get itRetired Firefighter SavesFriend’s Life on CaliforniaRacquetball Court“By Janis MaraThe San Jose Mercury NewsBURLINGAME, Calif. — Jerry Kilroy was playing racquetballat Burlingame’s Prime Time Athletic Club, something the retiredfirefighter has been doing three times a week for about 25years, when he noticed something was horribly amiss.He turned around and, through a glass wall, saw his friendDoug Chin sprawled unconscious on the floor of a nearby court.“Everyone was terrified. It was really scary,” recalled Ray Jungwirth,the club’s general manager, who was at the club that afternoonin mid-March. “Doug was flat on his back, not movingor breathing.”Chin, an 18-year member of the gym and Belmont resident,had collapsed during a racquetball game about 4 p.m.“All of a sudden, there was a hush and everything juststopped. I looked and there was Doug. He was down,” said Kilroy,a 69-year-old San Carlos resident who was a San Franciscofirefighter for 29 years. “I did a quick survey — no breath, nopulse.”Chin’s heart was fibrillating, beating rapidly and wildly, unableto properly pump blood through his body. Under such circumstances,a defibrillator can restore the person’s heartbeat tonormal by sending an electric shock through the heart.Kilroy knew there was a defibrillator at the club. He sprintedto the wall where it hung and hooked it up to Chin’s chest, thenbegan performing CPR while the defibrillator took measurements.So-called “smart” defibrillators like the one at PrimeTime have two oval patches that are placed on a patient’s chest.A robotic voice gives instructions while the machine determineswhether a shock is necessary.“The defibrillator said, ‘We are going to shock him. Standclear.’ We stood clear and the shock was administered,” Kilroysaid. “He started breathing.”“It’s a miracle that everything fell into place. Thank God wehave those (defibrillators) available,” said Jungwirth, who calledKilroy a “true hero.”Medics from American Medical Response and firefightersfrom the Millbrae Fire Department arrived within minutes,summoned by a 911 call.“Jerry’s actions were the reason for the change in the patient’scondition,” said Lanty Molloy, the fire captain who responded.“He is a hero.”Last AlarmLouis Laurent RouspilLouis Laurent Rouspil Resident of Hayward, California May 6,1920-April 22, 2011 Louis Laurent Rouspil passed away on April22nd at the age of 90, with his wife by his side. After sufferinga fall on February 6, 2011, causing multiple spinal fractures, theensuing disabilities associated with immobility, combined withage, proved too much for his strong will and spirit to overcome.Louis was noted for being the consummate gentleman; his positiveattitude toward all things has truly been inspiring to all ofus, his Family and Friends. Louis Rouspil was born in San Francisco,California. He was the son of French immigrant parents,Villenave and Celeste. Although, an all American through andthrough, he was attentive of his French heritage. He graduatedfrom Balboa High School, and attended classes at San FranciscoCity College before joining the U.S. Army to serve in Italy duringWorld War II. In February of 1947 Lou was accepted into the SanFrancisco Fire Department, where he enjoyed a 30 year career,until his retirement in 1977. Lou was always extremely proud ofhis years in the Department, as are we his family. Never one tosit idle, Louis would work as needed for the Longshoremen onmany of his off days. After retiring he continued to work for ashort time as a School Bus driver. Louis greatly enjoyed spendingtime in his garden, KGO radio, current events, and debatinganything and everything. He was also known as quite the firehousechef. Louis Rouspil is survived by his loving wife GloriaHunter-Rouspil, and an extended family including; his daughtersJudy Stadelman of Diamond Springs, Barbara Bell of Waukegan,IL, his stepchildren; Jacqueline Ward of San Jose, Larry Hunter ofOakland, Sherry Andrade of Brazil, and Randal Hunter of Reno,NV, and many, many devoted Grand and Great-Grandchildren.He is also survived by his nephew Robert Rouspil of South SanFrancisco. Friends and Family are invited to attend a MemorialService on Monday May 16, 2011 at 1:00PM, at Chapel of theChimes Memorial Park, 32992 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, CA94544. In lieu of flowers please make contributions in the nameof Louis L. Rouspil to either of the following: The San FranciscoFirefighters Toy Fund Widows and Orphans of the San FranciscoFire Department Fund, c/o SF Firefighters Union Local 798, 1139Mission St. San Francisco Ca, 94103. Chapel of the Chimes (510)538-3131Published in San Francisco Chronicle on May 8, 2011Chin, who is now on the mend and will be back in the gymin seven weeks, was taken to a hospital after medics and firefightersadministered oxygen and otherwise tended to him. Describedas a very private person by Kilroy, Chin did not respondto messages asking for comment.Kilroy shrugged off the descriptions of his behavior as heroic.“It’s something firefighters do,” he said. “They save people. I’ddo it for you — I’d do it for anybody.”18 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

Brothers and Sisters,The International Association of FireFighters has grown into a political powerhousein the Nation’s Capitol and in statehouses, county and city halls across thecountry.Over the past decade, the symbolismof our profession and the image of ourfire fighters and paramedics decked outin this union’s trademark gold and blackhave become one of the most soughtafter endorsements in politics at everylevel. We have grown what was a modestfederal Political Action Committee (PAC)into one of the top federal PACs in the nation.Last election cycle, FIREPAC was in thetop 1.1 percent of the more than 7,100federally registered PACs in terms of dollarsraised and was the 10th largest PAC incandidate contributions. It was also oneof the most bi-partisan PACs.In total, we spent close to $15 million inthe last election cycle on behalf of federalcandidates and both political parties,helping to elect those who support usand defeat those who oppose us.But the attacks launched at our memberssince the November 2010 elections havechanged the landscape.Extreme right-wing conservative and socalledTea Party politicians are coming afterfire fighters, paramedics and all publicworkers with a vengeance across theUnited States. They are attempting to takeaway basic American rights like collectivebargaining and your right to negotiate fora good quality of life for your families.They are working to eliminate your pensionsand retirement security. They wantto silence your voice by gagging you withlegislation they call Paycheck Protection.They are taking away the long-held rightof dues deductions from paychecks totry to weaken the finances of our union.They want to hurt all unions and drivedown wages and benefits with Right-to-Work laws.Not only are extremist Republicans tryingto destroy us -- too few Democrats arestanding up and fighting for us.Over the past two years, politicians fromboth parties have failed to address our issuesin Washington, DC. Now, anti-labormembers of Congress and their allies arechampioning measures that would underminepension security, tax employersponsoredhealth benefits, force newlyhired fire fighters into Social Security andattack federal fire fighters. And with nopro-fire fighter legislation likely to be advancedin the 112th Congress – it’s timeto take a stand.With the survival of our union and theability to preserve and protect the rights,wages and benefits our members deservein jeopardy in the states, we havere-evaluated how to get the best resultsfor our political dollars.With the full support of our union’s ExecutiveBoard, we are turning off the spigotto federal candidates and federal parties,party committees and the super PACsthat are created to support them.Historically, FIREPAC has made most ofits contributions to federal candidates.But it’s time to send a clear message toall politicians at every level that the supportof this IAFF is not automatic. It mustbe earned.The reputation of our members and ourprofession in the political arena mustnot be taken for granted. Our supportcomes with consequences for those whoare working to kill this union, and we willhold accountable those supposed friendswho don’t stand up for us.Now more than ever, as our adversariesspeak and act with a concerted, focusedmessage, we need our friends to respondwith similar strength and leadership tobeat back the multi-faceted, well-organizedassaults the right has launched atus – funded by anti-labor extremists likethe multi-billionaire Koch brothers. Andwhile we are fighting for our very survival,our friends aren’t doing enough tofight back -- they don’t have our backs.Re-focusing our work on the states willserve to bolster the “Fighting Back” campaignwe have initiated. “Fighting Back”is a coordinated effort with our state andlocal affiliates involving various IAFF Divisions:Communications and Media, Governmentand Political Affairs, Safety andHealth, Technical Assistance, GIS, EMSand Education.Through this campaign, we have engagedin an internal and external effort to educateour members and the public on thesemisguided attacks – through television,newspaper, Internet and social media --to literally fight back with everything wehave. For a complete explanation of the“Fighting Back” campaign.We know we have legislative fights, ballotmeasures and re-call elections thatwill require us to be on the offensive atthe state and local level through this fall.I expect this strategic decision to focusour resources on state and local efforts,and the freezing of federal contributions,to last as long as the fights in the statesremain at such a high level and until wesee some real results and leadership fromthose in Washington, DC on our members’behalf.Sticking together and having each other’sbacks is part of this great profession wecall “the job.” It’s the core principle of ourpolitical work. And sticking to it is whatwill ensure that we ultimately prevail inthe fights we face across America today.In Solidarity,Harold Schaitberger20 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

Johnny V SF Firefighters Chili Cook OffBenefiting Local 798 San FranciscoFirefighters Toy ProgramSaturday, Sept 17, 201111am til 5PM345 Brannan Between 2 nd & 3 rd stCome and Celebrate the City’s Summer in THE SUN in SOMASample Chili from Bay Area Firehouses! Celebrity Judges! Beer Bar! GoodTimes! Music Featuring **Deep Six** (SFFD Cover Band) **Will Russ Jr**DJ Kash** $10 entry fee benefits the SF Firefighters Toy Program.Please join us, enter a booth and represent your city. Share a day of laughs,fun, prizes, meet new friends!: Booth entry: $175 (Price includes 10X10 forBooth Space, Four Entry Wrist bands and Entry Gift Sets.For Questions contact Danny Gracias Local 798 415 621-7103,Sally Casazza Chairperson of the SF Firefighters Toy Program 415-777-0440 orEvent Coordinator Jill Peeler 415-602-8735.Please fill out the following half of the form to enter.Name_________________________________Contact Person day of event_________________Address_______________________________Zip code _______________________________Station # and City________________________Check enclosed for $175 please check.Mail to SF Local 798 SF Firefighters Toy Program Chili Cook-off1139 Mission St SF CA 94103www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 21

“Letter From the DirectorTony RiveraNow is not the time for us to stand quietly on thesidelines and watch our names be dragged throughthe mud.“Summer is upon us, and the weather, (politically speaking)is heating up. A lot of cities are looking to San Franciscoto see if City Unions and City elected officials can pull off theimpossible, a “Pension Reform” initiative that will solve all of theCity’s financial problems.You and I as Union members and city workers have beenmoved from the frying pan to the fire. “UNION” is now a four letterword and the phrase, “City Worker” is not to be repeated inpublic. I guess it’s easy to blame us (city workers) for the downturnin the economy, the sub-prime real estate scheme, globalwarming, and of course the rising price of gasoline!Now is not the time for us to stand quietly on the sidelines andwatch our names be dragged through the mud. We need to beinformed and ready to deal with not only the upcoming election,but the ability to send a message to our community (San Francisco).Taxpayers will be hit with a barrage of negatives aboutus and our pension system. We will fight back with participationin the election process and with customer service. I know whatyou’re thinking! Not again, another election/proposition thatwe “have to” fight for? Like I tell my kids, YES you have to doit! And I include myself. The “rights” and benefits we receiveand enjoy today as union members started as a written wordsthat were drafted into a proposition, then rallied behind by ourmembers and made into law. It is our duty to keep this processgoing and not only protect our rights, but the rights of our futuremembers. This is our opportunity to control our destiny andprotect our hard fought pension rights.The Pink Heals Tour May 23, 201122 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

Letter From The DirectorChanging of the guardFire Prevention 1Bsystem. In so doing, we were also able tosecure a pension that enables firefightersSecond of a two-part series and a standard to provide State Board for their of Fire families in retirement.Services accredited course; one of ten classes Personally, required for John State Hanley was the oneFire Officer certification. A broad technical who encouraged overview of me fire as a Station Stewardprevention codes and ordinances, inspection to run practices for Director. and key With the help of Frankhazards. Includes the study of flammable Kelly, and Dennis combustible Kruger and the rest of theliquids along with gasses, explosives, fireworks Board, and I was extinguishing made to feel comfortable insystems.this new position and given guidance as tohow best to support the membership. ForDates: September 16 & 30, October 7, 14 & 21 (Fridays)Shon Buford, Directorthat, I am eternally grateful.Time: 08:30 to 16:30 HoursAlthough organized labor has realizedCourse: Fire Science 68B - CRN: 72129 (Fire substantial Prevention gains 1B) - in the recent past, whatBrothers and Units: Sisters, 2.0with pay raises, pensions and workingInstructor: Rocque Yballa conditions, the future is still untold.Please Enrollment: join as I thank www.ccsf.edu John Hanley for However, under the new leadership ofhis sixteen Textbook: plus years Student as President Supplement of this issued President-elect 1 st day of class Tom O’Connor, feel certaingreat Union of ours.that we are in good hands. With over 14Location: SF0 – CCSF Aeronautics, Building 928, ClassroomHanley #8 has been President for some Treasurer, and now President Elect, TomFor many of you, both active and retired, years of service to Local 798 as Director,Johntime. It was under John’s tenure Highway that 101/280/380 will provide near SF0 a smooth transition at theLocal 798 was able to Airport: negotiate take good North and Access negotiating Road exit; table, turn left and has vision that willfair contracts with the at City, Clearwater thus enabling Drive, and take right us into far the into parking the next decade.us to bridge the gap lot. between a two tier John Hanley’s vast knowledge of laborContact Info: Email: boleary@ccsf.eduPete BranniganTrusted Realator in Noe Valleyissues, combined with his political savvywill surely be missed. In his own words,“he would have not stepped down if hewasn’t confident that we were in goodhands”. Well, I’m here to tell you that asa Director of San Francisco FirefightersLocal 798, I have the utmost confidence inPresident-Elect Thomas Patrick O’Connor.The future of Local 798 is bright with thecommitment of a strong Board and acommitted leader.Brothers and Sisters, the road ahead maybe uncertain, but in that vein, the way hasbeen paved by President Hanley’s tirelessvoice and resounding commitment tolabor.In preservation of President Hanley’smany fought battles over the years, Local798 will continue to stand united, and bydoing so, we will prayerfully prevail.Shon BufordDirector3 alarm fire at 1044 Folsom Street, May4, 2011Photo by: Jeremy, LiveSOMA.comSan Francisco’s top producing agent in Noe ValleyIn 2009 is proud to have worked with many membersof Local 798. Please call or email for a list of activeand retired firefighters who can provide you withexcellent references.Or contact Pete directly if you need someone trusted andreliable to help you with your real estate needs or questions.Allow us to protect your investment with excellent service.www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 11www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 23

Local 798 San FranciscoFirefighters Toy ProgramOld Station 30 Farewell BarbequeSATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011Old St 30/Toy Program (3rd St / Mission Rock)12:00 PM to 6:00 PMThe San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program would liketo invite all past and present Firefighters and volunteersand their families to a Summer Family BBQ atOld Station 30.The time has come for the Toy Program to move toa new location, please come enjoy some bbq and all thefixings from Station 7, dance with Deep Six, share somememories, laughs and fun!$10 charge for the BBQStation 125th Annual Hall of Fame LuncheonThe Class of 2011 Inductees:Joe McCarthy, Rich MizeAustin 'Doc' Wall, and Tony ZunigaIn Memoriam:Mike StanfieldDATE: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Watch 4PLACE: Forest Hills Lodge254 Laguna Honda Blvd, San FranciscoTIME: Open Bar: 11:30am - 2:30pm Lunch 12:30pmPRICE: $40Call Station 12 at 564-4847 to sign up. Payment mustbe received by October 11th to guarantee a seat. Pleasesend checks to Station 12 at 1145 Stanyan St, 94117.24 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

Retired Firemenand Widows AssociationOf the San FranciscoFire DepartmentThe Retired Firemen and Widows Association exists to keep retired firemen,spouses , and surviving spouses and dependents informed of the goings-onwith the City, the Retirement Board, the Health Service System and any othersituation that may be of importance.LocaL 798Apparelavailableat the HallThe Association meets bimonthly on the second Sunday of the month at St.Gabriel’s church at 41 st Ave and Ulloa St. at 2pm. The meetings usually lastabout an hour and we try to have a speaker present. Usually that person isa local politician, City Department representative or a person of interest. Refreshmentsare served after the meeting. There are no meetings in June, Julyand August. The Association sponsors two trips to Reno (March and October)and a Christmas luncheon. You have probably noticed our members at Local798’s blood drives (check the board) and also at the Firefighter’s Toy Program.DONATIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCEBy Michael A. WalshGiving something back can mean so much in a person’s life. As firefighters, we are just ordinary people doing extraordinary work.The Executive Board of Local 798 asks that you consider supporting the following charities that have been set up to help others intheir time of need. You can dedicate your donation in memory of a loved one, in their honor, or in their memory. Please give andmake a difference in someone’s life. Your Executive Board recommends the following charities:San FranciscoFirefighters Local 798Surviving Families FundFEIN #95-4891917This Fund was originally called theWidows and Orphans Fund. This Fundhelps families of fallen firefighters notonly here in San Francisco but throughthe US and Canada.San FranciscoFirefighters CancerPrevention FoundationFEIN #56-2608686Helping fund research and findingthe reason and possible cure for thehigh number of cancer cases amongfirefighters.San FranciscoFirefighters Toy ProgramFEIN #94-2598851This program brings joy and happinessto over 20,000 children who wouldordinarily not have any Christmas. Thisis the oldest organized toy program inthe country.To contribute to any of the above charities:In lieu of flowers, consider a Donation, and make a difference today.PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: the specific Fund listed above. Please remember to make a notation on thecheck as to who whom the donation is made in memory of.PLEASE MAIL CHECKS TO:San Francisco Firefighters Local 798Please call the Union office at (415) 621-7103 1139 Mission if you Street have San any Francisco, questions. CA We 94103 will be happy to help you.www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 25

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We would like to thank the following retired members for their generous contributions to benefit allmembers active and retired. We would especially like to thank Jim Connors for starting thischallenge to his fellow retirees. As of May 31, 2011 this challenge has raised $ 19, 393.Alexander, D.J.Anderson, WilliamArtemoff, George S.Aymeric, Gilbert L.Balzarini,RaymondBarbano, MarkBarden, James A.Barisone, Gary S.Bassett Jr., William J.Beckerley, John G.Biagini, DanielBirleffi, Louis J.Blackburn, RichardBouey, KevinBrown, Richard W.Buddington, PatrickBurrowes, Robert J.Callaghan, KevinCallanan, KevinCallen, Chris B.Carle, WilliamCarlomagno, Joe R.Cavellini, JamesCereghino, KenCitron, ArthurCliff, Joseph A.Connors, JimCooney, Thomas J.Correll, WilliamCoyne, JamesCurran, Daniel J.Curto, Gary D.Da Cunha, A.B.Disbury, WilliamDrake, MichaelDye, DavidEgan, WilliamFernandez, AlbertFlaherty, Stephen A.Foley, DannyFord, R.J.Franceconi, Roger R.Fuhrman, PaulGargano,ChristopherGaribaldi, GeorgeGoodin, DouglasGray, Michael P.Green, Stephen P.Grimley, FrankHarrington, James P.Hart, Stephen A.Heiner, Gordon L.Holthaus, James D.Hunt, AlanJebe, HenryJenkins, James W.Jones, Paul D.Jovick, William PKearny, Brian D.Kelber, Philip S.Kennedy, Dennis J.Kim, RobertKochevar, RichardKoenig, William G.Koomas, Michael S.Kruger, DennisKurpinsky, Ruth M.Labrado, R.Lavaysse, Gary J.Leal, Gary S.Lee, Roland D.Leong, BranLile, WayneLopez, Robert D.Loughran, FrankLyons, James P.Maguire, BernieMalone, JeffreyMaloney, GeorgeMartinez, LeoMayorga, ArmandoMcGuire, Thomas F.McHugh, James E.McKinney, TrumanMcLaughlin, PatrickMiles, Timothy J.Molinari, RaymondMolinari, Robert M.Montague, Gary M.Murphy, Daniel J.Murphy, EugeneMurray, John J.Murray, Maurice P.Murray, MichaelMurray, Thomas E.Nolan, Michael J.Nyhan, ThomasO’Callaghan, ThomasO’Neil, WilliamO’Rourke, Frank J.Pasquinelli, RichardPatsel, MelPayne, JohnPerricone, Edward F.Platzer, LawrencePorter, John R.Quartaroli, AlfredQuinn, Wallace G.Quinones, James M.Relei, RobertRevel, ReneRichardson, WilliamRogers, John L.Russo, AnthonyRyan, MichaelRyan, Thomas P.Sanchez, FredericoSavin, Philip R.Selchau, KarlSerafini, BillSerpa, AnthonySheridan, Reid K.Shore, WilliamSikora, Peter S. Jr.Simi, A.Skance, John B.Skidmore, JohnSmail, Andrew T.Smith, StephenSoule, AnthonySteddin, JohnStrong, King A.Tabacco, PaulTatarian, Edward R.Terranova, Adrian B.Thuesen, Albert L. Jr.Tishma, GaryTizio, JohnTrant, William F.Tuohy, William J.Utikal, William T.Veal, R.Vetrano, Charles A.Wagner, Bruce K.Walling, TerryWalsh, DonWesch, WilliamWickliffe, William L.Wickliffe, William S.Wiessler, StevenWilson, Gary N.Zensius, Johnwww.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 27

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Station Steward LuncheonApril 13, 20112011 StationStewardsStation 1Station 2Station 3Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15Station 16Station 17Station 18Station 19Station 20Station 21Station 22Station 23Station 24Station 25Station 26Station 28Station 29Station 31Michael QuinnStation 32 Dawn RosalesRoger NgStation 33 OPENChris SalasStation 34 Jana WakefieldTom FogleStation 35 Jean PintoMichael HortaStation 36 Antenor MolloyJose ZalbaStation 37 Dave AmituanaiRamon SerranoStation 38 Dean WhittakerRich BrittonStation 39 Michael MoynihanSherman TillmanStation 40 OPENBen CanedoStation 41 Christian MurphyThomas HaneyStation 42 Mike GuajuardoPat D’ArcyStation 43 Rob MelloMary ReidyStation 44 Nathan ShapiroNatalie SpaeltiStation 48 OPENPatric SteeleStation 49 Scott HellestoHuckleberry RamsayJared CooperDan TauberStation 51 Jeremy SilvaVictor GonzalesBrendan McGorrinAP 1 Terry WooAP 2 Romelia ScottSteve FinneganAP 3 Ellen SteinJenny GlickmanKen McCarthyBFILaura KellyNicholas HollBFPTom HarveyKinnie JamersonJoe CuffJanice HayesOPENJason WooBOEAl HarveyBridget Cullinanewww.sffdlocal798.org HQRhab Boughn Main Line 29Marcella Mc CormackRADIO OPEN

Folsom Street Fire 4th Alarm May 5, 2011Photos by: Gaylord Gabriel30 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

Bob Quinn’s1956 Chevy NomadThe car is a 1956 Nomad. They built about 6000 ofthese 56 models. I bought my first Nomad from SandyBatanides and realized I made a mistake when I soldit. I bought this one a few years later. But it wasnot as nice as the one I bought from Sandy.The engine is a 350 cu chevy with a 400 TH trans., Isky cam and hooker exhaust headers. Wheels areAmerican Mags. 15” with BF goodrich tires. Addedpower front disc brakes I welded in new floors andrebuilt the whole front end recently. The car was allblack when I bought it. The car was built in OaklandCa. in 1956.I was at Station 9 most of my career.Runs great.. I drive this car all the time...Attention CarEnthusiastsAll Local 798 members active and retired, we arestarting a car club for gatherings and events and tomeet people interested in Muscle Cars, Hot Rods andClassics. If you are interested please contactDanny Gracia at (415) 608-7901 or Geoff Quesadaat (415) 860-6197Member’s Rides QuestionnaireWould you like your ride to be featured in thenext Main Line? Send the following informationto the Union Hall:Name:Firehouse:Make:Model:Year:Engine type:Transmission Type:Brief History of Vehicle: Production Numbers,special traits, Mileage, Rims and tires, etc...Digital images (200+ res):www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 31

“As union members we need to stay positive and pay no attentionthe firehouse bull*#@% rumors. Get the straight scoop; cometo a Union meeting and get involved.“Brothers and Sisters,In these challenging times it is difficult tostay focused with the task at hand; the renewedpension battle. We are constantlyattacked on all fronts on our pension andhealth benefits, as well as our wages. Thisreminds me of what I was told 28 yearsago by a seasoned Director of Local 798“…hey kid, fighting for wages and workingconditions is why we’re here”. As unionmembers we need to stay positive andpay no attention the firehouse bull*#@%rumors. Get the straight scoop; come toa Union meeting and get involved. Checkout our updates online or call the officewith your questions. Don’t let the bureaucratsget you down, they are not ourfriends. Be safe, you are the true workhorsesof society. Nobody ever died froma paper cut.Retirement SeminarLetter From the DirectorMichael WalshOn March 1 and 2 the semi-annual RetirementSeminar was held at the clubhouseat Sigmund Stern Grove. Thirty four memberswere in attendance for a comprehensivetwo-day program encompassingissues surrounding retirement. Speakerswere brought in from the RetirementBoard, Health Services, Long Term HealthCare, Estate Planning, Stress Unit, RetiredFirefighters and Local 798 to offer guidanceand answer questions. Congratulationsto the participants who walkedaway with very helpful information asthey head for the “golden years”.Special thanks to Joe Driscoll, Joe Moriarty,Mike Hebel, Frank Jordan, ColleenBales, Gerald Woods, Ken Jones, DoyleMiller, Shon Buford , Tim O’Brien and GailToki –Woo who were the heart of thisseminar. My apologies to our membersthat we couldn’t fit in because of spacelimitation. The plan is to have anotherseminar sometime in the Fall. Good Luckto the new retirees, thanks for your yearsof service and for making room for our futureheroes.Health and SafetyAs a member of the Health and SafetyCommittee I want to stress that it is imperativewe address the safety concernsof our members. I’ve been hearing complaintsabout the Clothing Depot who appearto be making it difficult to get uniformsand safety gear. Be advised, therehas been a change in personnel at the Depotand the administration has assured usthat a new streamlined plan will be put inplace. Safety equipment is our lifeline. Ifyou’re not having your needs taken careof, please use chain of command for requestand report any problems to me viae-mail. Don’t go to TI without first calling-- it might be a wasted trip.The medical glove drama continues.About three months ago, “new” Nitrilemedical gloves showed up at Station 49.Shortly thereafter, the “new” gloves wereissued to all worksites. The Health andSafety Committee was never contactedabout this change. It seems our membersdon’t particularly like the new glovesbecause they don’t have a tight fit anddon’t have the grab the Latex gloves have.One paramedic with 30 years on the jobwho is also an RN said “…you have to takethe Nitrile glove off to start an IV becauseof the grip”… and furthermore, sameparamedic stated that the gloves mightbe better used in a hospital environmentbecause often times the IV‘s are alreadystarted in the field. Logistics was contactedand price immedialty came up. Sincewhen did saving a buck at our member’shealth and safety become the mindset ofour Department?I was told the Latex is no longer going tobe available and rubber is too expensive.The manufacturer was contacted and wewere told that Latex was indeed not discontinuedbut the price on the raw material(rubber) was increasing more thanthe synthetics. How much are we saving?...wellafter talking to our members atStation 49 it seems most of them are doublegloving the Nitrile and are afraid tosay anything for fear of retaliation. Withall that said, the Department is losingany savings it could have hoped for andincreased the cost half as much. Whenthe EMS hierarchy and Logistics was again32 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

contacted the story then changed. Thistime I was told the Latex causes an allergicreaction to the skin, …ok… this is thefirst we’ve heard of this. Less than ½ ofone percent of people are affected, whatabout the chemical created synthetics?An easy answer: stock both and see whichones fly off the shelf first and move on.No, the resistance goes on! Why changesomething that works? where does thiscome from? Is the Department reinventingthe wheel at taxpayer expense? Oris there no oversight to this nonsense? Ihate to bring up the small things but thisSNAFU could potetially cost the City thousandsof dollars annually.Have you noticed the new and improvedrags that have been issued to all worksites?Well, here we go again. You haveto use twice as many rags to accomplishthe task because of the size, so what isthe savings? All Stations wash and reusethe old rags for a myriad of uses includingdish cloths. The new rags (because oftheir make) tear up the washers and dryers.Once again, send the new back andget the old ones back in stock and moveon. What’s next tissue paper with woodchips?One of our few advocates at Headquarterspassed away recently… CarolynChampagne… she will be missed. Carolynworked closely with Local 798 membersand was also a guest speaker at ourretirement seminars. I wish to extendmy sincere condolences to her family andfriends.In Memory of our BrothersGary BlosRichard PaganelliHerman BarberWalter CrombieBruno BassiRichard AmesOn Easter Sunday, members of the Double Rock Baptist Church made theirannual trek to Station 17, their firehouse in the Bayview. The young men andwomen presented the firefighters with artwork, singing and appreciation forour dedicated work in the community. The Double Rock Congregation hasbeen long-time supporters of their neighborhood Firehouse. Special thanksto the participants Imahi, Yohance, Journey, Lexus, Jana, Nicholas, Destiny andtheir group leaders. Thank you and good luck to these young and gifted futureleaders, your Station 17 Firefighters.How to Fly the United States Flag10 guidlines1. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.2. The US flag should never allowed to touch the ground, floor, and water.3. Always keep the American Flag free from roofs, trees or other obstaclesthat hinder its wave.4. When hung over a sidewalk on a rope extending from a building to a pole,the union stars are always away from the building.5. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and atthe highest point of the grope when a number of flags of states or localitiesor pennants of societies are groped and displayed from staffs.6. Always keep the flag safe- never let it become torn, soiled or damaged.7. Never fly the flag upside down except as a signal of distress in instancesof extreme danger to life or property.8. The flag should never be displayed at half staff until noon on MemorialDay then raised to the top of he staff.9. The flag can be flown every day from sunrise to sunset and at night ifilluminated properly.10. The american flag is never flown in bad weather except when using anwww.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 33

Memories from the AlleyAmanda and LatrinaBy: Jim LyonsIn the city of San Francisco, especially inthe rundown areas, every company andambulance rig have people called “frequentfliers”., people taken to SF Generalor Detox some weekly, most daily. In myexperience they show up one day andyou see them for a year or two, and thenthey disappear. These people usually fallinto a set pattern, many suffer from asthmaor emphysema, or seizures from theoveruse of alcohol or their seizure medshave been lost or stolen.A couple that come to mind in my daysat Rescue One are Amanda Meyers andLatrina Gomez.Amanda was a large lady who wore amuumuu all the time and had a very badcase of emphysema. She liked to phone911 around 3 or 4 in the morning to reporther shortness of breath.What was really amazing about her wasthat she would be in a different SRO hotelevery couple of weeks. We saw her in theRose, the Pontiac, the Ambassador, Deltaand Baldwin. Her rooms all had a welllived look and they all included her oxygentank, several empty inhalers and anold Chevy hub cap that was loaded withcigarette butts.When we walked in the door she wouldtell us she needed her alupent as she tookanother drag on her Pall Mall. We wouldexplain that we didn’t carry inhalers butthe ambulance guys would be here soonand give her an alupent treatment.The funny thing is, when the paramedicsarrived, they would put out her everpresentcigarette and she would get angry.On the day after the Loma Prieta earthequakein 1989, we got a call to MosconeCenter for shortness of breath. Mosconewas loaded with displaced people fromthe earthquake and it is probably 4 or 5acres in size. It was tough enough to findanyone or anything during regular times,nevermind as an earthquake shelter. Ifyou ask anyone who worked those daysafter the earthquake, it was pretty stressful.We happened on someone who knewwhere the victim was and he directed usto a room somewhere in the bowels ofthis place We walked in and met a doctorwho was trying to get her a lift to SF General.I took one look at Amanda and said“you have to be s**ting me.”The doc looked at me and said “Do youknow her?”“Yeah, From the Delta, Rose and 10 otherhotels.”He said, “OK, you guys get out of here.”We said thanks and left.We never saw Amanda again and rumoraround the street was that she wound upat Laguna Honda. I think 20 Engine or 39Engine or whoever is first due at LagunaHonda Hospital doubled their calls.The first time I met Latrina Gomez was infront of the Alcoholics Anonymous Officeon the 200 block of Eddy Street acrossfrom Boedecker Park. We got the call asa possible childbirth but when we got onthe scene we found out that it wasn’t achildbirth, but that Latrina who was obviouslypregnant had been kicked in thestomach by one of her boyfriends. Theambulance guys assured Latrina she wasfine and took her out to SF General just tobe sure. The one thing that was differentabout Latrina was she was only 3 feet tall.Yes, a pregnant midget.Responding to or returning from alarms,I would see her in a doorway drinking herCisco or Wild Irish Rose, wearing a verysmall Raider’s varsity jacket, yucking it upwith her friends- all men who looked likethey just got out of Pelican Bay prison.Sometimes she looked pregnant andother times not. We had her as a seizurevictim at Original Joe’s on Taylor, at BoedeckerPark and also at county jail at 850Bryant. We would see her almost dailyaround the Eddy Street corridor.One night we got a call to one of the liquorstores that fronts as a grocery storeon Ellis Street. There was a tall black manin the rear of the store who was bleedingaround his knee area. I asked him whathad happened and he said his girlfriendwas very short and that was as far as shecould reach. We asked if it was Latrina.He said, “Yeah, but I don’t want to pressno charges.” The ambulance guys hadtaken charge by then and as we wereleaving this guy says, “If you see Shorty,tell her that Oakwood loves her.”After work one morning I was headingout to the Richmond District to see myparents. Going up the 200 block of Turk Isaw Latrina in a doorway with her roughlooking friends and a bottle of Cisco, alsovery pregnant. I thought God, this galsure gets around.When I got to Park Presidio and Balboa,I saw a very small person hitch-hikingtowards Marin. I copped a right and itwas another Latrina- not pregnant. Thatsolved the mystery, there were twinmidget winos, Latrina and her identicaltwin sister Toiletta.Only in the Tenderloin, kids. Only in theTenderloin.34 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

1710 9th Ave April 4, 2011 Photos by: Ryan KennedyBerkeley Way June 2, 2011www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 35

34th InterstationCompetition 5.7.11Place NameStation # Time Division Pl Pts123456789101112131415161718Jiro YamamotoNeal CaveliniJohn ManningShon BufordAlec EckmannSola ChuopGeorge CernaDave FloerschLaverne MaligaSteve MullerJulian VillavincencioWalter VillavincencioSteve BokuraCathy EmmonsHolly DoudietLorrie KalosAlex UntalanJennifer Martinez1471740781971918740404031.0132.2733.2236.4936.5837.0337.2539.4540.0740.1341.0141.0141.1242.5644.0447.3855.3055.30111223111451112544333322222110.50.5by: JimGallagherMulti CompanyCompanySta. 7Sta. 1Sta. 14Points15108Single CompanyCompanyPointsSta. 40 52011 Division ChampionsAge Group Men Women20-2930-3940-4950-5960-6970+Neal CavelliniSola ChuopJohn ManningJiro YamamotoSteve MullerDave FloerschHolly DoudietLaverne MaligaCathy EmmonsLorrie KalosMild temperatures were trumped bycold northerly winds at the 2011 Interstation Competition. Itstill remained as fair race conditions at our Lake Merced 4.5 milecourse. Runners were mildly impeded by the headwinds alongthe western backstretch until reaching the most northern perimeterand heading east back to the finish line.Thank you toour Volunteers!Mike Belcher Sta. 12Jim Gallagher Sta. 14Tony Rocha Sta. 7Tim O’Brien Sta. 1Jiro Yamamoto (Stn 14) led the race from shortly after the start.He had about a 30 meter lead by mile one, and extended itthrough the race. Winning the race by a minute and 26 secondsover runner up Neal Cavellini (Stn 7). Below photos show Jiroand Neal as the approach mile one.36 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

Jiro Yamamoto leading at mile one, Neal Cavellini at mile one, John Manning (Stn 1) was fourth to the one mile mark, John was closely followed by ShaunBuford (Stn 7).Sola Chuop (Stn 40) followed with Cathy Emmons (Stn 34) the first woman at mile one. Laverne Maliga (Stn 19) lead a group of runners enjoyingthe morning run--Steve Muller (Stn 7), Julian and Walt Villavicencio (Stn 1), and Steve Bokura (Stn 9). Dave Floersch (rStn 8) is just behind Bokura.Interstation Competition Results\\\Jiro Yamamoto becomes the oldest to win the SFFDInterstation Championship breaking his own record of lastyear. Dave Floersch was the 70+ champion in the time of39:45 setting both a course record for that division anda personal record by bettering his time of ten years ago.Dave is a regular member of our Tuesday/Thursday “RunningGroup” and has been consistent in his training thepast few years and is reaching new heights of success.Holly Doudiet is closely followed and Jennifer Martinez and Lorrie Kalos showthe more casual spirit of the run, looking forward to their tail gate brunch atthe end of the run.Neal Cavellini was second overall, and first in the under 39division. John Manning was third overall and first in theMasters division (40-49). Laverne Maglia (Stn 19) was thefirst woman and continued her winning streak. CathyEmmons was victorious in the woman’s master division.Lorrie Kalos claimed the title in the woman’s GrandMaster division.Stations 7 and 40 are 2011 Championswww.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 37

3 Alarm Fire at Capp & 20th May 13, 2011 Photos by: Dennis KernohanGuns & Hoses 10th Annual Charity Tennis Challenge April 30, 2011Dear CommissionersI would like to congratulate Thomas O’Connor, President of SFFirefighters Local 798, for stepping up in defense of our paramedicsand EMT’s of the San Francisco Fire Department.Since 2005, these paramedics and EMT’s have diligently servedour community. Often times having to respond to the ‘Trenchesof the City’ and subjected to threats of physical assault and verbalabuse. However, this is all part of the job, and they do itwith skill, efficiency and integrity. Qualities we all have come toexpect from the San Francisco Fire Department.Imagine if you and I, as employees of the San Francisco FireDepartment, were never offered the opportunity for advancement?Would this be fair practice or even beneficial to the city?And is it morally right to bypass the EMS Division of SF’s own,and hire new applicants? Absolutely not!!After serving three decades in SFFD as a firefighter, lieutenantand captain, I have acquired some knowledge of the protocolsof the City, how the fire/emergency system works, including thepersonal dynamics within each firehouse! Since retiring, I’vebeen implementing new emergency policies and procedures.I am confident that the transition from the ambulance, over theengine or truck would be an effective and smooth one!The EMT’s and paramedics have now acquired years of experience,driving San Francisco’s emergency vehicles proficientlythroughout the City, with SAFETY FIRST, at the forefront of everycall. Besides their medical emergency skills, and the knowledgeof protocol, they know the streets of San Francisco like the backof their hands! This is obviously not something a “new hire”could offer as past work history and experience when applyingfor H2-firefighter position.I do firmly believe that it is in the best interest of the Departmentto lateral-over ALL qualified paramedics and EMT’s intothe existing vacant positions of H-2 Firefighters and H-3 Paramedic/Firefighter.Let’s keep the spirit of “brotherhood” alive for all those whoproudly wear the SFFD badge and give these dedicated men andwomen of our EMS Division the same career opportunities thatwere given to so many of us. It is simply the right thing to do!Retired Captain of SFFD (& Taxpayer)38 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org

Camp Blaze 2011, a weeklong residential fire camp for youngwomen ages 16-19 years, takes place this summer in NorthBend, WA (near Seattle) from July 30 th -August 6 th , 2011. Applicationsare available on our website www.campblaze.comand are due April 15 th , 2011. This is a free camp and a greatopportunity for any young woman interested in the fire serviceor an opportunity to challenge herself.The name is both symbolic of our desire to “blaze a trail forfuture young women” and an acronym representing the focuson Bravery, Leadership, Attitude, Zenith and Empowerment.Camp Blaze incorporates classes, hands-on activitiesand physical training which include: team building and leadershipexercises; rappelling; an aerial ladder climb; the use offirefighting equipment; search and rescue; live fire trainingand CPR certification. Although it is a demanding week, it isnot intended to feel like recruit school but be a fun rigorouscamp that also includes camp activities such as skit night,movie night and a ride on the fireboat!We are also looking for women firefighters to volunteers ascounselors for the week. It is a great opportunity to mentorthe next generation and re-energize your own love of thejob. It is a week campers and crew leaders never forget!Find out more at www.campblaze.com and email us at zenith@campblaze.comor call Lt. Karen Kerr at St. 25 (SFFD).www.sffdlocal798.org Main Line 39

Main Line is the officialpublication of the SanFrancisco FirefightersLocal 798. Affiliatedwith IAFF-CIO/CLC. Itreflects the viewsand opinions of theExecutive Board and themembership. We do notendorse or support anyother publication, nor dowe endorse or supporttelemarketing as it pertainsto the San FranciscoFirefighters Local 798.Tom O’ConnorPresident, Local 798San Francisco Fire FightersLocal 798MAINLINE1139 Mission StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103Nonprofit Org.US POSTAGEPAIDSan Francisco, CAPermit No. 6926Folsom Street Fire 4th Alarm May 5, 2011 Photo By: © 2011. Jesse Smith. All Rights Reserved