IAFF Local 21

What's New at IAFF Local 21

Updated On: Jun 30, 2009 (15:52:00)
Help is needed next Tuesday, July 7th at the Regions Burn Center deck for a barbecue for burn survivors and their families. We need volunteers to help with cooking burgers and hot dogs, serving food, and visiting with family members. The event will be held at the Burn Unit at Regions Hospital located at 640 Jackson Street in St. Paul on their roof top deck. The event is from 6:00pm - 8:00pm and help is needed starting at 4:00pm. Parking will be provided in the Regions Hospital parking ramp. For more information or to volunteer please contact MPFF Secretary/Treasurer Ted Vanderbeek at 651-492-5362 or e-mail at s-t@mpff.org

IAFF Mourns the Loss of Ed McMahon

Updated On: Jun 23, 2009 (14:11:00)
International Association of Fire Fighters General President and Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Harold Schaitberger today issued the following statement on the death of Ed McMahon: "Ed McMahon was a great friend to the members of the International Association of Fire Fighters. A true entertainer who also selflessly served his country as a Marine pilot in World War II and the Korean War, and who gave his time, heart and soul to help Jerry's Kids and the families of those who are battling muscular dystrophy."

"The IAFF has raised money for MDA since 1954. For many years, we were lucky enough to share the stage with Ed and witness his noble devotion to MDA's cause. We send our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Pamela, and his loving children. Thank you for the gift of your life, Ed. We will miss you."

City Of Saint Paul Budget Update

Updated On: Jun 16, 2009 (20:21:00)

Dear Local 21 Members,

This afternoon Governor Tim Pawlenty outlined his proposal to balance the state budget for the 2009-10 biennium via the "unallotment" provision in state law. State law gives the governor the authority to balance the state budget as he sees fit because a balanced budget was not passed during the most recent legislative session. Last January, Governor Pawlenty proposed cutting Local Government Aid (LGA) to Saint Paul by $7.7 million (12%) in 2009 and another $17 million (27%) in 2010. As currently, proposed the cut from the governor will be $5 million (8%) in 2009 and $11.6 million (18%) in 2010 or two-thirds the anticipated reduction.

Given these developments, along with the mayor and city council's stated commitment to fire, rescue and EMS protection for our city, we are tentatively breathing a sigh of relief. The fight is not over by any means however, as we are waiting for other shoes to drop such as: Will our city and department leaders honor their commitments to you and the essential services you provide? Will your union be given a voice at the department level when deciding how to deal with any budget shortfalls we are saddled with? Time will tell and we will be watching. You can be assured that, as we have throughout this entire process, we will continue to keep you informed of substatial developments. Stay Tuned!

Fraternally,

Mike Smith- President
Chris Parsons- Secretary
Bill Lambert- Treasurer

Give Blood

Updated On: Jun 16, 2009 (10:21:00)

Reminder to donate blood if you are willing and able. This is for a great cause and as a reminder we need to show the Minneapolis Police and Fire Departments who can donate more blood during our friendly competition.

There will be a "blood mobile" at the S.P.P.D. HQ at 367 Grove Street on Friday June 19th, 2009 from 0700 - 1230. There are plenty of spots remaining. If you are interested you can schedule an online appointment for either the blood mobile or to visit a metro area Memorial Blood Center location by following the link below. It will walk you through the process.

Thank you for your consideration and for your help in making this effort a success.

http://www.memorialbloodcenters.org/MBC/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=5&tabid=2

Guns and Hoses Post Softball Tourney Celebration!

Updated On: Jun 10, 2009 (23:24:00)

Guns and Hoses Post Softball Tourney Celebration!
Presented by Alary's Bar

Supporting the Extra Innings Police and Fire Softball Tourney
When: Saturday June 13th, 7pm - ?????
Where: Alary's Bar 139 7th St. E St Paul, MN
What: 7pm-10pm, Beer and Pizza for Police and Fire Personnel - $5 donation.
Why: Beer and Pizza Provided by Alary's, Proceeds go to Gillette Childrens Programs

Grand Old Day Parade

Updated On: Jun 04, 2009 (21:48:00)

This years Grand Old Day Parade is Sunday June 7th. Line up is at Cleveland and Grand at 9:00AM, the parade starts at 10:00 AM. Local 21 has been moved to #5 in the parade line up and will be marching with Mayor Coleman. Wear a fire department t-shirt. This years parade theme is "It's Grand Being Green!" so wearing someting green is in order. Bring the whole family and friends.

Minnesotas Professional Fire Fighters gear up to surpass $246,076 record for MDA

Updated On: May 30, 2009 (18:35:00)

MPFF members across Minnesota are gearing up for another great Fill the Boot season with determination to raise well beyond the record-breaking $246,076 raised in 2008. An average of $160 per member in the state was raised in 2008, which was a $111 per member growth over 2007. Following a successful Boot Camp on March 31 - April 1 this year, members of the MPFF that were present set their sights on raising well over $400,000 in 2009. During Boot Camp, MPFF members had a chance to meet MN State Goodwill Ambassador JR Scanlan and his dad Jesse. JR is very excited to be joining forces with MPFF members to help make 2009 the best Fill the Boot year yet.

Across the country, IAFF members have already begun hitting the streets and with much success. Through May 8^th, IAFF members have already raised an additional $200,000 over comparable events in 2008. Fill the Boot from state to state across the country is proving to be an economy-proof fundraising event for the families MDA serves.

The Top 10 Locals based on Total Dollars Raised in 2008 are:

Minneapolis $66,765
Duluth $47,837
St. Paul $47,343
Moorhead $28,011
South Metro $11,994
Coon Rapids $10,811
St. Cloud $6,853
Hibbing $6,069
Albert Lea $4,012
St. Louis Park $3,437

The Top 10 Locals based on Total Dollars Raised per Member in 2008 are:

Moorhead $904/member
Duluth $405/member
Coon Rapids $360/member
Albert Lea $334/member
South Metro $333/member
Hibbing $243/member
Bemidji $238/member
St. Louis Park $202/member
Faribault $173/member
Minneapolis $161/member

Below is a detailed list of Fill the Boot's with set dates for 2009. Many more Locals are close to finalizing their Fill the Boot dates as well.

June 2009:

16^th-18^th: South Metro Local 724/1059

July 2009:

3^rd: Albert Lea Local 1041

August 2009:

5^th-7^th: St. Paul Local 21
24^th-26^th: St. Anthony Local 3486
25^th-27^th: Minneapolis Local 82

Local 21 Regrets To Announce The Passing Of Retired FEO Ted Felger

Updated On: May 26, 2009 (21:22:00)

Felger.220.jpg

Retired Fire Equipment Operator Ted Felger passed away May 15, 2009. FEO Felger started with Saint Paul Fire on July 5th, 1961 and retired on June 9th, 1992.
Private services were held at Faith Lutheran Church. Interment was held at Sunset Cemetery.

SAFER Grant Vote At City Council

Updated On: May 26, 2009 (15:48:00)
This Wednesday, May 27th at 3:30pm the City Council will be voting to authorize Fire Chief Tim Butler to accept the SAFER Grant. Any member who can attend is encouraged and welcomed. Please wear your Class B dress uniform. The meeting will take place in the City Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of City Hall. See You There!

2009 Grand Old Day Parade

Updated On: May 18, 2009 (17:18:00)

2009 Grand Old Day Parade is Sunday, June 7th. Marchers are needed in the Grand Old Day parade, line up is at Cleveland and Grand at 9:00AM. Call Bob Kippels with any questions at Station 14-C. Click on logo below to learn more about the Grand Old Day Event.