Asheville Local 865, IAFF Can Be Proud Following North Carolina Legislative Elections

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It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Democrats in North Carolina on Tuesday. Asheville is the state’s silver lining. Democrats and Asheville Local 865 supported candidate Brian Turner (pictured below with Local 865 member Matt Ballance) pulled off an upset over incumbent Republican Representative Tim Moffitt in NC House District 116.

Moffitt was a co-sponsor of a bill with Rep. William Brawley (R) from Mecklenburg County designed to strip fire fighters and paramedics’ rights to dues deduction. Currently, city and county administrators do not have to do dues deduction but Moffitt did not want local governments to have a choice. Moffitt was also a co-sponsor of a bill with Speaker Thom Tillis (R–Mecklenburg) that would have transferred all the public employee anti-collective bargaining laws to the North Carolina State’s Constitution.

Asheville Local 865 President Scott Mullins and Association members spent months campaigning for Turner. Efforts included calling voters, publishing ads in the local newspaper, social media posts, word of mouth, T-shirts and simply getting as many Local members involved as possible.

“Buncombe County voters got out and voted and we helped do that,” Mullins said.

Members of Asheville Local 865 worked the polls across the county Tuesday. Mullins said he worked a four-hour slot alongside a state representative. Working the polls opened doors for Local members to talk to community members, council members and representatives not on the ballot that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Turner defeated Moffitt with 52 percent of the votes, or 13,236 votes, compared to Moffitt’s 48 percent or 12,273 votes.

If re-elected, Moffitt was most likely going to be named Speaker of the House. In addition to sponsoring a bill that would have stripped fire fighters and paramedics right to dues deduction, Mullins also said Moffitt’s record includes actions detrimental to the city of Asheville including taking the water system and airport from the City and transferring them to private run entities.

Beating Moffitt wasn’t just about Asheville politics, Mullins said. Had Moffitt won re-election, his template for weakening municipalities would’ve been followed by other legislators across the state and would have negatively impacted professional fire fighters safety, compensation and retirement benefits.

This is a larger victory than many people realize since the legislative House districts had been gerrymandered to give legislators like Moffitt an unfair advantage in an election.

Another close race and victory in the western part of the state was in NC House District 115, Mullins said. Democrat John Ager defeated incumbent Republican Nathan Ramsey.  Ager had 51 percent of the votes, or 15,452 votes, to Ramsey’s 49%, or 14,959 votes.

The past two years was Representative Ramsey’s first term in Raleigh but he quickly became a rubber stamp for all of the legislative mischief from Moffitt and other House leaders.

At the end of the day, Republicans continue to control both the State House and State Senate. Democrats did make strides as there are three more Democratic seats in the House, 46, and three less Republicans, 74.  In the State Senate, Democrats gained one seat, now with 17 as opposed to 33 GOP seats.

Across the state, PFFPNC Locals got behind pro-firefighter and paramedic candidates through various methods including social media posts and word of mouth.

Regardless of your opinion as to how the elections turned out, PFFPNC Locals should be proud of going to the polls and supporting their candidates. Work will continue in Raleigh to support the rights of fire fighters and paramedics and the citizens we serve and protect.

Fire Fighters And Paramedics Give Back To NC Jaycee Burn Center

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On April 17, 2014, the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina continue their efforts to give back to the community. Throughout their careers, fire fighters and paramedics witness the tragedy of many burn victims and, in the course of their duties, often suffer burns themselves.

The PFFPNC Board decided that giving to the aftercare program of North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center was the natural thing to do. The PFFPNC E-Board traveled to the North Carolina Burn Center in Chapel Hill to present them a $15,000 check.

The PFFPNC Board approved the donation and the check was presented by President David Anders to the Center Director, Bruce Cairns, MD and Wes Googe, Chairmen of the Center’s Advisory Board. The PFFPNC Board was served lunch and given a tour of the Burn Center facilities by members of their staff.

The North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at the UNC Hospital is a 36 bed facility and is one of a few in the nation that is American Burn Association verified for adult and pediatric care.

This center is one of two in the state. Their aftercare program is second to none. They are able to boast that their facility has saved hundreds of lives and restored thousands of people, both children and adults, to lives of health and productivity.

At the same time, the Burn Center has advanced the scientific knowledge of burn care and rehabilitation. For more information, go to http://www.med.unc.edu/burn.

The donated check came from the profits of fund raising by IAFF affiliates across the State of North Carolina selling tickets to entertainment events.

The PFFPNC would like to express our thanks to FireCo, LLC. These profits would not be possible without their expertise as a fund raising Consultant and Council for IAFF Affiliates.

T-Shirt, Hoodie Purchases In Memory Of Fallen Brother Todd Martinez Support Sons

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The High Point Fire Fighters Association is selling T-shirts and hoodies in rememberance of Todd Martinez.

Martinez passed away after he was struck by a car while out riding bikes with his wife on Feb. 2, 2014.

The T-shirts and hoodies will be printed on black, carry the IAFF logo and have Fallen Brother Todd Martinez High Point on them.

T-shirts cost $15 and the hoodies are $25. Sizes XXL and XXXL cost $1 more. The High Point Firefighters Association will place an order soon and plan to have them by the end of the month.

If you would like to pre-order a T-shirt or hoodie contact Charles Wilson, High Point Fire Fighters Association President, at 336-302-7649 or email [email protected].

They will take debit and credit cards. The money raised from the shirts will be given to Todd’s sons for use for college.

READ: Obituary, Funeral Arrangements For Todd David Martinez

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Todd David Martinez, age 49, passed away on Sunday February 2, 2014 in Summerfield. Todd was born November 3, 1964 to Loretta Martinez in Clark County Nevada and grew up in Oakland and Hayward California. As a young man, he served proudly in the US Coast Guard and the United States Naval Reserves. Todd worked as a fireman and paramedic in Alameda County, California before moving to High Point, NC with his first wife Kelli. Todd started working at the High Point Fire Department as a Firefighter in 1997 and was also a part-time Paramedic with the Guilford County Emergency Services. He served as president of the International Firefighters Association Local 673 Post. 

Todd lived his life with passion and enthusiasm for absolutely everything. He was extremely dedicated to his profession and performed his duties with diligence, compassion, and empathy. Because of his devotion and commitment, Todd will have a lasting impact on so many lives. He was a humble man who never wanted or expected anything in return for his gracious behavior and commitment to society. 

Todd lived life to the fullest and had strongly held views on just about every subject. He was an ardent supporter of the Republican Party yet was also a strong advocate for organized labor and was head of a local Labor Union. Todd was a devout Catholic and his faith guided his life. He had a strong presence and influence as a faithful member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point. He fervently believed in the importance of family and has helped build the next generation of society by instilling faith, confidence, and perseverance in his children.

Todd was an amazing joker and enjoyed nothing more than making others laugh. He loved anything and everything to do with model trains, cycling, scuba/snorkeling, and hunting-shooting sports. He was well known in the neighborhood for his Halloween bonfire, a surprising activity for a fireman but at least we could be confident that the neighbors were not in danger!

Todd is now with his Heavenly Father. He leaves behind a host of dedicated friends as well as brothers in firefighting and extended families on the East and West coasts. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. He will be sorely missed by his mother Loretta, his devoted children, Bryce, Ryan, Mitchell, and Rachel, and his loving wife Melanie.

“You will be missed, ‘my love.’” – Melanie

Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday February 6, 2014, at Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Friday February 7, 2014, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point with Reverend Vincent E. Smith, OSFS as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Todd’s name to VIP for a VIP 2406 Farm Gate Road Brown Summit, NC 27214.

—- http://www.cumbyfuneral.com/obituaries/Todd-Martinez/#!/Obituary

IAFF Family In N.C. Lose One Of Our Own

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It is with heavy hearts that IAFF members across North Carolina mourn one of our own. High Point IAFF Local 673 President Todd Martinez died approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday after being struck by a hit and run vehicle while riding his bicycle.

The PFFPNC Executive Board and all our affiliates are deeply sorrowed by this tragedy. We would like to ask that everyone keep Todd’s family and High Point Local members, as well as the full Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers. 

PFFPNC To Donate 400 New Coats For Children In Need Across The State

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ASHEVILLE – Approximately 75 Buncombe County children, and around 300 others across the state, will not worry about staying warm at the bus stop or playground this winter thanks to the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association of North Carolina.

Asheville Fire Fighters Association donated its portion of the coats amongst the Black Mountain Home for Children, Eliada Home and Shiloh Recreation Center. A donation presentation was held to the Eliada Home, 2 Compton Drive, Asheville, at 3:30 on Tuesday. The remaining donations will made to the other two recipients days following.

“This is a great opportunity to provide to children in need in our community that we are proud to serve,” said Scott Mullins, President Asheville Fire Fighters Association Local 865. “As fire fighters, we want to see kids in our town that are provided with warm coats. It’s a good feeling that we are able to support a community that supports us by providing American-made coats to those most in need.”

PFFPNC and its statewide local associations are active participants in Firefighters Coats for Kids, an outreach foundation that provides never-worn, American-made coats for children in need. Firefighters Coats for Kids is part of Operation Warm, a national non-profit organization that addresses the need of children living in poverty in the United States with new coats.

In its first year of participation, PFFPNC has donated money for 400 new coats for children across North Carolina. The coats will be divided among some of the local organizations of PFFPNC, including Asheville, Concord, Statesville and Winston-Salem.

The PFFPNC is involved in many statewide and nationally supported outreach programs. The statewide organization decided to become involved in Firefighter Coats for Kids as an example of giving back to the community that gives to its fire fighters and paramedics. The money donated to Firefighters Coats for Kids through Operation Warm comes from fundraising efforts in participating cities. Support for these efforts comes from the public, so PFFPNC feels it should in turn show its support to members of the community. This is one example.

The statewide organization also is in support of Fire Fighters Coats for Kids and Operation Warm because all donated coats are brand new, never worn or dry-cleaned, and most importantly made in America. PFFPNC is proud to support a cause that puts warm coats on the backs of children in need, but also support labor in the country that provides jobs for those also in need of work.

Fire Fighters Donate Coats To Kids In Need In Jacksonville

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JACKSONVILLE – Fire fighters with the Jacksonville Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 4249 hand delivered brand-new, American-made coats to approximately 50 children. The donations are a portion of 400 coats the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina purchased through Firefighters Coats for Kids, and divided among several cities across North Carolina.

PFFPNC and its statewide local associations are active participants in Firefighters Coats for Kids, an outreach foundation that provides never-worn, American-made coats for children in need. Firefighters Coats for Kids is part of Operation Warm, a national non-profit organization that addresses the need of children living in poverty in the United States with new coats. PFFPNC purchased 400 coats with money raised in city fundraising efforts. The coats will be divided among those cities, including Jacksonville, Concord, Asheville, Statesville and Winston-Salem.

PFFPNC is involved in many statewide and nationally supported outreach programs. The statewide organization decided to become involved in Firefighter Coats for Kids as an example of giving back to the community that gives to its fire fighters and paramedics. The money donated to Firefighters Coats for Kids through Operation Warm comes from fundraising efforts in participating cities. Support for these efforts comes from the public, so PFFPNC feels it should in turn show its support to members of the community. This is one example.

The statewide organization also is in support of Fire Fighters Coats for Kids and Operation Warm because all donated coats are brand new, never worn or dry-cleaned, and most importantly made in America. PFFPNC is proud to support a cause that puts warm coats on the backs of children in need, but also support labor in the country that provides jobs for those also in need of work.

Winston-Salem Local Delivers Coats, Toys For Kids

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Saturday, Dec. 14 was a very rewarding experience and the joy of giving was felt as members of the Winston-Salem Professional Fire Fighters Association delivered brand new winter coats to children that really need them at Ibraham Elementary. Some of our firefighters & Santa arrived on fire trucks. They helped unload boxes and cook a yummy pancake breakfast for the families. Santa posed for pictures with the children and gave out goodies. Members of the WSPFFA even brought their families to help pass out the new coats to the children. WSPFFA has been working hard to provide warm, brand new winter coats to local elementary school-aged children.

Jacksonville Local President John Romero Named Firefighter Of The Year

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Jacksonville Local 4249 President John Romero was named Firefighter of the Year with the Jacksonville Fire Department for 2013. Romero received the award on Dec. 13, 2013, at the annual awards banquet.

Romero has been employed with the Jacksonville Fire Department for more than 22 years. He is currently a Driver/Operator and holds many certifications including Firefighter I, II & III, Fire & Life Safety Educator I, Hazardous Materials Responder Level I, Driver/Operator Aerial, Fire Inspector Level I, EMT-Paramedic, and Advanced Firefighter Certification.

Romero was awarded the honor based on merits from the 2013 year.

“John’s dedication to service has reached not only the depths of Onslow County, but across the state as well,” wrote Deputy Chief S. Lee in the recommendation letter. “He has shown a concern for providing a high level of service to the public. He looks out for the health, welfare and safety of his coworkers.”

Romero is on numerous committees and teams, including the Promotional Handbook Committee, Awards and Recognition Committee, and Jacksonville Fire Department Technical Rescue Team. He also works part-time for Onslow County EMS.

Romero is a founding member of the Jacksonville Fire Department Honor Guard, which is a team of dedicated firefighters who provide honorable, reverent service and help to the families of those fellow first responders who have fallen in the line of duty, as well as other memorial services. Due to the dedication and professionalism and compassion of Romero and others, the Jacksonville Fire Department Honor Guard has become known throughout North Carolina.

Romero volunteers his time in the community in many capacities, including support for charity organizations such as Onslow County Child Advocacy Center, the Salvation Army and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“John has been extremely dedicated to Jacksonville Fire Department and has worked tirelessly to help not only this organization but also his community,” Lee said.

Statesville Local 3137 Donates 50 Coats To Kids

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Approximately 50 Iredell County children, and around 350 others across the state, will not worry about staying warm at the bus stop or playground this winter thanks to the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association of North Carolina.

Statesville Professional Fire Fighters Local 3137 donated its portion of the coats to Yokefellow Ministry. A donation presentation was held at Yokefellow Ministry, 1292 Shelton Avenue, Statesville, at 3 p.m. on Thursday.

“The association thought this is a great idea and opportunity to provide to children in need in our community that we are proud to serve with something they could benefit from immediately,” said Statesville Professional Fire Fighter Vice President Brandon Wiggins. “As fire fighters and citizens that live in and around this community, we want to see our kids in warm coats. It’s an honor knowing that we are able to provide American-made coats to kids in need this winter.”

Neil Furr, executive director for Yokefellow Ministry, said the coat donation is a blessing, especially this time of the year, because so many families are struggling to pay higher utility bills and put food on the table. Furr also hopes the Statesville Professional Fire Fighters’ donation inspires others to help needy families in the community with warm clothes, food and help with utility bills.

“We see kids come in with bad coats or no coats at all,” Furr said. “Many are going home to houses that are drafty and might have to wear coats at home. It’s essential these kids have coats. With most donations, we don’t really get to pick out sizes we need, and we don’t get many new coats. With the holidays here, this is just a blessing.”

PFFPNC and its statewide local associations are active participants in Firefighters Coats for Kids, an outreach foundation that provides never-worn, American-made coats for children in need. Firefighters Coats for Kids is part of Operation Warm, a national non-profit organization that addresses the need of children living in poverty in the United States with new coats.