Last
night's meeting was the biggest we've had to date- approximately 170 people
turned out in support and to meet our Division and Battalion Representatives
(see attached list). The few remaining unfilled spots will be filled soon so if
you would like to throw your hat in the ring let us know ASAP.
We
believe our continued growth is testament not only to our efforts and message,
but a reaction to the attempts to censor us. We would ask, then, that the
would-be censors keep up the good work!
We
opened the meeting by presenting a plaque to Keith Sullivan of our law firm,
Sullivan and Galleshaw, in appreciation for all the work they have done-at
no charge- over the past two years. I can't say it enough- these guys deserve
the lion's share of any credit for any success we've had. Their help has been
invaluable and contact info for them is available on our site.
One
of the main themes of the meeting was advice about standing up for equal
treatment- how you can't leave it to the other person, or worry about
retaliation or repercussions. Sheep get sacrificed. At the risk of
sounding overly pompous, we have the truth on our side and the truth will prevail
when there are pains to bring it to light.
Sadly,
none of our opponents, critics or doubters accepted our invitation to attend
and address us. They should know that they can submit an Essay detailing how
wrong we are at any time, and we are available to debate whenever asked. We
will not respond to censorship with censorship; in fact we are eager to hear
and distribute an explanation for the premise that reading comprehension
ability is not required for firefighting if someone would only provide one.
We
were pleased that guests from Newark (Danny Farrell) and Camden (Danny
Stratton) were able to make it. In addition, candidates from List # 6019 and a
few who took the current test (#2000) were there. These groups have been very
helpful to us and we hope we have been of help to them.
As
we said at the meeting, please access our website and utilize the facts,
figures and arguments presented there. Write letters to newspapers, contact
government officials and help us spread our message. If you have any media
contacts put us in touch with them- no outlet is too small or too big. Also buy
our t-shirts (they have been called the finest in firefighting fashion) and
continue to be our eyes and ears.
At this meeting we also introduced our Board and our Division and Battalion Reps. They are:
Merit Matters
Executive Board
President-
Paul Mannix D-6 cov. 516-848-9847 cell
1st
VP- James McCarthy L-25
2nd
VP- Joe Kearney Haz-Mat 1
Sgt.
At Arms- George Rodriguez L-27
QuarterMaster-
Bob Eustace L-27
Division Representatives
D-1 Mike Stapleton L-3
D-3 Liz Osgood
E-47
D-6 Dan Heubel
E-83
D-7 Jim Grismer
L-39
D-8 Alfonso Calato D-8
D-11 Matt Dwyer L-110
D-13 Mike McGrath B-47
D-14 Brett Munsey L-163
D-15 Pat Connolly E-231
Battalion Representatives
B-1 Mike Vindigni E-7
B-2 Pete Bradley L-8
B-4
B-6 Brian Brady L-3
B-7 Simon Ressner L-12
B-8 Paul Stuart L-7
B-9 Kevin Thomas E-40
B-10 Richie Solero E-39
B-11 Keith Jackson E-47
B-12 Frank Morrissey E-35
B-3 Pat Holland L-54
B-14 Angel Vazquez E-71
B-16 Marty McParland L-28
B-17 Angie Chomicki E-92
B-26 Jason Charles E-50
B-13 Chris Horgan L-34
B-15 Travis Boroden L-39
B-18 Kieran McNamara L-56
B-19 Pete Connolly L-33
B-20 Pat Murphy B-20
B-27 Chris Rueger E-62
B-21
B-22 Stephen Dugan E-166
B-23
B-40 Matt Carroll E-241
B-42 Erik Knudsen B-42
B-43
B-28 Steve Letscher E-237
B-31
B-32 Joe Costa E-202
B-35 John Sullivan L-108
B-48
B-57
B-47 Carl Kretkowski L-134
B-50 Mike Stackpole L-133
B-51 Jim Raymond E-294
B-54 Roy Vaccaro E-302
B-45
Jim Maloney B-45
B-46 Sal Mirra L-138
B-49 Rick Madsen E-312
B-52 John Urbielewicz L-129
B-53 Wayne Wichern B-53
B-33
Brian Williams L-156
B-37 Kevin Candido L-111
B-38 Thomas Buttaro L-123
B-39 Chris Riordan E-236
B-41 Kevin O’Hare
B-41
B-44 John McEneaney L-120
B-58 Sean Fitzgerald L-174
SOC Andy Rasavongseuk Sq-270
Marshals Woody McHale
Fire
Academy Phil Ciaravino
HQ
Ft.
Totten
Retirees
We welcome members willing to step up to fill in the few remaining Division and Battalion positions.
Paul Mannix
President - Merit Matters
P.S. Some excellent reading;
A GREAT article on the Deutsche Bank Fire;
AND some other excellent pieces on the recent DoJ suit against the Jacksonville FD;
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