January Update This month has been another busy month for your executive board. We met with Chief Drozd and the Assistant Fire Chiefs at the montly board meeting, and discussed various departmental issues. These included issuance of monthly supplies from logistics, EMT- Basic precepting, Paramedic rotations to fire apparatus, change of schedule for 40hr medics, and the use of sweatshirts on duty. If you are having trouble receiving monthly supplies, report it to Capt Kebshell. Medical supplies will take priority over other supplies. If it is an on-going problem, report it to your Battalion Chief. The EMT-Basic precepting (credentialing) policy will continue as outlined in G.O. 09-168 and 09-169. However, once all firefighters have finished precepting, the policy will be re-evaluated to determine if the higher ranks will precept. Some paramedics are not rotating to the fire apparatus on a regular basis. Chief Carmona stated that the intent of the rotating policy was not to give personnel their required 20 shifts at the end of the year, but rather periodically throughout the year. Let us know if this is an on-going issue. Also discussed was the change of schedule for 40-medic personnel. Chief Drozd stated that the administration was looking at utilizing 3 peak medic units, possibly between the hours of 1200 hrs to 2000 hrs Monday through Friday. The units might include 2 transport units that will handle low priority calls, and 1 response unit to assist in busy areas throughout the city. This was not finalized and we are unaware when this might take place. Fire Administration is also considering allowing the use of an on-duty sweatshirt for line personnel. The goal is to ensure consistent and professional appearance of personnel when interacting with the public. This will be further addressed at a later date. Members of the executive board traveled to Lubbock, TX on January 13 through 15, to attend collective bargaining training. This included President Joe Tellez, 2nd Vice President John Concha, and Trustees Paul Thompson, Jim Gunther, and Ruben Camacho. Joe Tellez was one of the lead instructors along with IAFF District 11 Vice President Sandy McGhee, and did a great job. The training was very informative and was an excellent springboard leading into negotiations this summer. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the bargaining team should let Joe Tellez know. We will be having training for negotiations later in the spring. Paul Thompson Local-51 Trustee
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