The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (HR 413) was heard today (March 10, 2010) in the house "Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee".  Testimony was given by IAFF Legal counsel Doug Steele and Jim Tate, President of the Fort Worth Professional Fire Fighters in favor of this important bill that will give collective bargaining rights to our Brothers and Sisters in 18 states lacking this fundamental right.  Other witnesses testifying in favor of the bill were Lancaster, Ohio Mayor David Smith and FOP President Marshall Thielen. 

Of interest was the insulting testimony given by Ellis Hankins of the Norht Carolina League of Municipalities and Doug Stafford, Vice President of the National Right to Work Committee.

The video taped hearing is attached below and all are encouraged to view to gain insight into the oppostion's tainted opinion of our integrity and commitment to our communities.  This will be a main topic at the upcoming IAFF Legislative Conference and this will prepare you for your meeting with your congressional delegation.

 http://edwork.edgeboss.net/wmedia/edwork/help/help031010.wvx

The Magnificent 7th District Benevolent Fund is pleased to announce the application period for post high school education scholarships is now open.  This opportunity is for dependents of IAFF members working in IAFF departments in Washington, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.  There will be 6-$500 scholarships given this year to applicants pursuing their first post high school experience with application packets graded by at large members of the 7th District.  Please see the attached to assure your child a fair opportunity at a 7th District Scholarship.  Completed applications to be postmarked for submittal no later than March 31, 2010.

Today, a historic event occurred within the IAFF Executive Board who elected IAFF's 8th District Vice President Thomas H. Miller to be the next General Secretary Treasurer of this International Association of Fire Fighters.  This is the first time that the C&B of the IAFF had to be initiated to fill a position vacated by a principal officer, with the resignation of GST Vinny Bollon who served this great International for over 20 years as IAFF's GST.

Thomas (Tommy) H. Miller served in the Indianapolis Fire Department for 37 years, the son of a Fire Captain that died in the line of duty.  GST Miller went on to serve the IAFF for nearly 35 years in the capacities of Local S/T, president, State President (24 years) and 8th District IAFF VP for 9 1/2 years.  In an acceptance speech, GST Miller stated that Vinny Bollon had left "large shoes to fill......he was humbled by this great honor and support given to him by his peers on the board.....and that he could not have accomplished this without the love and support of his wife Barb for the past 28 years".  GST Miller was sworn in today and takes office immediately.