OCTOBER, 2004

     Welcome to the Local 3921 President's Page. After a 2 1/2 month absence with a broken wrist, I can finally get back to some union business. Even if it was for the wrong reason, it was a nice little vacation but I missed my brothers and sisters and I'm glad to be back.

     While I was out, I had the opportunity to attend and cast our vote at the IAFF convention that was held in Boston in August. I would like to say congratulations to Sandy Magee from Tulsa, Oklahoma on becoming the new 11th District Vice President. Closer to home, Roland Chavez was elected the new President of the Houston Firefighters Local 341. I look forward to working with both of them and wish them good luck with their new positions.

     Our members once again hit the streets for the MDA Fill The Boot campaign for Jerry's Kids, raising just over $2,150. My thanks to our brothers and sisters for their hard work and to the citizens for their generous donations. As a whole, the IAFF raised over $20,000,000 for the telethon this year.

     In other convention news:

• The IAFF formed a new motorcycle club

• Discussion on more emphasis for health insurance coverage through the International Union

• Discussion on the fight for collective bargaining across the country

• Discussion on the Retirees Union

More information on these and other items can be found at www.iaff.org

     Our First Annual Golf Tournament was held on September 28 and I can say a good time was had by all who participated. My thanks to the members and volunteers who helped out at the door and on the golf course and a special thank you goes to Brother Kenny MacLeod for all his hard work in setting up the tournament. Good job, Kenny!! We're going for bigger and better next year so stay tuned.

That's all for now. Will update everybody on issues and other news next month. Until then, stay safe.

Fraternally yours,

John Green, President