Hurricane Ian: Member Assistance

 All members must notify President Warmkessel if interested.  You would need to use your own time.  Union would provide mileage for the vehicle and a per diem of 50$ per day per member.
Only respond if you are willing to be on the road in the next 36 hours and are willing to be away for a total of 7-10 days.  Please read the email from the IAFF carefully as to what you would be responsible for taking.
This help would be targeted to IAFF members impacted by the storm.  From speaking with leadership that is a large number of people.
If there is interest I will handle filling out the request form and coordinating with the team and IAFF.
Jeremy

The IAFF is assisting members and families impacted by Hurricane Ian, as well as working with affiliate leaders whose members were in the storm’s path.

We have established disaster relief operations in Bonita Springs and Tampa, with IAFF staff on-site to help members. A separate email has been sent to potentially affected members with a dedicated phone number they can contact for assistance, including supplies, behavioral health support, access to work crews, and financial assistance for catastrophic damage to homes.

If your members are interested in responding to the region to provide assistance, the IAFF is coordinating member support. Do not self-deploy. Please complete the Member Assistance Team form here. You will be contacted with a response assignment after your form is received.

Member Assistance Teams should:

  • Consist of a 3-4 person work team
  • Provide your own reliable transportation
  • Provide your own tools
  • Bring 3 days of food and water
  • Bring your own bedding – the IAFF will help to arrange accommodations in the area

Resources are scarce in the impacted area, along with widespread power outages. Please plan accordingly to avoid straining local resources.

Honor Guard Request

Retired FF Al Fraind has died and we need to set up an honor guard for his funeral. We are just going to be standing on the steps at the entry to the church. For those who don’t know Al, not only was he a firefighter for 30 years, he is a decorated WWII vet.  Served in the 9th infantry, fought in 8 major campaigns including being the second wave at Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, North Africa, and liberated a concentration camp…. He is a true American hero.

I need at least 4 guys from 950-1020, Wednesday, at the church on the corner of American parkway and front. All on-duty personnel will stop by to pay respects. Text me to let me know if you can stand

BC Held
610-349-1667

Last Alarm For Firefighter Thomas C. Fatzinger

,

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Allentown Firefighter Thomas C. Fatzinger.

   Thomas C. Fatzinger, 80, of Allentown, passed away peacefully in his home while holding the hand of his wife, Monday, September 5, 2022. He and his wife, Patricia A. (Freed), celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Charles E. and Geraldine K. (Seagreaves) Fatzinger. He was a member of Nativity Lutheran Church. A 1960 graduate of Allentown High School, he excelled in baseball and basketball. Tom served in the National Guard during the Vietnam War. Tom was employed by the city of Allentown as a firefighter for 30 years and was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 302. He also was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Liquor Store for 25 years.

 As a basketball and baseball star at Allen High School, Tom continued to love sports. His greatest joy was attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was the most loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. When Tom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease his loved one’s feared his disappearance. And though his mind did fade, his strength, laughter, and love for life and those around him always remained. 

   Survivors: wife; daughters, Deana (Pete), Tricia Bernecker (husband, Derek); grandchildren, Keri (husband, Todd), Brad, Aly (Josh), Paige, Conner (Viv); brother, Dale (wife, Susan), sisters-in-laws, Susan (husband, John), Dorrie (Bob), bother-in-law, Robert (wife, Kathy), and many nieces, nephews, and children. 

   Services: `12:30 PM Saturday at STEPHENS FUNERAL HOME, INC. 274 N. Krocks Rd. Call 11:30 AM until service time. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. (www.stephensfuneral.com)

   Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org and/or Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer at ppracride.org.

HONOR GUARD NEEDED!

We need to supply an honor guard for two events this weekend.

First, Saturday. Retired FF Tom Fatzinger’s funeral. It’s at Stevens on Krocks Rd. We are standing from 1130-1230. I need 4-6 guys.

Sunday. Mission BBQ is doing a 9-11 tribute. They have supplied us with lunches, food at fires, and donations. They would like an Allentown Fire Honor Guard to present colors during the national anthem. Total time you will be there is one hour. Get there around 1115, figure out logistics, and present at noon.
They will provide you with lunch.

Both of these are important! One is to honor a brother, the other is to honor 343 brothers. Time to step up. Text me if you can help, I need to know sooner than later.
BC Held
610-349-1667

Union Meetings and Nomination of Officers

 

 

Last Alarm For Retired Deputy Chief of Training John E Ott

 

We regret to inform you that retired Deputy Chief of Training – John E Ott has passed away. John served in the AFD from 3/27/72 – 12/22/2001.

John E. Ott, 79, of Allentown, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Wichita, Kansas, he was the son of the late John and Marjorie (Eastman) Ott. John is survived by his loving wife, Carmela Ott, the two shared their 53rd wedding anniversary this past June.

John served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Allentown Fire Department as Deputy Chief after almost 30 years of service. He also taught basic rescue and other fire related courses at LCCC and Northampton Community College. John was a certified NIMS instructor and on the EMS and Hazmat Team. After his retirement, he worked part-time as the NIMS Coordinator for Lehigh County.

In addition to his wife, Carmela, he is lovingly remembered by his daughters: Margaret-Beth Gallagher, wife of Dr. Francis Gallagher, and Stephanie Ott; grandson: Franky Gallagher; brothers: William D. Ott and David Ott, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jon-Anthony Ott, and a brother, Michael Ott.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 14th from 8:30 AM-9:30 AM at Weber Funeral Home, 1619 Hamilton St. Allentown, PA 18102. Mass of Christian burial to follow at 10AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 1046 W Cedar St, Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to AFD Local 302, 723 Chew St. 2nd Floor Allentown, PA 18102.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of John E. Ott, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Philadelphia LODD Services

 

Anyone interested in attending services on Monday, June 27th contact Lt. Custer (610) 597-0325 by Noon Tomorrow, Friday, June 24th.

Governor and U.S Senate race Recommendations

 

Governor and U.S Senate race Recommendations

Governor
(We did not officially endorse):

Josh Shapiro

U.S. Senate (We did not officially endorse):

Connor Lamb

The reason we are not making recommendations on the Republican side for Gov. and U.S. Senate is that none are friendly to Professional Fire Fighter issues. As always vote for your beliefs.

We are still in need of help

Tomorrow is primary day and as I mentioned before, our friends in the political world who have helped us rebuild the department
need us at the polls tomorrow. We need to show them that we appreciate their friendship and make sure they stay in a position to continue to help us grow.
I still need to fill 2 shifts.
Morning 0730-11 or when it slows
Afternoon 1500-2000 or when it slows
Contact Perreault (484) 892-1787 for details
Pat Browne and Pete Schweyer need our, IAFF Local 302 members, to help tomorrow. Saeed Georges and Nick Miller need our help. This is a political voice-building election for us. Come out and help us continue the growth.
Local 302 Executive Board

COVID Protocol

Attached is a guideline sent from HR to all Allentown Employees.

Currently, you come to work unless you have a positive test, regardless of exposure.  If you have been exposed but are not positive there are certain mask mandates that are to be followed.

 The biggest change in the current protocol was highlighted in yellow.  Your positive test must be professionally administered at a testing site.  The City continues to provide the testing at the Central fire station.  The positive test should provide date-specific administering as well as the location if not administered at Central.

At-home tests will no longer be accepted.