2006 Convention Minutes
The 120th Annual Convention of the New Jersey
State Exempt Firemen's
Association convened on Saturday, June 24, 2006, 9:15 a.m., at the Mount
Olive Township Middle School, Wolfe Road, Budd Lake, New Jersey.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Call the meeting of the 120th Annual Convention of
the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen together.
The exits: To your rear, to my left, to my right. This exit here
will go out into
the hallway and go outside, if there's the need. Make sure your pagers are off,
your cell phones are in the monitor system. Let us all stand for the Pledge of
Allegiance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Second Vice President William A. Egbert
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Let us stand for the National Anthem.
National Anthem sung by Karlene Rattner.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Remain standing for our opening prayer.
Reverend Light.
OPENING PRAYER
REVEREND LIGHT: Good morning. Peace be with you.
CONVENTION BODY: Also with you.
REVEREND LIGHT: Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God of all the ages
past, our hope for years to come, we who you have called to the service of
others ask your blessing on each of us as we gather on this occasion of the
annual meeting of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association. Give
us guidance, wisdom and direction as we discuss the issues of this convention
and make decisions which will affect the life of this association and those it
serves in the years ahead. May a spirit of harmony, peace and mutual respect
prevail over this meeting so that this association may move forward in serving
others. Oh, God, we pray. Amen.
CONVENTION BODY: Amen.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Now, you may be seated. Frank Gluckler, the
Community Service Award.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
MR. GLUCKLER: Firefighters on earning their exemption have already showed
their willingness to help their fellow citizens in the dangerous job of fire
suppression.
Most have never had the opportunity to be a hero, but the one we want to
honor has been the backbone of his company, not only at a call, but in keeping
up with the company's work. He might spend extra time in attending the
meetings of mutual aid or county or state organizations. He might be the one
who does all of the work for Fire Prevention week or in other contacts with the
community. He might just be the one who grabs a broom and keeps the truck
bay neat or who putters around outside the firehouse keeping the landscaping
looking good.
Perhaps the most important part of his activity is his activities in the
community. He will be active in little leagues, scouting, church activities and
any other place he finds that he can help. He volunteers for the personal pride
he feels and not for the publicity. He is currently an active member of an
Exempt Firemen's Association.
The award is based on:
1. Service to his fire company or department.
2. Service to the fire service in general.
3. And, more importantly, Service to his community.
The New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association is proud to present the
2006 Community Service Award to Samuel V. Filippine of Florence, New Jersey.
Applause.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: On behalf of the Exempt Firemen's Association of
New Jersey, I present Samuel with this plaque.
Presentation of plaque to recipient Samuel V. Filippine.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: First Vice President Joseph Pawlak will present him
with his badge.
1st VICE PRESIDENT PAWLAK: We have a hundred dollar check that goes
along with this award, I'm happy to present this.
MR. FILIPPINE: Thanks very much.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Bill Egbert.
2nd VICE PRESIDENT EGBERT: We also have a service bar to wear.
Applause.
MR. FILIPPINE: Usually I'm very talkative, but I'm overwhelmed by this
award
and I want to thank my friend Hobie Wainwright for submitting my resume. I 'm
choking up -- and most of all, I love my family, and 55 years I have a wife that
stood by me and she's --
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: We'll start off with our welcoming guests, invited
guests to our Convention -- before we start, we have to have the Call to
Convention, Tom Haborak, Senior.
CALL TO CONVENTION
SECRETARY HABORAK: To the Local Associates of Exempt Firemen Affiliated
with The New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association, Inc.
The 120TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
Hosted by the Budd Lake Fire Department and the Mt. Olive Exempts
Association will be held at Mount Olive Township Middle School, Wolfe Road,
Budd Lake, New Jersey 07828, Saturday, June 24, 2006, Convention convenes
at 9:00 a.m. sharp.
ELECTION OF EXEMPT DELEGATES
Elect five (5) delegates and five (5) alternates, one or more of whom shall act in
the place of any delegate or delegates chosen who may be unable to attend the
State Convention, the names of said delegates and alternates to be forwarded to
the Secretary of the State Exempt Firemen's Association on or before June 3,
2006.
NEW JERSEY STATE FIREMEN'S
ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
On or befthe second Wednesday of April 2006, elect one (1) delegate and
one (1) alternate (only one to attend) to the convention of the New Jersey State
Firemen's Association and kindly forward the credentials immediately to the
secretary of your local Relief association as it must be in the East Orange Office
on or before June 1, 2006, otherwise your Delegates will not be seated. Kindly
take care of this matter at your first meeting of the new year of 2006.
(NOTE: Duly incorporated means that the local exempt association must be
incorporated under NJSA: Title 15-A non-profit corporations.)
GRAVE MARKERS
Grave markers purchased from DAN FORD, 28 West Delavue Avenue, Carneys
Point, New Jersey 08069 (856)299-9434, (Southern Region); or STEVE CLAR,
12 Myrtle Avenue, Nutley, New Jersey 07110-3716, (973)667-7734, (Northern
Region). For price quotes: A check or money order must accompany the order
in the right amount. (Before April 1, 2006 call Dan Ford only at the above
number.)
FLAGS
The memorial flags may be purchased from CHRIS ASSENHEIMER, 444
Central Avenue, Carlstadt, New Jersey 07072-1524, (201)438-3450. Call for the
price quote, which includes flags and shipping. In order to secure flags it will be
necessary to mail check or money order in the correct amount when ordering
the flags. Please order early so you will be sure to receive the flags in time for
Memorial Day.
REGISTRATION
Registration of Life Members and Delegates will be from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The following blank report forms are enclosed herewith:
1 - Memorial Report.
2 - Election of Delegates and Alternates and Life Member Report.
3 - Statistical Report.
4 - Credentials of Delegates.
5 - Life Membership Certificates of Attendance.
The State Secretary requests you to send Reports Number 1, 2, 3, & 4 as
soon as possible after your election and they can be completed on or before
June 3, 2006. DO NOT RETURN THE CREDENTIALS OF DELEGATES OR
THE LIFE MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE. CREDENTIALS
OF DELEGATES ARE TO BE GIVEN TO THE DELEGATES, AND LIFE
MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE TO BE GIVEN TO LIFE
MEMBERS TO BE TURNED IN AT THE CONVENTION AS THEY REGISTER.
Thank you. Fraternally Yours, Thomas J. Haborak, Sr.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Address of guests of the convention. Steve Rattner,
Mt. Olive councilman.
GUESTS OF THE CONVENTION - ADDRESSES
MR. RATTNER: Thank you very much. Mt. Olive is extremely proud of
our fire
departments, both Budd Lake who is celebrating its 75th birthday, and its sister
company Flanders and I am honored to speak in front of all the honored guests
that are here today. We speak of First Responders and what is needed since
September 11th, 2001, but you, your organization has been here for well over a
century. You've made it an art form. And I can tell you that all of us in the town
government, I'm sure the other 569 municipalities in New Jersey are in awe in
your training, in your dedication and your accomplishments. And with that, I
just want to congratulate the New Jersey Exempt Firemen's Association on
their 120th Annual Convention. The 100th anniversary of the New Jersey State
Forest Service, and, of course, our home company, the sponsor of this
convention, the Budd Lake Fire Department on its 75th anniversary. Again,
thank you for coming and having your convention in Mt. Olive and thank you for
helping celebrate the 75th birthday of the Budd Lake Fire Department. Thank
you, very much.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Kenny Nelson, chief of the Budd Lake Fire
Department.
CHIEF NELSON: On behalf of the men and women of the Budd Lake Fire
Department, I'd like to welcome you to the Town of Budd Lake located in the
Township of Mt. Olive. It's truly an honor to host your 120th Convention. This is
also the day we have chosen to celebrate our 75th anniversary. We have been
protecting and serving the town of Budd Lake for the last 75 years. Today we
will be having a celebration located in the International Trade Center field located
in the International Trade Center. It starts at noon, goes to six. We would like
to see you all there if possible. Hopefully, you won't need your umbrella. Again,
congratulations on your 120th Convention. Thank you.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Mr. Fred Detoro, Sr, president Mt. Olive Township
Exempt Association.
MR. DETORO: I want to thank you and welcome all the Delegates and
Officers
of the State Firemen's Exempt Association and I want to welcome you on behalf
of the Mt. Olive Township Firemen's Exempt Association. Have a good day and
good convention, and congratulations on the 120th anniversary. Thank you.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Frank Wheatley, Executive Committeeman, Morris
County, New Jersey State Exempt Association.
MR. WHEATLEY: Thank you, Mr. President, Fellow firefighters, Delegates,
Life
Members and guests, I would like to welcome you to Morris County and the
120th Annual Convention of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's
Association. On behalf of all the Delegates and Life Members, I wish to extend
gratitude and sincere appreciation to the Budd Lake Fire Department and the
Budd Lake Exempt Firemen's Association for being our host for this convention
on their 75th anniversary of dedicated service. This past year they have worked
very hard and they have had many meetings. You and your families are all
invited to the festivities at the Trade Center, Clark Drive. In closing, I'd like to
thank you all for attending today. Enjoy the Convention and the day and have a
safe trip home.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Pat Wiles, president, Ladies Auxiliary of the Firemen
of the State of New Jersey.
MS. WILES: Good morning. Thank you for inviting me to your 120th Annual
Convention. My term as president is only two short years, but in that time,
besides my usual responsibilities, I decided to focus on two areas. My first area
is to increase the number of Ladies Auxiliary in our state organization. My other
focus is to increase the support of the firemen in Boonton Home. Around four
years ago at our meeting, Marge Cafferty told us about the "Adopt A Firemen"
program at Boonton Home. Some of our northern auxiliaries have been working
with them for some time. As of last week, the Boonton Home was full with 79
residents, with several men on the waiting list. Of those 79 men, 57 of them
have been "adopted" by various groups. There are still 22 residents that
are
looking forward to being "adopted" as well. Those groups and individuals
participating in the "Adopt a Fireman" program are varied, such as: 36 fire
ladies
auxiliaries, there are several that support more than one fireman; nine fire
departments; St. Joseph's student council of Carteret; Lebanon Boro School;
New Jersey Fire Chiefs Association have two firemen; Middlesex County
Fire/Police Association; and nine individuals. Let me tell you about some of the
special activities of those Ladies Auxiliaries. On April 28th, Denville's auxiliary
went to the Home to host a bingo party. They give their "adopted" fireman a
monthly gift and also special gifts at Christmas. They also send birthday cards
to each of the residents throughout the year. Pennington Ladies Auxiliary sends
cards throughout the year, as well as on birthdays and at Christmastime.
Although they recently said that what they do is a small effort on their part, their
generosity is greatly appreciated by those gentlemen that they have sponsored
through the years. Then there is Hightstown. Six ladies go to the Home about
once a month. They always bring their two firemen's favorite lunch --lasagna.
They even stop at a local market to get sugar-free pies. In 2004, the Hightstown
ladies and men had a picnic for the entire Boonton Home. Our State ladies
auxiliary always sends Christmas and Easter flowers to the Home. As you can
see, these auxiliaries, fire departments, associations, schools, and individuals
each support the Firemen's Home in different ways and varying levels of
involvement. If you have an interest in the "Adopt a Fireman" program,
call the
secretary to the superintendent, Maureen Brigham at the Boonton Home for
more information. Also, Marge Cafferty will be at the Boonton table at your State
Convention in Wildwood on Friday, September 15th. We will also have a table
at the Wildwood Convention for our membership drive. Look for us there. In
conclusion, please go back to your fire companies and let them know of the
Boonton Home Adoption program and our State Ladies Auxiliary Membership
Drive. Thank you very much.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Chris Assenheimer, vice president, New Jersey State
Fire Chiefs Association.
MR. ASSENHEIMER: Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of president
Bernie
Cohan, the 2nd vice president, the executive board, and the entire New Jersey
State Fire Chiefs Association, we would like to congratulate the New Jersey
State Exempt Firemen's Association on their 120th Convention at Budd Lake.
It's an honor and a privilege for me to be here this morning. I'd like to
congratulate President Archie Roemmich for the successful two years as
president. Thank you very much.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Barbara Wiley, Second Vice President, Ladies
Auxiliary New Jersey State Firemen's Association.
MS. WILEY: Good morning, and I'm so glad to have been honored to be here
this morning. I am here on behalf of my president, whose mother passed away
unexpectedly, so I'm sort of filling in this morning. It's my pleasure to serve my
own local fire auxiliary for 45 years, and I hope to be many more years. I
would at this time give you a brief synopsis of what we are doing this year. We
also support the Boonton Home, but we also took on Make A Wish for firemen's
children who are either critically ill or chronically ill, and we are sponsoring that.
It is also our plan to go visit the Boonton Home based upon our county locations.
And at this time I just want to wish you a very successful convention. Have a
safe trip home and it was my pleasure to be here this morning.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Now, it gives me great pleasure to introduce, Leigh
Peterson, president of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association.
MR. PETERSON: Good morning.
CONVENTION BODY: Good morning.
MR. PETERSON: It's a pleasure to join the Delegates, Life Members, all
the
Officers here in Budd Lake. I also would like to congratulate the New Jersey
State Exempt Association for their 120th year, along with Budd Lake for their
75th anniversary. I have a few updates from the New Jersey State Firemen's
Association. I think the first thing I'd like to address, we have done some major
updates on our building. I know there were rumors that we were going to move
and that isn't happening. Being we are staying here, we had to do something
with the building. A number of years back, when Frank was president, we put
a new roof on, then we kind of stalled the job for a while. This past year we had
the building all cleaned and painted where necessary. On the exterior, we have
all new windows installed. It was all single-pane glass and in the wintertime it
was like a deep freeze. We have since dressed up the outside of the building.
There was an old railroad-tie type wall there that was pretty well rotted out and
falling over. We had a stone wall put in about 15 to 18 inches high on the two
sides of the building. We put shrubbery in there, it really, really looks nice.
Naturally, we were concerned what it might look like after a month or two, but I
have to say so far, it still looks good and, as far as the debris, it was always
around there. I'd say that has been reduced by 75 or 80 percent from what it
used to be. So the building really, really looks good. Burial fund: As of July
1,
through Treasurer Osborn's recommendation and, of course, the approval of the
Executive Committee, it's been raised to $8,700. It would be 26,100 for line of
duty. The two percent collections naturally have come in, they have been
distributed. All the locals should have received their checks, if they haven't,
please let us know, so we can look into it. The relief scale: You recall last year
there was a resolution put in by Wayne to raise the limit up, upper limit to
$5000. The Executive Committee reviewed this and through Mr. Horsch, our
Field Examiner, he also ran some figures for us; what they did, yes, we did
raise it from 3,000 to 5,000, and they also put some other steps in between the
3,000 and 5,000. And, also, each level was increased, from the bottom all the
way up. So that the larger associations were able to pay out more money and
rightfully so. As far as the Special Relief Fund, that's going real well. The
only
thing is we did not jump that to the 5,000. We raised it from 3,000 to $3,500.
We would like to try that for a year. We want to see how the funds hold out.
We were afraid if we jumped it to 5,000 right away, we might be short money
and we don't want to go out and ask for more money to keep this going.
Resolutions: All resolutions from the past years that were not addressed have
been addressed. If you look at your abridged report from the February meeting,
you will see a sheet in there indicating each resolution and what was done to
take care of it. This year we have five resolutions, this Convention; two of them,
again, were not written properly. We did change procedure. We had two
meetings this year instead of one with the Resolution Committee; one being
within the first ten days of June. With these two resolutions not written properly,
they've been notified, the originators, requesting that they change the wording.
And, hopefully, they will do that and get back to us prior to our July meeting.
If we have any contact with them. Unfortunately, two resolutions came from the
same association and there's one word in each one that needs to be changed,
and I'm sure they are going to help us out with that. Delegate, Life Member
cards, naturally, will be going out shortly. After the 17th of July, we will be back
from vacation, we will start mailing them out in caucus order because it does
take awhile to get them done. Keep an eye out for them, make sure that you
have them ready for your members for the caucus. Wildwood. Of course we
have two concerns down there one: There was a gentleman that got up and
wanted to relocate the Convention to another part of the state. Naturally, he was
appointed to the committee. He was chairman of the committee. He came up
and spoke to me after the Convention, wanted to know when he could meet with
us. He called me the following week. Within a couple of weeks he came into
the Office, sat down with the Officers. I think he got an education, because he
didn't really understand what was behind it all. He said he would be back to us
within 30 days. That was in October, early October. I called him in November,
before the Executive Committee meeting, for an update. He said he was still
waiting for some input. He would have something for us, that he was working on
it. I said fine. In February, just prior to the Executive Committee meeting, I
called three times, left a message three times, his business answering machine.
I know he's getting the messages. I sent him a letter. And to this date, I haven't
heard another word from him. Last year we did not select a Convention site for
2010. This year we have to do something about it. You have to understand, we
pick the site five years in advance, but we sign a contract annually. All that
does is reserve the date. We can move out anytime we want. So we do want to
protect this date. So keep that in mind when you get down to the Convention.
The other problem down there is motels. They are tearing motels down like
crazy, putting up condos, larger motels. There are probably four of them on the
drawing board. The big thing right now is CAFRA is holding up the approvals for
the applications for permits. This is a board that's appointed, we are not even
sure who they report to. They do what they want, when they want. And we are
working along with Wildwood trying to see if we can't get something moving
along. The one where the Rio was is still an empty lot. They are ready to
start
any day, but until CAFRA approves it, they can't put one shovel in the ground;
if they do, there's a penalty for every day that they work there. If anybody is
having problems getting motels, give us a call in the Office. We will put you in
touch with a young lady down there that's worked very well with us. So far she's
been able to help everybody out. The only thing is, as far as 30 or 40 rooms in
a group, that's not going to happen. But so far she's been able to place
everybody, and as I said at numerous other meetings, we are going to have to
ride out this hotel/motel situation just like we did with the convention hall.
Eventually it will come to a head, but it's not going to happen over night. It will
take three, four, five years. Other than that, I think I have spoken more than
enough. We look forward to seeing you down in Wildwood at the Convention in
September.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Frank Wheatley, Executive Committeeman, Morris
County. He's taking Kevin Finnegan's, Exempt fireman's place.
MR. WHEATLEY: On behalf of Kevin Finnegan, to the Officers, Delegates,
Life
Members and guests of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association,
welcome to Morris County. I would like to be there with you, but will be out of
state the day of the Convention. I wish you much success with the Convention.
A reminder for Delegates and Life Members of the New Jersey State Firemen's
Association: The Morris County caucus will be held on Thursday, July 27 at St.
Mary's School, 345 South Main Street in Wharton. Registration will begin at
7:30 p.m. The caucus begins at 8 p.m. Have a great day and safe trip home.
Kevin Finnegan.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Harry DeDreu from the Firemen's Home in Boonton.
MR. DE DREU: Good morning.
CONVENTION BODY: Good morning.
MR. DE DREU: Greetings to the Officers and members of the New Jersey
State
Exempt Firemen's Association.
Congratulations to the Budd Lake Fire
Department on their 75th anniversary. The guests, staff and Board of Managers
of the New Jersey Firemen's Home have asked me to express their thanks and
gratitude for your kind invitation to attend your Convention today and for your
continued support throughout the year. Since September 22, 1900, when we
admitted our first guest to the present day, we have taken in 2,062 guests.
Currently we have 77 guests at the Home, 68 in long-term care, and nine in
residential. During the past year, we have completed many new projects, such
as replacement of all the flat roofs, replacement of the air conditioning system in
the dining room, and the replacement of the domestic hot water system. We are
currently working on replacing some of the heating and cooling pipes on all
dorms and are replacing many of the windows. We have received a hundred
thousand dollar grant from the Morris County Community Development Fund to
replace our handicapped ramp. This project started in April and should be
completed by July 30th, 2006. The men will be going to Wildwood again this
year on Friday, September 15. They will arrive around 11:30 a.m. and will be
down in front where they have been in the past. Please feel free to come down
and say hello to the guests and staff. I would like to take this opportunity
to
thank all of the counties, fire departments and local and state auxiliaries, as you
heard this morning what the auxiliaries have done for the Home, and friends of
the Home for all the activities: Barbeques, bingos, steak and lobster dinners,
pasta dinners, pancake breakfasts, and the New Jersey State Firemen's
Association for funding the Home every year. Please feel free to stop by the
Home and visit with your guests anytime or call to schedule a tour of the facility
or to sponsor an event with our activities department. Have a safe journey home
and we'll see you in Wildwood. And in closing, past president Richard Ferry of
the State Exempt Association sends his best wishes. Richard entered the
Home on November 10, 2005, and he's enjoying himself very well. Have a safe
journey home, and we'll see you in Wildwood. Thank you.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Is there anyone here from the Iselin Fire Department?
See the gentleman from Budd Lake, please.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
NEW JERSEY FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL, Cathy Coursen.
MS. COURSEN: Good morning.
CONVENTION BODY: Good morning.
MS. COURSEN: My father was a firefighter killed in the line of duty in
1983. I
became the chairperson of the New Jersey Fallen Firefighter Memorial in
January. I will give you a brief history of the memorial: In 1981, a state
commission selected the fire engine museum entrance plaza as the location
for a permanent New Jersey Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The museum is a
non-profit corporation and not part of the State. But it was decided that the
memorial would be a part of the museum, in order for it to be state funded. In
1989, a state commission selected a 14-acre site adjacent to Allaire State Park
as the home for the museum and memorial. All the funding that was promised
over the years has never come. The State senate and State assembly have
approved bills to fund the project multiple times, but the funding never came.
There is a current State assembly bill this year for funding and a State senate
bill is also to be introduced but, most likely, it will also not be funded. Most
other states have memorials. Most other state memorials, although, did receive
little or no funding from their state. Colorado's was built with no state money, all
privately done; Maryland raised $700,000 and the state gave them $200,000 to
complete. California is on state property but was all done with private money.
Going forward, the museum board agrees the memorial needs to be built now.
It's been 25 years that this has been an ongoing project and nothing has
happened. The memorial is our highest priority. All funds raised for the
museum project, will go toward building the memorial. We can't wait for the
State to start funding the money, so we have to start private fund raising. If we
do get State funding, that's great, but can't wait another 25 years. There is now
a memorial chairperson. No one wants the memorial built more than a family
member of a fallen firefighter, so for me the memorial is also personal. I'm here
for your support. The current fund raising program we have is the buy-a-paver
program, which will be placed at the memorial site. Those forms are here, if
anyone is interested in that. People can also make donations. You can help us
by participating in our upcoming fund raisers. You can check our web site.
Right now there is nothing concrete scheduled but there will be in the next few
months. You can join the memorial committee, if anyone is interested in getting
more involved. You can come see me before you leave or I have handouts up
here with the web site, my phone number, my e-mail address, and some more
information, if you would like to take that back to your department and get more
involved. Thank you.
Applause
SPECIAL SAFETY PRESENTATION
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: "Safety Standdown, Everyone Goes Home" by
C. Kenneth Anderson and JohnLeo Fedorka.
(Safety Standdown, Everyone Goes Home slide program is projected to
Convention.)
MR. FEDORKA: Can everyone see that?
"Safety Standdown," presented
by
The New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association at their 120th Annual
Convention, today, June 24th, hosted by the Budd Lake Fire Department.
This is the second National Firefighter Safety Stand Down, there was one last
year also. It's sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the
International Association of Firefighters, and the Volunteer and Combination
Officers Section of the IAFC.
The second leading cause of all firefighter deaths, line of duty deaths, is
emergency vehicle accidents, gentlemen. Don't let this be you. This is an
accident that happened in Maynardville, Tennessee, June 2lst, 2002. The driver
sustained several injuries, but has since made a full recovery. Again he was
wearing a seat belt. See the way that truck looks, that's tough, guys, that's a
bad accident. If you don't get to the incident safely, you can't be part of the
solution and you are going to create another problem. Emergency vehicle
accidents are responsible for 25 percent of the all line of duty deaths. And just
a side note, the most recent line of duty death in the fire service just occurred
on Wednesday afternoon, it happened in New Mexico. A firefighter was driving a
brush truck at a high rate of speed, was losing control of it, tried to make a
correction, he over corrected, flipped the truck, not wearing his seat belt, was
ejected from the vehicle and was killed. This is just to brighten you up and give
you a little reminder, this is what it looks like. This is the picture of a
firefighter
funeral in Camden. He died as a result of injuries that he sustained in a fire on
October 2lst, 1990 and just recently passed away on March 7th of this year, but
he was in a coma the entire time.
A little quiz. Can you answer these questions?
Emergency vehicles are exempt from all traffic laws. Is that true or false?
CONVENTION BODY: False.
MR. FEDORKA: What is a true emergency and what is due regard?
We will go to the next one. The first question, we got that one right, false.
What is a true emergency? A true emergency is an incident where thehigh
possibility of death or serious injury and/or property damage exists, and if you
can intervene, you might be able to help alleviate the situation. But that's a true
emergency. We will go to the next slide. Due regard. Due regard is best
defined as how a reasonably careful person performing similar duties under
similar circumstances would act in the same situation. We have to remember,
and this is part of all EVAC courses, okay? And this section, I don't think you
can see it, how can we be safe when responding? Use due regard for traffic
when responding, both in your POV, which is your private owned vehicle, or
driving any and all emergency apparatus. Remember what due regard is; again,
what a reasonably careful person performing similar duties under similar
circumstances would act in the same manner.
We must stop before proceeding through any and all controlled intersections.
These are just some examples of controlled intersections. We have a four-way
stop sign and a regular stop sign. Other drives on the road do not know where
you are coming from, where you are going to, or what you are going to do at an
intersection. And here's a fine example of it. This is an example of an engine
that was going straight. All the vehicles at the intersection were stopped.
The
pickup truck tried to pass around the stopped vehicles and drove into the path
of the fire truck. The pickup truck was driven into another stopped vehicle at the
intersection. There were three minor injuries, including one firefighter injury.
All
were wearing seat belts. This occurred in Michigan City, Indiana, January 18th
of this year. Again, the bottom section is the most important: Use your seat
belt at all times. Get in the habit of using them in your own car. It's part
of the
law. It's something we are going to have to live with.
Again, when driving any and all emergency apparatus, if wearing your turnout
gear obstructs your ability to safely control the vehicle, do not wear your boots
or whatever obstructs you. Again, seat belts at all times. These are pictures
of
people wearing seat belts. That's our fire chief, my fire chief, I should say.
This
is some pictures we took in the firehouse, again wearing the seat belt, and
"everyone goes home." That's in the engine. There's yours truly.
Now, we are
going to turn around and talk about how we could be safer on the scene. When
arriving on location at any incident, position your apparatus properly, especially
at highway incidents. I couldn't begin to tell you how many guys I have heard
about getting killed at a highway incident because the police came by and said,
hey, you got to pull that fire truck over to the curb, you can't block my highway.
So they pull the truck over closer to the curb, and they are trying to work on
getting somebody out of the car, a car comes along at 50 miles an hour and
clips the fireman. Use all warning devices, lights, flares anything you can
possibly use out on the highway or roadway, especially during the hours after
sundown. A picture here of a motor vehicle accident, again, you can note they
blocked off the whole highway and using cones, they brought traffic cones with
them in the back of their fire truck. Next slide: Again, this is Chicago, Illinois.
Again, they are blocking off the entire roadway. Here we are at a night incident
and they are using the lights, their reflective turnout gear, you can see everything
is lit up. And this is in Pleasant Gardens in North Carolina. Some examples of
what you should do. Use all reflective vests and proper equipment for all fire
ground activity, as well as all other activities, including directing traffic.
Here's
our pictures of our vests, safety cones, flares, everything you could possibly
want to have at a scene in order to protect your guys. There we go, this is an
attention-getter here, you know how hard it is to get a picture of a fire/police
officer directing traffic with a vest. I had to make a substitution up there.
Use
all your protective equipment, all your firefighters, your turnout gear, including
SCBA, traffic cones, flare, all warning devices, reflective vests, flashlights. And
again for fire/police directing traffic on the scene, their vests, all protective
devices. Another wonderful picture that we quickly draw, firefighter himself in
front of our fire truck, full turnout gear, notice the gloves are hanging from my
shoulders and we are ready to go. Again, with the air pack. Remember your
cones and your safety vests and things like that, put them on your truck. If you
don't have them on there now, get some. This is a container that we use. We
have flares in these containers. We make sure there are at least ten flares and
every vehicle we have in our department has one of those containers that has
ten flares, and you are responsible every morning to make sure there are ten
flares in there. Please stay safe and let's try to send everyone home to their
families alive. And there's the picture again, "Everyone Goes Home."
A little public service announcement.
Thank for your time and attention.
Please take this and all the information you receive here back to your
respective fire stations and share with those not in attendance. And there's my
preparation and credits for my slides. A lot of those slides came from
"firehouse
com," which is an excellent source for anything you need to find about line of
duty deaths and other accidents and things like that. There's some more photo
credits. And if you want a copy of the presentation, you can send an e-mail to
myself at my military address here or my home address, and I will gladly send
you a copy of this presentation. And don't forget our web site. Thank you.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you very much, John Fedorka, for that
presentation.
NOMINATION OF OFFICERS
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Now it comes to nomination of officers.
Starting with
our president. Do I hear a nomination for our President?
MR. BOCCHINO: Frank Bocchino, Bergen County. I would like to
nominate
Joe Pawlak, as President of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's
Association for the coming year.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: We have a nomination for Joe Pawlak. A second?
JEFFREY PRYOR: Life Member Plainsboro, Middlesex County, I'd like to
second the nomination of Joe Pawlak.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you. Nomination of Joe Pawlak. Any
other
nominations? Any other nominations? Any other nominations?
MR. BOCCHINO: Make a motion the nominations be closed.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Do I hear a second?
(Chorus of seconds to close the nomination for President.)
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Nominations for president is now closed. Nomination
for First Vice President.
MR. WHEATLEY: It gives me great pleasure to nominate Bill Egbert for the
position of First Vice President. He's done a wonderful job as our Second Vice
President.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you.
MR. WOOD: Second the motion.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Larry Wood seconds the motion for First Vice
President Bill Egbert. Are there any other nominations? Are there any other
nominations? Are there any other nominations? All nominations for First Vice
President be closed. Second Vice President.
MR. PORCH: I'd like to nominate Robert H. Myers, Goshen, as Second Vice
President, Cape May County Committeeman and chief of the Goshen Volunteer
Fire Company. Ralph Porch: Alternate, Cape May County.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you Ralph Porch. Do I hear a second?
MR. HAWN: Second.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Lee Hawn in the back, Salem County, seconds the
motion for Robert Myers. Are there any other nominations for Second Vice
President? Are there any other nominations for Second Vice President?
A DELEGATE: Move they be
closed.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Motion has been made to close the nominations for
Second Vice President. Do I hear a second?
(Chorus of seconds.)
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: All in favor signify by saying aye.
(Chorus of ayes.)
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH:
Opposed? Carried. Now, Secretary. Bill Doherty.
MR. DOHERTY: Mr. President, Bill Doherty, Life Member, Florence,
Burlington
County, past president of New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association. It's
with great honor and a privilege to nominate Thomas J. Haborak as Secretary
for New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you, Bill. Are there any seconds to this
nomination?
MR. VANDER BERG: Rich Vander Berg, Life Member, past president. Be
glad
to second.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you, Rich. Any other nominations for the office
of Secretary? Are there any other nominations for the office of Secretary? Do I
hear a motion to close the nominations for Secretary?
MR. PRYOR: Motion to close.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Would you stand up and give your name, please?
MR. PRYOR: Jeff Pryor, Plainsboro. Move the nominations be closed.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you.
MR. VANDER BERG: And I'll second that motion.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Rich Vander Berg seconds the motion to close
nominations for Secretary. Treasurer. Glenn Roemmich.
MR. ROEMMICH: Executive Committeeman, Gloucester County, Glenn
Roemmich. I'd like to nominate Edward McMahon for Treasurer.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Do I hear a second?
MR. WOOD: Second the motion.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Larry Wood seconds the motion for Treasurer.
Are
there any other nominations for the office of Treasurer?
MR. BOCCHINO: Move they be closed.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Frank Bocchino moves they be closed.
Chorus of many seconds
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Second by many. Statistician. Office of
Statistician.
MR. DE FILIPPIS: Life Member, Somerset County. I nominate Hobie
Wainwright.
MR. DOHERTY: Second the motion.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Bill Doherty seconds the motion for Statistician.
Are
there any other nominations for statistician?
MR. BOCCHINO: Makes the motion to close the nomination of Statistician.
MR. ROEMMICH: Second?
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Glenn Roemmich seconds it. The nomination of
Officers is now closed.
APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH:
Moving along, appointment of committees as printed
in the journal and to be amended at the reorganizational meeting.
ROLL CALL OF ASSOCIATIONS
AND PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE REGISTRATION COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: J. Hobie Wainwright.
STATISTICIAN WAINWRIGHT: Thank you, Mr. President. As of nine
o'clock,
we had 92 associations present. That means that we are actually eight shy of
the required minimum quorum of 100. It's already ten o'clock and registration is
closed, and, with that, hopefully, in our final report from the Registration
Committee, we will have, hopefully, that magic century number. Thank you, Mr.
President.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you, Hobie.
MINUTES OF THE 2005 CONVENTION
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH:
Reading of the minutes of the 2005 Convention. The
minutes are printed in the journal and are on our web site. I want a motion to
accept.
MR. GLUCKLER: I make a motion to accept.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Frank Gluckler makes a motion that we accept the
minutes as they are printed. Do I hear a second?
MR. MORGAN: David Morgan, Somerset County. Second the motion.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Any questions? All in favor signify by saying
aye.
Chorus of ayes.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Opposed? Motion carries.
RECEIPT OF COMMUNICATIONS
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Receipt of communications, Thomas Haborak.
SECRETARY HABORAK: I received a letter from Reverend Callendar, one of
our
chaplains from Ocean County, and he has resigned as of today.
REPORT OF THE OFFICERS
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Report of the Officers.
PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Since our last Convention I attended the following
functions while representing the Association: On Sunday, August 29th, I
attended the Burlington County Exempt meeting held in Moorestown at the
Lenola Fire Company, where we presented the Community Service Award. The
reason why this was done at their meeting because the man could not make it
at our last Convention to have the plaque and everything done. We did it at his.
Attended conventions as your representative for the Relief Convention in
Wildwood last year on September 15th and 16th. October 7th we attended the
annual Fire Engineering Magazine sponsored by the New Jersey Fire and
Emergency Medical Services Organization Leader Summit held in Atlantic City.
On Saturday, October 8th, Vice President Joe Pawlak and I attended the New
Jersey State Firemen's Ladies Auxiliary's fall meeting held in Little Falls. Later
that day, we met with Vice President Bill Egbert at the Dover Fire Department's
131st Annual Inspection Dinner. On Wednesday, November 14th, I attended
the Officers meeting held in Plainsboro. On Wednesday, December 7th, I
attended the viewing of Mr. Robert Mees in Lodi. With sad regrets, he was in
charge of our Election Committee. We had to find a replacement for him. On
Monday, December 12th, I attended the dinner and meeting of the Woodbridge
Exempt Association. On Thursday, January 12th, I attended the Gloucester
County Fire Chiefs 39th Annual Installation Banquet held at Masso's Catering
Hall in Glassboro. On Wednesday, February 8th, I attended the Memorial
Committee meeting in North Plainfield. On Monday, February 20th, I attended
the Memorial Committee meeting in North Plainfield. On Wednesday, March 1st,
I attended the viewing of the Second Vice President William Egbert's mother in
Randolph Township. On Sunday, March 26th, I attended a pre-budget meeting
with Vice President Pawlak, past president Fedorka and Treasurer Ed McMahon
held in Plainsboro. On Wednesday, March 29th, I attended the budget meeting
held in Carlstadt. I believe this is the first time that I have been attending
our
conventions that we had a budget that was presented at our memorial service in
April and was sanctified for this Convention. On Saturday, April 1st, I attended
the New Jersey State Ladies Auxiliary spring luncheon with Vice President
Pawlak in Hamilton. On Tuesday, April 4th, I attended the viewing of Chaplain
Charles Weiss held in Pennsauken. I have attended Gloucester County Fire
Chiefs Association, Gloucester County Firemen's Association, Delaware Valley
Firemen's Association, and during this time, I drove 3,521 miles while
representing the Association. I attended many county caucuses, fire company
dinners and banquets. That ends my report.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Now, the report of the First Vice President, Joe
Pawlak.
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
1ST VICE PRESIDENT PAWLAK: Good morning. Since or Convention
meeting
last year on June 11, 2005 at the Middlesex Borough High School in Middlesex
Borough, I have attended the following functions and performed the following
duties as a representative of this Organization. I attended 35 meetings, six
fundraisers, six viewings and eight special events for a total of 3,110 miles
traveled. I spent approximately 60 hours updating the Organization's web site.
I also assisted the web master in the changeover from one web site hosting
company to another. I made numerous phone calls and sent e-mails and faxes
conducting the Association's business. I assisted several local associations
with problems and concerns via the telephone and fax. I worked with the other
officers and representatives to develop a sound fiscal budget. I was
instrumental in implementing a eduction or elimination of several items that
resulted in cost cutting expense savings to the Association of over $4,000.
Specific e-mails were sent concerning the payment of dues and incorporation
fees to the record keeper by the local associations. E-mails were also sent out
encouraging the local associations to respond to the call to convention sent out
by the state secretary. Another set of e-mails was sent out encouraging the
selling and purchasing of journal ads and raffle tickets. Working with the other
officers, revamped and updated the committee list to include more members on
each committee and meet the by-law requirements. Worked closely with the
State Firemen's Association on many items of mutual concern. Prepared a
report of the Executive Committee to the Convention, which will be presented
later. Thank you.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Second Vice President, Bill Egbert.
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
2ND VICE PRESIDENT EGBERT: Since our last Convention that was held in
Middlesex on June 11, 2005, I have attended the following functions and
performed the following duties as a representative of this Organization. I
attended nine local association meetings; attended four county caucus
meetings; attended the viewings of eight Exempt firemen; attended ten parades
and inspections; attended the New Jersey Weekend at the National Fire
Academy in August 2005 and May 2006; attended eleven fund raising and/or
social events; traveled approximately 2,500 miles. In addition I worked with the
Memorial Committee in preparation for our annual statewide memorial service
that was held on April 22, 2006 in North Plainfield. I also worked with the Raffle
and Budget Committees to successfully complete their assigned functions. I
worked cooperatively with my fellow officers and other members of the Executive
Committee on small, medium and large projects and issues facing the
Organization. One of my functions is to arrange Executive Committee meeting
sites and coordinate the hosting of Convention. I just announced that our next
meeting of the Executive Committee will be a reorganizational meeting, which
will be held on August 19th, Carneys Point, Salem County. And if any local
associations are interested in hosting an Executive Committee meeting, which
we have approximately five per year, please see the Second Vice President or
any other Officer. In addition to that, the Conventions, if any local association
is interested in hosting a convention site, they need to communication with
Secretary Tom Haborak. I pledge that the First Vice President and I will
continue to work for the advancement of our Association and pledge to work
closely with local associations in order to strengthen the relationship between
the local and the state associations. Thank you.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you. Secretary, Thomas J. Haborak,
Senior.
SECRETARY
SECRETARY HABORAK: To the Officers, Delegates, Life Members assembled
at the 120th Annual Convention of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's
Association. In accordance with the by-laws, I submit for your consideration my
report as State Secretary for the period of June 11, 2005 until June 24, 2006.
The New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association Officers and Executive
Committee are committed to caring for the local associations, and their brother
members. In the past year, I have certified brother members as Life Members to
this great Association. I have attended many local, county and state meetings,
memorial services, dinners, parades and brother member wake services. In
closing, I would like to thank the Officers, past officers, and all my brother
members for their support in the past year. Thank you.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Treasurer, Thomas McMahon, Junior.
TREASURER
TREASURER MC MAHON: Thank you, Mr. President. Last year it became
evident to all the Officers that this Association needed a shot in the arm, as far
as financial things. We all got together, the Officers, the Executive Committee,
as well as the Budget Committee, and we proceeded to try to stem the tide.
I'm going to report as of December 3lst, 2005. In 2005 we had a checking
account for the Association, a raffle account, a savings account, and three CDs.
Their total assets was $46,780.32, which for the year of 2005 resulted in a net
loss of $4,994.30; however, I'm happy to report that we see some improvement
and I have reported to the Executive Committee yesterday, and we are seeing
very slow things, where we are getting more money in, where we are getting a
little better interest. And I hope by next year that I can report as December 3lst
2006 that we will have a profit. Thank you.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you, Ed. Is Hobie Wainwright here?
Thomas
Orr; Counsel.
COUNSEL
COUNSEL ORR: Good morning. It's my pleasure to submit my annual report as
Counsel to the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association. I have
attended all the meetings and prepared resolutions. We have prepared changes
to the statute to overturn the rulings of the Supreme Court. Those are pending
before the state legislature. We have a sample letter asking each of you to write
to your representatives in support of these two bills, copy was made available to
the Officers and will be posted on the web site.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you, Thomas. Record keeper, Ed De
Filippis.
RECORDKEEPER
RECORDKEEPER MR. DE FILIPPIS: Good morning. We have a total of 358
associations, which I maintain records. I annually reincorporate 348
associations. In that group we have four ounty associations, and they are
Bergen, Passaic, Middlesex and Monmouth County. Also included is the
Bergen County Home and our own New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's
Association incorporated. We have ten independent associations which pay
dues only and they incorporate on their own. Bottom line, we have 343 fire
company related Exempt Associations. At present all have paid their
incorporations renewal and dues for the year of 2006. All of the ten independent
associations have paid their dues to our State Association. A letter was sent to
Mr. Leigh Peterson, president of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association,
informing him that the 343 fire company related Exempt Associations are in
accord with Title 15 of the New Jersey State law. Throughout the year, I have
transferred funds totaling $11,300 to our state treasurer. At the present time my
checkbook balance is $2,018.07. Thank you.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Frank Bocchino.
MR. BOCCHINO: Make a motion that the report be accepted and placed on
file.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you. Do I hear a second?
MR. PETERSON: Second.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Leigh Peterson seconds the motion. All in favor
signify by saying aye.
Chorus of ayes.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Opposed? Motion carries. Hobie Wainwright.
STATISTICIAN
STATISTICIAN WAINWRIGHT: Good morning.
CONVENTION BODY: Good morning.
STATISTICIAN WAINWRIGHT: To The Executive Officers, Executive
Committee, Delegates, Life Members and guests. RE: Annual Report of the
Statistician for 2006.
Dear fellow firefighters, I would liketo thank you for your confidence and the
opportunity for me to serve as your statistician for such a great organization as
this. The Association Officers have held meetings before regular Executive
Committee meetings on August 9, 2005 at Woodbridge, Middlesex County;
September 28 at Plainsboro, Middlesex County; November 14, Plainsboro,
Middlesex County; January 16, 2006 at Plainsboro, Middlesex County; March
29 at Carlstadt Boro. I believe it's a borough. Is that correct, Larry?
Memory
did serve me after all, I wasn't sure. It was an annual meeting with the Budget
and Finance Committee to establish our annual budget for the association.
And then June 5th at Plainsboro, Middlesex County. The Executive Committee
meetings were held as follows: August 20th, 2005 at Lafayette Township,
Sussex County; October 15th, City of Millville, Cumberland County; January
2lst, 2006 Green Brook Township, Somerset County; April 22 at North Plainfield
Township, Somerset County; and June 23, Wyndham Garden Hotel, Mt. Olive
Township, Morris County. The annual convention held in the Mt. Olive Middle
School hosted by the Mt. Olive Township Exempt Association on June 24 in
Morris County, today. The 24th Annual Memorial Service hosted by the North
Plainfield Exempt Firemen's Association and the North Plainfield Fire
Department at the Church of St. Luke with Monsignor Louis Fimiani of St.
Michael's Church in Cranford on Saturday, April 22, with 83 widows, firefighters
and families attending. The Memorial Committee gave out memorial association
flags and red carnations to the families of the deceased firefighters attending.
The association chaplains, officers, and local Exempt Association assisted the
monsignor in the service. It is with sadness that I report the following members
that have passed away since our last convention. Past president Howard
Pendle, North Brunswick Township, Middlesex County; our chaplain, Charles
Weiss, Pennsauken, Camden County; Louis Gencorelli, alternate Executive
Committeeman, Cedar Grove, Essex County; Robert Mees, chairman of the
Election Committee, Lodi, Bergen County. Died in the line of duty, Joseph
Walsh, Keansburg, Monmouth County; Paul C. Carr, Atlantic City, Atlantic
County; George Jackson, City of Camden, Camden, New Jersey. George was
in a coma for 15 years as result of a firefighter accident and then he passed
away. Kevin Apuzzio, Franklin Township, Somerset County; Edward Marbet,
Burlington Township, Burlington County; Robert Wisting, Middle Township, Cape
May County. The attendance at the 2005 Convention has decreased from 471
down to 411, with 114 local associations down from 132. The annual journal
increased income to the association by $2,530 over 2004. The association
officers, along with the Finance and Budget Committees have worked hard to
reduce the operating expenses of the association. New associations: Manalapan
Township, Monmouth County. The association established a new committee by
the name of Operations Manual to develop a series of guidelines for the duties
and responsibilities of the officers and committees. The committee asked each
chairperson to present a list of specific things they do within the constitution
and by-laws. I have traveled 1,593 miles on behalf of the association; $11.55
tolls; $48.96 telephone calls; $39 postage; $80 for the annual association
banquet, as an officer and chairman of the Registration Committee. I have spent
part of 52 days visiting businesses in Burlington, northern parts of Camden and
southern parts of Mercer County, with numerous hours on the telephone, $98.10
for October, January, February, March, April and May, with mailings to last
year's advertisers $78 postage, along with new advertisers from the Pennsylvania
firemen, First Responder Newspaper, the Burlington County Fire Chiefs
Associations Resource Directory, and other firematic magazines. I will mail a
thank you letter with the association's official receipt in July. I have traveled
1,033 miles from July 2005 through May 31st 2006. If you look in your journal,
you will see an ad that I sent a business a thank you letter with a receipt. Guess
what came back about two weeks later? A check for the 2006 journal with L.J.
Kennedy Trucking. And there's an example of what every person here can do
that would help our financial condition of our association. That is we require
every executive committeeman to get 100 percent stipend by securing a quarter
page ad. Now, one year prior to that, we had agreed on a one-page ad, and we
went from a one-page and cut it down to one quarter of a page. I as an individual,
I do not buy raffles, I do not sell raffles, but I felt as an officer of this association,
that I had a responsibility, I receive a stipend of $300, and I felt that I had an
obligation to do something whereby that our association could get income. Last
year I solicited $3600 in ads. This year there were $4,400, even though I know
the ad cost increased. And you as an individual, everyone of us visits a gas
station, a grocery store, a drug store, everything imaginable, you would be
surprised if you were to ask them that they would take and put an ad in our
journal. I realize that I'm trying to promote our journal, but I'm concerned about
our financial condition as an association. And I'm asking you, better than that,
I'm begging you to help us. If we as members of this great organization don't
feel that we have a responsibility to its finances, you know what's going to
happen? Like many organizations, all of a sudden they drift away and they are
no longer around. That's why I'm begging for your help. You can see me, I will
give you a copy of the letter that Mr. Vander Berg sent to me a few years ago
with the information on it, how to solicit ads. Thank you, very much. Thank
you
for being here. We appreciate your help.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Do we hear a motion for his report? He had some
money in that.
MR. DE FILIPPIS: Ed DeFilippis, Somerset County.
MR. BOCCHINO: Second.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Second by Frank Bocchino. Are there any
questions? All in favor signify by saying aye.
Chorus of ayes
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Opposed? Motion carried. Johnleo Fedorka,
Internal
Auditor.
INTERNAL AUDITOR
MR. FEDORKA: Report of the Internal Auditor to the 120th Annual
Convention
of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association. Since my Executive
Committee appointment in October 2005, I have reviewed financial transactions
and have been monitoring the expenditures against budgeted allotments. I
reviewed all of 2005 financial activity and assisted in the preparation of the 2007
budget. I prepared an itemized line item report and an overall category line
item
report. What actually was done is each line item category you see on the
budget was broken out into individual items; examples being printing, postage,
phone, et cetera. By doing this the Budget Committee and the officers were
able to see where our spending was. We were then able to make the necessary
changes to get a better idea of our overall financial and prepare a better budget.
Respectfully submitted, Johnleo Fedorka, Past President, Internal Auditor.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Chaplains; Reverend Light, Reverend Pitches.
CHAPLAINS
REVEREND LIGHT: It is an honor for me to report for a moment to you
today.
I'm not exactly reporting I just want to share a few things. As chaplain emeritus,
I'm glad that I could be of some help today in this particular Convention, but I
came for two reasons: One is I do love this organization, having been one of its
chaplains for 17 years and then honorary Life Member and now also Chaplain
Emeritus. I enjoy the fellowship. But I also go far beyond that with a dear
friend and colleague who I knew as a layman, but who knew how to be a
chaplain. I'm talking about my good friend Charlie Weiss, who I knew and worked
with as a colleague in the fire service along with chaplain for over 30 years.
And it touched my heart when he left us and, yet, I know that he is rejoicing
today. And just recently I was thinking about some of my dear friends who I
have served with in this particular Organization. And for lack of missing
someone I won't mention names, but you know some of the past presidents
and so forth who are now deceased. And I have a feeling they are having their
convention today as well. And, so, I just wanted to say how much Charles
meant to me and that I was honored that I was able to bring his wife here to the
memorial service today. We had a delightful ride coming up here that 140-some
miles, even though I got up at four o'clock in the morning, and those of you who
know me, that's like going to bed time. Well, and also I'm honored today, one
of our fellow chaplains is able to be with us today, Chaplain Don Pitches.
REVEREND PITCHES: Thank you. I only put my hat on so the glare
isn't so
bad for you in the audience.
Laughter
REVEREND PITCHES: It's a privilege to be here, Officers of the
Association,
you as Delegates. Let me just begin with a little light hearted story. A few days
ago our rescue company as out extracting someone from a vehicle after being at
a late night party. And as I was standing along on the side, as I so often do,
just standing around watching, a little monkey came out of the bushes. And I
looked at the monkey and he nodded his head at me. And I said to him, do you
know what happened here? And he nodded his head. I thought that was
amazing, a talking monkey that understood what I said. And I said what was
going on? He made this motion. I said, Oh, they were drinking? He nodded
his
head again. Anything else? And he did this. And I said and they were
smoking
marijuana? And he nodded his head again. I said, my goodness, what were you
doing while all this was going on? (Makes the motion of driving a car.)
Laughter
REVEREND PITCHES: That's the kind of story you can use from the pulpit.
But
I do want to take a moment and pay our respects and to honor Charlie Weiss for
his dedicated service over the years. And also to say this Organization is kind
of in a tough shape, I'm the only official chaplain, and that's really not a good
thing. And we have really suffered by resignations this last year, well, today,
and the death of two of our very oldest serving chaplains in the past few years.
And I'd like you to honor that man sitting there, Warren Light. It was many
years ago when the memorial service was held in Carlstadt, New Jersey, that
Warren kind of took me under his wing, got me interested in the Exempts. And
not too long after that I was invited to be your chaplain. And it's been an honor,
not that I have always carried those duties well, but when you are standing in the
shadow of a man who wears as big a boot as he does, for 17 years, an active
minister. And as someone said to me as I came, you guys are busier than a
one armed paper hanger, he was at a wedding last night, he's got other
responsibilities today and tomorrow, and, yet, he's here and he's done so much
to honor this Organization, to bring it pride and honor. And so, if you would with
me, just honor Warren Light as one of our own.
Standing ovation
REVEREND LIGHT: Thank you very, very much, Don, that was very kind of
you.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Thank you very much. Our sergeant at arms,
Evart
Vanderbilt, says he cannot do any speaking, he's on oxygen. Evart, thank you
very much.
Applause
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Budget; Larry Wood.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BUDGET
MR. WOOD: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning. It's a pleasure to
deliver
your budget this year. As has been mentioned prior, there has been a lot of
work being done on the budget. The Officers and the members are working very
diligently on trying to do a better job on getting some of our finances. And I think
it's going to be worthwhile. Also for anyone who has not seen a copy of the
budget, there are copies of the budget down here, which I will be reading from
very shortly. So if anyone would like to get a copy of that, please do so.
June
24, 2006, to the Delegates, Life Members assembled at the 120th Annual
Convention of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association, Incorporated
being held at the Mount Olive Middle School, 160 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake, New
Jersey. Subject: Report of the Budget Committee. Brothers: As required by the
by-laws of this great Association, the Budget Committee has prepared a budget
for fiscal year ending December 31, 2007. The budget was presented to the
Executive Committee at their meeting held on April 22, 2006. The budget was
approved for submission to this Convention with a recommendation that it be
adopted as presented. Please find a copy of the budget attached. Let me read
a copy of the budget:
RECEIPTS:
R101 Dues
$ 8,875
R102 Incorporation Fees
$10,500
R103 Ad Book
$31,000
R104 Convention Badges $0
R105 Merchandise
$ 2,500
R106 Flags
$14,000
R107 Grave Markers
$ 1,500
R108 Banquet
$ 3,000
R109 Rooms
$ 2,500
R110 Donations
$ 7,500
R111 Raffle
$ 7,500
R112 Interest
$ 1,200
Total Income:
$83,075.
DISBURSEMENTS:
D1000 Stipends
$0
D1001 President
$ 1,000
D1002 First Vice President
$ 600
D1003 Second Vice President
$
450
D1004 Secretary
$ 3,100
D1005 Treasurer
$ 650
D1006 Executive Secretary
$ 1,000
D1007 Counsel
$ 1,000
D1008 Record Keeper
$ 500
D1009 Auditor
$ 350
D1010 Statistician
$ 300
D1011 Flag Committee
$ 100
D1012 Chaplains (3) @ $75
$ 225
D1013 Movie Committee
$0
D1014 Committeemen 26 @ $100 $ 2,600
D1015 Ways and Means
$0
D1016 Book
$ 800
Sub Total
$12,675.
D2000 Convention
$13,000
D3000 Book
$16,500
D4000 Executive Committee Expenses $ 1,000
D5000 Secretary expenses
$ 1,000
D6000 Treasurer expenses
$ 1,000
D7000 Ways and Means
$ 1,500
D8000 Flags
$ 18,800
D9000 Grave Markers
$ 2,000
D10000 Incorporation fees
$ 8,875
D11000 Raffle
$ 4,675
D12000 Legislation
$0
D13000 News Letter
$ 50
D14000 Legal
$ 50
D15000 Fire Institute
$ 200
D16000 Memorial
$ 250
D17000 Fire Advisory
$0
D18000 Officers
$ 500
D19000 Internet Expenses
$ 500
D20000 Publicity
$ 50
D21000 Service Award
$ 2,504
Total:
$ 82,875.00
Mr. Chairman, as I present the budget, I would like to make a motion that the
budget be passed as presented, if you would call for a vote sir.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Do I hear a motion hat we accept the budget as is
reported?
MR. BOCCHINO: Motion.
MR. FEDORKA: Second.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Frank Bocchino makes the motion, John Fedorka
seconds. Are there any questions on the budget? I hear none. All in
favor
signify by saying aye.
Chorus of ayes
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Opposed? Motion carried.
MR. WOOD: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Ken Anderson, Constitution and By-laws.
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
MR. ANDERSON: To the Officers, Delegates and Life Members assembled at
the 120th Annual Convention of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's
Association at Budd Lake, New Jersey. Subject: Report of the Constitution and
By-laws Committee. Dear Members, No proposals for amendments to the
Constitution and By-laws have been submitted by the local member Exempt
Firemen's Associations or Delegates or Life Members, nor has the committee
been directed to draft any amendments by the Executive Committee. No other
matters have been referred to the Committee. Copies of the Constitution and
By-laws are available from the secretary by written request. Fraternally
submitted, C. Kenneth Anderson, chairman.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Frank Wheatley, Convention Committee report.
CONVENTION
MR. WHEATLEY: Convention Committee. When we met with Guy D'Esposito
of the Wyndham Garden Hotel on November 14, 2004 the first contract they
offered us was for $109 for a king and $119 for double occupancy room, plus
sales tax and occupancy tax. Dinner was $42 plus 20 percent service charge
and six percent sales tax. A cash bar with a fee of $75 for the bartender.
After
long talks over the past year, on August 3, 2005, the new contract read $100
bartender fee waived, dinner $25 plus 20 percent service charge, guest room rate
was changed to $75 for a king, and $75 for two double beds double occupancy.
So we signed the contract. I would like to thank Peter Bryn and Jerry Sheard of
the Budd Lake Fire Company. For two men they did an outstanding job. They
came to all our meetings with maps and graphs, met with Rich and I whenever
we needed them. The convention site is perfect, as you can see. The
Association could not ask for better friends. Thank you, guys. Rich has the
final report to present. Respectfully submitted, Frank Wheatley, and Rich
Vander Berg.
MR. VANDER BERG: This the report of Convention Housing Banquet Committee
Report for 2006 and Financial report. This committee is charged with the
responsibility of arranging lodging for members of the association, Executive
Committee and all association committee members. Lodging was secured at
the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1000 International Drive, Budd Lake, New Jersey,
and 63 room nights were booked. The breakdown by evening is: One room on
Thursday night, 6/22/06; 52 rooms on Friday, 6/23/06; and ten rooms for tonight,
Saturday, 6/24/06. The following amounts were turned over to Ed McMahon, the
State Treasurer. On April 22 turned over $803; May 11, $832.50; May 17,
$1,747.50; May 2lst $547.50; June 6, $525; and on June 22, $172.50, for a total
of $4,628. All members and guests are now charged 50 percent of the hotel fees
for Friday night and 100 percent for Thursday and Saturday night rooms, in an
effort to overcome the sliding cash reserves in the financial accounts of the
Association. Banquet tickets were printed on a home computer. Expenses were
$119.24 for envelopes, stamps and copies to correspond to the mailings to the
association membership. A $7.50 overpayment, refund was also made. Total
expenses were $126.74. Checks were paid to the Wyndham Hotel by the State
Treasurer, they also paid $395 for the DJ, $1,020 for the banquet meals of which
there was also a thousand dollar deposit. Added the hotel rooms the bill was
$4,762.80. Total expenses were $7,167.80. So the net cost to the New Jersey
State Exempt Firemen's Association was $2,536.30. Respectfully submitted,
Richard Vander Berg and Frank Wheatley, Co-chairman of the Convention
Housing and Banquet Committee. Thank you.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Being there were monies in his report, I need a
motion.
MR. FEDORKA: Motion.
MR. WOOD: Second.
PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Johnleo Fedorka makes a motion to accept the
report as read, seconded by Larry Wood. Are there any questions on the
convention report? If not, do I hear all in favor signify by saying aye.
Chorus of ayes
13 PRESIDENT ROEMMICH: Opposed? Motion carried. Now, we are
going to
adjourn for our memorial service. Reverend Light and Reverend Pitches.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Tolling of bell three times
REVEREND PITCHES: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven
and earth. The souls of the just are in the hand of God. They seemed, in the
view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. Now
we
pause in our business deliberations to honor and remember those of our number
and our fellow firefighters who have answered their final call during this past year
and especially those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Invocation:
Let us pray; Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we invoke your blessing upon
us as we enter into this very significant service in remembrance of those who
have served in former years and who have entered into the life triumphant. We
pray that the cherished memories which well up in our hearts may now be a
source of inspiration to us; so that we may serve in our time as well as they
served in their day. May we give to our communities the same high devotion to
duty, the same contribution of ourselves to the welfare of life that they gave in
their day; thereby building in our time a heritage worthy to be handed to those
generations yet to come. To your loving care and gracious provision, we
commend all of those who we remember this day even as we commend their
families and loved ones to you oh, God, to whom we turn as our ultimate chief.
And a reading from the ancient word of God, the Psalm of David, 23rd Psalm.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green
pastures he leads me beside still waters, he restoreth my soul. He leads in the
right path for his name sake, even though I walk through the darkest hour, I fear
no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anointest my
head with oil all, my cup over flows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life
long. This the word of the Lord.
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