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VOLUME 127
March/April 2009 | Indianapolis Metropolitan Firefighters Local 416
This March 12th fire at the Cosmopolitan
Condos was the largest fire in recent
history bringing in over 3 alarms, took over
24 hours to extinguish and caused over $28
million in damages. IFD Arson Unit along
with the ATF determined the fire to be
arson. See more photos on pages 12 and 13.
Cover photos by Tod Parker
Q U A R T E R LY R E P O R T CONTENTS
Income Statement .............................................. 2
Indianapolis Firefighters Letter from President ......................................... 3
Local 416 Vice-President Report......................................... 4
Income Statement
Secretary Report ................................................ 5
For the period ending February 28, 2009
Treasurer Report ................................................. 6
Current Month IFD 150th Anniversary ........................................ 7
Revenues New Study .......................................................... 8
355 Dues $168,998.11 IAFF President .................................................... 9
356 Dues-Retired 1,486.50 Fire-Retardant Pants ......................................... 10
350 Clothing Sales 4,586.04
Letter to Editor ................................................. 11
Total Revenues 175,070.65
Indy Fire Museum ............................................. 11
Expenses Major Fire-Photo Spread ............................. 12-13
501 Salaries and Wages 39,590.38 District Reports ........................................... 14-17
502 Travel and Per Diem 1,625.00
Student Loan .................................................... 18
503 IAFF-Per Capita 49,260.20
Looking Back .................................................... 19
504 PFFUI-Per Capita 16,417.35
507 Athletic Committee 493.48 Property Tax Caps ............................................. 20
508 Meeting Expenses 3,025.06 Cancer Screening .............................................. 21
509 Office Expense 6,581.60 Mental Health Awareness................................. 21
510 Postage 1,020.81
2009 Run Totals ................................................ 23
514 Internet Access 323.46
Calendar ............................................. Back Cover
515 Telephone 572.81
516 Cellular Phones 1,470.06
518 Payroll Tax 3,780.98
519 Communications & Technology 1,184.54
520 Public Relations 1,569.52
521 Helmet Publishing 2,168.86
748 Massachusetts Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46204
522 Building Maintenance 2,003.04
(317) 262-5161 • www.L416.com
527 Legal and Professional 3,560.62
532 Bank Charges 208.31
STAFF:
Editor: Ted Waldroup
Total Expenses 134,856.08 Publisher: Wayne Smith
Net Income $40,214.57 Secretary: Lori White
Buillding Fund $21,776.06 Photographers: Floyd Schantz, Tod Parker, Roger Burchfield
Brett Jackson and Eric Scheffel
Design: Humphrey Printing Company, Inc.
www.humphreyprinting.com
2
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Living the Dream
The first time I heard someone say that I thought, what a joke, be needed to join the club. You
I guess that’s the new breed of expression for the fire service. will be sent a meeting reminder
You know how you hear a song for the first time and don’t the day before and the day of the
like it? Then after hearing it a few more times it grows on Union Meetings. Only in the
you as you come to understand what is truly meant in the event of a serious issue would the
words. I have to confess; when I came into the fire service the text be used for any reason other
catch phrase then was “fighting fire, saving lives and cheating than a meeting reminder. Should
death”. As the fire service has evolved, one can only wonder there be a situation that requires Wayne Smith
what the jargon and catch phrases were 150 years ago in the Text Club to send out a text
the fire service. Living the dream has developed into a new other than a meeting reminder, you would be prompted to go
meaning for me now that I have taken the time to understand to the Local’s web page for pertinent information regarding
what it is really saying. I think of a child whose neighbor, the issue.
dad or close friend is or was a firefighter and wishing one Have a safe FDIC and take advantage of the learning
day that you could grow up to be like that person you admire opportunities there. Get out and meet some of the Brothers
so much. Wanting to be a part of the fire service family that and Sisters from across the country. And by all means, stop by
you have only seen glimpses of, but you know has a much the Local 416 Open House and Pumper Pull on April 24th at
deeper connection that only the members could understand. 5:00 p.m. See you in the crowd.
Yes, to achieve that goal and to be successful in this craft is Fraternally,
“Living the Dream”. I look back over my career, and I now
get what they are saying. I too have lived the dream. I have Wayne Smith
had the opportunity to work with good firefighters. I have had
the chance to work under good Officers and had more than
my share of good street experiences. The one part about living
the dream that I took full advantage of was the opportunities
allotted me to involve myself with the fire service. Union
meetings, training, working with the Recruit classes, Retiree’s Firefighters Pest Control
events, anything that had to do with the job worked for me.
My experience has been living the dream, day in and day out.
(317) 784-BUGS
The good days, the bad days, and the routine days have all
been a part of the dream for me. Everyone’s version of living
the dream will differ. You have to ask yourself, what’s your
Quarterly Service
dream? I have always been a big proponent of saying, “don’t from $85 - $110
just be on the job, be a part of the job”. That leads me to a Includes treatment for ants*, bed bugs, beetles*, boxelder bugs,
centipedes, clover mites, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas,
request, challenge or whatever you choose to call it. lady bugs, mice*, millipedes, silverfish, sow bugs, spiders,
springtails, weevils and more!
I would like to ask every member of Local 416 to make a * Additional charge applies for carpenter ants, mice and powder post beetles.
serious attempt to attend at least two (2) Union meetings this Most treatments are safe for
year. This is your Union, and I encourage everyone to come children & pets!
out and see what is going on. The General meetings are held Termite Treatments
every third month at the Union Hall. April 14th and 15th will Wood Destroying Insect Inspections
be the next General Meeting dates. District meetings are held
Guaranteed Treatments
monthly in their respective Districts. We have been very busy
Free Estimates
working to improve the level of service to our membership.
One-time Service Available
The Local 416 Executive Board members, District Presidents
and Trustees are looking forward to seeing you at the meetings. Pre-Construction Termite Treatments
If you are one of those people who plans to come to the Union Purdue Certified, Licensed & Insured
meeting but always forgets, maybe this will help you out: All Rob McClara - 3’s B Cell: 850-1966
you have to do is send an e-mail to your District President or Danny McClara - Retired IFD Cell: 443-3969
call the Union Hall to be signed up for the Text Club. NAME,
CELL #, and DEPARTMENT are all the information that will
3
vICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It’s hard to believe that we are already into April. It has been a the second required vote has not
busy first quarter of 2009. As usual, we’ve been busy with our yet taken place. When the second
regular day to day activities in addition to several other items. vote is taken, if it is affirmative,
St. Patrick’s Day has once again come and gone. The weather the next step will be to move on
and the crowd came together and cooperated to make this year to the City County Council for
as successful and enjoyable as any of the past several years. approval and adoption of the
Now our planning has shifted to the Annual Easter Egg Hunt necessary inter-local agreements
scheduled for April 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Lawrence Township and legislative actions. By the
Station 331 (6260 E. 86th St.). Please bring your family and next issue of the Helmet, we will Ron Kautsky
join us and the Easter Bunny. have a much more detailed report
and update.
FDIC is also just around the corner. This year’s Annual
Pumper Pull and Open House Party at the Union Hall are We have also had our initial meeting with the Indianapolis
scheduled for Friday, April 24th. If you want to enter a team Airport Authority to begin the process of negotiating a new
in the Pumper Pull, contact us down at the Hall for an entry labor contract for our members at the airport. As you may
form. Everyone else is invited and encouraged to come down know the agreement with the private firm that was contracted
to cheer on your favorite team and stay around for the band, to manage the airport is no longer in effect. Our members at
food, and drink(s). the Airport are once again municipal employees. As I said,
we have only had our initial meeting. I will keep you updated
The Local also sent some representatives to the IAFF when we have anything to report.
Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. This conference
is where members from all over the U.S.A. meet with their We also are beginning to prepare for contract negotiations for
U.S. Representatives and Senators to discuss important the Indianapolis Fire Dispatchers. This is the last year of a
Federal Legislative priorities that will benefit our members three year agreement.
nationwide.
As I said earlier, there is plenty going on to keep us busy but
The Perry Township Board has voted to move forward with these are some of the things that you pay us to do. If there is
exploration of a merger of the Perry Township Fire Department anything else we can do for you, don’t hesitate to come down
with the Indianapolis Fire Department. As of this writing, to the Hall or give us a call.
The Indianapolis Firefighter’s Emerald Society came about
in 1995. Our society is open to all sworn professional
firefighters; active or retired regardless of family lineage,
race, or gender. John
Our Mission is to promote goodwill and Armstrong
camaraderie among our membership,
sponsorship of charities, and donations to
families of fire fatalities. Join us to continue the
long standing tradition of firefighters’
Carpet Sales & Service
involvement within the community. Meetings 30 Years Experience
are held the first Thursday of the month at old fire Station 12,
339 N. Sherman Dr.
Free Estimates
For membership application or information about our organization, Phone: 557-1016 Pager: 549-7127
please contact Tom Miller, St. 20A or Jerry Martin, St. 14B or visit
our website www.indyfireemeraldsociety.org
4
S E C R E TA RY ’ S R E P O R T
Local 416 Announces New Communication Tools.
President Smith spoke of the text club in his article; I encourage those who have free texting to sig
General Meeting Minutes
reemphasize that we will only send out pertinent information: meeting reminders, Local 416 event
4/09
the Easter Egg Hunt, Family Picnic, etc.) or emergency info like an LODD. We will not sell the lis
to you.
Ted Waldroup
While texting is immediate, since most everyone answers their phone, we also have the ability to s
Local 416 Announces New Communication Tools. next and/or your I will not allow our list also. Members in even
email notifications so you person so family can get the informationto be abused andthis non
manner. Even though a (e-copy) of The Helmet, our Union’s newsletter.
can do this by participating in the electronic copy business advertises in The Helmet,
very simple, just go to www.L416.com and click on the sign-up link on the bottom left of the page
and I am glad they do, we won’t send email for them. Their
in your name, address and district where you work, then hit the submit button…that’s it. Then, bet
President Smith spoke of the text club in his article; I encourage monthadvantage comesemail having their ad on-line andofin color. R
and 5th of the you will receive an by with a link to the on-line addition The Helmet.
newsletter will not in the mail, unless
those who have free texting to sign-up. Let me reemphasize via emailAgain, Istop it comingeveryone to take you choose to. Yes, a member can
encourage advantage of this service.
receiving it in the mail by checking a box at the bottom of the sign-up screen but can change their
meeting
that we will only send out pertinent information: time.
reminders, Local 416 event info (such as the Easter Egg Hunt,
Family Picnic, etc.) or emergency info like a LODD. We will
not sell the list or send ads to you.
While texting is immediate, since most everyone answers their To sign up to receive THE HELMET and other Local 416
phone, we also have the ability to send you email notifications information via your e-mail, fill in the following fields ,
select your district and hit submit. Thank you!
so you and/or your family can get the information also.
Members and even non-members can do this by participating * email Select your interests by
checking (or un-checking) the
in the electronic copy (e-copy) of The Helmet, our Union’s * first name options below:
newsletter. Sign up is very simple, just go to www.L416.com .Non L-416
* last name
and click on the sign-up link on the bottom left of the page. Member
You will fill in your name, address and district where you * address Beech Grove
work, then hit the submit button…that’s it. Then, between * city Buck Creek
the 1st and 5th of the month you will receive an email with * state Carmel
a link to the on-line addition of The Helmet. Receiving the City of Lawrence
* postal code
newsletter via email will not stop it coming in the mail, unless Communication
* If you no longer wish to receive
you choose to. Yes, a member can opt out of receiving it in the THE HELMET in printed form, or Decatur
mail by checking a box at the bottom of the sign-up screen but need to resume monthly mailings,
check the appropriate box. Franklin Township
can change their mind at any time.
Discontinue mailing - email only Greenfield
Resume/Continue mailing Hamilton Co. Local
There are a couple of advantages to the email service, with 4416
Non-Local 416 (email only)
the first being speed. From the time an issue is done being Indianapolis
* required
printed, it still takes about a week to label, sort and get to your Lawrence
Township
mailbox. This system gets it to you as soon as we send it out.
Mooresville/Brown
The biggest advantage will be our email list, which is why I Twp
encourage everyone to sign-up even and still have it mailed. Perry Township
Without getting too technical, when a member signs-up (opts Pike Township
in) a secure database of their information is created which Retiree
only we can access. We can then send other emails relating
Speedway
to Local 416 events. For example: special meeting notices,
Sugar Creek
fundraisers, special events, golf outings, political events and
Wayne Township
anything relating specifically to your district. These would
be in addition to other forms of notification. WE WILL NOT Submit
EMAIL ADVERTISEMENTS. I hate spam as much as the
5
In Memory of
TREASURER’S REPORT
I
want to welcome our out of town
guests to Indianapolis for the annual
Fire Department Instructors Course. Brother John Mohler
I want to let everyone know about a Ladder 1 B-shift
couple of events that we will host during
the week of FDIC. Friday, April 24th
at 5:00 p.m., we will have our annual
pumper pull competition sponsored by
Michael V. White
Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Local
416 will then host an Open House starting at 6:00 p.m. and
running until 10:00 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food
and drinks for our members as well as about 5,000 of our
closest friends. All of this is made possible because of the
extreme generosity of our friends at Globe.
In the month of May, the Professional Firefighters Union
of Indiana will hold its annual convention in Evansville, IN
to discuss the results of this year’s legislative session and
where to direct our future efforts in the Indiana General
Assembly. The next time you receive this newsletter we
will know about the changes that come out of the session
which would affect us; mainly, whether or not they decide to June 1, 1962-March 15, 2009
consolidate the fire departments in Marion County. If this is
the case, we will all be very busy in the near future; if not, The Executive Board and members of
I’m sure it is not the last time you will hear about it.
Local 416 offer their heartfelt
condolences to Brother Mohler’s
family, friends and co-workers.
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Cell: 250-9933 krob683@yahoo.com
6
This year, the Indianapolis Fire Department is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The department
was founded on November 14, 1859 and has been a cornerstone of the Indianapolis community
ever since. The department is regarded nationwide as a leader in the fire service and will continue
to be a leader for the next 150 years.
The Committee placed in charge of commemorating this milestone is being honorably chaired by
Governor Mitch Daniels. Governor Daniels is a visionary in public safety and understands the
important roles that firefighters play in the community. Additional honorary members of the
committee include all of the living and retired chiefs of the department: William Patterson, Joseph
Kimbrew, Keith Smith, Louis Dezelan and James Greeson. The main body of the committee is
made up of a core group of firefighters of all ranks.
Many events are planned to celebrate the anniversary of the department and raise the overall
awareness within the community about their fire department. Below you will find a list of
scheduled events for the celebration.
The committee has designed several of these events not only to celebrate and raise awareness, but
to raise money for the anniversary. There are several initiatives that require a large monetary
commitment including the 150th anniversary book, video, a large 150th plaque and the Firefighters
Ball. The entire year should lend itself a lot of fun and great memories for all involved.
Fraternally,
Lt. Scott Huff
Indianapolis Fire Department
150th Anniversary Committee Chair
Ce leb ration Eve nt Sch edu le
April 20-25 FDIC Conference / 150th Booth – Convention Center
May 21 Annual Bass Tournament – Geist Reservoir
May 23 Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade / 150th entry – Downtown
June 20 150th Motorcycle Ride and Poker Run – Legion post #64 (Holt Rd/Oliver)
July 11 1st Annual IFD Corn hole Tournament –Union Hall
July 18 Antique Fire Show - State Water Ball Competition – ESEC parking lot
August 22 Fire Department night / IFD Rescue Demo - Indians Baseball – Victory Field
Sept 12 150th All Firefighters Parade and celebration – Downtown / Union Hall
October 11 Firefighters Flag Football Tournament – North Central High
Nov 13 150th Anniversary – IFD Firefighters Ball – Marriott Downtown
June 2010 Book Release of “150 Years of IFD” – A coffee table book
Visit www.L416.com for updates, times and locations for all events listed
7
New Study Focuses on Crew Size
NIST will release the results later this year
By Susan Nicol Kyle
ROCKVILLE, Md. -- When the engines rolled up and
four firefighters jumped off and grabbed ladders and hoses, it
appeared to be just another drill at the Montgomery County
Fire-Rescue Training Center. But, that wasn’t the case at all.
Those involved in the exercise Thursday -- Montgomery
and Fairfax County firefighters -- were part of a study to
determine if crew size really does make a difference when it
comes to saving lives and property.
Funded by a FIRE Act grant, the study is being conducted
by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
in cooperation with Worcester Polytechnic Institute and
International Association of Fire Fighters.
For some time, fire officers across the country have
pleaded to those holding the purse strings for additional
firefighters. The one thing they haven’t had, however, is the monitor their vitals. Heart attacks are the leading cause of
statistics. That will change when NIST engineers release the death of firefighters across the country.
results later this year. Skidmore College officials explained in a document
There’s been a multitude of planning involved. A presented to participants: “These well-designed drills will
2,000-sqaure-foot two-story building was specifically provide a great deal of information to the fire service about the
constructed for the study on the grounds of Montgomery effect of different crew sizes in terms of their ability to limit
County’s training center. Rooms contain cameras as well fire damage. However, a related question is how do different
as instruments to measure toxic gases and temperatures, crew sizes affect the amount of work a firefighter must do. . .”
explained Jason Averill, a fire protection engineer and group At the end of the exercise, officials measured the air
leader for the project. The data is recorded on computers and remaining in their SCBA bottles. Participants filled out
other monitoring equipment located in a separate section of questionnaires, and were assigned a number. Researchers also
the building. knew what tasks they would be doing as part of the controlled
Averill said they are monitoring how two, three, four and drill. Moore-Merrell said it’s vital to know how the crew size
five person crews handle the same tasks on the fire ground. may impact civilian and firefighter injury and death as well as
Each assignment includes a truck and three engines. The their ability to extinguish the fire.
effort is a cooperative one that involves a number of partners. Acting Montgomery County Chief Richard Bowers said
The IAFF has been coordinating the fire crews, while NIST is his department is excited to be part of the NIST study. “This
in charge of the technical aspects. is an absolutely fantastic project.” He lauded firefighters from
“We are having the crews perform the same exact tasks Montgomery and Fairfax Counties. “This is such a great
in the same building under the same conditions,” said Lori opportunity for you all to make a difference. . .” Bowers
Moore-Merrell, IAFF technical assistant. She said fire officers said one day the participants will look back, and realize they
across the country will be armed with the data when they helped change the daily operations in the fire service.
approach their city or county officials for more firefighters. Mark Light, executive director of the International
The next phase of the study will involve more technology Association of Fire Chiefs, said he was happy to see the
and science as flashover scenarios are planned. Firefighters project underway. He said it’s unfortunate and dangerous that
will not be part of it. Instead, data collected will be interjected. across the country every day, engines are going out without
Furniture will be purchased, and the rooms furnished for the enough crew members to do the job.
burn experiment. Researchers are confident the data will be Fairfax County Assistant Chief David Rohr said
justified nonetheless. firefighters across the country as they go about protecting
In conjunction with the NIST study, Skidmore College their communities. The impact will be felt by both small and
researchers outfitted each firefighter with a chest strap to large departments.
8
Union president finds friendlier White House
By Sam Youngman, www.TheHill.com
Harold Schaitberger joked Schaitberger said he and locals would continue to be in
that after eight years of the talks with the nation’s governors and mayors to push them to
Bush administration, he “for- fund fire services.
got what the White House He said he and other IAFF officials will monitor cities
looked like.” and states to ensure that locales aren’t “trying to game the
But throughout this week, system.”
Schaitberger, the president of Schaitberger said his “ask” of Biden was that the
the International Association of administration keep the Federal Emergency Management
Fire Fighters (IAFF), is feeling Agency (FEMA) a part of DHS, instead of making the
welcome at the nation’s most embattled agency its own entity.
famous address.
The union president, who won reelection last year shortly
[Last Month], Schaitberger before Obama officially accepted the Democratic presidential
was invited to sit down with nomination, had high praise for Napolitano, a former Arizona
Vice President Biden for an governor the IAFF worked to put in office.
hourlong meeting to discuss
But he said he would continue to push the department to
Harold Schaitberger the stimulus package President
take an “all-hazards approach” to homeland security.
Obama signed on Tuesday, and
the role of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in “We want to make sure the department has a focus on
firefighter response. response as well as preparedness,” Schaitberger said.
The IAFF president will join new DHS Secretary Janet Even though the IAFF endorsed Sen. Chris Dodd
Napolitano in New York City for meetings on Wednesday (D-Conn.), an opponent of Obama’s and Biden’s in the
before returning to the White House on Wednesday night for battle for the 2008 Democratic nomination, Schaitberger
the president’s growing tradition of hosting Wednesday night counts Biden as a longtime friend and someone who is “very
cocktail parties at the White House. committed to our profession.”
Schaitberger said the stimulus package has been of great “I was surprised by how generous he was with his time,”
interest to his union members, as budget-crunches at the Schaitberger said.
city and state level have led to fire station closings and mass
layoffs.
In selling his $787 billion plan last [month] in Fort Myers,
Fla., Obama told the story of the more than 1,000 men and
women who stood in line in hopes of securing one of 35
firefighter jobs in Miami.
“It’s a story repeated across the country — there’s so
much demand for jobs that just aren’t there,” Obama said.
“That is both the paradox and the promise of this moment: At
a time when so many Americans are looking for work, there
is so much work America needs done.”
Schaitberger echoed that call in a conversation with The
Hill on Tuesday, saying that he is confident the stimulus plan
— panned by Republicans in Congress — can “provide some
relief to the fire services out there.”
The final plan contains $210 million in new funding for
fire service infrastructure, according to an IAFF official, and
“the vice president lobbied to include $8.8 billion” to assist
states and cities so they can avoid laying off firefighters and
closing station houses.
Distributing that $8.8 billion, however, is where things can
get tricky for both Obama and first responders, Schaitberger
said.
“That’s the next challenge for the administration,” he
said. “They got the stimulus bill through, but now it has to be
managed.”
9
Update on
Fire-Retardant Pants by Ted Waldroup
Late last year a South Florida fire department raised some The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and NIOSH were
concerns with the FR uniform pants they were issued and contacted to determine whether firefighters had absorbed
have been wearing for more than 15 years. These are the same antimony through their skin from wearing uniform pants
Flying Cross FireWear pants IFD has been issuing firefighters made from FireWear® fabric. Prior to NIOSH’s involvement
for 16 plus years so the Union has been monitoring the a group of firefighters had been tested for antimony exposure
situation. using hair analysis. The hair tests suggested high antimony
Several Boca Raton firefighters began showing signs of metal levels.
poisoning; their doctor believed the cause of the problems to NIOSH investigators visited the two different fire departments
be antimony - a key ingredient in the FireWear pants. The City in the area during February 2009. They surveyed participants
denied the firefighter’s workers comp claims thus beginning about personal characteristics, work history, and possible
the controversy. sources of exposure to antimony. They also collected urine
samples to measure antimony levels. The urine samples
What is antimony? were analyzed at the Centers
Antimony is a silver- for Disease Control and
white metal that is Prevention’s (CDC)
found at very low levels National Center for
throughout the envi- Environmental Health
ronment, including Laboratory.
air, soil, and food.
It is used in the pro- NIOSH Findings
duction of ceramics, Urine levels of
glass, paints, fire- antimony for all
works, and bat- the firefighters
teries. Antimony tested were
compounds, not elevated
particularly an- regardless of
timony oxides, whether or not
are used as they had been
flame retardants wearing uniform
in textiles, plas- pants made from
tics, rubber, adhesives, and paper. FireWear® fabric. The levels were similar to the urine levels of
antimony found in the U.S. population. NIOSH investigators
What health effects can antimony cause? concluded that wearing the pants containing antimony
Overexposure to antimony trioxide can cause irritation to the trioxide does not cause elevated levels of antimony in the
skin, eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. When ingested, it may bodies of firefighters. NIOSH investigators consider the
also result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. pants containing antimony to be safe to wear. They plan no
Toxicity from acute or chronic exposure to antimony trioxide further testing or investigating.
in industry is rare. According to the International Agency The Boca Raton Firefighters and their Union, IAFF Local
for Research on Cancer, the evidence that antimony trioxide 1560, disagree with these findings. The have retained council
can cause cancer in humans is inadequate, but there is some and are having further testing done. We will keep you updated
evidence that it can cause cancer in laboratory animals. as this issue progresses.
10
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Changes and New
Opportunities at the
Indianapolis Fire Museum
I don’t know what woke me in the wee hours Thursday
morning. I’m hearing-impaired and sleep without my hearing
aids. But when I opened my eyes, the bright orange glow
shining through the bedroom-window blinds was puzzling,
then terrifying. In the spring of 2007, retirees
I jumped out of bed and peered through the slats. The
Bob Field and George Salmon,
two-story townhouses at the south end of our Downtown
neighborhood were silhouetted against towering flames. I told along with the help of PFFUI
my wife to call 911. She said we didn’t need to; the nearby President Tom Hanify, decided
sirens signaled that help was on the way. to expand the hours of the Indi-
I got dressed, grabbed my camera and walked the short anapolis Fire Museum. A small
distance to North Street. A few of my Watermark neighbors group of retired firefighters was
were already gathered. One man was taking pictures. A woman
stood shivering in shorts and a T-shirt. Another woman, tears formed to open the Museum on
in her eyes, clutched her little dog in her arms. Saturdays from spring until fall.
We all watched as the flames--orange, yellow, blue and The Saturday schedule has proved to be a success, with visitors
white-hot--raced closer and closer to our homes, eventually
from near and far stopping in to see a 1921 Stutz Service Truck
engulfing a building within yards of a Watermark townhouse.
More and more neighbors came running from their used at Station 27, read logbooks dating back to the 1800s, and
homes. As we stood staring, Indianapolis firefighters were hear stories of life in the firehouse from the dedicated retired fire-
hard at work, their trucks rumbling in the dark, hoses snaked fighters manning the Museum.
here and there, arcs of water aimed strategically into the
Cosmopolitan on the Canal construction site now engulfed in Along with a new schedule, the museum has new goals. Many
flames. pictures, news clippings, and historical objects have been donated
To our right, a ladder truck arrived. The firefighters to the museum over the years. Many of these items have not been
pulled it in close to the area where the fire was closest to our indentified or catalogued and most of the pictures do not have
neighborhood. A pumper pulled in close behind. Working names attached to them. The museum’s motto is “Preserving the
calmly and methodically, the firefighters connected another
set of hoses, raised the ladder, and began directing water onto past, protecting the future.” To help live up to that motto, we are
the blazing apartment and into the gap between that structure partnering with the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library to
and my neighbor’s house. help start the process of archiving pictures and documents before
Flames cracked and popped. Explosions rumbled. Wood they disintegrate. IMCPL hopes to receive a small grant to assist,
and metal collapsed inward. But slowly, gallon by high- but most of the work to archive and identify photographs will be
pressure gallon, from every possible angle, the firefighters
done in the new museum office on the second floor of the Hall, for-
gained the upper hand and the flames began to recede.
I went back to sleep for a while. When I awoke just after merly the Survive Alive office. IMCPL Supervising Cataloger Pam
dawn, the firefighters and their trucks were still pumping Swaidner has helped coordinate the project, recommending equip-
water from North Street and Senate Avenue. Smoke billowed ment, resources, and methods. Once photographs are digitized
into the sky. And TV station choppers circled overhead. and labeled, they will be available online through the Indianapolis
But our neighborhood and the Section 8 apartment Marion County Public Library.
building next door were saved. So were the lives of the people
who live here--the greatest blessing of all. This important goal of preserving our past will take both time
We whine about government. We complain about property and money. Thankfully, time has been given generously by the re-
taxes. We drag our feet about consolidating township fire tirees who are running the program. To raise money for the muse-
departments, giving raises to civil servants, funding pensions
um and the equipment needed to digitize and organize the archives,
and health benefits.
But on this night, when our lives and homes were at risk, a membership program has been started. Kicking off at the FDIC
we were blessed by two things: a calm wind blowing from the Open House, anyone will be able to join as a Charter Member of
northwest and smart, well-trained, well-equipped firefighters the Museum. Retirees will also be visiting firehouses to talk about
from the Indianapolis Fire Department. They dazzled us with the program, so please be sure to welcome them. They have stories
their calm, their professionalism and their success. to tell, each one worth listening to. With levels starting as low as
Thursday morning, the e-mails started flying around the
neighborhood: “What can we do for the firefighters?” “How $26 a year ($1 per pay) you can help preserve the past so it is not
can we contribute?” “They were awesome!” A fundraising lost in the future. There is payroll deduction available through the
campaign ensued. Pledges were instant, generous and well Firefighters Credit Union and contributions are tax deductable.
deserved.
Here in Watermark, our hats are off to the men and The Museum’s Saturday schedule will resume this spring, open-
women of IFD. ing April 4 and going through October 31. Saturday hours are from
Bruce Hetrick 10am-4pm. Come check out a new display of tools put together by
retiree John Noone, learn about SCBA gear from the past (starting
with beards dipped in water!), and listen to stories told by the men
who lived them.
11
MAJOR 3 ALARM
FIRE IN INDY
Photos by Roger Birchfield
12
13
DISTRICT REPORTS
AIRPORT BUCK CREEK/SUGAR CREEK
Brian Booth Charlie Brown
My fellow firefighters, Hello once again from Sugar Creek Township.
Not a whole lot happening here at Sugar Creek, I need to con-
The Airport firefighters have made some strides in becoming
gratulate Braden Sublett, Tony Bratcher, and Wayne Literal on com-
recognized. I would like to thank Chief Gentry and Airport Director
pleting their first year successfully. They are no longer Probies and
Bob Duncan for allowing us to sit and discuss our intentions as an
organized union. Although we are not officially recognized, Airport have been given the title of merit Firefighters.
Director Bob Duncan gave us valuable information to pursue of- We start negotiating the new contract this May. We have put
ficial recognition. together a committee, and I don’t foresee any big problems. We are
The new airport terminal has been in operation for nearly 4 still on pace to have our own local by January 2010. Richard McFall
months and everything has gone very smooth. We are awaiting our and Nick Baker are working out the wording in the by- laws, and we
new Executive Airport Director John Clark and, we would also like
should easily have them approved and in place by next year.
to welcome the newly appointed Airport Board Members. We look
forward to introducing a good working relationship for the benefit Buck Creek has exciting news to report; the new Station 71 at
of all. I would also like to welcome all our brothers and sister’s who Mt. Comfort Airport will be completed very soon. They are mov-
will join us during FDIC. ing in on April 11th, so please feel free to stop by and see the new
station. FDIC is around the corner and so is the Buck Creek annual
Thank you and God bless, fish fry. The fish fry will be held on Saturday April 25th, 2009 at
Station 71 (The new station at Mt Comfort Airport) from 11 a.m.
Brian Booth to 7 p.m. They hope to see everyone there for some great fish and
great company.
BEECH GROvE So until next time please be safe,
Brian Butler Charles E. Brown
Nick Baker
Greetings, I hope everyone’s spring is off to a great start as
summer is fast approaching. Once again FDIC is upon us and I
hope many of our district members will take the opportunity to par-
ticipate in this valuable training event. We are fortunate that the CITY OF LAWRENCE
City of Indianapolis is able to host this wonderful conference.
Ron Marks
It is with excitement we announce that the Merit Commission
members have been selected. We are currently working with those
members and our city’s legal department on the rules for the com- Hello to all, I hope this issue finds you all in good health. The
mission. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and City of Lawrence Fire Department lost a brother earlier this year;
patience. Also, thank you to those members that put in their time Al Vise will be missed by all. Al was a brother and member of this
during St. Patrick’s Day; I really appreciate your hard work. Department for 35 years.
We currently are in the middle of a hiring process for two civil- We have four new hires that will be starting recruit school in
ian medics. Hopefully we will wrap this up by next month. Good April. These recruits will replace two retiree’s, Al Vise, and a fire-
luck to all of those that applied. We have formed a contract com- fighter who thinks he really wants to be a police officer. Actually I
mittee for future negotiations which will start in May of this year. would like to congratulate Firefighter Theodore Lich for his new
There are five members on the committee who will represent the career choice and thank him for making room for someone who
Department well. Our annual golf outing will be coming up soon really wants to be a Firefighter! All joking aside, I wish him much
this year, so keep your eyes open for more information. luck in his new profession. I have no doubt that he will be a very
good police officer.
We would like to send our condolences to the Brothers & Sis-
ters of IFD on their loss of Firefighter John A. Mohler. We have recently started a new hiring process for Civilian
EMS, as our current list expired and we will soon have an opening.
Reminder to all members of our district that our Local is hosting Civilian EMT-P Johnathan Abernathy has been hired by the Plain-
and sponsoring many events this year. So come out, get involved field Fire Department. Johnathan has been a hard working member
and meet new friends. There are many hard working members rep- of this Department, and we wish him the best in his new position.
resenting you. The strength of our Union depends on you getting
and active and staying active! Many of our past Union officials We are still in the running for Safer Grant money from the Fed-
have worked hard to get where we are at today! eral Govt. The City sent an acceptance letter to the Federal Govern-
ment, and we are currently waiting for a reply. I look forward to
I hope everyone has a great and safe time during FDIC. Hope FDIC, and all of the events that happen in support of it. Stay safe.
to see you all again next year.
Ron Marks
Until next time, stay safe! 14
DISTRICT REPORTS (cont.)
D E C AT U R EMS
Paul Ford Dave Truex
Welcome FDIC attendees, it’s good to have you back in India- Greeting to all, I hope everyone enjoys FDIC. It’s been a busy
napolis. FDIC in Indianapolis is our time to shine and shine we do. few months for the EMS division. We are continuing with the Me-
The one event during FDIC that has become the climax for FDIC at- dusa paperless reporting system. It has come a long way since the be-
tendees is the Local 416 Open House. This is the time for everyone ginning and now has become second nature. We have started a new
to unwind and fellowship with our fellow brothers and sisters from trial study. It’s called the Rescue Pod. It is geared towards the way
around the country. As always, transportation will be provided to CPR is done. It is a new concept that utilizes a suction cup type chest
and from the convention center. If you have never been to our open compressor that creates more negative pressure in the chest during
house we hope to see you there. CPR. The more negative pressure, the more blood that is returned
The new Station 72 is still on schedule to be completed some to the heart and brain. Secondly, respirations are kept to a minimum
time in late June or early July. The new station has been relocated by using a Pod to alert you when to ventilate. We have already had
to Mooresville Road and Tincher Rd. on the far southwest corner of some success in the first week and it shows promise for the future.
the township. We also have two new KME pumpers on order. De- We must remember that it all starts with good consistent CPR.
livery date on them should be somewhere around July. The KME’s
will replace Engines 72 and 74. I would like to congratulate Wayne Fletcher, Steve Thomas and
James Hammock on their new positions as North side EDO’s. Chief
I would like to thank Trustee Steve Rink for taking the time to
Issacs put countless hours into creating these positions as a means
meet with all three shifts last month to discuss the current economic
issues and the fright associated with the coming tax caps. It truly of promotion within the EMS division.
does mean a lot for the firefighters in Decatur Township to hear Be safe.
from their top elected official given the current state of the economy.
FRANKLIN LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP
Jason Hansman Bob Wallace
We’ve been keeping busy on the southeast side maybe not with Dear Union Brothers and Sisters:
runs, but with union activity. On March 5th our Township Advisory
Board accepted our Merit Resolution with no discussion. We have I hope everything is going well.
a time table established as follows: On April 6th the chief will post By the time you read this, FDIC
notice in all stations announcing that on April 27, 28, and 29 we, as will be right around the corner. I
a membership, will vote on this referendum. On April 20th the chief hope everyone gets a chance to
will distribute a copy to all members. go to FDIC as it is always infor-
Our new committees have been established. Our contract com- mative and a good time to net-
mittee will include Rapp, Wilmouth, and Todd. Our grievance com- work with our brothers and sis-
mittee will be made up of McGann, Rizzi, and Harden. Our PAC ters throughout the country and
committee will include Hanshew, Kloss, Wilmouth, Zimmerman, world. I have not missed one FDIC, and every year I learn and see
Colip, and Harden. I will be chairing these committees and Marden something new. I encourage everyone to attend this great event that
will be the co-chair. Thanks to all who volunteered and those that is in our backyard.
voted for the committee members.
The Union has hit the ground running again this year. We have had
Trustee Royalty has established a committee to look at ways our annual planning retreat, are planning the Easter Egg Hunt with
to save money within our department. We will be looking at ev- the Ladies Auxiliary, have had the Civilian Contract signed, and are
erything, including possible consolidation with IFD. We have 4 welcoming its newest members to the department and L416. We
meetings scheduled at this point. At our second meeting, the city
are getting ready to start the Contract Committee meeting in April
controller, deputy public safety director, and an IFD Chief will be
making a presentation to us as to how consolidation would benefit for 2010. If anyone has any suggestions on what they would like to
both our department and the residents of Franklin Township. I will see in the next contract, please email the “Contract Committee Tab”
keep everyone informed as we progress through these meetings. and let us know.
FDIC is coming up the week of April 20th , and I hope every- Remember to continue to use the website www.lt416.com to keep
one has a chance to attend some great training sessions as well as updated on our latest news and meetings. For example, our meeting
helping out with the Local 416 T-shirt booth and the open house. and planning retreat notes can be found on this website. Of course,
Thanks to all who have volunteered to help out. you can always contact a Union E-Board member if you have any
Congratulations to Sean and Delainie Schembra on the birth of questions or comments as well. They are: Bill Price, Dave Burhenn,
Ana. Condolences to John Kitley on the loss of his Aunt Jane, who Al Wood, Tony Jones, Mike Finnigan, Kirk Long, and Liz Mundy.
was a long time teacher in the Franklin Township school system. I hope to see you all at the next meeting. Be safe, and keep up the
Also, keep Jason Trebley in your thoughts as he goes through his good work!
shoulder and back surgeries. These procedures may bring his career
to an end here at Franklin Township.
Until next time, be safe. 15 Bob Wallace
DISTRICT REPORTS (cont.)
IFD PERRY TOWNSHIP
Chris Major Dean Teagardin
Brothers and Sisters,
FDIC is upon us once again and I would like to welcome all of
this year’s attendees. Whether it is your first time in Indianapolis
or your 14th, I’m sure you will agree by week’s end, that the show
was well worth the time and effort you put forth to attend. The
conference came to Indianapolis during my first year on the job in
1995. As a recruit who was new to the fire service, I had no idea
what to expect from FDIC. There were a lot of neat things to see
and buy, as well as fun to be had. What I did not see though, were
the training opportunities firefighters were experiencing in an effort
to better themselves and those around them. For some, it was in
a classroom, while others were lucky enough to participate in the
“hands on” drills taking place at various locations around the city.
Over the years I have watched this conference grow in size and in
opportunities for us as firefighters to make a difference to the people
we protect. I am proud to be a small part of the host department for
this wonderful event. On behalf of my brothers and sisters at IFD I
welcome you to Indianapolis. Please stop by the Union Hall during
your stay. Don’t forget the Pumper Pull and Open House on Friday
April 24th at 5:00pm.
I would like to finish this month by expressing my condolences
to the family of firefighter John Mohler. John’s untimely passing Brothers & Sisters,
has left us all shocked and saddened. John will be missed by many,
especially those who worked closely with him at his various station 6 Yes 1 No—With this simple vote the future of the Perry Town-
assignments during his 23-year career. Rest in Peace Brother. ship Fire Department will be forever changed. In case you missed
it somehow, our board voted to approve the resolution to merge
Fraternally, with the Indianapolis Fire Department. I say simple vote; but, we all
know this has been a 3 year ordeal. I can’t even begin to name and
Chris Major
thank everyone who has helped us. I would like to take this opportu-
nity to thank Trustee Coons and the Township Board members who
gave so unselfishly of their time. We could not have accomplished
this without them. We will need their continued support to complete
Meeting of the Death & the merger.
Burial Club It has been a long and winding road for the Perry Fire Depart-
ment. From its conception as a volunteer department in the 1950’s,
for a to when I was hired in 1984 and we became a fully paid department;
to now, where we are a 105 firefighters strong department with a
Constitutional Change tremendous history behind us. We have had so many characters
who have helped shape and make us who we are today. Some have
made us better, some have held us back, and others have made us
April 14th -15th, 6 – 7pm prior stronger. But all have had a part in making us who we are today.
Without them we would not be here ready to take this giant step. Al-
to General Meeting though, with a merger we may be losing part of our rich heritage; I
would like to believe we are starting another chapter. A chapter that
and we all get to help write. So all should get involved and help make
May 19th -20th, 6 – 7pm prior this one of the best times in the final chapter of the Perry Township
Fire Department.
to IFD District Mtg. Stay Safe.
Dean Teagardin
16
DISTRICT REPORTS (cont.)
W AY N E T O W N S H I P PIKE TOWNSHIP
Scott Williams Jon Helrigel
Hello Brothers and Sisters, FDIC is almost here and Pike will be helping with a couple of
As you read this FDIC is again here and I would like to welcome things. On Tuesday, April 21st , we will work the t-shirt booth at
all the firefighters from across the country that have come to India- the Convention Center. In order to stay on Donnie Kirch’s good
napolis to teach, train and learn at the mid-west’s largest fire service side, I need to mention again the Open House cookout on Friday,
conference. We have a tremendous opportunity to take advantage April 24th. Donnie has always done a great job on this, so let him
of learning from brothers and sisters across this country and pass know if you can help. Both days are fun socializing with each other
along the lessons that we have learned. Please take advantage of the and with the brothers and sisters that are in town from all over the
opportunities for BOTH learning and social events. country.
The year is moving along quickly and our department is moving Make an effort to meet and educate the recruits on having a good
forward with equal speed. We have two newly appointed Lieuten- attitude and respect for the job. Instilling these traits at the begin-
ants in Justin Sparks and Troy Wymer. Lt. Sparks will be serving ning will go a long way towards making them the kind of firefight-
in the training division and Lt. Wymer will be serving in the new ers we want to live and work with.
position of float officer on B shift. Congratulations to both of them If anyone would like to only receive the Helmet online, please
and good luck. contact the Hall. You can be removed from the mailing list and
We have recently had yet another successful St. Patrick’s Day, thank save a tree or a stamp. Our next meetings are May 7th and June
you to all of those who came down to help out. It is always appreci- 4th, 7:00 p.m. at the Union Hall. Keep each other safe and see you
ated to have so many people offer their services. at the meetings.
We are nearing the end of our hiring process and look forward to
adding an additional 8 members. These recruits are anticipated to
begin class June 1st and there will likely be some additional recruits
from northern departments again. Please congratulate them when
you see them and be as helpful as you can with their education.
Take care and make it safe! www.L416.com
Indianapolis Metropolitan Firefighters
Local 416
in conjunction with
Globe Manufacturing
and the
Date: Friday, April 24th
Time: 5:00 pm
Pre-register by: April 17, 2009
In conjunction with FDIC 2009
For more information or to register:
Local 416 Union Hall @ 317 262 5161
Email: secretary@L416.com
17
Student Loan
Forgiveness Program For Firefighters Compiled from IAFF Info by Steve Jugg
Firefighters may now be eligible for student loan forgiveness
due to the passing of legislation with the help of IAFF. The
legislation includes the Loan Forgiveness of Public Services
Employees program created in 2007 and the Loan Forgiveness
for Service in Areas of National Need in 2008. The legislation
also expanded the existing Perkins Loan Cancellation program
to include firefighters. These three programs will help ease
the financial burden of firefighters both in the near future and
in the long term.
Eligibility depends on the type of loan:
1. Perkins Loan- qualifying loans are eligible for the Perkins
Loan Cancellation Program. The current program provides
category, any additional debt not cancelled by the National
partial cancellation for the original principle loan amount,
Need program may qualify for the Loan Forgiveness for
plus the annual interest accrued, for each year of qualifying
Public Service Employees program. Federal Direct Loans
full-time service. To qualify the loan must not be in default,
include:
and the loan must not have been consolidated. In addition,
candidates must be full-time fire fighter serving a local, -Stafford/Ford Loans
state or federal fire department/district. -Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans
Those who are eligible may apply now, but because the -PLUS Loans
benefit is relatively new, the Department of Education
-Consolidation Loans
has only begun to issue regulations to schools on how the
program should be administered. To qualify the loan must not be in default. In addition a
candidate must have made 120 monthly payments on or after
October 1, 2007 and must be employed full-time in one of
2. Federal Family Education Loans (FEEL) - qualifying the designated public service occupations during the period
loans are eligible for Loan Forgiveness for Service in in which you make each of the 120 monthly payments. The
Areas of National Need. Included are: candidate must also be employed in a public service job at
-Subsidized Stafford Loans the time of forgiveness. Lastly, the candidate must be paying
their loan under any one or a combination of the following
-Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Loan program repayment plans:
-Consolidation Loans
-Standard Repayment Plan with a 10-year repayment
This program provides up to $10,000 of loan cancellation period
based on each year of qualifying full-time service. To -Income contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan
qualify the loan must not be in default and you must be -Income based Repayment (IBR) Plan
employed full-time in one of the designated public sector -Another Direct Loan Repayment Plan
occupations. Congress has yet to provide funding for
The earliest date of eligibility under the Direct Loans Program
the benefits available under this program. The IAFF is
is October 1, 2017.
currently working to secure this funding.
For more information you can go to the IAFF website at www.
IAFF.org. The IAFF has created an interactive tool to help
3. Direct Loans- qualifying loans are eligible for Loan sort through the different loans eligible for cancellation and
Forgiveness for Service in National Need. In this the various loan forgiveness programs.
18
Looking Back
January 1967 By Cliff Polley-Retiree
Joyce’s Jabbers
Speaking of grown boys’ appetites, Bill “Pop” Hurley
2’s, downed 17 biscuits smothered with dried beef gravy.
It’s not known if this is a record but it should be.*** Re-
cently somebody gave Kenny “Keno” Snyder 14’s’ a quart
of ice cream, and Kenny didn’t know how to get it open.
Kenny says practice makes perfect, and this time next year
he will be in good shape.*** Bill Sturgon, 11’s sub, had the
sad pleasure of cooking and having night watch. At 11:45
a.m., the worry began for the crew as Bill hadn’t turned
a tap in the galley, but Bill came thru with lunch right on
time. A “hockey puck” size pancake for each man. After a
few thoughts were interjected Bill decided to never again
serve pancakes for a meal.*** Terry McGlinchy, the sub
who asked Chief Hanley what his ailment was that meant that your P.J.s get dirty and soggy.*** Bob Hacker 14’s, was trans-
he was assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau, has the fellows porting a furnace in the rear of his truck and drove very easy so as
at 33’s wondering what all the weird noises are when he takes a not to jar it. When Bob got to the job, no furnace and never a sign
shower.*** Dick “Buford” Crago 25’s has decided it’s easier to of it when he back tracked his route.*** Jim Bell who recently
get a ladder on a working fire than to limp around for a few days. subbed at the 2’s cooked a meal for the men and then had his
An old table Dick was using broke with our hero on it.*** Jerry mother bring him over a complete meal for himself. Sure looks bad
Schuster 25’s, who showers each evening before putting on his for the future.*** Ralph Mahlke 14’s, built a mini barn at work, a
P.J.s and retiring, says the night runs will have to stop if people very authentic one in fact. People wondered where the barn was
don’t start putting steps in their basement stairways. It isn’t the going when Ralph left work the next day. (He built it for yours
sudden stop or even the two feet of water at the bottom. It’s just truly and delivered it to my house.) Thanks Ralph.
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Motion Notice
HONEST ANSWERS Every time, whether it’s something you of Proposed Changes to the
want to hear, or not. Isn’t this the way it should be?
REAL ANSWERS I talk people out of mortgages consistently. Constitution & By-Laws
My advice will ALWAYS be in your best interest.
EXPERIENCE 13 years, it makes a lot of difference! That the official name of this IAFF Local in its
Mortgage Broker, I do the shopping for you - saving you money, Constitution & By-Laws be change to:
time, and hassles.
Lowest Rate Guaranteed—or I pay you $100. No gimmicks. Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Local 416
Contact me anytime for a FREE quote and/or
advice at (317) 773-9721 or Cell (317) 697-8576 The motion is to be read at the next 2 district meet-
ings, and then brought up in April’s General Meet-
I would be happy to serve you. ing for discussion and a vote.
19
The Facts about Property Tax Caps in Indiana.
By State Representative Mary Ann Sullivan
Also known as circuit breakers, tax In 2009, I
caps are designed to limit property tax believe we have
bills for homes, farms and businesses higher priorities:
to a fixed percentage of a property’s passing a plan to
assessed value. put Hoosiers back
Initially enacted on a limited basis to work as soon
to address concerns about unchecked as possible and
property tax growth in certain areas enacting a state
of the state, the caps became a critical part of the bipartisan budget. Which
property tax reform program passed by the Legislature in is the one thing
2008. Lawmakers chose a two-part approach in enacting these our Constitution
caps: putting them into state law, then locking them into place requires us to do
in the Indiana Constitution. this year.
Many people don’t realize that property tax caps are If you need to reach me during session, you can call the
already in state law (Indiana Code 6-1.1-20.6-7 and 7.5). toll-free Statehouse telephone number (1-800-382-9842),
write to me in care of the Indiana House of Representatives,
In 2009, they limit a homeowner’s bill to 1.5 percent of 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204, or submit
assessed valuation, rental and farm property to 2.5 percent your comments on my website at www.in.gov/H97.
and businesses to 3.5 percent. In 2010, the caps will lower to
Local 416’s Union Hall lies within Ms. Sullivan’s district. She champions to upgrade
1 percent for homes, 2 percent for farms and rental units and our neighborhoods to make them better places to live, consolidate government to
3 percent for businesses. lower taxes, expand health care for seniors, and generate more business and job
opportunities for the citizens of Indiana.
To put the caps into the state Constitution first requires
passage of a joint resolution by two separately elected Indiana
General Assemblies. Once passed by the Legislature, the
people of Indiana get their chance to consider the question The Ruble Team
through a statewide referendum. If approved in that vote, the Keller Williams Realty ®
provision would go into the Constitution.
In 2008, lawmakers took the first step, passing a joint
resolution that would set the constitutional caps at the 1-2-
3 levels. In order to complete our end of the process, we
must pass a similar joint resolution either this year or in the
2010 session. Citizens then would vote on the question in the
November 2010 general election. Gary Ruble - CRS/GRI Certified
Here is where things get interesting - Some legislators, Ann Ruble - Associate Broker
and the governor, would have you believe we need to pass Mike Spalking - Sales Associate
the resolution this year or we will lose the resolve to make the
caps permanent. I do not accept this assessment. I believe that (317) 863-4330
having more information, rather than less, is a good strategy;
especially when making a decision as important as amending Serving Central Indiana Firefighters
our state constitution. As you know, recent revenue projections and their Families since 1987
have proven to be far-off, even our best estimates. We are Visit our website for your real estate resources
living in a time of great uncertainty and economic challenge.
By waiting until next year, we should have a clearer, more
complete picture of how the caps will affect our ability to
www.theRubleTeam.com
provide all of the programs and services that taxpayers expect • List of foreclosures emailed to you on a daily basis.
from their local governments. In the meantime, taxpayers are • Homes that match your search criteria sent to you the mo-
assured that their property taxes will be at the levels set by ment they hit the market.
state law. • Our exclusive “Market Snapshot” which provides informa-
Another year means more data and a better-informed tion on activity in your specific area.
decision by both legislators and voters. It is especially critical • Complete home buying guide from A-Z that covers the
for voters to understand the full implications of the decision entire real estate process.
to amend our constitution because undoing that change would • Complimentary Market Evaluation on your home’s current
be very difficult. value in todays market.
Remember this… If we pass the resolution this year, the
people of Indiana won’t vote on it until November 2010. If pROUd SpOnSORS OF THE
we wait until the 2010 session to act, the referendum vote still pEOpLES bURn FOUndATIOn
won’t take place until November 2010.
20
Colorectal Cancer Screening Mental Health Awareness in the
Indianapolis Fire Department
Submitted by Public Safety Medical Dr. Robert Smith, Ph.D., Clinical Director IFD CISM Team, Psychotherapist
Lieutenant, Engine 12 B-Shift
Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or
rectum become abnormal and divide without control, forming There has been a growing interest in the general heath of the fire-
a mass called a tumor. Colorectal cancer is the third most fighters in recent years. The IFD has even participated in some of
common cancer in men and women and is the second leading these studies. My goal and life’s work is has been to present infor-
cause of cancer death in the United States after lung cancer. In mation to firefighters in the area of stress and mental health. I am
2008 more than 145,000 new cases were diagnosed, and more most often asked about the stress and mental health resources for
than 49,000 people have died from this disease each year over firefighters in the IFD and central Indiana. A number of resources
the past 5 years. exist in the Indianapolis Fire Department. These include (but are
not limited to) an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a Critical
WHO’S AT RISK? Incident Stress Management (CISM) team, Mental Health/Stress
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not known. Warning awareness binders in each fire station and Mental Health/Stress
signs usually occur with more advanced disease and include awareness literature in the lobby at IFD headquarters. It is impor-
rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, tant for each firefighter to understand and have access to all of these
and cramping in the lower abdomen. Studies have shown that resources. In the pursuit of this goal, I would like to briefly discuss
certain factors are linked to an increased chance of developing each of these resources.
this disease, including the following: Employee Assistance Program
• People who are over age 50. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a benefit that has
• Abnormal growths or polyps in the colon been given to us by the City of Indianapolis. The EAP provides
• Personal or family history of the disease confidential counseling services to the employees of the city and
• Those with Ulcerative colitis or Crohn colitis IFD. I have received many calls about firefighter’s needs for coun-
• Diets high in red and processed meats and low in whole seling (for themselves and family). Our EAP is LifeServices EAP
grains, fruits, and vegetables (800-822-4847). Any IFD employee or dependent family member
• A sedentary lifestyle can call for free counseling sessions. When you call the EAP you
• Cigarette smoking will talk with a licensed mental health professional who has experi-
Beginning at age 50, people with no symptoms should follow ence working with firefighters. Phil Hess, the manager of our EAP
one of the screening options below: has agreed to write a more in depth article for the Helmet.
TEST PURPOSE FREQUENCY Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
SIGMOIDOSCOPY VIEWS RECTUM AND LOWER COLON EVERY 5 YEARS* Our CISM team is currently being restructured by many caring
individuals. CISM is not simply debriefings where firefighters are
COLONOSCOPY VIEWS RECTUM AND ENTIRE COLON EVERY 10 YEARS asked to share in a formal process. CISM can also be proactive in a
DOUBLE CONTRAST X-RAYS COLON AFTER ENEMA EVERY 5 YEARS* number of ways that can benefit the firefighter. Some of our plans
BARIUM ENEMA include an on line site to introduce the team and share information.
Debriefings are rare in the IFD due to other mechanisms that can
VIRTUAL X-RAYS COLON EVERY 5 YEARS* assist the firefighters in times of need. Most often, a team member
COLONOSCOPY will contact the station and have one on one interventions with
FECAL OCCULT CHECKS FOR BLOOD ANNUALLY firefighters and EMS personnel. The research that addresses the
BLOOD TEST IN STOOL mental health of firefighters supports the idea of firefighters helping
their own. My hope is that every IFD employee will have access
DIGITAL RECTAL FEELS FOR ANNUALLY to stress/mental health information or a trusted firefighter on the
ABNORMAL AREAS
CISM team. Any firefighter can request assistance from the CISM
*If test is positive, a colonoscopy should be done team. We are not here to pressure firefighters. Rather, we are here
Source: American Cancer Society as good neighbors and fellow responders to help as in any way we
can. Sometimes, the best CISM intervention is to simply ask, “are
Public Safety Medical is an Indianapolis-based occupational health clinic you allright and can we do anything to help?”
with an exclusive focus on public safety professionals.
Stress and Mental Health Awareness Information (Firehouse
binders and Information Racks at Headquarters)
Indy Tactical Supply The purpose of this information is to assist the IFD firefighter or
We’ll Beat Anyone’s Prices (317) 418-1072
Don’t Buy Anything Until You Call Us !!
www.IndyTacticalSupply.com employee in the quest of obtaining information about stress, emo-
30 round tional problems, counseling and related topics. Each IFD station
AR-15/M4..Parts/Accessories..Custom Builds.. Colored
AR15
Upgrades..Optics..Launchers Nomex has a black-three ring binder that is full of articles and information.
Mag Hoods These topics include information on depression, stress, marital
Special Police/SWAT..Accessories/Supplies..Uniforms
2/$25 Firefighter..Suspenders..Gloves..Hoods problems, suicide, alcohol and substance abuse and may other top-
ics. This information can be useful for any IFD employee or depen-
Stream- Magpul Eotech AR1 dent family member. This literature is intended to assist firefighters
Rescue/ Spikes Holo
light Pmags
Extrication 37mm
5 in gathering information to enable the individual to seek help on his
Survivor 30 round
Knife Sights Quad or her own without the knowledge of other IFD employees or staff.
LED
2/$30 Launcher
$14.99 On Sale
Light
Serrated, seat belt
AR mounted Rails This article has been an introduction to the resources available
$99 $269.99
cutter, window
punch to the IFD. In the future, I hope to contribute regular articles to the
Long GunTactical Lights w/ Boston Leather
mount and pressure switch
Truck Belt $40
Helmet about CISM and mental health related issues. Please feel
$45 Boston Leather Suspenders $44
free to call me on B shift or at my office phone (317-283-6360) for
21 more information about these topics. As always, stay safe.
22
2009 Run Totals
Engines Ladders Medic/Amb Chiefs Squads/Rescues
E27 703 E81 277 L44 329 M44 614 BC12 176 SQ07 661
E20 694 E10 272 L20 289 M84 541 BC11 156 SQ10 681
E24 645 E331 269 L30 271 M82 521 BC14 135 SQ13 518
E11 611 E83 267 L13 239 M45 510 BC8 132 SQ14 558
E22 571 E14 263 L43 234 M21 443 BC4 129 SQ29 132
E03 544 E114 263 L07 230 M111 432 BC13 126 SQ32 288
E30 538 E12 256 L10 230 M42 421 BC2 125 R331 139
E29 491 E115 254 L14 227 M06 420 BC7 116 R71 10
E31 483 E16 251 L04 219 M114 414 BC1 77
E02 481 E42 245 L82 217 M41 398 BC3 60
E05 464 E113 242 L31 214 M04 397
E04 449 E53 225 L27 210 M83 380
E84 448 E71 213 L29 202 M12 364 TSU’s Tacticals
E44 446 E102 209 L22 200 M332 319 TSU29 49 SR53 40
E82 423 E101 193 L111 189 M113 307 TSU10 48 TC07 38
E45 402 E333 160 AR84 187 A71 291 TSU31 23 TC14 34
E33 397 E74 155 L06 181 M54 261 TSU18 13 TC01 13
E26 389 E54 153 L21 174 M331 260 TSU83 12 TC05 12
E43 385 E72 139 L15 169 M51 237 TSU117 6 TC43 11
E06 378 E112 131 L01 153 M112 229 TSU551 3 TC13 9
E23 375 E334 124 AR332 146 M102 228 TC44 9
E15 374 E55 47 L19 116 A74 155 TC06 7
E25 368 E52 47 AR71 102 A72 139 TC21 7
E08 358 E51 44 AR51 86 M334 129 TC112 6
E01 348 AR53 85 M81 116 TC29 5
E13 333 AR112 80 TC19 4
E111 328 TC31 2
E19 323
E07 314 Boats Tankers
E21 314 BT07 12 TN551 16
E18 303 BT14 11 TN114 10
E85 299 BT553 5 TN42 7
E332 292 TN55 7
E41 291
23
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