Hello from California!  Both Rick and I have been actively involved in all floor debate and voting during our first 2 days of convention. Topics of importance include the following:

1. Union made products in relation to the MDA.  Currently the MDA shirts are not union made and this will now change.
2. Emeritus Status for General Secretary/Treasurer Vinnie Bollon. For those of you who did not know he again is battling cancer so keep this great union leader in your thoughts.
3. Care enough to wear pink,  The IAFF has asked all affiliates to design a shirt utilizing pink to show our support for women and the terrible effects of cancer.  These shirts will be sold throughout our city and proceeds will go to women's cancer research.  This will take place in early October.  If you are interested in helping please call Nathan Blakeslee.
4. New technology advancements with GIS and website.
5. Amending procedures for submitting statements for Pre-Trial Review Boards.
6. Support of the development of a National infrastructure Bank.
7. Passage of Fire Pac educational incentive for legislators and members.
8. Passage of per Captia increase of 33 cents to continue the battle to save pensions and firefighter jobs.  One cent is equal to $30,000.00.

We have also had the opportunity to listen to some very fine speakers.  I know most of you are wondering the about the status of resolution 34.  Rick and I will be speaking to the some 3000 delegates and alternates on Wednesday afternoon, more to follow.

Rick and I attended the IAFF 7th District benevolent fundraiser on Monday night; it was a great event and raised a lot of money.

San Diego's local hosted a block party on Sunday night and they literally shut down the gas lamp district for us, it was pretty cool.

Tonight is the Leadership trust event hosted by the General President for those delegates that are in the $500.00 or more Fire Pac level.  Both Rick and I will be attending.  Your entire Executive board gives to Fire PAC and every one of your principal officers is in the $500.00 leadership trust level.

I will post more tomorrow.  Be safe and stay strong.

President Doug McDonald

At McCoy's Firehouse, 173 South Washington, Seattle, WA  98104 on Saturday June 12th at 5:00pm. I have attached a flyer for the event. It should open with Publisher. This is the event that I spoke of at the 05/25 Zone 3 OPS Meeting. The ticket donation for the event is $15.00 and includes a hearty pasta dinner. There will be a silent auction with some pretty good items. X-Bx 360, autographed 2007 shaun alexander/matt hasselbeck nfl footbal, autographed felix hernandez baseball, and more. Seattle Pipes and Drums will be there. Good Times for a good cause. John Knighten is a Spokane FF with Multiple Myeloma. While he struggles with cancer and L & I denials it is important that he receive his first bone marrow transplant at the Hutch in June. His insurance will cover most but not all of this first treatment. We can help with the rest.

Members of the Renton Fire Fighters Local 864 spent two days participating in the annual "Fill the Boot" drive for the MDA and "Jerry's Kid's".  We are so proud to announce that Local 864 raised $14,000.00 for this amazing cause.  Thanks again to all of the members who donated their time and energy to make this event happen.  A special thanks to Nathan Blakeslee for his dedication and tenacity which without this event would not have happened.

Dear Local 864

On Saturday morning, May 8, I woke up so sore that I could barely move. Then I remembered that I had been to Fire Ops 101 the day before!

I wanted to thank you all so much for such a valuable opportunity to participate in Fire Ops 101 last Friday, and for the sponsorship of this regional event by IAFF and Chiefs? Association. This day gave me a once-in-a-career chance to understand the real life challenges, physical demands and technical expertise that is demanded of our fire department and staff every day. This was such an excellent simulation, energy-sapping and very rewarding at the same time. I have a renewed respect for the work of responding to fire events, the equipment and staffing needs, and a much better understanding of the logistics to put those resources in place (which, I know, was the whole point, yes I remember those six words!). You couldn?t have made your arguments better ? and for most of the officials in attendance I?m sure they left with the same impression I had ? firefighting requires an enormous amount of focus, expertise, physical demands, teamwork, leadership - and people?s lives and property are on the line. I am grateful for the work of the Department and everyone who works there, and I understand now how the trust and teamwork develops so quickly in emergency response.

Rick, thank you very much for being such an excellent, patient, honest shadow, willing to explain everything. I so appreciate your time and expertise in taking me through the props, helping me understand what Renton does now and what we could do better as a city; and as always ? a great chance to connect with everyone on the drive over.  I realized too late, once I was already on the plane, that my comments at the ?graduation? were so few and my exit so quick that I couldn?t have adequately said what an impression the day?s events made on me. I wish I had another shot at that microphone (but you heard enough from the others who were there, I?m sure!).

Again, I hope that you know how valuable an experience Fire Ops 101 is. I am an advocate of having our Mayor and City Council attend as well ? if only citizens could also attend too! ? so if you need future recruits, please let me know how I can help.

With gratitude ?

Marty Wine

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, City of Renton