Thursday, May 22, 2003

Brothers and Sisters:

There is Public Hearing scheduled June 2 at 1900 hrs. in council chambers, during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. It is imperative that you attend this very important public hearing. Longevity will be the “hot” topic, as labor organizations and City of Durham employees urge the council to NOT reduce employees’ longevity payment cap of $1500 to $500. While “pay for performance” is a big issue with the city manager, the Professional Firefighters of Durham feel that funding for longevity should not be cut in order to fund the proposed “pay for performance” program.

The City of Durham has already established a means of eliminating longevity for employees by discontinuing an employee’s eligibility if they were hired after July 1, 1998. Let’s have a tremendous show of support at the scheduled public hearing and prevent council from taking the “fast track” to eliminating it all together. The Professional Firefighters of Durham stand fast on this issue and are determined to safeguard the benefits we, and other city employees, deserve. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you there.

July 19, 2002

Brother and Sisters,
We had a good meeting on Tuesday, July 16. A good turnout was present, but we can always stand to see more of you in attendance. I’m writing to let you know that I have confirmed some information.

During the meeting this week a couple of brothers stated that they had received, or saw, an e-mail pertaining to the city’s contribution to our 401(K) plan. According to their accounts, the e-mail stated that we, just as other employees in other city departments, were going to receive a 2% drop in the city’s contribution. I confirmed today that this isn’t correct. If you have seen any information contradicting this, please disregard. Fire department employees will continue to receive a 5% contribution to their 401(K) and 457(K) plans, just as we have for the past year or so. It would be wise, however, to watch your statements for the next couple of quarters to check for clerical errors. This is a change for the City of Durham. I hope that this provides those of you with concerns or confusion a peace of mind.

I want to take another opportunity to urge all department personnel, union and non-union alike, to assist in this year’s annual MDA “Fill the Boot” campaign. The dates are August 7, 8, and 9. You may start to see sign up sheets coming around in the very near future. Please, take the opportunity to sign up and help for such a tremendous cause. If you have any questions feel free to contact Randy Clements, L-668 MDA Coordinator, or myself. Those who participated last year had a great time and we have a reputation to uphold. We look forward to seeing you out at the various intersections.

I look forward to seeing you at the next union meeting, August 13. Stay safe and look out for your brothers and sisters.
Fraternally, C. Kelly McAlexander, Jr., President Professional Firefighters of Durham, L-668

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July 6, 2002

Brothers and Sisters,
It has been a while since I have written. I guess, like many of you, the summer has kept me busy away from the firehouse. I hope you all have had a great summer. We have a couple of events on the horizon that will require a true commitment from us all.

First, and most important, is the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign for the MDA. As you recall, last year was a record setting year for the local in its first year participating in the event. We were able to raise over $57,000 thanks to the unselfishness of the citizens and visitors of Durham.

The dates for this year’s campaign is August 7, 8, and 9. Unlike last year though, we will not have the assistance of the department. Chief Cooper received complaints after last year’s fundraising. He assured me that those complaints were not as a result of our actions while conducting the fundraiser. The number of complaints were minute in comparison to those who gave. Unfortunately, he has decided it wouldn’t be in the department’s best interest to participate at all in the foreseeable future. While this may be viewed as a major setback, I am confident that we can make it another memorable year. It will require quite a bit more commitment from off duty personnel. It goes without saying that last year’s success was largely due to the assistance provided by companies that rotated in and out at eh various intersections. That assistance will be greatly missed.

Captain Clements has prepared sign-up sheets for the individual intersections that will be worked this year. I would ask that every local member sign up to work at least one, four hour shift at any of the planned locations. He should be coming by or contacting the companies to solicate help. Some of the locations, such as Mt. Moriah @ Chapel Hill Blvd., NC 55 @ NC 54 and potentially S. Miami @ T.W. Alexander will require many folks to staff. Lets do our part to make it another great year for a super cause.

The other event I wanted to bring to your attention has the motorcycle enthusiests in mind. The North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation has organized a ride on July 20 that will originate in all parts of our state. Participants will pass by a firehouse where a fallen brother was assigned at the time of their death. They will continue on the Garner where all riders will rendevous. From there they will be escorted to the State Capitol and then on to the N.C. State Fairgrounds. A poker run will be conducted, as will a 50 / 50 drawing, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the foundation. It should be a great day for a great cause. Please contact me if you would like further details.

I hope that the remainder of your summer is a great one. It has been an extremely hot one to this point. While on duty, look after yourself and brother firefighters and take every precaution to keep from becoming too hot or injured. Please, if there is anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to call me.

One last thing, keep the golf tournament in mind. It will be here before you know it. I’ll be getting out the specifics as soon as they are complete.
Fraternally, Kelly McAlexander Kelly McAlexander, President, L-668 Professional Firefighters of Durham