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February 2007
Jul 19, 2007
Feederline
February 2007
 
E-Mail Updates:
 
Add:    Dan Johnson        DJohnson@ci.milford.ct.us
Add:    Tony Fino            AWFino@optonline.net
Add:    Kyle Brotherton    Brotherton22@msn.com
Add:    Scott Moran        SJMoran9801@sbcglobal.net
Add:    Eric Mohr            R2TDMB@aol.com
Add:    Mike Geanacopoulos    MGeanacopoulos@earthlink.net
Add:    Ryan LaGuardia    RLaguardia@optonline.net
Add:    Dispatch              FireDispatch@ci.milford.ct.us
Add:    Jared Heon           Engine3Squad9@yahoo.com
Add:    Clint LaPlant        Unpublished
Change:    Joe Collins         Jose409@email.com
Change:    Sue Lang           CTP6322@netzero.net
Change:    Chip Chapman    Russ10x@optonline.net
Change:    Brad Ross          bmr3296@sbcglobal.net
 
Within the next week or so, an email will be sent to all members of the list. You will be asked to reply to that email at that time. If you do not reply to that email in a timely fashion (within 30 days) you will be dropped. After the update is completed, a complete list will be sent out to ALL subscribers. Thank you for your cooperation, remember, reply to that mailing, not this one!
 
Sick Call:
 
The following Brothers have returned to full duty since the last Feederline: Sean O'Brien, Shawn Murray and Rich Dzialo.
Dave Rizzo off duty, Pension request pending.
Bo Hyatt off duty sick leave.
 
Coming and going:
 
Best of luck and health to Mike Hudd who retired on a Regular Pension on January 5, 2007 with over 21 years of service. Mike has moved on to the Guilford Fire Dept where he started on January 8. See you at the Rumrunners and Emerald Society events. Be Safe!
 
A special thanks and good luck to Jim Connelly who retired on a Regular Pension on February 2, 2007 after more than 35 years of service. Jim is a former long time Union President and the first and only coordinator of the Employee Assistance Program! You will be sorely missed, see you in Myrtle Beach.
 
Probationary Firefighters Eric Mohr and Dan Talaniec are doing very well so far, only 5 more months to go, just remember we can still fire your ass at any time for any reason. I think these two are keepers though.
 
Probationary Firefighters Mike Geanacopoulos (that name's gotta go), Adam Hansen, Kyle Wengenroth and Ryan Laguardia graduated from Recruit School in December and as usual they were at the top of their class (the only thing we expect from Milford Firefighters). They have been assigned to shifts and are quietly adjusting to the Senior Men ("Gods" to them).
 
Special note from the Connecticut Fire Academy:
 Twenty-two firefighters representing eleven Connecticut Fire Departments, graduated as Recruit Class # 37 of the Connecticut Fire Academy on December 18, 2006. The ceremony was attended by a large audience at the New England Air Museum adjacent to the academy. Fire Chaplain Reverend Edward Goetz opened the ceremony, followed with remarks by West Haven Fire Chief William Johnson. Shane Malone acted as class spokesman delivering some comic relief to his fellow firefighters and guests.

A new tradition was begun as Firefighter Mike Tiberio of the Stratford Fire Department introduced the family of FDNY Mike Reilly, a former Stratford firefighter and 2003 graduate of the Connecticut Fire Academy who was killed in the line of duty on August 27, 2006 at Bronx Box 3-3-2797.
The Michael C. Reilly Memorial Hard Charger Award will be presented to the Connecticut Fire Academy recruit who exhibits the motivational enthusiasm and passion for the job that Michael Reilly showed while working with the Stratford and New York City Fire Departments.
At this class the Reilly Family and Firefighter Tiberio presented the award to Ryan Laguardia of the Milford Fire Department.
 
The Department has also begun to prepare three more Recruits for the upcoming Fire Academy. One of those Candidates is Brian Connelly who is replacing his father Jim.
 
Welcome aboard to new Per Deim Dispatchers Jim DeVico, Jarod Heon and John D'Abundo.
 
Big hello to new Fire Commissioners Howard Stein and William Brennan, we hope you at least keep an open mind when Union issues come before you.
 
Congratulations to Karl and Jen Hofmeister on the birth of their second daughter Sophie on December 28, 2006. Just made the tax credit huh? All are doing well.
 
Congratulations to Pat and Jen Nolan who welcomed their first son, Mathew, on October 13, 2006. Everyone is doing well, and Jennifer is feeling MUCH BETTER now. Pat would like to thank everyone who stepped up and worked swap time for him.
 
Condolences to the family of Retired Assistant Chief Tom Sweeney who passed away at his retirement home in Penn Yan, N.Y. on September 6, 2006. Chief Sweeney was one of the Union Presidents in the early days of the Local.
 
Condolences to Jim Healey whose Mother passed away in Florida on November 28, 2006.
 
Condolences to the family of Retired Firefighter Bob Paige who passed away on January 5, 2007 after a brief battle with cancer. Bob was one of the founding Dinosaurs and was always at the monthly Union meetings to prepare the meals.
 
Condolences to Dave King whose Mother passed away on January 18, 2007 in Milford.
 
Joey Widman:
 
Joe Widman would like to thank all of the members who helped out with the swap time to cover him while he was dealing with his son Joey's recent illness. He reports that Joey is doing much better and is on the road to recovery even though he must be monitored and still has some residual medical problems. Also thanks to the members who attended and provided support for the fund raising efforts on behalf of the "Joey Sunshine Fund". As usual the membership took care of one of our own and you should be very proud of the Brotherhood we all take for granted. Thanks again from the Widman family.
 
Social events:
 
The Annual Holiday/Retirement Party was its usual success. Jason Hall did an excellent job taking over the M. C. duties. The honors bestowed on Evan Winters, Gary Crolla and Pete Veccharelli were well deserved. The "Rookie Choir" was only fair to poor. Something we can hope for in the future is the Department hires SOMEONE who can carry a tune and is not tone deaf. Thanks to CoChairmen Todd Ricci and Ron Wetmore.
 
The Mount Snow Ski trip scheduled for December 12 was canceled due to a lack of snow during our mild winter. Future trips are in the works. When they are announced, they will be sent out for information.
 
The Children's Christmas Party was a great success on December 9. Thanks to Chairman Chris Waiksnoris for a fine job. All the kids had a wonderful time.
 
The Easter Star Toys for Tots Benefit Breakfast on November 19, 2006 was its usual large turnout. Thanks to all that attended.
 
Although not a Social Event, the "Great Fire/Police Weigh Off" has been completed. I understand that the Fire Dept. won the overall contest, but at this time I don't have who the winning team is or their names. Hopefully someone will pass this on so we can rightfully congratulate them and wonder how they actually won. Maybe the Chief can issue a "get out of jail" card for all the participants at the February Departments weigh in for their excellent efforts.
 
The Annual Presidents Cup Golf Tournament was held on October 18, 2006 at the pristine Orchards Golf Course. For the first time in the events history, President Coubrough didn't win! The team of Gavin O'Brien and Mike Hudd stole the championship from Mike "the Dog" Wydra and Bill Healey. After seeing the "Award" it was almost satisfying loosing to them. The members that used the most of the course was the Father/Son team of Rich Mohr and Eric Mohr. They have their work cut out for them to try to improve on the number of shots they took (I didn't think there was that much lead in those short pencils). A spectacular time was had by all, thanks to President Coubrough for sponsoring this TPC event.
 
The Softball team's trip to Maryland for the MDA/IAFF national tournament was quite an experience. That's all I'm going to say and I'm sticking to it!
 
The Softball Team also won the City of Milford Industrial League Tournament in August just before their trip to Maryland.
 
Toys for Tots completed another Holiday season successfully. Thanks to all of the  members, retirees, friends, family and Explorers who helped to bring a joyous holiday to those less fortunate. Another fine job by Paul Geer and Jack Edmonds, Co Chairmen.
 
Upcoming events:
 
Saturday March 10, the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Milford, Step off is at 1:00 P.M. All members are urged to attend and top last years number of "Strollers". The uniform of the day will be Dress Blues for active and retired members. Any Retiree that doesn't have their Blues can just wear their Retired badge and stroll with us.
 
Saturday June 2, the Annual Sick Benefit Memorial Service will be held at Station 7 at 8:30 A.M. With breakfast to follow. Please mark your calendar now.
 
February 10, at the Milford Yacht Club, the First Fire Dept. vs Police Dept. Chili Cook off to benefit Special Olympics. Gary Baker has been entered as a "chef", his chili has made a Fire Breathing Dragon blush. The notice is posted in the Stations with more information. 
 
Don't forget to vote on www.webe108.com for Dino Smith's ugly kitchen so that he may win the $10,000 grand prize for a kitchen make over. Remember vote for # 7.
 
The  Annual Five Borough Bike Ride in NYC will be held on May 6. Brad Ross has all of the information on this grueling ride. A number of our Active, Retired and Staff members have participated in the past races.  Its a matter of pride for the participants, and Brad has this great Italian restaurant he stops at in Chinatown.
 
A reminder from Firefighter Pete Phelan that Thursday mornings are open gym time at the Parsons Building. It runs from 8:30 to 11:00. Come on down and work out.
 
Union News:
 
From President Coubrough: "Thanks to all those who made the funeral in Middletown (11/09). Jack Edmonds, Steve Mantie and Ron Wetmore. Apart from the 3 Pipers in the Band it was a pretty sad showing from our Uniforms. I guess the rest of the 75 who were not working were too busy."
 
The Lexington Group has been in conducting classes on the City Employee Assistance Program. With Jim Connelly's retirement, Dave Gray, Mike Ryan, A.J. Murphy and Tom Piskura have taken over as the in house contacts. If you don't want to contact one of them you may call the Lexington Group direct. All of the information was provided at the drills. There are also posters in all of the Stations.
 
Thanks to the Executive Board for bringing the Blonde speaker in to the last Union meeting to discuss mortgages. You guys should attend more of the meetings, not only is the food the Dinosaurs prepare great, but sometimes the guest speakers are pleasant to see, I mean hear.
 
At the Union elections in December the only change in Officers was Gil Hoyt took Tony Fino's place on the Executive Board.
 
Miscellaneous:
 
A number of members are attempting to set up a Committee to work on a future publication of a book on the history of the Milford Fire Dept. Anyone interested to helping out should contact Lou Tibor in Dispatch. Also anyone who has old pictures or newspaper clippings about the Department let Lou know, he will scan them and return them too you. Any Retirees willing to serve are also strongly urged to contact Lou. The Dispatch number is 878-5991 or you can email him at Lou5069@aol.com.
 
Congratulations to Mike Hudd and Adam Hansen on their recent completion of Paramedic School in December. Their last hurdle is to complete their field work. Wes Eisenhandler and Clint LaPlant have recently begun the 2007 Paramedic class and are doing well. See you in about a year guys.
 
As a point of information, the ice machine at Station 1 has been shut down for the winter. It is being cleaned and dried out. If anyone needs ice for a large event, call a few days ahead and we can start it up. There are a number of bags of ice in the freezer in the Tower Bay for the use of the Dinosaurs and emergency parties. We anticipate starting it back up around April 1.
 
"Still" Tom "still" has the cement mixer if you need it, just keep me advised who its passed on to so that the next person needing it knows where to go.
 
Remember when:
 
1951 Local 944 Executive Board: Left to right; George Sprinsteen (Ex. Bd), Jim Connors Sr. (Ex. Bd.), Ray Head (V.P.), Walt Krusewski (Pres.) Pete Phelan (Scty), Bill Healey (Treas.) Frank Hanlon (Ex. Bd)
 
The Original Toys for Tots campaign where the members repaired toys for needy children in the 1950's. Pictured Bill Healey and Charlie Keeler.
 
An old shift picture, can you find Danny Johnson's Father?
 
The next Union meeting will be February 20 at 5:30 at Station 2. All members are urged to attend. Refreshments will be provided by the Dinosaurs as usual.
 
The next Retirees Association meeting will be February 20 at 2:00 P.M. at Station 2.
 
The next Dinosaur meeting will be February 19 at 6:30 at Station 2.
 
Sports:
 
Less than two weeks to pitchers and catchers!
 
The Myrtle Beach Golf Extravaganza will be March 25-30, 2007. We have made arrangements for Jim Connelly to go down early to scout locations for fine dining and entertainment. Remember Jim, the first day you pick the course, I understand Jack Newlan will be forwarding you a list of places to find the discount coupons.
 
The UCONN Women's Basketball program continues to roll. They have only suffered two close losses and should finishing the Big East schedule undefeated. I'll be seeing them in Cleveland at the Final Four.
 
The Men's team sucks. Nothing more to say.
 
The Met's have strengthened their team with some key acquisitions. The pitching is still a bit questionable but the power hitting should overcome that department. This year they are going to the World Series for sure and Pedro will take them to the promised land.
 
I can't believe the Yankees have not signed Bernie Williams to his annual retread of the year contract. As usual, they have done nothing to improve themselves and should sink even lower in the American East. I can't wait for the Subway series, Mets 6-0.
 
I have no clue what's happening in Beantown, like the Yankees the Red Sox have done nothing to improve themselves. I predict the Baltimore Orioles winning the division this year.
 
The only excitement in baseball this summer may be going to the Bluefish and seeing Tommy John manage the team. Come see the man who has had arm surgery named after him. Clint LaPlant and Mike Hudd will be in front row seats when the L. I. Ducks come to town just to meet Bud Harrelson.
 
Until next time. Be Safe!
 
Bill

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MILFORD FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 944
55 Wheelers Farm Rd
Milford, CT 06461
 

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