March 26, 2004

There are some District Chief openings. There is an expectation of a promotional exam in June and assessment center in early July. The union is involved in selecting the assessment center exercises and 1½ assessors. I will be contacting some DC’s to represent the union in this process.

Today I played basketball with some members at Kelly AFB. I really enjoyed competing and playing with other brother firefighters. Being an old guy, I still schooled some of the young fellas. But we also have some excellent basketball players (and athletes) in the SAFD. Remember, the basketball tournament is coming up in less than two weeks.

Also, we are the sponsor City for the Firefighter Olympics. (Check the calendar on the Web site.) We need your help to pull this off successfully.

Next week April 2, 2004 is the Firefighter Appreciation Night. It is guaranteed to be a good time. Please make plans to attend.

March 23, 2004

Received notice from Civil Service Commission about pending announcement of Lieutenant’s Exam on April 27, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. Alamodome rooms K and L.

March 22, 2004

The Civil Service Commission certified the FAO promotional examination list today. They also will follow state law and schedule the Lieutenant’s exam according to the law. Look for the new announcement and testing date on or after the 26th of April 2004. The Grievance Committee chairman and I made presentations to the commission two weeks ago to inform them of our concerns.

If ever someone in your union doesn’t return you phone call or treat you in the manner you wish to be treated, call me IMMEDIATELY. I will try my best to resolve the issue and make sure it doesn’t repeat itself.

I will be attending my first legal plan trust board meeting this week. I will advise you of the goings on and any pressing issues if needed. This is an excellent benefit that should be used by every member.

March 14, 2004

The Civil Service Commission will have its next scheduled meeting on March 22, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. They will be making a determination on the 90-day rule (between study materials posting and promotional exam testing date). They were also going to request Virginia Quinn, Director the Office of Municipal Integrity, appear before the commission and give them a report on the status of the FAO exam investigation.
 
There has not been a satisfactory resolution to the paramedic policy grievance. I have instructed our legal advisor to take all necessary actions to fight this policy.
 
Armando Fuentes, trustee, has decided to take an extended leave of absence from his position. We will be advertising for a trustee in the near future to serve out his remaining term. Armando will be missed. I have a great deal of respect for Armando. He served the union with enthusiasm and wisdom. He really helped to elevate the level of service that our trustees provide to the union.
 

Pre-funded retiree health board will have a meeting to discuss their upcoming legislative agenda. Second Vice President Frank Rodriguez and Treasurer Rick Werner will be attending that meeting.   We have re-arranged offices at the Union Hall. The Treasurer and the Vice-Presidents have moved to the back offices (where Dickie used to be). Dickie and Norba moved to the front offices.