Carl Parsell Scholarship helps CMU student expand her higher education
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Marisa Fisher was looking to expand her college education and receiving a 2023 Carl Parsell Scholarship is helping her reach that goal.
The 20-year-old Sterling Heights resident is the daughter of MAP member Christine R. Fisher, a Sterling Heights Police Department Administrative Secretary, and Matthew Fisher. She graduated Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights in 2021 and has a 3.68 GPA at Central Michigan University.
Thanks in part to her $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year, the Fashion Merchandising major now has dual minors in Journalism and Theater.
“School can be very expensive, but getting support from different scholarships is very helpful, because I am also adding another minor and that adds a lot more classes,” she said. “Getting a Carl Parsell Scholarship made it easier to be confident in my decision to add a minor in Journalism, instead of pushing it aside until I have more money to do it or just learning it myself.”
Fisher received $12,115 during the 2022-23 academic year through Central Michigan University scholarships and grants and a Pell Grant. Her career plans are to work as a fashion stylist or fashion writer/editor of a magazine. “One of my goals is to focus on sustainability in fashion,” she said.
She has been very involved on campus, while gaining experience in her career field. She’s a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society through Macomb Community College, where she attended her first year of college. She transferred to Central Michigan last fall and just completed her second year of higher education.
Fire Fighting Union sues National Fire Protection Association over PFAs in turnout gear
A Fire Fighters Union-initiated lawsuit in New England could lead to changes for firefighting agencies nationwide.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has sued the National Fire Protection Association over a rule that sets the standards for the ideal protective material inside firefighting turnout gear. The IAFF alleges PFAs are the only component that can meet the criteria, therefore putting firefighters at increased risk of contracting cancer.
Click here for more information in a WPDE news article about the lawsuit.
MAFF staff firefighting experience, strong reputation key for Grand Blanc Twp. Part-Time Firefighters
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Over the past decade, Grand Blanc Township Fire Department changed the way it operates, transitioning from a Paid-on-Call to a staffed department. Now, the Part-Time Firefighters want stronger, more experienced representation, so they chose Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF).
Grand Blanc Township had an entirely Paid-on-Call department responding to more than 600 calls per year until
voters approved a millage in 2010. That allowed the fire department to hire Full-Time and Part-Time Firefighters to staff a fire station around the clock.
The group was with their former Union for the past decade, but as the department continues transitioning away from a Paid-on-Call operation, the Part-Time Firefighters were looking for better representation that is more in tune with their changing needs, said Ryan Jeltema, Grand Blanc Township Part-Time Firefighters Local Union Secretary.
With about 30 Part-Time Firefighters, they wanted a Union that understood their specific concerns. In February 2023, they voted in favor of MAFF following an impressive MAFF presentation, which included their new Labor Relations Specialist Gregg Allen.
“I really came away with a feeling these are the guys I want fighting for me in negotiations, in a grievance,” Jeltema said. “They understand the issues that are important to me and have the knowledge and experience to get in a fight and get things done for us.”
Governor delivers tributes to MSU shooting First Responders, Dispatchers, medical professionals
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced she will be delivering tributes to 25 public safety agencies, 9-1-1 Dispatchers and Sparrow Hospital medical professionals for their critical lifesaving response to the Michigan State University shooting.
MAP-represented unit, Livingston County Sheriff's Lieutenants, is among the agencies recognized for acting to secure Michigan State’s campus and save lives while medical professionals are working to treat the five students who were injured in the Feb. 13 shooting. The public safety and medical professionals worked together in response to a gunman who opened fire at Michigan State University (MSU) killing three students and injuring five others.
"I want to thank the first responders for their swift actions to keep people safe and save lives,” Whitmer said. "Officers answered the call from hours away and put their lives on the line to secure campus and so many off-duty nurses and doctors showed up to Sparrow to volunteer that they had to turn people away. These Michiganders are the best of us and their heroism deserves recognition. Together, we will support the MSU community and tackle gun violence, which is a top public safety and public health priority. I look forward to working with our first responders and health care professionals to pursue commonsense reform and save lives.”
Flat Rock Fire Department is hiring Firefighter/Paramedic, EMT
Flat Rock Fire Department has an opening for a part-time Firefighter/Paramedic/EMT or those willing to attend additional education or training.
Candidates for the part-time position must be a Firefighter/Paramedic or a Paramedic willing to attend firefighting school or EMT training/education.
Click here for more information about the part-time position.
Click here for applications available online or visit Flat Rock City Clerk’s Office.
Karoub Associates releases Michigan Government Directory for 102nd Legislature 2023-2024
Karoub Associates released the Michigan Government Directory for the 102nd Legislature (2023-2024), which features contact information for the Governor's office, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Legislature and State Department Directors. The directory also lists legislative committee members and subcommitee members.
Whitmer signs legislation protecting public safety, municipal retirees
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed several bipartisan bills including legislation to protect public safety and municipal retirees, improve mental health standards, increase polling locations, and explore further clean energy production.
“These bipartisan bills deliver on a range of kitchen-table issues and are proof of what’s possible when we work across the aisle to put Michiganders first,” Whitmer said. “Together, we are increasing the number of corrections officers, immediately establishing stronger standards for mental health transport for involuntary hospitalizations, increasing the number of polling places available to voters, and conducting a study to determine the feasibility of nuclear energy in Michigan. Let’s keep getting it done and move Michigan forward.”
Bills signed into law which impact public safety and municipal employees include:
- HB 5765: Allows retired corrections officers to work as needed under certain circumstances without losing retirement allowance.
- HB 4414: Relieves the burden on counties and sheriffs by immediately allowing them to contract with a private entity to transport a person taken into protective custody by an officer to get a mental health screening or treatment.
- SB 1041: Updates the administrative procedures act to ensure it does not conflict with the municipal employees retirement act.
- SB 1042: Provides retirees the option for a hearing to address a grievance in Municipal Employees Retirement System.
Please click here for more details on the recent legislation signed into law.
Career MAP member, longtime Firefighter shares Union background as MAFF Labor Relations Specialist
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
After spending nearly his entire law enforcement career as a MAP member and several years as a Local Union representative, Gregg Allen is sharing his experience as a MAFF Labor Relations Specialist.
Allen was hired Oct. 3, 2022, after retiring as a Waterford Township Police Detective in July 2022. He served the department 21 years, spending the last two years as Local Union President.
“I was the Local Union Trustee for several years before becoming the Secretary for two years and then President for the last two years,” Allen said. “Initially, I wanted to get more involved with the Union so I began working as a Trustee because … there weren’t any (board) positions available. When the Secretary retired, I put in for it and got more involved with negotiations, grievances and discipline. The President later retired, but the Vice President didn’t want the position and I had more experience than him, so I ran for President.”
Allen is in his 12th year protecting his community as a Paid-on-Call (POC) Firefighter with North Oakland County Fire Authority, in Holly and Rose Township. A former POC Sergeant, he’s represented North Oakland County Firefighters Association members as an Executive Board Sergeant At Arms and Secretary for one term each. Through the Association, he’s helped with many local fundraisers for area children.
“I was a Sergeant for three years, but because I was Paid-on-Call when they hired full-time staff and couldn’t devote the amount of time needed to fulfill the responsibilities, the position was offered to a full-time member,” he said.
The issues he sees as the most pressing to Union members are retirement benefits and health care.
“A lot of our departments are going to Health Savings Accounts and that’s drastically affecting Employees and their families and forcing them to work longer,” he said. “That takes many Employees into their 60s, which shortens their lifespan by causing them more health issues (as they continue to work).”
Northfield Township Fire Fighters
CONTRACT
“Signing of the contract was delayed since the Employer merged the NEW Full-Time Fire Fighters into the existing contract,” said MAFF Labor Relations Specialist Joe O’Connor.
“Three Full-Time Fire Fighters were added. Existing Paid-on-Call Fire Fighters were promoted (to the Full-Time positions),” said Brad Rennells, Northfield Township Fire Fighters Local Union Treasurer. “It better impacted the services as we were able to fill the schedule. It was very difficult scheduling around everyone’s full-time jobs. We still have the core group of volunteers and we‘ve had a couple new hires since the contract, and we’re also in the process of bringing on a few more, so things are looking bright hopefully,” Rennells said of staff retention. “(Paid-on-Call) used to have a tiered structure, so depending on what we were doing, you were paid differently. Getting that one consistent rate for whatever we were doing was a huge plus on our side. For Lieutenants and Captains … there were pluses and minuses to both stipend and hourly. Collectively, we wished for an hourly wage without stipulations. Previously, you had to make 30% of the calls or you didn’t get paid (the stipend).”
Contract Duration: 3-year agreement ratified Nov. 2021 and effective 7-1-21 thru 6-30-24.
Wage Increases:
$22 hourly effective July 1, 2021 for Paid-on-Call (POC).
$17 hourly effective July 1, 2021 for POC Duty Shifts.
$14.50 hourly effective July 1, 2021 for POC Training.
$20.50 hourly effective Jan. 1, 2022 for POC, Duty Shifts & Training.
$22.66 hourly effective Jan. 1, 2022 for Lieutenants.
$23.87 hourly effective Jan. 1, 2022 for Captains.
Wage Reopener for all above Employees July 1, 2023.
Wage Increases for NEW Full-Time Fire Fighters:
$48,000 annually effective July 1, 2021.
$53,000 annually effective July 1, 2022.
$59,000 annually effective July 1, 2023.
****$68,000 annually effective July 1, 2024.
Cambridge Township Firefighters unionize for parity with fellow municipal employees
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Cambridge Township Paid-on-Call (POC) Firefighters were not looking to make major changes within their department when they decided to unionize – they just wanted some parity with other Township Employees.
The 32-member unit voted overwhelming in favor of joining Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) to represent them in March 2022.
“We talked a lot with other area departments and they seemed to be happy with MAFF,” said Chad Conrad, Cambridge Township POC Firefighters Local Union Vice President. “Over the past decade or so, there’s not been representation for the fire department and raises have been given loosely to other departments in the Township. We joined for representation, for pay raises comparable to others in the Township.”
“They’ve given 10 percent to 50 percent (increases) to the Township Board and other administrative positions,” Conrad said. “We do have (Township) Police and raises have been given to them. There’s no rhyme or reason for (the raises). Each board has given raises differently and the fire department has just been left behind with the raises.”
Conrad said the Paid-on-Call Firefighters have no other major issues with how the department is being run, citing no safety or personnel concerns. In fact, Cambridge Township POC Firefighters take pride in their long history overseeing fire services at Michigan International Speedway, located in Brooklyn, Mich.
Woodhaven Fire Fighters
CONTRACT
“The financial gains made in this contract are noteworthy, but more importantly, some of the internal procedure changes that were made will make Woodhaven Fire Department even more attractive for new hires and make it a better place to work,” said MAFF Labor Relations Specialist Gary McSweeney. “Mainly, having the promotion procedure documented and clearly defining their rank structure are significant improvements in this bargaining agreement.”
Contract Duration: 3-year agreement ratified Feb. 4, 2022 and effective 7-1-21 to 6-30-24.
Wage Increases:
3% increase effective July 1, 2021.
2% increase effective July 1, 2022.
2% increase effective July 1, 2023.
Fringe Benefits: Added Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a paid Holiday.
- Employees may receive payment for: up to 2 unused Personal Days per year; 60 hours of unused Compensatory Time, twice per year; and unused earned Sick Time on a prorated basis annually.
- Vacation Time may be taken as single days. Previously, Employees were required to take Vacation Time as 2-week blocks of time.
- The residency requirement was extended from 25 miles to 30 miles from the City border.
- Increased Part-Time Paramedic bonus based on the number of hours worked in a calendar year.
- Increased clothing and equipment allowances for Full-Time Employees from $650 to $750 per year. Established clothing and equipment allowances for Part-Time Employees based upon hours worked in a calendar year as follows: 576 hours = $200 allowance; 850 hours = $300 allowance; and 1,200 hours = $400 allowance.
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