The American Red Cross Salute to Heroes will honor Captain William Caviness on Feb 27 at 7pm at the Carolina Theatre. Captain Caviness will receive the "Outstanding Humanitarian Over 30" award.

Additionally, the Red Cross will honor 3 other PFFG members; Captain Perry Hall, FF Dustin Jones, and FF Austin Zimmerman. 

Local 947 members now comprise the MAJORITY of GFD personnel. Our total head count for sworn personnel is currently 507 and there are 257 active line members (and an additional 18 retired members). This is a testament to the good work Local 947 is doing on behalf of the members of the GFD. At a time when union membership is sharply declining throughout the country due to a number of reasons, our union is growing not only locally but statewide and at the national level. Our status as a majority within the Department offers us the ability to go to Administration and City Council with a mandate from the rank and file. We now have the ability to lobby on your behalf with a stronger, more unified voice.

As 2011 comes to a close, Let's look at some of the concrete accomplishments of Local 947.

Local 947 Members that joined in 2011: 80

Elected Officials and/or Staff we have met with:

Fire Chief Grayson and members of Command Staff

City Manager Rashad Young , Asst. City Manager Mike Speedling

Robbie Perkins, Nancy Vaughan, Zack Matheny, Dianne Bellamy-Small

Rep. Brad Miller (D, District 13), Rep. Mel Watt (D, District 12), Rep. Howard Coble (R, District 6), Senator Kay Hagan (D), Rep. David Price (D, District 3) 

NC Senator Don Vaughan,  NC Representative Maggie Jeffus, NC Representative Marcus Brandon

Issues we have actively lobbied around:

GFD Pay and Compensation

GFD Staffing

Full Funding for GFD in the Budget Process

Defense of Workers' Comp

Pension Protection

SAFER funding

FIRE funding

Health Care Tax Exemption

Federal Fire Fighter Presumptive Disability

Opposing Mandatory Social Security for Fire Fighters

Charitable Monies Raised and/or Donated: $7,480

Misc. Accomplishments:

Over 200 informational leaflets distributed during the budget process Over

300 leaflets distributed during the 2011 City Council Elections

Awarded 1st Place in the IAFF Media Awards Contest for The Feederline

100% of Local 947 Endorsed Candidates Elected to Greensboro City Council

Local 947 was recently awarded first place in the IAFF's Media Awards Contest for our newsletter, The Feederline. We were awarded first place for IAFF Affiliate Publication with circulation under 1,000.  The IAFF said this about The Feederline: "This newsletter shows creativity, variety and a good sense for design. The content includes a mix of light features and important business for the local."

Dear Greensboro Resident,

Since 1884, when Steam Fire Engine Co. Number 1 was placed in service, Greensboro’s fire fighters have saved countless lives, protected millions of dollars in property, and provided the citizens of this great City with first class service.  We have come a long way since those early days of horse-drawn fire pumps but our commitment to duty and our mission has never wavered.  That mission is to protect life and property in the City of Greensboro.

During these tight budget times we want to take the opportunity to remind the residents of Greensboro of the key role that your fire fighters play in public safety.  In addition to responding on all structure fires, your fire fighters also:

• Provide hazardous material mitigation.
• Provide emergency medical care at the EMT-B level.
• Protect the tank farm with a specialized foam task force.
• Provide public education programs for citizens of all ages.
• Perform specialized patient extrication in serious motor vehicle accidents.
• Provide a technical rescue team that specializes in all urban search as rescue disciplines.
• Provide a specialized bike team that responds to emergencies on Greensboro’s trail system.

During these troubling economic times your fire department has tightened its belt and continued to provide the residents of Greensboro with the service they deserve.  As  we continue, as a city,  to navigate very tough budget times it is our hope that engaged residents will continue to convey to elected officials that they:

1. Want, need and highly value the professional services of of the Greensboro Fire Department.
2. Are opposed to ANY reduction in fire department staffing as staffing cuts will jeopardize citizen and fire fighter safety.
3. Are opposed to the elimination of ANY fire companies throughout the city because this will also jeopardize citizen and fire fighter safety.
4. Are willing to pay their taxes to maintain the level of fire and rescue services that citizens currently enjoy.
 

In conclusion we want to thank you, the residents of Greensboro, for allowing us the privilege to serve you as your fire and rescue professionals.  We hope when the time comes you will convey to your elected members of Council that you wish to maintain the high level of service that we provide to you on a daily basis.

Your Friends,
The Professional Fire Fighters of Greensboro-Local 947
You can contact your member of Council here:
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/citygovernment/council/