The campaign season is in full swing. We have received at least seventy-five requests from candidates running for a position and from legislators who are seeking re-election. We even receive requests from legislators who are not up for re-election but would like to acquire a fund to pass to others whom they believe are worthy of their help. And then of course we hear from the House and Senate and the two caucuses as they solicit funds to use as they see fit. This is all in addition to the phone calls and e-mails from candidates and legislators themselves seeking donations. Remind me next year to give Monica's phone number. If you do have or know a legislator whom you feel is doing a good job, offer to help in the campaign as a retired firefighter, maybe addressing envelopes, helping with mailings or as you know, a small check is always acceptable.

Medical insurance coverage is now available through the Seattle Fire Fighters Health- Care Trust, sponsored by Seattle Fire Fighters Local 27. Recently Local 27 decided, after many years, to close the in-house office, hire an outside broker and a third party administrator, Benefit Solutions, (BSI). This caused a great concern to our members due to the short notice and the lack of an explanation, the closing of the in-house office and the dismissal of the Family Medical staff.

MEETING NOTICE: Next RFFOW meeting will be Wednesday, April 14, at the Ballard Elks, 6411 Seaview Avenue NW, Seattle, at 11:00 am.

Fire Fighter meet regularly all across the state.  If you have not been attending one of these meeting, now is the time start.  Stay informed and stay connected.

Click on the Full Story link to see the schedules and locations.

I want to acknowledge that Caroline Brakken has resigned as Secretary- Treasurer of the RFFOW effective February 2010. Susan Lang, former Executive Secretary of the Seattle Fire Fighter Family Medical insurance program, is now serving as interim Secretary-Treasurer. Monica Blum is serving as our interim Newsletter editor and is solely responsible for this March 2010 Newsletter. We were very fortunate to have these two well qualified women step in to fill the vacancy created by Caroline’s resignation.

Dick Warbrouck responds to Larsen letter.

It apparently took the death of six law enforcement officers and the wounding of the seventh officer to bring our elected officials to the full realization that the LEOFF 2 benefits are inadequate. The death of one, two or even the four Seattle firefighters who were killed in the Pang warehouse fire was not enough. Thanks to the compassion and concern of Governor Gregoire and the members of the House Ways & Means Committee, some long overdue changes in the line of duty death benefits are now being considered.

Usually in the January Newsletter I am able to report on a pleasant and enjoyable RFFOW Christmas Luncheon but this year it appears that the Grinch stole the luncheon, because it was a disaster. We immediately had problems when we first arrived around 9:30 am. There was no heat in the building and the main bathrooms, men and women's, were out of order due to broken water pipes.

The 2010 Legislative Session will begin in January. This will be a short sixty-day session. With the projected budget shortfall, most of the attention will be directed to finalizing the budget. The Governor could, after the close of the regular session, call for a special session.

I don't think this is likely unless the budget has not been approved. I doubt that there will be any significant pension legislation introduced especially after so many pension bills were introduced in the last session.

Beginning in January 2010, our monthly meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of each month except for June, July and August when no regular meetings are scheduled. I am disappointed that I can't announce, at this time, where the meetings will be held.

Not much happening on the LEOFF 1 front.  This is one of the few RFFOW President's reports that has nothing about the pension.  We are publishing it anyway as Dick does talk about items of interest RFFOW members.