Fire Fighters Training Council Appointment

The Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union is pleased to announce that Local 1383 President,  Joseph Schehr, has been appointed by Governor Whitmer to serve as the MPFFU representative on the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council

Joseph W. Schehr, of Armada, is a sergeant with the City of Warren Fire Department and an adjunct faculty member and paramedic lab assistant at Macomb Community College. He is also the president of the Warren Professional Fire Fighters Local 1383. He earned his associate’s degrees in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire sciences from Macomb Community College. Mr. Schehr is appointed to represent the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union for a term commencing May 12, 2022 and expiring January 31, 2026. He succeeds Aileen Pettinger whose term expired January 31, 2022. 

The Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council was established by Public Act 291 of 1966.  The governor appoints eight of the nine council members to represent the following organizations: Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, Michigan Firemen's Association, Michigan Fire Service Instructors Association, Michigan Fire Inspectors Society, Michigan Municipal League, and the Michigan Townships Association.  The state fire marshal serves as an ex-officio member.

MPFFU CONVENTION

The 54^th Biennial Convention of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union was held at the Amway Grand Plaza by Hilton Hotel in Grand Rapids on March 29 -30, 2022.  Attendance at this convention was the largest in the history of the MPFFU.  Over 375 delegates, alternates, and guests were present during this event.  The MPFFU currently consists of 140 locals, and 125 of them were represented at this convention, either in person or by proxy.

The election of MPFFU officers was a primary factor in creating such a large turnout of delegates. MPFFU President Mark Docherty’s decision to not run for reelection, created a chain reaction of candidates for many other MPFFU Executive Board positions.

Congratulations to Matthew Sahr, who was elected to the position of MPFFU President.  Shaun Abbey was the other candidate in this very competitive race.

Chris Reynolds was elected to serve as the District Vice President for the combined 1^st/3^rd District.  James Fourman was the other candidate in this race.  Incumbent Aileen Pettinger announced she would not be running for reelection because she had accepted a job in the Bureau of Fire Services.

Steve Heim was re-elected to serve as the 4^th District Vice President.  Andrew Oleksiak was the other candidate in this competitive race.

Scott Bala was elected to serve as the 6^th District Vice President.  Rob Scott was the other candidate in this very competitive race.

Mickey Wiewiura was re-elected to serve as the Eastern Trustee.  Jeff Scaife was the other candidate in this very close race.

Kenneth Barnes was elected to service as Western Trustee.  Scott Stoker was the other candidate in this race.

The following candidates were re-elected by acclamation:

Terrence Chesney – Secretary/Treasurer
Montgomery Nye – 5^th District Vice President
Justin Fox – Northern Trustee
Rich Clark was elected to serve as 2^nd District Vice President by acclamation.

The Park Place Hotel in Traverse City was chosen as the site for the 2024 MPFFU Convention.

Delegates reviewed, discussed, and acted on 25 resolutions.  Delegates voted to increase per capita to fund several new programs and committees, including the creation of a new legal defense fund, a behavioral health committee, an all-encompassing recruitment initiative and the creation of an extensive contract data base with an enormous amount of information to assist locals in their collective bargaining efforts.  

On July 1, 2022, the monthly per capita tax will increase from $15.06 to $18.71 cents per member per month.

Outgoing MPFFU President Mark Docherty was bestowed the honor and title of MPFFU President Emeritus.

Long-time labor attorney Ronald Helveston was named an Honorary Member of the MPFFU.

In addition to several other speakers and honored guests, Edward Kelly, IAFF General President, Frank Lima, IAFF General Secretary Treasurer, and IAFF 8^th District Vice President Mark Sanders were all in attendance and each of them gave exciting speeches in addition to mingling with everyone during the Welcome Reception.

A more detailed report about the convention will be distributed at later date. 

MPFFU Legislative Log

The MPFFU is constantly monitoring bills that are introduced that may affect our membership.  Click here to find our 2022 MPFFU Legislative Log and the current status of each of these pieces of legislation. (updated April 1, 2022)

Social Media and Digital Imagery Webinar

Have you ever taken a picture with your cell phone while on duty?  Do you ever use social media platforms to post items about your job or opinions about your employer or co-workers?  Do you ever use social media platforms to post your opinions about current issues or about other people?

Firefighters across the country continue to find themselves in trouble for misuse of social media and/or digital imagery.

In this short one hour recorded webinar, Saginaw L-102 member and attorney Sara Cottington-Heath will tackle both of these timely issues.

We will discuss the current landscape, cultural and legal implications and how to avoid the chief's office. This is a great opportunity to learn some important tips to keep you and your members from getting disciplined.   Click here to watch the recorded webinar.

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MPFFU Assists with a Study to Learn About PFAS Levels in Fire Fighters

A grant was recently awarded to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, to study PFAS levels in firefighters across the state. The State Fire Marshal and the MPFFU have been assisting with developing the study and to educate our membership on why they are needed to be involved in it.  View this webinar to learn more about how the study will be conducted and what firefighters will be asked to take part in it.

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