MPFFU Podcast

In this episode. we welcome back President Matt Sahr and Secretary-Treasurer Terry Chesney. Matt and Terry are here to discuss the 2024 MPFFU Convention which is set to take place from April 29 through May 1, 2024, at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City. Members interested in attending should contact their local executive board for more details.  mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, key leaders of the MPFFU break down the MPFFU's 2023 accomplishments, as well as what MPFFU members can look forward to in 2024. This episode is packed with insights that break down the MPFFU's achievements in 2023 and what members can look forward to in 2024.  This episode features the following topics and MPFFU representatives:02:43 - General address:  Matt Sahr our President20:07 - Union Education Committee: Mickey Wiewiura the co-chair and the Eastern Trustee22:02 - Recruitment and Retention Committee: Scott Korycki committee chair28:20 - Political Education Committee: Scott Bala committee chair and 6th District VP33:57 - Safety and Health Committee: Larry Gambotto co-chair 36:02 - Behavioral Health Committee: Mike Matterncommittee chair46:49 - EMS Committee: Monty Nyecommittee chair49:32 - Muscular Dystrophy Association: Stacey Breitlow mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

MPFFU Podcast - Episode 20 – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!In this episode, we welcome Ken Barnes and Sara Cottington-Heath.  Ken is a Captain with the Delta Twp FD - Local 2846.  In addition, Ken is the MPFFU Western Trustee, as well as the co-chair of the MPFFU Education Committee.  Sara is a Lieutenant with the City of Saginaw – Local 102, as well as a member of the MPFFU Education Committee.  In addition, Sara is a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan with over ten years of experience.  Ken and Sara are here to talk about employee rights.  Specifically, our guests are here to describe the value of knowing your employee rights when being questioned by your FD administration or employer.  During this episode, Ken and Sara will help us all to better understand Weingarten and Garrity Rights.  mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we welcome Jeff Lentz and Adam Ferrell.  Jeff Lentz is a Battalion Chief with Dearborn FD Local 412, as well as their local president.  Adam Ferrell is a lieutenant with the Dearborn FD, the Secretary for Local 412, as well as a member of the MPFFU Political Education Committee. Jeff and Adam are here to discuss the importance of adequate fire department staffing.  Specifically, our guests will help us understand the value of adequately staffed fire departments for Michigan communities.  Then, we'll discuss the laws and standards that dictate fire department staffing in Michigan. Finally, we'll dive into House Bill 4688 which, if passed, will amend the Public Employee Relations Act, to make staffing a mandatory topic of collective bargaining.  MPFFU Rally in Lansing on September 14, 2023.  Join the MPFFU for a Rally at the Capitol on September 14th as we fight to improve our bargaining rights and increase our ability to train more paramedics, we need your help!  Use the link for more information and registration:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yIk3kHAfjQv5Xcv-NMicQmHDPOT5MG-3/view?usp=drive_link mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we welcome Ed Kelly, the General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).  Ed “Edzo” Kelly has been a Boston Firefighter, or Jake, for over 25 years.  As the General President, Ed and his team play a crucial role in shaping the future of the fire service, advocating for the well-being of firefighters, and leading one of the most influential labor unions in North America and beyond.During this, President Kelly weighs in on many issues currently faced by the fire service, including staffing, recruitment and retention, PFAS, and the future of bunker gear.  Ed also describes why MPFFU members should show up for the rally in Lansing on September 14, 2023.  MPFFU Rally in Lansing on September 14, 2023.  Join the MPFFU for a Rally at the Capitol on September 14th as we fight to improve our bargaining rights and increase our ability to train more paramedics, we need your help!  Use the link for more information and registration:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yIk3kHAfjQv5Xcv-NMicQmHDPOT5MG-3/view?usp=drive_link mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we introduce you to Kevin Caldwell.  Kevin is a firefighter paramedic with the Westland FD - Local 1279, as well as a member of the MPFFU Education Committee.  Kevin is here to talk about contract grievances.  For context, a grievance is 'an allegation or complaint by a member or members of a Union that there has been a violation, misinterpretation or improper application of the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreements (CBA), aka the contract.  During this episode, Kevin will describe what a grievance is.  Then, we'll discuss the grievance process.  Finally, Kevin and I will discuss duty of fair representation, or DFR, which is the legal assurance that every member is represented fairly and equally.  MPFFU Member Orientation Class:  September 19, 2023, from 10AM to 12PM.  Lunch to follow.  Location:  Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.  MPFFU Member Orientation Class Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPgvYpH3stcksg215ZjoWJqPKEIR9CljiAufuWcOdTuIqWew/viewform?usp=sharingmpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we welcome back Mickey Wiewiura and introduce you to Matt Czarnecki. Mickey retired as a captain from the Dearborn Heights FD Local 1355 and is currently the MPFFU Eastern Trustee, as well as the Union Education Committee Chair.  Matt Czarnecki is a sergeant with the Harrison Twp. FD Local 1737 and is currently a member of the MPFFU Union Education Committee.  During this episode, Mikey and Matt will help MPFFU members and locals appreciate the value of understanding your contract.  In addition, our guests will list and describe key points to be consider prior to contract negotiations. This episode covers the basics by providing a clear, concise, and high-level overview of labor contracts.  MPFFU Member Orientation Class:  September 19, 2023, from 10AM to 12PM.  Lunch to follow.  Location:  Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.  MPFFU Member Orientation Class Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPgvYpH3stcksg215ZjoWJqPKEIR9CljiAufuWcOdTuIqWew/viewform?usp=sharingMPFFU contract worksheet:  In future episodes, we'll dive into the MPFFU contract worksheet, which breaks down all aspects of your contract to consider, prior to negotiations.  Although we don't cover the worksheet in this episode, we've made it available for download by scanning this QR code or clicking the link in the episode description.  MPFFU contract worksheet link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u3wjVLMmfIlH8v56w7WgJ2sdB29L7iz9/view?usp=drive_linkmpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

This episode was recorded live at the MPFFU Education Seminar that took place at the Suburban Showplace in Novi, Michigan on May 15, 2023.  During the seminar, Geoff Lassers took part in emceeing the Political Action Panel discussion.  The panel included Matt Sahr, the MPFFU President, Scott Bala, the MPFFU Political Action Committee Chair, and Melissa McKinley, who is the MPFFU's lobbyist. During the discussion, the panel members talked about various political issues and how they may impact the MPFFU and its members.  This was a fantastic episode that provides a clear and concise description of the current political landscape that will shape the future of Michigan's professional firefighters. mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we welcome Adam Bennet and Matt Layer.  Adam Bennet is a firefighter with the Oshtemo fire department, as well as the president of local 5240.  Matt Layer is a firefighter/paramedic for the City of Eastpointe Fire Department local 1561, as well as their Treasurer.  Matt is a member of the MPFFU Recruitment and Retention Committee.  The Oshtemo fire department local is relatively new and joined the MPFFU in 2019.  Adam is here to tells us why, and how the Oshtemo Fire Department unionized and joined the IAFF and MPFFU.  In addition, he'll describe why his department chose to join the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union over other union organizations.  Finally, Adam will describe how joining the MPFFU has benefited the entire Oshtemo community, including the citizens, the township, and their fire department members. mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we welcome back Matt Sahr and Amanda West to provide a clear and concise overview of the “do's and don'ts” for MPFFU Locals to consider when using social media.  Matt Sahr is the president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Association (MPFFU), and a firefighter paramedic with the city of Eastpointe Local 1561.  Amanda West is the MPFFU Instagram coordinator and a member of the Recruitment & Retention Committee, as well as a firefighter paramedic with Delta Twp. Fire Department Local 2846. Like many things in life, social media can be used to help, but it can create potential problems.   During this episode, Matt and Amanda will discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential threats related to MPFFU Locals utilizing social media.  Most importantly, our guests describe how MPFFU Locals can use social media to show the value of the union and the direct positive impact they provide to their community.  mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

Each district is made up of the locals within that geographic area.  Every spring and fall, district meetings are held to bring our locals and members together to network, as well as share ideas and information.  The district meetings are a GREAT way for members to come together, eat, drink, and learn about what is happening at the State level, as well as in your surrounding communities.  These are very informative and fun events that I highly recommend to all MPFFU members.  In this episode, we welcome MPFFU members from each of the districts to the show to express the value of attending District meetings.  This episode features:Pete Windsor - Marquette City FD - Local 643.  1st DistrictJake Ruth - Glen Lake FD - Local 5086.  2nd DistrictMatt Oleaga - Port Huron FD - Local 354.  3rd DistrictMike Thoms - Canton FD - Local 2289.  4th DistrictGunnar Morrall - East Lansing FD - Local 1609.  5th districtRyan Sears - Sterling Heights FD - Local 1557.  6th Districtmpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this two-part episode we welcome back the chairpersons of the MPFFU Recruitment & Retention Committee and the Political Education Committee.  In the first part, we welcome back firefighter/paramedic Scott Korycki from the Dearborn FD local 412 who also serves as the MPFFU Recruitment and Retention Committee Chair.  Scott will provide an update regarding what his committee has accomplished since his last appearance on the show back in November of last year.  In the second part, we welcome back the other Scott.  Scott Bala who serves as the MPFFU 6th District VP and the Chairperson of the Political Education Committee.  Scotty B retired from the Roseville FD (Local 1614) as a Battalion Chief after 30 years.  Scott will give us an update from the Political Education Committee and let us know how things are going.  This episode is brought to you in part by Fresh Coast Custom Leatherworks (freshcoastleather.com).  The folks at Fresh Coast create beautiful custom, hand-crafted American made leather goods.  This Michigan-based company has a great selection of high-quality customizable products for firefighters, including suspenders, radio straps, radio holsters, chin and glove straps, shields, and passports.  Purchase a set of suspenders and get 10% off anything else you purchase.  Visit freshcoastleather.com for more details.  mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we welcome Maureen Stocklein who is a retired firefighter / paramedic from the Canton Fire Department, local 2289 who served 22 years.  Maureen, or Mo as she prefers to be called, has been a registered dietitian for over 25 years.  While working as a professional firefighter in Canton Township, she worked three seasons as the Team Dietitian for the New York Mets baseball organization.  Since retirement, Mo has brought her dietary skills to Detroit and is currently the MLB Nutrition Coordinator for the Detroit Tigers.  During this episode, Mo helps us appreciate how a balanced lifestyle supports our overall health and wellness. No matter if you're an avid athlete with a super clean diet, or someone who has never worked out or paid attention to what they eat, there's something in this episode for you. mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, Matt Sahr, president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Association, and firefighter paramedic with the city of Eastpointe local 1561.  During this episode, Matt will provide an overview of what MPFFU members can expect in 2023.  Then, he'll provide us with an update of the cancer presumption act, Public Act 152, the MPFFU Recruitment & Retention Committee, and the status Michigan only EMS license.  mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

The MPFFU Podcast Episode 8 is NOW AVAILABLE! In this episode, Matt Sahr (MPFFU President) and Geoff Lassers (MPFFU Podcast Host) sit down with various members from MPFFU Committees to ask three important questions: 1) WHY did you become a firefighter? 2) WHO should become a firefighter? 3) What should Michigan's politicians know about the MPFFU and our members?mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

The MPFFU Podcast Episode 7 is NOW AVAILABLE! In this episode, we sit down with Monty Nye who is a retired firefighter and paramedic from the Meridian Township Fire Department (Local 1600).  Currently, Monty is an active retiree with the Grand Ledge Fire Department, Local 2627, as well as the MPFFU 5th District VP, and the MPFFU EMS Committee Chair.  During this episode, Monty helps us appreciate the value of understanding the role and functions of MPFFU and its locals.  Then, they'll describe the role of the MPFFU EMS Committee.  We will finish of by discussing how members can get informed, educated, and involved with the EMS Committee goals and initiatives.  mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, I sit down with Larry Gambotto and John Schwall.  Larry Gambotto is the Captain of Training and Safety with the Rochester Hills Fire Department local 3472, as well as a member of the MPFFU Health and Safety Committee.  John Schwall is a shift Captain with the Ferndale Fire Department local 812 and is also a member of the MPFFU Health and Safety Committee.  During this episode, Larry and John will help us appreciate the value of understanding the role and functions of MPFFU and its locals.  Then, they'll describe the role of the MPFFU Health and Safety Committee.  In doing so, Larry and John will describe the committee's current priorities regarding promoting firefighter health and safety.  We will finish of by discussing how members can get informed, educated, and involved with the Health and Safety Committee goals and initiatives.  mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we're joined by Mickey Wiewiura and Matt Sahr.  Matt Sahr is a firefighter paramedic with the city of Eastpointe local 1561, as well as the president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Association.  He's also the one responsible for getting this podcast off the ground and out to our members.  Mickey Wiewiura retired from the Dearborn Heights FD Local 1355 and is currently the MPFFU Eastern Trustee and Chair of the Union Education Committee.During this episode, Mickey and Matt help us appreciate the value of understanding the role and functions of MPFFU and its locals.  Then, they describe the role of the MPFFU Union Education Committee.  We will finish of by discussing how members can get informed, educated, and involved with the Union Education Committee initiatives.  mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

The MPFFU Podcast Episode 4 is NOW AVAILABLE! In this episode, I sit down with Scott Korycki, who has a long history and depth of experience as a professional firefighter and an active union representative at the local and state level.  Scott is a current firefighter paramedic with Dearborn Fire Department local 412, as well as the MPFFU Recruitment and Retention Committee Chairperson.  During this episode, Scott will appreciate the value of understanding the role and functions of MPFFU and its locals.  Then, he'll Describe the role of the MPFFU Recruitment and Retention Committee, as well as their current functions and objectives.  Finally, Scott will describe how MPFFU members can get informed, educated, and/or directly involved with the MPFFU Recruitment & Retention Committee, as well as its goals and objectives.mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this episode, we introduce Scott Bala, who has a long history and depth of experience as a professional firefighter and an active union representative at the local and state level.  Scott recently retired from the Roseville FD (Local 1614) as a Battalion Chief with 30 years of service. Scott is currently the 6th District VP and the Chairperson of the MPFFU Political Education Committee.  Like it or not, politics plays a huge role in our professional life and Scott is here to help us understand why and how the MPFFU actively participates in the election process by endorsing candidates that support our core issues.  In this episode, Scott will help us appreciate the value of understanding the role and functions of MPFFU and its locals.  Then, he'll describe the role of the Political Education Committee, as well as discuss key considerations for the upcoming elections in November 2022.  We finish off the conversation with Scott's recommendation regarding how MPFFU members can get informed, educated, and involved with Political Education Committee initiatives.mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In the second episode of the MPFFU Podcast, we are joined by Mike Mattern is a LT with Dearborn FD Local 412, as well as a Peer Support member and the Chairperson of the MPFFU Mental Health Committee.  During this episode, Mike will help us appreciate the value of the MPFFU and its locals.  Then, he'll describe the role and functions of the MPFFU Behavior Health Committee and tell where you can find more information.  Finally, Mike will provide an overview of the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together program which was collaboratively created by first responders and mental health experts.  Frontline strong provides 24/7 live support, effective resources, and cutting-edge services to prevent and alleviate PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other frontline work-related mental health challenges. Go to FST5.org for more information.  NEED HELP NOW? If you are experiencing any crisis— work related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, financial, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG.  Check out the show notes for additional details.mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...

In this first episode of the MPFFU Podcast, we are joined by Matt Sahr, the relatively newly elected MPFFU President, as well as a firefighter paramedic with the Eastpointe Fire Department.  We're also joined by Terry Chesney, the Godfather himself, a retired Trenton firefighter and long-time MPFFU Secretary Treasurer who is a fountain of knowledge and experience for all things MPFFU. Finally, our conversation also includes Michael O'Hearon who is the MPFFU long-time legal counsel.  During this episode, our guests will help us appreciate the value of understanding the role, functions, and structure of the IAFF and the MPFFU.  Then, we'll describe how members can get informed, educated, and involved with the IAFF and MPFFU initiatives and functions.The intent and purpose of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighter Union (MPFFU) Podcast (official name TBD) is to support the mission to improve wages, working hours, and working conditions for its members through the dissemination of evidence-based relevant information, resources, and strategies. To accomplish this, the MPFFU podcast will provide reliable, factual, and actionable information that strengthens, empowers, and supports MPFFU members and locals through united action. mpffupodcast@gmail.com. Instagram @m.p.f.f.u. Please subscribe to the MPFFU YouTube channel#recruitment #MPFFU #iaff #union #fraternal #family #firefighter #firefighters #fire #firedepartment #fireman #firefighting #firetruck #rescue #firerescue #paramedic #firefighterlife #brotherhood #ems #firedept ...