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“The CFD Retiree Memorial Phase I was erected on Monday, December 18^th 2017 at the Quinn Fire Academy behind the flame.  Have a look at the photos attached …. It is absolutely beautiful!!  It presently has 495 names with numerous honorable donors.  Phase II has begun, more names will be added and an application is attached for your convenience if you would like to add your family name.   March 1^st is the deadline to get your name in before the spring dedication, date to be announced.  Additional names will be added every year at springtime on site.   Any questions, please contact Doreen Chambers at 773-842-3143 or Eileen O’Connell 773-844-2541.”

 

Retiree Monument Form     Picture of Retiree Monument

RETIREE HEALTHCARE INFORMATION

Brothers and Sisters,

In an effort to provide every retired Local 2 member/spouse/widow an opportunity to make the right choice when it comes to their 2017 Healthcare coverage needs, Local 2 will offer informational seminars concerning the Local 2 Retiree Healthcare Plan Options. Whether you are Medicare eligible or not, your questions will be answered by healthcare specialists from Aetna and Labor First. These seminars are free of charge and feel free to bring along your spouse. 

Please pass this information on to any retiree or widow who may not have email access.

Brothers and Sisters,

 

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RETIREE'S PLEASE READ AND CLICK ON THE LINK:

2018 Retiree Healthcare Information

Medicare Eligible Retirees that were required to elect coverage last year.  We are aware that you all have received your Medicare premium renewals from both Aetna and BCBS (City Sponsored Plan).  After seeing the BCBS MAPD Option 1 premium increase and decrease in benefits (copays and out of pocket maximum), we are happy to see that the Local 2 Sponsored Plan with Aetna last year had proved to be a great benefit to our retired Medicare Eligible members and Spouses that were forced to find coverage.  It looks like the Aetna plan option 1 $100.00 per month cheaper BCBS renewal rates. That is an annual savings of $1200 per member or $2400 for member and spouse.  If anyone is interested in receiving information on the Local 2 Sponsored Aetna plan options they should call Labor First at (312) 248-6508 or (877) 660-7919

If you are approaching Medicare age (65), make sure you and your spouse get any dental work or eyeglasses before the first day of the month in which you turn 65.

You become Medicare eligible the first day of the month of your 65th birthday. Once you become Medicare eligible you lose your dental and vision coverage, and the City will not pay those bills.  

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The Local 2 Employee Assistance Department (EAP) now has a confidential direct line: 773-358-3473

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Prior to the Civil War, the volunteer fire company was a private service in most American cities.  The early "fire society" or "fire brigade" was an association of local citizens banded together for the purpose of protecting community lives and property.   In 1831 the Illinois Legislature required any incorporated city or town to have a volunteer department.  Chicago's first volunteer company was organized in 1835.           

Firefighting soon became an established municipal service manned by a paid ful-time work crew.  But this new organization also depended upon the generosity of local politicians for jobs, salaries, and working conditions.  A civil service system did not exist.  Firefighters were often dismissed when a new political boss gained control of the city.  Firefighting jobs were treated as political gifts and men were not always hired for their skills, but for their political contributions at election time.

Like other labor groups, Firefighters contested with management over wages, hours and conditions.  But because of their unique status and the community's dependence upon them, their opportunities to press for change were often severely constricted. 

Firefighter History Link

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Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you escape. Install them on each level of your home and outside of each sleeping area. Follow the manufacturer's directions, and test once a week. Replace batteries twice a year, or when the detector chirps to signal that the battery is dead. Don't ever take the battery out for other uses!

Plan and Practice Your escape
If fire breaks out in your home, you must get out fast. With your family, plan two ways out of every room. Fire escape routes must not include elevators, which might take you right to the fire! Choose a meeting place outside where everyone should gather. Once you are out, stay out! Have the whole family practice the escape plan at least twice a year.

Space Heaters Need space
Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding, or anything else that can burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed, and keep children and pets well away from them.

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