This is our latest incoming mail: To go to Old Mail click here
2/3/2012 from John Torres:
To the ACFFA family,
It is with great pride I share the results of the Presidential Runoff. It was a well run race, honor and dignity throughout. Passion was displayed by both members, and a willingness to throw themselves on the grenade. Brother Ismail 160 55% - Brother Anderson 131 45% - Abstain (why???) 1
Total votes 292 83% of membership
Please join with me in congratulating Brother Ramsey Ismail as the new President of the ACFFA Local 55. Good luck Brother, and may ALL your decisions be wise, your council be strong, and your leadership be courageous.
I will be working with Brother Ismail for the next 2 months transitioning the office to him. He will officially take over April 1st.
Thank you all for your great support over the past 4 years. Oddly enough, I have found it harder to step away from this seat than I did stepping in to it. I truly had an awesome experience. I poured every part of me into the seat, thank you for the opportunity to represent you all. Luv ya.......
JT
President (not for long)
ACFFA L-55
2/1/2012
from Rod Mendes:
Hi Rich
Attached is a picture of me and Luster Knight around 1980 or
so, on company inspections in the old SLFD Station 5 Fargo district. Always
smiling and joking around. Luster and I had a lot of fun on and off duty. I
miss him a bunch. He made the best deep fried chicken and corn bread. That man
knew how to cook a good meal.
Rod Mendes
1/12/2012
from Terry Givens:
Rich,
Here is a check for the Bresnan Distributor. I look forward to every month to read about the guys in the fire dept.
Some of the names go way back to when we all volunteered for the Office of Emergency Services (O.E.S.).
Again thanks for allowing me to be a part of this
Terry Givens 197302004
12/26/2011
from Frank Sturgeon:
Hi Rich,
Thank you for mailing us the Bresnan News. It’s tough on us since we did not keep up with the computer age (too lazy). If need be, our grandchild helps us. Thank you for all the nice news and the sad ones too. It’s our way of being part of ACFD.
Happy New Year to everyone who still remembers us.
Frank Sturgeon
11/30/2011
from Tom Boggs:
Rich,
Just read the latest issue of the Bresnan. Thanks for your dedication to this forum.
As to your upcoming membership in Medicare, WELCOME. As an old guy, I went into that system last year kicking and screaming.
Like you, I had a small Social Security pension. This was not earned through any fire service work. I also did not have the full quarters, so get a reduced amount each month. Then Medicare came into the fray, and took a large chunk from my SS.
I do hope that in the future, those of us who worked for our future can get the full amount we have earned. Because of the PERS retirement, my SS was reduced, then reduced further with Medicare. Contrast that with our politicians getting full medical and retirement pay even with a minimum of years service when elected to office.
Hope it all works out for you. Please keep me posted on this issue.
All the best, and Merry Christmas,
Tom Boggs
11/4/2011
from Mike Bennardo:
Dear Rich:
First I want to thank you for all the work you do and have done for the Bresnan in particular, and for retirees in general.
I was one of the disappointedly smaller than expected group of us at the retirees’ awards and dinner in Dublin last Saturday night, and, besides notice taken of more we have to do to keep events like that more popular, two other things came to my notice.
The first, but not most important, is asking if there may be a place on the Bresnan for retirees with motorcycles to post or announce upcoming rides or events which other bikers may be of interest. Please get back to me on that.
The second is much more important. We retirees have to start attending Union Meetings. I would like to see us get our vote back, but that is down the line somewhere. As you and all retirees know, health costs are skyrocketing. We need to be represented, and to begin the campaign, asking for online personnel to pick up any new increase in cost which will occur to retiree’s medical. I thought we would be covered for life, but, as McKenna and Rocha explained to me at Stacy Hartmann’s Memorial, nothing is etched in stone. And if the County does not have the money to pay for the Medical Insurance Premiums for an ever increasing number of retirees, then, we will have to pay it ourselves.
It only makes sense to have online personnel pick up the difference, and continue to perpetuity, that one day, the same will be done for them. However, that attitude may not be shared with young twenty-something new hires who were never nailing union signs to posts in the back of Rich Ferguson’s garage. I feel it is safe to say that less than 10% of online personnel at ACFD have ever read an MOU, let alone the current one....and of that 10%, probably less than half of them know what last/best offer means. My point is, we need to get more retirees involved in the union, or at least go to the meetings. Can we use the Bresnan as a resource to that end?
Your thoughts and replies will be more than appreciated.
Fraternally yours,
Mike B.
10/31/2011
from Ryan Nishimoto:
Hi Rich,
Francis Chew passed along some very helpful website links at the Retirees' Dinner the other night. They are as follows if you would like to add them to the Bresnan Distributor Page and/or mailer.
http://www.cahealthadvocates.org/HICAP/alameda.html
http://www.lashicap.org/services/health-insurance-counseling-and-advocacy-program
Take Care,
Ryan Nishimoto
ACFFA IAFF Local #55 - Advisory Committee Chairperson
707-980-2006
10/30/2011,
from Carter, Mark, ACFD:
Subject: SL Seniors' Thanksgiving Luncheon
It is that time of year again to get ready to participate in the 34th Annual Seniors’ Thanksgiving Luncheon in San Leandro. The event will be held on Wednesday the 23rd of November at the Marina Community Center. This is located at 15301 Wicks Blvd. in Dist.# 11. As usual we will arrive at 0830 hrs. and help set up, then go have breakfast and return for 1115 hrs. to get ready to serve. Please send me an e-mail to let me know if you are coming so I can keep the SL Senior Services department up to date, on how many people we will have to help out. Dress code: blue jeans and blue department or union T-shirt.
History of event:
This event has been going on for many years now, long before my time in the department. It started with the San Leandro Firefighter’s Assn. actually making the full meal and serving it. Over the years, responsibilities have changed, however now through consolidation this event is supported both by the ACFD and Local 55. No more cooking, just set up and serve, and the City will clean everything up. This has been a great event to be apart of and will always require your support. I hope you will join me in helping to serve our Senior community this Thanksgiving Season. Let me know if you can help. Thanks!
Respectfully,
Mark S. Carter
Captain
Alameda County Fire
St.# 12-C
(510) 618-3472
10/25/2011
from Linney, Gary J., ACFD:
Subject: Dillon's heading for the dugout
Please join us one and all on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at station 17 from 1300-1700 hours as we will be celebrating the ultimate shift in Captain Tim Dillon’s illustrious firefighting career which began in 1983. It is a complete game performance with no relief from the bull…pen. We will nosh on hors d’oeuvres and cake as we implore Tim to share epic tales of slaying the dragon. You may even want to dig deep for some stories of your own to share. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to tip your cap to Tim as he walks off the mound, don’t miss it.
Congratulations Tim!
Gary Linney Battalion Chief Alameda County Fire Department Station 20/A
office 925-423-1810 cell 925-596-1812 fax 925-422-0523
10/21/2011
from Jeremy Roderick:
I am happy pass on to the ACFD Family the new arrival to the Montes Family; baby girl born last night at 2221 hrs. :
Alyssa Montes
5 lbs. 13 oz.
19”
All are healthy!!
Respectfully,
Jeff Kramm
10/13/2011
from Joe Banchero:
Hi Rich,
Here are a couple of pictures from big island, we are here with Jerry and Linda
Skaggs. We also hooked up
with Jim Martinez. We all helped out with the Ironman World Champions.
10/6/2011
from Stephanie Radecke:
All Personnel-
I spoke to Hollis this morning.
He is in good spirits and getting ready for his second Chemo treatment at the Loma Linda Cancer Center on Monday.
Hollis will find out next week if he is a candidate for Proton therapy.
Hollis stated that his doctor indicated that Chemotherapy alone is rarely effective for his type of Stage 4 Lung cancer.
He is hoping for the best but also realizes that there is no magic bullet for this type of cancer.
Hollis is still going to the gym every day and he plans on flying up next week in between his treatments to visit his son here in Livermore.
Hollis appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers and he will let us know if he needs assistance getting to and from the airport next week.
Simon Andrade has established a list of members in Livermore who would be willing to help Hollis and his wife Mary.
Please contact Simon if you are available to assist in any way.
Thank you.
Sincerely-
Stephanie Radecke
Station 8A
9/26/2011
from Bill Robertson:
Rich. Thanks so much for your notifying me of happenings in the department. Was very happy to hear of the memorial for Luster. I was in the process of retiring when he came into the department and seemed then to be a good candidate for the fire service. So sorry that he passed away, but glad to hear that he was being recognized for his service.
I don't know if many know it or not, but I have been recognized for my military service by being given an all-expense paid trip back to Washington DC to see the WWII memorial that is now complete. It was a whirlwind trip, but well worth it. I served in both WWII and was also recalled from the fire department and served another year in Korea. Got to be with 99 other veterans viewing the memorials in DC and one of them was a fellow school mate that I hadn’t seen since 1984. Small word we live in. Also saw Arlington Cemetery with over 350,000 graves. Too bad that war takes so many people. The price we pay and that so few remember. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
Also spoke with Hal Ryder the other day and he is not too well. Many don't realize that he is the instigator who started the Retirees Breakfast (which is now a luncheon). That was a long time ago.
Things keep going along though. I have passed my 86th birthday now and though the aging process goes on, I still feel OK and my wife of 62 years is still carrying on with her Alzheimers. I do see her at least 5 to 6 times a week, but there is no recognition of who I am.
Rambled on enough for now. Take care and say hello to all who remember me. Fraternally, Bill Robertson
P.S. been retired for 33 years now, so there is hope for all that it can work.
9/26/2011
from Rod Mendes:
Hi Richard
I just got finished going back and re-reading most of the past letters and the new ones as well. I am so amazed and just plain happy of how all our brothers and sisters continue to stay in touch and make sure that our relationships are maintained. This is my 42nd year in emergency services, and when i read those letters and see the pictures of those that we have walked through smoke with, I am over whelmed with emotion. I say brothers and sisters, because as we all know that the connection we made is not a passing thought, or a moment in time, its permanent. When I read the stories and see the pictures of folks I know. It’s hard to imagine that when we were all younger, someday we would be the "Old Guys". But a career in the fire service and then retiring is like standing in line for a ride at Disneyland, with one exception. Everyone gets a turn, but only one turn per customer. I wanted to tell everyone (including their families) that I know and knows me. I appreciate everything you have done, the sacrifices you have made, and the love you have shared. We may not see each other everyday or ever again, but the bottom line for me is, all of you are forever in my memories and your buried deep in my heart. That’s just the way it is.
.
Keep pulling hose.
VR
--
Rod Mendes
9/15/201:
Subject: FW: Knight Memorial Dedication
Hello,
Thank you so much for your quick responses. The Knight Memorial Dedication is Saturday, September 24, 12-12:30 p.m. at Marina Park. The location of the Memorial is outlined on the flyer. For the Dedication ceremony, I would like one member of each group to share what made Luster special to your group. If anyone would like to meet next week to help outline the ceremony, please let me know. Or, you can let me know your thoughts via email.
Attached is the flyer for the Dedication. Please distribute these to the members of your agency. If you would like hard copies and do not have access to a printer, please let me know how many to make for you and you can pick them up in our South Offices location.
If you haven’t been by and you have a minute, go and see it, it’s really special.
Thanks to all of you for your hard work and patience in making this happen.
Carolyn Knudtson
Recreation and Human Services Director
835 East 14th Street
San Leandro, CA. 94577
510-577-3466
510-577-3470 Fax
Check out our website at www.sanleandro.org/depts/rec/default.asp
8/29/2011
from Jeremy Roderick:
Save the Date .. Saturday October 29th will be the “Annual Retiree’s Dinner” hosted at the ACFFA/IBEW Union Hall in Dublin. I will send out flyers as soon as I get one.
There will be a shuttle to drive you to a local hotel. Book your rooms now !!!!!
THIS PARTY IS FOR YOU !!!!
OUR THANKS FOR YOUR SACRFICE….. PLEASE COME, IT’s FOR YOU !!!!
Alameda County Fire
Captain Jeremy Roderick
Engine 10, C Platoon
Station # (510) 618-3470
8/26/2011
from Rich Milan:
Hi All:
Vince Davis sent a text to me and I just spoke to Steve Gross. For those of you who know Steve Gross, I just found out he fell off his MB coming down the Flume trail in Tahoe on July 19th. He fractured his pelvis in two places and cracked a couple of ribs. Hour and a half to get him out. No surgery but he can't do anything for 8 to 12 weeks (it's been four weeks now?).
So watch yourself on those bicycles! Go parachuting, motorcycle racing, big wave surfing, hang gliding, free climbing up El Capitan, or hike up Mt. Everest, but BE CAREFUL ON THOSE BIKES!
Tommy, stick to the Iron Horse trail.
Milano
8/21/2011
Hi Rich,
Hope you are doing well. I'm writing to you today because I am now working for
the Muscular Dystrophu Association and we have a Fill
The Boot event next week with the Alameda County Fire
Fighters. We had one yesterday in San Leandro and Gary Centoni
came out with his son. We were talking and thought
maybe some of the other retired guys might like to come our for the event. Next
Friday, the 26th we'll be in Castro Valley at Redwood Road and Castro Valley
Blvd.
I was hoping you could spread the word, see if anyone would like to join us out
there next week.
Thanks so much!
Amanda
Local Firefighters Cover All
Corners for Muscular Dystrophy
Off-duty firefighters rallied
on all corners of the intersection of Alvarado Niles and Decoto
roads to "Fill-the-Boot" on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Together, they raised
more than $2,000 for local residents with muscular dystrophy.
The members of the
Alameda County Fire Fighters Association love to give.
What else could
possibly possess the firefighters, who work an average of 56 hours per week, to
take their valuable time off and stand on the four corners at the intersection
of of Alvarado-Niles and Decoto
Roads, boots in hand, collecting donations?
“It’s all just raising
money for kids...that have any one of the neurological disorders (like muscular
dystrophy)," explained Frank Harrah, a firefighter and paramedic taking
part in the annual International Association of Fire Fighters Local 55
"Fill-the-Boot" fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The benefit event was on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All of the money
raised goes to local MDA families, Harrah said.
Throughout the
afternoon, the men and women of Local 55 raised $2,203 by standing on the four
corners of one of Union City’s busiest intersections, boots and signs in hand,
calling out to passing cars, hoping to see a dollar bill peek out of an open
window when the traffic stopped at the lights.
The relationship between
the MDA and the IAFF began in 1954 and the IAFF continues to be one of the
largest contributors to the organization, according to Kirsha
Zupetz of the MDA.
Their relationship
created Fill-the-Boot, and Tuesday's donations will remain close to home within
the Local 55 jurisdiction, Zupetz said.
“The MDA has camps all
over the country. The kids...have dedicated counselors helping them out
because, unfortunately, they have debilitating diseases that prevent them from
swimming or playing sports. Some of the funds help with pioneering treatments
as well," Zupetz said.
It's not just children
who are affected by muscular dystrophy. According Harrah, a few firefighters
from agencies in the Bay Area have been diagnosed with conditions requiring
treatment at an MDA center.
Harrah and his fellow
firefighters spent Tuesday morning and afternoon collecting bills, change and
even checks made out to the MDA from generous drivers.
A few creative men
even did backflips and pushups as a "thank you" for sizable
donations.
New hire Francisco
Navarro, from ?Alameda County Fire Department Station
32? here in Union City, was among the afternoon's more
enthusiastic participants.
"Being new to the
department, I'm willing to do whatever is asked of me. They said come out here,
meet people, and I said 'I'm there!'," Navarro said.
Keep filling the boot
If you would like to
help Local 55 Fill-the-Boot, you can visit them at their next donation drive on
Thursday, Aug. 18, in San Leandro. Beginning at 9 a.m., off-duty firefighters
will be out in force at the intersection of Fairmont Drive and East 14th Street
in San Leandro, adjacent to Bayfair Mall.
You can also catch
them in Castro Valley on Friday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the
intersection of Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road, adjacent to Safeway.
From
Jeremy Roderick:
I am happy to announce a new addition to the Gonzales Family!
On Wednesday August 17th, Jason Gonzales and wife Beth brought into the world a healthy baby Boy! Lucas Gonzales, weighing in at 7 lbs, 15 oz. and 18.5" long. The family is now back at home and all are happy and doing well.
Please join me in congratulating Jason and Beth on their new arrival.
8/3/2011
from Pat Corbiere:
Hi Rich,
I just noticed the news about the San Leandro City Council approving the memorial for Luster Knight. I'm very pleased to hear this. If anyone deserved recognition, it was Luster for all the things he did for others. I know I owe him because I don't know if I would've finished that book if he hadn't urged me on. I will never forget his laugh, and his mother in a conversation I had with her said she misses him every day. Most of us will never know what he went through as a child. Mahatma Gandhi stated that every person deserves to be treated with dignity. Then there are those who should be memorialized. Luster is one of those. Alameda County Fire can be proud he was one of us.
ps. Fyi Rich, with the urging of my family and my book website creator, I will be jumping into Facebook reluctantly. Maybe, I'm old fashioned, but I like to look at a person when I talk to them, but I will give this a try. I was told it will help get info on the book out. Some of you already know I'm on Facebook. Kathy set it up, and any day, I'll get the courage to jump in. Be patient please. Also, my publisher is pressing me to put a screenplay together on it. I'll try if it can get more dough for the Ruch champ camp. See you on Facebook unless I screw it up. Rich. I also met someone who played a dobro and is trying to put together a collection of American folk music and blues.
As far as Kathy and me: we've settled in up here in the Northwest, taken a few trips, hitting golf balls again, riding bikes and enjoying this beautiful country, but we've also had some family tragedies. Kathy lost her mother, her aunt, her cousin's father-in-law who was a survivor of Pearl Harbor. I lost my uncle, my older brother and master-sergeant-mother had a stroke and is in a senior care facility. Life is such a short dance, we can only love and live it the best we can. Well, I guess I better sign off. I'm getting too wordy. The best to you and the rest of the guys. Pat
6/13/2011
from Sue Beville:
The Alameda County Fire Department invites you to celebrate the retirement of Captain Bill Potts
A gathering will be held in his honor on
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Reception 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Alameda County Fire Department Station 25 Training Room
20336 San Miguel Avenue Castro Valley, California 94546
Please confirm your attendance by calling 510-618-3485
Or by email: Katy.Marciel@acgov.org
6/1/2011
from Jin Dorpinghaus:
Ferg,
We got the Bresnan a few days ago with the story about Wilson Sandrey's passing. What others said about him is so true. He had a quiet demeanor and didn't hesitate to take time to lend a hand or show a newer member the 'ropes'. He and I remained in contact by mail for many years and though his letters were short, they said a lot. A family member wrote to inform me of his passing and also sent a memorial card which was very much appreciated.
Mikinka touched on Sandy making homemade noodles. I remember them along with some of the other meals he prepared that was good old down home cooking, Iowa style. One thing not mentioned was the soup concoctions we came up with at Station 4. Some were pretty exotic, for sure. We began by taking the leftovers from the off going shift and went from there. Too, we worked 7 shifts before getting days off and whatever was left from our meal the previous shift, went in the pot. By the 7th shift, that pot of soup was "talking to us". However, the concoction that stood out was on the last shift before our days off and there was just about everything imaginable in the pot--that is everything but one addition, and it came from Robertson. He'd brought spaghetti and meatballs from home for his lunch that day, but tossed it in the pot for some "extra added flavor". I recall it tasted a lot better than it looked with a couple of us actually going for another serving. The only person refraining from the soups was Capt. Harsch. He was nearing retirement and most likely didn't want to take any chances on what he ate. A smart man, indeed!!
Robertson mentioned Mike Fitzgerald being at station 4 years ago. I have a little story to tell about Mike, and I'm most likely the person whom taught him his first 'lesson' as a new firefighter. I was assigned to drive the Squad that day and noted a small leak in the radiator when checking it that morning. I mentioned putting in some stop leak until it could be taken to the garage for repair. Capt. Harsch okayed the suggestion and sent Mike and I on the detail. While pouring the solution in the radiator, Mike had been looking at all the buttons on the dash and pushed one that wasn't marked. It happened to be for the air horn which blasted with my head under the hood. Needless to say, I banged my head real good, ending with a sore spot on the dome and Mike apologizing profusely. I was not a happy camper, but accepted his apology by telling him it was good policy to ask FIRST before acting on his own. All I'll add to that is 'you came a long way, Fitz, after that meager beginning!!
There were some new names on the list of members attending the retiree's luncheon. My name would have been there, but a little surgery got in the way when I was hospitalized with a badly infected gall bladder. They finally dislodged the stone by sending me to San Francisco by ambulance for one very hard and bumpy ride. A follow-up MRI the next day revealed more stones, so it came out on April 7 The infection had spread, but copious amounts of anti-biotics brought it under control before the surgery. Have been home for a while, but the energy level is slow on returning. Am about a 6 on the 1 to 10 scale. Too, just had #77, so the aging bit probably plays a hand. My present goal is 80 and beyond--and I'll be there next year, the good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise.
A big HI to all and hope this finds everyone feeling well at this time--take care and God bless---!!!
DORP
6/1/2011
from Evan Siggelkow:
Rich,
This is for past donations that I missed. Thanks for all your good work.
Sad to hear about Sandrey. He was on our crew at station 4 for a long time. He was a joy to work with.
Siggy
5/23/2011
this was forwarded to me:
Captain Jamie Harrison Baby Announcement
Baby Harrison has arrived!
Elliana (Ellie) Grace
6 lbs, 6 oz
Born at 2304 hours on May 17, 2011
Both Mom and Ellie are doing great!
5/18/2011
from TJ Walsh
Chief Rich Milan suffered a fractured hip after a fall on his road bike. He was returning from the Amgen race and he took the fall while rounding a turn on Calaveras Rd near the Santa Clara / Alameda County Line. He will be undergoing surgery tomorrow morning. The Milan family appreciates everyone’s concern and support. Keep rich in your thoughts and prayers.
He is currently at Kaiser Fremont.
John T. Walsh
4/28/2011
from Dave Tibbets:
Dear Rich,
As I approach my ten year retirement anniversary (June 15, 2011) I thought it appropriate to pay up on my past due Bresnan donations. So, here's ten years worth of back payments ($100). Sorry it took a decade. But, I do want to thank you Rich, for being faithful to this worthwhile endeavor to keep retirees informed of all the important news concerning their former colleagues and friends. The Bresnan provides that forum we all need to help keep our Brotherhood connected as we journey into the future.
You may have heard that Sandy and I have moved to the beautiful Mother lode Country of Sonora, California. The most difficult part was selling our home in Castro Valley where we lived for twenty four years and raised our children. The home sold quickly for the price we wanted, but the sentimental separation was a little melancholy. Mostly for our children. Now, a year later, we are settled into our park-like setting with oaks and cedars on almost three acres in a comfortable home about half way between Sonora and Twain Harte at three thousand feet elevation. Our first winter here was the heaviest and most snow seen in thirty years. Now that Spring is on us, there is lots of work to do before Summer, when I concentrate on fishing and playing golf.
We are very happy, and feel comfortable and secure in this community as we are only about two hours from our kids and the Bay Area and an hour and a half from Yosemite. We do get ALL four seasons and, except for Winter, we live outside most of the time.
I hope all who read this will think about coming for a visit. There are many wonderful sights and attractions within a short distance and our door is always open to our Fire Department friends.
Thanks, again Rich. I hope to send you some fresh copy for the Bresnan later this year.
Sincerely,
Dave Tibbets
4/19/2011
from Bill Robertson:
Rich... Was sad to hear of "Sandy's" passing. I had been in touch with him each year at Christmas time with an exchange of cards. Had sent one last year but had not received a reply so I had expected the worst. He is the last of a crew that we had at the old Station 4 in San Leandro except for Hal Ryder and myself. The others were Capt. Ed Harsch, Vern Avilla, Wilson Sandrey, Lyle Gruggle and a rookie who most of you know, Mike Fitzgerald who fortunately, I was able to join at the luncheon for retirees at the Hof Brau. Hal, Mike, and myself are the last ones left. Am still in touch with Hal also, but haven't had the chance to see him lately.
While I'm at it, as I mentioned to you at the luncheon, I will put this in writing now regarding Emil Macdonald.. In 1950 I had been on the San Leandro Fire Dept. for about 19 months when I was recalled back into the US Navy and sent to Korea. The city hired MacDonald to work in my place while I was in the service. Upon my return after being gone for one year I was going to return to work in the Fire Dept. and the City was going to let Mac go but our Assn. argued with the city that he was needed. I had been elected as the Firefighters’ Assn. President, and along with the rest of the Dept. we argued that he was a needed member and was subsequently kept on the Fire Dept. I have always felt that Mac and I had that association with each other.
Just another bit of nostalgia I told you I would put in writing.
Something else I thought I'd put in writing, Ray Jannson, Joe Pistante and myself all lived in the same neighborhood as kids and all went to the same schools. Ironically we all ended up in the San Leandro Fire Dept., though Ray and Joe came over to the Dept. from Ashland by the City of San Leandro annexing their department into ours.
Hope this info is beneficial to you in your endeavor to get as much data as possible. As I think of anything that may be of interest I'll pass it on to you.
Fraternally... Bill Robertson
4/18/2011
from Steve Mikinka:
Rich,
So sorry to hear about Wilson's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him in 1964 while I was a probationary fireman at old station four on 143rd. Ave.
Wilson was truly a nice person who treated everyone with respect. He made sure I learned the ropes as a rookie and always looked after me at emergencies. I'll always remember him for his quiet demeanor and the ability he had for keeping everyone around him calm. My fondest memory is how he taught me how to make pasta noodles from scratch. I was quite surprised when he drug me out behind the station and showed me what the hose rack was really for...drying the noodles so they'd be ready for dinner. I know Wilson will be missed - I'm glad he lived a long life.
Steve Mikinka
4/18/2011
from Rod Mendes:
Rich
Thank you for the information. It’s always sad to hear this kind of news. Wilson was a good man and had a very big heart. Always there to help and one heck of a down home cook. I remember his homemade egg noodles and scalloped corn. My condolences to his family and the brotherhood.
Rod Mendes
4/18/2011
Wilson Frank Lee Sandrey
Wilson
Frank Lee Sandrey, 89, of Humboldt went home to be
with his Lord on Apr. 17th, 2011. He passed away at the Paula Baber Hospice
Home in Fort Dodge. Services will be at
11:00 am Tues. Apr. 19 at the Mason Lindhart Funeral
Home. Inurnment will be at Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.
Visitation will be one hour before the start of the service.
Wilson was born on January 17, 1922 in Klemme, IA. He
graduated from high school in 1941. He married Lila Mae Odland in 1942 and in 1948 they moved to California where
Wilson was a fireman for the City of San Leandro for many years. After
retirement they moved to Lucerne California. Lila Mae passed away in Feb.
1994 and in Nov. 1994 he married Betty Steding.
In 2001 Betty and Wilson moved to Humboldt, Iowa.
Wilson is survived by his second and loving wife of 16 years, Betty Steding Sandrey; daughter Ava M. Sandrey, Sacramento, CA,; son, John W ( Audrey) Sandrey, Tracy, CA; granddaughters Pamela (Herb) Byers,
Clancy MT, and Christina (Brian) Oliver, Tracy, CA, great grandsons
Donovan and Dylan Sandrey and Brandon and Tyler
Oliver, great great-granddaughters, Melody Crawford and Samantha Sandrey, step-daughter Jan (LeRoy)
Jorgensen, Humboldt, IA step-daughter in-law, Kathy Steding,
Latimer, IA, stepson Michael (June) Steding ,
Longwood Fl and several step grandchildren, step
great grandchildren and one step great great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years Lila Mae Sandrey, his parents, brother
William Sandrey, sisters Ava Sandrey,
Katherine Dihlman, Frances Merkle,
Ada Wild and Ethel Padden.
The Mason Lindhart Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements.
4/0/2011
from Dave Lord:
We have had several inquiries about the service for Diane LeMoine, please see below:
The viewing will be at the Wilson-Kratzer Mortuary in Danville on 825 Hartz Way. It will be Thursday, April 14th from 5pm to 8pm.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday the 15th beginning at 10:30am at the Neighborhood Church 20600 John Drive in Castro Valley. After the funeral we will head to the Mt View Cemetery in Oakland for the burial.
Sincerely,
David Lord
Deputy
Chief, ACFD
925-422-3401
(office)
510-693-3401
(mobile)
Sorry for more bad news
From: Rocha, David, ACFD
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2011 11:40 PM
To: ALL ACFD
Subject: Dianne Lemoine
I'm deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Captain Jason Lemoine's mother this evening. Dianne was also Deputy Chief Lord’s aunt. Dianne suffered from complications associated with ruptured aneurysm which occurred during surgery last Thursday. Her family has been at her side since the surgery and I know she has been in the thoughts and prayers of many of our members.
Both Diane and Jim will always be in our hearts and memories. Please continue to keep Jason, Dave and the Lemoine family in your thoughts.
Sincerely,
David A Rocha, Deputy Fire Chief
4/8/2011
from Mike Menchini:
Eng. Paul Murphy lost his Father this week. Below are the services...
______________________________
From: Menchini, Michael, ACFD
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2011 8:06 PM
To: ALL ACFD
Subject: Paul Murphey"s Fathers Passing
All ACFD Personnel.
If you did not know, Engineer Paul Murphey’s Father passed away this week.
Paul is doing as expected, working thru the difficult time with family and friends.
He has asked that that I share the details of his fathers burial and celebration of life information with the department.
ROSARY
Sunday, April 10th @ 4:00pm Guerrero Mortuary 407 Estudillo Ave. San Leandro, Ca. 94577
FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, April 11th @ 10:00am St. Leander’s Catholic Church 550 W. Estudillo Ave. San Leandro, Ca. 94577
INTERNMENT
Following the funeral service Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 1051 Harder Road Hayward, Ca. 94542
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Following Internment El Toritos Restaurant 5 Monarch Bay Dr. San Leandro, Ca. 94577
*If you plan to attend, no ACFD uniform is needed.
*Instead, if you wish; wear an ACFD Baseball Cap (as his dad regularly did) in Honor of his Father.
Thank you,
Michael J. Menchini
Fire Captain
Alameda County Fire Department
Station 18
4800 Fallon Road, Dublin Ca. 94568
(925) 803-7118 Fax (925) 828-3961
michael.menchini@acgov.org
4/8/2011
from Dave Lord:
Subject: Jason LeMoine's Mother
All Personnel,
A message from Jason LeMoine regarding his mothers condition. There has been inquiry from several Department members.
In Mid February Jason came home from work and witnessed his mother having stroke like symptoms. He rushed her to John Muir and the symptoms resolved, diagnosis TIA. The Cat Scan showed she had a small aneurysm on one of the main arteries in her brain. As an elective procedure she chose to have it repaired using a treatment called coiling. This is a very low risk procedure that permanently repairs the problem.
This last Thursday she went in for a 4 hour procedure that ended up having complications and the aneurysm ruptured. Since Thursday it has been touch and go and her condition remains extremely critical. The doctors are not giving us any predictions for survival and we are in a waiting pattern.
So far, the family has been blessed to have Chaplain Larry Vold spending time with us and Jason has been in communication with some folks here in the department. I will keep you updated if we turn the corner and if there is any changes.
Sincerely,
David Lord
4/5/2011
from Vince Davis:
Hi Guys,
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Jason LeMoine called me and told me that Diane was in for a routine repair of an aneurysm, there were complications and she is in very critical condition at John Muir Hospital. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like daily updates, send Jason an email at ltj62@sbcglobal.net . Feel free to pass this email along to other retirees as well.
Be well
Vince
3/31/2011
from Bob Moore:
Rich,
Thank you for being the conduit for us fire geezers.
We host an annual bluegrass fest at the Nevada Co. Fairgrounds (I’m sure you’re aware). If you play of attend, you’re welcome to our house as we have a spare bedroom.
Thanks again,
Bob Moore
3/31/2011
from Ray Nashimoto:
Hi Rich,
I have more info regarding Medicare if you would like to post it in an upcoming Bresnan. This info came from BCN and it is pasted below.
The letter CalPERS sends regarding Medicare can be very confusing. They send this letter immediately upon anyone retiring regardless of age and then again when the member is going to turn age 65. When a member qualifies for Part A of Medicare (this means it is provided at no cost) then they are Medicare qualified.
Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, critical access hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers hospice care and some home health care.
Medicare Part B helps cover doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services that Medicare Part A doesn’t cover, such as some of the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care. Medicare Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary.
If you are eligible for Medicare Part A, you are also eligible for Medicare Part B. If you qualify for premium-free Part A – either in your own right or through a current, former, or deceased spouse – you must enroll in Part B at age 65 (or earlier if you qualify due to a disability) to continue your group coverage through CalPERS.
Anyone who is a citizen after age 65 can sign up for Medicare but if they are not qualified then they would have to pay for Part A.
This is an interesting fact I found on the “CalPERS Website.”
If you are a State of
A member will pay the following for Part B if their income is:
Filing Single Filing Joint
|
$85,000 or below |
$170,000 or below |
$96.40* |
|
$85,001–$107,000 |
$170,001–$214,000 |
$134.90* |
|
$107,001–$160,000 |
$214,001–$320,000 |
$192.70* |
|
$160,001–$213,000 |
$320,001–$426,000 |
$250.50* |
|
above $213,000 |
above $426,000 |
$308.30* |
Bottom Line:
If a member is not Medicare qualified – either in their own right or through a current, former, or deceased spouse – they should NOT sign up for Medicare at age 65. The member should maintain their pre age 65 CalPERS Basic Health Plan.
Members hired after 1986 will be qualified for Medicare and MUST sign up for Medicare upon reaching age 65.
Take Care,
Ryan Nishimoto
ACFFA IAFF Local #55 - Advisory Committee Chairperson
707-980-2006
3/30/2011
from Jeff Zolferelli:
Hi Rich....
my sincere apologies for not being able to spend more time chatting this past weekend at the Goodguys event. It seemed as we began to chat others asked me questions and I was drawn away; that is not the best way to share with a friend and catch up...so I thought maybe we could have breakfast one morning. I am planning attending the next FFFC breakfast in April as well and the retiree’s luncheon....I think I may qualify as a retiree...???
And I wanted to share with you a couple of ways I have tried to nudge others, one is the plaque that now hangs in my home and hung in my department office for a number of years, even when all the smoke about exhibiting Christian items at Christmas time was a big taboo...I have proudly displayed..Philipians 4:13, ..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."...and what I have under the back brim of my helmet...something that has kept me safe and out of harms way I am sure...Isaiah 43:2-3, "When you pass through the waters I will be with you, And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flames scorch you. For I am the Lord your God,"....
Look foreword to getting together,
God Bless....
Jeff
3/23/2011
from Jody Naas:
Hi Rich,
Just thought I'd drop you a note. Rick Altemus
went through back surgery on Valentines Day and had
some vertebrae fused. He is doing well, feeling better every day.
His Doc told him the surgery will take 5 strokes off Rick's golf game, so Rick
is really motivated to get well and get back on the golf course.
I have attached a pic of me and Jerry Skaggs on the big island of Hawaii.
Jerry and Linda were there for 6 weeks and Sue and I went over to visit for a
week. We drove over to the volcano and walked out on to the lava beds
where the lava was actively flowing (see pic). Yep, it's hot where we are
standing!!! Hope all is well,
Jody Naas
More on
Medicare: from Tom Boggs 3/23/2011:
Rich,
It is with great enjoyment I read through the Bresnan. I get mine via email, so you can save a stamp.
I want to address the Medicare issue. I turn 67 in a few months, so have been forced into this program last year. I am a Kaiser covered guy, and there-in is the problem. I encourage anyone going into the Medicare to stay on top of them. I moved to southern Cal in November, 2010. I started the move with Kaiser in mid-October. I am still hassling with them in March, 2011. Seems they did not transfer me until February, then did not transfer the Senior Advantage with the change. Last week I got a letter from PERS they were dropping my coverage. I had to do some fast scrambling to get that taken care of. I now have three Kaiser Cards with different numbers, so will be back in their office tomorrow.
If anyone will be moving out of the Northern Kaiser to another Kaiser area, stay on top of them.
Hope no one else has to go through this.
God Bless,
Tom
3/9/2011
from Ryan Nishimoto ACFFA IAFF Local #55 - Advisory Committee Chairperson
707-980-2006
Hi Rich,
Lennie Orr and Gary Henthorn have passed on some information to me regarding medical benefits for retirees. I have posted it on our Union website, but I wanted you to have it as well in case you wanted to post it in the next Bresnan. It is attached to this e-mail.
Also feel free to pass along our new union website which also has a retiree message board. The address is www.iafflocal55.org.
Please give me a call or e-mail if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jess Anderson 305-7244
Ryan FD, Medicare info. 707-980-2006 Refereed me to BCN
BCN, Medicare
Dawn Hill 800-876-1088
Lennie Orr
Who has to join Medicare at age 65--------_ Everyone in our plan. or you loose your FD paid Basic health Insurance.
At 65 your Basic Health insurance STOPS! You are then converted to a Medicare plan like (Blue Cross Medicare or Kaiser Medicare
Enrollment in Medicare Health plan is not automatic. You must complete a "Certification of Medicare Status form"
Your primary Health care provider then becomes Medicare and the other plan (Blue Cross, Kaiser etc.) becomes your secondary).
What if you don't join Medicare at 65-------_ If you don't join by age 65 your Monthly premium will increase by 10 percent every 12 months until you join. Your premium will stay at that increased amount the rest of your medicare life.
Which Medicare plans do I need to join---_ Parts A (Hospital) & Part B (Medical Ins.)
Do not enroll in Parts C or D. We get these with or secondary plan (Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Kaiser etc.
Who Pays Medicare-------------------------------_ Not sure. As of now, Probably the Retiree
How much does Medicare Cost--------------_ Depends on if you paid into it and How much your Salary is.
Medicare cost Minimum is-------------------------_ $116 per month. And could be a lot more. Depends on income, If over 85K per year. You are billed every 3 months.
What if you didn't pay into Medicare-------_ You may be covered by your Spouse if they worked and paid there Medicare quarters.
Cal. State Law Prohibits Retirees from enrolling in CalPers Basic Health Plans, Unless you are ineligible for Medicare.
Who has to have other Health Ins-----------_
Can you keep existing Insurance ------------_ No
Does Blue Cross Cost me ----------------------_No, if you take BC Medicare Plan. If you upgrade from PersChoice to PersCare, then you will have to pay for the Difference.
If FD is paying $1126 for Pers Choice now, it will drop to $939 per mo. when you go to the Medicare Plans. No, you can't put this savings toward your mandatory Medicare payments, as yet?
Start the process 3 months before your to turn 65.
Booklets needed; CalPers Medicare Enrollment Guide #HBD-65
Certification of Medicare Status # HBS-zo1 , OSH520 - D, N, O & P.
Welcome to Medicare; #11095
CalPers 888-225-7377, http://my.calpers.ca.gov
Social Security 800-772-1213, http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html, http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/retirement.htm, http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/applying6.htm, https://secure.ssa.gov/acu/ACU_PPA/main.jsp?URL=/apps6z/CYB/main.jsp&LVL=5 .
Medicare 800-633-4227, medicare.gov & mymedicare.gov
2/15/2011
from Jody Naas
Just thought I'd let you guys know that Rick's back surgery
was today, Feb 14 at Eden Hospital. I talked to Rick this evening and he
said everything went OK according to his Dr. He should be out within the
next 3-5 days. He is in Room 6100 at Eden in Castro Valley.
Jody Naas
Here
are some of the emails about Dale Valentine:
Hi Rich,
Thought you might want to show a picture of the big winner. It is great to see one of our own win the big one. Congratulations Dale what a story this would have been while sitting around the table with our coffee at shift change. Take care and have fun Monster win - By Staff reports MIDDLETOWN -- A Twin Pine Casino & Hotel customer got really lucky Tuesday hitting a slot machine jackpot of $8,430,301. View Full Story
Steve Gross
**********************************
Rich:
Heard on the news this afternoon that Dale hit a slot machine in a casino up in the Lake county area for 8.5 million. Congratulations to him.
Floyd Nabonne
************************************
Finally Dale can afford to buy me those elevator shoes he promised years ago.
Jerry Skaggs
************************************
Did you hear Dale Valentine won 8.4 million at a Casino up North?
Ben Kellogg
*********************************
Rich.. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat newspaper today has an article stating that a Dale Valentine hit the Jackpot at the Twin Pine Indian Casino for over 8 million dollars. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. No doubt this is a human interest story....Bill Robertson
*******************************
All the times we played poker with Dale and he wouldn't even know what game we were playing and he would win anyway - this does not surprise me at all...good for you Dale! Lyle Stepman
******************************************
Haha. Mr Lucky finally got real lucky!!! Good for Dale. Think I'll set up a hospice......LOL
Rich Milan
******************************************