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Dear Brothers & Sisters,

I’d like to thank everyone for making the 79th Annual PFANJ Convention an unprecedented success! We’ve listened to feedback of our members, and in response, the 2019 Convention offered more educational and training sessions than ever before. Delegates and members had the opportunity to participate in the 2nd Annual PFANJ H.O.T. Day, featuring Engine Company Emergencies and Truck Company Challenges.

For the first time, the PFANJ Convention featured BLS and ALS level EMS training. These CEU-granting sessions included pit crew CPR, managing difficult airways and stroke, cardiac and respiratory protocol. We look forward to getting input from our EMS members on what future classes we can offer.

Once again, we found our IAFF Partnership Education Program (PEP) classes in high demand and covering timely topics. IAFF Instructors offered a “Health and Safety Track” with sessions featuring cancer awareness and active shooter/hostile event policies. A “Union Leadership Track” included classes on how to run a meeting, and teamwork and inclusion.

We encourage all members to register now to continue building your union leadership skills at the 1st District Partnership Education Program (PEP) event, taking place November 14-15, 2019 at the Tropicana Atlantic City in Atlantic City.

When you register, you’ll have the option to pick a workshop track covering important topics affecting IAFF locals, including Leadership Tools, Union Administration and Union Representation. With up to four engaging workshops in each track, there is sure to be beneficial education to fit the unique needs of your Local.

A session was offered updating our members on the PFANJ Peer Support team and the growing challenge of supporting the mental and behavioral health of our members. The inaugural PFANJ “Kitchen Table” Discussion, an open, un-scripted forum with discussions on fire tactics, union issues, and everything in-between, also proved successful with a diverse panel of members sharing thoughts and holding a Q & A to a full room of their brothers and sisters. (As a reminder, all functions of the PFANJ from meetings to Convention are open to all members (Active and Retired) in good standing.)

I would be remiss if I did not thank the many special guests who joined us in Atlantic City. The Convention began with opening ceremonies highlighted by members of the Perth Amboy Fire Department Honor Guard and pipes and drums from the Atlantic City Sand Pipers, Newark Fire Department and Camden County Emerald Society.

Speeches by IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Ed Kelly, and IAFF 1st District Vice President Jim Slevin filled members in on the hard work our union is putting at the national level and the progress we have made and the challenges that remain.

We especially thank Governor Phil Murphy for his time at the convention and his continued commitment to New Jersey’s union labor.

The Convention is not just about work! The PFANJ PAC event at The Biergarten of Atlantic City and the Brotherhood/Sisterhood social at the Ducktown Tavern were both great successes! Members and delegates got to network with each other and some of the convention sponsors while supporting the PFANJ Pro-Pac and Emergency Relief Funds.

Finally, we’d like to thank the many convention sponsors who offered an array of services and expertise to our members and families. These include:

• IAFF Financial Corporation
• AXA Equitable
• Nationwide
• Cardio Pulmonary Diagnostic
• FF1
• AT&T First Net
• NJ Civil Service Commission
• AETNA
• Cushane Law Firm, LLC
• Cross Country Mortgage
• NTA Life Insurance
• R-Health
• MDA
• Police & Fire Federal Credit Union
• Combined Insurance Company
• Baret Kechian – Loan Depot
• Braff, Harris, Sukoneck & Maloof
• C&A Financial
• Liberty Mutual Insurance
• Firestore.com
• Snore No More & Sleep Solutions
• American Addiction Center
• Wells Fargo
• Recovery Centers of America
• Heatstraps

We look forward to continue to move the critical needs of our members forward as the new PFANJ business year begins in July. We have already seen our long-fought for cancer presumption bill, “Thomas P. Canzanella Twenty First Century First Responders Protection Act," move one step closer to law.

Again, we thank you all for joining us in Atlantic City. We look forward to hearing your feedback on how we can make the 80th Annual Convention an even bigger success in 2020!

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Fraternally and united,

Dominick Marino, President

Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey