Quick links |
This page is designed to keep the retired members up to date on issues, from a "Sick List" to Pending Legislation and anything else we can think of. Hopefully anyone reading this will pass the word around to all other retired members. This is here for your use.
Contact Web Master We now have a page just to address the pension problems
Click Here to go to that page To sign up for our e-mail blasts scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the form. Hit the subscribe button only once!
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Supplemental Dental and Vision plans will be with "United Healthcare"
Contact Customer Service New 3-14-18 Rose Hawkins, Benefits Advisor 410-337-7577 RHawkins@sfandc.com For more info Click Here |
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April 16 11:30
Chambersburg Lunch |
April 18 12:00 Noon
Bill Dawson B-day Party |
April 22 09:00
L-36 Gen. Membership meeting |
April 24 11:00
Southern MD Lunch |
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April 18, 2019
Happy Birthday to RFA Life Member Bill Dawson!! Thank you for your service to your country and community!! See the story from NBC Washington below Last-Living-Member-First-Navy-SEAL-Team-Celebrates-94th-Birthday-508770061.html Donald "Rip" Gardiner is putting on a birthday party for Bill Dawson on 4/18/19 at noon at the American Legion 6265 Brandywine Rd. Hughesville, Md. Bill will be 94 that day. All are welcome to attend!! There is now a Washington DC Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation this is a 501c non profit. They are collecting money to put up a permanent memorial to the Fallen DC Firefighters. They are looking for sites, getting permits, hiring an artist to design the memorial. It is all in the early stages, but money is needed to get things moving.
https://www.dcfallenfirefightersfoundation.org 
March 26, 2019
Another Update on Bill Dawson by Rip Gardiner "I just left Bill. He said he thought he was going to die. I did too but I didn't t ell him. He will be transfered back to the Charleston at 1pm today" March 25, 2019 Update on Bill Dawson from Greg Turnell: Just wanted to give you guys an update on Bill Dawson. Bill is at La Plata Hospital and not doing well. He has pneumonia and very weak. They have decided to send him back to his place at the Charleston in Waldorf this week under hospice care. He seems to do much better when visitors stop in to engage in conversation. Right now he is in room #3606 east wing at La Plata. Not sure when this week they are sending him back to The Charleston. My girl Jeanne made him some home made custard, his favorite. Spoke to his Dr last night and he said it could be a few weeks or a few months, I guess it all depends on his will to live right now but I can tell you as much as he wants to go, he is getting tired. Hope guys can make it in there to see him, he would love that. 
March 22, 2019
Latest DCFD Personnel Actions below
March 8, 2019
Below are the latest DCFD Personnel Actions
March 7, 2019
Ron Tyler presented tax forms at the RFA Meeting last Monday. He had taken to his tax accountant regarding the Maryland Home Town Heroes Act. Ron's accountant said he was eligible to take the deduction. The RFA has heard different accounts of who is eligible. The RFA strongly recommends talking to a tax accountant or lawyer to get a decision before taking the deduction. Below are the forms Ron brought to the meeting.
Feb. 22, 2019
COLA for 2019 1.9% On February 7, 2019, the DC Department of Human Resources (DCHR) has announced the 2019 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees and survivors receiving annuities under the District of Columbia Police Officers and Firefighters’ Retirement Plan and the District of Columbia Teachers’ Retirement Plan. They are as follows: Police officers and firefighters who retired on or after February 15, 1980,* and their survivors: 1.9% COLAs are effective on March 1 of each year and will be included in annuity payments payable April 1. DCRB announcement |
April 15, 2019
The RFA regrets to inform our members of the death of RFA Member Gerald J. Petras. Brother Petras passed away on March 13, 2019 from COPD. Brother Petras was 82 years old. Brother Petras retired from the DCFD on 08-25-1991 as the 2nd BFC. Funeral Services have already taken place. Brother Petras was laid to rest at St. Mary's Refuge of Sinners in Cambridge Md. April 1, 2019
Once again the Florida Reunion was a huge success!! A big thank you to AJ Winterwerp for putting this whole thing together. This was AJ's last year. Next year Joe Rainwater is taking over. The reunion next year will be in Punta Gorda Florida!! Photos below: https://srventura.smugmug.com/DCRFA/2019-Florida-Reunion 
March 23, 2019
Sick List addition: RFA LM Harry Twigger has been moved to a nursing home. He is suffering from severe dementia. Emerald Society is having their annual Fishing Tournament June 6, 2019
Feb. 13, 2019
Update on John Grolig. He is back at the Washington Hospital Center, for his third surgery, which is scheduled for today. They are removing his replacement hip - it dislocated again and infection set in. Hopefully the third time will be a charm and the new replacement will take this time. 
Nov. 2, 2018
Donald "Rip" Gardiner has booked the St. Micheal's Church for next year's cookout. Mark your calendars for Sept. 21, 2019 Rip also reports that he received a very nice thank you note from Father Flum of St. Michael's for the donation from the RFA |
April 5, 2019
Below is the motion that was requested at the April meeting by Bill Mould and the committee working on our pension issues. The motion was made and passed unanimously. “Allow the Annuity Committee up to $10000.00 to seek legal assistance in reviewing the most recent decision involving the US Treasury Department and a retired Police Officer. This decision was rendered on February 26, 2019 by a United States Magistrate Judge and is now under appeal by The Treasury Department. It is possible, not automatic, that this ruling, if upheld, could have an affect on Retired Firefighters who had their annuities reduced on March 1, 2015.” April 2, 2019
Overview of today's RFA meeting President Scherer read the names of the members who passed away since our last meeting. Veniizelos “Jello” Lagos Leonard Johnson Francis Gray Robert Harrington Sick list update/additions Bill Dawson Hospice Care Harry Twigger Dementia Joe Healy gave the Treasurer’s report and it was approved Jimmy Partridge was absent. No Secretary’s report or minutes from last meeting. Stefan Ventura gave the membership report. 2 new members Samuel Darden Ret. Oct. 1976 RS-2 Walter “Roddy” Butts Ret. 8-1992 E-29 WD One member attending his first meeting David Cole Bill Mould gave an update on the on going battle with the members who’s pensions were audited and “adjusted” Recap. Jan 2015 136 retired Firefighers received letters stating they had been overpaid. Each case was different. Some were ordered to repay the amount of overpayment. All had their pensions reduced by what the Federal Govt. said they had been over paid. Some were told they had to pay taxes on the over payment. The RFA, L-36, The FOP, and The Assoc. of Retired MPD Officers have been working together to get all of these issues resolved. So far all of the effective members have been forgiven and not required to Payback any over payment. All but one member has been told they do not have to pay taxes on the overpayment. The last one should be resolved soon. A retired MPD officer has gone to court on his own to get relief from the audit and reduction of his benefits. The court ruled in his favor, but the Govt. has appealed. Bill Mould requested $10,000.00 to be used to hire an attorney to look into the merits of his case and see what he would recommend our next course of action should be. This money might not be necessary if the International Fire Fighters Assoc. attorney takes the case for us. The RFA has been dealing with 63 of our members. They were all audited for different reasons. The three reasons were The look back COLA, miscalculated Sick Leave, or the 80% rule. (the member was over 80% of their pay} L-36 Report by Charlie Hottinger Members who retired but were owned money from the last contract still have not received their money. The Local is aware of the situation, and staying on top of it. Fireman’s Memorial Days May 29 and 30 May 29 will be a Fire Box dedicated at 14thand H Sts. N.W. for “Big” John Williams with a reception afterwards at Hilton Gardens Inn May 30th will be the 20th anniversary of the Cherry Rd. Fire. A Fire Box will be dedicated at the site, with a luncheon afterwards at the restaurant in the building with Local 36 More info will be posted once it becomes available. There is now a Washington DC Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation this is a 501c non profit. They are collecting money to put up a permanent memorial to the Fallen DC Firefighters. They are looking for sites, getting permits, hiring an artist to design the memorial. It is all in the early stages, but money is needed to get things moving. A link to their website will be posted on our website. Local 36 is negotiating a new Dental and Vision contract. RFA members should be able to join in on the contact once it is finalized. New Business Austin Smith was voted in as an Honorary Member. Austin worked for the VA and has helped many of our members. He is also related to the many Smith’s on the DCFD (Bouncer, JR, Steamboat, and Red to name a few) The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation is hold a “Night at the Market” as a fund raiser to be held on Sat. May 18th 7 to 11 PM Eastern Market 225 7thSt. SE. See Below for more info. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-firefighters-burn-foundation-2019-night-at-the-market-tickets-55942028112 Dec. 28, 2017
The RFA now has a Twitter account and Facebook page to better get the message out. A huge thanks to newly elected Sec. Jimmy Partridge for putting these pages together. We hope that the more ways to communicate the better. People use different platforms to keep in touch, so we hope to get any new or information out to everybody in as many different ways as possible. For those of you how use these types of social media, please add them to your accounts. On Twitter @ret_dcfire https://twitter.com/ret_dcfire https://www.facebook.com/retiredDCFD/ | ||||||||
Honor Guard
In an effort to provide our retired brothers (at the time of their demise) with a dignified, and respectable presence, the Retired Association has decided to organize a "Honor Guard". This will not be a precision - spit and polish - drill team type concept, but simply a list of retired brother firefighters who may have known and worked with the departed, or at least served during the same time frame. Participation by this Honor Guard will be ONLY By request of the family, and only to the extent that the family desires.
To include but not limited to pallbearers, (active or honorary) - liaison between the family and visiting fire fighters, or simply lending a fire service presence.
The "uniform of the day" for this honor guard shall from this day forward be known as the "Lockrow Suit" which will consist of a navy blue blazer, white shirt, gray slacks, and black shoes (properly polished) and official Honor Guard tie issued by the Association.
For those who wish to participate, and do not own a "Lockrow Suit" we have made arrangements with "Men's Warehouse" for a very good discount on the blazer and slacks.
The more members who participate in this honor guard will provide for a large cadre to draw from meaning less travel and less frequent events.
Please give this Honor Guard serious consideration, and join us in providing our departed members with class, dignity, and proper respect.
To volunteer please contact :
Tom Scherer Joe O'Neil
301-609-7923 410-507-2450
chieftom77@verizon.net joeoneil9@hotmail.com
To include but not limited to pallbearers, (active or honorary) - liaison between the family and visiting fire fighters, or simply lending a fire service presence.
The "uniform of the day" for this honor guard shall from this day forward be known as the "Lockrow Suit" which will consist of a navy blue blazer, white shirt, gray slacks, and black shoes (properly polished) and official Honor Guard tie issued by the Association.
For those who wish to participate, and do not own a "Lockrow Suit" we have made arrangements with "Men's Warehouse" for a very good discount on the blazer and slacks.
The more members who participate in this honor guard will provide for a large cadre to draw from meaning less travel and less frequent events.
Please give this Honor Guard serious consideration, and join us in providing our departed members with class, dignity, and proper respect.
To volunteer please contact :
Tom Scherer Joe O'Neil
301-609-7923 410-507-2450
chieftom77@verizon.net joeoneil9@hotmail.com
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RFA Pocket Badge Order Form
EXAMPLE JOSEPH C. HEALY RETIRED FIREFIGHTER’S ASSOCIATION WASHINGTON DC FIRE DEPARTMENT T-9 Please send a check for $45 with your name and address and the way you want your badge to read to: Joe Healy 7511 Woodville Road Mt. Airy, MD 21771 (A fourth line can be added for an extra $2) 
We have RFA Coffee Mugs for sale. Contact Joe Healy to order one
Joe Healy 7511 Woodville Rd. Mt. Airy, MD 21771 301-802-2171 |
Members of the Retired Association can now order an official Fire Dept. badge on-line. Just click on the site below and find the badge you want and follow the instructions. (The difference between the active badge and our badge is that it has the word "RETIRED" is on the top.)
Thanks to Jimmy Martin, the link has been fixed. They advised that if you are still having problems, to turn off your pop-up blocker. Click Here to order 
Friendship Fire Assn. Celebrates 75 Years of Dedicated Service to the DCFD. Challenge Coin is available for a $10 Donation.Thanks to All For Your Support and the Privilege to be a part of our Great Department , The DCFD. To Obtain Coins Contact Elliot 301-807-8192 , Vito or any FFA Member.
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Meetings are held the first Monday of each month 11:00 hrs. except July, August and September.
Local 36 Kenny Cox Building
3002 12th St. N.E Washington, D.C. 20017
Snow Policy:
IF SNOW CLOSES OR DELAYS THE PRINCE GEORGE'S SCHOOL SYSTEM , THERE WILL BE NO RFA MEETING THAT DAY.
Local 36 Kenny Cox Building
3002 12th St. N.E Washington, D.C. 20017
Snow Policy:
IF SNOW CLOSES OR DELAYS THE PRINCE GEORGE'S SCHOOL SYSTEM , THERE WILL BE NO RFA MEETING THAT DAY.
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