May 14, 2003

WRT firefighters join union

       White River Township's full-time firefighters have decided to follow tradition and join an international union of firefighters.  The decision, made unanimously by all 15 full-time firefighters, was not prompted because of concerns over pay, benefits, or other work conditions, said Lt. Jim Engmark, secretary and treasurer of the union.  Instead, the township's firefighters decided to join the union because it's the tradition in the fire service.  A union can provide firefighters with a louder, more powerful voice to state lawmakers and can help secure grant money, Engmark said.  For example, in recent years the firefighters union pushed to make impersonating a firefighter a crime.  The White River Township full-time firefighters are now members of International Association of Firefighters Local 4252.  Joel Thacker was elected president.  Part-time firefighters are not eligible to join.  White River Township firefighters will receive their charter during a special ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday at Station 52, at the intersection of Fairview Road and State Road 135.  Firefighters do not expect the union to negotiate wages or benefits on their behalf with the township's fire protection district board.  The firefighters talked to the chief and the board about joining the union before the decision was made, Engmark said.  "We're doing really well," Engmark said.  "We don't have any problems."  About $17 each month will be deducted from the firefighters' paychecks for international, state, and local membership dues.    (reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)

  

  

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