The Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters convened its Annual Conference on Thursday, May 12, 2011, in Memphis, Tennessee. The convention was hosted by Memphis Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1784 and a special thanks to President Larry Anthony and Secretary-Treasurer Matthew Tomek and their entire Executive Board.
On Friday, May 13, 2011, there was an Educational Seminar “Fire Fighter Pensions” and that Attack on our Benefits which was presented by 14th District Field Service Representatives Thomas Malone and Pete Reagan.
On Saturday, May 14, 2011, the General Session was convened and Delegates were greeted by SFPFF President Bob York. Remarks were made by General President Harold A. Schaitberger and General Secretary-Treasurer Thomas H. Miller.
Guest speakers consisted of Tennessee State Senator Jim Kyle, IAFF 5th District Vice-President Joe Conway who provided an update on Wisconsin and IAFF 14th District Vice-President Danny Todd who reported on Non-Collective Bargaining Committee status.
Election of Officers and Trustees were held and following individuals were elected:
- Ed Jaros, Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters President was elected as President
- Pete Reagan, Fayetteville Local 2866 and 14th District DFSR was elected as Vice-President
- Tim Dupin, Kansas City Local 42 was re-elected as Secretary-Treasurer
- Perry Cathey, Memphis Local 1784 was re-elected as Trustee
- Chad Major, Professional Fire Fighters Association of Louisiana President was re-elected as Trustee
- Michele Newby, Kansas City Local 42 was elected as Trustee
SFPFF outgoing President Bob York was honored by the Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters Delegates and guests with a Play Pipe Award for Outstanding Service. The Award was presented by IAFF 14thDistrict Vice President Danny Todd, IAFF 11th District Vice President Sandy McGhee and SFPFF Secretary Treasurer Tim Dupin.
Afternoon Sessions included presentations by IAFF-Financial Corp. – Preparing and Saving for Retirement and Healthcare Expenses , MDA with Wichita Falls Local 432 Fire Fighter Kelly Crush and Security Fraud Monitoring for Pension Systems was presented by Darrin Williams, Cauley, Bowman, Carney & Williams, PLLC.
