Battalion 5

Battalion 5 - February 2017

Submitted by Battalion Director Tom Simcoe​

  • I am pleased to report that House Bill 1884 in the Virginia General Assembly has been signed by the Governor.  The Constitutional Amendment relating to Tax Relief for the spouses of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice is now part of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Made a Station visit to 426-C with the members of Local 2068 to answer questions, and concerns.
  • I have been assisting 2 members of the 5th Battalion with issues.
  • During the month of February I made several visits to the Virginia General Assembly to lobby on behalf of Local 2068 on numerous legislative issues relating to Firefighter, and Paramedic issues.
  • I have been making Congressional appointments for the upcoming I.A.F.F. Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. on March 6th, and 7th.
  • I attended the February Executive Board meeting of Local 2068.

Battalion 5 - January 2017

Tom Simcoe
  • Attended the January General Membership Meeting.
  • Made all the legislative appointments for the VPFF Legislative Conference.
  • Attended the VPFF Legislative Committee meeting in Richmond.
  • Attended the VPFF Board of Directors meeting in Richmond representing Local 2068 as acting Director.
  • Attended the VPFF Legislative Conference in Richmond.  Also coordinated all the legislative appointments, and made sure we had those members from our Local meeting with Fairfax County members of the General Assembly.
  • Am currently tracking 41 bills in the General Assembly that relate to Firefighters, EMS, Fire Prevention, and Workers Comp.
  • Was asked by VPFF President Bragg to introduce I.A.F.F. General President to those attending the Legislative Conference.
  • On the final day of the Conference, President Niemiec, and myself completed the final meetings with our Legislators (both House of Delegates, and State Senators) at the General Assembly.
  • Am currently attending the NCPERS Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.  Where I will be learning their legislative agenda (which closely follows that of the I.A.F.F.) and meeting with members of the 115th Congress.
  • I will provide a more detailed report as to the status of legislation before the 2017 General Assembly after crossover next week.  This will provide more detailed information as to the actual bills that may make it to passage.

Battalion 5 - April 2016

Tom Simcoe
  1. Attended the April General Membership Meeting.
  2. Attended the I.A.F.F. Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
  3. Attended a meeting with the Chief of Staff Susan Falconer for Congresswoman Barbara Comstock in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C.
  4. Attended a meeting with Legislative Aide  Kate Schisler for Congressman Don Beyer in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C.
  5. Visited with a member from Local 2068 who’s Son was recovering at the Washington Hospital Center.
  6. Attended President Niemiec’s presentation to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
  7. Assisted in delivering food for those members of Local 2068 attending the Board of Supervisors Meeting.
  8. Attended the April Executive Board meeting of Local 2068.
  9. Attended the April meeting of the Uniformed Retirement System.
  10. Held a discussion with members of the South Side Apparatus Shop.
  11. Assisted in delivering items for the Funeral Service to be held at the McLean Bible Church.
  12. Talked with Virginia House of Delegates Member Tim Hugo in reference to future legislation to be brought before the Virginia General Assembly.Am currently working with the Grievance Director dealing with a disciplinary issue within the 5th Battalion.

Battalion 5 - March 2016

Tom Simcoe
  1. Attended the March General Membership Meeting of Local 2068.
  2. Have been at the General Assembly Building in Richmond, VA lobbying members of the General Assembly form both the House of Delegates, and State Senate to support legislation.  This was legislation that was brought forward by Local 2068 and the VPFF.
  3. On March 7, 2016 I spoke before the membership of the State Senate Committee on Courts of Justice in support of HB #854.  This bill was passed out of the committee, where it moved onto the floor of the Senate which it passed.
  4. On March 29, 2016 the Governor signed HB #854 into law.  This bill will become law on July 1, 2016.
  5. I have also been working on HJ123 for the past 2 General Assembly Sessions.  It was successfully passed by both chambers of the General Assembly both years.  This bill will not be on the November Ballot going out to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia for adoption into the State Constitution.
  6. After March 16th I have been working with VP Flanigan on the I.A.F.F. Legislative Conference.  This included setting up appointments with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to discuss the issues that will be presented to members attending the Conference.
  7. The appointments were set up for April 5, 2016 with Congressman Connolly at 1 pm, Congresswoman Comstock at 2 pm, and Congressman Beyer at 3 pm.
  8. I attended the March meeting of the Executive Board of Local 2068.
  9. I attended the March meeting of the Uniformed Retirement System.
  10. Assisted in the handing out of the 2016 FirePac Gifts to members.
  11. Arranged for the Retirement Presentation to Charlie Allen of the South Side Apparatus Shop with over 15 years of continued membership in Local 2068.

Battalion 5 - May 2016

Tom Simcoe
  1. Attended the May General Membership Meeting of Local 2068.
  2. Attended the NEPC Annual Conference on behalf of the Uniformed Retirement System.
  3. Attended the NCPERS Annual Conference on behalf of the Uniformed Retirement System, and was elected to the NCPERS National Committee.
  4. Attended the V.P.F.F. Bi-Annual Convention as an elected Delegate on behalf of Local 2068.
  5. While attending the V.P.F.F. Bi-Annual Convention in Hampton, VA I was an appointed aide to I.A.F.F. 4th District Vice President William Taylor.
  6. I did assist one member of the 5th Battalion is a disciplinary matter which has now been fully resolved.
  7. I attended the May Meeting of the Executive Board of Local 2068.
  8. I attended the May Meeting of the Uniformed Retirement System.

More Articles ...

  1. Battalion 5 - June 2016
  2. Battalion 5 - August 2016
  3. Battalion 5 - September 2016
  4. Battalion 5 - November 2016