In spite of what many people have heard or been led to believe, the Firefighters and Fire Captains that this Union represents have been working without the guidance of a Fire Chief at the Frederick-Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport since March 2020. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of the responsibilities a Fire Chief is supposed to handle instead fell largely on the shoulders of the junior Captains and even on the Union leadership. We have remained quiet on this matter publicly in order to try and maintain a working relationship with the Airport Director, and later the airport’s Special Projects Manager Dave Young, whom was appointed as our administrative liaison. While there were some obvious growing pains, the consensus among our membership is that morale has greatly improved and the efficiency of the unit as a whole has increased during these last 16 months despite the hiring of seven new Firefighters during that time.

The Rochester Airport Firefighters Association welcomed 3 new members last week. Probationary Firefighters Daniel Maggio, Justin McGory, and Patrick Spear were all hired as Airport Firefighters recently, and all three made the decision to support the Union that supports them. With their commitment, our Union continues to maintain 100% membership in spite of the rhetoric that was spread around the Janus decision in 2018. The leadership of Local 1636 is proud to welcome aboard these Professional Firefighters and we all look forward to working with them throughout their careers!

In other member-related news from the last year, we'd like to publicly congratulate the following people;

Public safety labor leaders held a joint press conference Friday to announce their official endorsement of Adam Bello in the 2019 race for Monroe County Executive. Leaders from the Rochester Airport Firefighters Association, Monroe County Sheriff Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Monroe County Deputy Sheriffs Association (DSA), and Monroe County Law Enforcement Association (MCLEA) all spoke about the legacy of disrespect toward employees from County management and the dire need for change. Several retired Sheriff's and Firefighters were also in attendance to show their support.

Jointly, we feel that Adam Bello possesses the leadership and integrity that have been missing at the County Executive position for many years. In talking with public safety employees in the Town of Irondequoit - where he previously served as Town Supervisor - he was able to create an environment where employees felt appreciated beyond an occasional tweet. Those we spoke with commented on his upbeat personality, willingness to talk with them, and understanding of the important role law enforcement and firefighters play in the overall health of a community. As County Clerk, he has discovered several improprieties and taken steps to correct them.

In accepting these endorsements, Adam spoke to the importance of public safety, calling it the “cornerstone upon which we need to build if we are going to tackle the challenges that face our community.” He also stated his intent to work with both employees and retirees by honoring commitments, respecting our sacrifices, and acknowledging us as allies - not adversaries.