retired Firefighter Thomas Salerno honored at ground zero today

[24yrs1181]

Retired Decorated firefighter Thomas Salerno was the guest speaker today, May 17th.2014, at a ceremony at ground zero, he and his crew from rescue 4 , heavy rescue and recovery from Lakeland long Island were honored for there heroic efforts in the hours , days, and weeks after the world trade center towers were hit on 9/11, on 9/11 there was a signal 1 call after the first tower went down, firefighter Thomas Salerno and his crew from rescue 4  Heavy Rescue and Recovery were  instructed to proceed to rescue 3 in the Bronx NY pick up an additional heavy rescue crew and preceded to ground zero, Thomas Salerno then spent the next 72 hours on the pile in 12 hour shifts sleeping at the site, and the next 3 weeks working the site going back and forth from rescue 3 in the Bronx where they lived before they reunited with there family's, Mr Salerno has received over a dozen metals and citations  for bravery during his time on the job in Lakeland.

Proudly Posted by John Israel  & the 2014 Salerno Slate

[Bluebird]

So are you saying Tom Salerno was a firefighter and not a bus driver in 2001?
Because if you are how did he cross the picket line in 1979?

[BUS MASTER]

Tommy was a firefighter? Maybe Vol? not regular.

[Buzz]

... Mr Salerno has received over a dozen metals and citations  for bravery during his time on the job in Lakeland.

Lakeland .... Florida?

[24yrs1181]

Lakeland Fire Department
929 Johnson Avenue
Ronkonkoma, NY
United States
On Sunday September 11th, the Lakeland Fire Department located 929 Johnson Ave, Ronkonkoma, will hold a A ceremony honoring all those lost on September 11th 2001. The Lakeland Fire Department lost five members that day

[Buzz]

I respect the job all firefighters do, including Mr. Salerno ....vollies or paid ... especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11.



However, if we put him in charge, I'm afraid 1181 would go up in flames faster than this house ... http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/fire-burns-through-ronkonkoma-house-1.4434919

[John Eadicicco]

Hey Buzz instead of poking fun at a guy who volunteered for weeks on end at ground zero, answer me this please? Talk about the majority of the current contractors who have gotten bids on the 2014 work and want to hire the current drivers and escorts that are gonna lose their jobs come this June. Oh I forgot..... If you address this issue then it wouldn't look good for our current executive board!!!!!!!!

[Buzz]

Talk about the majority of the current contractors who have gotten bids on the 2014 work and want to hire the current drivers and escorts that are gonna lose their jobs come this June. Oh I forgot..... If you address this issue then it wouldn't look good for our current executive board!!!!!!!!

Why would it not look good for them? Was it their fault that this work went out without the EPP?

The only way they can get their 1181 jobs back is if the EPP is reinstated. Who other than the current EB is in a better position to see that happen?

[John Eadicicco]

You are blinded by our current board! I will say no more on the subject!

[Just_Right]

Hey John..how is it he was able to volunteer at ground zero when he was supposed to be working on a bus?And you have the nerve to get mad at Buzz for defending our current EB.Where is your trust in the current EB? Didn't they get you your money back? Apparently Salerno didn't Oh wait ..he was busy volunteering .But then again you only like to stir shit you loser.Because that's all you do. Hey here's a throw back remember when you ran for the EB and didn't have enough votes to win? Is that why your so upset with the current EB? Don't worry everyone knows the way you roll.That's why you can't get enough votes in to win.So you want to find fault with the guys who did win.


And btw I salute all the men and women who were at Ground Zero each and every day.

[Goose623]

John is just bitter cause michael n his slate absolutely crushed him n Nero last election... And now God forbid he gives credit to michael n the boArd for working there asses off to re instate the EPP. He decides to back some guy who couldn't even win shop steward at his yard .. Pathetic u are... That's great all the hard work he put in at ground zero but that has nothing to do with this election...

[Goose623]

And also Israel answer some question.. How will Salerno n his slate go about getting the EPP back? How will the slate get back the workers that lost there jobs back at the same rate??? Start answering these questions n if u or ur buddy can't then pls stop posting here... Enough is enough ... Bashing other people without real ideas will get u no where.

[Buzz]

... How will Salerno n his slate go about getting the EPP back? ...

That's just it. Salerno doesn't think we NEED the EPP, so he's not worrying about how to get it back.

[Buzz]

... And now God forbid he gives credit to michael n the boArd for working there asses off to re instate the EPP. He decides to back some guy who couldn't even win shop steward at his yard ..

Look, if Michael were somehow able to get everybody back to work, double our salaries and pensions, John would still be for anybody but Cordiello.

[PROUD MEMBER]

I know it was mainly Bloomberg who has caused all of this trouble over the last two years. In the past I have voted for the Cordiello slate mainly because Ernie endorsed them and it APPEARES under the circumstances that they are holding their own. Next month I will again vote for the Cordiello slate but this time not only because of Ernie but mostly because I feel at this time Micheal is in the best position to get back the EPP. Otherwise I would study the candidates and my vote may have gone a different way. Having said that I wouldn't dismiss John's comments so easily. If GOD FORBID the EPP is not reinstated and we find ourselves like the THOUSANDS of others who have lost their jobs or have taken SERIOUS CUTS I'm pretty sure a lot of us will not be on the Cordiello band wagon. LETS HOPE & PRAY FOR THE BEST!!!

[Grrr]

After reading all these posts, it has become crystal clear who to vote for.

[terminator]

It always seems that some members of the Union ALWAYS are 'on board' with the opposition to the current board. Must be personal!...lol

[Grrr]

Really?  Which members?

[John Eadicicco]

This post is for goose 623 , Just Right and many others! ANYONE who hides behind a screen name has absolutely no credibility as far as I'm concerned. How dare you judge me about being bitter. You are clueless and have no spine. Never have and never will be bitter. I guess you will blame someone else about being on strike for 5 weeks last year. I was against it from the get go because we didn't have the backing of the other locals and look what happened. END of story. Come and talk to me whenever you can find time to STOP hiding behind a screen name! Maybe you should educate yourself by talking to drivers in other companies like I do weekly, to find out if all the companies have similar complaints about the goings on of 1181, and maybe just maybe you will not look through your rose colored glasses when it comes time to make choices of our leadership. Please educate me on what we have gained in our Health and Welfare in the last 8 years? Neil pocketed approximately $800K off our rank and file with this WONDERFUL contract we ratified, just Easter week ALONE, while STILL earning the SAME contract until June 2015!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buster]

Hey John..What do you give a shit about our welfare and health? You're a big time retired cop you got welfare and health from the city of New York. And we all know about you going to other drivers and talking about your days of Mr. Delegate of the policeman's association. Stop the crying and trying to change something you know nothing about. Cordiello did not take away our EPP. The fuking last mayor did. You can't blame everything on Cordiello. And if you think the Salerno slate is better you are so wrong. I agree with everyone who thinks Salerno is wrong for us. He can't do what Cordiello can and has. And I don't HAVE to HIDE from anyone. I see you every day. And I'm tired of hearing you rant and rave like a baby not getting your way. If you are so unhappy here and with this union, you have a choice. Get the hell out. You're a loser and always have been.

[PROUD MEMBER]

I THOUGHT THE IDEA OF A UNION WAS TO BE THOUGHTFUL, RESPECTFUL AND KIND TO OTHERS! ESPECIALLY YOUR BROTHERS & SISTERS AND THEIR OPINIONS! If someone has an opinion on how to make this Local better, I listen. No matter if I agree or not I respect that opinion. I can't believe how people bash fellow members about their views. It is unbecoming for any Union Member!!

[Buzz]

Let's face it. There are some who would vote for a tree stump instead of the Cordiello slate. They've been malcontents since long before the strike and new contract. They're the same ones who damaged this union long ago when they did their parts to "clean up" 1181. Now they're unhappy with what their efforts have wrought ... they always will be. And they will vote to destroy this union even more.

[1union]

I don't always agree with John but he brings what he believes is what's best for all of us and doesn't become a computer tough guy and hide behind a screen like most on this site do.  Being we can't debate the issues without name calling or ramifications.  I welcome all who choose to put themselves in harms way to making owr working conditions better.  John, Tommy S. And Michael C. Are not the are not the problem, the problem is OPT, Owen and Neil (aka Neil Gatto jr...lol) that's just my opinion.    God bless 1181

[John Eadicicco]

Hey Buster............Grow some ONIONS and come and talk to me PERSONALLY! But YOU WONT, cause YOU are a COWARD. I put my name out on this site. The FIRST to do so. I've been here over 20 years and this union has gone downhill ever since Sal left. PLEASE tell me the positives that our current board has given us? Oh I forgot......................LOSS of accrual checks................................ LOSS of 40 week guarantee................... LOSS of overtime........................ HEARINGS for EVERYTHING from Light Bulbs to SPILLING COFFEE ON A STUDENT......................When I started the pension was $913 a month for a 20 year veteran and I was contributing approx. $10 weekly....of which the BOSS paid double into the fund. Now we contribute approx. $42 weekly and the BOSS contributes LESS then Double now.................and my pension JUMPED thru the roof to approx. $1300 Monthly.............WOW!.............Put up FACTS and then be JUDGED! But you and your cronies WILL NOT. Keep slinging mud at me, I am MAN enough to challenge anything you come up with. I will be happy to discuss any of the FACTS with you. But ...............the TRUTH HURTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PROUD MEMBER]

John
I always respect your opinion and obviously everything in your last post is fact. Two things I would have to say though is that even if Sal were still President he would not have been able to stop Bloomberg which is the direct reason we have taken all of the losses you mentioned. Secondly, with the state that this Local is currently in because of Bloomberg I feel it probably would be the end of the line for all of us if the Salerno Slate got in. I'm not saying they do not have the best interest of this Local in mind but right now it is to crucial a time to take a chance. We need not only Michael but his entire Slate for their experience and knowledge of the ins & outs of how to run a Union.

[John Eadicicco]

Then tell me what experienced people Michael has on his slate? Mostly newcomers. Eddie Gig and Angelo Sorrentino running for the hills, WHY? Doesn't take a genius to figure this one out, and by NO MEANS with this comment it is disrespectful to you or anyone else. The smart $$$ says they see the handwriting on the wall.

[Buster]

Listen John I don't give 2 shits that you were the first to put your name here. I could care less. So get off the freaking podium.
And please stop quoting what you call facts. FACT is Cordiello  didn't do what you CLAIM he did for reasons you want to say he ruined us. He had no choice but to do what was done. SIMPLE fact here is the jerk off mayor gave him no CHOICE!! You do know what a choice is? That mayor was lower than scum for putting our backs up against the wall. You can't be that jaded to say it was all Cordiello's fault? And btw that poster with Salernos Picture with the bull horn is an old picture and it wasn't for the EPP.!!!!! It was a rally for Members for Change and if you look close enough you'll see Eddy Kay bending down to get out of way!!!!!!. So if your boy was so righteous then what's up with all the lies??? Did you enjoy taking your boy to breakfast this morning to drum up more lies??
And for your FYI I have a choice to use my name or not, and if you think I am in fear of you. You are so wrong. The thing is I know if I get in your face I would ruin your knock out image Johnny knockout.
Oh yea one other thing....don't compare now to 20 years ago..20 years ago you also had darker hair and was 50 pounds thinner. Not everything stays the same...............

Eddie Gig is retiring ..not running for the hills.......He wants to enjoy his family....Is that not allowed? Is there a law he is breaking John???

[PROUD MEMBER]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there are only 2 new people running for the Executive Board on the Cordiello Slate. Which means the rest are running for re-election and there's the Experience I was referring to. As far as Eddie and Angelo running for the hills because they see the hand writing on the wall. First of all I hope you're wrong about the hand writing. Secondly, even if so why wouldn't they remain on the ballot and if re-elected ride it out and put 140K p/y in each of their pockets. To me it would make no sense for either to retire unless they have come to that point in their lives in which it is time to call it quits and enjoy the rest of their time.

[Rock Steady]

Gotta jump in here.  To much fighting going on amongst our members. No one here should try to convince any body else on how to vote . . . .PERIOD !  you vote the way u want to vote and that's that! Not to much to be proud of with the Cordiello slate. If your at top salary you are currently losing between 350 and 400 a month out of your salary. And from what I'm hearing we could lose even more even with the EPP.  That would bring us close to a $10,000.00 cut in pay.  That's quite a bit if your trying to put a son through college as I am, and one wanting to go to college. Cordiello was also part of the the administration that gave up parity which was big years ago. Also one of the biggest lies ever told to the membership.  But to his defense, he had his hands full with Bloomberg.  He was out gunned and out flanked. He definitely ran a terrible strike and his timing sucked. As far as the Salerno boys are concerned, I don't know. Not familiar with any of them.  But hey, what do we have to lose ?  I'm hearing we are gonna lose everything any way.  If u take away the vacation & accrual checks what do u have ?  McDonalds Pay ! I adjusted my life with those accrual checks for the past 25yrs.  The are included in my annual salary and my life, that would be a very big hit for me to deal with.  I don't want to hear "well u still have a job making 1,200 a week".  Go fuck yourself, I need my vacation and accrual, and so does my family. I put my time in.  So to sum it up, both slates have pros and cons. Lots of propaganda being thrown around. No one is out right wrong by voting either way. So lets stop the name calling and the cursing, John E. is a good guy who means well for all.  If you want to curse or yell at him you know where he is, go call him out personally.  Any coward could do it here.

[Buzz]

... even if Sal were still President he would not have been able to stop Bloomberg which is the direct reason we have taken all of the losses you mentioned ...

I'm not so sure about that. Sal was in office during Bloomy's first and part of his second term. Why didn't he go after us then? We ALL know damn well why. We had "connections" and even Rudy backed down when he threatened us with the same shit in the late 90's. But some of our members didn't realize where our strength came from (and still don't) and wanted to clean up the union. They started with the phone calls and the accusations and the rest is history.

Now the very ones who were responsible for the neutering of 1181 don't like the fruit of their wayward labors. But don't worry ... they're going to take care of it.

[Buster]

Oh here we go another nation heard from. Everyone has an opinion.And if you feel John E is so great,good for you.That doesn't mean EVERYBODY has to like him. We all have a choice who to vote for and since so many feel the Cordiello slate is so bad how is it you still have a job?And if you really want to do research at what your choices are. Look at the flyer we all got in the mail and look at what the apposing side has.You have two on the entire slate that have *limited* knowledge of union business.The rest are just attendants and drivers.How will they defend us against more scumbags like bloomie??
As I have heard our Shop Steward many times in the past we have to go with the best that is out there.It doesn't matter if you like them or not. If your worry about your future than it seems that's the choice to make. But Hey you could vote anyway you want. Just like I can.
We still live in AMERICA!

[Buzz]

    But hey, what do we have to lose ? 

I really hope you consider that question very carefully before you fill out your ballot.

[terminator]

I agree with Buzz - some people would vote for a stump ...LOL
It sure seems that no matter who runs against the current union leadership these people will ALWAYS say the opposition will do a better job. They do seem bitter. They talk about experience - how much experience would a new slate have? Its comical! Does it make sense to bash Eddie Gigs for retiring? I know Eddie wanted to retire a few years ago and was convinced to stay on. I know I told Eddie we needed him and asked him NOT to retire! It is just time for him to relax and enjoy his family!

[PROUD MEMBER]

Michael was also in office for 4 or 5 years before Bloomberg came after us. I believe he did what he did when he did because he was in his 3rd and last term and did not have to worry about re-election. I seriously doubt that Bloomberg is concerned about anyone's connections.

[1union]

Rock steady well said ! Buster grow some balls and go see john you no where he is say to his face . To john I wouldn't waste time with blind cowards  and computer tuff guys . Again thank you all who try to make working conditions better .you guys are true union bros n sis!

[1union]

Hey buster how many other properties you visit and talk to other union bro n sis.about what goes on. I know for a fact john has visited many. and has made lots of friends in other shops,I know because I went along with him to here what they have to say. Members like yourself are cancer to this union.  So grow up !

[Buster]

1union I don't need to grow balls.I got a hairy pair right between my legs.Unlike you who has to follow big john around while he snoops and stirs the shit pot.

Don't come after my posts and try to be a *tuff*(tough) guy.It won't work.

Oh and on a kinder note. Use spell check it does wonders and makes you sound intelligent.

[1union]

Buster boy sound like your hairy balls are in your head. Good luck to you !

[Rock Steady]

Here we go again with the name calling.  Listen to set the story straight , I personal AM Voting For The Cordiello Slate.  I don't think it's the right time for an administration change with so much going on right now. I personally believe Michael is braking his ass trying to get things done and I truly believe that.  Is he perfect . . . . NO.  Do I think he could do more . . . . . yes.  I think the fact that we still have drivers and matrons paying out of control violations at $200.00 a pop. I can't believe he hasn't addressed this, it's been years. And I don't want to hear that there's nothing he could do ! I don't want to hear that. $200.00 for a bulb or a missing belt cutter, or buckles in the seats. Some violations go along with a suspension, it's ridiculous.  But right now he needs to stay in and I'm praying he does, I really am.  So now stop acting like children and pray for the best.

[Buzz]

  I think the fact that we still have drivers and matrons paying out of control violations at $200.00 a pop. I can't believe he hasn't addressed this, it's been years.

I know in the past he used to meet frequently with Eric Goldstein to try to come to some resolution about this, but never got very far. Goldstein is gone, don't know if Michael has done the same with the new person in charge. (Some woman, I beleive.)