12-2-2011  Sadly we report the depth of Retired Battalion Chief Joe Werbinski. Joe was a member of the Warwick Fire Dept for almost 30 years and retired as a Battalion Chief in 1991. Joe  loved to travel and died suddenly on a cruise. Our condolences to his wife and family.

9-8-11 We are sad to report the death of Retired Brother William "Billy" McGinn. Billy died on Sept 2 in Littlestown PA where he moved to after his retirement in 2001. Bill served the Warwick Fire Dept for 31 years before retiring as the Assistant Fire Marshal.

8-13-11  Our condolences to Retired Brother Ken Smith and Jim Smith on the passing of Ken's father Ken and Jim's brother. Many old timers will remember Ken as an volunteer during the 60's and an active member of the Greenwood Fire Association.

3-8-2-11  It has been brought to our attention the Ret Lt Richard Zeiner has pass away. Zeke as he was known to those who worked with him was 64 years old. He died in his home in Georgia. A memorial service will be held at a later time. Our condolences to his family.

1-18-2011 Our condolences go out to the family of retired Superintendent of Fire Alarms John Ciesynski who passed away on Dec 22,2010 in Ft Myers FL. Jack died peacefully surrounded by his wife Gayle and friends.  John is the father of Lt Michael Ciesynski of the WFD.  John was appointed to the Department on 7/22/68 and retired on 5/5/96.

11-9-2010 
Marcel:

The issue of the retiree medical payments has been decided by the RI Federal District Court in Cahoone v Oscar Shelton, CA 07-008. In that case, 34 retired public safety members ( police and fire) brought suit against the city based upon Shelton's 2004 act of stopping payment for various medical expenditures for members who retired on disability. Shelton's actions followed the RI Supreme Court's decision in Elliott v Warren.

Of the 34 plaintiffs in Cahoone, most of the claims were tossed out early, but claims on behalf of Thomas Kraczkowski, James Gordon (FF) and Thomas Thompson were decided in August of this year. The Court found in favor of Kraczkowski and Gordon, but denied relief to Thompson. The decision did not rely on 45-19-1 because the Court had already determined that statutory relief was not applicable. Instead, the Court looked at the evidence as to what each individual may have been promised at the time of his retirement by the Public Safety Board. If their retirement letter specifically referenced medical expenses or payments, then they prevailed.

The issue cannot be re-tried as to any of those Plaintiffs. As for any other affected retirees, the Court's decision will have preclusive effect. Each individual retiree needs to review his retirement letter. If there is
any mention therein concerning medical payments, then we would need to look at the letter closely and make a determination as to whether relief can be granted. If there is no mention of medical payments, then they will be out of luck as far as pursuing claims.

I have the Court's decision if you want to review. The case was decided in pieces via motions for summary judgment.  If you need to discuss further, please advise.

Maggie

10-13-2010  Congratulations to Ret Chief Otis Wyatt who on Oct 13 received the "Lifetime Achievement" award from the RI State Firemen's League.

9-25-2010 Our sympathy to  John Piekarski who's wife has passed away. John's mailing address can be found in our member section.

9/2/2010 Our sympathy to Ret R/Lt Robert Pollitt who's wife has passed away. Bob's mailing address can be found in the member list.

8/1/2010  Our sympathy to Ret Lt  Gary Asher who's mother has passed away. Funeral arrangements were private. Gary's mailing address and e-mail are posted

7/19/2010  The Mother of Dep.Chief Ed Armstrong has passed away. Calling Hours at Quinns F/H on Warwick Ave. Tuesday 7/20 from 4 to 8 pm.
Funeral Weds 7/21 at 10am.  Our condolences to Asst Chief Armstrong.

7/11/2010  It has been reported that the daughter of Retired Deputy Chief (deceased) has passed away. No further information is available at this time. Our condolences to the Joyce family.

11/30/09 Sad to report that Ret Lt Victor Simas (2/25/63 - 4/6/97) passed away on this date. Our condolences to his family.  Calling hours will be Thursday Dec 3 from 4-8pm from the Quinn Funeral Home. Funeral will be Friday from the Thomas Quinn Funeral Home @ 8:30am. Burial Mass will be held at St Rita's Church on Oakland Beach Ave.

11/23/09 

11/16/09 Ret Lt Frank Holland is at RI Hospital. He received a kidney last week from Capt. Tom Jessup (what can you say except that is a true brother). While the kidney transplant went very well there were other complications. Frank suffered a stroke which resulted in some speech issues.  His sprits are good and hope to be released from the hospital this week.  You may send him card at his home address or an email. You can find this in the member tab.

10/4/09  Retired Fire Inspector Gary Swan has passed away in Florida. He was appointed to the Department on 10/7/62 and retired on 7/6/85. Calling hours Monday 10/12/09 from the Quinn Funeral Home 4-8 PM. Funeral will be 10/13/09 10:00AM from Quinns and burial will be @ Veterans Cemetery in Exeter,RI.  Honor Guard is requested.

9/14/09 At the monthly meeting President Slaiger mentioned that Joe Evangelista was having some health issues. A card was sent from the members present.  Please join us in wishing Joe a speedy recovery.

9/8/09  Our condolences to Ret B/C Michael Lemme who's wife Barbara has passed away. Cards & remembrances can be sent to Mike at 32 Old Mill Blvd Warwick.

7/6/09  Condolences to  Ret Lt Robert "Maxie" MacKay who's wife passed away on July 6 in Florida. Cards and remembrance can be sent to his home at 211 Lowry Ave Leigh Acres Fl 33936.

July 09 Condolences to Ret Rescue Chief William "Bill" Kenyon who's grandson was killed in an auto accident on Church Ave last week.

June 09  Our condolences to Ret Lt Victor Simas on the passing of his son.

4/21/09 Condolences to Ret Capt Fred McGarrahan on the passing of his daughter Cathleen M McGarrahan. Visiting hours are 4-8 at the Quinn Funeral home and the funeral is Wednesday at 8:30 from Quinn's.

4/10/09 Our condolences to retired Brother James Warrener and his wife Audrey on the loss of their son Michael. Calling hours are Wednesday 4/15/09 from 4-7pm at the Quinn Funeral Home and the funeral will be Thursday 10:00am from St Kevin Church, Sandy Lane.

3/31/09  More Sad News:  Ret Lt. Jim Conley passed away this morning. Calling hour at the Trainor & Sons Funeral Home  Thursday 4/2/09   5-8pm  Funderal Friday 4/3/09 .

3/27/09  Sad News:  Tom Kennedy passed away this morning.
Tom Kennedy retired Superintendent of Fire Alarm passed away and
the calling hours are Monday 4-8pm at Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home 1328
Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI. The funeral starts at 9:00 am on Tuesday at
the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be
held 10:00 am at St. Peter Church 350 Fair St. Warwick, RI.? We are
actively searching for members interested in standing casket details for
the hours of calling Monday night.. Anyone willing to help, contact Jim
Salisbury at 255-8331.. Thanks for your support.. Local 2748 will meet as a body at 3:30PM to pay their respects. Uniform is Class "A"

3/22/09  Al Matera has had surgery and will be in KCMH for the next 7-10 days. Please join in on wishing Al a speedy recovery. Please check with Kent for room and visiting hours.

3/16/09 President Slaiger reported at the monthly meeting that Brothers Jim Conley and Tom Kennedy are gravely ill. Your cards and prayers are appreciated.  If you have any plans on visiting please call first. Jim is at home and Tom is in Hospice RI.

Brother Richard Erban is recovering from surgery, get well cards are always welcome.

Our condolences to our brother firefighters:

Retired Chief Thomas Bonn on the recent loss of his wife Phyllis and the sister of retired Captain Jack Downs.

Retired Firefighter William Hazlewood on the loss of his son William age 51.

Retired Lt Thomas Germia on the loss of his mother Julia.  Julia worked for the Warwick Fire Dept as the records clerk for 12 years.