MPFFU Podcast
The intent and purpose of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighter Union (MPFFU) Podcast is to support the mission to improve wages, working hours, and working conditions for its members through the dissemination of evidence-based relevant information, resources, and strategies. To accomplish this, the MPFFU podcast will provide reliable, factual, and actionable information that strengthens, empowers, and supports MPFFU members and locals through united action. Contact us at MPFFUpodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
22 episodes
Episode 22 - Get ready for the 2024 MPFFU Convention
In this episode. we welcome back President Matt Sahr and Secretary-Treasurer Terry Chesney. Matt and Terry are here to discuss the 2024 MPFFU Convention which is set to take place from April 29 through May 1, 2024, at the Park Place Hotel in Tr...
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Episode 22
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27:13
Episode 21 - 2023 Review & 2024 Outlook
In this episode, key leaders of the MPFFU break down the MPFFU’s 2023 accomplishments, as well as what MPFFU members can look forward to in 2024. This episode is packed with insights that break down the MPFFU’s achievements in 2023 and what mem...
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Episode 21
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53:01
Episode 20 - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
MPFFU Podcast - Episode 20 – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!In this episode, we welcome Ken Barnes and Sara Cottington-Heath. Ken is a Captain with the Delta Twp FD - Local 2846. In addition, Ken is the MPFFU Western Trustee, as wel...
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Episode 20
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24:39
Episode 19 - The importance of adequate staffing
In this episode, we welcome Jeff Lentz and Adam Ferrell. Jeff Lentz is a Battalion Chief with Dearborn FD Local 412, as well as their local president. Adam Ferrell is a lieutenant with the Dearborn FD, the Secretary for Local 412, a...
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Episode 19
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25:53
Episode 18 - A sit down with Ed Kelly - IAFF General President
In this episode, we welcome Ed Kelly, the General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Ed “Edzo” Kelly has been a Boston Firefighter, or Jake, for over 25 years. As the General President, Ed and his te...
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Episode 18
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24:40
Episode 17 - Grievances 101
In this episode, we introduce you to Kevin Caldwell. Kevin is a firefighter paramedic with the Westland FD - Local 1279, as well as a member of the MPFFU Education Committee. Kevin is here to talk about contract grievances. Fo...
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Episode 17
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16:17
Episode 16 - Contracts 101
In this episode, we welcome back Mickey Wiewiura and introduce you to Matt Czarnecki. Mickey retired as a captain from the Dearborn Heights FD Local 1355 and is currently the MPFFU Eastern Trustee, as well as the Union Education Committee Chair...
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Episode 16
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26:34
Episode 15 – Political Action Panel Discussion
This episode was recorded live at the MPFFU Education Seminar that took place at the Suburban Showplace in Novi, Michigan on May 15, 2023. During the seminar, Geoff Lassers took part in emceeing the Political Action Panel discussion. ...
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Episode 15
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27:06
Episode 14 - The Value of Unions
In this episode, we welcome Adam Bennet and Matt Layer. Adam Bennet is a firefighter with the Oshtemo fire department, as well as the president of local 5240. Matt Layer is a firefighter/paramedic for the City of Eastpointe Fire Dep...
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Episode 14
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26:50
Episode 13 - Social Media 101 for MPFFU Locals
In this episode, we welcome back Matt Sahr and Amanda West to provide a clear and concise overview of the “do’s and don’ts” for MPFFU Locals to consider when using social media. Matt Sahr is the president of the Michigan Professional Fire...
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Episode 13
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23:33
Episode 12 – The value of participating in MPFFU District meetings
Each district is made up of the locals within that geographic area. Every spring and fall, district meetings are held to bring our locals and members together to network, as well as share ideas and information. The district meetings...
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Episode 12
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12:18
Episode 11 – Political Education and Recruitment & Retention Committees Update
In this two-part episode we welcome back the chairpersons of the MPFFU Recruitment & Retention Committee and the Political Education Committee. In the first part, we welcome back firefighter/paramedic Scott Korycki from the De...
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Episode 11
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17:24
Episode 10 - Balancing firefighter health & wellness
In this episode, we welcome Maureen Stocklein who is a retired firefighter / paramedic from the Canton Fire Department, local 2289 who served 22 years. Maureen, or Mo as she prefers to be called, has been a registered dietitian for over 2...
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Episode 10
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19:45
Episode 9 - What to expect in 2023
In this episode, Matt Sahr, president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Association, and firefighter paramedic with the city of Eastpointe local 1561. During this episode, Matt will provide an overview of what MPFFU membe...
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Episode 9
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15:10
Episode 8 - A sit down with MPFFU Committee members
The MPFFU Podcast Episode 8 is NOW AVAILABLE! In this episode, Matt Sahr (MPFFU President) and Geoff Lassers (MPFFU Podcast Host) sit down with various members from MPFFU Committees to ask three important questions: 1)...
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Episode 8
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17:56
Episode 7 - The EMS Committee
The MPFFU Podcast Episode 7 is NOW AVAILABLE! In this episode, we sit down with Monty Nye who is a retired firefighter and paramedic from the Meridian Township Fire Department (Local 1600). Currently, Monty is an active retir...
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29:27
Episode 6 - The Health and Safety Committee
In this episode, I sit down with Larry Gambotto and John Schwall. Larry Gambotto is the Captain of Training and Safety with the Rochester Hills Fire Department local 3472, as well as a member of the MPFFU Health and Safety Committee. ...
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26:27
Episode 5 - The Union Education Committee
In this episode, we’re joined by Mickey Wiewiura and Matt Sahr. Matt Sahr is a firefighter paramedic with the city of Eastpointe local 1561, as well as the president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Association. He’s also ...
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Episode 5
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20:05
Episode 4 - The Recruitment & Retention Committee
The MPFFU Podcast Episode 4 is NOW AVAILABLE! In this episode, I sit down with Scott Korycki, who has a long history and depth of experience as a professional firefighter and an active union representative at the local and state le...
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Episode 4
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21:16
Episode 3 - The Political Education Committee
In this episode, we introduce Scott Bala, who has a long history and depth of experience as a professional firefighter and an active union representative at the local and state level. Scott recently retired from the Roseville FD (Local 16...
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Episode 3
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37:23
Episode 2 - The MPFFU Behavioral Health Committee
In the second episode of the MPFFU Podcast, we are joined by Mike Mattern is a LT with Dearborn FD Local 412, as well as a Peer Support member and the Chairperson of the MPFFU Mental Health Committee. During this episode, Mike will help u...
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Episode 2
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32:01
Welcome to the MPFFU Podcast - An overview of the IAFF and MPFFU
In this first episode of the MPFFU Podcast, we are joined by Matt Sahr, the relatively newly elected MPFFU President, as well as a firefighter paramedic with the Eastpointe Fire Department. We’re also joined by Terry Chesney, the Godfathe...
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Episode 1
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35:48