Save Your Pension!

With all of the recent happenings around Botetourt County and the out-pour of media attention that the department has been receiving lately, it has been hard for one to find time to write about all that has transpired. Foremost, I invite you all to check out the link to www.Ironfiremen.com and read Willie's latest synopsis in it's entirety. It will surely enlighten you to the most up to date details and explain to everyone what the department's career staff have been thinking all along, but were unable to say. Enjoy. In other news, I sat the crew down this morning for an impromptu training session on the proposed revisions to the VRS system. For all of you who are following this closely, I urge you to contact your local representatives either via email or phone message and express your concerns to them directly. Every voice counts in situations like these and I believe that everyone would agree that this is an "all hands" situation. We all have a voice, and we damn sure all know how to use it. For information on the proposed changes, feel free to visit either the VRE website or check out the newly revamped VPFF site. They provide very user friendly information on the subject which I found quite useful today. Last night, I took place in a statewide conference call consisting of union leaders and their subordinates discussing the proposed changes and fostering questions from the general workforce as to how and what we are going to do to help these bills get defeated. I believe the general consensus among local's across the commonwealth is to create a unified voice amongst us all, which is why I sincerely urge all of you to contact your representatives directly. Naturally, you will not be able to speak to them in person, however, your messages and emails have an effect. Those of you who work for Botetourt County who are not aware as to who exactly your representatives are, I will gladly provide you with their names. Our state senator is Stephen Newman(R-23) and our house rep. is Lacey Putney(I-19). You can find their email addresses and contact info through the general assembly website or at Congress.org. Feel free to contact with with any questions. You've got the digits.  Until next time!