The interviews are complete, the recommendations made, and the vote to endorse candidates for alderperson in the City of Green Bay was made at the monthly union meeting of IAFF Local 141. 

The following are the endorsements;

District 5: Amy Kocha

District 6: Dan Piton

District 7: Ned Dorf

District 11: Brian Danzinger

District 12: Pat Buckley

We believe that the above individuals bring to the table the necessary qualities, attributes, and skills to move the City of Green Bay forward in a positive manner. Your vote and support of these individuals would be greatly appreciated. If you would like a yard sign of one of the candidates, please give the union office a call at 430-1448. Better yet, make yourself available as we plan and assist in doing a few lit drops for those we support.

Additionally, in District 11 a retired fire fighter, Bruce VandenPlas, is running against John Vanderleest for that district's seat on the county board. Bruce addressed the union members at the March union meeting. Traditionally, Local 141 has not endorsed candidates at the county level, but your support in this instance would be greatly appreciated.

Following the monthly union meeting of IAFF Local 141, members re-convened at Mackinaw's Food and Spirits to follow through on a yearlong endeavor of merging various IAFF local unions.  Union leaders from Allouez Locals 2477 and 4226 and DePere Local 1998 along with those from Local 141 signed a merger agreement that will significantly change the union fire fighter landscape for years to come. The agreement specifically brings together the 4 locals under the umbrella and current leadership of Local 141. It also brings into the fold all the talents, creativity, and assets of the locals so that together, we all become stronger with a single, unified voice.

Within the next month, the ASIA (Austin Straubel International Airport) fire fighters may also be merging with Local 141. That approval will come from the members following a referendum ballot in early March. Before any merger is completely final, each individual merger will be debated and voted on by the Executive Board of the IAFF.  Following the approval of the IAFF and the revocation of their charter, they would officially become members of IAFF Local 141. 

The IAFF has announced the winners of the 2008 IAFF Media Awards. WFRV-TV reporter Tammy Elliot and photojournalist Mike Vandersnick received the 1st place award in the "Television News Feature or Documentary" category. Their feature, Fire Fighters: At Work, At Risk, explained how the fire department and the City of Green Bay addressed the emotional and physical needs of Green Bay's fire fighters 6 months after the death of Lt. Arnie Wolff.

The contest, conducted annually, honors reporting and photography that best portray the professional and dangerous work of fire fighters in the United States and Canada. In addition, these awards recognize outstanding work by IAFF affiliates in communicating with their members and generating public awareness for fire fighters in their respective communities. The winning entry submitted by IAFF Local 141 was one of 277 entered into this year's contest.