For the last 35 years, I have been part of the Fire Service with the FDNY and in the last 12 years with the International Association of Firefighters. During my IAFF tenure, I have been very proud to serve you and your members as your District Vice President. I had notified our General President a while ago, that I have decided to officially announce my retirement from my position as your DVP effective the end of this term on September 1st, 2012. I do this with mixed emotions. Although I believe I still have a lot to offer to this organization, it is a time for a change and the timing is right.

We have all been through some very difficult times in the last decade or so, starting with the Tragic Events of 9/11, followed by the economic downturn on Wall Street and now the constant attack on our Pensions by many of the misguided political leaders, who have sought our support during their elections, but now have very short memories. I feel we still have a lot of work ahead of us, but given a positive turn in the economy and a show of strength and support from our political allies, things will turn around and we will once again be given the respect and dignity we so justly deserve for our service to our Cities, Municipalities and our citizens in our chosen Profession.

Although I remain concerned about our current position as targets of some politically motivated leaders, still I am assured we will eventually get the support from the citizens we serve because of what we have accomplished through the dedication and efforts of our members. They cannot forget the heroic efforts of our brothers 10 years ago when 343 of our fellow firefighters gave their lives going into those Twin Towers, doing their jobs, despite them knowing they may never come out alive. The citizens cannot forget the 25,000 people saved on that fateful day by those heroes and by many other firefighters who have succumbed as a direct result of what they were exposed to on that fateful day. No, I believe our citizens will remember and support us knowing the dangers we face on a daily basis doing the jobs that we all love.

I remember the unparalleled support our NYC locals received from all of you on 9/11 and for the months following, when we needed your help. That is something I personally, will never forget! I also remember with pride, gratitude and appreciation, all that the IAFF did for us, our members and their families. Our General President, Harold A. Schaitberger and then General Secretary Vincent Bollon, brought an army of staff into New York and remained there to support us for months, while setting up in the Sheraton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. They were there, right from the start, providing financial support in the form of 343, $10,000 checks to the families of our lost brothers. This was accomplished in just a few days. The IAFF also petitioned Congress to raise the current Public Safety Officer Benefit. With the support of our Senators, Schumer and Clinton this also was accomplished with a unanimous vote within a week! That PSOB Benefit was raised from $125,000 to $250,000 and now has reached $325,000 with built-in escalators to keep up with the cost of living, thanks to the efforts of the IAFF. Under the leadership of our Principle Officers, and with the direction of our Executive Board and the more than 3,000 locals and their leaders, the IAFF raised an unprecedented 164 Million Dollars for the families of our fallen heroes. The IAFF also committed 10 million dollars to the FDNY Counseling Service to assist our members and families who needed counseling and finally, the IAFF paid for a fitting Memorial Service for our lost Brothers at Madison Square Garden, where tens of thousands of firefighters from around the world, stood inside and outside in the pouring rain to show honor and respect to the 343 families who also gave so much on that day. Nowhere else would you get unprecedented support like this. Not in the Police Department or any other union. Only from our Fire department Family and the IAFF!

During my tenure, I have received a tremendous amount of support from many areas and many people. At this time I would like to recognize these people who have given me so much and made it possible for me to do an effective job as your District Vice President. First of all to the IAFF Executive Board, who has shared with me their knowledge, guidance and friendship over the last 12 years. I cannot thank you enough for molding me into the union leader I have become. Our friendships will continue long after my retirement. To the IAFF Professional staff, who has been available to me at every turn to assist our locals on a daily basis, assisting with a multitude of issues covering every part of our responsibilities as Union Leaders. I have never worked with a more dedicated and knowledgeable group of individuals who are all experts in their respective fields. To this day, they still continue to make my job more manageable because of their skills and abilities.

Next, I would like to thank all of you, the Local Leadership in my Two States, for all the hard work you have done and continue to do for your membership. It, at times can be a "thank-less job", but it is one that is vital to the survival of each and every local.

To my District Field Service Representatives and State Representatives, you are the backbone of the 1st District. Without your support and constant intercession on my behalf throughout New York and New Jersey, we wouldn't be able to deal with the many issues our Locals' experience on a daily basis in a fast and efficient manner. Thank you so much for your service.

To my State Presidents, your Executive Boards and your staff, thanks for always being there for me and sharing your knowledge and political where-with-all within your respective states. You are an integral part of the IAFF family and an vital part of the First District. Thank you for your Professionalism and leadership.

Last but far from least, to my family, I would like to thank you for allowing me to do the job that I love for so many years. You have sacrificed a lot and at times more than you should have, so that I could fulfill my responsibilities as a Union leader. I appreciate it and love you all very much.

In closing, in July at our Bi-Annual Convention in Philadelphia, you the leaders of this Great International, will have the responsibility of choosing the leaders for the IAFF for the next 4 years, including my replacement as your District Vice President. Both State organizations have chosen to continue to support our General President, Harold A. Schaitberger and our General Secretary, Thomas Miller to remain our Principal Officers. For my position, I would recommend choosing the person who would best serve the needs of your members and their families in a professional and timely way. As of now, you have two fine union leaders vying for your support. Your choices are good ones, but the ultimate decision is yours. Get to know the candidates and whether you intend on going to the IAFF Convention or not, make sure your Local votes for the candidate you believe is most qualified to serve you as your District Vice President. Don't miss your opportunity to weigh in on this important election. After you decide, I will offer whatever assistance I can give to assure a smooth transition for my successor and I will make myself available to assist the new DVP whenever he may need help.

Once again, thank you for allowing me to serve you and your locals for the last 12 years as your 1st District Vice President. It has been my honor. I wish you, and your members all the best in all your future endeavors and hope that God may continue to Bless you and protect you and your families, now and always.

With Respect and Gratitude I remain,

Fraternally,

Kevin E. Gallagher

IAFF 1st District Vice President