MPFFU Podcast

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 members can look forward to in 2024.  This episode features the following topics and MPFFU representatives:

02:43 - General address:  Matt Sahr our President

20:07 - Union Educ...

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 well as the co-chair of the MPFFU Education Committee.  Sara is a Lieutenant with the City of Saginaw – Local 102, as well as a member of the MPFFU Education Committee.  In addition, Sara is a licensed attorney in the ...

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, as well as a member of the MPFFU Political Education Committee.

Jeff and Adam are here to discuss the importance of adequate fire department staffing.  Specifically, our guests will help us un...

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 team play a crucial role in shaping the future of the fire service, advocating for the well-being of firefighters, and leading one of the most influential labor unions in North America and beyond.

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.  For context, a grievance is 'an allegation or complaint by a member or members of a Union that there has been a violation, misinterpretation or improper application of the terms and conditions of the col...

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.  Matt Czarnecki is a sergeant with the Harrison Twp. FD Local 1737 and is currently a member of the MPFFU Union Education Committee.  During this episode, Mikey and Matt will help MPFFU mem...

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.  The panel included Matt Sahr, the MPFFU President, Scott Bala, the MPFFU Political Action Committee Chair, and Melissa McKinley, who is the MPFFU’s lobbyist. During the discussion, the panel members ...

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 Department local 1561, as well as their Treasurer.  Matt is a member of the MPFFU Recruitment and Retention Committee.  

The Oshtemo fire department local is relatively new and joined the MPFFU i...

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 Fighters Association (MPFFU), and a firefighter paramedic with the city of Eastpointe Local 1561.  Amanda West is the MPFFU Instagram coordinator and a member of the Recruitment & Retention C...

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 are a GREAT way for members to come together, eat, drink, and learn about what is happening at the State level, as well as in your surrounding communities.  These are very informative and fun events t...

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 Dearborn FD local 412 who also serves as the MPFFU Recruitment and Retention Committee Chair.  Scott will provide an update regarding what his committee has accomplished since his last appearance ...

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 25 years.  While working as a professional firefighter in Canton Township, she worked three seasons as the Team Dietitian for the New York Mets baseball organization.  Since retirement, Mo has brou...

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 members can expect in 2023.  Then, he’ll provide us with an update of the cancer presumption act, Public Act 152, the MPFFU Recruitment & Retention Committee, and the status Michigan only EMS lic...

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) WHY did you become a firefighter? 

2) WHO should become a firefighter? 

3) What should Michigan’s politicians know about the MPFFU and our members?

mpffupodcast@gmail.com.

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 retiree with the Grand Ledge Fire Department, Local 2627, as well as the MPFFU 5th District VP, and the MPFFU EMS Committee Chair.  

During this episode, Monty helps us appreciate the value of un...

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.  John Schwall is a shift Captain with the Ferndale Fire Department local 812 and is also a member of the MPFFU Health and Safety Committee.  

During this episode, Larry and John will help us ...

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 the one responsible for getting this podcast off the ground and out to our members.  Mickey Wiewiura retired from the Dearborn Heights FD Local 1355 and is currently the MPFFU Eastern Trustee and Chair...

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 level.  Scott is a current firefighter paramedic with Dearborn Fire Department local 412, as well as the MPFFU Recruitment and Retention Committee Chairperson.  

During this episode, Scot...

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 1614) as a Battalion Chief with 30 years of service. Scott is currently the 6th District VP and the Chairperson of the MPFFU Political Education Committee.  Like it or not, politics plays a huge rol...