ASBESTOS AWARENESS
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If you happen live in a house that was built before the 1970s, there’s a good chance that asbestos was used in its construction. Even if your house was built since then, asbestos may still be found in some areas. In fact, only houses built within the last 10 years or so should be free of insulating asbestos, although it could very easily have been used in other forms. This knowledge may instill fear in many homeowners, but, a little knowledge can reduce anxiety. Once the background and use of asbestos is known, the homeowner should be able to recognize potentially dangerous situations. After being informed about the ways in which asbestos must be safely handled, the homeowner can be assured that proper safeguards are being taken. With widely prevalent asbestos use in construction during the early part of the 1900’s, and in hundreds of products since then, it’s been the subject of much research. Much has been learned about it and the threats it can pose. Inhalation of asbestos is the only known cause of pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Continue reading here or learn more about asbestos by clicking the banner below: |
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GOLF OUTING
 The Hamtramck Firefighters Local 750 are pleased to invite you to the First Annual Golf Outing and Benefit. This event will be August 8, 2008 and held at:St. Johns Golf Course (map)Registration due by July 1, 2008 For questions please call Hamtramck Fire 313-876-7778 or the event coordinator Michael Young 248-789-3623 or e-mail mikeyallen2420@yahoo.com. For more details and info, please look at our flyer. |
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MCDOUGALL STREET FIRE
 On Sunday March 16th, 2008 fire struck this house on McDougall Street, just south of Carpenter - near the Hamtramck/Detroit border. E-1, E-2 and R-1 responded with the on duty unit 2 crew.Click here for photos from Paul Bassett. Thanks to Mr. Bassett for sharing pictures his with us. |
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ST. FLORIAN MARCH & MASS
 This years annual St. Florian Firefighter March and Mass will be held on May 3rd.March leaves Hamtramck firehouse at about 3:00 PM - march participants should arrive early!! Mass starts at 4 PM (you are not obligated to attend or participate in mass). Other details will be announced shortly. For a brief history of the event and about the origins of St. Florian please click here. |
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APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED
From the City of Hamtramck website:
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PROMOTIONS & NEW BOOT
 Congratulations go out to three Hamtramck Firefighters who were promoted today. Ron Cichecki was promoted to Captain, Mark Swider promoted to Lieutenant and John Dropchuk to Motor Engineer. Ron has been with the Hamtramck Fire Department since May, 1993, Mark since December, 1986 and John since August 1999 - all have served as a union executive board members. They fill vacancies created by the retirement of Andy Lorio. All were sworn in by Hamtramck District Court Judge Paul Paruk. We also extend a warm welcome to Justin Wynne as he also was sworn in by Judge Paruk to join the Hamtramck Fire Department as a probationary Fire Fighter! |
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CONDOLENCES
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Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of Stanley Kmiec, who passed away January 21, 2008. Stanley served with the Hamtramck Fire Department where he retired as a lieutenant in February 1980, he also served with various other veteran organizations and was a long time member of the Hamtramck Goodfellows. He will be laid out at the Krot Funeral home on Wednesday 2-8 (prayer service at 6:30), funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 at St. Ladislaus. |
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PACZKI DAY
 The Hamtramck Firefighters will be taking over the 3141 Bar (formerly the Locker Room) this Paczki Day; the bar is located on the corner of Caniff & Charest streets. We'll be throwing a party that includes our famous firehouse chili, jello shots, drink specials, entertainment, contests... there's gonna be some of those famous "paczki" donuts there, too! Paczki Day (aka Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras) is February 5th, the 3141 Bar is located at 3141 Caniff (map), the fun starts at 7 AM and runs all day. |
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LORIO RETIRES
 Details for a retirement party honoring Captain Andy Lorio. The party is slated for March 15th at the Polish Sea League in Hamtramck (map); tickets are available now at through the Hamtramck Firefighters for $5.Captain Lorio's last day of work is officially January 10th, 2008 after over 31 years serving with the Hamtramck Fire Department as a Firefighter, Motor Engineer, Lieutenant and as a Captain. You can call the firehouse at 313 876-7778 for tickets and more details. |
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LEHMAN STREET FIRE
 Just before noon on Saturday, December 15th, fire struck this occupied house on Lehman Street between Gallagher and Conant. A five men crew initially responded with E-1 and E-2; Rescue 2 was on a medical call at the time of the run and responded shortly afterward; E-1 was sent back to quarters to respond with the Aerial Tower and an extra crew was also called in. Fire spread to the attic of the house to the west but was quickly contained, water supply was again an issue as the crew dealt with hydrant problems.Click here for photos from Dan Jasina. Thanks to Mr. Jasina for once again sharing pictures with us. |
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HIPPO'S KIDS
 On Friday the Hamtramck Firefighters responded with Santa Claus! A yearly tradition, Santa arrived to visit with "Hippo's Kids: a group of special needs children organized by school employee and local tavern owner John "Hippo" Hypnarowicz and his wife Mary. Santa took pictures with the kids and passed out presents. The Hamtramck Firefighters assisted along with other volunteers and entertainers. Pictures here. |
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BURGER STREET FIRE
 At about 4 AM on November 24th, fire struck this house on Burger Street near Fleming - across the street from Kosciouszko Middle School. A seven man crew responded with E-1, E-2 and Rescue 1; E-1 was sent back to quarters to respond with the Aerial Tower. An extra crew was also called for and the oncoming shift also responded for relief - the initial response crew was finally released at 9:00 am. Both flats of this two-story home were occupied - our response was hindered by the original call coming in as a fight.Click here for photos from Larry Garcia - of Venu Pix. Thanks to Mr. Garcia for sharing these pictures. |
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CONDOLENCES
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Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of Ted Morawski, who passed away November 9, 2007. Ted served with the Hamtramck Fire Department where he retired as a captain. He will be laid out at the Jurkiewicz-Wilk Funeral home (corner of Caniff & Brombach) on Sunday 5-9, Monday 1-9 (prayer service at 6:30), funeral will be Tuesday at 9:30. |
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BOWLING WRAP UP
 We'd like to thank everyone for making our 2007 Haunted Bowling Event the most successful yet! Regal Lanes was jam packed with the most bowlers we've had at our annual bowling fundraiser. We'd like to thank eveyone for showing up and packing the house! Congrats to Eric & Michelle for grabbing best costume. Special thanks to this years sponsors:
Sterling Services, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Buddys Pizza, Dave & Buster's, Panera Bread, Little Caesars, Bavarian Inn, Under the Eagle, Zerelli Bakery, New Dodge Lounge, Joanne McBryar, New Palace, Detroit Threads, Sen. Carl Levin, Donna Evans (Housing), Cathy Gordon (New Dodge), Polish Art Center, Srodek's, Michelle Trzin, Shelly Scott, Whiskey in the Jar, Turtles, Stan's Grocery, A&C, Keg & Bottle! And an extra thank you to the following for their assistance: Nicole Diamond, Nikki Comfort, Lisa Dombrowski, Shelly Scott, Victoria Guy, Jennifer Tiedt, Michelle Trzin, Tony of DC Sports. Pics posted here (press play button in lower right to begin). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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BASKETBALL CHALLENGE
Pics posted  vs. Hamtramck Firefighters Date: Wednesday, November 14th Come cheer on your favorite Hamtramck Public School Teacher or Staff Member as they take on Hamtramck’s bravest Fire Fighters on the court! This night is guaranteed to be exciting! Don’t miss out! Concessions will be sold. All proceeds from this event will go to the Hamtramck Goodfellow. This event is presented by the Hamtramck Recreation Department. For more information please call 313-893-5520 or visit the High School Community Center at 11350 Charest. Pics posted here |
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DICKENS & WYSZCZELSKI PROMOTED
 Congratulations to Bill Dickens and Matt Wyszczelski on their promotions to Motor Engineers. Bill has been with the Hamtramck Fire Department since December, 1996 and Matt since January, 1998 - both have served as a union executive board members. They fill long standing vacancies in the Motor Engineer ranks. Bill and Matt were sworn in by Hamtramck District Court Judge Paul Paruk. (pics) We also extend a warm welcome to Thad Carroll as he joins the Hamtramck Fire Department! |
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KINSMAN & ROJEK RETIRE
 A party honoring Motor Engineer Dan 'Rodan' Rojek will be held immediately following his last shift as a Hamtramck Firefighter on October 27th at the Friendly Roosevelt Bar located at 3424 Caniff (map). The festivities begin at about 7:30 am. Rodan's last day of work is scheduled for October 26th, 2007 after 30 years serving with the Hamtramck Fire Department.You can call the firehouse at 313 876-7778 for details. Congratualtions and best wishes also go to Motor Engineer Bill Kinsman, who retired on September 26th after nearly 34 years on the department. Any party details will be announced as they become available. |
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3 DIGIT RAFFLE
 The Hamtramck Firefighters are sponsoring a 3 Digit Raffle that with one ticket, gives you 23 chances to win. Your ticket gives you a 3 digit number - during the month of October 2007, if that number is drawn on the 3 Digit evening lottery on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday - you win $100; if you match on a Wednesday you win $300!If the raffle ticket for the daily number has not been sold, a drawing from the pool of raffle tickets stubs for the tickets sold with take place at 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM the same day. Tickets are available now! For more info contact any Hamtramck Firefighter, call the station at 313-876-7778 or e-mail today! Click here for winners! License #X64203 |
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HAUNTED BOWLING
 JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY!!It's another night of haunted fun at the bowling alley! On Friday, October 19th at Regal Lanes (map), the Hamtramck Firefighters will be having another fun and exciting evening of bowling! Once again, $25 gets you 3 games, door prizes, shoes, and more. Costumes are not required - but very welcomed (prize for best costume). Check in starts at 9:00 PM, bowling generally starts 9:30-10:00. Lane sponsorships start at $75. For details call (or e-mail) John Dropchuk or Bill Diamond at the Hamtramck Firehouse: 313-876-7778. Please click here for our sponsorship information, or here for flyer. Pics from last year! |
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WE'RE BACK
 The Hamtramck Firefighters are making a return to the 2007 Hamtramck Festival! The Festival will be held Labor Day Weekend, Friday August 31st through Monday September 2nd. We will be serving beer and drinks in our famous mugs and our t-shirts will also be available both in a new 2007 design... our world famous chili will be available in a limited basis (first come, first serve!!) - so get there early!This is the 27th Annual Hamtramck Festival and we will be in our usual spot on Holmes at Jos. Campau. We hope to see you there! Pics posted here. |
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BELMONT FIRE
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On Sunday, August 19 the Hamtramck Firefighters responded to a house fire on Belmont street near Gallagher. Our best efforts were hindered when an adequate water supply could not be found from the hydrants on Belmont. We would like to thank the citizens and retirees that assisted us on scene, your help was vital in helping us to protect the houses on either side. Video from WDIV, channel 4. |
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DENNIS OLEKSIAK RETIRES
 A party honoring Motor Engineer Dennis Olé Oleksiak will be held immediately following his last shift as a Hamtramck Firefighter on August 30th at the Friendly Roosevelt Bar located at 3424 Caniff (map). The festivities begin at about 7:30 am. Olé's last day of work is scheduled for August 29th, 2007 after nearly 34 years serving with the Hamtramck Fire Department.You can call the firehouse at 313 876-7778 for details. |
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CONDOLENCES
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Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of Clemens Zuliniski, who passed away June 16, 2007. Clemens was a great uncle to current Hamtramck Fire Lieutenant Paul Wilk. Clem served with the Hamtramck Fire Department for 20 years and retired as a captain. Prior to his service as a firefighter, Capt. Zuliniski served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1940-1945 receiving two purple hearts in the Asiatic conflict. Shortly after his time in Hamtramck, Clem moved to Tennessee, where a service will be held on Wednesday (more info). |
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CONDOLENCES
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Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of Edward Oleksiak, who passed away May 18, 2007. (More info) Ed served with the Hamtramck Fire Department until 1965 and was past commander of PLAV Post 10, Hamtramck and the American Legion Post 155, Hamtramck. Ed is also uncle to current Hamtramck Firefighter Dennis Oleksiak and great uncle to Andrew. |
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ARBITRATION AWARD
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We have posted the entire Arbitration Award from the American Arbitration Association's arbitrator, E.R. Scales. The case centered around seven central issues which were awarded to the Hamtramck Firefighters, three of these issues were conceded to by the city and settlement was stated for the record; the remaining issues centered on Minimum Manning, Chain of Command, Motor Engineer Pay, Holiday/Birthday/Emergency Day Pay and Accumulated Time Off clauses in the contract ratified in February 2006. The Hamtramck Firefighters Executive Board worked very diligently to negotiate an amicable settlement with city officials before consistent, flagrant violations of our contract continued and escalated. Our current agreement with the city was ratified February 13, but largely ignored by city manager Don Crawford and Chief Jim Szafarczyk until June 21 when they reduced the ranks of the already depleted Fire Department to 14 by laying off 6 firefighters. |
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CONDOLENCES
 Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of Art "Archie" Widzinski, who passed away April 17, 2007.Art served with the Hamtramck Fire Department for 38 years and was chairman of the Hamtramck Goodfellows for many years, he also served our country during World War II and was Hamtramck's 'Veteran of the Year' in 2003. Archie is remembered fondly by all. |
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RETIREMENT PARTIES
 Ticket's are now on sale for two retirement parties! A party honoring Lt. John "Chuck" Watson, who retired in July 2006 will be held on April 28th at the Polish Sea League located at 2601 Edwin (corner of Brombach (map). The festivities begin at 6:00 pm, a $5 ticket inlcudes a buffet of firehouse favorites and a guest. Chuck retired with nearly 30 years with the Hamtramck Fire Department and served as Lieutenant since 2003.Chief Jim Szafzarczyk has annouced his retirement and a party will be held in his honor on May 18th at the PNA Hall at 10211 Conant (at Belmont, map). $25 inlcudes food, music and drinks. Jim has served the Hamtramck Fire Department since 1973 and held the rank of chief since 2000. You can call the firehouse at 313 876-7778 for tickets or any other information. |
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LOCKED UP FOR MDA
 By being excluded from the Hamtramck Festival in 2006, the Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) coffers were a little lighter than normal from the Hamtramck Firefighters. To try to help offset that, Hamtramck Firefighters Association President Mark Swider has volunteered to be "locked up" by the Greater Detroit West Chapter of MDA.On March 22, Mark will be "locked up" by MDA Officials along with other area people in effort to raise awareness and money for what we've come to lovingly call "Jerry's Kids." Funds raised for MDA will remain local to provide help and hope to families that are affected with one of the 10 neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA. They provide payments and repairs on wheelchairs, leg braces and send children to MDA Summer Camp. All of these services are provided at no cost to those that have been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease with help from contributions from you! You can donate online at the secure MDA site located here! That site is protected by Verisign, using 128 bit SSL Encryption! You can also Download and mail (or deliver to the firehouse) a donation form here (or here in Word format). |
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ST. FLORIAN MARCH & MASS
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This years annual St. Florian Firefighter March and Mass will be held on May 5th. March leaves Hamtramck firehouse at about 3:00 PM - march participants should arrive early!! Mass starts at 4 PM (you are not obligated to attend or participate in mass). There is also a chili cook off this year at 5 PM. There is also a chili cook off at 6PM and Keith Famie of the Survivor television series and of channel 7 will be filming for an upcoming special. Other details, including history of the event and details about the origins of St. Florian can be found here. |
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CONDOLENCES
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Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of Stanley Sulek, who passed away December 25th, 2006. Lt. Sulek served with the Hamtramck Fire Department before retiring in 1970s as a lieutenant and is remembered fondly by all. |
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3 DIGIT RAFFLE
 Looking for a little extra cash to pay off those Christmas bills? We can help.The Hamtramck Firefighters are sponsoring a 3 Digit Raffle that with one ticket, gives you 23 chances to win. Your ticket gives you a 3 digit number - during the month of January, if that number is drawn on the 3 Digit evening lottery on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday - you win $100; if you match on a Wednesday you win $300! If the raffle ticket for the daily number has not been sold, a drawing from the pool of raffle tickets stubs for the tickets sold with take place at 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM the same day. Tickets are available now! For more info contact any Hamtramck Firefighter, call the station at 313-876-7778 or e-mail today! License #X64203 Winners Info |
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BOWLING WRAP UP
 Once again, thanks to all for supporting our 2006 Bowling Event. Thanks to their assistance and to all those that attended or donated, the event was an amazing success! Congrats to Walt Cichecki for a perfect 300 game and to Sandy for taking home Best Costume. An amazing time was had by all and we can't wait to see you again next year or at our next event! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
...and special thanks to: Nicole Diamond, Michele Wilk, Lisa Dombrowski, Monica Suchodolski, Victoria Guy, Sara Difranco, Jennifer Tiedt, Steve Graus of DC Sports, Polish Village, Srodek’s, Detroit Red Wings , Detroit Lions, Buddy’s Pizza, Polonia, Polish Market, Conant Caniff Mkt, Stan’s Grocery, Keg & Bottle, Turtle & Inky’s, Walter’s Party Shoppe, Detroit Threads, Baker Streetcar Bar, Pizza Marvelous, Regal Lanes ...and to all of our bowlers! We've posted pictures from the event here. | ||
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WELCOME & PICS
 The Hamtramck Firefighters Association, IAFF Local #750 welcomed 5 new members into their ranks at the last Union Meeting on October 3rd. Probationary Firefighters Bill Head, Jeremy Grundy, Mike Young, Paul Sevakis and Matt Larivee all took their oaths and were welcomed by all members.The Hamtramck Fire Department recently welcomed three new members as probationary Firefighters - Mike Bourdow joined last week and Joe LaFever and Dan Oleksiak (who shares a last name with two of our current members, but is no known relation) start this week. Also, Lt. Chris Sanchez rejoined our ranks last week after a little hiatus. Pics are posted here of a fire on Yemans Street, near Brombach. This took place the morning Saturday September 30th - photos courtesty Dennis Oleksiak. |
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RETIREMENT SET FOR WALT
 The Hamtramck Fire Department's Master Mechanic Walt Cichecki is retiring. Walt would have had 30 years on the job in December 2006. His last day is set for Friday, October 13th.A party will be held on Friday, October 13 at Turtle & Inky's on Carpenter, just west of Jos. Campau at 11 AM. All are welcomed to celebrate Wally's last day on the job - food and drinks will be available. Pics posted here. Thanks to everyone that showed up and Turtle & Inky for hosting! |
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BASKETBALL CHALLENGE
 vs. Hamtramck Firefighters and Police Date: Wednesday, October 18 Come cheer on your favorite Hamtramck Public School Teacher or Staff Member as they take on Hamtramck’s finest Police and Fire Fighters on the court! This night is guaranteed to be exciting! Don’t miss out! Concessions will be sold. All proceeds from this event will go to the “Save Our Recreation Committee.” |
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