NJFH NEWS

Happy, Safe, and Healthy New Year

A quick update on the activities at the Firemen's Home.

We are experiencing positive tests relative to the Omicron Virus. Several staff and a few guests. Most with no symptoms or cold like issues. None have been hospitalized and thankfully all the guests have received the two shots and boosters.

Currently there are 65 Guests at the home.

Everyone has seen the communications concerning proposed legislation dealing with the home and the State association. Between a committee of three from the HOME and a committee of three from the NJSFA, we have been successful in having the legislation withdrawn. The initial meeting was on 12/21 with both groups along with professionals in Trenton supporting both groups and Assemblyman Burzichelli. Great progress was made in discussing a proposed Memorandum of Agreement between the two organizations. We had left that meeting hoping a meeting could be held between Christmas and New Year's but due to several reasons that did not happen. Both sides advised that they would talk after the New Year. On January 2 ,2022 discussions on some of the issues of concern and again on 1/3 before our Special Board of Managers meeting on the 4th to bring all Manager's up to date with the progress. Managers asked for a letter from the State association that would permit us to continue forward with the negotiation process. On 1/5 a ZOOM meeting was held with the committees and the letter was finalized and received. I have attached same Letter for your information. In any event the legislation has been withdrawn and we will continue to talk in good faith of mutual concerns to resolve our "differences" of 40 years or more.