This section provides current updates and important notices from the Hartford Firefighters Retirees Association. Please check here regularly for information regarding dues, membership updates, upcoming events, and matters affecting our members.
Good Morning Everyone,
Just a quick reminder to all HFFRA members: our regular meeting is coming up next Wednesday, February 26th at 6pm at the Moose Lodge (302 White Street, Hartford, CT 06106).
** Pizza and Drinks to be provided! **
We've heard that transportation can be a challenge for some members. To make it easier, we're organizing a carpool system.
If you can provide a ride or need one, please email me with your location details and i will coordinate with members.
Let's help each other attend the meeting, boost meetings attendance and bring together.
Please help spread the word or share meeting details to anyone maybe not on email or checking email.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Additionally, if you haven't yet filled out our members' contact form, please take a moment to do so. We want to ensure we have accurate contact information for everyone.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 26th,
Talk soon, Mel
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 860.794.3040
Forwarding Message from Jeanette,
As more info become available ill send out to everyone! Mark your calendar for this week Thursday April 3rd @ 6:30!! Thanks Mel
From Jeanette,
Thanks to all who came out at City Hall on Monday to show support for a COLA for MERF Retirees. We had 21 people there and we are hoping that some more of you will come out on Thursday April 3 at 6.30PM just prior to the City's Public Hearing on the Budget.
The Budget hearing will be held at Batchelder School at 757 New Britain Avenue, Hartford.
There are over 3000 pensioners in the MERF. I understand many are out of state. It would be wise if you are out of state to send a message through email or snail mail to the Mayor and City Council regarding your situation with the pension and COLA.
Melanie Depamphilis
Senators Blumenthal and Murphy,
My name is George T. Camarco and I am a retired Professional Fire Fighter having worked on the Hartford Fired Department in Hartford Connecticut for 30 years.
I am writing to ask for you to vote for Bill S. 597, the Social Security Fairness act. Why we can't get our full EARNED and WORKED for Social Security is a travesty toward hard working individuals who do the proper thing by the following the law. We just ask for a fair playing field.
Please support the passage of the bill.
Sincerely,
George T. Camarco
23 Fairlane Drive
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Retirees,
Our annual meeting was a success. We have a new President, Treasure and Entertainment Coordinator.
The new President is Melony DePhamphliss.
The new Treasurer is Brendan Erickson.
The new Entertainment Coordinator is Vic DePhamphliss.
Over the next few months until the February meeting we will make a smooth transition for everyone to be ready to conduct the business at hand.
We had a somber meeting due to the untimely loss of Brother Rob Sharkavich. My he rest in peace.
Please support our new coming officers as they bring in new ideas and motivations to our Association.
George.
Retirees
The Treasurers office has just sent me a report that they have reached a new high in their value of "1 point 1 billion dollars as of June 30th., inclusive of paying out 118 million in retiree benefits during the fiscal year." They achieved a 9.9% return in fiscal 2024.
We haven't had a raise in seventeen years.
I am urging everyone to call the MAYOR"S OFFICE and ask he get a task force and award MERF a raise. Call the mayors office at 860 757-9311. PLEASE MAKE YOUR REMARKS POLITE
George
Regarding the Letter from Carmen Sierra
Most of you received a letter from the City of Hartford Treasurer stating how well the pension fund has done of late and it is very solvent.
To me that is rubbing it in our face the fact that the pension is great but we are not in any way in the city's thoughts to get a share in those riches.
I called the Treasurers office and could not make contact with the Treasurer but spoke to her assistant. I voiced the opinion I have stated above saying if the pension was worth five billion who cares if we don't get a COLA. The assistant said she would share my thoughts with the treasurer.
In the usual passing of the buck , the assistant told me the mayor has the power to request a committee be formed for issuing a COLA.
Thus we hold our hat in our hand and wait.
Time to step up people. At the next meeting, we need a committee to push for a COLA. Stop sitting on your hands and come forth.
Our E-Board has tried with the last mayor.
With the new regime perhaps we will have a sympatric ear in this mayor. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Thank you all and HEALTH to you and your families.
George