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For Your Information
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| By Brendan Ward, Director | ||||||||
| RETIREMENT SEMINAR: The SFFD and Local 798 are sponsoring a Retirement Seminar on June 22 and June 23 at the Stern Grove clubhouse. Please consider attending this event. Topics include Retirement Benefits, Health Benefits, Long Term Health Care, Deferred Compensation, Legal Trusts and others. Also discussed will be a breakdown of Tier 1 benefits vs. Tier 2 benefits. Now that some Tier 2 members have up to 28 years of service, it is important for them (and those who follow) to understand the differences. Please read the recent General Order for information.
SURVIVING FAMILY FUND: Local 798 sponsors a death benefit for surviving families of firefighters who have died either on or off duty. Recently, we sent a check to the family of Firefighter Charles Wells. Charles fought alongside SFFD Firefighter Michael Digre in Iraq and was killed in action while on patrol. Firefighter Digre is in his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq and notified Local 798 upon the death of his Marine compatriot. The Trustees of the Surviving Family Fund acknowledged this unfortunate incident and sent condolences to Charles’ wife Nicole along with the check. Please read the story about Charles Wells below. And best wishes to Michael Digre and all the members of the SFFD who both protect the City of San Francisco and the United States of America. |
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| Charles Wells |  |
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| Orlando Sentinel — An Orange County recruit firefighter was killed in Iraq Wednesday when his vehicle struck a land mine, authorities said.
Charles wells, a 2nd Force Service Support Group Marine, was killed in action while conducting a combat logistics patrol en route to Qaim. |
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| Wells joined the Orange County Fire Rescue Department through its non-certified firefighter program, said Tammy Wunderly, Battalion Chief of the fire department, in a news release.
After completing his Emergency Medical Technician training, he received orders for his first deployment to Iraq. He completed his tour of duty and returned to Orange County to resume his firefighter training. A few months later, he received additional orders for a second tour of duty in Iraq. He had just been promoted to Warrant Officer in December. “We grieve the loss of an American hero who was a member of our Orange County Government family,” said Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty. “Wells lived to help save other people. He gave his life fighting to give the Iraqi people the opportunity to enjoy the same democratic freedoms we so often take for granted. We pray for the Wells family and pledge our love and support in their time of loss.” Wells leaves behind a wife and young daughter. |
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