News
North Riverside Firefighters Union-Local 2714 is still seeking Silver Spanner support after securing in-house ambulance service with their new contract. This is tremendous news for them!!
Information and the application can be found on our website at: www.affi1935.org/about-the-affi/committees/ems-privatization/silver-spanner/
Chuck Sullivan-AFFI President
Kurt Snow - AFFI Secretary/Treasurer
Luke Howieson AFFI Vice President at Large
Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative
Mike Laureto AFFI Northern District Trustee
Layin’ Down The Law with Jerry Marzullo
It was close to midnight, well into the fifth day of the Joliet fire strike, suddenly I was jarred from my sleep by them piercing wail of a siren. I looked out my bedroom window. The large two-story house across the street was à mass of flame. A red and white Joliet fire engine, manned by four Lockport fire fighters, rumbled to a stop in front of the burning home. Hose was being pulled, equipment was being hurriedly taken off the truck, ladders were being removed from their racks, the formidable task seemed an impossibility for just four men.
Suddenly, shadowy figures dressed in long black coats and helmets began to materialize from the surrounding gloom, they began assisting the four fire fighters, they put on air masks, grabbed axes, ladders, hoses, they began attacking the fearsome blaze. Soon it was all over, the fire was out, the hoses were repacked, the equipment was
returned to its proper place.
I had to find out who those ghostly figures were. I quickly dressed and headed for the group of men across the street. The short walk only took a few minutes, but when I arrived the only people there was the four Lockport firefighters. I asked them, "Who were those men all dressed in black?" The four men gave me a knowing smile, they said, "We don't really know, they disappeared as quickly as they arrived. But they did leave one thing, a small hand tool that all fire fighters are familiar with. It's still over there, on the front porch." I walked over to the front porch, went up the stairs, and there, gleaming in the moonlight, carefully placed on the welcome mat, lay a shiny new sterling silver spanner wrench.
I returned to the four men standing next to the idling fire engine. I asked them if this strange occurrence happened at every fire, since the strike. They said, "Yes, it did. And not only here in Joliet, but in Springfield, Danville, Evanston, and Lexington, Kentucky as well. They are the mysterious men of the squad of the silver spanner.
Freddie, I asked somebody we both know if he'd ever heard of the "legend." He wasn't sure about the legend but knew exactly what the tool was. So as I was telling him about the story you posted, he asked me to wait a minute and then he went out in the garage. He came back and set one of those things down in front of me at my desk. Strange looking instrument/tool. Then he explained some things. On one side this one reads "RED HEAD." on the other side it reads, "STYLE 100." He told me to tell you he still has his "hook."
This is a handy tool in retirement
As the temperatures drop, remember a few simple tips to keep your home safe AND warm this winter!
Chuck Sullivan-AFFI President
Luke Howieson AFFI Vice President at Large
Kurt Snow - AFFI Secretary/Treasurer
#sundaysafetytip
When you hit the stores for holiday shopping this Friday, look for Union-Made gifts! Visit aflcio.org/MadeInAmerica/holiday-gifts for more ideas.
Chuck Sullivan-AFFI President
Kurt Snow - AFFI Secretary/Treasurer
Luke Howieson AFFI Vice President at Large
AFL-CIO
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
MOBILE APP
