President
IAFF Local 1352
2010
The International Association of Fire Fighters union has continued to provide the best leadership training and support to me. I have promoted in the fire department, and now am in a role that is exempt for union affiliation (Deputy Chief). I have a close relationship with the union leadership and our organization has made great strides by working collaboratively. Safety is enhanced, efficiencies are found, and there is a strong sense of pride in working together.
What impact has the HTUP had on your life/career?
The HTUP introduced me to a level of education that I didn’t know existed. The international cohort helped me to develop a broader view of union issues. The program also forged a deeper commitment to being a trade unionist. The rights of the worker are fundamental rights. The HTUP provides credibility when speaking before groups; and the knowledge of the professors and staff have been spread over my membership to the best of my abilities. I believe in the movement and will strongly support labor for the rest of my days. The HTUP has propelled my career and help to shape the trajectory.
Do you have an interesting/funny story of when you attended the program?
I was fortunate enough to get tickets in a suite for the Beanpot hockey tournament during the program. The tournament conflicts with one of the in-class days of the program. I was hesitant to ask Dr. Elaine Bernard to be excused from class just for a hockey tournament. I even thought of several important reasons to attend such an esteemed local event. After waiting until the day before the event, I finally approached Dr. Bernard to tell her of the dilemma.
I was relieved and so pleased when Dr. Bernard reminded me that she is from Vancouver, BC, and the Beanpot tournament warrants one skip-day for me. I was actually quite torn to miss a day of class. Each day of the program is so rich with world-class speakers and content. The tournament is one of my favorite sporting events that I was able to attend, and I will always link this memory with my fond memories of the HTUP (and Dr. Bernard of course)!
CONTACT INFORMATION
5002 SW Hudson Street, Seattle, WA, United States, 98116
norm333@gmail.com