Jumpline magazine OCT 2022-pages - Flipbook - Page 11
Claudine Buzzo
Benefits Officer
Member Services and Health
Introducing our new
Membership Services Database
What is Unionware and why is it important to you? Currently the Local utilizes a database called Microsoft Access.
This software contains all of our members’ information including their life insurance coverage, their health insurance
coverage, as well as contributions to Firefighter Charities and PAC. The existing
system has limitations on the functions it
can accurately perform. I brought the issues to our current Union President, and
he received approval from the Executive
Board to move forward with the implementation of a more efficient program. While
researching options, we came across a
software program known as UnionWare.
UnionWare is a company based out of
Canada and works with several unions,
some of which are much larger than ours.
UnionWare’s core offerings, plus the expansion modules, are a powerful combinaChris Pecori
MS, PA-C, EMT-P
tion. All our data will be securely organized in one location,
updated in real-time, and shared effectively. This software is
more advanced and comprehensive than anything we have
used in the past. Over the last year, we have been meeting every Friday to build the program to meet
our unique needs. We will be training on the
new product so it can hopefully launch by January 1, 2023. This software will be instrumental
during future open enrollment periods, as well
as mailing out the retiree letters. The time we’ll
save with this upgrade will afford us more time
to focus on members’ needs. In addition to the
upgrade, a service called UPay will make it easier to accept dues and other online payments.
There are other features we can upgrade to in
the future to help streamline grievances, political networking, and dues processing. We as a
Local, are heading in the right direction, and this
software will bring us into the 21st Century.
Introduction of Local 1403 Research Coordinator
My name is Christopher Pecori, a Lieutenant with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) where I have served for
the past 18 years. I am honored to have been selected as
the Research Coordinator by Metro-Dade Firefighters Local
1403, a position developed by our union leadership to proactively focus on improving the quality of our health and work
conditions. The Research Coordinator position is funded by
the University of Miami (UM) to act as a liaison with MDFR
personnel and the Firefighter Cancer Initiative Team at the
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. We believe this
collaboration will lead to significant developments toward
monitoring cases, improving outcomes, and preventing the
cancer risk that is inherent to our profession.
MDFR, with the support of Local 1403,
has been a national leader in the areas of
early trial utilization of field thrombolytics
and maintaining a globally recognized anti-venom bank. This new alliance between
MDFR and UM is a further example of our
fire service industry leadership. This new
position will facilitate an avenue for information dissemination from Firefighter Cancer
Initiative research projects, research participation opportunities, and cancer education
activities.
Certification from Rutgers University in 1996, after which I
practiced medicine in various emergency departments in New
Jersey before being hired by MDFR in 2004. Since joining
the department, I have obtained certifications as a Hazardous Materials Technician and Flight Medic. As a Flight Medic
Training Officer, I represented MDFR’s Air Rescue Program
at multiple national conferences and I hold a position in the
department’s Venom Response Unit.
In 2006, I participated in the county-wide Avian Flu Response with our Emergency Operations Center. I am a member of the International Medical/Surgical Response Team
(IMSuRT) and took part in both the MDFR Urban Search &
Rescue Team’s Haiti Earthquake Response
in 2010 and the collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside in 2021.
I look forward to the collaboration between
Florida Cancer Initiative and Local 1403 and
believe that it will become a benchmark program that others will seek to replicate. The
potential for developments leading to health
improvements and increased lifespan for
firefighters is enormous. Please feel free to
reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
My background is in healthcare. I obtained
a master’s degree and Physician Assistant
Stay Safe,
October 2022 | JUMPLINE Magazine
11
