Letter From Local 1775 President Bob Briare

Dear Local 1775 Executive Board, Shop Stewards, Members and John Grey & Gregg Adam,

I have decided to retire prior to entering the final year of my current term as  Local 1775 President. My last day will be December 31st. My commitments and priorities have changed to the point where I believe the membership will be better served with Vice President Bagala completing my term during the upcoming year.

I have had the distinct honor to serve our membership for nearly 40 years as Local 1775 President, Vice President, Shop Steward and as Association President for the Alto – Richardson Bay Fire District/Southern Marin Fire District. There is no higher honor or responsibility than to be elected by your peers to represent their interests. I want to thank my Alto brothers for educating me to be a Union representative -especially those that served as Shop Stewards: Chief Terry Kildow, Jim Stephenson, Dennis Woolheater, John Gilbert, Steve Landman, B/C Joe Giordani (Emeritus Vice President Local 1775). With Alto/Southern Marin and Local 1775 I lived those happy, sad, confrontational and collaborative moments striving to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. Leave it better than you found it!

I want to acknowledge and thank Emeritus President Steve Warner (Local 1775 President 30 years) and the past Executive Boards for their dedication to build a strong Union. Since 1968 we have grown from individual recruitments to representing 100% of the Firefighter bargaining groups and 5 B/C groups. Local 1775 has evolved from a weak financial organization to a strong and sound financial Union.  Over the years it has been the vision and dedication of our leadership, Union members and family’s sacrifice that provides the means to improve and protect the interests of the Local 1775 membership.

When I was elected President November 2008 my goal has been to represent equally and fair all 400 active members and retirees while effecting positive changes in wages, benefits and working conditions. Through collaboration with Fire Chiefs and elected officials our Union members have made positive changes - Standardized SCBA throughout Marin County, Consolidations- Sausalito annexation to Southern Marin; Town of Ross joins Ross Valley; Corte Madera and Larkspur form JPA for- Central Marin. Today 9 fire departments at some level have shared services agreements for Chief Administration, Battalion Chiefs, Firefighters, Fire prevention and vegetation management. It is now common to have joint regional training and Firefighter Recruit academies. 

Some milestones during my tenure that capture what Local 1775 is about – dedication, tenacity, trust, caring and giving. – John Grey’s 44 years of legal service for Local 1775; Tiburon Firefighters voted to affiliate with the Marin Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1775; FLSA lawsuit(s) recovered over $1.7 million for our membership; Celebrating the 50th Anniversary (1968-2018) of the Marin Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1775; Tom Moran, Shop Steward – SOM and Guns & Hoses Hockey hosted a hockey game to raise funds to assist my grandson Derek through his treatments for leukemia. Derek’s 3 year treatment just ended, he’s doing fine as he celebrated his 7th birthday December 15th. I will always be grateful for all of the generosity and support that my family has received from the Firefighter family!

I want to recognize and acknowledge the unwavering dedication and commitment of current Vice President John Bagala, Secretary Todd Lando, Treasurer Geoff Larkin, Political Director Ken Martin, Retiree Rep. Adam Brolan, Property manager Doug Wriston (Emeritus Secretary), Attorneys John Grey and Gregg Adam. Their countless conversations, advice and friendship have been invaluable to me.

I can’t thank my wife and family enough for the support that they have shown me over 38 years of Union representation and 32 years with the Alto/Southern Marin Fire District as a Firefighter, Captain and Battalion Chief. 

In closing, I thank each Executive Officer, Shop Steward, Committee Chair Person, active member and retiree for affording me the privilege to represent you nearly 40 years. It has truly been an honor to serve as the President of the Marin Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1775.

Fraternally,

Bob Briare, President

Marin Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1775