Leadership Profile: IAEP Local R1-684 President Jim Duffy
Since becoming president two years ago, paramedic Jim Duffy has remained focused on improving the lives of his members, EMS professionals with Local 684 of Stamford EMS in Connecticut, and deepening his local's commitment to their community.
Duffy, whose 16 year career in EMS began when he was still in high school, has remained outspoken about the benefits of his union membership and, as president, has worked diligently to reinvigorate his local's unity.
"Our workplace would be extremely different if we didn't have union representation," said Duffy. "I have worked for a non-union shop and the employees were looked at as numbers and management pawns. By forming a union we have created levels of protection and recourse against management's actions."
As president Duffy has also improved communication between his executive board and their fellow members and has striven to increase the local's political voice.
"We've created a web site for our local that has helped increase communication and transparency," said Duffy. "We're also working to form a political committee to further out work towards becoming a more influential voice for change in the EMS industry."
Under Duffy's leadership, Local 684 expanded a number of service programs, including the formation of community service based college scholarships and the local's continued sponsorship of local youth sport leagues.
"Every year our local donates money to the fire department's burn foundation," said Duffy."Through the generosity of my members the fire department is able to cover the cost of at least one camper's stay at a burn camp every year."
Duffy is hopeful that his time as president will further the cohesiveness of his local and help shine a stronger light on the hard work and dedication of his members.
"Hopefully we've grown as an organization and become a more fraternal group," said Duffy. "We're working towards the creation of a hardship fund for our members and are focused on creating a stronger community within our local."