Brothers & Sisters,
I have spent the majority of my 18+ years on the Phoenix Fire Department as an officer of Local 493, serving most of those years as a trustee and the last few as the Executive Vice President. I sincerely believe that a significant part of my success in being hired by the Phoenix Fire Department is owed to our Local. Paying back that debt was my motivation to get involved in the first place.
I never had a grand plan to rise through the ranks of the union; I simply wanted to “live my interview” and serve the membership the way others had done before us. I have certainly experienced both successes and failures, and I have learned from all of them. My intention, regardless of the outcome, has always been to do my best for the members and I genuinely care about our fire department family.
Over the past year, we have witnessed some of our fire department family endure terrible situations and unimaginable losses. Having a front-row seat to some of these events has made me proud of our PFD family and the way we take care of each other in times of need, but it has also challenged my priorities in life. The expectation of our positions, understandably so, is to be available 24/7 and to achieve positive outcomes in every situation for the members we work for. While that has always been my goal, it has led to being consistently on the phone during family time, missing my kids' practices and events, and ultimately being less present when I am with my family.
I have never sought sympathy and am not starting now. It has often been pointed out that “we chose to be in these positions,” and that is absolutely correct. However, it is time to choose a different path moving forward for myself, one that focuses on being a good husband, good father, and good member of the PFD. Therefore, I will not be running for re-election next year. I have informed the Executive Board of my intention not to seek re-election and my willingness to step aside sooner if it is in the best interest of the organization.
During our October Executive Board meeting, questions arose about whether I should step aside sooner rather than later, especially considering my involvement in the current promotional process. While I would fight just as hard for the members until my last day in this position, I understand how the optics might lead some to question my commitment. That said, I will follow the guidance of the Executive Board and depart at the time they determine is appropriate.
I am proud of the work I have accomplished for the membership during my 18 years on the PFD and am grateful for the opportunity to serve our PFD family. While I do not know what the future holds for me within the PFD, I look forward to wearing the blue uniform shirt that we all worked our asses off a whole lot more. I will continue to do my best to “live my interview” for the PFD and take care of the people I work with.
We have lot of great people in the office at Local 493 going to bat for the members every day, and I have no doubt they will continue to fight for all the members, including myself as I will soon find myself as a regular dues paying member. Thank you for allowing me to give back in all the roles I’ve held over the last 18 years as part of the Executive Board of Local 493.
-Ben Lindquist