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WHEREAS, in 1974, lifelong Northsider Joseph "Joey" "Joe" "JK" King began his forty-year career with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, protecting the lives and property of the People of Pittsburgh. This most dangerous profession became his life's work and passion. He also became a proud member of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1, serving his union with honor and distinction from 1980-84 as a Trustee, 1984-86, as Financial Secretary, from 1986-88, as Vice President and, in 1988, as its President - a total of thirty-four years - twenty-six years as the President; and,
WHEREAS, Joey King, the firefighter, fearlessly protected the citizens of Pittsburgh and became keenly aware of the need for people to be "fire safe" in the home and on the job. He also grew to understand the need to protect the health, safety, and welfare of his brother and sister firefighters. During his career as a firefighter and, as a leader of Local 1, safety was the driving force behind Joey's dedication to his work; and,
WHEREAS, firefighters in Pittsburgh and beyond benefitted greatly from Joey's leadership through his appointment by Governor Casey to the PA Department of Labor & Industry's Health and Safety Committee and Fire Advisory Board, where his extensive knowledge of working conditions and safety issues helped to set new standards in Pennsylvania; and,
WHEREAS, during his tenure as President of Local 1, and his thirty years as Financial Secretary of Pittsburgh's Firemen's Relief and Pension Fund, Joey was relentless in improving conditions for Pittsburgh's firefighters and their families, as evidenced in the fourteen consecutive contracts he negotiated with seven fire chiefs and seven mayors. No one can question Joey's dedication to his fellow firefighters - no one can deny that working conditions and retirement benefits improved greatly under his leadership, all the while making sure that their children and widows were not forgotten; and,
WHEREAS, Joey fought fires for his fellow Pittsburgher's safety, fought tirelessly for his community when fire stations were threatened with cuts, and stood strong for his family of fellow firefighters when they were faced with cuts to their hard earned pay and benefits.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, on the occasion of Joey King's retirement on July 31, 2014, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby extend to him our most sincere thanks and appreciation for his tireless service to the People of Pittsburgh and to his fellow firefighters.
We also convey our greetings and best regards to Joey's family, friends, and coworkers who have gathered to honor Joey at the Wyndham hotel on August 16, 2014, for his many years of dedicated service to Pittsburgh and firefighters throughout Pennsylvania; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare August 16, 2014 to be "Joseph E. King Day" in the City of Pittsburgh; and
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BE IT EVEN FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare November of 2014 to be "Joseph E. King Month" in the City of Pittsburgh; and