Elmhurst Firehouse Welcomes Prez

Amid conflicting chants of "Two more months" and "Four more years," President George W. Bush arrived on Queens Boulevard last Wednesday to accept the endorsement of the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA).
Stopping first at the Italian Charities of America in Elmhurst on the eve of his official acceptance of the Republican nomination for president, Bushs visit came ten days short of the third anniversary of 9/11.
Hundreds of residents, both pro- and anti-Bush, were gathered on the boulevard to "greet" the president.
"I am extremely pro-Bush," said Donald Schuck, an Elmhurst resident standing outside Italian Charities, waving an American flag. "I have a five year old, and I want my child to grow up with the same rights as I did."
In a borough that is primarily Democratic, Bushs arrival and the Republican National Convention were met with mixed reactions.
"Its great having the president come here to Queens," said Congressman Anthony Weiner. "I just hope he doesnt think that because he left Manhattan Island hes entering Fantasy Island."
Protesters carrying signs that read "Liar Liar Iraqs On Fire" staged peaceful demonstrations behind police barricades.
"Im out here because Im opposed to Bushs methods of campaigning," said Elias Colombotos, whose girlfriend was in the midst of the chaos downtown on 9/11. "I feel hes playing on the suffering and trauma of New Yorkers relating to 9/11. Hes using this sense of vulnerability."
Delania Delossantos, who is not yet old enough to vote, was also among the protesters.
"I think it was wrong for Bush to come," she said. "With the tragedy of 9/11, he shouldnt be taking vacations."
But the heroes of 9/11 had quite a different outlook on the presidents visit. The president of the UFA, Stephen J. Cassidy, presented Bush with a fire helmet emblazoned with "Commander in Chief."
In his speech endorsing Bush, Cassidy said, "Your steadfast courage and leadership has been inspiring. It is because of your great leadership that I am proud to announce that New York City firefighters proudly support and endorse our friend, President George W. Bush for re-election as the President of the United States of America."
According to the UFA, in 2005, the president called for an additional $3.6 billion in first-responder grants and assistance, a $3.1 billion increase in funding.
Three local heroes from Engine 287/Ladder 136 in Elmhurst were on hand to welcome the president Christopher Paolocelli, Jim Duff and Lieutenant Wilson.
Bushs endorsement from the UFA comes at a time when contract negotiations with Mayor Michael Bloomberg are at at stalemate.
The citys other fire union, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFO), which represents 2,500 lieutenants, captains and chief officers, adamantly endorses John Kerry.
"Bush has slashed overtime provisions," said Peter Gorman, UFO president. "Its a clear attack on blue- and white-collar workers. His administration is violently anti-labor, and has not met the needs of first responders."
Gorman continued, "We are in favor of maintaining pension benefits for well-deserving Americans, and wed like to see Bush use his pension beginning in January 2005."
E-mail this reporter at
toni@queenscourier.com.