Led “Largest Local” in the IAFF
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Mike Mullane
That’s what they called the IAFF’s 3rd district under Mullane’s leadership and that’s the way he ran it.
There always seemed to be a degree of unanimity and cohesion not seen in other districts.
There can be no doubt that Mullane ran a tight ship but he also looked out for his crew.
It’s poetic and ironic that he died so close to the 100th anniversary of Sinatra’s birth for they both did it their way.
He followed the rules, largely when it suited him, the senior guy can get away with that.
You don’t last over 30 years in this business unless you are an effective politician with a distinct social bent. Mullane excelled at both.
He may have been “Boston Strong” but he was certainly “Boston Shrewd.”
Mullane enjoyed being on Schaitberger’s “B Team” for years, the name given to the group of vice-presidents who often reluctantly went along with the grand plan and most importantly made no special attempt to kiss the Papal ring.
He was the “thorn in the side.”
He was, in fact, the unannounced leader of the opposition and was crafty in that role sensing that there was power in standing back a bit.
Still, he would also be the first to speak up, or at least the most senior, when Schaitberger needed a boost, more, it can be suspected, for the tactical advantage, rather than allegiance to a leader.
He would see a political advantage that could accrue to his district and he would take it.
IAFF board meetings started at 9am and Mike would show up at 8:59:30 and cough his way through most of the meeting blithely taking and making cell phone calls and smoking away, much to the consternation of many.
We call that a free spirit, perhaps with some sharp elbows.
For years I administered the various scholarship programs at the IAFF where members or local officers would apply for them in writing.
Out of 16 vice-presidents, one would unfailingly call to follow-up letting me know why his district’s candidates would be the best choice: Mike Mullane.
Mullane’s passing leaves a void in the 3rd as well as on the board.
The point to remember: whatever the issue or task, Mike Mullane was his own man, a trait currently in extremely short supply.
Image may be NSFW.
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