The recent accident in Cambridge is a reminder to all of us just how dangerous some of our jobs are and how vulnerable we all are while performing our duties. Here at local 369 we pride ourselves on so many things. Strategic planning, contract enforcement, a vision for the future, and a plan to get there are just a few of our goals. However, the thing we pride ourselves on most of all is getting our members home safely to their families and eventually to a successful retirement.

Kevin Fidalgo came to work on December 8th 2006 with all intensions of going home at the end of his shift. Kevin was a healthy happy 28 year old man and nothing anyone can say will make the hurt and pain we feel go away.

The only comfort comes from Kevin's large family. They ask us to smile and move on because that is what Kevin would want. Kevin was an extraordinary young man. The tribute paid to him was evidence of that. In the funeral procession, for example, I could not see the front of it and I could not see the end of it. I have never seen anything like that before. So we try to cope, while we move on, most importantly we try to learn and never forget.

With regard to the investigation, our safety committee is investigating and will get to the root cause of this terrible accident. Our industry is more dangerous than most and everyday I am thankful that we have such an effective safety committee to protect us in this very dangerous industry.

In this holiday season, I ask you to not only keep, Kevin Fidalgo's family in your thoughts and prayers but also the family of Peter Brennan who died on the job in September and all of our members' families who have been killed on the job.

In closing, I wish you and your family a happy healthy holiday season.