The OAPFF is committed to providing exceptional services to our members. That is especially true in the area of workers’ compensation representation. A recent Supreme Court decision severely restricted our representatives’ ability to assist members with claims. To that end, the OAPFF has worked with attorneys throughout the state to create a Workers’ Comp Attorney Referral Network.
If you have any questions about this program or any workers’ comp issue, please contact one of the following:
VP Tom Rave
Pension Representative Carl Jordan
The attorneys all practice Workers’ Compensation law, have represented numerous clients, and are familiar with the unique issues faced by injured fire fighters. They are widely recognized for delivering exceptional representation for their clients.
The attorneys on this panel have agreed to offer free consultations to OAPFF members even if they determine that an attorney’s services are not necessary. In addition, the attorneys have agreed to work solely on a contingency basis and offer a rate discounted from standard charges. Panel attorneys will have a fee of no more than 28% of what they recover on behalf of their fire fighter clients.
This program is offered by the OAPFF solely as a resource for members to have access to exceptional legal service at a reasonable rate. Legal services are not provided by the OAPFF or any of its agents, nor is the OAPFF or its agents in any way responsible for the legal services provided. Members should consult directly with the attorneys on this panel.
In order for a member to receive the discounted rate, the member must inform the attorney that he or she found the attorney’s name on the OAPFF Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Referral Panel or was referred by an OAPFF or Local office or staff member.
Dean R. Wagner
304 N. Cleveland Massillon Road
Akron, OH 44333
Phone: (330) 535-1555
Fax: (330) 535-9113
Email: drw@deanwagner.com
Website: www.deanwagner.com
Contact: Dean Wagner
Lazarus & Lewis, LLC
525 Vine St., Suite 2210
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: (513) 721-7300
Fax: (513) 721-7008
Email: info@hllmlaw.com
Website: www.hllmlaw.com
Contact: Kimberly A. Rutowski
Kendis O’Brien and Stanek
30775 Bainbridge Rd
Solon, OH 44139
Phone: (216) 621-3346
Fax: (216) 621-3672
Fax: (216) 621-3672
Website: www.kendislaw.com
Email: jim@kendislaw.com
Contact: James D Kendis
Delaney & Whelan, LLC.
820 W. Superior Ave. Suite 400
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 861-2500
Fax: (216) 861-1583
Email whelan@delaneyandwhelan.com
Website:www.delaneyandwhelan.com
Contact: Justin Whelan
Livorno and Arnett Co. LPA
1335 Dublin Road, Suite 108-B
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 224-7771
Toll Free: (844) 832-6243
Fax: (614) 224-7775
Website: www.livornoandarnett.com
Email: Livorno@livornoandarnett.com
Contact: Sally Garrison, Tequisha Wilson, or Attorney Henry A. Arnett
Lazarus & Lewis, LLC
Dorf & Kalniz, Ltd.
Two Maritime Plaza, 2nd Floor
Toledo, Ohio 43604
Phone: (419) 244-4000
Fax: (419) 241-1900
Website: www.toledoworkerscomp.com
Email: www.dorfkalniz.com
Contact: Steven M. Kalniz
Green Haines Sgambati Co. LPA
100 E. Federal Street, Suite 800
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
Phone: (330) 743-5101
Fax: (330) 743-3451
Contacts: Shawn Scarf
Email: sscharf@green-haines.com
Website: www.green-haines.com
3rd District
Vice-President
Email cwilson@oapff.org
Call 740-502-9240
Cory began his proud firefighting career with the Air Force while being stationed in Charleston S.C. After he was done serving with the military, Cory returned home to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a professional fire fighter with Coshocton Fire in 2004. Cory worked his way up to the rank of captain in 2011.
Cory was elected Coshocton Local 216 Secretary Treasurer in 2005 and then later became union president in 2014. In 2016 at a special meeting he was elected to the 3rd District Vice President. Cory has two children, Caden and Cammy.
2nd District
Vice-President
Email dmarks@oapff.org
Prior to being hired by the City of Elyria Fire Department, Dean served in United States Army Reserves from 1993-2001 as a Combat Medic before being honorably discharged. He was hired in the City of Elyria Fire Department in 1995 and became a member of IAFF Local 474. Dean joined the Water Rescue Team where he was certified as an Emergency Response Diver, Ice Rescue Diver, and Swift Water Technician. He also was a member of the Lorain County Tech Rescue Team, becoming certified in Structural Collapse, Trench Rescue, Rope Rescue, Confined Space and Hazmat Technician. He also holds certifications as a Fire Instructor, CPR Instructor, Fire Inspector and Fire Officer I, II, III, IV. He currently holds the rank of Assistant Chief.
Dean did not wait long to become involved in the Union serving as a Shift Steward, Vice-President, and President, a position he has held since 2008. In 2020 Dean was honored when he received the IAFF Leadership award representing the 8th District. He has served on multiple OAPFF committees and currently is a member of the OAPFF Legislative Committee. He is proud that he has a Brother and two Sons that are on the job and members of the OAPFF.
1st District
Vice-President
Email gdavis@oapff.org
George, a graduate of Bowling Green State University (Fire Administration), began his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Lima Fire Department in 1993 after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He quickly became involved with Local 334, serving on various committees, and steadily progressed through the ranks, starting as a Union Steward, then a trustee, culminating in his election as Union President in 2016. George has also been assigned to numerous committees with the OAPFF and the IAFF and has held the position of Ohio AFL-CIO Vice President since 2018.
In addition to his union leadership, George serves the Lima community as a Battalion Chief on B-Shift. His commitment to his community extends to his role on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Greater Lima, and most importantly, to his family as a dedicated husband to his wife Shelley and a loving father to his children.
5th District
Vice-President
Email bgatley@oapff.org
Brian Gatley started his career at Jerome Township in 1999. From there he moved to Prairie Township before starting at Norwich Township in 2003. Brian was elected as president of Local 1723 in 2008. He has negotiated several collective bargaining agreements. He has attended numerous IAFF and OAPFF conferences and training sessions.
Gatley spent 11 years as a member of the OAPFF Legislative Committee prior to being elected to the position of DVP. He has been a strong advocate for PEER support, cancer presumption, PTSD coverage and collective bargaining rights.
4th District
Vice-President
Email jmoore@oapff.org
After setting aside his engineering degree in 2000, Jeff Moore changed careers and started with the West Chester Fire Department, becoming a member of IAFF Local 3518. He did not wait long to get involved. Jeff was elected to serve on the Executive Board of IAFF Local 3518 as Secretary-Treasurer in 2002 and then President in 2004, a position he has held for 20 years. With a long history protecting firefighter’s rights, benefits and collective bargaining, Jeff was elected as the Fourth District Vice President in 2022, servicing 78 locals in South West Ohio. Among his duties, Jeff represents locals in discipline hearings, arbitrations, contract negotiations, mediation and fact finding.
Jeff has served the OAPFF on various committees, including Legislative, Secondary Employment, Constitution and ByLaws, Governmental Affairs Director Hiring, and OAPFF Policy. He is also a former trustee of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund. He has attended numerous IAFF, OAPFF, Ohio Ethics Commission, and arbitration and advocacy trainings. He has also studied at the IAFC / IAFF Labor Management Alliance, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems. Jeff is a third-generation firefighter, with brothers serving as police officers. He resides in Fairfield, OH with his wife and have two children.
