Officials

The Official Web Site of the Pacific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers,

Watertenders and Wipers Association

Established 1883 in San Francisco, California

Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CIO

Anthony Poplawski - President/Secretary-Treasurer

          Anthony Poplawski began his seagoing career in 1978, when he enlisted in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and served as an Electrician's Mate aboard the USS Carl Vinson.  The Detroit, Michigan native joined the Marine Firemen's Union in 1988, sailing as a Maintenance Electrician on the SS Manulani, a Hawaiian Enterprise class containership operated by Matson Navigation Company.  Afterwards he sailed as Chief Electrician and Refrigeration Engineer, and worked as a Shore Maintenance Mechanic in San Pedro, California.  He was elected to the office of Wilmington Port Agent in 2001, San Francisco Port Agent in 2003, and President/Secretary-Treasurer in 2005.  Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of the State of New York-Regents College (now Excelsior College).  He is a delegate to the San Francisco Labor Council, Alameda Labor Council, San Francisco Bay Area Ports Council-Maritime Trades Department and Ship Operations Cooperative Program, and is an ex officio Vice President of the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL- CIO.

William OBrien- Vice President

          Born in Queens, New York, William OBrien shipped out of the Marine Firemen's Union Brooklyn Hall in 1973, serving as a Wiper aboard the SS Rice Queen, a jumboized T-2 tanker operated by Bulk Foods.  He has since sailed as Unlicensed Junior Engineer, Refrigeration Engineer and Chief Electrician, and has worked as a Shore Maintenance Mechanic and Refrigeration Training Instructor.  William was elected to the office of Wilmington Port Agent in 2003, and Vice President in 2005.  He has earned several Certificates in Labor Studies form Laney College in Oakland, California and from Los Angeles Trade and Technical College.  He is a delegate to the San Francisco Labor Council, Alameda Labor Council and the San Francisco Bay Area Ports Council-Maritime Trades Department.

Robert Bugarin - Wilmington Port Agent

          Robert Bugarin joined the Marine Firemen's Union in 1965.  The San Pedro, Californian's first ship was the SS Horace Irvine, an-ex liberty ship operated by the Weyerhaeuser Steamship Company.  During his career, Bob has sailed as Wiper, Messman, Unlicensed Junior Engineer, Refrigeration Engineer and Chief Electrician.  In 2005 he was elected to the office of Wilmington Port Agent.  Bob has earned Certificates in Labor Studies from Los Angeles Trade and Technical College.  He is a delegate to the Southern California Ports Council-Maritime Trades Department and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Michael Carr - Seattle Port Agent/Government Vessels Coordinator

          Mike Carr hails from Renton, Washington.  In 1968 he began his career with the Marine Firemen's Union aboard the SS Tonsina, an ex-liberty ship operated by the Alaskan Steamship Company.  Mike has sailed as Wiper, Unlicensed Junior Engineer, Refrigeration Engineer and 2nd Electrician.  He was elected to the office of Seattle Port Agent in 1997.  In 2005, he assumed the combined duties of Seattle Port Agent and Government Vessels Coordinator.  Mike is a delegate to the King County Labor Council and the Puget Sound Ports Council-Maritime Trades Department.

Bonny Coloma - Honolulu Port Agent

          Bonny Coloma joined the Marine Firemen's Union in 1968.  His first ship was the Matson Navigation Company passenger liner, SS Monterey.  Over the years, Bonny has sailed as Wiper, Unlicensed Junior Engineer and Chief Electrician.  Bonny was elected to the office of Honolulu Port Agent in 1995.  He is also a delegate to the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council-Maritime Trades Department and Hawaii State AFL-CIO.

Anthony De La Rosa - Board of Trustees

          Anthony De La Rosa joined the Marine Firemen's Union in 1967.  His first MFOW-contracted ship was the SS Lurline, a passenger liner operated by Matson Navigation Company.  The San Francisco, California native has sailed as Wiper, Fireman, Watertender, Oiler, Unlicensed Junior Engineer, Refrigeration Engineer and Chief Electrician, and has worked as a Shore Maintenance Mechanic and Shift Leadman.  Tony  served on the MFOW Board of Trustees from 2001 through 2004, and was again elected to serve during the 2007-2008 term of office.