Brevard County Professional Firefighters Make Another Donation to a Local Charity

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association was excited to share the benefits of a month long campaign for breast cancer.  Today (November 21st), IAFF 2969 President Richard Pierce and Secretary/Treasurer Chris DiSciascio presented Breast Friends with a $2,000 check.

The check was funded by proceeds from a T-shirt sale during breast cancer awareness month.  Every October, Brevard County Firefighters personally purchase special Breast Cancer shirts to wear while on duty.  The campaign exists as a fun way for our local firefighters to raise money and awareness for this important issue.  A special thanks to Fire Chief Schollmeyer for approving our firefighters to wear these shirts during October.  Chief Schollmeyer's commitment to the community exists as an inspiration for all of our firefighters and we thank him for leading us with so much dedication to serving others.

Treasurer/Secretary DiSciascio and President Pierce
present Breast Friends with a $2,000 donation.

Breast Friends is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for female cancer patients.  The organization believes no woman should go through the cancer experience alone and provides extensive support networks to ensure emotional, spiritual and physical support is available to women in need.

The Brevard County Professional Firefighter Benevolent Association is a nonprofit organization aimed to help local individuals that experience catastrophic events as well as provide assistance to local charities.  The Association is governed by Brevard County Professional Firefighters who volunteer their off-duty time to ensure our community's needs are met.  

For more information on these excellent organizations, or to donate, please contact Lieutenant Donald Slayman (Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters) at donald.slayman@iaff2969.com

Brevard County Professional Firefighters Promote Thanksgiving Day Cooking Safety

(Brevard County, Fla) - According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving Day. A cooking fire is three times more likely on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year.

 “Most fires on Thanksgiving occur between noon and 4:00 p.m. – during the peak cooking hours,” says Don Slayman, Public Information Officer for Brevard County Professional Firefighters. “A lot of those fires can be easily avoided by staying alert and remaining in the kitchen while cooking. Never leave heating sources unattended.” 

Many home cooking fires are caused by unattended equipment, abandoned material, a heat source left too close to flammable materials, product misuse and cooking equipment that is not properly turned off.

If you have a cooking fire, go outside and call 9-1-1 for the help. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.

Thanksgiving is also a high time for cooking related burns. To prevent scalds and burns, cook on back burners and make sure all pot handles are turned inward so children don’t come into contact with them. Appliances that get hot, such as toaster ovens, should also be well out of a child’s reach. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.



Your Brevard County Professional Firefighters urge you to cook with caution and wish you a happy Thanksgiving holiday. 

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Lieutenant Don Slayman

Public Information Officer

Brevard County Professional Firefighters

Randy Foster Receives an Endorsement from the Brevard County Professional Firefighters for District 3 Commissioner

(Brevard County, Fla) - The Brevard County Professional Firefighters are pleased to announce their recent endorsement for Randy Foster for District 3 Brevard County Commissioner.

Randy Foster, a veteran with a vision, is a District 3 County Commissioner candidate and is committed to making Brevard County a better place to live and work.  

At a recent forum, Foster showed enthusiasm in his concern for the condition of our county's roads and his belief that County Commissioner should be a full-time position.  "We have full-time problems," Foster said.  "We need someone there full-time."

If you want to see Brevard become a better place to live and work, we recommend Randy Foster for District 3 Commissioner.

IAFF 2969 President Richard Pierce presents Randy Foster
with an Endorsement for District 3 Commissioner

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Donald Slayman

Public Information Officer

Brevard County Professional Firefighters

Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

Back to School Safety

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Public Schools open for students tomorrow, August 10th and it's up to everyone to keep our children safe.

It's no uncertainty that school days bring about congestion: children hurrying to get to class, buses picking up students, parents rushing to drop off their children and still make it to work on time.  It becomes inherently important that drivers slow down, pay attention, and adhere to school zones.

Dropping Off Students

Be sure you understand your school's procedures for dropping off and picking up students.  According to the National Safe Routes to School Program, more children are hit by cars near schools than at any other location.  When in school zones:

• Refrain from double parking (it inhibits visibility for children and other vehicles)
• Do not load or unload children across the street from the school
• Consider joining a carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at and around the school

Sharing the Road With School-Aged Pedestrians and Bicyclists

The National Safety Council tells us most children killed in bus-related incident a pedestrians aged 4 to 7 years old.  Please adhere to these guidelines when operating a vehicle near school busesor near bicyclists:

   
• Do not block the crosswalk with your vehicle; this could force children into the path of moving traffic
• Yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersections
• Always follow the direction of a school resource officer, law enforcement or crossing guards
• Exercise extreme caution and look out for children when driving in school zones, near playground and parks, and in all residential areas
• Never pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian
• When passing a bicylist, proceed in the same direction and leave room between your vehicle and the cyclist.
• Watch for bicyclists crossing your path with looking or giving you a signal; this is very common with children bicyclists

Sharing the Road with School Buses

It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.  Remember these helpful hints:

• Never pass a bus from behind if it's picking up or dropping off children
• All traffic must stop if the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended
• The most dangerous place for children is the 10 feet around the school bus; give the children ample room to safely enter and exit the bus.

BE ALERT; CHILDREN ARE NOT ONLY UNPREDICTABLE, 

THEY OFTEN IGNORE HAZARDS AND TAKE RISKS.

For more information on school safety (or any other safety programs), please contact Lieutenant Donald Slayman (Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters) at donald.slayman@iaff2969.com

Women Behind the Badge Fundraiser

(Brevard County, Fla.) - This Saturday, August 13th, Brevard County Professional Firefighters invite the public and vendors to the 2016 Women Behind the Badge Fundraiser.  Admission is FREE to the public.  All proceeds will be donated to Camp Amigo (Children's Burn Foundation).

What:   2016 "Women Behind the Badge" Fundraiser for Camp Amigo (Children's Burn Foundation)

Where: Space Coast Harley Davidson (1440 Sportsman Lane NE, Palm Bay)

When:  Saturday, August 13th (11:00 am - 4:00 pm)

Cost:    FREE to the public (vendors are asked to make a donation)

The event will feature Live Music, Food, Vendors, Games, Raffles, Car & Bike wash and much more.

Look for the the upcoming Women Behind the Badge Calendar

The Brevard County Professional Firefighter Benevolent Association is a nonprofit organization aimed to help local individuals that experience catastrophic events as well as provide assistance to local charities.  The Association is governed by Brevard County Professional Firefighters who volunteer their off-duty time to ensure our community's needs are met.

Camp Amigo exists to provide kids who have physical and emotional scars a place to be themselves and build a network of support that will last throughout their lives. The camp is fully funded by private donations and the campers stay free of charge.

For more information on the event or the organization, please contact Lieutenant Donald Slayman (Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters) at donald.slayman@iaff2969.com

Brevard County Firefighter Saves Two Kittens in One Day

(Brevard County, Fla.) - We have all heard the story about firefighters saving kittens and in Merritt Island, this proved true.  Although Firefighter Jamie Weiss didn't save the kittens from a tree, she did go above the call of duty to save these two precious kittens.

The first kitten was actually stuck in the undercarriage of a vehicle that had been traveling on Interstate-95.  The second kitten, only a few hours old, was dropped off to the fire station wrapped in a towel.  A witness said the kitten's mother was seen fleeing after giving birth just an hour prior.

Firefighter Weiss quickly put her medical training into use by cutting the umbilical cord on the newborn and providing ongoing care for both kittens.  She even stayed at the fire station for 48 hours straight while waiting for an adoption agency to arrive, just to ensure the kittens were safe and cared for.  

"I'm actually allergic to cats, or I would kept them longer," said Firefighter Weiss.  "I still have a stuffy nose and sore throat, but the important thing is the kittens are safe."

Firefighters in Brevard County have a history of caring for the area's animals.  A recent Florida Today article mentioned that Brevard County Fire Rescue carries pet oxygen masks on all ambulances and fire engines.  In 2013, Brevard Firefighters received recognition for rescuing a dog from a house fire.  In the 2013 Thanksgiving miracle, the dog appeared lifeless, but firefighters administered oxygen via the pet oxygen mask and saved the family pet.

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By: Donald Slayman

Public Information Officer

Brevard County Professional Firefighters

Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

www.facebook.com/iaff2969.PIO

Brevard County Firefighter Volunteers at Burn Camp

(Brevard County, Fla) - Becoming a firefighter is no easy task.  They run into burning buildings, they cut accident victims out of cars, they care for patients during life-threatening emergencies and they are a first-line of defense for almost any situation.  It takes vast physical and mental strength, but the most important characteristic is a desire to help others.  Firefighter Doug Worley proves this every year as he volunteers his own time at Camp Amigo.  

Firefighter Worley and his camper.
Adam received the award for Camper of the year.  

Camp Amigo is a place to provide kids that have physical and emotional scars a place to be themselves and build a network of support that will last a lifetime.  The camp is run by firefighters who volunteer their already limited off-duty time to help these children.  Volunteer Counselors, or "buddies" as they're called, are carefully selected from those in the "recovery chain" (firefighters, paramedics, nurses, doctors, physical therapists, etc.).

Firefighter Doug Worley described the experience as extremely humbling.  He continues, "The opportunity to spend a week with the campers made all my problems seem very small, especially compared to the issues and struggles these kids were facing."  During the week, Doug and other volunteer counselors spend one-on-one time with a survivor.  For that week, it's all about the children; whatever they want to do, the counselors make it happen.

Firefighter Worley pictured at his camper's college graduation

These new relationships don't end simply because the week is over.  Doug's first camper was burned in an airplane crash, causing him to miss an entire year of school.  At one point, his doctors doubted if he would ever walk again.  Doug became his counselor each year until the "camper" turned 18.  The camper's parents invited Doug to the young man's high school graduation, and this year they invited Doug to sit with them as his former camper graduated from the University of South Florida.  "It was amazing to witness and I was proud to watch this kid walk across the stage; a kid who they had little hope for a full recover after his accident," says Doug.  

Last year, because of his commitment to helping others, Doug was also selected to attend the International Association of Firefighters' (IAFF) Burn Camp in Washington D.C.  Only three children and three counselors were selected from the entire State of Florida to attend this international affair.  Kids from all over the United States and Canada were paired up with counselors as they toured the monuments, visited the Arlington National Cemetery, and even laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Although Firefighter Worley donates his own time and uses personal leave, Brevard County Fire Rescue was able to offer some Administrative Leave to help cover a portion of the time he had to miss from work.  This demonstrates not only a commitment to help others from the firefighters, but from the department as well.  Brevard County Fire Chief Mark Schollmeyer told us, "I support him 100%.  The administrative leave is the least we can do."  This support from the Fire Chief is no surprise as this April you could find Chief Schollmeyer giving up his weekend to raise money for the "March of Dimes" event in Viera.

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By: Donald Slayman

Public Information Officer

Brevard County Professional Firefighters

Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

www.facebook.com/iaff2969.PIO

Above & Beyond: Brevard County Firefighters Help Family Recover After the Tragedy

Firefighters are a special group of people.  Every day, they go above and beyond by risking their lives to save people they’ve never met.  But for many men and women on the job, the real work begins after the fire is extinguished and the smoke has cleared, especially in Brevard County.

On Wednesday, April 27^th, a family in North Satellite Beach called for help as their home caught fire.  Despite a timely response, and no injuries, the family lost all of their possessions.  In some parts of the nation, this family would have said thank you to the firefighters and never see them again…not in Brevard County. 

Members from the Brevard County Professional Firefighters spent their own time this past Friday, doing what firefighters do best…giving back to the community.  They raised money; they solicited donated items; they even showed up with construction materials to board up the home and clean the inside of all the burned debris. 

In between shoveling debris, one Brevard County Firefighter said, “We don’t just work when we’re on duty.  Being a firefighter is more than that.  It’s about taking care of the community, whether we are on the clock or donating our own time off-duty.” 

Perhaps part of the reason Brevard County Professional Firefighters are so willing to give up everything to help others is that in Brevard County, this willingness to serve starts at the top.  Just this past Saturday (April 30^th), Brevard County Manager Stockton Whitten and Brevard County Fire Chief Mark Schollmeyer spent part of their weekend raising money for the “March of Dimes March for Babies” event in Viera.

A special thanks goes to Harbor City Crossfit owner Mike Manning.  As a former Brevard County firefighter, he met up with his old coworkers to lend a helping hand.

Also a thanks to Lowes in Indian Harbor Beach and Ace Hardware in Satellite Beach for their generous donations of materials to help move the project along.

Firefighters help remove debris from burned home

Firefighters board up the home to protect from further damage

Some of the cleanup crew, including
Harbor City Crossfit owner Mike Manning 

A deserving family is proud to call
Brevard County Firefighters their Heroes

To donate to this deserving family, please visit www.gofundme.com/thomasfirefund

To view all the pictures, click Satellite Beach Cleanup


The Brevard County Professional Firefighter Benevolent Association is a nonprofit organization aimed to help local individuals that experience catastrophic events as well as provide assistance to local charities.  The Association is governed by Brevard County Professional Firefighters who volunteer their off-duty time to ensure our community's needs are met.  

For more information on the organization or to donate to the family, please contact Lieutenant Donald Slayman (Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters) at donald.slayman@iaff2969.com  

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By: Donald Slayman

Public Information Officer

Brevard County Professional Firefighters

Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

Brevard County Professional Firefighters Endorse Sheriff Wayne Ivey

(Brevard County, Fla) - Brevard County Professional Firefighters are pleased to announce their recent endorsement for Sheriff Wayne Ivey as Brevard County Sheriff.

With more than 30 years of Law Enforcement experience, Sheriff Wayne Ivey has an extensive professional background dedicated to keeping our community safe.  Prior to being elected as Brevard County Sheriff, Wayne Ivey served the citizens of Florida as a "Resident Agent in Charge" for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).  

Sheriff Ivey is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Supervision.  His background in law enforcement includes Management, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Patrol Services, Public Integrity Investigations, and Corrections.

Some of his career highlights include:

• Creating the country's first state-wide Task Force on identify theft
• Creating the Child Abduction Response Team (C.A.R.T.)
• Testifying before the United States Congress on law enforcement matters
• FDLE Special Agent of the Year
• Recognized by the Commissioner of the FDLE for Outstanding Contributions to Criminal Justice
• Honored by the National Organization of Victims Advocacy for national level work as an advocate of victim's rights and protection
• Speaker on topics such as Identify Thefit, Crime in America, Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Self Defense through Mental Preparedness.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey firmly believes that Crime Prevention and Education are vital to reduce our crime rate and protect our community.   The Brevard County Professional Firefighters believe Sheriff Ivey is a valuable asset to Brevard County and are pleased to endorse Wayne Ivey for Brevard County Sheriff.

For more information on Wayne Ivey or the heroes of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, please visit www.BrevardSheriff.com  

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Donald Slayman

Public Information Officer

Brevard County Professional Firefighters

Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

Brevard County Dispatchers are Recognized During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Dispatchers received some well deserved recognition at the Annual Public Safety Telecommunicators Picnic this weekend.

An annual picnic was arranged to show recognition to the men and women whose hard work often goes unnoticed.  Dispatchers for Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) serve as an answering point for all of BCFR's emergency and non-emergency calls.  They also dispatch and track emergency vehicles, monitor radio channels to ensure crews remain safe, provide instructions to people while emergency crews are responding, and much much more.

Ever year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored.  The week-long event is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public.  

Thank you for all the sacrifices made by our Dispatchers/Telecommunicators to create a better and safer world for the public.  Your commitment to your profession is greatly appreciated by the public safety community and the citizens you serve.

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Brevard County Professional Firefighters endorse Christina Sanchez for Judge

(Brevard County, Fla) - The Brevard County Professional Firefighters recently endorsed Christina Sanchez for Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit, Group 9.  

Christina Sanchez is an accomplished trial attorney focusing her practice in the areas of civil litigation, criminal defense and family law.  Prior to forming Sanchez Lawn Firm, P.A., she acquired extensive trial experience at the 18th Judicial Circuit Public Defenders Office, defending the indigent in Sanford, Titusville, and Viera Offices.  Thereafter, Christina worked with Gray Robinson, P.A., in their civil litigation department, where her practice focused primarily on corporate defense, insurance defense and civil trials.

After graduating from Titusville High School, Christina received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminology from Florida Southern College.  She then went to Stetson University to receive her law degree.  

As a community leader, Christina has served as President of the Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers; President of the Brevard County Bar Association - YLD; Treasurer of the Brevard Bar Foundation; Board Member of the Brevard County Red Cross; and as a judge at the local Mock Trial and National Law School Trial Team Competitions.  She also volunteers with Justice Teaching and Habitat for Humanity.

For more information on Christina Sanchez, please visit SanchezforJudge.com

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Mike Clelland Receives Endorsement from Brevard County Professional Firefighters

(Brevard County, Fla.) - The Brevard County Professional Firefighters recently endorsed Mike Clelland as a candidate for the Florida Senate.  

During a meeting at the Brevard County Professional Firefighters' Union Hall, Mike Clelland was in attendance to receive his letter of endorsement and present a class to local firefighters on the Heart and Lung Bill and presumptive laws.  Firefighters are routinely exposed to harmful conditions and despite advances in protective equipment, firefighters are at increased risk for cancer and other diseases.  These important laws protect firefighters in the event they are diagnosed with respiratory, cardiac, or cancer related ailments.

The Brevard County Professional Firefighters chose to endorse Mike Clelland because of Mr. Clelland's commitment to ensuring the firefighters serving in their communities can enjoy a safe and healthy career.

Mr. Clelland is currently running for Florida Senate.  As a retired firefighter, Mr. Clelland has dedicated his career to public service and protecting the families of Central Florida.  Mike is fed up with the way politicians in Tallahassee conduct themselves.  He's committed to finding common sense solutions that work for real people.  

Mike has an Associate's Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a law degree from Florida A&M.  Mr. Clelland specializes in providing legal services to first responders throughout Central Florida, and feels as though his hard work and commitment can be more beneficial if he can reach out to more people as part of the Florida Senate.

The Brevard County Professional Firefighters extends are sincerest gratitude for all the efforts that Mike Clelland is putting forth for firefighters, the community and the State of Florida.  To learn more about Mike Clelland or make a campaign donation, please visit ClellandForFlorida.com

To learn more about the Brevard County Professional Firefighters, please contact Lieutenant Donald Slayman (Public Information Officer) at Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

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Patriot Bikefest 2016 was a Huge Success

(Brevard County, Fla) - The first annual Patriot Bikefest was a huge success.  Last Saturday, February 13th, First Responders, vendors and the public attended the first annual Patriot Bikefest.  The event was free to the public and provided everyone a fun way to spend the day as well as support the Brevard County Firefighters Benevolent Association.

The Brevard County Professional Firefighter Benevolent Association was able to raise over $2,000 during the event that will be used to assist individuals and charities in our very own community.  

The event featured Live Music, Food, Vendors, Games, Raffles and much more.  In addition to the music and vendors, Brevard County first responders were there to show the public what they do.

As you entered the grounds, the first thing noticed was a beautiful American Flag suspended from Brevard County's Tiller truck and Palm Bay Fire Department's ladder truck.  In addition to the fire apparatus displays, Brevard County Sheriff Office sent their motorcycle and K-9 units...all the displays were huge hits, especially for the kids.

We were also grateful for an appearance by the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums (www.bpfpd.com).  The band did a great job and performed many favorites for the crowd.

The Brevard County Professional Firefighter Benevolent Association is a nonprofit organization aimed to help local individuals that experience catastrophic events as well as provide assistance to local charities.  The Association is governed by Brevard County Professional Firefighters who volunteer their off-duty time to ensure our community's needs are met.  

For more information on the event or the organization, please contact Lieutenant Donald Slayman (Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters) at donald.slayman@iaff2969.com

                        

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Patriot Bikefest 2016 - Presented by Brevard County Professional Firefighters (Feb 13th)

(Brevard County, Fla.) - On February 13th, Brevard County Professional Firefighters invite the public and vendors to the 2016 Patriot Bikefest.  Admission is FREE to the public.  Come join the fun as well as help support the Brevard County Firefighters Benevolent Association.

What:   2016 Patriot Bikefest & FunFair

Where: Space Coast Harley Davidson (1440 Sportsman Lane NE, Palm Bay)

When:  Saturday, February 13th (11:00 am - 6:00 pm)

Cost:    FREE to the public (vendors are asked to make a donation)

The event will feature Live Music, Food, Vendors, Games, Raffles and much more.  

In addition to all the fun, local first responders and emergency personnel will be available for display:

• Fire Apparatus Demonstration
• First Flight Helicopter Landing and Demonstration
• Brevard County Sheriff Office Motorcycle Unit
• And more...

The Brevard County Professional Firefighter Benevolent Association is a nonprofit organization aimed to help local individuals that experience catastrophic events as well as provide assistance to local charities.  The Association is governed by Brevard County Professional Firefighters who volunteer their off-duty time to ensure our community's needs are met.  

For more information on the event or the organization, please contact Lieutenant Donald Slayman (Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters) at donald.slayman@iaff2969.com

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Brevard County Firefighters Donate $2,000 to Breast Cancer Organization

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association was excited to share the benefits of a month long campaign for breast cancer.  Today (January 27th), IAFF 2969 President Richard Pierce and Secretary/Treasurer Chris DiSciascio presented Breast Friends with a $2,000 check.

The check was funded by proceeds from a T-shirt sale during breast cancer awareness month.  Every October, Brevard County Firefighters personally purchase special Breast Cancer shirts to wear while on duty.  The campaign exists as a fun way for our local firefighters to raise money and awareness for this important issue.  

Breast Friends is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for female cancer patients.  The organization believes no woman should go through the cancer experience alone and provides extensive support networks to ensure emotional, spiritual and physical support is available to women in need.

The Brevard County Professional Firefighter Benevolent Association is a nonprofit organization aimed to help local individuals that experience catastrophic events as well as provide assistance to local charities.  The Association is governed by Brevard County Professional Firefighters who volunteer their off-duty time to ensure our community's needs are met.  

For more information on these excellent organizations, or to donate, please contact Lieutenant Donald Slayman (Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters) at donald.slayman@iaff2969.com

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Union PIO

At the last E-board meeting, we discussed the issue of having a Public Information Officer (PIO) for our local.  Several names were considered, but the E-board felt as though it would be beneficial for the PIO to be an E-board member (to keep things simplified).  Because of my position as an E-board member and previous PIO experience, I have accepted the position.

My job has two parts, serve my internal customers (you guys/gals) and serve our external customers.  I will be available as a source of information for our membership.  I'm NOT here to replace district reps, but as a means to share information.

I also have a duty to serve external customers by promoting our organization and disseminating information in regards to events, fundraisers, union activities, political issues and any issue that can impact our organization.  

If you have any questions, you may email me at donald.slayman@iaff2969.com or text to 321.302.4246

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BOCC Meeting - 1/26/2016

Here is an update for those you that were unable to attend yesterday's Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting.
Our union showed up because of concerns of additional budget cuts. The County needs additional funds for road repairs/repaving and they are looking at departmental and CRA cuts. 

Background info: CRAs are Community Redevelopment Agencies, they are important in that they help with economic development. They are responsible for:

• preparing redevelopment for designated areas; 
• implementing the plan through various means and funding sources (such as tax increment financing, or T.I.F.);
• updating land use regulations

These budget cuts are being discussed because of the board's refusal to increase gas tax to fund the road issue. Several budget cuts were discussed directly related to fire/rescue. Because the cuts are ultimately a budget issue, the topic was Table'd (by Infintini). Public comments were allowed because other Commissioners said it wasn't fair that people showed up for a specific purpose, just for the issue to be table'd.

Commissioner Fisher (District 1) went on the record saying that our County does NOT have a budget/spending issue, but a revenue issue. Vice President Cawby was given the chance to speak and reiterated that fire/rescue (along with the rest of county) most certainly has a revenue issue, not a spending issue. We have been forced to cut the budget and there is now nothing left to cut (without seriously affecting service levels). The union supports a department that operates efficiently, but not at the expense of the safety of our members or the public that we serve.
Everyone understand, these cuts are only being "talked about," but they WILL be more formally discussed in the near future as the Board begins work on next year's budget. It is important for us, as a union, to remain informed and proactive so the Board (and our citizens) understand the importance of a properly funded fire/rescue department.

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