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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