Welcome to Polk County Professional Firefighters
Thank you for your interest in Local 3531. Our goal is to maintain the highest level of safety, to provide fair and equal compensation, the establishment of just and reasonable working conditions, and to promote relations between firefighters and their employer in an effort to serve Polk County citizens. We continue to strive daily in helping the citizens of Polk County not only obtain the highest level of emergency service we can, but also to be an advocate for public safety and awareness whenever possible. Enjoy your visit.
News
Weingarten Rights
If you are ever called into an interview meeting with your supervisor or manager so that they can investigate a situation which might result in discipline, you have specific representational rights. (read more)
Monitoring your cholesterol is crucial to preventing heart disease. You'll find the best foods for reducing cholesterol levels on the IAFF Fit to Survive web site. The site has been updated with new recipes for the holidays, tools, tips and advice for staying active, fit and healthy. Visit the newly updated IAFF Fit to Survive web site at for all of the latest updates and recipes.
News Archives
Dear Brothers and Sisters of IAFF Local 3531 and IAEP Local R5-917.
As some of you may know, my wife has Multiple Sclerosis and she has to deal with that disease for the rest of her life. There is no cure and the best way to deal with the disease is to treat the symptoms.
Last year she established the DAV Multiple Sclerosis/Neurological Issues Support Group, a support group within the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #28. Each year we have performed some type of event to help raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis, for the last two years we have participated in the National MS Walk in Tampa, but this year we are doing something different, we want the proceeds from this year’s event to predominantly stay here locally rather than out nationally. Because Multiple Sclerosis is a life long debilitating disease and many of our support group members are limited on the type and amount they can work, the disease limits their household income. Many of our members are also Veterans, men and women whom have served our country with honor and distinction, but still must deal with a debilitating disease and not all are service connected.
This year, we, the DAV Chapter #28 and the MS/Neurological Support Group have decided to have a Poker Run as a fund raiser. 100 miles of riding through Polk County.
There’s a lot more information on our website, a quick link to PR page is on the home page of www.DAVChapter28.org
Gus & Lisa Garcia
DAV-MS Support Group
8 Hour Benefit Scenario Paintball Game ~ EMS -VS- FIRE
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Click Here For More Info
Property Tax reform
View a pdf from the FPF related to the property tax reform.
New Local 3531 T-shirts
New shirts have arrived and are available at the union hall. Click here for pictures.
Local 3531 gets new Union Hall!
City Denies Officer's Health Claim
LAKELAND -- Feeling run down and fatigued, Lakeland police officer Sonny Polk cut short his usual night shift patrolling the city's south side and took a trip to Watson Clinic. Polk, then 39, went to the urgent care clinic May 16 expecting to get medicine for the flu, but he got a much more serious diagnosis. He had just suffered a heart attack. After a month of mounting medical bills, Polk said he filed a claim with the city of Lakeland under a state law, commonly called the Heart/Lung Bill, intended to compensate firefighters, law enforcement and correctional officers who suffer heart and lung injuries while on the job. But Polk said the city quickly denied his workers' compensation claim. He is not alone.
Several lawyers said they are working with dozens of employees whose claims under the law have been denied. Geoffrey Bichler, Polk's lawyer, said his Orlando firm is working with five Lakeland police officers and firefighters whose claims have been rejected. "I'll guarantee you there is more than five cases. These are the people who found their way to my office. "We have 10 filed in Hillsborough County, and they've all been denied. To ask how many we have is more than I can tell you -- it's an epidemic." Lawyer Alan Aronson said his firm represents dozens of Heart/Lung Bill cases throughout South Florida. "I've got five cases going to trial and unfortunately a lot of those cases have been appealed," said Aronson, who works for the Rosenthal & Levy law firm out of West Palm Beach. The law, created about 35 years ago, was first established for firefighters who were given a clean bill of health during a medical screening before they were hired, but later suffered a heart attack, heart disease, hypertension or related illnesses. Under the law, illnesses are presumed to be work-related and firefighters are to be compensated by their employer. In 2002, law enforcement and correctional officers were added to the law. Currently, Polk's health insurance provided by the city is covering most of his medical bills. But Polk pays at least $100 a month in co-payments for prescriptions, and while his insurance picked up most of the bill for his bypass surgery in May, he has to pay about $3,300
"These are co-payments he shouldn't have to pay," Bichler said. The Polk County chapter of the Police Benevolent Association threw a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Polk at Il Forno's restaurant Aug. 21 and has raised nearly $4,000 so far to offset medical costs, said Nick Marolda, president of the local PBA. If he wins his case, all of Polk's medical expenses related to the heart attack would be paid for life, Bichler said. Polk is also seeking compensation for lost vacation days and sick leave. He said he's already gone through his sick days and vacation time. After doctors say Polk has reached his "maximum medical improvement," which is essentially saying that his health and heart are as good as they're going to get after his heart attack, he would receive a one-time payment of between $5,000 and $10,000 under "impairment benefits" provided through workers' compensation. Polk is not making a million-dollar claim, which makes it hard to understand why the city denied him, Bichler said.
On June 20, Polk said a city nurse called about his claim and asked him to sign a medical release form. "But in the same conversation she said she was `going to be frank' and said the claim would be denied. She said, `That's the way things are done,' "Polk said. "Before they had medical records, they denied the claim." Lakeland lawyer Dennis Ross, whose firm handles workers' compensation claims for the city, said each Heart/Lung Bill claim is considered on a case-by-case basis. As for whether Polk's claim was automatically denied, Ross said he could not talk about specific cases.Karen Lukhaub, director of risk management for the city, said the case will be decided by a judge in compensation claims court but wouldn't comment further. A court hearing was held Sept. 12 and the next phase is mediation, Polk said. Ross said the city has the right to show that the officer or firefighter had a pre-existing condition before they were hired or that the injury was caused by other risk factors, such as smoking. "It's up to the judge," Ross said. Bichler said smoking, family history and high cholesterol levels are risk factors, but it's "impossible scientifically to determine what causes" heart disease, heart attacks and hypertension.
Bichler said the city's attitude about the Heart/Lung Bill isn't uncommon. "There are so many municipal governments that attack this law. The reality is they don't like the law. "This is pure shenanigan as far as I'm concerned. They're denying this thing hoping (Polk) goes away or is looking for some loopholes so they can escape liability. We shouldn't be playing games with these people's lives," Bichler said.
BACK ON THE JOB
For four months, Polk's patrol car sat idle outside his home. On Sept. 13, after months of rehabilitation and doctor's visits, Polk returned to work. While on short-term sick leave, Polk was still being paid. He's been taking a rainbow of prescription pills for his heart. He's also lost 20 pounds since his heart attack and bypass surgery in May. The seven-year LPD veteran said his 1998 medical screening was cleared before he put on his police uniform. His EKG, a test that screens for cardiovascular disease, came back normal, according to his medical records. So did other heart tests. His blood pressure was high, Polk says, because of "white coat syndrome," which is when patients are afraid to see the doctor. But when it was checked a few minutes later, it also came back normal, Polk said. He said he's never smoked, has good eating habits and exercises regularly. But his father had a heart attack and died during surgery, Polk said. Polk, now 40, said he knows the city will try to use this against him.
MS Walk for the Cure
As most of you know, my wife, Lisa, has been stricken with Multiple Sclerosis. She had been dealing with this disease since 1989-1990 until she was finally diagnosed in 2005. In an effort to help find a cure, the MS Society of Central Florida schedules a MS Walk for the Cure each year in Tampa, Florida. Last year together we raised $750.00 in just 3 weeks to help find a cure. This year we are starting 7 weeks out and so far this year we have raised $100.00 and are asking for your help, just $3.00 per mile for 3 miles.
We have created a website with information about MS, the walk for a cure, links to informative websites, and of course, pictures. Please visit our website and learn more about Multiple Sclerosis and what you can do to help. If you know anyone who has MS, please pass this site on to them, maybe they can gather some information on the symptoms, current medications and free medication studies, or even disability entitlements, particularly Veterans Benefits. http://home.earthlink.net/~tbl5142/. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please e-mail me. I am new to non-profit fundrasing and could use any help possible.The funny thing about MS, it can affect anyone, at any time. Just think about it, a slip and fall may cause MS, inoculations may cause MS, enviromental circumstances may cause MS. We really don’t know the cause, but we do know it’s not contagious, the body’s own immune system starts to attack the CNS (Central Nervious System) on it’s own. Thank you for your prayers and support,
Gus Garcia
County commision meeting
On August 23, 2006 we will be speaking to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. Gus Garcia has been scheduled to speak after the County Manager speaks, which will be sometime between 1100 hours and 1400 hours. August 23, is a C-shift, We would be very grateful for your attendance.
News story pertaining to Firefighters riding in to the hospital. Available on Firehouse.com. Read more.....
The International Association of Fire Fighters has partnered with National Paramedic Institute (NPI) to offer continuing education credits for IAFF first responder, EMT and paramedic members. Canadian and U.S. members who access NPI online training programs via the IAFF web site are eligible for discounts on individual training required for EMS certification at all levels. IAFF members will receive a discount when registering for EMS continuing education modules using their IAFF membership number. Fire departments throughout the United States and Canada are also eligible for discounts with their subscription to National Paramedic Institute EMS education modules through their local IAFF affiliate. For more information or to register, click here.
A summary of a NIOSH firefighter fatality investigation is now finished and available to read here.Congratulations!!!!!!!!
Fit to survive answers burning questions.
Visit the newly updated IAFF Fit to Survive web site and find out why the same number of calories burn off differently for everyone – even if you do the same activity at the same pace for the same amount of time. In addition, our Burner Calculator tells you how many calories you use in a given time when you do one of 40-plus activities shown. Just enter your weight, the length of your workout and your chosen activity -- the stopwatch will do the rest.
Visit Fit to Survive and learn how many calories you need to burn to lose weight. Fit to Survive has also been updated with new tools, tips and advice for staying active, fit and healthy. Visit Fit to Survive for all of the latest updates and recipes.
Tell-a-friend!
Five alarm fire in Downtown Bartow.
BARTOW, FL - At 06:59 am on June 6th, 2005, Bartow Fire Department received a call for a smoke smell in a business located at 290 East Main Street. Training 1 (the writer of this story) immediately called Polk County Fire Rescue for assistance. This first request was for PCFR Ladder 13 and Engine 32 (Third alarm). This also activated PCFR Battalion Chiefs 3 and 5 along with a safety officer.
Polk County Fire Rescue adds another ALS Engine to its fleet.
Polk County Fire Rescue started it's 4th ALS engine at our Providence Station 23 in North Lakeland on Monday, April 11th, 2005. Engine 23 is the latest ALS upgrade in a program that started in October of 2003 and proven to be a true life saver. Read more......
Polk County and Lakeland Firefighters battle stubborn demolition trailer fire.
POLK COUNTY, FL - Late Tuesday afternoon, April 19th, 2005, Polk County Firefighters from Station 23 in Providence were dispatched to a fire in a trailer used to store debris from a house under demolition. Read more.....
Polk County Fire Battles travel trailer fire
Polk Co Fire Rescue E-23 rapidly gained control of this blaze involving an Airstream camper/trailer. Under the command of Lt Dean Hrobar, E-23 made a rapid aggressive attack to contain and extinguish the fire which unfortunately destroyed the Airstream.
County Manager Herr Says Service Merger a Bad Idea
Polk manager thinks grouping Sheriff's Office, Public Safety won't help efficiency. By Tom Palmer The Lakeland Ledger. Read more...
Rev Up Your Engines for the Ride For Life!
April 5, 2005 – Join IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger and fellow IAFF members for the 2005 Ride for Life to benefit the MDA scheduled for April 30-May 1, 2005. Read more...
IAFF Launches Frontline News Brief eNewsletter
March 9, 2005 – The IAFF is introducing a “Frontline News Brief,” an e-mail newsletter featuring fire service-related news, stories and information. The bi-weekly News Brief will be e-mailed to IAFF affiliate leaders and other IAFF members. View a preview of Frontline News Brief.
Polk County Firefighters handle multi-fatal accident on Highway 60
Polk County Firefighters were busy again with yet another multiple fatality vehicle accident on Highway 60. Read More.....
IAFF Creates Motorcycle Club
At the 2004 IAFF Convention in August 2004, a resolution was adopted to create a Motorcycle Club for active and retired IAFF members and members of recognized affiliates. Currently, the IAFF is developing recommendations for the organizational structure, mission, standards of conduct, policies and by-laws, web site and merchandise for the IAFF Motorcycle Club.
“We have literally tens of thousands of members interested in participating in this club, including me,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “The IAFF Motorcycle Club will bring together members from across the our International union in a manner that’s not focused solely on the work our members do every day.”
General President Schaitberger has appointed an ad hoc committee comprised of IAFF officers and members who are also motorcycle enthusiasts to assist in launching the IAFF Motorcycle Club. IAFF 7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh will chair the committee and Jim Judd, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Utah will serve as vice chair. “I’ve appointed these trusted friends and advisors because the initial presentation and policies of this club will be extremely important to the club’s success for those who participate and for the IAFF,” explains Schaitberger. The first committee meeting is scheduled for March during the 2005 IAFF Legislative Conference in Washington, DC.
Mortgage Loans for Members
Through the IAFF Financial Corporation and Nationwide Advantage Mortgage, IAFF members can obtain low-rate, low-cost home mortgage loans (to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage) which offers several benefits that other mortgage companies can’t offer, such as: flexible down payments; lower rates; no loan origination fee; fast, free approval decisions; and best price guarantee. For more information, go to www.iaff-fc.com and click on Home Mortgage Program or talk to an expert mortgage agent by calling 1-888-630-9099 from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. eastern time on Mon.-Fri. or 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. eastern time on Saturday.
Red Knights Motorcycle Club
RKMC FL 10
The Red Knights Motorcycle Club is an organization of Firefighters, E.M.T's and paramedics who ride motorcycles. There are chapters allover the world. All of the "locals" fall under international chapter which is known as Red Knights International. Red Knights of Polk County Website.
IAFF Credit Cards
There are two options available to members. The corporate card is available for use by locals. Benefits include no annual fee, car rental insurance, and travel insurance. The member card is available to anyone with an IAFF membership. Benefits include no annual fee, 24-hour customer service, travel insurance, and ATM accessibility. For more information on these credit cards, please visit upcard.com or call Union Plus at 1-800-622-2580.
Operation Dream Flight
Polk County Firefighters Local 3531 sponsored a group of 30 terminally ill children on a Dream Flight to the Magic of Disney World for a week. Here are some pictures of the event.
The ultimate Sacrifice.....
