I would like to take the opportunity to wish our members and their families a blessed and prosperous 2010. I trust that each of you will make this year even better than the last.
One of my personal goals for 2010 is dedicate more time to improving my community. Someone once said “What a man only does for himself dies with him; but what he does for his community lasts a life time. I challenge everyone to dedicate more time to making Jacksonville a better place to live.
Most of you know that the JBOF established a Fire Exploring Post during the summer of 2009 on the north side of Jacksonville. What you’re probably not aware of is that Post 83 has been officially endorsed by the JFRD and our Explorers enjoy all of the rights and privileges of our sister organization, Post 29. This is a huge step forward for one of the most underserved areas of city.
Now, all our Explorers need is help from our members. We would like for the members of Post 83 to learn and interact with as many JFRD firefighters as possible; after all, we are experts in every aspect of the fire service. We meet every first and third Wednesday at the JBOF building. .
Our goal is to provide classroom and practical fire service experience, as well as teaching our Explorers the value of community service. The only way that we can continue this on a regular basis is with help from you. Please add this awesome opportunity to your schedules so that our explorers will benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience that we possess.
If you haven’t heard, the JBOF is hosting the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters 2010 Southeast Region Spring Conference on April 28 – May 1. We have an outstanding conference committee that spent an untold number of hours coming up with a schedule of events that will make you proud. Our guests will have the opportunity to golf at Queens Harbor, deep sea fish on the Majesty, participate in our Opening Ceremony with city officials, attend the 1st Annual Community Awards Luncheon, and attend workshops in Equal Employment Opportunity, Emergency Medical Service, and Fire Service Community Relations Issues.
In addition to business, we have also scheduled ample opportunity to let loose and have some fun. To kick off the conference, we will indulge in an evening of jazz, socializing and cocktails. We will also have a 70’s Party were our guess will be able to regress back to the “good old days” and dress up in their best bell bottom jeans, tight silk shirts and platform shoes. The event that we anticipate will draw the biggest crowd is the 3rd Annual Third Alarm Fashion and Party. It is a must that you come out to see the finest men and women of the JFRD and other fire departments throughout the southeast model the latest in urban wear, firefighting gear and swim suites.
Please click on any of the conference events on the scrolling banner on the home page of jbof.org to purchase tickets or learn more about our Post 83 or the 2010 Spring Conference.