I hope this letter finds everyone in good health and spirit. We are all very busy right now and many changes and activities are taking place within our Department and our Local.

Some of the items your Union is working on include, reviewing health and safety around our Department, writing new language for our contracts, creating a fund raiser activity and exposing ourselves in the political area.

Also, I believe that health is a personal decision. The main station crew on A Shift with motivation from Paul McKelvery has developed a small informal workout program. We drag hose, flip tires, lift weights and carry hi-rise packs all in gear. He and I are also working to formalize a program that we could use for a possible Department agility test during our hiring process and an interdepartmental competition. I know that many stations do not have immediate access to this type of equipment but if each station were interested in putting together a few simple exercise tasks, we could pool some resources and make some things happen. Possibly combining stations in a central location. I feel that if we show a Departmental wide enthusiasm for this benefit we could work with Chief Patterson to create a process for this. Please contact Paul to express your desire to get healthy!

Contract. After much consideration your contract team has committed to a status quo contract for the 2010-2011 year. Please attend one of the three meetings set up to discuss.

Fund Raising. We are setting up a bowl-a-thon fund raiser that will benefit Camp Amigo (children burn survivors) and our Brother in Flagler County. I have been involved in these before and they are a lot of fun. Look for the flyers to be out soon.

Politics. On a local level, there are a couple of ways we will be involved. Let’s start with the BOCC Seats. District 4, which is presently held by Ed Taylor, is being challenged by Ben Good (D) and Amber Vance (R). I envision our Union sponsoring a debate or Q and A session with the candidates prior to the primary elections. I have spoken with them and they are looking forward to the event. As for as District 2, Chip Liabl is presently unopposed.

Florida House District 21 is essentially Charles VanZant since Linda decided not to run. The FPF has endorsed Charles with a letter and $500.

Finally, Don Holmes a local attorney contacted our Local to ask for an endorsement. I met with him and spent approximately an hour finding out about him. Soon after I contacted several community leaders and researched Mr. Holmes. He is very well connected and respected within our community, which could come back to us many times over.

On a regional level, our Brothers in Daytona Beach contacted me to ask for our help with a judge that they were endorsing; his name is Joe Horrox. Mr. Horrox comes well respected in their area and is a good fit for their political needs. I spent approximately 30 minutes on the phone with him asking him how he could be affective for the Daytona Beach Local. I was satisfied with his answers.

One final political note I wanted everyone to be aware of, the PCSO is in the process of forming a union. I have been in touch with a few of the rising principals and we are keeping an eye on what they are doing. This may be of benefit to our Local in the future.

Web Site. I will be meeting with a professional web master and network specialist soon to set up a password protected area on our site. This area will only be accessible to union members with the proper credentials. We will place sensitive information such as contract items within theses pages. Remember this is a Union site, please keep it confidential.

We also need pictures for the Hot Shots page!!

To close, I wanted everyone to know what is happening with your union and I appreciate you taking time to read this and visiting the web site. I have visions of what our Union can accomplish, and they are great. If we pull together we can accomplish anything.

Be Safe,
Dwight