Professional Firefighters of Marion County

02/28/2026

We teamed up with Marion County’s “Boss of the Sauce” Jose Juarez for this years King of the Wing!
Come out Tuesday from 5-8 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion and get you some!

01/30/2026

The purpose of the PFFMC and this page is to help educate our Marion County residents and visitors on ways to live safer, healthier and happier through resources and updates that can help save lives.

We are asking you to please • SHARE THIS POST • and ask your networks to follow the Professional Firefighters of Marion County as well. We know they will all appreciate critical content that will help protect their loved ones, pets and homes, as well as help keep them safe throughout their day.

A quick SHARE will go a long way! Thank you in advance.

01/29/2026

We have shared information on the HALO law in the past. This article seems to have people talking so we thought we’d share it and get your thoughts!

What to know about Florida's "HALO" law and what is considered obstruction, should you choose to record an ICE detainment or raid in Florida.

01/29/2026

PLEASE SHARE.

The Lifeline is for you, for colleagues, for loved ones. A simple text or call will connect you with a person ready to listen.... ready to help, without judgement.

We hope this will reach anyone who needs this or knows someone who does.

It could save a life.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text the Su***de Prevention Lifeline at 988 or reach out through chat by visiting 988lifeline.org/chat.

Veterans can call 988 and press 1.

PLEASE SHARE.

01/28/2026

If you are looking to follow and support an amazing cause, please consider Embers of Hope FL.

Embers of Hope Camp is a free 4-day, 3-night camp held at Lake Swan Camp in Melrose, Florida, for children ages 6 through 17 who have sustained a burn injury.

The camp’s mission is empowering children to embrace their burns, fostering a sense of community among peers, and promoting joy through fun-filled experiences.

Embers of Hope Camp aims to provide a safe space for campers to engage in common summer fun activities, attend breakout sessions to learn coping skills on the challenges of being a burn survivor, and talk with peers about their experiences.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575148865257

Embers of Hope Camp is a free 4-day, 3-night camp held at Lake Swan Camp in Melrose, Florida, for children ages 6 through 17 who have sustained a burn injury.

01/27/2026

The US National Weather Service Jacksonville Florida is a wonderful page to follow for weather updates across Florida and beyond.

One follower asked for clarification on the difference between "wind chill temperatures" and "freezing temperatures."

A: Wind chill temperature is what the temperature "feels like", the actual temperature with wind taken into account. This is a major factor in what drives products such as Cold Weather Advisory and Extreme Cold Watch/Warning. A Freeze Watch/Warning is based only on the actual temperature getting to 32F or lower. Freeze products are more centered around risks to things like vegetation, whereas a Cold Weather/Extreme Cold product is more focused on impacts to people.

Here is a good resource for more info: https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-ww

The combination of breezy northwesterly winds and very cold temperatures (teens and 20s) on Saturday night could drive wind chill values down to the single digits and teens, which would necessitate an Extreme Cold Watch later this week for our area.

01/26/2026

This morning was the first strategic planning workshop of 2026! The Marion County budget discussion is a year-long process, with workshops and public hearings held with staff and the general public throughout the year to cover the many various aspects of the budget.

Smaller departmental budget changes or transfers can take place throughout the year, but major appropriations and spending priority changes can only take place when planning for the new budget each fiscal year.

The budget is fully drafted and finalized by the end of September, with the new budget and fiscal year beginning October 1.

The budget is a thorough, involved process that doesn't just happen overnight! For more information about the Marion County budget, please visit: MarionFL.org/budget

01/26/2026

Key legislative advocacy events for Florida firefighters and first responders in early 2026 include the Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) initiatives and broader "Legislative Action Days" in Tallahassee.

Legislative Action Days: Held January 26-28, 2026, in Tallahassee, these days are designed to allow local leaders, including fire service representatives, to meet directly with state legislators to advocate for their communities.

Legislative Priorities and Focus Areas:

🔥 Firefighter Cancer Law & Benefits: Advocacy is focused on strengthening the Firefighter Cancer Law (HB 813 and SB 984), removing insurance barriers for retirees, and ensuring access to death benefits.

🔥 Retirement & Safety: Efforts are centered on restoring COLA for Special Risk Members in the Florida Retirement System and supporting legislation that enhances safety and health, such as the 2025-enacted HB 929, which addresses mental health, cancer, and fatigue.

🔥 Funding & Equipment: The 2025-2026 budget includes over $6 million for firefighter assistance grants and cancer decontamination equipment for various Florida counties.

Please follow the Florida Professional Firefighters as they continue to advocate for Florida's first responders!

01/23/2026

Maybe you're doing a little baking for National Pie Day? Mmmmmm.... everyone loves a delicious pie. But, would you know what to do in the event of an over fire? We've got you covered.

🔥 Keep Door Closed: If a fire starts inside the oven, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed to smother the flames.

🔥 Do Not Use Water: Never throw water on a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to spread.

🔥 Extinguish or Evacuate: If the fire persists, use a fire extinguisher (if trained) or exit the home immediately and call 911.

🔥 Cool Down: If a fire occurs, allow the oven to cool down completely before attempting to clean it or open the door.

We'd love to get invited to your home – for pie, not to fight an oven fire! Let's all do our part to stay safe in the kitchen.

01/22/2026

Sharing our page or inviting the people you follow to follow us can put important, life-saving resources in front of each of them. It helps us with our mission of keeping Marion County and everyone in it safe.

A quick share is greatly appreciated! Thank you from your PFFMC!

01/21/2026

It's cold out there and we know those space heaters can help keep everyone at home or the office warm! But, older portable heaters come with some risks.

Older portable heaters are dangerous due to missing modern safety features (like auto-shutoff for tipping), faulty wiring that can spark, potential for overloading circuits (never use extension cords!) and risks of carbon monoxide (for fuel-burning models) or burns from surfaces, necessitating regular inspection and replacement if damaged or over 10 years old, say experts from NFPA and CPSC.

Signs It's Time to Replace:
• Frayed cords, cracks in the casing, or scorch marks.
• Unusual rattling, buzzing, or burning/electrical smells.
• Taking longer to heat or not heating effectively.

Safety Tips for ANY Portable Heater:
• Keep a 3-foot clearance from flammable items (curtains, bedding).
• Plug directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord.
• Place on a flat, level surface.
• Turn off and unplug when leaving the room or sleeping.
• Ensure working smoke/CO detectors are present.
• Never refuel a fuel-burning heater while it's on or hot.

Let's all do our part to stay warm AND SAFE this chilly winter.