Polk County Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 3531

06/06/2026

Supporting One of Our Community’s Caregivers

Today, we’re asking our members and community to keep a local healthcare professional and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Alicia, a nurse who has dedicated more than 20 years of service in the Emergency Department at Lakeland Regional Health, is currently fighting for her life in the SICU following a serious surgical complication.

For decades, Alicia has been there for countless patients and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Now, she and her children need the support of the community she has faithfully served.

A GoFundMe has been established by her coworkers and friends to help ease the financial burden on her family during this difficult time.

If you are able, please consider making a donation. If not, sharing this post can help reach others who may be able to assist.

Please keep Alicia, her children, her friends, and her Lakeland Regional family in your prayers as she continues this fight.



https://gofund.me/fefbf07f3

Help Alicia Fight for Her Life and Recovery On May 20, ou… Ashley Thompson needs your support for Support Alicia's Fight Against Life-Threatening Infection

05/28/2026

Today marks the final run after 19 years of dedicated service for Captain/Paramedic Heather Coburn. Heather has spent her life answering the call to serve others, first serving our country with honor in the United States Navy, and then continuing that mission here at home with Polk County Fire Rescue. For nearly two decades, she has stood beside her brothers and sisters in the fire service with strength, compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the citizens of Polk County. Through long shifts, difficult calls, sleepless nights, and countless moments of sacrifice, Heather has been a steady leader, a trusted mentor, and a true friend to so many. Her impact cannot be measured simply in years of service, but in the lives she has touched, the patients she cared for, and the firefighters and medics she helped shape along the way. While today may close the chapter on an incredible career, the legacy she leaves behind will continue to live on throughout this department and this community for years to come. From all of your brothers and sisters within the Polk County Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 3531, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment to something bigger than yourself. We are proud to have served alongside you.
Congratulations on your well earned retirement, Captain Coburn. May this next chapter bring you the same joy and fulfillment that you gave to so many others throughout your career.

Stay safe, enjoy every moment, and never forget, you will always be family. 🚒🇺🇸

05/22/2026

A very important step forward for Florida Firefighters and their families 🚒🇺🇸

Today, Governor DeSantis signed SB 984 (DiCeglie) relating to Firefighter Cancer Benefits into law. 🎉

This legislation ensures that firefighters battling terminal occupational cancer can spend their final days at home with their families without jeopardizing their family’s death benefit.

Beginning July 1, 2026, firefighters and their families will retain access to the cancer death benefit for one year after terminating employment.

Thank you to Senator Nick DiCeglie and Demi Busatta- State Representative for their leadership, and for all the members of the Legislature who supported this important clarification for Florida’s firefighters and their families. Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis for signing this good bill into law.

This is an important step forward for firefighter families across Florida we were proud to champion. 🇺🇸🚒

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

⛳️ Golf Scramble Registration is OPEN ⛳️

https://forms.gle/qXdW2hjH9cZdAh9Z7

05/08/2026

Couldn’t be more happy for the men and women of Professional Firefighters of Marion County for securing the best schedule in the business as well as a very competitive salary increase. This is a strong investment in the fire department by strong county leaders who understand what it takes to care for those who care for the community they represent. Congratulations to all involved!!

05/06/2026

The burn ban in Polk County and surrounding municipalities has been reinstated and back in effect.

04/28/2026

An opportunity to participate in an informal discussion and get financial questions answered by a professional!

04/27/2026

One of our brothers in Pasco County Firefighters Local 4420 needs us.

Firefighter Frank McBride is in the middle of a fight no one signs up for. Cancer has hit way too many in this job, and this is one of those times where the brotherhood actually matters.

They’ve got a fundraiser this Saturday. If you can make it, get out there and support. If you can’t, share it or donate.

Show up how you can. That’s what we do.

🔥 This Saturday – Stand With Firefighter McBride 🔥

This Saturday, we come together for one of our own.

Join us May 2nd as we rally behind Firefighter Frank McBride in his fight against cancer. The support from our community has been incredible—and now it’s time to show up in a big way.

📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026
📍 International Beer Garten – Lutz
⏰ 2:00 PM

💥 What to expect:
• Raffles & Silent Auctions
• Great Food, Drinks & Music
• Fundraiser Shirts & Merchandise
• A powerful show of support for Frank and his family

❤️ Every dollar raised goes directly to help Frank through this fight.

Can’t make it? You can still support here:
👉 www.iaff4420.org/mcbride

Let’s fill the place and show Frank what this brotherhood is all about.

04/25/2026

Congratulations to Captain Dixon Palma and Matt Kinsey on earning the Silver Medal in the Marksman Division of the 5-Stand Clay Shooting event at the 2026 First Responder Games. Way to represent PCFR and the Polk County Professional Firefighters 💪🥈