Biloxi Firefighters Association IAFF Local 1583

09/02/2026

A big thank-you to Jeff Benker with Elkhart Brass for taking the time to meet with some of our crews, share his knowledge, and provide hands-on training with foam operations.

We appreciate Jeff investing his time in our firefighters and helping us sharpen the skills that keep our crews prepared. Strong training makes a stronger fire service.

08/20/2026

Our members traded turnout gear for yoga mats yesterday—and quickly discovered a whole new kind of pain!

A big thank-you to the instructors from Crunch Fitness of Long Beach for coming to Station 7 and leading the crew through yoga and Pilates. There were plenty of laughs, a few questionable poses, and muscles being used that some of the guys didn’t know they had.

We appreciate Crunch Fitness for supporting our firefighters and helping keep our members healthy, mobile, and ready for the job! 💪🧘‍♂️👨🏻‍🚒

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08/16/2026

🚒🔥 Biloxi Firefighters Association Local #1583 T-shirts for sale!

Shirts are $25 ($20 for Union members)

Cash or Venmo

DM us or text VP Blaylock at 228-238-8728 to snag your shirt and support your Local! 🚒🔥

Challenge coins and stickers also available!

08/14/2026

The 58th IAFF Convention came to a close last night after a week filled with important discussions and votes that will shape our union for years to come.

Another proud moment was watching Brother Johnny Bass receive the IAFF Local Leadership Award. Johnny’s tireless work and dedication to organizing and strengthening our union—especially in one of the hardest states in the country to organize—made this honor incredibly well-earned and well-deserved.

It was also a chance to honor Brother Danny Todd, who is retiring after dedicating 31 years to fighting for the members of the Fighting 14th—the toughest district in the IAFF. As the saying goes, “If you can union in the 14th, you can union anywhere.”

It was an honor to stand alongside the rest of the Scrappers of the Fighting 14th as the delegates unanimously named Danny DVP Emeritus. There could not be a more fitting tribute to his lifetime of service.

A huge congratulations also goes to Brother Chad Major on being elected as our new 14th District Vice President. We’re proud to stand with you, Brother.

Now it’s time for us to get to work.

08/13/2026

We couldn’t be prouder to see our PROFAM President, Johnny Bass, receive the 2026 IAFF Local Leadership Award.

Mississippi is one of the toughest states in the country to organize, but Johnny never backs down from the challenge. Those who know him understand the time, effort, and heart he puts into building our union and representing Mississippi’s professional firefighters. He works tirelessly behind the scenes, always shows up when he’s needed, and is simply a great guy who genuinely cares about our members and their families.

This honor is well earned and well deserved. Congratulations, Brother Bass—we’re proud to have you leading PROFAM!

08/11/2026

Day 2 at the 58th !

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA International President Sara Nelson addressed delegates, speaking about the bond between flight attendants and firefighters forged through some of our nation’s most difficult moments, including September 11. Twenty-five years later, the promise remains the same: Never Forget.

IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Lima also addressed delegates on the financial health of our union, the per capita process, and the cost factor resolutions before the convention.

“The fiscal health of our union, your IAFF, is stronger than it has ever been.”

From there, we went into business session—debating resolutions, casting votes, and making decisions that will help shape the future of the IAFF.

Biloxi Local 1583 is proud to be here, representing our members and having a voice in the direction of our union.

08/11/2026

From President Whitehead

Sitting in the room today and hearing General President Edward Kelly speak about what the IAFF has fought for—and continues to fight for—I kept coming back to one thought:

I honestly don’t understand how a firefighter wouldn’t want to be a proud member of this union.

Cancer protections. Staffing. Collective bargaining. Safer gear. Presumptive laws. Benefits for our families. Legal representation. Training. Mental health. Fighting for members who have been wronged and standing beside families when the absolute worst happens.

Those things didn’t just happen. Firefighters before us fought for them. Union members fought for them.

Being IAFF isn’t just paying dues or carrying a card. It’s knowing that when one of us has a fight, we don’t have to fight it alone.

GP Kelly said it best:

“We are an investment in each other, and the return on that investment is the protection of our families.”

That’s what this is about.

Proud to represent Biloxi Local 1583.
Proud to be IAFF.
Proud to be ALL IN. 🔥



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“All in is a promise we make, and it starts with the job,” General President Edward Kelly said during the 58th Convention Opening Ceremony.

08/10/2026

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We refuse to accept the status quo. Convention is where we come together and raise our sights. It’s where we reaffirm our commitment to leave the union better than we found it.

This is — for the job, for each other, and for the future.

08/10/2026

🔥 Opening Ceremonies are underway in Arlington!

IAFF delegates from every corner of the United States and Canada are together and ready to get to work.

The conversations, the connections, and the work happening on and off the convention floor all matter as we help shape the future of our union and leave it better than we found it.

🔥 IAFF Local 1583 Biloxi is in the house and proud to represent our members on the national stage!

08/05/2026

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Our retired brother, Mike Welch, has made some progress, but he still has a long road to recovery.

After what was thought to be a sinus infection, Mike suffered a catastrophic brain bleed that led to multiple brain surgeries, seizures, strokes, and the discovery of a rare blood clotting disorder. He continues to fight every day, while his wife remains by his side and their medical expenses continue to grow.

If you’re able, please consider donating to help ease the financial burden on Mike and his family. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please keep Mike, his family, and his medical team in your prayers.

Thank you for your support and for sharing this fundraiser.

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