Fire Rescue Professionals of Alachua County IAFF Local 3852

08/16/2026

IAFF 58th Biennial Convention | Arlington, Texas

The Fire Rescue Professionals of Alachua County, IAFF Local 3852, were proud to be represented at the 58th Biennial Convention of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), hosted in Arlington, Texas.

Representing Local 3852 as delegates were:

President Lowery
1st Vice President Robbins
Secretary/Treasurer Jarvis

The IAFF Biennial Convention brings together professional firefighters, paramedics, and union leaders from across the United States and Canada to conduct the business of our International, establish priorities for the future, and address issues affecting our members and the fire service.

Throughout the convention, our Local 3852 delegates had the opportunity to participate in important discussions, consider resolutions, cast votes, and represent the interests of the firefighters and paramedics who serve the citizens of Alachua County.

The week also got off to a memorable start on Sunday, when IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly threw out the honorary first pitch at the Texas Rangers game. It was a great opportunity to see the IAFF and the professional fire service recognized on a national stage while delegates from across the International gathered in Arlington for the convention.

Attending the IAFF Convention is about more than representing our Local at a meeting. It is about having a voice in the direction of our profession, strengthening relationships with our brothers and sisters from across the IAFF, and bringing information and ideas back home that can help us continue advocating for our members, their families, and the communities we serve.

We are proud of President Lowery, 1st Vice President Robbins, and Secretary/Treasurer Jarvis for representing Fire Rescue Professionals of Alachua County, IAFF Local 3852, in Arlington.

One Local. One Voice. One IAFF.

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

A special thanks to our great counselors:
Ed Stojinski
Alyssa Hardin

And are amazing cooking crew:
Grant Bosier
Peter Gaines
Jim Bruce
Jacob Brown

🌟 **This Week at Embers of Hope Camp!** 🌟

Our amazing crew members dedicated four days as counselors at the Embers of Hope camp, providing support and joy to kids who have bravely overcome burn injuries. 💖

A huge shoutout to Local 3852 for their generosity in cooking breakfast for all the campers this morning! Your kindness made the day even brighter. 🍳✨

07/24/2026

Congratulations Drew!!!

07/03/2026

🎆🇺🇸 HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, ALACHUA COUNTY! 🇺🇸🎆

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate our nation's independence, the Alachua County Professional Firefighters Local 3852 encourages everyone to make safety part of your celebration.

Whether you're enjoying a neighborhood barbecue, attending a fireworks show, or spending time outdoors, a few simple precautions can help prevent injuries and fires.

🎇 Fireworks Safety • Leave fireworks to the professionals whenever possible. • Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks. • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby. • Never relight a firework that doesn't go off. • Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water before throwing them away.

🔥 Grilling Safety • Keep grills at least 10 feet away from homes, decks, and anything that can burn. • Never leave a grill unattended. • Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the cooking area. • Check propane connections before lighting your grill. • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.

Our firefighters are proud to serve this community every day. This Independence Day, help us by celebrating responsibly so everyone can enjoy a safe holiday.

From all of us at Alachua County Professional Firefighters Local 3852, we wish you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July!

🇺🇸 Celebrate Freedom. Celebrate Responsibly. Stay Fire Safe.

06/11/2026

Congratulations Monica Weaver!!

05/29/2026

Congratulations Chief Theus on your retirement. We wish you all the best!!

05/22/2026

Congratulations Bernie on your Retirement!!

Congratulations on your Retirement, Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska!

After 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Orlando, we celebrate the retirement of a true legend in the fire service.

Bernie’s impact reaches far beyond Orlando. Through his tireless work with both Local 1365 and the Florida Professional Firefighters, he has helped shape the future of the fire service across our state and has been a steadfast advocate for firefighters and their families. His leadership, passion, and commitment have left a lasting mark on countless careers and lives throughout Florida.

While his accomplishments are many, it’s the relationships he built, the members he mentored, the stories he’s told, and the battles he fought on behalf of firefighters that will define his legacy. The fire service is better because of Bernie, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has done for our profession.

Thank you for your 25 years of service, your unwavering dedication, and your countless contributions to Local 1365, the FPF, and the City of Orlando.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement, brother.