Polk County Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 3531

06/20/2026

Our hearts are heavy and we grieve with our brothers and sisters with the Professional Firefighters of Marion County on the loss of their brother, Firefighter Evan Lewis.

06/18/2026

IAFF Local 3531 and Polk County have opened formal negotiations regarding the potential implementation of a D-Shift schedule for Polk County Fire Rescue.

This is a collaborative effort between the County and the Union to get this process done the right way, and as quickly as responsibly possible.

Polk County continues to grow, emergency call volume continues to increase, and the demands on our firefighters continue to evolve. Across Florida, communities are recognizing the importance of modern firefighter work schedules, including recent state-level support encouraging schedules that do not exceed 42 hours per week.

While no final agreement has been reached at this time, we appreciate Polk County’s willingness to move this discussion forward and look forward to working through the process professionally, efficiently, and in good faith to accomplish our common goal.

Protect the public.
Support our firefighters.
Strengthen Polk County Fire Rescue.

06/17/2026

The Polk County burn ban has been lifted.

After tracking the weather and analyzing the county’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average, Polk County officials have repealed the May 5 burn ban.

Read the full release: https://www.polkfl.gov/news/polk-county-repeals-burn-ban-june-17-2026/

06/14/2026

🚒❤️ In Loving Memory of Engineer/Paramedic Douglas Clemons ❤️🚒

Four years have passed since we lost our brother, but time has done little to ease the void left behind.

Doug was more than a firefighter and paramedic,he was a trusted friend, a dedicated mentor, and the kind of person who made everyone around him better. Whether it was on the fireground, in the back of the ambulance, or around the kitchen table at the station, Doug brought professionalism, compassion, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the toughest days.

On June 14, 2022, Doug answered his final alarm. Though he is no longer standing beside us, his impact continues to be felt every day. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the memories we share, and the countless lives he touched throughout his career.

Today, we pause to honor and remember a brother who will never be forgotten. We miss your friendship, your laughter, and your unwavering commitment to this job and the people you served.

Until we meet again, keep watch over us, Doug.

Rest easy, brother. We have it from here. 🚒🕊️

06/12/2026

🔥 🚒82nd Annual Florida Professional Firefighters Conference – Jacksonville, FL 🔥🚒

The 82nd Annual Florida Professional Firefighters Conference in Jacksonville was a tremendous success, bringing together firefighters and labor leaders from across the state to discuss the issues that matter most to our members and their families.

We had the opportunity to hear from Senator Ed Hooper, whose leadership was instrumental in restoring the Special Risk Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to 1.5%, as well as Representative Sam Garrison, who provided valuable insight into ongoing property tax reform efforts and how those changes could impact Florida residents and public servants alike.

There is a lot happening at the state level, and even more that directly affects our members here at home. Because of that, our upcoming union meetings on June 16th and June 17th will be packed with information. We'll be sharing key updates from the conference, discussing legislative issues currently being worked on, and providing important updates on initiatives that could impact our members now and in the future.

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