Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals Local 3101

06/19/2026

At our monthly meeting Thursday morning, our membership voted to endorse incumbent A.M. Huppmann for Nassau County District 2 Commissioner.

Both Mr. Huppmann and Mrs. Dotson attended our meeting to participate in a Q&A with our membership. This race has been one we have carefully considered for more than a month. We sincerely appreciate Mrs. Dotson taking the time to meet with our members and answer their questions. However, after hearing from both candidates, our membership ultimately believed Commissioner Huppmann is the best candidate for public safety.

Before the pitchforks and torches come out, we ask that you take a moment to read why our members reached this decision.

During his interview with our Political Vetting Committee, Commissioner Huppmann was introduced to the proposals Local 3101 presented during contract negotiations. He openly admitted that the Board of County Commissioners was never provided much of the information our negotiating team presented to the County’s bargaining team, which consisted of upper management and an outside attorney. He acknowledged that it was his first experience with contract negotiations and candidly admitted that he got it wrong.

He explained that the Board’s primary focus was increasing wages and improving starting pay. In doing so, they failed to recognize the long-term impact that reducing benefits for future hires would have in order to achieve those wage increases.

The difference our members saw between the incumbents we interviewed was simple: Commissioner Huppmann accepted responsibility. He told us that, knowing what he knows today about our proposal and the impact those benefit reductions have on our members, he would change his vote if given the opportunity.

Commissioner Huppmann also outlined a plan to improve communication between Local 3101 and the Board of County Commissioners during future contract negotiations. As permitted by law, he committed to sitting in on portions of future negotiations so commissioners have a better understanding of the issues being discussed. He went even further, telling our membership that he spoke to his management team and expressed his concerns of negotiations remaining professional and productive and assured us that our next round of bargaining would not be as contentious.

One of the topics Commissioner Huppmann emphasized most was mental health in the fire service. While others have often minimized or dismissed the mental health challenges firefighters face, Commissioner Huppmann’s first question was, “What can I do to make mental health a priority?” That resonated with our membership.

When asked about transitioning to a 24/72 shift schedule, Commissioner Huppmann was open to the idea. His only reservation was the financial cost of implementation. More importantly, he expressed a willingness to work alongside Local 3101 to develop a five-year vision for Nassau County Fire Rescue—one that addresses wages, benefits, staffing, working conditions, and the overall future of our department.

Finally, Commissioner Huppmann showed humility. He acknowledged there were decisions he would have made differently during his first term and stated that, if reelected, he intends to do more research, ask more questions, and make better-informed decisions. He listened to our members instead of talking over them. He answered questions directly instead of boasting about accomplishments. Our membership appreciated his honesty, humility, accountability, and genuine willingness to improve.

For those reasons, the members of Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals Local 3101 proudly endorse A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann for Nassau County District 2 Commissioner.

Let’s Re-Up Hupp!

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Today, our good friends from Building Battle Buddies stopped by to visit, bringing along two incredible pups—one of which was the bestest boy, Loki!

They presented our Local with a beautiful thank-you plaque in appreciation of our support for their organization. We are truly honored to partner with such an outstanding group that is making a real difference in the lives of Veterans and First Responders across Northeast Florida.

Your Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals are proud to stand alongside Building Battle Buddies, and we look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting their mission for years to come.

Thank you for all that you do!

06/17/2026

Welcome back to another reason why we believe Cheryl Plaugher is the right choice for Nassau County Commission, District 4.

6. What experience, if any, have you had with labor unions (member, employee, employer, etc.)?

“My husband has served with two different Sheriff’s Offices during his law enforcement career—one with union representation and one without. Through those experiences, I have seen firsthand the meaningful difference a strong labor union can make for employees and their families.

Having observed both environments, I understand the value of collective bargaining in securing fair compensation, quality benefits, workplace protections, and a voice for employees. I have also witnessed the challenges that arise when those protections and advocacy are absent.

While I have never been a union member myself, these experiences have given me a genuine appreciation for the important role labor unions play in supporting the men and women who dedicate their careers to public service.”

We appreciated Cheryl’s honesty. She didn’t claim to be something she’s not. Instead, she shared her real-life experiences, listened to our members, and demonstrated an understanding of the challenges facing first responders and other public employees.

That’s exactly what we look for in an elected official—someone who listens, learns, and is willing to stand with the people who serve this community every day.

That is why your Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals proudly endorse Cheryl Plaugher for Nassau County Commissioner, District 4

06/17/2026

Thank you to Brightway Insurance for stopping by Station 40 and treating the crew to pizza!

One of the quickest ways to a firefighter’s heart is through food, and this was definitely appreciated. Thank you for your support of the men and women serving Nassau County. Community partners like you help make a difference and remind our crews that their hard work is noticed.

From all of us at Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals, thank you for the delicious lunch and your continued support! 🚒🍕

06/16/2026

Today, Station 30 had the opportunity to participate in the 4-H Growing Life Skills program. Our crew spent time with these wonderful kids teaching them basic first aid, when it’s appropriate to call 911, and the importance of having a fire safety plan at home.

Parents, if your children participated today, be sure to ask them what they learned. They should be coming home with some important topics to discuss, such as: Where do we go if our house catches fire? Who do we call in an emergency? And most importantly, if there is a fire, we get out of the house and stay out.

Thank you to 4-H for allowing our crew to be a part of today’s activities and for helping educate the next generation.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: investing in and teaching the youth of Nassau County helps shape our future. We are proud to play a small role in preparing these young people with knowledge that could one day save a life.

06/15/2026

‼️Candidate question‼️

Welcome back to question and answers from Cheryl Plaugher for Nassau County Commissioner, District 4.

What is the biggest issue you are aware of facing the Nassau County Fire
Rescue Department and how would you address this issue as an elected official?

“If elected, one of my primary responsibilities as a County Commissioner will be ensuring that public safety is never compromised as Nassau County continues to grow.

Historically, growth has not always paid for growth in Nassau County. As development continues, we must do a better job ensuring that the impacts created by new growth are not unfairly shifted onto existing residents. Growth generates additional demands on roads, infrastructure, law enforcement, fire rescue, and other essential services. I believe developers should bear a fair share of those costs so that the burden does not fall solely on taxpayers.

Public safety is not an area where we can afford to fall behind. As I discussed previously, I have concerns about whether our current staffing levels are keeping pace with the county’s rapid growth and whether excessive overtime is being used as a long-term staffing solution. Maintaining safe staffing levels for Fire Rescue and law enforcement must remain a top priority.

The firefighters and paramedics serving our community are the subject matter experts when it comes to the challenges facing their profession. If elected, they can expect me to listen, collaborate, and advocate for solutions that help recruit and retain highly qualified personnel.

That includes exploring more competitive compensation packages, incentives, benefits, and other recruitment and retention strategies that will make Nassau County a more attractive destination for first responders. As neighboring agencies continue to increase pay and benefits, we must remain competitive if we want to attract new recruits and retain the experienced professionals we already have.

My goal is simple: ensure Nassau County has the staffing, equipment, resources, and support necessary to provide the highest level of public safety while also ensuring that growth pays its fair share of the costs it creates.”

The choice is simple in August, vote for Cheryl Plaugher for District 4 Commissioner to bring new life and new views to this current board.

06/12/2026

This week, your Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals Local 3101 had the honor of participating in the 82nd Annual Florida Professional Firefighters Convention.

The Florida Professional Firefighters represents more than 31,000 firefighters and over 150 local fire unions across the State of Florida. The convention provides valuable educational opportunities for members to strengthen their knowledge and skills in areas such as contract negotiations, union representation, laws affecting Florida firefighters, workers’ compensation claims, and many other topics that directly impact our profession.

Nearly 400 delegates from locals throughout Florida gathered to discuss and vote on important resolutions and motions aimed at protecting and improving the benefits firefighters rely on. These efforts included preserving Florida Retirement System (FRS) benefits, advocating for Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) restoration, strengthening PTSD coverage, maintaining cancer protections, and defending other hard-earned defined benefits for Florida’s firefighters.

Thank you to everyone who attended and represented their locals with professionalism and dedication. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Florida Professional Firefighters for their continued advocacy at the state level, ensuring that firefighters have the protections, resources, and coverage they need to safeguard themselves and their families while they continue protecting the communities they serve.

Stronger together. United for Florida’s firefighters. 🚒🇺🇸

06/11/2026

Welcome back to day 4 of why we feel Cheryl Plaugher for Nassau County Commissioner, District 4 is the best choice to move Nassau forward. This is a long and detailed response from Cheryl. We appreciate your time reading it.

4. What do you believe are the most significant issues concerning public safety in Nassau County?

“I have been married to a police officer for over 20 years, and I also have several family members who are firefighters. Throughout their careers, I have witnessed firsthand the disconnect that can exist between those serving on the front lines and the elected officials responsible for making decisions that affect their departments.

The most significant issue I see within Nassau County is our rapid growth and whether we have been able to keep pace with that growth in providing essential services.

I am aware that many of the top earners in the county are firefighters. As much as they deserve to be compensated fairly for the work they do, that fact raises major concerns.

My question is: Why is so much overtime available?

Nassau County does not host the large-scale special events that often generate significant overtime opportunities, such as those seen in Duval County. Therefore, I would not expect overtime levels of this magnitude. Is county growth outpacing the growth of the fire department? Or is this primarily a recruitment and retention issue caused by uncompetitive starting salaries, benefits, and incentives?

I have heard county officials point to firefighters’ total compensation as evidence that they are paid well. As a taxpayer and someone with a background in economics, that argument concerns me. It is a huge red flag when overtime becomes a permanent operating strategy rather than an occasional staffing tool or a response to catastrophic events.

If a department consistently requires thousands of overtime hours each year to maintain staffing levels, it may be more cost-effective to hire additional personnel than to continually pay existing employees time-and-a-half wages.

While I appreciate and respect those willing to work the extra hours, these numbers are staggering.

This situation is not only a concern for taxpayers, who may be paying more money while filling fewer positions, but also for the first responders themselves. I have personally witnessed the burnout and fatigue that can result from excessive overtime. My husband has voluntarily worked significant amounts of overtime throughout his career, so I understand the demands it places on families. If mandatory overtime is occurring at the levels I have heard, that is even more concerning.

I am also aware that the department recently received a raise. However, before this interview, I made a few calls and was informed that firefighters effectively paid for that raise by giving up PTO benefits. Is that accurate?

Looking ahead to 2027, one of my biggest concerns is what happens when Jacksonville Fire Rescue and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office enter the Florida Retirement System in October. Is that on anyone’s radar yet? When that happens, firefighters and deputies will be able to transfer between agencies while maintaining their FRS pension benefits.
Jacksonville already offers significantly higher pay in both departments, along with better incentives and more comprehensive healthcare and mental health benefits. It seems reasonable to assume Nassau County could lose some of its most experienced personnel. Even if that does not happen, how will we attract recruits and retain the employees we already have, especially given concerns about burnout?

I do not believe we can remain competitive without making meaningful changes. Based on the amount of overtime reflected in the budget, it does not appear that the county has a problem spending the money. I support exploring successful models being adopted elsewhere, including alternative schedules. Incentives like these deserve serious consideration as we begin planning for 2027 and beyond.

I often hear BOCC officials say they want people to live, work, and play here. It appears there is certainly plenty of opportunity to work within our fire department. That should be addressed sooner rather than later—for the well-being of our firefighters, deputies, and the citizens of Nassau County.”

—This answer stood out to us because Cheryl didn’t dismiss concerns raised by firefighters and law enforcement. Instead, she asked the same questions taxpayers should be asking: Are we planning for growth? Are we using overtime appropriately? How do we recruit and retain qualified personnel? And what happens when neighboring agencies become even more competitive?

These are conversations Nassau County needs to have now—not after we find ourselves in a staffing crisis.

06/11/2026

Such a tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler and Courtney during this unimaginable time. If you are able, please take a moment to donate and help support this young family as they navigate one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Every contribution, no matter the amount, can make a meaningful difference. ❤️🙏

Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters at Dunedin Fire Rescue during this incredibly difficult time.

One of their firefighters and his wife, a local nurse, tragically lost their 2 year old daughter this past week. A fund has been established to help support the family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.

We ask our members, friends, and community partners to consider making a donation. No contribution is too small, and every dollar can help ease some of the burdens this family is facing during their time of grief.

Donations can be made here : https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/sailor-zorich

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. ❤️

See the flyer below for information on how to donate and support the family.