Jumpline magazine Q1 2023 - Flipbook - Page 9
1403 Officers Continued
Paul D Blake, Ret.
Treasurer
Lancaster, Jason Suite, Steven Busse, Randy Brown, Charlies
Kavalir, Tim Coiner, Ray Bell, Daniel Montanez and Vaughn
Mulder. The IAFF set up a disaster relief operation which distributed many items such as cases of water, construction materials, tarps, and chainsaws. We were joined by other locals
from throughout the state. It was eye opening to see the wind
destruction but more so from the surge of water. Homes that
had little or no wind damage were destroyed by salt water. In the
bragging department, the IAFF disaster relief foundation was
modeled after Local 1403’s operation in response to Hurricane
Andrew.
I was talking to a member and saw a scab on his lip. I asked
him if he had seen a dermatologist about it and he replied that
he had not. I then asked if he even had a dermatologist to which
he replied “No.” I did an informal inquiry with a different member who also said that he doesn’t have a dermatologist. I do not
want to get into all the details of my own ordeal, but it started
with a scab on my lip which was a melanoma that had, unbeknownst to me, spread (metastasized) throughout my body. It
was an incidental finding that would forever change my life. The
prognosis was grim, but with modern medicine, and most importantly, my faith (and your prayers), I have been in remission
for six years.
That’s how it started for me. I also had a scab that would not
heal. I too, had not seen a dermatologist because the waiting
room was full of kids with acne. Now, I go every six months.
While men should be getting prostate exams and everyone
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should have colonoscopies when recommended to do so, the
dermatologist is the easiest of all and the most important, in my
opinion. When you consider our exposure to soot, the chemical components of our protective gear and of course the sun,
seeing a dermatologist should be a priority along with taking an
annual physical. So let me share with you the number of my dermatologist who is one of many available through the University
of Miami: 305-243-6704. The bad thing about cancer is that you
have cancer. The good thing about it is that you get scans on a
regular basis. I pray for those that are currently battling cancer
and for those who have it but are unaware. So, make yourself
aware.
“313,214” - That is the number of alarms MDFR responded to in 2022. The last call dispatched was for R-34 and the
first, R-30. The 2023 budget supports opening three more units
this year. R-61, E-70 and “?” The “?” represents a unit that is
still undecided. E-70 will be staffed as an additional Haz mat
suppression unit. Looking at the growth in Miami-Dade, it is my
opinion that we will need at least three units per year for years to
come, not just to manage the increase in calls, but the reduction
in response times.
The same e-mail that can be used to cancel a deduction is
the same that can be used to request a deduction: treasurer@
local1403.org. As always, I appreciate the feedback. If ever you
have a question about your deductions, please ask me. Even
better, if you’d like to come by the office and see for yourself, let
me know. Here’s to a safe and productive 2023.
February 2023 | JUMPLINE Magazine