October 6, 2006 – Fourteen members of Suncoast, FL Local 2546 lost their jobs October 1 as Rural-Metro officially took over fire operations at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. However, the fight is not over.

On behalf of the Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) and Local 2546, FPF President Bob Carver wrote a letter to Florida Governor Jeb Bush, formally requesting that he intervene.

“We’re calling on your office to investigate this injustice,” wrote Carver. “The reduction to service levels by no longer providing the best Paramedic/EMT or structural fire fighting is unwarranted as a means to save money, and places the traveling public at greater risk.

“One immediate action that could be offered by your office is the consideration of replacing at least two of the five authority members due up for reappointment by November 1, 2006,” Carver’s letter stated.

In addition to the letter, a forum on a popular blog site – Newsbull – has been established and is generating support. Airport fire fighters are asking citizens and other advocates for Local 2546 to post their support on the Sarasota Fire Department forum, then forward the discussion to local officials. Click here to enter the forum.

Meanwhile, a steady show of support for the 14 Local 2546 members continues. Last month, a successful informational picket at the airport was conducted with better than 50 fire fighters from Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties participating in solidarity. In addition, fire fighters have been repeat guests on a local radio talk show – Captain America – to talk about the issue.

For more updates or to find out how you can help, visit the Local 2546 web site.