St Johns County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics IAFF Local 3865

06/18/2026

Another large Florida fire department is moving forward and working toward doing what is right for the families that serve their community.

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

Get signed up for the Fired Up KingFish Challenge

This is an amazing event that pours right back into the community and first responders.

This morning, we had the opportunity to visit one of our charitable beneficiaries, Tanner Gillespie foundation with Investing in Kids (INK). Today through the money raised in the 2025 Fired Up Kingfish tournament we were able to fully cover EMT and Fire school for 4 local high school graduates!!! Your support makes a difference, thank you to our community who makes great things like this possible!!

06/14/2026

For decades, Captain Jeff Mrwik has dedicated his life to serving the residents of St. Johns County and advancing the fire service profession. Beyond his work protecting our community, Jeff has spent his career as a respected instructor, training and mentoring firefighters from across the country, h...

06/11/2026

It’s almost that time of year. Get signed up for the Fired Up KingFish Challenge if you haven’t already. This tournament is a great time and supports some amazing causes in our community.

As the fishing heats up, so does the excitement for this year’s Fired Up KingFish Challenge guaranteed $25,000 first-place prize! Last week of early registration prices at $250 for general tournament entry!

06/07/2026

One of our own is battling cancer. Please consider supporting Captain Jeff Mrwik and his family as they fight this terrible disease.

For decades, Captain Jeff Mrwik has dedicated his life to serving the residents of St. Johns County and advancing the fire service profession. Beyond his work protecting our community, Jeff has spent his career as a respected instructor, training and mentoring firefighters from across the country, h...

06/07/2026

We applaud Chief Trent Smith in Greensboro for continuing to move the fire service forward.

Across the fire service—and especially here in Florida—departments are rapidly evolving as data continues to highlight the impact of firefighter work hours on wellness, recruitment, retention, and operational readiness.
Strong leadership is being demonstrated throughout our state, and communities are increasingly recognizing the importance of protecting their firefighters. Without a healthy fire service, citizens pay the price—not only financially, but through reduced readiness and protection when they need it most.

06/03/2026

While our firefighters continue serving this community 24 hours a day, neighboring departments are moving forward.

Marion County firefighters have secured a 24/72 work schedule and compensation that significantly exceeds what firefighters in our department receive.

This isn't just about pay.

Research continues to show that firefighter fatigue, sleep deprivation, and stress have serious impacts on mental health, physical health, job performance, and family stability. More departments across Florida are recognizing that providing firefighters with adequate recovery time is essential for maintaining a healthy and effective workforce.

The reality is simple: firefighters have choices.

When surrounding agencies offer better schedules, better compensation, and a better quality of life, experienced firefighters leave. Recruiting new firefighters becomes more difficult. Retaining the highly trained professionals who protect our community becomes more expensive and challenging.

If we fail to remain competitive, the long-term cost to our citizens could be substantial. Increased turnover, staffing shortages, recruitment costs, overtime expenses, and the loss of experienced personnel all impact the level of service our community depends on.

Our firefighters are asking for the ability to continue building careers here, raising families here, and serving the citizens of this county for years to come.

Protecting firefighters means protecting the service they provide to every resident who may one day call 911.

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has approved a historic collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, marking a major investment in the men and women who protect our community every day.

The agreement includes significant pay increases, improved benefits, and a new work schedule designed to help recruit and retain the highly trained firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs who serve Marion County. This investment strengthens public safety and helps ensure our growing community continues to receive exceptional emergency services for years to come.

Ready to make a difference? Join the team that serves and protects Marion County. Explore career opportunities and apply today at marionfl.org/careers.

05/29/2026

SJCFR continues to grow and we are proud to welcome this year’s second recruit class to the family.

Tonight we proudly welcome Recruit Class 2-26 to the streets and to their new assignments. After months of hard work and training, these members are ready to begin serving our community.

Join us tonight for their graduation ceremony:

🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Colonial Church
550 State Road 207
St. Augustine, FL 32084

The public is welcome to attend.

Comment below to help us welcome these new members to the fire service family!

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 🙏 This , we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country.

Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today – and it will never be forgotten.

05/19/2026