Fire Fighters Donate Coats To Kids In Need In Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE – Fire fighters with the Jacksonville Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 4249 hand delivered brand-new, American-made coats to approximately 50 children. The donations are a portion of 400 coats the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina purchased through Firefighters Coats for Kids, and divided among several cities across North Carolina.
PFFPNC and its statewide local associations are active participants in Firefighters Coats for Kids, an outreach foundation that provides never-worn, American-made coats for children in need. Firefighters Coats for Kids is part of Operation Warm, a national non-profit organization that addresses the need of children living in poverty in the United States with new coats. PFFPNC purchased 400 coats with money raised in city fundraising efforts. The coats will be divided among those cities, including Jacksonville, Concord, Asheville, Statesville and Winston-Salem.
PFFPNC is involved in many statewide and nationally supported outreach programs. The statewide organization decided to become involved in Firefighter Coats for Kids as an example of giving back to the community that gives to its fire fighters and paramedics. The money donated to Firefighters Coats for Kids through Operation Warm comes from fundraising efforts in participating cities. Support for these efforts comes from the public, so PFFPNC feels it should in turn show its support to members of the community. This is one example.
The statewide organization also is in support of Fire Fighters Coats for Kids and Operation Warm because all donated coats are brand new, never worn or dry-cleaned, and most importantly made in America. PFFPNC is proud to support a cause that puts warm coats on the backs of children in need, but also support labor in the country that provides jobs for those also in need of work.
Winston-Salem Local Delivers Coats, Toys For Kids
Saturday, Dec. 14 was a very rewarding experience and the joy of giving was felt as members of the Winston-Salem Professional Fire Fighters Association delivered brand new winter coats to children that really need them at Ibraham Elementary. Some of our firefighters & Santa arrived on fire trucks. They helped unload boxes and cook a yummy pancake breakfast for the families. Santa posed for pictures with the children and gave out goodies. Members of the WSPFFA even brought their families to help pass out the new coats to the children. WSPFFA has been working hard to provide warm, brand new winter coats to local elementary school-aged children.
Jacksonville Local President John Romero Named Firefighter Of The Year
Jacksonville Local 4249 President John Romero was named Firefighter of the Year with the Jacksonville Fire Department for 2013. Romero received the award on Dec. 13, 2013, at the annual awards banquet.
Romero has been employed with the Jacksonville Fire Department for more than 22 years. He is currently a Driver/Operator and holds many certifications including Firefighter I, II & III, Fire & Life Safety Educator I, Hazardous Materials Responder Level I, Driver/Operator Aerial, Fire Inspector Level I, EMT-Paramedic, and Advanced Firefighter Certification.
Romero was awarded the honor based on merits from the 2013 year.
“John’s dedication to service has reached not only the depths of Onslow County, but across the state as well,” wrote Deputy Chief S. Lee in the recommendation letter. “He has shown a concern for providing a high level of service to the public. He looks out for the health, welfare and safety of his coworkers.”
Romero is on numerous committees and teams, including the Promotional Handbook Committee, Awards and Recognition Committee, and Jacksonville Fire Department Technical Rescue Team. He also works part-time for Onslow County EMS.
Romero is a founding member of the Jacksonville Fire Department Honor Guard, which is a team of dedicated firefighters who provide honorable, reverent service and help to the families of those fellow first responders who have fallen in the line of duty, as well as other memorial services. Due to the dedication and professionalism and compassion of Romero and others, the Jacksonville Fire Department Honor Guard has become known throughout North Carolina.
Romero volunteers his time in the community in many capacities, including support for charity organizations such as Onslow County Child Advocacy Center, the Salvation Army and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
“John has been extremely dedicated to Jacksonville Fire Department and has worked tirelessly to help not only this organization but also his community,” Lee said.