President's Message  Barry Baker, Fire Chief  Ormond Beach Fire Department   May 2008  As we near the end of this year’s legislative session one thing is certain;  times are very different.  With fiscal issues affecting most every aspect of  our work and private lives, our legislators continue to challenge our sanity with proposals that often make little sense.  They, like us, are driven by budget shortfalls and a worsening state economy.  But, unlike us, they continue to be influenced by methodologies that would devastate our state economy and severely impact every first responder by removing the necessary funding to support public safety.  This battle will surely go on for years to come and require our continuing full-court press.  If you are not involved, get involved by supporting the FFCA efforts to guide this most difficult issue.  If you are involved, please stay involved.  Two final points regarding tax reform:  Lack of diligence will be our end; we must stay active in this fight and not tire regardless of the length of this battle and we must be united in our fight; a divided membership will open the door to actions that will damage our services.  The FFCA websites Government Relations Section is the place to go to follow these and other critical matters. May and early June will be busy months for the FFCA.  On May 12-16 many of will be at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Fort Lauderdale.  We have had several years without significant tropical storms, is this another active year?  The FFCA is very active in providing information about our newly-revised and nationally recognized State Emergency Response Plan at this and other conferences.  The annual Emergency Vehicle Technician training in Daytona Beach is May 19-23.  This conference has become a national training event and highly sought-after by the attendees.  Lastly, on June 7th a volunteer training program will be held in Green Cove Springs (Clay County).  This program will focus on engine company operations and be both classroom and practical in nature.  Please take advantage of these affordable training opportunities. As we approach the summer months our focus changes to preparing for the FFCA annual conference July 25-30 in Ponte Vedra Beach (Jacksonville).  This is another opportunity to join your peers in a relaxed setting to both train and interact about the various important matters that affect all in Florida’s fire service.  As I conclude this month’s article I would like to thank the corporate members of the FFCA for their continued support and encourage members to give serious consideration to our corporate partners when considering all purchases of goods or services.  In the interim, keep informed, get involved and stay safe. Barry Baker, Fire Chief Ormond Beach Fire Department President Florida Fire Chiefs' Association