Jumpline magazine OCT 2022-pages - Flipbook - Page 30
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The Real Golden Egg
Blaring sirens and screaming
children filled the air as Engine 37
charged down the pavement on
the afternoon of Sunday April 17,
2022. There were multiple reports
of large crowds forming and
mass hysteria at the annual State
Representative’s Easter Egg Hunt
located at Kendale Lakes Park.
Hustling in record time, Engine 37
rolled through the park entrance
only to be engulfed by a sea of
energetic children. Down hopped four firefighters led
by the Easter Bunny ready to serve the community
that needed them.
Excited children lined up to take a picture with
the Easter Bunny alongside Engine 37 and
State Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin.
Across the park lay hundreds of plastic eggs
filled with sugary treasures ready to be scooped
by the contestants. However, the Real Golden
Egg of the day was not the one filled with Ferrero
Rocher hazelnut milk chocolate. It was hidden
behind-the-scenes, shining brightly in the smiles of
the neighborhood. The Real Golden Egg is the ability
to influence people and their futures.
Firefighters have social influence on individuals at all levels
of society and are recognized advocates of the community.
Our social influence comes from the community-centric
approach we use to expand neighborhood interests. By
utilizing our influence to be the trusted voice at the decisionmaking table, we can shape public policy and do what’s safe
and right for our citizens. It is this social impact that allows
us to have a stronger union which in-turn allows us to have a
stronger community.
Stephen Busse
L1403 Community Outreach Chair
Community outreach manifests itself in several ways.
Whether it be hosting Easter egg hunts, canvassing local
neighborhoods with fire safety literature, or delivering
charitable supplies, we engage our citizens by contributing
our time and resources back into our community. Community
outreach also operates in a political capacity, whereby we
strengthen our bond with the local leaders that support us.
Elected leaders service the local, state, and federal level,
and through policy implementation, collectively determine
our future. For that reason, our union is active every day:
knocking on doors, waving signs, and using the power of our
voice. We endorse candidates that will support firefighters
and union members.
The strength of our union comes from our
members. Our union thrives in the ability to work
together in pursuit of a more perfect community.
Whether they volunteer two hours a year or two
hours a week, members can directly influence
the future of fire services and the community.
It has never been easier for our members to
contribute to the decision-making process. There
are weekly bipartisan opportunities that enable
stakeholders and local leaders to learn about
who we are and the realities we face as fire service
members. It is important for local leaders to have a better
understanding of who our members are and what they need
when it is time to make decisions. Whether those decisions
are about putting units into service, presumptive health
coverage, or retirement restoration, the key to unlocking a
dignified future is found inside the Real Golden Egg.
To get involved please email:
Stephen.Busse@Local1403.org
Send me your name and cell phone number and we will
figure out what most interests you and how you can contribute.
October 2022 | JUMPLINE Magazine
