It’s no surprise to anyone that the events of this past month have caused attendees and exhibitors to express their concerns about this year’s Firehouse Expo being held in Baltimore July 14-18. Having just spent three days in Baltimore walking the inner harbor, meeting with the fire chief, the union and several others, I’m confident that this year’s conference will once again be a great success.
While I will in no way try to deny the unfortunate realities of what occurred, I can assure you that the City of Baltimore is making every effort possible to allow for a safe and enjoyable experience.
During the civil unrest last month, Baltimore City firefighters received an unprecedented level of support from neighboring fire departments throughout the state of Maryland and as far away as Washington D.C. This response exemplifies the heart and soul of the American Fire Service. In the darkest hours, taxed and without resources in reserve, the City of Baltimore called for help, and hundreds of firefighters responded without hesitation. Simply stated, our brothers and sisters were in need.
Today, with the events of April 2015 behind them, the City of Baltimore, the Baltimore City Fire Department and IAFF Local 734 are once again putting out the call, this time to welcome you back to the City of Baltimore for a much different reason – to train, to network and to enjoy the many amenities of their proud city.
I encourage you to join me, the staff of Firehouse, the Baltimore City Fire Department and the more than 100 instructors who will be teaming up to provide what promises to be an outstanding week of training, networking and socializing with friends and fellow firefighters from around the nation.
I look forward to seeing you in Baltimore in July.
A Letter From Baltimore Fire Union Officials
Dear Fire Service Colleagues:
On behalf of the Baltimore Fire Officers, Local 964, and Baltimore Fire Fighters, Local 734, representing more than 1,600 men and women of the Baltimore City Fire Department, we would like to invite you to join us in Baltimore for the 2015 Firehouse Expo, July 14-18.
Over the last few weeks, our City and our fellow firefighters have been put to the test with the demonstrations and unfortunate civil unrest. During these difficult times, we reached out for help, and ourbrothers and sisters
from the surrounding jurisdictions answered those calls and provided their much-needed support without hesitation.
It is quite evident that we were challenged, but in the end, the challenge made our bond-and us-stronger.
We have been asked how our brother and sister firefighters can best support us as we move forward. You can support us by coming to Baltimore and celebrating the great traditions of the fire service and Firehouse Expo.
We wish to thank everyone who supported us over the last few weeks, and we hope you will join us in Baltimore at this year’s Firehouse Expo as we train, learn and network together.
While you are in Baltimore, don’t miss these special events:
- Baltimore Fire Fighters, Local 734 Welcoming Party – Wednesday, July 15th – beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Baltimore Fire Fighters Local 734’s Union Hall, 1202 Ridgely Street.
- Firehouse Expo – Baltimore Convention Center (FirehouseExpo.com) July 14th – 18th
- FOOLS – Brotherhood Bash – Little Italy – Thursday, July 16th - beginning at 6:00 p.m.
- Firehouse Legends and Icon Celebration – Horseshoe Casino – Friday July 17th 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
- Baltimore Fire Fighters, Local 734 Block Party – Friday, July 17th beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Baltimore Fire Fighters, Local 734’s Union Hall, 1202 Ridgely Street.
Tickets are available by contacting Local 734’s Union Hall, 410-234-0734.
See you in Baltimore!
Fraternally,
Rick Hoffman, President – IAFF, Local 734
Mike Campbell, President – IAFF, Local 964
Download the letter here.
