Strength in Brotherhood: Moving the Mississippi Fire Service Forward

From the Desk of the Vice President at Large

Mississippi Firefighters Association

It is truly an honor to serve my first term as Vice President at Large for the Mississippi Firefighters Association. Over the past two years I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the dedication, hard work, and passion that firefighters across this great state bring to the table every single day.

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the tremendous growth our association has experienced. Our membership numbers have reached record levels, and we continue to welcome new members into the fold. Not only have we added individual departments, but in some cases entire counties worth of firefighters have joined the Mississippi Firefighters Association. That kind of growth speaks volumes about the strength of the fire service in Mississippi and the value that firefighters see in standing together under one unified organization.

Our association has also been working behind the scenes on several exciting projects. One that many of you will soon notice is the redesign of the Mississippi Firefighters Association specialty license plate. This refreshed design will better represent the pride and tradition of the fire service in our state, and we look forward to unveiling it very soon.

Advocacy remains one of the most important missions of this association. Our work at the State Capitol and even in our Nation’s Capital never stops. Firefighters across Mississippi deserve a voice when decisions are made that affect our profession, our families, and the communities we serve.

Another area where your Mississippi Firefighters Association continues to work diligently is in protecting the funding sources that many of our departments rely on to operate. This is especially critical for our volunteer fire departments, which make up the backbone of fire protection across much of our state. We are actively engaged in efforts to not only protect the limited funding sources that currently exist, but also to identify and advocate for more sustainable and dependable funding streams that will strengthen fire protection services across Mississippi. Ensuring that departments have the resources necessary to protect their communities remains a top priority for this association.

Recently, the introduction of Tier 5 into the PERS retirement system sent shockwaves through the first responder community across Mississippi. It created real concern for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and many others who dedicate their lives to public service. However, one positive outcome from this challenge has been the unity it has created among first responder organizations across our state.

I often joke that the relationship between the fire service and our law enforcement family is a lot like siblings. We will give each other a hard time every chance we get. But the moment someone from outside that circle messes with family, we all come together. That is exactly what has happened with Tier 5.

Associations representing firefighters, law enforcement, and other first responders across Mississippi are now working together in a unified effort to find a solution. We remain hopeful that our legislators will recognize the importance of protecting the men and women who serve this state and will work with us to implement a fair and sustainable solution that will not be detrimental to the fire service that we all live and love.

The Mississippi Firefighters Association has a proud history that stretches back more than a century. What began as a small group of dedicated firefighters has grown into an organization representing thousands of members across our state. That strength comes from you — the firefighters who answer the call every day in cities, towns, and rural communities across Mississippi.

As we continue to move forward, our mission remains clear: to strengthen the fire service, support our firefighters, and ensure that the next generation inherits a fire service that is even stronger than the one we serve today.

We also have an exciting Summer Conference coming together this year at the IP Casino Resort in Biloxi, and it promises to be another great opportunity for training, fellowship, and collaboration among firefighters from across Mississippi. I look forward to seeing many of you there and spending time visiting with both old friends and new ones.

If you ever have questions, ideas, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call, text, or email me anytime. And if you find yourself in Louisville, you are always welcome to stop by and visit the Louisville Fire Department located at 147 South Spring Avenue. My door is always open, and I always enjoy the opportunity to visit with fellow firefighters from across our great state.

Thank you for what you do every day to serve and protect the people of Mississippi. It is truly an honor to serve alongside each of you.

Respectfully,

Robert E. Hutto Sr.
Vice President at Large
Mississippi Firefighters Association
Fire Chief, Louisville Fire Department