The Fairfax Hispanic Firefighters Association, FHFA was established in the spring of 2003, to assist the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in the delivery of bilingual Life Safety Education programs.
FHFA is a chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters, NAHF, the only Hispanic Chapter in Virginia, and the Washington Metropolitan area. It was founded to develop, and strengthen Hispanic Firefighter leaders, to better represent the growing and diverse workforce, and the community.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department continues to undergo dynamic changes in providing services to our communities. It is no longer productive or cost-effective to do business as usual.
Changing demographics, funding and service expectations now drives our department. With over 1,300 firefighters in Fairfax County, 600 volunteers, over 200 civilian and an approximately 50 Hispanic firefighters, we recognize that the promotion of Fire and Life Safety Education Programs has resulted in the reduction of loss of life and property locally and at the national level, but fires continue to affect our Hispanic community.
This is why the (FHFA) acknowledge these programs and their delivery systems as our number one priority. The FHFA stands committed to the Recruitment, Retention and Advancement of the Hispanic Firefighters and members of the association, civilian and volunteers by developing and conducting unbiased and culturally aware programs in these areas.
We are further committed in the formation of Coalitions and the establishment of Strategic Partners in the support and realization of a more responsive, productive and diverse workforce within our Department.
Strategic Plan:
Fire and Life Safety Education. The FHFA will endeavor to improve the quality of fire protection afforded the communities throughout the County by developing and conducting fire prevention and safety programs that educate and reduce the loss of life and property with special emphasis on serving the Hispanic community. We will do this by delivering proven existing materials as well as to develop original and culturally relevant programs targeting specific neighborhoods.
Recruitment, Retention and Advancement. It is the main goal of FHFA to develop, implement a better program to recruit, retain and advance prospective Hispanic firefighters. This model shall associate those inherent and learnable skills necessary to provide enhanced emergency services free of cultural and/or racial bias.
These procedures are now under consideration and in development in collaboration with Hispanic businesses, Civic Leaders and corporations, and those other organizations, which are supportive of this design.
Building Coalitions and Partnerships:
The FHFA is committed to the establishment of coalitions and strategic partnerships with other local, state and national fire and emergency service organizations through mutual agreements promoting respect and understanding; identifying those goals and objectives common to those organizations, and to encourage the development of a mutual accepted action plan.
Legislation and Political Action:
The FHFA will expand its political and legislative course of action; either independently or through the formation of a coalition of partners with regard to collective efforts on common principles or issues.
The FHFA is inclusive of Fairfax County Government, the Fire and Rescue Department career employees, civilians and volunteers.
Should you need additional information, or would like to join the Fairfax Hispanic Firefighters Association, (FHFA).
Membership of $32.00/year, collected January of each year and required to maintain a chapter with the NAHF. Please make check payable to the NAHF, and mail it to;
Fairfax Hispanic Firefighters Association
6101 Tonto Court
Alexandria, VA 22312
For more information contact the FHFA Executive Board;
Mervin Barrera, President
H 703- 916-8165
Cell 703-517-8360
e-mail: Mervin.Barrera@fairfaxcounty.gov
Damien Sanchez, Vice-President
e-mail: damien.sanchez@gmail.com
David Campodonico, Secretary Treasurer
e-mail: Juan.Campodonico@fairfaxcounty.gov
Raul G. Castillo, Founding President, FHFA
Executive Vice-President, Public Relations (NAHF)
e-mail: Raul.Castillo@fairfaxcounty.gov
http://www.nahf.org/
http://www.nahf.blogspot.com/
