With great enthusiasm and pride I would like to officially announce the organization of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 4345 Horry County Professional Firefighters. In months past a few brothers in our firehouses across the county have spent some time organizing this local chapter of the IAFF. We come to you today to express our hopes and ideas of bringing together all of our
brothers and sisters. As many may remember, years ago the Local Union was opened here in Horry County. After a short time period, many thoughts and ideas fell upon deaf ears and few choose to participate. Soon members fell behind on the responsibilities, and the chapter was shut down. Through concentrated efforts, strong communication, and new organizers we will prevent history from repeating itself. The mission statement of the IAFF Local 4345 is organizing our strength through numbers to achieve a workplace of equality and fairness and protecting our members interest in job safety, education, overall career longevity, and work to provide additional benefits that ensure better quality of life for the members and their families. To accomplish our mission requires nothing less that the highly active and thoroughly engaged membership, and a collaborative working relationship with the community, management, and political leaders. It is our desire to achieve a level of excellence in service that will be obvious to every person who comes into contact with our Professional Firefighters. We are currently in the process of planning a meeting to invite all a chance to meet with the administration of the Local 4345, and the IAFF state of South Carolina Representative. This meeting will give many a chance to join as well as a great tool for informing people of our ideas and the benefits of joining. Also we will have time to answer questions and resolve any concerns some may have of joining a local labor union. This date will be announced with wide spread communication efforts to ensure great attendance. In closing we encourage all to express great patience while we prepare our next steps for the future. The amount of false information circulating through the workplace is already abundant on this subject. We ask of our brothers and sisters not to form an opinion until you have been formally informed.
