PRIVACY POLICY

1.Introduction

Martin County Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2959 (“IAFF Local 2959,” “the Association,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), respects the privacy of its members, visitors, and individuals who interact with our website, mobile application, and associated digital services.

We recognize the importance of protecting personal information, particularly when it relates to firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, Association members, and individuals seeking professional or peer-support resources.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, maintain, disclose, and protect information provided through our digital platforms.

Our goal is to maintain a trustworthy environment where members can access Association information, communicate with authorized representatives, receive relevant updates, and locate important resources.

By accessing or using our website or mobile application, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy applies to information handled by IAFF Local 2959 through its website and mobile application. Independently operated websites, service providers, and peer-support organizations may maintain separate privacy practices.

2.About IAFF Local 2959

IAFF Local 2959 represents and supports firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in Martin County, Florida.

The Association is committed to advocating for its members, supporting workplace safety, promoting professional development, strengthening labor representation, and encouraging community engagement.

Our digital platforms are intended to provide access to Association information, relevant announcements, member resources, organizational communications, and related services.

Information about peer-support and behavioral-health resources may also be available through our platforms.

3.Information We May Collect

The information we collect depends on how individuals interact with our website, application, and Association representatives.

3.1 Personal Identification Information

When voluntarily submitted through available forms or communication channels, information may include:

Full name

Email address

Telephone number

Mailing address

Information included in inquiries or messages

Other details voluntarily provided when requesting assistance

We request only information reasonably relevant to the purpose for which it is collected.

3.2 Membership and Association Information

When necessary for legitimate Association activities, we may maintain information related to membership, such as membership status, organizational affiliation, assigned contact information, and communications with Association representatives.

Membership information is used for authorized Association administration and member services.

Access to such information should be restricted to individuals with an appropriate organizational responsibility.

3.3 Communications Information

When you contact us through email, telephone, website forms, or other available communication methods, we may maintain records of the information you provide and our responses.

These records may be used to respond to inquiries, coordinate Association activities, maintain administrative continuity, and address legitimate member requests.

3.4 Mobile Application Information

Our mobile application is intended to provide access to Association information and related resources.

Depending on the functions made available, information submitted through the application may include contact details, account information, or messages that users choose to provide.

We do not represent that the application collects information simply because that information is technically accessible on a mobile device.

The application does not intentionally collect precise GPS location, device contact lists, photographs, microphone recordings, or camera content unless a specific feature requiring such access is implemented and separately disclosed.

3.5 Technical and Operational Information

Basic technical information may be processed as necessary to operate and protect the website or application.

Such information may include standard server requests, connection information, technical errors, or security-related events generated by the systems delivering our services.

Any processing of technical information is limited to legitimate operational, security, or troubleshooting purposes.

4.How We Collect Information

Information may be obtained through:

Contact forms voluntarily completed by users

Direct email correspondence

Telephone communications

Authorized membership administration

Information voluntarily submitted through application features

Routine technical processes necessary to provide and secure digital services

We do not require users to provide unnecessary personal information merely to view publicly available Association information.

Where particular information is required to complete a request, we may explain the purpose of that request.

5.How We Use Personal Information

We may use personal information for legitimate Association purposes, including:

Member Communications: Providing organizational notices, relevant updates, announcements, and information concerning Association activities.

Responding to Inquiries: Answering questions, responding to requests, and connecting individuals with appropriate Association representatives.

Association Administration: Maintaining necessary organizational records and coordinating member-related activities.

Digital Services: Supporting the operation, maintenance, security, and reliability of our website and application.

Member Resources: Helping individuals locate relevant educational materials, organizational information, and available support resources.

Legal and Administrative Responsibilities: Meeting applicable legal requirements, responding to authorized requests, and protecting the rights and interests of the Association and its members.

We do not use personal information for purposes that are materially unrelated to those described in this policy without providing appropriate notice or obtaining consent where required.

6.SMS and Text Messaging Privacy

IAFF Local 2959 may communicate by SMS when an individual has voluntarily provided a telephone number and given the appropriate consent.

Users may opt in by visiting https://martinfirefighters.com/contact-us and submitting the applicable form with the SMS consent checkbox selected.

SMS communications may include Association updates, requested information, appointment-related notices, administrative communications, and support responses.

SMS consent is voluntary.

Providing a telephone number alone does not automatically constitute consent to receive promotional text messages.

Message frequency may vary. Up to four messages per month may be sent under the described messaging program.

Message and data rates may apply.

Recipients may reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for assistance.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties, except with aggregators and service providers necessary to deliver text messaging services.

Opting out of SMS messages does not necessarily prevent the Association from responding to separate communications initiated through other channels.

7.Email Communications

Individuals may receive email communications in connection with inquiries, membership activities, requested information, and Association business.

Where an email communication is promotional and subject to applicable unsubscribe requirements, recipients will be provided an appropriate method to discontinue those messages.

Administrative or individually requested communications may continue where necessary and legally permitted.

8.Peer Support and Sensitive Information

IAFF Local 2959 recognizes that firefighters and emergency services personnel may encounter occupational stress, traumatic incidents, personal hardship, and other circumstances requiring support.

Our platforms may provide links to resources such as:

https://mcfrpeersupport.com

MCFR Peer Support provides information about peer assistance, behavioral-health resources, and professional referrals.

Information related to an individual's mental health, personal circumstances, or participation in peer-support activities deserves heightened care.

Users should avoid submitting detailed medical histories, diagnoses, treatment records, or other highly sensitive information through general-purpose Association contact forms.

If an individual contacts the Association regarding a sensitive matter, the information should be handled discreetly and referred only to appropriate authorized personnel when necessary.

Important distinction: This Privacy Policy does not automatically govern independent peer-support communications, clinical records, or information collected directly by outside treatment providers.

Confidentiality, applicable legal privileges, and exceptions to confidentiality may depend on the nature of the communication, the individuals involved, and applicable law.

Nothing in this policy should be interpreted as a guarantee of absolute confidentiality or as replacing the confidentiality procedures of a peer-support team or licensed healthcare provider.

9.Information Sharing and Disclosure

Personal information is not disclosed for commercial marketing purposes

We may disclose information only where reasonably necessary and legally permitted, including:

Authorized Association Personnel: Information may be accessed by representatives who require it to perform legitimate Association responsibilities.

Operational Service Providers: Limited information may be processed by service providers that support the operation, hosting, security, or communication functions of our digital platforms.

Legal Requirements: Information may be disclosed when required by applicable law, a valid legal process, or an enforceable governmental request.

Safety and Protection: Information may be disclosed where legally permitted or required to address serious threats to safety, prevent unlawful activity, or protect individuals and organizational systems.

With Your Authorization: Information may be shared for a specific purpose when an individual provides valid consent.

We do not authorize service providers to use Association information for their own unrelated marketing purposes.

10.Third-Party Websites and Resources

Our website and application may contain links to third-party resources, including professional organizations, public agencies, educational resources, peer-support services, and behavioral-health providers.

Examples may include resources identified through MCFR Peer Support.

External websites operate under their own terms and privacy policies.

IAFF Local 2959 does not control the information collected by independently operated websites.

We encourage users to review the privacy practices of any external service before submitting personal or sensitive information.

Providing a link does not necessarily constitute an endorsement or guarantee of the services provided.

11.Data Security

We recognize our responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect information under our control.

Appropriate safeguards may include access restrictions, account protections, secure communications, administrative controls, and procedures intended to reduce unauthorized disclosure, alteration, or loss of information.

Access to nonpublic information should be limited according to legitimate organizational responsibilities.

Despite reasonable precautions, no website, mobile application, or electronic communication method can be guaranteed completely secure.

Users should exercise care when transmitting confidential information electronically.

If we become aware of a security incident involving personal information, we will evaluate the circumstances and provide notifications as required by applicable law.

12.Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for legitimate Association purposes, applicable recordkeeping obligations, dispute resolution, or legal compliance.

Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and the reason it was collected.

For example, routine inquiries may not require the same retention period as official Association membership records.

When information is no longer required, it may be deleted, anonymized, or securely disposed of in accordance with applicable obligations and available systems.

Certain records may need to be retained where required by law or legitimate organizational responsibilities.

13.Access, Correction, and Deletion Requests

Individuals may contact IAFF Local 2959 to request information about personal data maintained by the Association.

Depending on applicable law and the nature of the records, individuals may request:

Access to personal information

Correction of inaccurate contact information

Updates to membership contact details

Deletion of information that is no longer required

Discontinuation of optional communications

Clarification of how personal information is used

Requests may be sent to:

[email protected]

We may need to verify the requester's identity before disclosing or modifying personal records.

Some information may be retained when required by law or necessary for legitimate Association obligations.

14.Account and Application Access

Where account-based features are available, users are responsible for protecting their access credentials and avoiding unauthorized sharing of account information.

Users should notify the Association if they believe their account or personal information has been accessed without authorization.

The Association may restrict access where necessary to protect members, maintain security, or prevent misuse.

Requests concerning account access or account-related information may be directed to the contact information provided below.

15.Children's Privacy

Our website and application are primarily intended for adults and individuals interested in the activities and resources of IAFF Local 2959.

We do not knowingly solicit personal information from children under the age of 13 through services directed to children.

If we learn that personal information from a child under 13 has been collected without the consent required by applicable law, we will take appropriate steps to address the information.

Parents or guardians may contact us with concerns about information relating to a child.

16.Cookies, Advertising, and Tracking

IAFF Local 2959 does not use its mobile application for behavioral advertising, advertising-based user profiling, or commercial distribution of user activity information.

The application does not intentionally collect personal information for advertising analytics or targeted marketing.

Basic technical storage or session functionality may be used where necessary to operate website or application features.

Third-party websites accessed through external links may use their own cookies and tracking technologies, which are governed by their respective privacy policies.

17.Device Permissions

Our application is not intended to require unnecessary access to personal device information.

If a future application feature requires access to a device capability, such as a camera, microphone, or location service, the purpose of that access will be disclosed as appropriate, and permission will be requested where required.

Users may manage applicable permissions through their device settings.

The availability of particular functionality may depend on whether necessary permissions have been granted.

18.Legal Rights and Applicable Privacy Laws

IAFF Local 2959 seeks to handle personal information consistently with applicable federal and Florida law.

Privacy rights may differ depending on an individual's location, the nature of the information, and the laws applicable to the Association.

Nothing in this policy is intended to waive rights provided by applicable law.

Individuals with questions about privacy rights or personal information may contact the Association directly.

19.Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in organizational practices, applicable law, website functionality, or mobile application services.

Updated versions will be published with a revised effective date.

Where legally required, additional notice or consent will be provided before implementing material changes to how personal information is handled.

We encourage users to review this policy periodically.

20.Contact Information

For privacy-related questions, information requests, or concerns about personal information, contact:

MARTIN COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOC. INC.

IAFF Local 2959

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (772) 577-2750

Website: https://iaff2959.com

Mailing Address: 2680 SE Willoughby Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994, United States

We are committed to addressing legitimate privacy concerns and maintaining responsible information practices in support of our members and community.