I.U.P.A. and Sarasota County School Police Association Member, Officer Mary Thoroman, was recognized by the National Association of School Resource Officers as the recipient of the NASRO National Award of Valor. On February 2, 2021, her keen and well trained eye alerted her to a handgun on a student. She used her de-escalation skills to talk to the student to gain their compliance, whereupon they gave her possession of the jacket and firearm. Per NASRO, “It is likely that Officer Thoroman’s prompt response and immediate action saved lives.”   Each week, the I.U.P.A. Briefing Room features a photo that exemplifies the valuable [...]

  On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will transition to an easy-to-remember, 3-digit number (988). This represents an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country. In advance of the 988 transition in July, the Lifeline suicide and crisis network is looking to bring on new volunteers and paid employees to answer calls, chats, and texts from people in crisis. All employees and volunteers receive training, so if you are a caring person who wants to help those in crisis, apply today.   About 988 [...]

This Memorial Day, easily shop new and used cars online with the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. Plus, take advantage of your exclusive Union Member benefits: Ready to sell your car? Get a cash offer from a local dealer in minutes. $100 rebate on new union-made cars* Remote paperwork and vehicle delivery options available Enjoy up to $2,000 in Auto Repair and Auto Deductible Reimbursements** Search Vehicles   Disclaimer: *If you purchase a new, qualifying union-assembled vehicle, you will receive a check for $100 within 6 to 8 weeks after purchase. (The rebate [...]

  Build a Healthy Eating Style Focus on variety, amount, and nutrition. Choose from all five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy to get the nutrients you need. Eat the right amount of calories for you based on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level. Eating healthy and staying active can help reduce the risk of obesity and certain diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Choose foods and drinks low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars to help you manage a healthy weight and blood pressure. Make small changes: Make half your plate fruits [...]

  Most first-responders retire before they are eligible for Medicare, making finding affordable health insurance challenging. Due to the physical nature of the job, first-responders rarely reach 65 before retiring and are often left with many ongoing health challenges. Without access to Medicare and the increasing cost of post-retirement benefits for associations, first-responders are in need of other options. Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association Plans (VEBAs) can be an advantageous option for both first-responders and the associations where they work.   What are VEBAs?   VEBAs are used to supplement health insurance for first responders. As negotiations happen, the city may reduce health [...]

Statement of Sam A. Cabral, President of the International Union of Police Associations   Re: Increased Assaults on Police Officers According to the F.B.I., there have been an increased number of assaults on police officers and an alarming rise in their murders. Seventy-three officers were murdered in 2021, many of them in ambushes, simply because they were police officers. While F.B.I. Director Wray attributes some of the violence to the pandemic, I believe there are also several other contributors to this alarming uptick. The media has vilified law enforcement, causing them to hesitate to take action in critical situations when seconds mean [...]

  Happy Heroes Appreciation Month from Heroes Vacation Club! During the entire month of May, Heroes Vacation is offering amazing discounts to I.U.P.A. members and their families! Resort Vacation Certificates will be at their lowest price ever at $289, which is redeemable towards a 7-night resort stay. It is Heroes Vacation Club’s way of saying thanks for your service during Heroes Vacation Month! Vacation destinations are available for: Beach Vacations Adventure Vacations Family Vacations Romantic Vacations You deserve to pamper yourself and have some fun! Take a look at travel destinations in the photos below. Click here to find out more!  

  Mother's Day is almost here and we are celebrating, BIG! Enter the Celebrate Mom Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of FIVE $100 Teleflora gift certificates! Click here to find out more!   Get 30% off Teleflora flowers PLUS 10 extra sweepstakes entries In honor of Mother's Day, we are offering 30% off Mother’s Day bouquets AND 10 bonus entries. Just use promo code BAUPSW30 or shop from the link provided after entry! Even more bonus entries for pics and referrals Get 5 bonus entries when you share a photo of a mom you love and 1 bonus entry when you refer [...]