Brighton Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 2223

“Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, which marks the date when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word of their emancipation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is the day that slavery was officially abolished everywhere in the United States, and we celebrate it to honor the resilience, perseverance, and contributions of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history.

Juneteenth serves as a lesson that our rights must be won and protected through courage, solidarity and collective action. It is a day to reflect on how far we have come and to recognize the work that remains in our ongoing pursuit of liberty and justice for all.

The labor movement and the civil rights movement have long been connected by the shared belief that every person deserves respect, fair treatment and a voice in shaping their future and their work. At the IAM Union, it is our promised responsibility to work towards building workplaces and a society where discrimination has no place and where every worker thrives, regardless of race, background, or circumstance.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor those who fought for freedom and recommit ourselves to the fight for economic justice, civil rights, and workplace equality. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive future for all working people”

- IAM Union President Brian Bryant, 2026

This past Thursday, May 21st, BPFA member FF Mark Goodman completed the Recruit Firefighter Training Academy at the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls, NY, as a member of RFFT Class 93.

Graduation is the culmination months of hard work and intense academics in a residential academy that began in January, and results in certification as a NYS Professional Firefighter per National Standards.

Firefighter Goodman made the BFD proud, graduating at the top of his class. He received the Valedictorian Award for having the highest academic average in the class, and was also awarded the Professionalism Award, which is voted on by all members of the class.

Congratulations Mark, excellent work. Here’s to a long and healthy career.

Brighton Firefighter Curt Laraby retired this March after 36 Years of Service to the Brighton and Pittsford Communities.

Please join us in celebrating Curt’s retirement on Sunday May 31st, 1:00PM, at Flaherty’s Three Flags Inn in Honeoye Falls, NY. RSVP requested, RSVP info is below.

International Firefighters’ Day.

Today, the Brighton Professional Firefighters Local 2223, honor our brother and sister firefighters worldwide - past, present, and future. Our union was built by those who came before us, strengthened by those who show up every day, and this will be carried on by those who follow.

We remain committed to serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. Every call answered reflects the trust placed in us, and we are proud to uphold that responsibility together.

Firefighter Curt Laraby’s first day as a recruit firefighter with the Brighton Fire District was October 30th, 1989. The Berlin Wall fell that same year, and gasoline cost less $1 a gallon.

Today marks FF Laraby’s last shift before retirement. We are sure gonna miss him.

During his 36 years of public service since that day, FF Laraby has had a storied career. He has responded to untold number of incidents in our community, trained dozens of new firefighters, and has made a lot of friends along the way. He retires as Brighton’s most senior career firefighter, and is known as an expert apparatus operator, particularly on the aerial fire apparatus. If you have ever seen the big ladder truck driving around our town, or set up at a fire, there is a good chance you have seen FF Laraby at work.

FF Laraby’s father, Gerald Laraby, also served as a Brighton career firefighter from 1964 to 1989, and was a charter member of the Brighton Professional Firefighters Local 2223. Firefighter Laraby was also the first Brighton firefighter to attend the NYS Fire Academy, in 1990.

FF Laraby, we wish you a happy and healthy retirement. Thank you for all the hard work and everything you have taught us. Above all, thank you for your many years of service to our community. We hope you will keep your BFD family updated as to your next adventures!