TERMS OF SERVICE

1. Introduction and Agreement

Welcome to the official website and mobile application of IAFF Local 2959, operated by Martin County Firefighters Association.

These Terms of Service establish the conditions governing access to and use of our digital platforms, including the official website, mobile application, member resources, communication channels, and related online services.

Throughout this document, "IAFF Local 2959," "the Association," "we," "our," and "us" refer to Martin County Firefighters Association, also identified as MARTIN COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOC. INC.

The terms "user," "you," and "your" refer to individuals accessing or interacting with our digital platforms.

By using our website or mobile application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms and agree to comply with the applicable provisions.

Individuals who disagree with these Terms should discontinue use of the applicable digital platform.

These Terms govern digital platform access. They do not replace Association bylaws, collective bargaining agreements, membership regulations, or other governing documents.

2. About the Association

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

Our mission includes protecting the professional interests of members, supporting safe working conditions, strengthening labor representation, encouraging professional development, and promoting the well-being of emergency services personnel.

The Association works to support its members through organizational advocacy, workplace representation, community involvement, and access to relevant information.

Our digital platforms help members stay connected with Association activities and obtain important organizational resources.

3. Purpose and Scope of Digital Services

The Association maintains its website and mobile application to support communication, information sharing, and member engagement.

Available resources may include organizational announcements, membership information, meeting notices, educational materials, community activities, and contact information for authorized representatives.

Our platforms may also provide access to professional development materials, workplace safety information, and peer-support resources.

Specific functionality may differ between the website and mobile application.

Not every feature is necessarily accessible to every visitor. Certain resources may be restricted to Association members or other authorized individuals.

The Association may modify platform functionality when necessary to meet organizational, operational, or security requirements.

4. Eligibility and Access

Users must access Association digital resources for lawful purposes.

Public information may be available to visitors without membership credentials.

Restricted resources may require authorization or verification of membership status.

Access to the website or application does not automatically establish Association membership or entitlement to representation, benefits, or organizational privileges.

Membership eligibility is determined by applicable Association governing documents and legal requirements.

Users must not attempt to access restricted resources without appropriate authorization.

5. Member Accounts and Credentials

Where account-based functionality is available, users are responsible for maintaining accurate account information and protecting their access credentials.

Account credentials must not be knowingly disclosed to unauthorized individuals.

Users must not impersonate another member, create misleading account information, or access another person's account without permission.

Suspected unauthorized access should be reported promptly to the Association.

The Association may temporarily restrict account access when reasonably necessary to investigate security concerns or protect member information.

Account access restrictions do not independently terminate Association membership or alter rights established under applicable governing documents.

6. Responsible Use

Users agree to interact with Association platforms respectfully, lawfully, and responsibly.

The following activities are prohibited:

Attempting unauthorized access to restricted systems or records

Distributing malicious software or harmful electronic content

Interfering with website or application functionality

Submitting fraudulent or intentionally misleading information

Impersonating Association representatives or other individuals

Harassing, threatening, or intimidating users

Disclosing confidential information without authorization

Circumventing security protections

Using Association resources for unauthorized commercial activity

Violating applicable laws or protected rights

The Association may investigate suspected violations and take appropriate protective action.

Any enforcement action will remain subject to applicable law and relevant organizational procedures.

7. Accuracy and Reliability of Information

IAFF Local 2959 makes reasonable efforts to maintain accurate and useful information across its digital platforms.

Nevertheless, organizational announcements, schedules, contact information, external resources, and other materials may change.

The Association does not guarantee that every published item will remain current, complete, or entirely accurate.

Users should verify important or time-sensitive information with an authorized Association representative.

Published information is intended primarily for organizational communication and general reference.

8. Association Membership and Representation

The website and mobile application support the Association's communication and member-service activities.

Use of these platforms does not independently create an employment relationship, bargaining-unit designation, membership entitlement, or representation agreement.

Membership rights and obligations remain subject to applicable bylaws, labor agreements, and legal requirements.

Digital communications do not automatically modify collective bargaining agreements or establish new contractual employment rights.

Formal Association decisions remain subject to established organizational procedures and authorized representatives.

9. Educational and Professional Information

Our platforms may contain materials concerning workplace safety, labor representation, professional development, employment matters, and emergency services.

These materials are provided for general educational and organizational purposes.

Unless expressly established through an appropriate professional relationship, website and application content does not constitute individualized legal, medical, or other specialized professional advice.

Users facing circumstances requiring professional assistance should consult appropriately qualified individuals or authorized Association representatives.

Nothing in these Terms limits rights protected by applicable labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, or other mandatory legal protections.

10. Electronic Communications

Users may contact the Association through available electronic communication channels.

By voluntarily submitting an inquiry, users authorize the Association to respond through the contact information provided, consistent with applicable law.

Communications may concern organizational updates, requested information, administrative matters, Association activities, or responses to individual inquiries.

Users should provide accurate contact information when requesting a response.

Electronic messages may occasionally be delayed or interrupted because of technical conditions outside the Association's control.

The Association does not guarantee immediate responses to routine inquiries.

11. SMS and Text Messaging

IAFF Local 2959 may send text messages to individuals who have voluntarily subscribed to its messaging program.

Users may register for SMS communications by visiting:

https://martinfirefighters.com/contact-us

and selecting the applicable consent checkbox when submitting their contact information.

Messages may include Association announcements, administrative updates, appointment confirmations, requested information, and support-related communications.

SMS participation is voluntary and is not a condition of Association membership or access to publicly available information.

Message frequency may vary, with up to four messages per month under the described program.

Standard message and data rates may apply.

After registration, users may receive a confirmation message identifying MARTIN COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOC. INC. as the sender.

SMS Cancellation

Users may discontinue SMS communications at any time by replying STOP.

After a valid cancellation request, a final confirmation message may be sent.

Further messages under the opted-out program will cease unless the individual subsequently provides new consent or an applicable legal exception permits communication.

SMS Assistance

Users requiring assistance may reply HELP or contact the Association directly.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (772) 577-2750

SMS Information Protection

Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

Text messaging originator consent information will not be disclosed to third parties, except to messaging aggregators and providers necessary to operate the communication service.

Mobile Carrier Responsibility

Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Delivery depends on network availability, device compatibility, carrier conditions, and other external factors.

12. Privacy and Personal Information

IAFF Local 2959 recognizes the importance of safeguarding personal information entrusted to the Association.

Information submitted through our website, application, or communication channels is handled according to the Association's Privacy Policy and applicable law.

The Privacy Policy explains relevant information practices, security considerations, and procedures for contacting the Association about personal information.

Users must respect the privacy of other individuals and must not attempt to access or disclose information without authorization.

Personal information should be submitted only through appropriate channels.

13. Peer Support and Behavioral-Health Resources

Firefighters and emergency medical services personnel may experience occupational stress, traumatic incidents, emotional challenges, and other circumstances requiring additional support.

IAFF Local 2959 recognizes the importance of providing access to appropriate informational and support resources.

Our digital platforms may direct users to:

https://mcfrpeersupport.com

MCFR Peer Support provides information concerning peer assistance, behavioral-health resources, and relevant professional referrals for Martin County Fire Rescue personnel.

These resources are intended to help individuals identify available support and connect with appropriate services.

Nature of Peer Assistance

Peer-support programs may connect individuals with trained peers who can listen, provide general guidance, and help identify available resources.

Peer-support personnel are not necessarily licensed medical or behavioral-health professionals.

Peer assistance does not replace diagnosis, medical treatment, emergency intervention, or care from a qualified clinician.

Confidentiality Considerations

Confidentiality is an important consideration in peer-support activities.

However, the confidentiality of particular communications depends on applicable law, program procedures, and the circumstances involved.

Certain circumstances may require action or disclosure, including situations involving immediate safety concerns or legally mandated reporting.

Individuals should review the applicable peer-support program's confidentiality procedures before sharing highly sensitive information.

Emergency Assistance

The Association's website and mobile application are not emergency response systems.

For immediate emergencies, contact 911.

Individuals experiencing emotional distress or a mental-health crisis may contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Additional first-responder resources may be identified through MCFR Peer Support.

General website and application communication channels should not be relied upon for immediate crisis intervention.

14. External Websites and Resources

The Association's platforms may include links to independent organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, professional resources, and behavioral-health services.

External links are provided for informational convenience.

IAFF Local 2959 does not control independently operated websites and cannot guarantee their accuracy, availability, security, or privacy practices.

Users should review the applicable terms and privacy policies before interacting with external services.

References to third-party organizations do not automatically constitute endorsement, sponsorship, or responsibility for their activities.

15. Intellectual Property

Original content created or owned by IAFF Local 2959 remains the property of the Association or its applicable rights holders.

Protected materials may include Association logos, organizational publications, graphics, photographs, written materials, website layouts, and original multimedia content.

Third-party materials remain the property of their respective owners.

Users may access publicly available materials for lawful personal, informational, and authorized Association-related purposes.

Unauthorized commercial reproduction, redistribution, alteration, or publication of protected materials is prohibited without appropriate permission.

Access to Association digital platforms does not transfer ownership of intellectual property to users.

16. User-Submitted Materials

Users are responsible for information voluntarily submitted through available website or application features.

Submitted materials must be lawful and must not infringe another person's privacy, intellectual property, or other protected rights.

By submitting an inquiry or communication, users authorize the Association to process the information as reasonably necessary to respond and carry out the purpose of the submission.

This authorization does not transfer unrestricted ownership of personal information to the Association.

Users should avoid transmitting confidential medical records or other highly sensitive information through general-purpose contact channels.

17. Confidential Association Information

Certain organizational materials, internal communications, and member records may be restricted or confidential.

Individuals authorized to access such materials are expected to handle them responsibly.

Restricted information must not be improperly disclosed, copied, distributed, or used for unauthorized purposes.

These restrictions do not prohibit lawful reporting, protected labor activity, communications with governmental agencies, or other disclosures protected by applicable law.

The Association may implement reasonable access controls to safeguard restricted information.

18. Website and Application Availability

The Association seeks to maintain dependable access to its digital platforms.

However, uninterrupted availability cannot be guaranteed.

Access may be affected by maintenance, technical difficulties, system updates, network interruptions, security events, or external service disruptions.

The Association may temporarily suspend functionality when necessary to protect users or maintain operational stability.

Reasonable efforts may be made to communicate significant planned interruptions when practicable.

19. Application Updates and Compatibility

The mobile application may receive periodic updates to maintain compatibility, improve functionality, strengthen security, or reflect organizational requirements.

Users may need to install updated application versions to continue accessing certain features.

The Association does not guarantee compatibility with every device or operating system.

Older application versions may become unsupported when continued operation creates security or technical concerns.

Users are encouraged to maintain appropriate device security and software updates.

20. Platform Security

Users must not engage in activities that compromise the security or integrity of Association systems.

Unauthorized access attempts, malicious code distribution, system interference, and misuse of restricted information are prohibited.

The Association may investigate suspected security incidents and take reasonable protective measures.

Where required or permitted by law, serious incidents may be referred to appropriate authorities.

Users who discover potential security vulnerabilities should notify the Association through its official contact channels.

21. No Guarantee of Particular Results

The Association provides digital information and resources to support communication, organizational awareness, and member engagement.

Accessing these resources does not guarantee a particular employment outcome, legal determination, organizational decision, healthcare result, or resolution of an individual concern.

Requests for assistance remain subject to applicable procedures, available resources, professional judgment, and legal obligations.

Users should seek appropriate direct assistance when their circumstances require individualized guidance.

22. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Association's website, mobile application, and related digital resources are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

The Association does not guarantee uninterrupted operation, complete accuracy, continuous availability, or suitability for every individual purpose.

Technical issues, incomplete information, and temporary interruptions may occur.

Nothing in this section excludes protections or warranties that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Users remain responsible for evaluating information and obtaining appropriate professional assistance when necessary.

23. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, IAFF Local 2959 and its authorized representatives are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising solely from use of, or inability to use, its digital platforms.

This limitation may apply to technical interruptions, unavailable information, or reliance on general informational materials.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where exclusion is prohibited by applicable law.

These Terms do not eliminate statutory rights, protected labor rights, or other protections that cannot legally be waived.

24. Responsibility for Misuse

Users are responsible for unlawful activities or intentional misuse of Association digital platforms.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, individuals may be responsible for claims or losses directly resulting from their unlawful conduct or intentional violation of another person's rights.

This provision does not require users to assume responsibility for the Association's own unlawful actions.

It does not override protections established by applicable law.

25. Suspension and Restriction of Access

The Association may restrict or suspend access to digital resources when reasonably necessary to address security concerns, unauthorized activity, serious misuse, or material violations of these Terms.

Examples include unauthorized account access, misuse of confidential information, malicious interference, or loss of eligibility for restricted platform features.

Where appropriate, affected users may contact the Association to request clarification.

Restriction of digital access does not automatically terminate membership or modify rights established under governing Association documents.

26. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by applicable laws of the State of Florida and the United States.

Disputes concerning digital platform use will be addressed through procedures and jurisdictions applicable under relevant law.

Nothing in these Terms replaces mandatory labor-dispute procedures, collective bargaining grievance processes, or other legally required mechanisms.

Any separate arbitration arrangement must satisfy applicable legal requirements.

27. Relationship to Governing Documents

These Terms establish conditions for accessing and using Association digital platforms.

They do not supersede the Association's constitution, bylaws, applicable collective bargaining agreements, or mandatory legal obligations.

If a provision conflicts with a controlling law or governing organizational document, the applicable law or governing document will prevail to the extent of the conflict.

28. Changes to These Terms

IAFF Local 2959 may revise these Terms to reflect changes in digital functionality, organizational practices, legal requirements, or security procedures.

Updated versions will be published with a revised effective date.

Where required by law, additional notice or renewed acceptance will be obtained.

Users are encouraged to review the Terms periodically.

Continued use after properly communicated changes may constitute acceptance to the extent permitted by applicable law.

29. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.

An invalid provision will not automatically invalidate the entire agreement.

30. No Waiver

Failure by the Association to enforce a particular provision does not necessarily constitute a permanent waiver of that provision.

The Association retains its rights under applicable law and governing organizational documents.

31. Contact Information

Questions concerning these Terms, application access, organizational communications, or digital services may be directed to:

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

IAFF Local 2959 remains committed to supporting its members, protecting organizational information, maintaining responsible digital communication, and strengthening the professional community of firefighters and emergency medical services personnel.