Brooklyn Park Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 5031

HUGE news from the state capitol tonight:

The Minnesota Legislature has passed legislation that will add cancer as an eligible condition for the state Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB), which is a benefit paid to the families who lose a firefighter or police officer in the line of duty. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for a signature.

Cancer is the most common cause of firefighter LODDs—this law ensures those who make the ultimate sacrifice are treated the same, no matter if the cause is cancer, heart disease, stroke, or injuries sustained at a fire.

This law mirrors the federal HONOR Act passed in December last year, which ensures families of firefighters who perish from job-related cancer receive the federal PSOB, and they will now receive the Minnesota PSOB too.

This massive legislative victory represents years of hard work by the MPFF board, especially by President Scott Vadnais, who has worked tirelessly this session to push for this bill until it became law.

Special thank you to Senator Judy Seeberger and Representative Pete Johnson for leading the charge on this bill in their respective houses. Thank you to Representatives Kelly Moller and Paul Novotny for finding the vehicle to move the bill through the legislature, and to Senator Erin Murphy for getting this bill added in late into the session.

Thank you especially to Julie Paidar, who has been a champion of this legislation and a driving force that inspires all of us.

Lastly, thank you to all of our members across Minnesota. Your support and participation in this union is what makes change like this possible, and you are who we fight for every year at the Capitol. It’s an honor to serve our members!

Proud to have our brother Jonathan Roberts representing Local 5031 this week at the IAFF A. Michael Mullane Political Training Academy in Baltimore! 🔥

One of just 50 IAFF members selected nationwide for this intensive week-long program — learning the skills to win campaigns and fight for the pay, benefits, and safety our members deserve.

🙏🕊️🎗️

Today, and every day, we remember and honor those we have lost in the line of duty.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Congratulations Terry Parks! Thank you for your years of unwavering support of Brooklyn Park Firefighters.

We are excited to announce our 2026 Tater Daze Parade Grand Marshal... Terry Parks! Terry has lived in Brooklyn Park since 1982 and been heavily involved in the city ever since. He was a firefighter, served on city commissions, spent eight years on city council, and has been an election judge for 30 years.

You can read more about it in Park Pages, which is hitting mailboxes this week!

"Being named Grand Marshal is an honor and humbling at the same time. We have tons of great people in Brooklyn Park that deserver to be there, thank you for the honor of serving Brooklyn Park... I am not done yet," said Parks upon learning he has been chosen as the Grand Marshal.

Parks is also involved in local organizations such as the Elks, Rotary, and Lions. Come on out and celebrate Terry and Brooklyn Park at Tater Daze on Saturday, May 30.

Learn more at www.brooklynpark.org/taterdaze

It is with deep sadness that I share the unexpected passing of Fire Captain Anthony “Tony” Cuzzupe on April 17, 2026.
Tony began his service with our department as a Reserve Firefighter on June 17, 2002, where he earned his Firefighter and EMT certifications. He was appointed to the Paid-On-Call Division on July 1, 2003, and hired as a full-time firefighter on September 13, 2005. Tony was promoted to Fire Captain on October 27, 2016.
I had the privilege of working alongside Tony for several years when I was a Fire Captain. In the fire service, people often talk about brotherhood, but it is difficult to fully understand unless you have lived it. It goes beyond trust on the fireground. It is built over countless 24-hour shifts, shared challenges, and a level of connection that stays with you for life.
Tony was not only a trusted colleague, but a close friend. He was one of the most competent and compassionate firefighter/EMTs I have had the honor to work with.
Throughout his career, Tony made a lasting impact on our department, the fire service, and the thousands of people he served in our community. His presence in the firehouse and on the job will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Tony’s family, friends, coworkers, and all who knew him.

— Fire Chief Daniel O’Brien

We are thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotion of our own Tariq Bashir to Captain! 🎉 Tariq is not only a dedicated member of our Local but also the proud Honor Graduate of the inaugural Brooklyn Park Firefighter Academy.

Tariq's hard work, commitment, and leadership exemplify the values we stand for in our union. His promotion highlights the importance of recognizing and investing in our internal talent.

Join us in celebrating Tariq's achievement and sending him your best wishes as he takes on this new role! 👏🔥

We appreciate them everyday. Thank you Brooklyn Park, MN - Police Department for always having our backs. Proud to work alongside you. Our community is lucky to have the best of the best. 🚔

Please see the attached statement from the MPFF Executive Board regarding the Brooklyn Park Lateral Fire Captain posting.