Dominick F. Barbera

Born Thanksgiving Day November 30, 1933 Jersey City New Jersey, the Medical Center charity ward. America is in the middle of a great depression, these were tough times, as family we were homeless twice. December 7, 1941 the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, America enters World War II and the great depression comes to an end.

Dominick's work life began at the age of 12 in a food store while he attended school in Jersey City. He worked on various construction jobs until he moved to Miami in 1950 and went to work for Florida Power and Light at $1.00 an hour. Dominick moved on from FPL back to construction where he could earn more money.

During his working years he was a card carrying union member from age 16 to the present. Dominick paid dues to IBHC,Teamsters, IBEW, Bricklayers and Masons and 1AFF for a total of 64 years.

Dominick met Beverly Martin on December 27, 1954 and married on July 16, 1955 and had four children, Valerie, Charles, Christopher and Mark. Two of his sons were Fire Fighters that are now retired.

Dominick began working for Bal Harbor Fire Department 1966 and organized Uniformed Fire Fighters Association Local 1844. He was president from 1968 until Bal Harbor merged with Dade County Fire Department in 1971. Dominick was then employed by Miami Dade County. He was elected to Local 1403 executive board in 1973 and served as vice president from 1978 and elected president in 1980 and held office until 1994.

Dominick retired after 28 years as a Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic. He was Re-elected as president from 2000 to 2004. In 2010 he was re-elected and served again until 2012. Dominick also was elected to the executive board from 2006 until 2008. In 1984 he was elected International Association of Fire Fighters 12th District Vice President and served 22 years until 2006. In 2006 he served as the REF Alumni Coordinator until 2014.

Dominick's honors include 4 years United States Naval Reserve, Honorable Discharge. President Emeritus REF Local1403, 1AFF it District Vive President Emeritus, FPFIAFF 12th District Vice President Emeritus.

He attended Miami Dade Community College, George Meany Institute, and have taken many labor classes.

The Journey continues: 80 plus years young, looking for a job.