This week, Floridians honor the memories of September 11 victims and their families. Many of Florida’s firefighters and law enforcement officers gave their time and their hearts to help our fellow citizens following that sad day in 2001.

In light of those contributions, the New York Fire Commissioner donated an iron memorial to Augie Valdes, Fire Protection Specialist, and the Tampa State Fire Marshal’s office in remembrance of the fallen heroes that served our country in an hour of great need. Above the memorial hangs our nation’s flag which carries the names of each firefighter and law enforcement officer that lost their lives in an effort to save others during the tragedy.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as the State Fire Marshal, holds a special place in her heart for those men and women who risked their lives for others during the events of September 11, 2001.

Florida Rep. Audrey Gibson, CFO Sink, Rep. Mia Jones and Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton.

Participating in Jacksonville's Fallen Heroes Breakfast sponsored by the Jacksonville Firefighters' and Policemen's Pension Fund, CFO Sink said,  “The numbers 9/11 will forever be of historical significance to our country.  But, the numbers we all need to remember are 24/7 –  the numbers that represent the dedication and spirit of our professional and volunteer firefighters and volunteers who are committed to serving our country every day of every year.”

Just this week, two Lauderhill firefighters were declared heroes when they didn’t hesitate to run into a burning house to save a 10-month-old baby girl.  After the rescue, the firefighters, Jacob Mardhese and Anthony Busk, told reporters covering the scene that they love their job because of the chance to rescue someone, to save a life.  Busk said, "It feels good."

The State of Florida is forever grateful for the service and commitment of our firefighters and law enforcement officers. Let this seventh anniversary of 9/11 be a reminder of what they do on our behalf every day.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink this week promoted the importance of increasing financial literacy at instructor training sessions in Pensacola and Jacksonville.

Working in partnership with the United Way of Santa Rosa County, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – New Orleans Branch, CFO Sink delivered opening remarks to the training participants in Pensacola on Wednesday.

On Thursday, CFO Sink opened the  program in Jacksonville in  partnership with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – Jacksonville Branch.

Participants learned the FDIC’s Money Smart program, which helps adults with little or no banking experience enhance money skills, build financial knowledge, develop financial confidence and use banking services effectively.

Volunteers from various non-profit and community organizations who completed the training were certified to give one-hour financial literacy courses using the FDIC’s Money Smart Curriculum.

“All Floridians are feeling the economic pinch and none more so than our state employees, who will receive no cost-of-living increases in their salaries this year,” said CFO Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services. “We all could benefit from tips on how to cut costs, stay within a budget and continue to provide for our families.” CONTINUED

• Place it where water can flow into the barrel from your downspout and/or gutter
• Install an overflow valve to release excess water should it become full
• Attach a spigot so that you can put a watering can underneath and fill it up
• Place a cover on your rain barrel so that bugs and other wildlife can’t get inside
• Never drink the water from your rain barrel or give the water to your pets due to pollutants from your roof.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE ASSISTING IN THIRD ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TRAINING

The memories of 9-11 will never be forgotten and have become synonymous with the dedication of our nation’s firefighters. In honor of those who gave everything they had to rescue their fellow citizens, the third annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend will be held September 19 -22, 2008, at the Okaloosa/Walton College, 100 College Blvd., in Niceville, Florida.

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as State Fire Marshal and oversees the Florida State Fire College, is a proud supporter of the annual Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend. The event offers Florida’s volunteer firefighters access to training, keeping them up-to-date on new firefighting techniques so they can better protect their communities and themselves.

“The State Fire Marshal’s office looks forward to playing a key role in this annual training experience,” said CFO Sink. “It is a pleasure knowing we are able to give back, in the form of free training, to our many dedicated volunteer firefighters who give so much to Florida communities.” CONTINUED

CFO SINK ADDRESSES TALLAHASSEE WOMEN LAWYERS

On September 10, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink served as the keynote speaker for the Tallahassee Women Lawyers (TWL) monthly membership meeting.  CFO Sink spoke on the theme "Balancing It All While Ascending the Corporate Ladder."  The theme coincides with the platform of TWL President Kim Driggers – “Pursuing a Healthy Balance between Self, Family & Career.”   

The Tallahassee Women Lawyers group was established in 1980 and exists to promote the status of women in the legal community and to create, improve, and maintain supportive networks among women in the legal profession through mutual cooperation, respect, and good friendship. 

IDEA: Take advantage of coupons

This week’s financial tip comes straight from a Department of Financial Services employee. Deputy Chief Financial Officer Tammy Teston has helped numerous state employees cut their monthly grocery bills nearly in half with her “Become the CFO of Your Family” lecture series.

Many people have access to, and are even inundated with, grocery store coupons. Taking advantage of the retailer and manufacturer coupons can help us cut our costs in the checkout line.

One of Tammy’s greatest pieces of advice is this: Instead of making your grocery list and then digging through the coupons to find some that work, build your list around the coupons that you have. This is the best way to maximize your savings. Also, items that you use on a regular basis should be bought while they are on sale or while there is a coupon available - called stockpiling.

For the best coupons available, search Sunday’s paper, and be sure to get your hands on the biggest paper in your area for the best deals. Also, the next time you walk into the grocery store or the drug store, pick up the circular ad for special prices. There are also a plethora of Web sites with coupons and special discount codes to be used for online shopping.  Sign up for your favorite stores' email lists and print out the coupons before you shop - 40 percent off that book you want can make your day!

So, next time you see that two-for-one sale on paper towels pick up four, and when you’re making your grocery list on Sunday morning, do it with the newspaper open to the money-saving coupons.