From the 1973 yearbook	From the 1986 yearbook	From the 1986 yearbook
From the 2016 Firefighter Luncheon	From the 2016 Firefighter Luncheon	Local 122 office in San Marco 1986
Paul's gift to the L122 members 1989	Paul's gift to the L122 members 1989	A recent picture of Paul

The officers and members of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter Association are saddened to report that

Retired IAFF LOCAL 122 PRESIDENT / JFRD Engineer Paul Dinkins passed away Tuesday July 14, 2020.

The following is from Nick Tison as posted to the Facebook page of the Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefit Fund, Inc.

The Board of Directors regrets to inform you of the death of Fund member retired Engineer Paul Dinkins on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Among his many contributions Paul is probably best remembered for his service as President of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, Local 122 of the I.A.F.F., in the 1980’s. Paul and his Union team of negotiators were successful in obtaining a 15% pay differential between ranks in the 1984 union contract. While the 1984 contract had no provisions for an across the board raise, the 15% rank differential would prove to be one of the most substantial benefits ever achieved in a Union contract. Former Union President and 12th District Vice President Emeritus of the I.A.F.F. Larry Osborne, remembers Paul as an aggressive, tireless and tenacious advocate who was dedicated to the labor cause. Osborne further recalls Paul as alert, intelligent and articulate; traits not commonly associated with a man who was also physically a big man who struck a somewhat intimidating and imposing figure. Paul took the sign shop concept that was conceived by the late past Union President Gary Keys Senior, and further developed it into a powerful tool of political influence. Obviously the men and women of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department are indebted to Paul Dinkins and his team for their long lasting achievements that continue to positively benefit all those who promote to this very day. Please join the Board of Directors in expressing gratitude for the service of Paul Dinkins and keep Paul’s wife Sharon and his other family members and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at the Owosso Chapel of the Nelson-House Funeral Home, 120 East Mason Street, Owosso, MI, 48867. A visitation is scheduled the day before on Monday, July 20, 2020, from 4 to 8 pm, also at the Owosso Chapel. And Paul's family will also receive visitors the day of the funeral service beginning at 9:00 am, until the start of the service at 11:00 am. Thank you to Paul's daughter Cynthia Merrihew for providing the recent photograph of Paul. Again the Board of Directors ask you to remember the legacy of service that Paul left and keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.