Under the direction of President Lavin, the NJ FMBA, a 5,500+ member organization, continues to grow and is recognized as one of the leading public employee labor unions in the State of New Jersey. From building 100% handicapped accessible playgrounds in the Gulf Coast, to supporting burn survivors throughout the east coast, and supporting widows and children of fallen firefighters, the FMBA continues to distinguish itself as a champion of those in greatest need.

Bill is a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation, a counselor at the Children’s Burn Camp in Connecticut and the Director of the New Jersey State FMBA Foundation. The NJ FMBA is a proud partner of the most respected charities in New Jersey and across the country. Save the Children, Make-a-Wish, the Leukemia Society, Deborah Heart & Lung, and St. Barnabas Medical Center are among a few. In 2007 Bill was named Grand Marshal of the 2007 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the recipient of the 2007 Raymond Vella Civic Association’s Firefighter of the Year Award.

One of eleven children; his mother, Elizabeth, and father, Charles, are both proud decedents of Irish heritage. He is the son of an Elizabeth firefighter, brother of Elizabeth Fire Officers, Robert and Timothy, and brother to retired Elizabeth Police Officer, Patrick. A member of the Union County Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, the Emerald Society, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Knights of Columbus. Bill hails from the great City of Elizabeth, where he attended grammar and high school at St. Mary’s of the Assumption.

Bill co-founded of the NJFMBA 5K Fallen Heroes Run, held annually in the City of Elizabeth, NJ. Along with his brother, 5K Chairman Robert Lavin, this event raises funds for the victims of the September 11th World Trade Center disaster. He continues to enjoy great success in his fundraising efforts through the NJ FMBA Foundation.