International Association of Fire Fighters facts for kids
| Founded | 1918 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Location | |
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Members
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344,440 (2024) |
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Key people
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Edward Kelly, General President Frank Lima, General Secretary/Treasurer |
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is a special group, like a club or team, for full-time firefighters and emergency medical workers in the United States and Canada. It's a type of organization called a labor union. The IAFF started in 1918. It works with other big labor groups like the AFL–CIO in the U.S. and the Canadian Labour Congress in Canada. The IAFF has over 344,440 members. These members are part of more than 3,500 local groups. The IAFF also has a special group called FIREPAC. This group helps support politicians who care about firefighters.
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What the IAFF Does
The IAFF was created in 1918. Its main goal is to help firefighters. They work to get better pay and benefits for their members. They also fight for safer working conditions. The IAFF wants to make sure there are enough full-time firefighters.
Helping Firefighters' Health
The IAFF has a special place called the Center of Excellence. It's in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. This center helps firefighters who have been through tough times. It offers treatment for something called post-traumatic stress. This is when stressful events affect someone's mind. The center helps members get better so they can return to their jobs. It also trains other firefighters to support their friends. The goal is to create ways for fire departments to help their teams.
IAFF Legislative Conference
Every year, the IAFF holds a big meeting in Washington, D.C. It's called the legislative conference. Any IAFF member can sign up to attend. This meeting is the largest of its kind for any union in the country. At these conferences, members hear from important leaders. Past speakers include presidents, vice presidents, and members of Congress. They talk about laws and policies that affect firefighters.
Who Can Join the IAFF
The IAFF is for full-time paid firefighters and emergency medical technicians. It is not open to volunteer firefighters. The rules say that members should not work or volunteer for other emergency services. This helps them focus on their main job.
Supporting Firefighters in Politics
FIREPAC is the political action committee of the IAFF. It started in 1978. This group helps raise money to support political candidates. These candidates are people running for government jobs. FIREPAC supports those who care about firefighters. They support candidates from different political parties. Their main goal is to help firefighters, no matter the party.
IAFF Charitable Foundation
The IAFF Charitable Foundation started in 2011. It helps IAFF members and their families. This help is especially for those affected by natural disasters. These disasters include hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. The foundation also teaches people about fire and burn prevention. It works to make sure firefighters are safe and healthy. They also educate the public on how to prevent and recover from burn injuries.
Remembering Fallen Firefighters
The IAFF has a special place to remember firefighters. It's called the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial. This memorial honors members who died while doing their job. Every September, a ceremony is held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is to remember those who were lost. More than 8,800 names are carved into the memorial wall.
Helping the Muscular Dystrophy Association
The IAFF is a big supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). MDA helps people with muscle diseases. IAFF members raise money through a special event called "Fill the Boot." During this event, firefighters stand at intersections. They ask people to drop money into their boots. This money helps send children to MDA summer camps. It also supports health education and other programs. Since 1954, IAFF members have raised over $558 million for MDA. The IAFF has also appeared on and helped with The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon since 1966.
IAFF Leaders
Presidents
- 1918: Thomas G. Spellacy
- 1919: Fred Baer
- 1946: John P. Redmond
- 1957: William D. Buck
- 1968: William H. McClennan
- 1980: Jack Gannon
- 1988: Alfred K. Whitehead
- 2000: Harold A. Schaitberger
- 2021: Edward Kelly
Secretary-Treasurers
- 1918: William Smith
- 1920: George J. Richardson
- 1956: William D. Buck
- 1957: John C. Kabachus (acting)
- 1958: Albert E. Albertoni
- 1972: Frank A. Palumbo
- 1980: Martin E. Pierce
- 1982: Alfred K. Whitehead
- 1988: Vincent J. Bollon
- 2010: Thomas H. Miller
- 2016: Edward A. Kelly
- 2021: Frank V. Lima
