The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is a labor union representing full-time, paid firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in the United States and Canada. It is not affiliated with a specific website like safirefighters.com. The IAFF is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is affiliated with the AFL–CIO in the United States and the Canadian Labour Congress in Canada.

History

The IAFF was founded on February 28, 1918, with thirty-six fire fighter delegates gathered to adopt its Constitution and By-Laws, marking the beginning of a strong collective voice for fire fighters across the U.S. and Canada[1][4]. At its inception, the IAFF aimed to improve wages, hours, and working conditions for its members, who often faced hazardous conditions with minimal compensation and benefits[3][4].

Objectives and Activities

The IAFF's primary objectives include organizing the fire fighting profession, securing just compensation, creating safer working environments, and promoting reasonable working conditions[3]. The organization has been instrumental in advocating for legislative changes that benefit firefighters and emergency responders, such as staffing, line-of-duty deaths, healthcare, pensions, and safety[4].

The IAFF also focuses on health and safety initiatives, including fire fighter fatality and serious injury investigations, and the development of personal protective equipment[3]. Additionally, it supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through fundraising efforts like the annual "Fill the Boot" campaign[5].

Membership and Structure

The IAFF has more than 344,440 members across over 3,500 affiliate organizations in the U.S. and Canada[2]. Membership is restricted to full-time paid firefighters and emergency medical technicians, excluding volunteer personnel[2]. The organization operates as a participative democracy with a General President, General Secretary-Treasurer, and an Executive Board composed of district vice presidents from both countries[3].

Political Influence

The IAFF's political action committee, FIREPAC, is highly active and influential, contributing to candidates who support firefighters' interests regardless of political affiliation[5]. The IAFF hosts an annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., which is the largest legislative conference of any union in the country[2].

Charitable Initiatives

The IAFF Charitable Foundation, established in 2011, provides assistance to members affected by natural disasters, promotes fire and burn prevention, and supports fire fighter health and safety[5]. Additionally, the IAFF operates the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery to address PTSD and substance abuse issues among members[2].