International Association of Fire Fighters

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is a nonprofit labor union dedicated to representing professional, full-time firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1918, the IAFF is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) in the United States and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in Canada.

Mission and History

The IAFF has a long history of advocating for improved wages, benefits, working conditions, and safety for its members. The organization has played a pivotal role in shaping many advances in the fire and emergency services since its inception. The IAFF supports legislative actions that promote firefighter health, safety, and welfare, including the passage of important legislation like the SAFER Act in 2003.

Membership and Affiliations

Today, the IAFF represents over 344,440 members across more than 3,500 affiliate organizations. These members protect more than 85% of the population in the U.S. and Canada, providing not only firefighting services but also pre-hospital emergency medical care. The IAFF includes a diverse range of members, such as municipal firefighters, state and federal employees, and firefighters working at industrial facilities.

Programs and Initiatives

The IAFF operates several key initiatives and programs to support its members and the broader community:

• FIREPAC: The IAFF's political action committee, established in 1978, is one of the most active and influential in the country. FIREPAC focuses on supporting candidates who champion firefighter interests, regardless of party affiliation.
• IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery: Launched in 2017, this center aims to address post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and substance abuse among firefighters. It provides specialized treatment and training for peer support members.
• IAFF Charitable Foundation: Established in 2011, the foundation supports members affected by disasters, promotes fire and burn prevention, and advocates for firefighter health and safety.
• IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial: An annual memorial service is held to honor IAFF members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Over 8,800 names are commemorated on the memorial wall.

Community Engagement

The IAFF is also deeply involved in community outreach and charitable efforts, notably serving as the largest national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Since 1954, IAFF members have raised over $558 million for MDA through campaigns such as the "Fill the Boot" drive.

Legislative Advocacy

Each year, the IAFF hosts a national legislative conference in Washington, D.C., where attendees engage with national leaders to advocate for firefighter interests and legislative change. The conference is the largest of its kind for any union in the country.

Impact and Recognition

The IAFF's influence extends beyond its core advocacy work. It has established professional standards for the fire service, leading training initiatives in hazardous materials response and occupational safety. Through these efforts, the IAFF continues to enhance the safety and effectiveness of fire and emergency services globally.