Australian Fire Fighters Visit U.S. 

April 24, 2007 -- Fire fighters from the United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA), traveling to the United States to attend the Women in the Fire Service (WFS) conference in Oakland, California, extended their trip to include stops in Washington, DC, Fairfax County, Virginia, and Montgomery County, Maryland.

As one of several unions that make up the International Fire Fighter Unions Alliance, the UFUA worked with the IAFF to arrange for the eight members of UFUA – seven women and one man – to spend a day at IAFF headquarters and tour several fire stations in Maryland and Virginia.

UFUA fire fighters met with International staff to learn more about human relations issues and health and safety concerns and initiatives. The Australian delegation took particular interest in the IAFF’s diversity efforts and health and wellness projects, including the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and Project Heroes.

Fairfax County, VA Local 2068 President Mike Mohler and Montgomery County, MD 1664 Local President John Sparks scheduled tours of several local fire stations, training academies and occupational health centers during their three-day stay on the East Coast.

The International Fire Fighter Unions Alliance includes the IAFF, United Firefighters Union of Australia, New Zealand Professional Firefighters Association and the Fire Brigades Union of the United Kingdom.

Pictured: Fire fighters from Australia visited Montgomery County Fire and Rescue with Fire Chief Tom Carr, Montgomery County, MD Local 1664 President John Sparks and IAFF members. The fire fighters, from Melbourne Fire Brigade, are among 40 female fire fighters in the 1,600 member department.