Schaitberger, Bollon Triumphantly Re-Elected

August 13, 2008 -- The IAFF’s principal officers, Harold A. Schaitberger and Vincent J. Bollon, will lead the IAFF for another four years. Re-elected today by acclamation and with a massive show of support and confidence by delegates at the 49th Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, General President Schaitberger and General Secretary-Treasurer Bollon raised their arms triumphantly on stage but made it clear they accept the honor with humility and a deep commitment to continue to serve the International and its 290,000 members.

“I told you where I would always be when you first elected me in Chicago in 2000, and that’s taking care of business,” Schaitberger said, moments after “Takin’ Care of Business” reverberated throughout the Convention floor as delegates gave a standing ovation. “This is my life, and you are my passion,” he said, pledging that delegates will never have to second guess the decision to elect him to another four-year term.

Schaitberger was nominated by Fairfax County, VA Local 2068 President John Niemiec. The nomination was seconded by CDF Local 2881 President Robert Wolf and Calgary, AB Local 255 President Mark Faires.

In an emotional moment, Schaitberger thanked his 88-year-old mother, a “tough old Scot” who instilled in him the importance of never giving up, a strong work ethic and the desire to follow through on commitments.

Bollon, re-elected to his sixth term, accepted the honor graciously. “I want to thank you all for putting your trust and faith in me once again,” Bollon said after a standing ovation from delegates, noting that his sixth election was “just as exciting as the first.”

Bollon was nominated by Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854 of New York President Jack McDonell. The nomination was seconded by Saint John, NB Local 771 President Chuck Hickey and Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts President Bob McCarthy.

Schaitberger and Bollon thanked delegates for their support with a luncheon celebration outside the Convention hall.

Schaitberger, the 9th General President in the IAFF’s 90-year history, was first elected General President in 2000 and re-elected by acclamation in 2004 in Boston. He began his career as a professional fire fighter in Fairfax County, Virginia, rose to the rank of lieutenant, and was one of the leaders who originally organized and was the first president of Fairfax County Local 2068. In 1973, Schaitberger was elected president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.

Prior to his election as General President, Schaitberger served as a top advisor to three IAFF presidents. He came to the IAFF headquarters in 1976 to create, establish and head the union’s national political and legislative programs.

Bollon was first elected General Secretary-Treasurer in 1988 and will serve his sixth term in the position. Bollon was president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association of New York Local 854 from 1980 to 1988. He was elected vice president of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association, and served in that capacity from 1984 to 1987.