14th District Report

Welcome from the Fighting14th District to the delegates, alternates, and guests assembled for the 2026 IAFF Convention. This report is submitted in accordance with the IAFF Constitution & By Laws.

It has been an honor to represent this District and the entire IAFF membership on the IAFF Executive Board for over 31 years. I have announced my retirement effective September 27, 2026.

Since the last Convention, I have had the opportunity to serve on a number of IAFF Executive Board Committees. Currently, my committee assignments are – Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Organizing, Information Technology, Legal Services, Technical Assistance, Pension Trustee, and Administrative Committee for Principal Officers Retirement Plan. Also, I serve as chairperson for the IAFF Committee on Assistance to Non-Collective Bargaining States.

In representing the 14th District (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee), I have attended Executive Board meetings, Legislative Conferences, and IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial services. I have attended state conventions, legislative seminars, and some state executive board meetings.

The 14th District membership continues to grow with 17,727 members in 189 locals as of June 1, 2026. There continues to be interest in the IAFF despite the Right to Work laws in each state and lack of favorable labor laws. We will continue to focus on internal and external organizing to increase our membership and make our locals stronger.

Our state associations are continuing to do valuable work on behalf of the members. Congratulations to our state association officers for your success and thanks for your work.

I would also like to thank our representatives serving on the IAFF Committees

Health & Safety – Chad Major; EMS – Barbara Sellers; Burn Coordinator – Rick Boatwright; Elected Human Relations – Barbara Sellers; PSOB District Coordinator – Mike Leon; Female Health & Safety – Christina Byers.

District Field Services Representatives (DFSRs) Thomas Malone and Pete Reagan have been DFSRs since the start of the program. Both have announced they will be stepping away from these positions. The IAFF and the 14th District thank them for their many years of service. Our District is successful due to their work. 

We have received valuable support from the IAFF through the Guardian policy, Emergency Disputes Fund (EDF), Municipal Financial Analysis (MFA), wage comparison, GIS analysis, Health & Safety MAP program, and IAFF Legal Department. We continue to fight for collective bargaining for all fire fighters.

A joint District conference (12th &14th) was held in the spring of 2025 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was well attended with multiple workshops over two days.

My thanks to General President Kelly, General Secretary/Treasurer Líma and all the staff at IAFF for the service you provide to our membership every day and for the support you have given me.

Thanks to my fellow board members (past & present) for your friendship and fellowship. I wish all of you great joy and success.

Thanks to all the members in the “IAFF Fighting 14th District” for allowing me the privilege of representing you for over three decades. Keep fighting!