2nd District Report

The IAFF 2nd District staff has worked diligently with affiliate leadership throughout Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska since the last IAFF Convention. Our efforts have included, but are not limited to, organizing, collective bargaining, member representation, wrongful termination and disciplinary matters, arbitration, mediation, legislative advocacy, political action, municipal financial analysis, wage comparisons, leadership training, strategic communications, media relations, grants, health and safety initiatives, peer fitness, line-of-duty death support, and legal assistance. 

I would like to thank General President Edward Kelly, General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Lima, IAFF Headquarters staff, and the dedicated 2nd District staff for their continued support and commitment to our members and affiliates. 

I would also like to recognize and thank Iowa Professional Fire Fighters President Ryan Hanghian, Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters President Matt Jackson, Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters President Demetris Alfred, and Nebraska Professional Fire Fighters Association President Gary Bruns for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to the state reports and information contained in this submission. 

2ND DISTRICT ORGANIZING AND MEMBERSHIP GROWTH 

One of the strongest indicators of our union’s health is continued growth. Over the past two years, the 2nd District has successfully organized new affiliates and expanded existing locals, adding new IAFF members across Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. 

Recent organizing victories include: 

These organizing victories reflect the continued strength of the IAFF and the commitment of local leaders, state associations, and IAFF staff working together to expand our collective voice and strengthen representation for professional fire fighters, paramedics, emergency responders, and dispatchers. 

The following summaries highlight key accomplishments and challenges from each state over the past two years. 

IOWA 

Historic Cancer Presumption Victory 

The Iowa Professional Fire Fighters (IPFF) secured one of the most significant legislative victories in its history with the expansion of Iowa’s cancer presumption law to include all cancers. This landmark legislation recognizes the undeniable connection between occupational exposure and increased cancer risk among fire fighters. 

With this achievement, Iowa joined a select group of states providing comprehensive cancer presumption protection. Fire fighters and their families now have greater certainty that when cancer strikes, they will receive the benefits and protection they have earned through their service and sacrifice. 

Retirement Improvements 

The IPFF successfully advocated for improvements to retirement security through House File 1023, including: 

Membership Growth and Affiliate Strength 

The IPFF continues to represent more than 1,700 professional fire fighters and paramedics across Iowa and remains home to nine IAFF charter locals. 

Affiliate Support 

Support provided to affiliates includes: 

Looking Ahead 

The IPFF remains committed to strengthening retirement security, advancing firefighter health and safety, growing membership, and ensuring continued union strength for future generations. 

NEBRASKA 

Leadership Transition 

Eastern District Vice President Dave “Woody” Wordekemper did not seek re-election and currently sits on the Nebraska State Senate. The Nebraska Professional Fire Fighters Association also recognizes President Emeritus Darren Garrean for his continued service and leadership. 

Legislative Successes 

Defending Public Safety Funding 

The NPFFA successfully defended the public safety carve-out within the Property Tax Growth Limitation Act, preserving critical funding authority for fire and EMS services. 

Protecting First Responder Tuition Benefits 

The NPFFA successfully preserved the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act, maintaining 100% tuition waivers for firefighters, paramedics, and their families. 

Major Challenges 

Aurora Local 4956 – Privatization Fight 

Local 4956 confronted a major privatization effort targeting public safety services, compensation, and staffing levels. With support from NPFFA, IAFF Strategic Campaigns, TAIR, and the 2nd District, the local successfully slowed privatization efforts, stalled wage reductions, and advanced public staffing alternatives. 

Lincoln Local 644 – Labor Rights and First Amendment Issues 

Local 644 members raised concerns regarding staffing shortages and workplace culture. Following a 122–39 vote of no confidence in Fire Chief Dave Engler, the city initiated investigations into union leadership. The NPFFA and 2^nd District intervened to protect those leaders constitutional rights and union activity, halting improper administrative overreach. 

KANSAS 

The Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters continues to strengthen affiliate support and advance firefighter interests across the state. 

Ongoing priorities include: 

The Council continues working closely with affiliates to strengthen representation and expand the voice of Kansas firefighters. 

MISSOURI 

Legislative Successes 

Critical Illness Program 

The MSCFF successfully advanced legislation creating a statewide critical illness program for firefighters. 

Recruitment and Retention Act 

Legislation was passed providing educational assistance and tuition reimbursement for firefighters and their families. 

Collective Bargaining Progress 

Efforts continue through the Missouri State Board of Mediation to strengthen collective bargaining rights. 

Fire Fighter Bill of Rights 

Progress continues toward passage of Fire Fighter Bill of Rights legislation. 

Defensive Wins 

The MSCFF successfully defeated or stalled multiple harmful legislative proposals. 

Looking Forward 

The MSCFF continues to build momentum through legislative advocacy, organizing, political engagement, and member representation. 

IN MEMORIAM 

Since the last IAFF Convention, the 2nd District has been notified of the following Line-of-Duty Deaths, including late-reported and legacy determinations recognized during this reporting period. We honor their service, sacrifice, and dedication to their communities. 

Patrick B. Williams – February 23, 2018 – Local 42 – Kansas City, MO 

Nicholas M. Mendoza – February 13, 2023 – Local 135 – Wichita, KS 

Thomas L. Loy – June 16, 2024 – Local 2195 – Lee’s Summit, MO 

Steven G. Sanneman – July 7, 2024 – Local 42 – Kansas City, MO 

Ty Voth – August 1, 2024 – Local 135 – Wichita, KS 

Charles King – September 7, 2024 – Local 3987 – Lake Area Fire Fighters Association, MO 

Kyle R. Brinker – September 17, 2024 – Local 42 – Kansas City, MO 

Matthew Fair, Jr. – September 24, 2024 – Local 644 – Lincoln, NE 

Michael Clarke – October 14, 2024 – Local 2665 – Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri 

Marc Davis – January 11, 2025 – Local 568 – Keokuk, IA 

Tina Mecey – January 14, 2025 – Local 2665 – Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri 

Curtis W. Parker – February 28, 2025 – Local 42 – Kansas City, MO 

Malcolm F. Cortner – March 2, 2025 – Local 4 – Des Moines, IA 

David Burritt – March 3, 2025 – Local 1575 – Columbus, NE 

Kendall Giese – March 26, 2025 – Local 2607 – Cedar Rapids Airport, IA 

Graham J. Hoffman – April 27, 2025 – Local 42 – Kansas City, MO 

Lee Kraus – July 1, 2025 – Local 73 – Fire and EMS Professionals of Saint Louis, MO 

Raymond L. McElwee – October 22, 2025 – Local 42 – Kansas City, MO 

Sarah McCarthy – December 9, 2025 – Local 2665 – Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri 

John Olson – February 12, 2026 – Local 385 – Omaha, NE 

CONCLUSION 

The IAFF 2nd District remains committed to supporting our affiliates, advancing firefighter rights, protecting retirement and health benefits, defending collective bargaining, and growing our union throughout Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. 

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate the strength of our membership, the dedication of our local leaders, and the power of solidarity. Together, we continue to build a stronger future for professional fire fighters, paramedics, emergency responders, and 911 dispatchers throughout the 2nd District.