58th IAFF Convention: ‘All in.’

IAFF delegates from across the United States and Canada will gather in Arlington, Texas, next week for the union’s 58th Convention.

Held every two years, Convention is the IAFF’s highest decision-making body – bringing delegates together to set union policy, consider resolutions, and chart the IAFF’s course for the next two years. This year, they will do so under the theme “All In.”

“All In isn’t just a slogan,” General President Edward Kelly said. “It’s the standard we set for the work we do every day. It’s also the responsibility we carry into Convention: to leave the IAFF better and stronger than we found it.”

The 58th IAFF Convention will be held Aug. 9–14 at the Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center in Arlington, Texas. The week begins with the Opening Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, followed by delegate discussions and consideration of more than 70 resolutions that will shape the future of the IAFF.

“Our delegates gather in Arlington next week to continue building the strength of our union by making our members’ voices heard,” said General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma. “I am excited to join leaders from across the IAFF to do the hard work that makes our union one of the strongest in the House of Labor.”

Arlington, TX Local 1329 President Jimmy Studer said hosting the IAFF Convention in Arlington, the American Dream City, is a full-circle moment for members.

“This is the first time the convention has returned to Texas since 1962, and it comes after nearly a decade of hard-fought battles for our department. We are making final adjustments to obtaining NFPA1710 staffing, we recently got our friendly mayor reelected in a five-way race without a runoff, and we have an excellent relationship with our command staff and city hall,” Studer said.

“We got here through political action, solidarity, and the unwavering support of the IAFF. This convention isn’t just a celebration – it’s proof of what organized fire fighters can accomplish when we stand together,” Studer said.

Behind the scenes, IAFF staff across multiple divisions work for weeks to prepare resolutions, coordinate committees, and ensure the technology and resources are in place for a successful Convention.

“Preparing all the resolutions for Convention is a full team effort here at HQ before we even get to Arlington,” said IAFF Executive Secretary Angie Wanner. “Additionally, we have a team rehearsing for work ‘behind-the-curtain’ – preparing IT needs so that each resolution can be shown on-screen as it comes to the floor, capturing amendments and the delegates’ final action.”

Convention will also honor IAFF leaders through the IAFF Leadership Awards, recognizing members with 15 or more years of service at the Local, state, or provincial level. The awards honor the legacy of Dennis J. Murray and celebrate members who have strengthened their Locals and the union.

Recipients are selected every two years from each of the IAFF’s 16 districts.

In addition to Convention business, members will have opportunities to connect, visit the Exhibit Hall, and explore new equipment, technology, and services supporting the fire service.

Plan Your Week

Aug. 9
Exhibit Hall, registration opens, and members are welcomed at the Delegate’s Welcome Reception hosted by Arlington, TX Local 1329 at Texas Live!

Aug. 10
Opening Ceremony begins at 9 a.m., followed by the start of Convention business.

Aug. 11–13
Convention business continues, including the FIREPAC reception, district nominations, and elections for IAFF 7th and 14th District Vice Presidents.

Aug. 13
General President’s Reception at Globe Life Field.

Aug. 14
58th IAFF Convention adjourns.