IAFF Chief of Field Services Pat Morrison is retiring after more than two decades with the IAFF, marking the end of a distinguished career that shaped both the fire service and the union.
Morrison was honored at the Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS) in New Orleans this January, where General President Edward Kelly praised him as a pioneer in the fire service and a dependable advisor at the IAFF.
“Anyone dealing with Pat knows that Pat has the purest of intentions in everything that he’s doing,” said Kelly. “Pat’s been a sage mentor for pretty much all my critical crossroads in my tenure at the IAFF.”
Morrison began his career as a fire fighter with Fairfax County, VA, Local 2068, where he served in various roles, including secretary-treasurer. His hands-on experience, from delivering babies to responding to fires without hydrants, shaped his leadership focus on both physical and mental well-being.
Anyone dealing with Pat knows that Pat has the purest of intentions in everything that he’s doing. Pat’s been a sage mentor for pretty much all my critical crossroads in my tenure at the IAFF.
General President edward kelly
As a lieutenant, Morrison advocated for key changes, including increasing staffing per rig from three to four fire fighters and promoting programs like the Wellness-Fitness Initiative. He also coordinated behavioral health services for fire fighters after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Retired FDNY Captain Frank Leto, a Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Local 94 member and former Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Service Unit, praised Morrison for transforming the fire service’s approach to mental health. Following 9/11, Morrison played a key role in organizing mental health support for New York City fire fighters. The attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including 343 fire fighters and one member of the New York Fire Patrol.
“After 9/11, the trauma was unimaginable. Pat told me, ‘Frank, just do the next right thing.’ It wasn’t always easy, but it was a simple mantra that helped guide us through the chaos. Pat didn’t just bring in support, he coordinated teams from fire departments across the country to help with the emotional and psychological toll,” said Leto. “His ability to organize, provide calm leadership, and bring people together in such trying times was nothing short of genius.”
Morrison started as a director in the IAFF’s Health and Safety Division in 2003 and was promoted to Assistant to the General President for the division in 2006. Kelly appointed him Chief of Field Services in 2021. Over the years, Morrison’s efforts led to the creation of the IAFF Peer Support programs and the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, which has seen more than 3,500 members through its doors since opening in 2017. He also became a strong advocate for addressing the stigma around PTSD.
“His track record is second to none,” Kelly said. “He’s been a trailblazer when we needed it in places people were afraid to go.”
A bout with cancer, which he faced in 2020, gave him a personal window into the experiences of members and their families battling the disease. “Even after he got sick, he came right back to work,” Kelly said. “He knew he had more to give. What he’s done for the IAFF – and for the fire service – throughout his career will save lives for generations to come.”
As Chief of Field Services, Morrison worked behind the scenes to bring together labor and management leaders, making sure the union’s efforts supported its members.
He was honored with the 2024 Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award at the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner for his outstanding contributions to the fire service community.
After 9/11, the trauma was unimaginable. Pat told me, ‘Frank, just do the next right thing.’ It wasn’t always easy, but it was a simple mantra that helped guide us through the chaos. Pat didn’t just bring in support, he coordinated teams from fire departments across the country to help with the emotional and psychological toll.
Retired FDNY Captain Frank Leto
In his speech at ALTS, Morrison recognized those who had been at his side through it all. “I’d like to thank my wife, Annie, and my children, Meghan, Katie, and Eddie,” he said. “I want to really thank not only my wife, who has been with me for 45-plus years, but I want to thank all the spouses in this room.”
Morrison leaves a lasting legacy, as he encourages the next generation to lead the charge.
“I’m really thankful to see the young faces in this room, the next champions, the next people that can start a program,” said Morrison. “Sometimes it’s just two fire fighters talking. Can we make something better? And that’s what this union has done, over and over again.”
In celebration of his retirement, Morrison encourages donations to the IAFF Foundation’s Disaster Relief effort to help displaced fire fighters and their families.
