“The Iowa Professional Fire Fighters have a history that goes back to the roots of our IAFF,” said General President Edward Kelly. “From the beginning, Iowa was on the ground getting results.”
Iowa members have a rich history within the IAFF. In 1918, nine Iowa affiliates – Des Moines Local 4, Sioux City Local 7, Cedar Rapids Local 11, Council Bluffs Local 15, Marshalltown Local 16, Davenport Local 17, Dubuque Local 25, Mason City Local 41, and Waterloo Local 66 – became charter members of the IAFF.
Recognizing the importance of the labor movement, Iowa IAFF leaders met in Des Moines and organized the state association on April 27, 1923, becoming one of the first state IAFF affiliates.
“One hundred years ago, our forefathers knew the significance this organization would have going forward. They made it a point to get everyone together to work toward common causes and goals,” said IPFF President Ryan Hanghian. “I am very proud to be part of this organization, and I look forward to seeing what else we can do for our members and their families.”
This year, during the state convention in June and later at the 2nd District Leadership Symposium, Iowa members celebrated their accomplishments from over the years, including:
- Achieving the passage and subsequent signing into law of collective bargaining legislation by then-Governor Robert Ray (R) in 1974;
- Lobbying for the creation of presumption laws protecting fire fighters in cases of heart and lung diseases, as well as cancer;
- Increasing pension benefits from 50% to 82% of final pay; and
- Creating the IPFF Legal Fund to help small and large locals with any legal battles.
“Our work as fire fighters is about others, not ourselves. But being in this union reminds us to fight for each other – and that’s what the IPFF has done for the past 100 years and continues to do to this day.”
General President Edward Kelly
Today, the IPFF has 35 affiliates comprised of 1,700 members, with the potential for growth.
“On behalf of the entire 2nd District, I want to congratulate our brothers and sisters in Iowa on a hundred years,” said 2nd District Vice President Mark Woolbright. “It will be my honor to work with all of you on what I know will be a bright future.”
“All of us are grateful for the work the IPFF has done for communities throughout Iowa and for our great union,” said Kelly. “Congratulations on 100 years!”
