Macon-Bibb County fire fighters in Georgia voted to rejoin the IAFF, marking a new chapter in the union’s history. Leading the effort to reaffiliate are members of the Macon-Bibb County Firefighters Association (MBCFFA), including Josh Brewer, Michael Stone, William DeWitt, and MBCFFA President Garin Flanders.
“We have mostly a young group in our department now and these guys are very dedicated to the fire service,” Flanders said. “They came to us asking why we weren’t part of the International, and I didn’t have a good answer because when I first joined, the department wasn’t part of it. So, we started talking it over and doing some research.”
Flanders says as more fire fighters became involved in training programs and interacted with other neighboring members of the fire service, it became clear that rejoining the IAFF would be beneficial. “I couldn’t find any negatives,” Flanders said.
The union formed a committee of 15 people to represent the demographics of fire fighters in the region. “Male, female, young, old, officers, and privates — we all met with the IAFF to discuss reaffiliation,” said Flanders. “My biggest selling point was the unity it would bring back to our fire service — the brotherhood. I also liked the media support, training, and mental health resources the IAFF offers. Plus, it would give our members a voice in decisions affecting the fire service.”
Greensboro, NC Local 947 President and IAFF Strategic Campaigner Dave Coker was crucial in helping members of the union navigate the reaffiliation process. “I’m here to help fire fighters start or grow their Local unions,” Coker said. “For MBCFFA members, I guided them through the paperwork and explained the benefits of being part of the IAFF, not just in terms of membership, but also for the broader union movement.”
My biggest selling point was the unity it would bring back to our fire service — the brotherhood. I also liked the media support, training, and mental health resources the IAFF offers. Plus, it would give our members a voice in decisions affecting the fire service.
MBCFFA President Garin Flanders
Coker explains that one key part of the process was helping the Local uncover its history with the IAFF. Macon-Bibb County fire fighters have ties to the IAFF that date back to 1917, even before the IAFF was officially founded. He helped the team trace their connection to the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which granted them the ability to charter an AFL-affiliated Local following the AFL convention. In 1918, a charter application was submitted to the IAFF with 58 members, and the Local was assigned #121.
“They knew there was some history, but no one expected to find what we did,” said Coker. “We found a letter that proved they had union roots even before the IAFF was established. This was a big part of the process and really helped bring everything together.”
“We proudly welcome Local 121 back into the IAFF. These members’ desire to reaffiliate shows a strong commitment to solidarity. Rejoining the IAFF is not just a return for Macon-Bibb; it’s a resurgence for the entire state of Georgia. Throughout Georgia, our fire fighters are seeing the real value of IAFF membership, where their voices can amplify our collective strength,” said 12th District Vice President Walt Dix.
Throughout Georgia, our fire fighters are seeing the real value of IAFF membership, where their voices can amplify our collective strength.
12th District Vice President Walt Dix
As members begin their journey with the IAFF once again, Flanders is hopeful for the future.
“We’ve requested our original number, Local 121, which dates to when we first joined. This is a proud moment for us,” said Flanders. “But we’re focused on the future — improving our department and city. In the fire service, people resist both the status quo and change, but when introducing something new, you only get one chance to do it right. I believe we’re on the right path.”
It’s a path Coker encourages other non-IAFF fire fighters to consider. “You can do this, too. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been told unions aren’t possible where you work — that’s just noise. Even without collective bargaining, Locals have made a difference in tough regions. We’re a workforce that runs into burning buildings for a living. The work we do is too important not to have a seat at the table.”
