More firehouses earn IAFF’s 100% union designation 

A growing number of Locals are earning the IAFF’s 100% Union Firehouse designation, reflecting a surge in on-the-job strength across the fire service. 

“When every fire fighter stands together, it changes what’s possible,” General President Edward Kelly said. “A 100% union firehouse is how we strengthen our voice – and protect each other and our communities.” 

Across the United States and Canada, firehouses are embracing the IAFF initiative, designed to ensure that every fire fighter in a station stands together. 

“Every fire fighter depends on the coworker beside them, and the strength of that bond is our union. One hundred percent union membership means 100% solidarity, because when every voice stands together, we protect our rights and our members, both on and off the job,” said Neil Pettit, IAFF deputy director of organizing. 

Delta Township, Michigan, Local 2846 recently became a 100% union fire department, joining a growing wave of firehouses committed to unity and mutual protection. Each station that earns the designation receives a certificate bearing the IAFF seal and the Locals name. EMS Locals can now also participate, displaying the 100% Union Emergency Medical Service certificate. 

“As collective bargaining faces renewed attacks in the post-Janus environment, unions must demonstrate tangible value. As Local 2846 continues to grow, we’re leveraging more of the resources available through the IAFF, including our recent request for a GIS study, and increasing member education on the impact of state-level advocacy by the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, such as the repeal of the Michigan pension tax,” said Local 2846 President Brent Riley. 

Riley said Local 2846’s focus on education, communication and direct action has given members a sense of pride in a shared identity. 

“I’m happy to say that it is reflected in our status as a 100% union department,” Riley said. “At the Local level, we’ve expanded our social media presence as we fight for safe staffing, increased member communication with email updates between meetings, taken a more assertive role in shaping internal policy and defending our contract, and negotiated memorandums of understanding that meaningfully improve working conditions.” 

Local 2846 isn’t alone. In Evansville, Indiana, 13 of the city’s 14 fire stations are now officially 100% unionized. 

“We’re proud,” said Local 357 President Larry Zuber. “When times are tough and you’re fighting at City Hall, it’s much easier to get things done when they realize the battle is against the entire membership.” 

In Vancouver, B.C., the recognition isn’t just about membership, it’s solidarity.  

“Local 18 is proud to receive this certificate, and even prouder of the members who make our union what it is every single day,” said Local 18 President Katrina Davison.  

“The IAFF’s 100% Union Firehouse certificate solidifies this union solidarity and is a powerful tool for recruits to see hanging on the wall at the fire station, demonstrating a deep union culture where union membership is the expectation,” Pettit said. 

The initiative’s impact goes far beyond paperwork. It strengthens bargaining power and sends a clear message: When every fire fighter in a station stands united, their voices are louder, their rights are protected, and their communities are safer. 

“There’s also the social and community engagement aspect of being in the union. We’re able to participate in community activities as a group, showing that we’re not just 24-hour-a-day fire fighters—we’re also there for the community, whether it’s block-by-block cleanup of different neighborhoods across the city,” Zuber said. 

Being part of the IAFF is not just membership but a bond that shapes members’ lives on and off the job. 

“I’ll be a dues-paying member until the day they put me in the ground. That’s how much this union means to me,” Zuber said. 

How to get an IAFF 100% Union Firehouse certificate