For the professional fire fighters of Durango, Colorado’s fire district, it’s been a long fight to form a union and join the IAFF.
The path wasn’t easy, as a major cultural shift was needed among members initially uncertain about the benefits of union representation. But through determination and a refusal to back down, they finally achieved that goal – forming the Durango Professional Fire Fighters Local 5554 in early 2025. And their efforts are having an immediate payoff.
During last November’s elections, Durango voters approved two key ballot measures – Measure 7A and Measure 2A. The initiatives, backed by Local 5554, will increase revenue for additional fire stations, apparatus, and staffing – ensuring they can properly protect their southwestern Colorado community.
“We’re all brothers and sisters – not just employees. We’re a tight group, and it’s why we’re able to pursue challenging things – whether forming our Local or getting these ballot measures across the finish line,” said Local 5554 President Nick Knowlton. “That unity, combined with the incredible support we received from the International and Colorado Professional Fire Fighters, was a powerful force.”
IAFF Strategic Campaign Specialists Kent Grosse and Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Strategic Campaigner and Elk Creek Fire Fighters Local 4710 President Bethany Urban played key roles, helping to guide the Local on political and communication decisions, as well as secure important campaign materials for the effort.
What Local 5554 accomplished in Durango is exactly what happens when IAFF members come together and fully engage in the political process.
9th District Vice President Michael Frainier
“We spoke with CPFF President Kevin Reichenbach weekly, and Kent and Bethany were so important to helping us utilize all the resources available to us from the International – some of which we didn’t even know about,” Knowlton said.
“Whether it was designing mailers, understanding which voters to target, finding grant opportunities, or even just speaking to our members to encourage them to keep pushing, Kent, Bethany, and Kevin were instrumental in this fight. The knowledge they brought to the table was critical to our success.”
The IAFF also provided a “Fighting Back Grant” to financially support the campaign.
Local 5554 members were eager to get involved in joining canvassing efforts across the city. Not only did the community take an interest in their effort, but they also gave important feedback to their fire fighters, encouraging them to keep fighting to improve public safety in the area.
The membership, executive board, and I can’t thank the CPFF and IAFF enough for the council, mentorship, support, and kindness shown to us. Their help has changed the course of this organization.
Durango Professional Fire Fighters Local 5554 President Nick Knowlton
The Local also utilized digital advertising, reaching voters on social media and other online platforms to explain the importance of the measures and how the funding would benefit the community.
“What Local 5554 accomplished in Durango is exactly what happens when IAFF members come together and fully engage in the political process,” said 9th District Vice President Michael Frainier.
“This was a brand-new Local facing real obstacles, but their members stepped up, used the tools and support available to them from the IAFF and CPFF, and proved that even as they faced their first major political test, fire fighters can win when they stand united and focused on protecting their community.”
Local 5554’s victory serves as a model for other new Locals in Colorado and across North America looking to make a difference in their communities.
“The membership, executive board, and I can’t thank the CPFF and IAFF enough for the council, mentorship, support, and kindness shown to us. Their help has changed the course of this organization,” Knowlton said.
“We’re so excited to be a part of this family and excited to be a part of the future.”
