1918-current

The IAFF is organized on February 28, 1918, as 36 delegates representing 24 local fire fighter unions convene in Washington, DC. They debate on a name for the new organization, deciding between the International Brotherhood of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Delegates propose publishing a magazine for members, decide the salary of officers, and set commons goals to live and work with dignity as well as with care for their safety and concern for their families.

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Thomas G. Spellacy of Schenectady, New York, is elected the first president and William Smith the first Secretary-Treasurer, neither of whom stay on past 1920. Spellacy compares the formation of the IAFF with Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America.

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The inaugural issue of the International Fire Fighter magazine is published – 10,000 copies are distributed. The cost of a yearly subscription is $1.

The IAFF adopts 20 resolutions to benefit fire fighters and the fire service, including a two-platoon system, pension laws, automatic sprinkler systems, building inspections and removal of hazards for fire prevention.

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War-time standards decree that there should be no strikes or lockouts during the war.

Nationwide influenza epidemic incapacitates and kills fire fighters across the United States.

Article 11 of the Constitution specifies that the organization shall be non-partisan and shall not promote the candidacy of any person seeking public office.

World War I ends. Mechanical engines and pneumatic tires are invented from wartime efforts, creating faster response times.

By the end of 1918, 149 locals had joined the IAFF.

Boston police go on strike, causing public outrage with disastrous effects on public employee unions. Many city governments require IAFF locals to relinquish their charters in exchange for a pay raise. Meanwhile, in Canada, public support for fire fighters’ right to unionize remains strong.

The 2nd IAFF Convention is held in Portland, Oregon.

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President Woodrow Wilson gives the right to all men to organize and bargain collectively.

IAFF cash balance is reported to be $4,946.97.

Samuel A. Fink becomes acting IAFF President when Thomas Spellacy resigns.

Fred W. Baer is elected IAFF president.

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IAFF President Fred W. Baer urges no walkout if a threatened nationwide strike is ordered in the event of anti-strike legislation by Congress.

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The 3rd IAFF Convention is held in St. Louis, Missouri.

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President Woodrow Wilson designates October 9 as Fire Prevention Day to be observed throughout the United States.

IAFF celebrates two-year anniversary with membership of more than 25,000 fire fighters in 200 cities.

George J. Richardson of Vancouver, British Columbia, assumes the duties of Secretary-Treasurer, filling the unexpired term of W. A. Smith, who was compelled to resign due to a drastic anti-organization law enacted by Congress.

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IAFF sells a new button to all members in good standing – a Maltese Cross with the letters IAFF and the words “Organized February 28, 1918.” The new button is guaranteed for 10 years and costs 50 cents.

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The 4th IAFF Convention is held in Columbus, Ohio.

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Early on, the IAFF faced many obstacles. Anti-union business and political interests prey on public fears of socialism and anarchy – banning and breaking up some IAFF locals. After still struggling to maintain a work schedule of less than 80 hours a week, the IAFF joins with other unions to form a permanent AFL Legislative Council, recognizing that political decisions affect their jobs.

IAFF secures group life insurance policy for members. The $500 policies cost members 60 cents per month.

U.S. Congress destroys Washington, DC fire fighters’ solidarity and effectiveness by enacting a law denying the members of the DC Fire Department the right of affiliation with the IAFF. Congress fails to provide promised $240 bonus in exchange for not affiliating.

In a study of 1,624 Philadelphia fire fighters, doctors conclude that no actual diseases or illnesses are directly attributable to the occupation of firefighting.

The 5th IAFF Convention is held in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Resolution to move IAFF headquarters from Washington, DC to Chicago, Illinois, fails to pass in a vote at the 5th annual IAFF Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma

IAFF breaks silence on prohibition. President Baer says that with asylums and hospitals crowded with victims of the “millions of gallons of poisoned concoctions sold under the guise of whiskey,” members can draw their own conclusions regarding the success of the enforcement of the National Prohibition Act.

IAFF deems wireless radios to be fire hazards due to errors in installation.

At the Trades Congress of Canada, held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, members vote to not issue any charters to fire fighters’ organizations not affiliated with the IAFF.

The 6th IAFF Convention is held in Montreal, Quebec.

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Automaker Henry Ford predicts that a minimum wage of $10 a day for skilled labor may be a regulation in industry 20 years from now.

Secretary-Treasurer George Richardson estimates if each member pays $1 per quarter, the IAFF could collect $80,000 to help the union start a home building costing $100,000 to care for orphans and indigent adults. Delegates vote against the proposal 4 to 1 at Convention.

The IAFF publishes list of 50 congressmen classified as bitterly hostile or “hard boiled” where labor is concerned.

The 7th IAFF Convention is held in Kansas City, Missouri.

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The IAFF supports passage of the Child Labor Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to limit, regulate and prohibit labor of persons under the age of 18.

The IAFF supports new immigration bill to allow 2 percent of the population of any foreign nationality that was in the United States in 1890 to come in, and permission is also given for wives or husbands of citizens to enter their children under 18 and their parents.

Seven Pittsburgh fire fighters perish by falling in burning oil as a ladder gives way.

Eight Chicago fire fighters are crushed to death when a wall of a burning four-story building collapses.

In seven years of IAFF affiliation, fire fighters in the United States and Canada have increased wages 100 percent, cut hours of service 50 percent and increased the efficiency of city fire departments at least 100 percent. Fire fighters call unions better than “political pull.”

IAFF lauds progress made towards adoption of state-wide “old age” pensions to replace the poor house system.

Canadian fire fighters reap benefits of union affiliation as a mandatory two-platoon system exists in many provinces, with legislation in some provinces to provide fire fighters one day in seven off duty.

IAFF publishes letter shared by Albert E. Guinness of the Uniformed Firemen’s Association advocating for the right of fire fighters to recover from injuries caused while fighting fires.

The 8th IAFF Convention is held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Secretary-Treasurer George Richardson makes leather card cases with IAFF branding available to members for 25 cents. The name of the city or local union from which the fire fighter hails may be printed for an additional 5 cents.

FIrst-ever tabulation of fire department statistics is published in the International Fire Fighter. Metrics include population, area square miles, number of fire fighters, number of alarms and fire loss.

Union wages are declared to have doubled since before World War I.

Representatives from the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress appear before the Ontario Cabinet to advocate for a two-platoon system, right of way for fire apparatus and pensions for permanent fire fighters.

The 9th annual IAFF Convention in Milwaukee is deemed the most successful in the IAFF’s history.

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Ten years after its founding, the IAFF reports that 26 cities in the United States and Canada have installed the two-platoon system as a workday for fire fighters. Many cities also offer vacation and sickness or injury leave, pension plans and clothing allowances.

­During the Great Depression, firefighting became a coveted and dependable job. Already, the IAFF was improving the lives and working conditions, including helping affiliates in Pennsylvania pass the first Heart and Lung Act, Workers’ Compensation Act and the Occupational Disease Law, establishing some of the first heart and lung legislation. Members who began their careers in the fire service during this era saw advancements including the two-way radio, improved breathing apparatus and more.

The IAFF’s efforts to fight for better wages and working conditions was hampered by the Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash of October 1929, which led to the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world.

IAFF members in many cities assisted private relief agencies by organizing the distribution of clothes and other commodities to those in need. The charitable activities of the IAFF during the Great Depression set a precedent of involvement in charitable and community initiatives.

In a report entitled, Inadequacy of Men’s Wages, the U.S. Women’s Bureau decries the number of married women who are forced into industry due to their husband’s low wages.

Delegates at the 10th annual IAFF Convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia, resolve that fire fighters shall “not strike or take active part in strikes.”

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Minister of Labor Peter Heenan grants 18,000 employees of the Canadian government a 44-hour work week.

The IAFF urges Congress to not increase government taxes on workers, despite a $1 billion deficit faced by the U.S. Treasury at the end of the fiscal year. Instead, the IAFF supports raising income tax rates for upper income brackets, as well as an increase in corporation and inheritance taxes.

Four Chicago fire fighters lose their lives in a tunnel disaster. On April 13, 1931, a fire in the Sanitary District tunnel in Chicago caused a gas-filled death trap. Fire fighter and Local 2 member Irving Strohm went down in the tunnel 15 times to rescue men and faced a choking and blinding death. All told, 11 men lost their lives, including four fire fighters, and another 54 were injured. The fire deaths were due to “fire of unknown origin,” and carbon monoxide poisoning was deemed as the direct cause.

The IAFF sponsors the first radio program on coast-to-coast hook-up. More than 70 stations in different cities carry the program. The focus of the broadcast is to urge fire fighters in the United States and Canada to advocate for an eight-hour work day.

The IAFF publishes methods to prevent head colds through sound eating, healthy habits and avoiding others with bad colds.

IAFF membership increases by more than 6,000 members since 1936.

Delegates at the 11th annual IAFF Convention, held in San Diego, California, adopt a resolution authorizing the IAFF to take every legal and constitutional means to combat the cutting of wages, curtailment of employment and lengthening of hours of labor.

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During the 11th annual IAFF Convention, delegates have time to attend the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Delegates at the 11th annual IAFF Convention pass a resolution opposing detailing firemen to traffic duty, as many cities have done in the past.

Delegates at the 11th annual IAFF Convention resolve that whenever there exists two or more locals, every effort should be made to form a state or provincial organization and secure a charter from the IAFF.

The National Industrial Recovery Act is signed into law. IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George Richardson contends that there is room for improvement in the New Deal as it relates to fire fighters, and resolves to fight to maintain the type of fire services that the public pays for and is entitled to receive.

The IAFF makes original drawings of all the cartoons which have been published in the International Fire Fighter available to locals on a first come basis.

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The National Industrial Recovery Act makes fire station repairs and improvements possible through the Civil Works Administration. Across the nation, hose racks have been installed, drill towers are under construction, engine houses have been repaired and painted, fire alarm boxes and fire hydrants have been painted.

The IAFF opposes attempts by the Civil Service Repeal League to abolish national, state and local Civil Service.

Three Toronto fire fighters lose their lives extinguishing a fire aboard a moored oil barge. On July 23, fire fighters received a call to extinguish a fire which had occurred aboard the oil barge “En-Ar-Co,” moored in the newly reclaimed industrial oil area of Toronto, also known as the ships’ turning basin. After a three-hour fight against a virtual inferno, their efforts to extinguish the blaze were unsuccessful. Without a moment’s warning, an explosion occurred, hurling the fire fighters into the air and dropping them, unconscious, injured and maimed into the flaming hold of the barge or into the waters of the basin. Twelve fire fighters were thrown, three of whom were killed and 10 critically injured or painfully burned.

The Wagner Connery Labor Disputes Bill, signed into law by President Roosevelt on July 5, affirms the right of working men and women to form labor organizations and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing.

The bill states that “a better relationship between labor and management is the purpose of this act.” It also establishes a National Labor Relations Board to hear and determine cases in which it is charged that this legal right is abridged or denied. This independent, quasi-judicial body will not act as a mediator or conciliator in labor disputes.

The IAFF publishes a list of 83 cities in which salary increases or restorations of former salary reductions occurred in fire departments nationwide.

The IAFF reports that 35 states have pension laws and six have unemployment insurance.

The IAFF describes the Social Security Act, passed in the Congress, as having three major purposes: unemployment compensation, old age pensions and pensions for the blind and aid for dependent children.

Two Fort Wayne, Indiana, fire fighters are killed in ladder accidents. A drill master in charge of instructing fire fighters in a series of ladder drills raised the ladder for the last time on that training day. The men ascended the roof, and upon beginning their descent, one fire fighter fell to his death when a gust of wind came and carried the ladder away from the building. The other fire fighter on the ladder fell as well, was knocked unconscious and later died. Their comrades on the roof and street were helpless to offer any aid to the two fire fighters.

The IAFF publishes present salaries being paid in fire departments in the United States and Canada.

The IAFF publishes a list of fire protection courses, and laments that there is comparatively little fire protection engineering instruction available to students in universities and technical schools in the United States and Canada.

Disastrous floods in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana require fire fighters’ monumental efforts to keep the public safe. In Cincinnati, Ohio, fire fighters had no water in the mains in which to fight fires. With the waterworks pumping station out of service and reserve water supplies greatly limited and dwindling fast, it was necessary to fight these fires with water from tank trucks that accompanied the fire apparatus. The members of the Cincinnati Fire department were on continuous duty for two weeks, and when they returned to their homes, many of them found that they had lost everything. In Paducah, Kentucky, fire fighters had to fight explosions during the flood. The rising water shut off the electrical current and telephone system and the department was without any means of communications until watch stations were established on the roof of the tallest building in the city. These fire fighters worked 24 hours a day from January 19-February 24.

The IAFF reports that “Smokey Scott” will premiere in the September issue of the International Fire Fighter featuring a series of drawings about the daily lives of fire fighters, past and present.

The IAFF publishes rising trends in fire fighters’ salaries.

The first National Fire Fighters’ Tournament is held in Chicago, drawing 125,000 spectators to witness an unprecedented array of firemen and equipment.

The International Fire Fighter publicizes the sale of IAFF emblems, including a watch, button and grave marker.

The federal government taxes fire fighters retroactively on their salaries and pensions earned for every year from 1926 to 1937. Delegates at the 1938 IAFF Convention resolve to overturn this decision through support of a bill to be introduced in the 1939 U.S. Congress.

The Federal Department of Justice and the Treasury Department maintain, as a result of a U.S. Supreme Court decision on May 23, 1938, that the federal government has the power to tax the incomes of all state, county and city employees. All members will be subject to a tax on their incomes from this time on, and will also be forced to pay retroactive tax on the salaries which they earned in fire departments for every year from 1926 to 1937. The federal government also now has the power to tax all incomes derived from pension funds, or similar funds, and the retroactive feature would apply to such incomes, as well.

The IAFF accepts membership in the newly formed Advisory Committee for Vocational Training for Firemen, which was convened by the U.S. Commissioner of Education.

The National Association of Manufacturers spends $500,000 on radio, newspaper and film ads to discredit the rising tide of unionism.

IAFF membership reaches 23,000.

The two-platoon system (almost universally in effect), the eight-hour day (which is being more widely adopted all the time), state minimum wage laws, state civil service laws, strengthened and improved pension systems, and even a five-day, 40-hour week are all things that have been secured and are being secured in a constantly increasing number of cities, as a result of affiliation of the fire fighters of the North American continent with the organized labor movement.

Delegates at the 1938 IAFF Convention approve the Model Fireworks Act and ask the various state legislatures to enact this into law.

The IAFF sends a survey to 600 fire chiefs across the nation to ascertain compensable illnesses among fire fighters. Results show that only one-half of localities responding possess the capacity to recognize and compensate medical illnesses which result from firefighting duties. These include heart disease, tuberculosis, pneumonia and arthritis, among others.

World War II is declared in Europe with the German invasion of Poland. Britain and France declare war on Germany two days later.

The IAFF celebrates the spread of civil service laws, significant shortening of hours of work and growth in salaries for fire fighters.

The IAFF advises members that it won’t be necessary to file income tax returns for the year 1938 given the number of bills introduced in Congress dealing with this matter.

The IAFF reports that fire fighters’ average salaries increased 61.5 percent between 1918 ($1,295) and 1939 ($2,100). Using the 100 largest cities as a basis for comparison, the average fire fighter salary increased $800 per year, or 61.5 percent — a very definite answer to the question as to whether membership in the IAFF is a worthwhile investment.

Congress introduces and passes HR 1982, removing the barrier to DC Fire Department members from affiliating with the IAFF. Congress passes a bill allowing DC fire fighters to work a 60-hour week.

IAFF members willingly serve their nations, and almost half of those employed in the fire service are eligible for the draft. Fire chiefs face a serious problem replacing their experienced fire fighters who had joined the Armed Forces. Concerned about weakened fire protection, the IAFF encourages fire fighters to rotate shifts and work paid overtime during wartime. As fire fighters return from the war, the IAFF works to make sure members can return to their firehouses and that disabled fire fighters can find positions in the fire service.

The IAFF engaged its first medical advisor – Max H. Skolnick, MD of Detroit – to carry out research in the physical effects of firefighting with special attention to heart disease.

Nineteen state and provincial associations are affiliated with the IAFF.

The 1940s saw major advances in membership and effectiveness, even as the IAFF coped with wartime and post-war problems. Although a World War II wage freeze largely stymied efforts to counter wartime inflation, the 48-hour work week became widespread.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service sends a letter to IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George Richardson requesting the IAFF’s cooperation in publicizing the compulsory registration of aliens in the U.S. in accordance with the Alien Registration Act of 1940.

Delegates at the IAFF 15th Convention, held in Des Moines, Iowa, approve a resolution to establish a Fire Defense Committee. IAFF President Fred Baer writes to President Franklin D. Roosevelt asking him to set up a committee from the fire service for determining how the fire service could best be of assistance in the national defense program. A Committee is appointed to explore the entire field of firefighting and fire prevention.

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President Franklin D. Roosevelt publicly opposes anti-labor employers and reactionary congressmen clamoring for restrictive anti-labor laws.

The Public Safety Tax Act is signed into law, requiring local and state employees in the United States to pay federal income tax, including fire fighters. Compensation received after December 31, 1938, was deemed to be taxable.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt vetoes a bill providing for a 60-hour work week for DC fire fighters on the grounds that the financial condition of the city cannot support it. The IAFF continues efforts to help DC fire fighters obtain a shorter week. Meanwhile, he signs a bill allowing members of the DC Fire Department who have served 25 years and who are 55 to retire.

Dr. Max H. Skolnick begins to compile a registry of occupational and, therefore, compensable diseases and illnesses among firemen.

Columbus, Ohio, is the first fire department in the United States to have all its members trained in first aid. Fire fighters are required to have at least 30 hours in first aid work, serve as instructors of first aid and take water life-saving courses.

An IAFF resolution to create a state and provincial legislative fund is narrowly defeated in a roll call vote, with 88 voting yes and 91 voting no.

President Roosevelt, in his Labor Day address, broadcast on the second anniversary of the start of the war in Europe, pledges that, “We shall do everything in our power to crush Hitler and his Nazi forces.” He added that “no group of Americans has realized more clearly what Nazi domination of the world means than has organized labor – what it means to their standard of living, their freedom, their lives.”

The importance of fire defense is established with the release on April 1 of “Fire Bulletin No. 1” by the U.S. Office of Emergency Management.

Twenty-two state and provincial associations are now affiliated with the IAFF.

The IAFF decries Congress’ decision to refuse to provide protection for civil defense workers and urges fire fighters to arrange for their own coverage.

IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George Richardson is appointed a member of the Labor Advisory Committee of the Office of Civilian Defense, representing the American Federation of Labor.

The Healey Bill, H.R. 4882, as now written, protects all those covered by pension systems and permits the extension of the Social Security Act to those employees not having any pension protection.

Provisions of the Selective Service Act state that whenever any fire fighter is called before the local draft board, he may ask that he be placed in a deferred class because of his occupation.

The IAFF holds its 16th Convention in Columbus, Ohio, the first wartime Convention.

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400 people are killed in a fire at the Cocoanut Grove, a restaurant/supper club. Rescue operations begin immediately, but the full horror of what awaited the fire fighters inside the building was not fully realized for a period of time. The IAFF praises Boston Local 718 fire fighters for their heroic efforts in battling the Cocoanut Grove night club fire.

In a chemical research breakthrough, flammable fabrics in the home now may be “flame-proofed.” Known technically as ammonium sulfamate, the new fire retardant has multiple industrial uses as well, such as in airplane manufacture, in shipyards and for workmen’s clothing in steel mills.

The average fire fighter earns 50 cents an hour and works 70 hours a week.

The IRS sends a letter to the IAFF indicating that pensions are regarded as compensation for services previously rendered and are, therefore, subject to income tax under the Revenue Act of 1942. A second letter from the IRS exempts from income tax any annuity payments made to former employees as part of their contributory retirement plans since these are not “wages.”

The IAFF publishes an article on strategies for fighting airplane crash fires.

The U.S. Office of Civilian Defense asks the Federal Communications Commission to amend the rules of the War Emergency Radio Service so that the emergency radio system can be made available for use by the fire service.

In cooperation with the government and to comply with regulations regarding the use of paper, one rather than two copies of the International Fire Fighter is sent to fire departments nationwide.

The IRS rules that the cost of meals prepared at fire stations is not deductible from income tax returns.

The IAFF publishes a summary of the fire dangers of ammunition, explosives and hazardous chemicals which move over rails and highways of the United States, often through population centers.

The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, also known as the G.I. Bill, becomes law. It provides a range of benefits to provide immediate rewards to returning World War II veterans (commonly referred to as G.I.s). It was designed by the American Legion, which helped (along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars) push it through Congress.

IAFF membership climbs to 60,000, thus fast reaching its goal of organizing all fire fighters.

Delegates gather in Louisville, Kentucky, for the IAFF 17th Convention.

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The IAFF publishes a list of working conditions in 730 fire departments in the United States and Canada. Many locals report improvements, including shorter work weeks, one day’s rest in seven, sick leave with pay and city-provided uniforms and firefighting gear.

The IAFF addresses emerging benefits and fire hazards in the new age of plastics, as well as the effect of meteorological conditions and terrain on the development and spread of fire.

Some state laws impose a tax on the premiums of fire insurance companies to be allocated back to respective communities to help fund relief and pension funds for the fire service. The U.S. Supreme Court rules that insurance is interstate commerce and subject to federal laws and interstate commerce regulations, putting these existing state laws and regulations in jeopardy.

The IAFF encourages members to participate in the Seventh War Loan Drive to help the war effort.

Due to the draft, voluntary enlistment and retirements, there are 15 percent fewer men in the fire service than during the previous five-year period.

The IAFF continues to make great gains in organizing fire departments. In the past year, it has issued charters to 42 municipal fire departments, 11 federal fire departments and two state groups.

IAFF President Fred W. Baer dies unexpectedly after 27 years of dedicated service to the union. John P. Redmond, Chicago Vice President, is elected acting president of the IAFF by the Executive Board.

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The IAFF holds its 18th Convention in Toledo, Ohio.

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President John P. Redmond designates the 18th Convention meeting a “Victory Convention.”

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The IAFF publishes an article from National Underwriters predicting that due to the high prices of commodities and employment stagnation after the war, arson crimes will proliferate nationwide. This crime wave is anticipated despite the enactment of the model arson law in 39 states.

The IAFF argues against placing insurance companies under a Federal Act instead of a state regulatory act, as this would prove disastrous to the interests of the members. This position is set forth, despite the fact that 200 insurance companies, known as the Southeastern Underwriters’ Association, are indicted for engaging in certain practices which constrain interstate trade and commerce by fixing and maintaining arbitrary and non-competitive rates on fire and other types of insurance.

IAFF President John P. Redmond describes for members the legislative procedures necessary to pass a law successfully.

Congress enacts the “slave labor bill” – also known as the Taft-Hartley Act – over the president’s veto, thereby restricting the activities and power of labor unions.

The IAFF publishes an article on the need for great skill and judgement in fighting aircraft fires, a relatively new field for most municipal fire departments.

More than 2,000 representatives of states, municipalities, federal government, and business, professional, civic and service organizations gather in Washington, DC, in May to attend the President’s Conference on Fire Prevention.

In the past 12 months, the IAFF gains 56 new locals, grants five new federal charters and forms one state association.

The IAFF grows to 950 locals and 65,000 members who reside in practically every large city in the United States and Canada.

New lapel emblems, heavily gold plated with side enamels of red, white and blue, in memory of the late President Fred W. Baer, are made available through IAFF headquarters for $1.00.

Fire truck famine sweeps the nation. Manufacturers bemoan the backlog of orders for $40 million in new firefighting equipment. At least one of every five fire trucks is deemed over-age or obsolete.

Four Minneapolis fire fighters die when trapped in the flaming interior of the Hull-Dobbs motor firm and garage as they were trying to lay hose inside the entry to the burning building. Without warning, the marble floor gave way, plunging three of them into the smoke-filled building to their death. A fourth fire fighter, who was injured in the blaze, died three weeks later.

The Ontario, Canada, legislature passes model bill to protect fire fighters and their working hours.

The U.S. Justice Department fines two corporations and six individuals for conspiracy to monopolize the fire alarm industry.

The IAFF publicizes a Journal of the American Medical Association review of the “Fire Fighters’ Occupational Diseases” book by Max H. Skolnick, MD and IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George Richardson. The book chapters focus on heart disease, tuberculosis and pneumonia, among other occupational diseases.

A Corps of Canadian Fire Fighters is honored for gallantry in the Battle of Britain. More than 400 men, handpicked from 107 municipalities, served as part of the Department of National War Services. Thirty-five percent of the members are professional firemen who help to train others.

A U.S. Veterans Administration survey discloses that more than 3,000 World War II veterans are training under the G.I. Bill to become fire fighters.

The 19th IAFF Convention is held in Houston, Texas.

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Antigo, WI is the IAFF’s 1,000th local, chartered on September 27, 1948.

The Ontario Legislature introduces the Fire Departments Act of 1949, whereby the province of Ontario will contribute up to 25 percent of the cost of maintaining a fire department in certain municipalities. The Act also provides that pension systems must be maintained and contributions from the city for this purpose are compulsory.

The Federal Communications Commission outlines plan for assigning radio frequencies for the fire service.

Firemen in the District of Columbia are granted a 60-hour work week as a result of congressional approval of a bill introduced by Congressman J. Glen Beall of Maryland at the request of IAFF.

Three St. Paul, Minnesota, fire fighters die in a fire in the warehouse of the Waldorf Paper Company on June 9, 1949. Huge bales saturated with water toppled from a 35-foot high retaining wall as they were battling the fire. The fire fighters died by a collapsing wall that went down under the impact of the incalculable force.

The IAFF publishes an article on the origin and significance of the fire fighter’s uniform.

The IAFF entered the 1950s with a membership of 72,000 and a rising awareness among fire fighters that pay increases did not match the rates of inflation. The union turned its focus to strengthening the collective bargaining process by advocating for compulsory arbitration laws. The union also began a decades-long and largely successful effort to keep fire fighters’ pensions from being absorbed into the Social Security system.

Membership continues to climb with the increased interest in unionism among federal employees in the United States and Canada.

In the last 25 years, salaries of policemen and firemen employed in United States cities have increased more than 80 percent.

The IRS rules that if firemen are required to wear distinctive types of uniforms while at work, and if such uniforms are not suitable for ordinary wear, then they may deduct the cost of their maintenance as a necessary business expense.

The IAFF leads a movement against congressional bill HR 6000, which permits all public employees of state and local governments to be included under Social Security, arguing to exclude all public employees in positions covered by retirement systems.

MDA is founded, dedicated to seeking the cause and cure for muscle diseases.

At the 20th IAFF Convention, 250 women meet to form the Ladies’ Auxiliary focused on the welfare of fire fighters and their families. A potential membership of 500,000 women is envisioned — all wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of active, retired and deceased union firemen.

The U.S. Department of Treasury informs the IAFF that new locals are exempt from federal income tax.

The IAFF stresses the importance of first-aid training for fire department employees.

Sanborn Maps, primarily intended for use by insurance companies, offers value to fire fighters as well in their efforts to battle blazes.

The IAFF warns members that the rapidly increasing use of television antennas poses an emerging fire risk.

The IAFF lauds Congress’ passage of a retroactive pay increase for the District of Columbia and Canal Zone fire fighters, and an increase in widows’ pensions.

The IAFF emphasizes fire fighters’ responsibility in public relations, such as creating goodwill and aiding visitors.

The IAFF launches its first annual Photographers Award Contest [now the Media Awards Contest], open to all newspaper photographers in the United States. Prizes range from $50 to $200.

President Harry S Truman appoints IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George J. Richardson to the Federal Civil Defense Advisory Council. The duties of the Civil Defense Advisory Council were to advise and consult with the Civil Defense administrator regarding general and basic policy matters relating to civil defense.

The IAFF decides to cease publication of wage scales of fire departments in the United States and Canada in order to prevent the use of material which could be used against firemen by public officials at public hearings, or through publicity campaigns when fire fighters are requesting adjustments of salaries or working conditions.

The IAFF warns the public of the disadvantages of unified fire and police departments in communities across America.

The IAFF holds its 21st Convention in Seattle, Washington.

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The IAFF resolves to rotate the location of conventions across four time zones so that fire fighters living in various geographic regions have an equal opportunity to attend.

The IAFF reports that due to the generosity of firemen nationwide, a total of $13,050 has been disbursed to 42 Kansas City and Topeka fire fighters who lost their homes and possessions when flood waters struck during the summer of 1951.

The IAFF publishes an article by Mrs. Susan B. Rutherford, Assistant Secretary of State for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, calling for more opportunities for women in the fire service.

The IAFF Ladies Auxiliary holds its first convention in Seattle in conjunction with the IAFF Convention.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s National Labor Relations Board rules that during collective bargaining activities, both labor and management representatives must have data on wage rates and business operations that might affect the pay, working conditions or status of employees.

The Lynn Card Company of Hutchinson, Minnesota, creates IAFF-branded get-well and sympathy cards for purchase by IAFF locals.

The United Hatters, Cap and Millinery Workers International Union warns the IAFF that some firemen’s caps have been manufactured by inmates of a state prison, which is in direct opposition to the American Federation of Labor’s policy which urges all members to demand AFL labels when buying manufactured goods.

The National Board of Fire Underwriters says the three principal causes of large loss in fires are a failure to discover fire in its early stages, insufficient public firefighting equipment and inadequate public fire service to confine fires of magnitude.

Boston, MA Local 718 member George Graney helps his friend, Charles Crowley – whose two sons had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – raise $5,000 for MDA.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower re-appoints IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George J. Richardson to the Civil Defense Advisory Council.

The IAFF publishes an example of a typical agreement that is in effect in one city between the fire fighters’ union and Vancouver, British Columbia, that can be used as a guide by other locals in their negotiations with their city officials.

The IAFF holds its 22nd Convention in Miami, Florida.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George J. Richardson testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee in opposition to extension of coverage to the fire fighters of the United States under the Social Security Act.

The IAFF hosts Italian fire fighters in Washington, DC as they engage in a multi-city tour to study fire safety methods and techniques.

The National Board of Underwriters discusses the importance of better fire protection for cities, including such components as the fire department’s water supply, building construction, town planning and industrial layout.

The IAFF declares MDA its charity of choice with a Convention resolution.

The IAFF publishes summary of activities permitted under the Hatch Act, which include: joining a political club, being a candidate for the local school board, serving as a notary public, signing a nominating petition for a candidate for political office, serving as an election officer, contributing to a political party and wearing a campaign button.

The IAFF labor-management team tours Germany as guests of the German federal government.

The IAFF pledges support to a fundraising campaign to combat muscular dystrophy.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF works on the development of Group Life Insurance, hospital and surgical benefits for fire fighters and their dependents.

At the AFL 73rd annual convention, the IAFF introduces two resolutions, one opposing the attacks on the civil service and the other urging support of the union label.

Vice President Richard M. Nixon and IAFF President John P. Redmond participate in the opening ceremonies of the Muscular Dystrophy drive.

MDA and the IAFF →

The Executive Board recommends that the Uniformed Firemen’s Association of New York City apply for a charter as a local of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

The IAFF reports results of a survey on fire alarms versus telephone systems.

The IAFF outlines effective public relations strategies for the fire service, which include: “Stand up straight so you can be seen! Speak loudly so you can be heard! Shut up quickly so the guests can enjoy themselves!” Other advice includes answering telephone calls promptly and pleasantly, establishing courteous relationships with the press and showing concern for people as individual human beings in public and business settings.

First Lady Mamie Eisenhower meets with IAFF President John P. Redmond to support the muscular dystrophy campaign. As of January 15, the United States has raised $3,644,882 and Canada has raised between $150,000 and $160,000 to fight the disease.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF reports that hundreds of fire fighters in the United States are entitled to a tax exemption on salaries received during 1954 while off duty due to sickness or injury.

The IAFF reports that the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations will take place in December.

A $200,000 building in New York City is slated to be a monument to fire fighters’ efforts against muscular dystrophy.

MDA and the IAFF →

After two years of study, the IAFF formally approves the Group Life, Hospital-Surgical Plan for members, holding a reception for plan administrators. More than 1,000 fire fighters complete enrollment cards by October 1.

The IAFF creates a poster entitled, “Hot Facts on Fire,” and provides pointers as to how to prevent a fire.

The IAFF creates a poster entitled, “The Facts of Life About Cancer!”

The IAFF holds its 23rd Convention in Montreal, Quebec.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

The IAFF raises more than $1 million in 1955, aiding more than 200,000 victims of muscular dystrophy, most of whom are children.

MDA and the IAFF →

John P. Redmond is re-elected IAFF President and William D. Buck is elected Secretary-Treasurer at the 23rd Convention in Montreal.

List of All Principal Officers →

Secretary-treasurers of national and international unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO form a new organization designed to aid union financial officers in conducting union affairs.

As of February, the Group Life Insurance plan sponsored by the IAFF in October 1955 has between $4 and $5 million in force for members’ benefit, including provisions for retired members. By July, 4,400 individual fire fighters have insured their lives for a total of nearly $9 million.

The new AFL-CIO building on 16th Street in Washington, DC is dedicated in June and becomes a tourist attraction.

Fire fighters from Washington, DC Local 36 march in the Presidential Inaugural Parade.

IAFF Vice President George T. Slocum appears before the Senate Post Office and Civil Service Committee, requesting a salary increase and improved working conditions for federal fire fighters.

The IAFF publishes a listing of fire service training schools and course dates in 37 states, with Maine preparing legislation for the support of a training program.

The IAFF encourages fire fighters to call their doctors for a cancer checkup.

PhonAlarm is the newest development in public emergency communications, replacing old-fashioned fire boxes. The system combines the features of the single-purpose fire alarm box and the emergency telephone in one single unit. The Los Angeles Fire Department leads the nation in adopting the new system.

Construction begins in Ottawa on a three-quarters of a million dollars Fire Research Building to be equipped with special testing furnaces, large enough to handle full sized building elements such as walls, beams, and floors.

Walt Disney Productions creates a fire prevention film featuring Jiminy Cricket, available for lease by fire departments in United States and Canada for $110 for six years. The Technicolor film can be customized with the following credit title: “Presented in the interest of fire prevention by Local No. ____ of the International Association of Fire Fighters.”

President John P. Redmond dies unexpectedly while attending the AFL-CIO meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey. William D. Buck, IAFF Secretary-Treasurer, is elected Acting President. John C. Kabachus is selected to serve as Acting Secretary-Treasurer.

List of All Principal Officers →

The IAFF makes the “Axe of Recognition” tie clip with or without IAFF logo available to members for $2.25 and $1.50, respectively.

The Home Life Insurance Company terminates the IAFF’s group life insurance. The IAFF provides alternatives and instructions to members regarding coverage.

Acting President William D. Buck represents the IAFF at the President’s Conference on Occupational Safety held in Washington, DC.

At the 24th IAFF Convention in Wichita, Kansas, several new constitutional amendments are adopted related to anti-nepotism, holding two offices simultaneously and pension payments, as well as a resolution to establish the John P. Redmond Memorial Fund for research of occupational diseases of fire fighters.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

Delegates unanimously adopt a resolution at the 1958 IAFF Convention calling for the compulsory installation of approved automatic sprinklers in buildings, which wins the praise of Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Arthur S. Flemming and helps prompt a $125,000 series of tests to prove the merits of the resolution.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases work injury statistics for 1957. Results indicate that fire fighting is a dangerous profession in terms of both injuries and deaths.

The IAFF forms the Joint Council of Federal Fire Fighters to collaborate on legislation to be introduced in the U.S. Congress. Members include several representatives from various federal fire fighter locals, three IAFF vice presidents and the IAFF President.

The IAFF initiates a research project to compile state laws regulating the hours of duty of paid fire fighters, as well as proposed work schedules pertaining to tours of duty ranging from the 35-hour to the 84-hour workweek.

The IAFF urges each affiliate to personally contact their U.S. congressional representatives in both the House and the Senate to express opposition to fire fighters being included under Social Security.

Arnold Zander, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, pledges cooperation with the IAFF at the 24th IAFF Convention in Wichita, Kansas.

The IAFF publishes public speaking strategies for fire fighters to help combat potential stage-fright, including preparing in advance, knowing your subject, organizing your subject matter, practicing the speech with family or friends, and studying the principles of public speaking. During the speech it is important to appear confident and assured, talk directly to your audience and be responsive to your audience’s non-verbal clues, such as smiling, nodding or looking puzzled.

The IAFF publishes a graphic comparison of average hourly earnings of fire fighters, public employees and production workers in six states. Fire fighters’ salaries are generally the lowest of all three work classifications.

The IAFF reviews 40 years of progress as it enters its fifth decade of existence. Perhaps the greatest of these accomplishments was freeing the fire fighter from the virtual state of serfdom that he was in not so many years ago, with abnormally long workweeks and inferior living and working conditions.

The IAFF requests an increase in the per capita tax from 25 cents to 32.6 cents in order to meet the steadily rising costs and to carry out programs called for at the Montreal Convention.

The IAFF advocates for municipalities to provide fire fighters with uniform allowances.

Two Montreal fire fighters die February 23 while battling a blaze on a bitterly cold night. Fire fighters frantically worked to ventilate the blaze on the roof of the American Spaghetti House in Montreal, Canada, when the roof collapsed. Eight of the 10 fire fighters on the roof managed to hold on to the copings and to hoses, pulling themselves to safety.

To date, locals have donated $2,334.15 to the John P. Redmond Research Fund, established at the 1958 Convention for research of occupational diseases among fire fighters.

Vancouver, British Columbia, fire fighters earn the highest wages in Canada, and work a 48-hour week under a two-platoon system.

A new booklet, “What Every Fireman’s Wife Should Know,” is made available to members. Topics include fire department benefits, joint ownership of assets and the advantages of a will, among others.

IAFF Secretary-Treasurer John P. Kabachus presents the IAFF balance sheet. Net worth as of July 1 is $94,870.88.

The IAFF makes significant gains on the legislative front, including union recognition laws, reduced hours, increased pension benefits, prohibiting discrimination in employment, check-off of union dues, and extended coverage of Civil Service protection.

The IAFF publishes provisions of coverage of fire fighters by workmen’s compensation statutes in each state and Canadian province.

Download the Report →

IAFF President William D. Buck speaks at the dedication of the Institute for Muscle Disease in New York City.

At the invitation of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, IAFF President William D. Buck attends the President’s Conference on Occupational Safety. More than 3,000 leaders from American industry, labor, agriculture, federal, state and local governments, insurance, education, health and private safety organizations attend the meeting in Washington, DC.

The IAFF holds a two-day seminar in Chicago to inform locals of their rights and responsibilities under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959. Officials from more than 200 locals attend the briefing session.

The IAFF begins a campaign for a wage increase in the U.S. Congress for all federal fire fighters.

The IAFF publishes a state-by-state “Political Scoreboard for 1960 Elections” to help fire fighters monitor and influence legislation. Federal fire fighters from affiliates across the United States join with other federal employee unions to push a 7.5 to 8 percent pay raise bill through both branches of Congress.

Download Scoreboard PDF →

The IAFF holds its 25th Convention in Buffalo, New York. Delegates adopt a revised Constitution and Bylaws.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

John A. Reed, MD addresses the problem of alcoholism, malingering and other medical and surgical care issues confronting the fire service.

The Common Council of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada adopts a heart and lung bill for fire fighters which will provide them with 60 percent of full salary on a disability retirement. In the United States, 10 states have passed heart bills, presuming that if a fire fighter is stricken with a heart ailment it was caused while he was performing his duty.

The IAFF takes the lead to have airports throughout the United States and Canada properly and adequately staffed with professional fire fighters and firefighting equipment to ensure the safety of millions of travelers.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association of America presents a Special Merit Award to IAFF President William D. Buck at the IAFF 25th Convention.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF supports Project HOPE to promote world peace and aid the sick of the world. This new program of the People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc. will equip and staff a hospital ship, which will travel initially to Southeast Asia. A total of 65 affiliates donate $438.80 towards Project HOPE.

Delegates pass a resolution to charge a registration fee of $10 for delegates and alternate delegates and $5 to adult guests at all future IAFF conventions to allow smaller cities an equal chance to bid on the honor of hosting the convention.

Three fire fighters are killed in St. Louis, Missouri, while fighting a blaze in an old three-story building on the night of February 22 in below-freezing temperatures. With 31 pieces of firefighting equipment, fire fighters contained the fire to keep it from spreading to adjoining business establishments. While the men were working on all three floors, a portion of the third floor at a center fire wall gave way without warning. All three floors crashed into the basement carrying fire fighters into a heap of rubble. Six men were released quickly, but the others were pinned down by heavy timbers and debris. After hours of work, the three fire fighters who were trapped were declared dead.

41 fire fighters have been killed in five years fighting liquid tank fires.

In the midst of a fire, a weakened three-story wall collapsed and eight fire fighters fell with the falling debris and were buried under 10 feet of broken bricks and cement slabs. Fellow fire fighters worked rapidly and were able to save three of these men. The other five were lost in the tragedy. This was the worst fire tragedy in Montreal since 1877.

A U.S. Department of Labor study of cities across the nation reveals that the average American worker and his family must have a minimum yearly income of $6,130 to meet basic economic needs. In a few cities, fire fighters receive a salary sufficient to meet these standards. In other municipalities, however, fire fighters’ salaries lag far behind this modest family budget.

Reports from affiliates of the IAFF reveal that a significant number of communities are reimbursed for responding to alarms of fire outside city limits.

Los Angeles County Local 1014 creates an IAFF ashtray.

The IAFF’s Accident and Death Survey of 1,200 cities and towns reveals that fire fighters in the United States suffered more accidental deaths and accidents in 1959 than in 1958.

The IAFF decries insurance companies penalizing fire fighters on car insurance rates. In various states, insurance policies have been canceled due to the frequency of traffic accidents chalked up against them while driving official emergency vehicles to alarms.

Two Scarborough, Ontario, fire fighters are killed in the line of duty.

IAFF Secretary-Treasurer John C. Kabachus testifies before the U.S. Senate urging the establishment of a Department of Urban Affairs. In his testimony before the U.S. Senate, he cites the fact that many important fire prevention and protection functions have been neglected in urban areas because of lack of funds, planning personnel and local technical expertise. He also points out that a federal agency could aid in the spread of more effective building codes and fire safety standards. The head of the proposed Department would have Presidential Cabinet status.

The IAFF endorses three congressional bills which would allow federal fire fighters, who have been on a saved pay basis since 1954, to elect a change over to the premium salary rates presently covering the majority of those in the federal firefighting service.

Eight fire fighters die in one of the worst fire tragedies in the history of Chicago when the wall of a six-story building collapses and buries them under an avalanche of fiery concrete, brick, timbers and dust. The stage for the tragedy was set when several fire fighters, atop a two-story loft directing hose streams, suddenly became engulfed in flames. A score of fire fighters clambered to their rescue when the wall gave way. Within minutes the other walls of the structure gave way, injuring numerous fire fighters and burying several pieces of apparatus. Many fire fighters fought their way to safety through fire, smoke and dust.

The IAFF informs members that personal contact with legislators, either face-to-face discussions or telephone calls, is the most effective lobbying tool, and recommends that when fire fighters send letters to their congressmen, they should write the letters themselves, keep them simple and mail them to the correct address.

U.S. President John F. Kennedy sets the stage for the recognition of federal employee unions.

The IAFF sponsors seminars in Michigan, Georgia and California in opposition to the consolidation of fire and police departments into single public safety forces.

An IAFF survey of 1,200 communities indicates that deaths and injuries among fire fighters in the United States and Canada are rising.

Medical professionals describe the heart and lung dangers confronting fire fighters.

The IAFF expresses concern that fire apparatus deserve the right of way in route to fires, but does not always get it, resulting in tragic traffic-related deaths.

IAFF fire fighters throughout the United States are asked to contribute, through their local unions, a total of $7,800 for the Eleanor Roosevelt Cancer Foundation as part of a $1 million pledge from the AFL-CIO and its national and international affiliates.

Three Canadian fire fighters are killed in Quebec City while fighting a blaze at the Modern Fruit warehouse. Due to the accumulation of heavy smoke inside the building, a stone wall four stories high collapsed, burying the three victims and injuring five other members of the fire department.

The IAFF provides helpful guidance to fire fighters filing their income tax forms, including information on pensions, disability, sick pay, union expenses and home sales, among other topics.

The Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization issues guidance procedures covering the separation of fire and police radio networks which must be completed before October 31, 1963.

A far-reaching agreement in Montreal results in an additional 600 members joining the firefighting force.

At the AFL-CIO annual convention held in December 1961 in Miami Beach, Florida, Mrs. Thelma Cullen of Baltimore, Maryland, President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary to the IAFF, reports that she has been elected as one of eight vice presidents to the National AFL-CIO Auxiliaries.

The IAFF’s official seal is registered in the United States Patent Office. To denote the patent note, the encircled letter R appears within the seal.

Planning for a National Fire Defense School is underway to train the nation’s fire defense force to be capable of combating atomic conflagrations, which a nuclear attack could unleash. The IAFF is among the organizations serving on the National Fire Defense Advisory Committee.

At the AFL-CIO Convention in December 1961, IAFF leadership garners support from 900 delegates from 133 other national and international affiliates for two important resolutions: Affirmation of opposition to any proposal that fire and police departments be merged and the establishment of salary standards for professional fire fighters at least equal to wages prevailing for skilled craftsmen.

Congress enacts the Motor Vehicle Liability Bill – officially known as Public Law 87-258 – which protects fire fighters who have an accident while operating apparatus or any other government vehicle from being sued for damage to property or for personal injury, including death.

IAFF Secretary-Treasurer John C. Kabachus testifies before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee in support of H.R. 6371, which would re-establish the type of equity written into the 1954 Internal Revenue Service code for the treatment of retirement income.

The IAFF writes to U.S. Representative James A. Burke of Massachusetts, asking Congress to adopt federal legislation to grant fire fighters the same prerogatives of arbitration granted other groups in organized labor and by Canadian fire fighters. Burke responds that in all probability, there would be constitutional problems involving states’ rights in any such proposed legislation.

The IAFF summarizes the actions of the 87th Congress affecting fire fighters, including Social Security, income taxes, manpower development and training, and DC fire fighters’ hours reduction, among others.

The Canadian Parliament enacts a new civil service law that requires the Minister of Finance and the Civil Service Commission to consult with representatives of employee organizations and associations in connection with salaries and other terms and conditions of employment.

Workmen’s Compensation laws are broadened in five provinces in Canada.

The IAFF holds its 26th Convention in San Antonio, Texas. President John F. Kennedy sends congratulatory letter to leaders and delegates.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

Rank-and-file members continue to take a strong stand that a 40-hour workweek for fire fighters is long overdue. An IAFF survey of 1,000 cities in the United States and Canada reveals that shorter working hours are gained by 98 IAFF locals and that wages are up in many cities.

The IAFF congratulates the Boy Scouts of America on its 52nd anniversary and notes that during the past year, members have assisted 75,000 scouts in earning their fire fighter merit badges. Since 1911, 1,410,000 scouts have earned these badges through the cooperation of professional fire fighters.

NBC-TV airs “Fire Rescue,” a dramatic film of the actual operations of New York Rescue Company One as part of its “Du Pont Show of the Week.”

Two Baltimore, Maryland, fire fighters are killed and one seriously injured when a violent explosion sweeps through a building and flames block their escape. Ten other fire fighters were blown out on to the street by the blast.

Six fire fighters are killed in Queens, New York, while engaged in firefighting. Five others are injured seriously enough to require hospitalization. The cause of the fire was blamed on the carelessness of a worker who had been dismantling machinery with an acetylene torch.

Discussions begin on the establishment of a permanent National Fire Academy, similar to the FBI Academy.

IAFF Research Director Rudolph A. Oswald argues that treasuries are helped by shared taxes and contends that is more practical for a state to levy a state income tax and share it with communities than for localities to attempt to raise revenue through municipal income taxes.

The IAFF begins research on the feasibility of establishing a housing program geared to retired professional fire fighters, similar to the retirement housing development under construction by the National Association of Letter Carriers. The IAFF asks members how they feel about a housing program from both a personal and organizational point of view. The National Association of Letter Carriers’ community facilities include a 500-seat auditorium building, food market, drug store, barber and beauty shops, shoe repair and dry-cleaning facilities, laundry, library, infirmary, chapel and post office. Recreational facilities include hobby rooms, croquet courts, tables for cards, chess and bingo, shuffleboards, swimming pool and a sailing marina. The monthly rentals range from $69.50 for an efficiency to $84.50 for a two-bedroom unit.

In Chicago, Illinois, the death toll increases from eight to nine fire fighters who are killed while battling a blaze and buried under a collapsed wall (see 1961).

The IAFF goes on record in approving the “basic intent” of President John F. Kennedy’s tax proposals, which call for lower federal income taxes, but opposes three of the administration’s recommendations that would adversely affect professional fire fighters: abolishing the Retirement Tax Credit for those under age 65; setting the Retirement Tax Credit as a fixed amount; and removing the Sick Pay Exclusion provision from the present tax law.

IAFF President William D. Buck lunches with 31 other labor leaders at the White House for an “informal discussion.”

The Civil Service Retirement Act of 1962 is amended to include cost of living increases in benefit payments, among other revisions.

IAFF President William D. Buck appoints a five-man team to combat the consolidation of fire and police departments.

At the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention, delegates unanimously vote to press for legislation that will prohibit the consolidation of fire and police departments, give fire fighters salaries in keeping with their skill and establish a 35-hour week.

Two Dallas, Texas, fire fighters are killed August 27 while responding to a false alarm when a police car slams into the side of their aerial ladder truck at an intersection.

The 1963 IAFF Salaries and Working Conditions survey shows a continuation of the trend towards better pay and shorter hours in the firefighting profession.

The U.S. Navy and Air Force extend formal recognition to the IAFF as the bargaining agent for civilian fire fighters employed at their installations.

Canada’s new Labor College located in Montreal hosts 20 different trade union members enrolled for a seven-week course of study.

The IAFF Executive Board gathers beside slain President John F. Kennedy’s grave during the fall meeting in Washington, DC, to accord a tribute on behalf of every member.

The IAFF offers to sell red vinyl brief cases with its emblem imprinted in gold leaf on the flap to members for $3.00. Branded three-ring binders are also available for $1.

Three Cleveland, Ohio, fire fighters are killed when a propane gas explosion occurs during a fire. The blast was caused when an unknown source ignited 100 gallons of propane gas stored in the tank of a truck that was undergoing repairs at a truck rental agency. The explosion came almost immediately after the first fire fighters entered the one-story brick building. The blast killed the two fire fighters immediately and one other fire fighter died 48 hours later.

The IAFF Executive Board recommends that all fire fighters receive a minimum of 14 paid holidays per year.

IAFF leadership expresses relief at failure of Social Security Amendments of 1964, eliminating at least temporarily the threat to fire fighter retirement systems.

President Lyndon B. Johnson sends appreciation letter to IAFF President William D. Buck for support during presidential campaign.

The IAFF contests the policy of the U.S. Air Force that a union seeking exclusive recognition must be designated by a majority of all employees. An impartial arbitrator rules that civilian fire fighters at an Air Force installation constitute an appropriate bargaining unit for purposes of exclusive recognition under Executive Order 10988.

The IAFF decries 47 states’ efforts to increase sales tax in order to obtain revenue, as this hits the low- to middle-income groups the hardest.

The IAFF supports passage of H.R. 8986, which calls for salary increases ranging from 2 to 25 percent for some 1.7 million federal employees, including all federal fire fighters.

Congress debates bill H.R. 9966, which would allow a federal income tax deduction for the cost of fire fighters’ meals eaten while on duty.

A proposed revision to the Canadian pension plan, if enacted, would be compulsory and require a contribution from both the employee and employer. Locals are urged to assess and prepare for the impact on their existing pension plans.

The IAFF holds the first of six traveling educational seminars on collective bargaining, public relations and parliamentary procedures. Fire fighters from a 10-state area convene at the University of Massachusetts. The second, which attracts fire fighters from nine states, is held in Leander, Texas.

The Civil Service Commission places new restrictions on trade union activities of federal employee unions, including banning unions from using government time to instruct shop stewards on negotiated agreements and from attending union conventions as delegates.

The 27th IAFF Convention is held in San Diego, California. Albert E. Albertoni of Oakland, California, is elected IAFF Secretary-Treasurer, defeating incumbent John C. Kabachus. William D. Buck is elected to a fourth full term of office.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

Dr. M. Howard Skolnick, who has served as medical advisor to the IAFF in an honorary capacity since 1939, is named medical advisor for the John P. Redmond Memorial Fund. Dr. Skolnick publishes an article connecting fire fighters’ work conditions and their health.

Salaries, hours and fringe benefits dominate fire fighter bargaining sessions, according to the IAFF’s “1963 Salary and Working Conditions Report.” Canadian locals make impressive gains in shorter workweeks, while organized departments in the U.S. continue to show substantially higher salaries.

All Canadian provinces, except Prince Edward Island, levy a tax on fire insurance programs. However, no province earmarks this revenue for firefighting, pension or distribution to municipal governments. The IAFF resolves to conduct a study to further understand the implications.

The IAFF meets with NFPA and the IAFC to combat consolidation of police and fire departments, as well as disparities in salary.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs H.R. 11049, which gives federal fire fighters a 5 percent pay increase. IAFF President William D. Buck receives the pen used in the bill signing.

Twenty-second television spots – part of the IAFF public relations program – are shown in 70 television stations across the nation. The IAFF makes the complete set available for $25 to local unions.

The IAFF publishes chart on state taxes on fire insurance premiums and reveals that there is no uniformity across the nation.

Mrs. Louise Speer of Gadsden, Alabama, is elected the new president of the International Ladies Auxiliary.

The IAFF creates a new retiree’s lapel pin, made of 10 carat gold and selling for $6.50 each through local union secretaries.

The IAFF moves its headquarters to the Moreschi Building at 905 16th Street, NW in Washington, DC, gaining 50 percent more office space.

The Department of Defense works closely with IAFF affiliates to ensure that federal fire fighters who may be affected by planned reductions in personnel will be given opportunities for retraining and placement at other installations. This cooperation between the IAFF and the Department of Defense stems from Executive Order 10988, signed three years prior by former President John F. Kennedy.

Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey sends letter of thanks to IAFF President William D. Buck for support of the election and the Great Society.

President Lyndon B. Johnson receives a “Chief Executive” helmet from IAFF President William D. Buck at a White House Ceremony for National Fire Prevention Week.

The IAFF testifies before the President’s Committee on Federal Retirement Systems and argues that two major deficiencies should be corrected in the retirement law applying to federal fire fighters: premium pay should be considered as basic salary when computing fire fighter retirement annuities and fire fighters should be allowed to retire earlier, without the present substantial reduction in annuity benefits.

In July, President Lyndon B. Johnson signs into law the 1965 amendments to the Social Security Act. A tense seven-month battle to retain the fire fighter exclusion provision comes to a successful conclusion.

The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board reaffirms the soundness of the IAFF position that fire fighters should continue to be excluded from Social Security and that they are entitled to higher salaries.

The IAFF issues recommendations on Canadian pension plans to the Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons. Canadian pension plans are approved on March 29 and will be compulsory for most Canadian fire fighters.

The IAFF holds a new round of labor relations seminars in Canada, emphasizing collective bargaining techniques, labor history, parliamentary procedure and public relations. The first is held at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. The seminar is part of the IAFF’s educational program, which has an annual appropriation of $35,000. These build on the six educational seminars held in 1964.

The U.S. Department of Labor conducts the most extensive death and injury survey among fire fighters in the United States, with questionnaires being sent to 7,500 fire departments.

The IAFF launches a relief fund to aid the 75 to 100 professional fire fighters in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area who have suffered property losses due to Hurricane Betsy.

The Ladies Auxiliary column of the International Fire Fighter focuses on the importance of “back porch public relations” for fire service wives.

The IAFF launches a Leadership Training in Labor Relations program to build on current educational seminars with more in-depth group participation exercises in collective bargaining, parliamentary procedure, public speaking and public relations.

First class fire fighters in major cities average $6,729 and work 53 hours per week. In the United States, a family of four requires $6,418 to maintain a “modest but adequate” standard of living in a large city. The average first class fire fighter in Canada works a 43.5-hour week for an average annual salary of $5,770, according to the IAFF salary and working conditions survey.

The IAFF establishes a Labor College Scholarship program to encourage local, state and provincial leaders to attend the two foremost labor schools in America, the Canadian Labor College and Harvard University’s Trade Union Program.

The IAFF death and injury survey reveals that each day, 109 professional fire fighters are injured in the line of duty, two are permanently disabled and one dies.

The IAFF offers all locals assistance in revising constitutions to be made consistent with the changes made at the 1960 Convention in Buffalo, if instructions and materials sent previously are not sufficient.

Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson accepts honorary IAFF membership and pledges to support the unified campaign by all fire service organizations to make Canada safe through fire prevention.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs a federal pay-fringe bill into law to provide a 3.2 percent pay-fringe increase for federal fire fighters.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs a federal premium pay bill for federal fire fighters into law.

Delegates at the 28th IAFF Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, vote overwhelmingly to retain the IAFF’s self-imposed “no-strike” policy.

The IAFF’s Joint Leadership Training Program in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, attracts 89 fire fighters from four states.

Jerry Lewis hosts the first MDA Telethon and becomes the National Chair for MDA.

Donations to the IAFF Hurricane Betsy Relief Fund total $12,004.45. The IAFF receives a letter of thanks from the Hurricane Betsy Fund Committee for its members’ concern and generosity.

Jerry Lewis, National Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America, emcees a 20-hour telethon over Labor Day weekend to raise funds for MDA. The IAFF solicits members for contributions to this effort.

MDA and the IAFF →

Two Akron, Ohio, fire fighters die November 19 battling a blaze in a commercial building down the street from a firehouse. The structure, built before the turn of the century, housed businesses and apartments. At the top of the stairs, a long hallway running the length of the building was filled with smoke. The roof began to collapse, the second floor crumbled, and then both came thundering to the first floor. A heavy construction crane was brought in to remove the debris and the fire fighters’ dead bodies were found in the rubble.

Twelve New York City fire fighters are killed October 17 fighting a massive blaze in lower Manhattan. Fire fighters entered a blazing century-old building and were greeted by a gush of flame and a blast of searing heat as the floor collapsed. All fell into the blazing basement and died.

The IAFF announces that all delegates and alternates to the forthcoming IAFF Convention will be covered by a $10,000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy, the premiums of which will be paid by the International union. No charge will be made to the individual or his local, state or provincial association.

IAFF financial reserves continue to decrease, based on a recent audit. There is a reserve of less than $1 per member to meet any emergency that may arise.

The IAFF Executive Board calls for a minimum increase in per capita tax of 30 cents to meet rising expenses. The increase would be phased in over a two-year period, with a 15 cent increase one year and a 15 cent increase the following year.

IAFF Secretary-Treasurer Al Albertoni publishes a graphically-laden article on “the financial state of the union.”

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Louise B. Speer, president of the IAFF Ladies Auxiliary, asks all fire fighter locals to allow women to form affiliated auxiliaries in their communities.

IAFF President William D. Buck censures an independent group’s strike in Atlanta, and praises loyal IAFF members for remaining on continuous duty.

IAFF membership reaches 120,000 as of April 1, 1966.

New IAFF membership cards are to be printed on higher quality paper, and for the first time using electromagnetic computer tape.

The IAFF mails a Public Relations Kit to each affiliate as a means of preventing disparity and assisting in legislation and collective bargaining.

The IAFF’s Annual Death and Injury Survey reveals that fire fighters sustain injuries 3.5 times more frequently than the average industrial worker and the odds of being killed in the line of duty are nearly three times greater than that for the average employee in the overall workforce.

IAFF President William D. Buck appears on the AFL-CIO radio program “Labor News Conference” and states that lagging pay scales and long duty hours are making it increasingly difficult to recruit fire fighters who meet the high standards established. In addition, he declares that state collective bargaining laws covering fire fighters are highly desirable.

The IAFF Legislative Committee meets with U.S. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey on several bills affecting the welfare of fire fighters. One of the nine requests would require the president to appoint a task force or commission to study and to make recommendations concerning the national fire problem. On August 16, the Presidential Task Force is established.

The IAFF offers $1,000 rewards in connection with information about the death or disabling of union members during riots or civil insurrection, given the large number of fire fighters killed and injured during disturbances in recent months. IAFF Secretary-Treasurer Al Albertoni testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, strongly supporting proposed legislation to make it a federal offense to interfere with a fire fighter during a riot or civil disorder.

The IAFF issues a policy that locals shall not unilaterally introduce legislation into the Congress of the United States or the Parliament of Canada. The policy was established when delegates at the 1966 Convention adopted Resolution 4, which stated that such a policy should be adhered to because, to do otherwise, might adversely affect the interests of other locals and could seriously embarrass the International.

The IAFF supports the Magnuson bill, S. 1124, which would allocate $10 million to the Commerce Department to research a fire safety program, gather data, provide fire safety programs and institute training research and other related activities. On August 16, the Senate adopts S. 1124, providing for the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1967.

IAFF President William D. Buck testifies before the Housing Subcommittee of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Banking and Currency, requesting federal aid for fire departments.

Two major changes in procedures are planned for the 1968 IAFF Convention in Toronto, Canada. One, that there will be a total of no more than 15 committees and each committee will consist of no more than 15 members and, two, the introduction of a “cost factor” to every resolution before it is placed before the delegates for a vote.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

The first of the IAFF’s new and expanded series of leadership and educational seminars is held in February at the University of Nebraska. A total of 95 fire fighters from 10 states participate.

The IAFF partners with the International Association of Fire Chiefs to work out a plan to establish a National Fire Academy.

The IAFF launches “Project Monoxide” to combat the causes and effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. A voluntary assessment of 25 cents is requested from every member of an IAFF local to raise the money for this invaluable study. Results of this research may benefit many types of workers and, eventually, the entire population. Fundraising passes its half-way mark by November 3, with a total of $15,756.88 contributed.

IAFF President William D. Buck and AFL-CIO President George Meany are elected to the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America Board of Directors.

MDA and the IAFF →

Federal fire fighters in Canada win a 42-hour week, while maintaining salary and shift differentials.

The IAFF leadership appoints a nine-member Fact Finding Commission to study conditions under which professional fire fighters in the United States and Canada are employed and to consider whether possible modification of the union’s traditional no-strike policy is necessary, desirable or possible.

The IAFF resolves to severely criticize and censure any paid professional fire fighter who moonlights on the fire service.

The IAFF requests a voluntary assessment of 25 cents per member from all locals to bolster the financial status of the John P. Redmond Fund. If compliance reaches 100 percent, IAFF would raise $30,000.

The IAFF raises per capita tax to 65 cents per month per active member and 32.5 cents per month for retired members.

Raymond L. Perry, former 14th District Vice President, is named the first IAFF General Field Representative. Perry was the recipient of Birmingham, AL Local 117’s Outstanding Service Award, and served 30 years in the Birmingham Fire Department, where he held elective office for 28 years, eight of which as president.

The IAFF Death and Injury Survey for 1966 cites data from 540 cities and confirms the dangers of the profession.

The IAFF resolves to investigate the feasibility of using professional fire fighters in the Peace Corps.

The IAFF encourages locals in the United States and Canada to plan for the IAFF Golden Anniversary in 1968.

The IAFF lodges an official protest against the U.S. Air Force as it plans to test the use of volunteer firemen recruited among military personnel to guard equipment and buildings from fire.

Congress passes the National Fire Research and Safety Act, H.R. 11284, and sends the bill to President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign into law. The IAFF delegation is present at the White House as President Lyndon B. Johnson signs H.R. 11284.

The Leadership Training and Labor Relations Seminar held at the University of Massachusetts breaks all records, both for attendance and the eminence of seminar leaders. A total of 228 participants attend from New England, the mid-Atlantic states and Canada.

The IAFF holds its 29th Convention in Toronto and celebrates its 50th anniversary.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

The Civil Obedience Act, introduced as an amendment to the Civil Rights Law of 1968, makes it illegal to interfere with a fire fighter performing his duties during a riot or civil commotion. President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the act into law on April 11th, signaling the culmination of a major IAFF legislative effort on behalf of its members.

Riots and Civil Disturbances →

The IAFF achieves its goal of collecting $25,000 for “Project Monoxide” to study the toxic effects of carbon monoxide, thanks to a $1,500 contribution from the John P. Redmond Memorial Fund.

The IAFF publishes its annual death and injury survey, which reveals that fire fighters suffer a record number of injuries while on duty, as well as excessive cardiovascular disease deaths.

The IAFF establishes a fund to aid Brownsville, Texas, fire fighters who suffered financial losses during Hurricane Beulah.

The IAFF publishes and mails to all affiliates a “Collective Bargaining Information, 1968” booklet. The 64-page publication contains a variety of economic information from U.S. and Canadian government sources of relevance to the fire service.

The IAFF continues to collect donations to support the Fairbanks Flood Fund. In December 1968, 27 fire fighters suffered extensive damage to their homes from rising waters.

On behalf of members, IAFF President William D. Buck donates $1,000 to the third Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America telethon hosted by Jerry Lewis in New York City.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF commissions a new series of five television public service spots to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

The IAFF purchases a copy of “Fire Fighting During Riots,” a 16-mm film made by the Los Angeles Fire Department during the Watts District riots in that city. IAFF District Vice Presidents are invited to borrow the film for showing in their regions. The IAFF later purchases an additional 15 copies for more widespread showings at meetings of the PTA, Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, American Legion, and other groups.

Riots and Civil Disturbances →

The Independent Fact Finding and Report Commission recommends “modification” – but not necessarily repeal – of the long-standing prohibition on strikes contained in the IAFF Constitution.

IAFF President William D. Buck announces his decision to not seek re-election after 28 years of service to the International union.

Canadian IAFF members gather in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to consider a proposal to establish a national organization of fire fighters.

An IAFF golden medallion is struck by Sudbury, ON Local 527. The first medallion is presented to IAFF President William D. Buck.

The IAFF marks its first half-century at a Muscular Dystrophy benefit gala in Washington, DC. Jerry Lewis serves as Master of Ceremonies for the banquet.

MDA and the IAFF →

President William D. Buck is interviewed on the “Labor News Conference” show on Mutual Radio Network and discusses issues confronting fire fighters, such as lagging pay scales and growing on-the-job dangers, including new building techniques and materials, as well as riot attacks in many communities.

At the IAFF 29th Convention, William H. McClennan is elected the sixth IAFF president and Albert E. Albertoni is re-elected to a third term as IAFF Secretary-Treasurer. Delegates vote to repeal the “no-strike” in its constitution.

List of All Principal Officers →

IAFF President Howard H. McClennan tells “Labor News Conference” Mutual Radio Network that increased protection for fire fighters in ghetto disturbance areas will be one of the major goals of the IAFF during the 91st Congress.

Riots and Civil Disturbances →

IAFF President William H. McClennan and other IAFF leaders visit with U.S. Vice President Spiro Agnew to seek his support for the full implementation of the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1968.

President Richard M. Nixon signs a new historic Executive Order 11491, which brings increased bargaining rights to 12,000 federal fire fighters.

The U.S. Civil Service Commission considers separate pay and work systems for 12,000 federal fire fighters.

39 states have laws providing for fire fighter compensation for service-connected heart and respiratory diseases. All Canadian provinces have such laws.

The IAFF holds a five-day organizing workshop in Washington, DC, with the intent to sign up every paid professional fire fighter in North America.

The IAFF Executive Board opposes the lowering of educational and physical standards for fire fighter recruits and officers, and supports pre-employment education programs to prepare those interested in becoming fire fighters.

The IAFF produces six new radio spots to boost the public image of professional fire fighters.

A new booklet, “Fire Fighters Fight Fires, Not People,” is sent to all locals in the United States and Canada as a practical guide to use in countering harassment in times of civil disturbance.

Riots and Civil Disturbances →

The IAFF begins a campaign asking all locals to support fire fighters whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Camille in Mississippi.

A widow of an Ontario, Canada, fire fighter wins a pension. She is assisted in making her case through information in the John P. Redmond library.

More than 70 percent of IAFF members receive an annual salary below what the U.S. Department of Labor considers a “moderate standard of living.”

Four fire fighters are killed in Wichita, Kansas. On the night of November 21, the fire chief, chief fire inspector and two fire fighters were killed in a mass disaster when the roof of a burning building collapsed. The four fire fighters had entered the burning repair building of an auto dealership to seek out and extinguish a blaze in a space between a false ceiling and a roof. The roof caved in on them unexpectedly, trapping them beneath falling steel beams and debris.

An in-depth study, “The American City and Its Organized Employees,” reports that fire fighters are among the most heavily organized occupational group among all municipal employees.

The backs of firetrucks are enclosed with special shatter proof gates to protect fire fighters from acts of civil disobedience.

Riots and Civil Disturbances →

The IAFF revises its Model Pension Plan for locals to help set up their own pension programs.

1,059 fire fighters participate in 11 IAFF education seminars in 1969.

IAFF members raise $1 million for MDA.

The IAFF unites with the entire labor movement in its battle with General Electric Corporation in opposition to its inflexible “take it or leave it” bargaining stance. Membership is asked to not buy GE products and to contribute $1 each towards the GE Strike Fund to aid the 150,000 strikers at the company’s 280 plants in 33 states.

The IAFF helps draft the National Public Employee Relations Act, H.R. 17383, introduced in Congress to ensure collective bargaining for public employees.

The IAFF Ladies’ Auxiliary sets its political agenda, which includes a fully employed, prosperous economy, national health insurance, clean and modern cities, the abolition of poverty and environmental pollution and unlimited free public education through the college level.

Seven physician trustees of the John P. Redmond Memorial Fund meet on how to obtain more factual information about fire fighters’ injuries and deaths and to make plans for future research in this area.

The “11th Annual IAFF Death and Injury Survey” shows firefighting as the most hazardous occupation for the first time, eclipsing previous front-runners: mining and quarrying professions.

IAFF Legislative Representative Jack Waller and IAFF Federal Representative Al Davis testify before the House Post Office and Civil Service Subcommittee on Retirements, Insurance and Health Benefits, stating that firefighting is now considered the most hazardous occupation in the world by the U.S. Department of Labor. This finding has implications for federal fire fighters who are required to handle deadly chemicals and radioactive materials, in addition to performing their firefighting duties.

The IAFF, along with the IAFC, requests that U.S. President Richard Nixon issue an official proclamation recognizing May 9 as Fire Service Recognition Day and to sign a bill calling for awarding of a Medal of Honor annually to a fire fighter or police officer who has distinguished himself through an uncommon act of bravery.

The 30th IAFF Convention is held in Miami Beach, Florida. Delegates pass the “one man, one vote” resolution. William H. McClennan is re-elected president and Albert E. Albertoni is re-elected secretary-treasurer.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

A new 28-minute movie, “A Fire Fighter’s Story – Prevent, Protect, Preserve,” is premiered at the IAFF 30th Convention. Copies can be purchased by locals for $195 each.

The entire IAFF constitution is translated into French for the first time in the International union’s history.

According to the IAFF “52nd Annual Fire Department Salaries and Working Conditions Survey,” 67 cities in the U.S and Canada pay their fire fighters a salary of $10,000 or more.

Facial hair among fire fighters is opposed by the Chief of the Waterbury (Connecticut) Fire Department. The State Board of Mediation and Arbitration finds no evidence that the fire fighter’s beard is a safety hazard, but only after he has shaved it off.

Delegates to the 30th IAFF Convention vote to increase the per capita tax by 25 cents for a total of $1.25, of which 10 cents will go to financially assist in the resolution of emergency disputes.

The IAFF requests that locals send copies of all union contracts and arbitration and fact-finding briefs to the Research and Education Department.

The IAFF collects fire fighter shoulder patches to be featured in a display planned for its new office building under construction in Washington, DC.

The IAFF calls for the development of an adequate smoke mask for routine firefighting as current air masks have several disadvantages – too heavy, too bulky and not long lasting.

U.S. President Richard M. Nixon vetoes the fire fighters’ retirement bill, impacting the future lives of 11,000 federal fire fighters. The bill is later reintroduced and IAFF leaders urge its passage.

IAFF President William H. McClennan writes to U.S. President Richard M. Nixon in response to his proposal to submit to Congress a bill that would provide $50,000 for beneficiaries of police officers who are killed in the line of duty. He requests that the bill be extended to include fire fighters as well.

U.S. President Richard M. Nixon signs the 1971 Supplemental Appropriation Bill, which includes $50,000 to fund the initial implementation of the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1968.

The IAFF and the U.S. Department of Labor sign an historic fire fighter recruitment and training contract totaling $425,000.

IAFF President William H. McClennan expresses opposition to a U.S. Civil Service proposal to rewrite position descriptions of fire fighters to include duties not related to their abilities and training and in no way related to fire prevention or fire suppression.

More than 300 delegates attend a symposium sponsored by the John P. Redmond Memorial Fund on occupational health and hazards facing the fire service. The theme of the symposium is “Survival.” Topics include physical standards, heart disease, pulmonary and respiratory problems, protective equipment and vehicular design, training, safety education and recordkeeping and emergency care.

Fire fighters throughout the nation contribute more than $100,000 to the 1971 Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

Four Atlanta, Georgia, fire fighters die battling a blaze May 29 at the Davis Brothers’ Restaurant in downtown Atlanta. The fire broke out after 11:00 p.m. and the sudden blast ripped the building apart, killing the four fire fighters. An additional 23 fire fighters were injured.

IAFF membership exceeds 150,000, achieving a goal set forth at the 1970 IAFF Convention. Fire fighters join the IAFF at the rate of 600 per month.

The IAFF states that withdrawal membership cards should never be issued to a brother who quits the union but remains in the fire service.

The IAFF makes a new watch available to members for $25, which includes the cost of postage, special packaging and insurance.

The IAFF supports congressional bill H.R. 5266 calling for a new commemorative stamp to honor fire fighters and mark the 100th anniversary of the Chicago fire.

The IAFF charters its 2,000th local: Howard County, MD Local 2000.

A new IAFF lapel pin featuring the United States and Canadian flags is available to members. The gold-plated pin costs $2.50 and the 10-carat gold pin sells for $6.50.

The IAFF contends that U.S. President Richard M. Nixon may be the strongest single unifying force for American labor in years.

The IAFF joins the Coalition of Public Employee Organizations to form an action program with an emphasis on legislation, legal problems and increased political involvement during the national election year.

The IAFF holds it 31st Convention in Los Angeles, California. IAFF Secretary-Treasurer Al Albertoni decides not to run for a fifth term of office. Albertoni promised his wife and family at the IAFF Convention in Toronto in August 1968 that he would stand for re-election one more time and then relinquish this office for a less complex life in retirement. Frank Palumbo is elected IAFF secretary-treasurer. Delegates debate a record 189 resolutions.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

U.S. President Richard M. Nixon names IAFF Secretary-Treasurer Al Albertoni as one of five new members to the Board of Vocational Education. He is the only representative of organized labor on the nine-member Board.

U.S. President Richard M. Nixon signs the Hazardous Duty Retirement Bill, PL 92-382, for federal fire fighters into law.

The IAFF petitions the Pay Board and the State and Local Government Committee of the Cost of Living Council for justice and fair pay for fire fighters.

The Department of Labor’s Public Employment Program agrees to major policy changes requested by the IAFF related to overtime pay, including deletion of the 10 percent limitation on recalls in the revised Public Employment Program (PEP) Handbook and allowing Program Agents to reduce hours to a reasonable minimum of 40 hours per week since fire fighters generally worked more hours than other public employees. Hours worked over and above 40 hours per week may be considered overtime, even if they are not compensated as such, since the normal work week in public service is 40 hours.

A new television series, “Emergency,” premieres. The show is set against background operations of the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s innovative paramedic rescue squads.

History of Fire-Based EMS →

Nine Boston, Massachusetts, fire fighters die June 17 as a wall collapses without warning during a seven-story hotel fire, burying the men in a mountain of rubble. Eight other fire fighters were injured, one seriously. The cause of the blaze and building collapse were undetermined.

IAFF members raise more than $100,000 for the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

Two Little Rock, Arkansas, fire fighters die battling a fire in a three-story apartment building when a wall collapsed, and seven others were injured. The fallen men were on the right side of the fire truck when the interior floor collapsed, causing the wall to explode outward, hurling debris across the street. The $65,000 aerial truck was crushed by the weight of the wall.

Federal workers in the United States lag far behind their Canadian counterparts when it comes to collective bargaining rights.

The IAFF moves to its new headquarters at 1750 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.

Three New Orleans, Louisiana, fire fighters are killed battling a Christmas Day blaze when an old brick wall and a wrought iron balcony collapsed with more than one dozen New Orleans fire fighters on it, killing three and injuring 14. A backdraft from the rear and an explosion of accumulated gas caused the wall to fall forward. Four of the seven abandoned buildings in the block were burned out and in the process of being demolished when the fire began.

The U.S. Department of Labor rules that fire service captains must become part of collective bargaining units as they are not supervisors.

The IAFF makes a new 10-carat gold ring available to members for $56.

On January 10, three Chicago, Illinois, fire fighters die when the roof of a cafeteria collapses as they evacuate the building. The three were buried with full departmental honors.

Two bills to establish the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy are introduced in Congress. The IAFF wholeheartedly supports passage of these two bills and testifies at several congressional hearings.

The IAFF criticizes two presidential vetoes, the first the Minimum Wage Bill and the second the “emergency medicine bill,” which would have provided training to paramedics to give emergency medical care to the sick and injured.

History of Fire-Based EMS →

U.S. President Richard M. Nixon signs into law Public Law 93-154 amending the Public Health Service Act to aid communities in developing and improving comprehensive emergency medical services. IAFF President William H. McClennan urges fire fighters to take full advantage of the more than $185 million allocated.

History of Fire-Based EMS →

The IAFF urges all locals to participate in preparing state plans related to the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Every IAFF affiliate is asked to consider the initiation of its own Safety and Health Committee.

The IAFF, along with federal employees and their unions, pushes for passage of a collective bargaining law for civil servants in the federal service and proposes the formation of an internal Department of Public Employees to focus on bargaining rights.

Two Indianapolis, Indiana, fire fighters die when their pumper overturns on the way to a grass fire. Three others were injured, one critically, when their pumper was hit at an intersection and overturned on the way to the scene.

The IAFF reports that carbon dioxide emitted by burning fibers and plastic fumes cause smoke-related deaths among fire fighters. Tests showed that in Cambridge, Massachusetts, fire fighters were probably knocked out by a high level of carbon dioxide rather than by toxic gases. Evidence from fire tests with plastics and modern fibers shows that colorless, odorless fumes quickly displace oxygen and cause a dramatic rise in the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere.

General Motors’ bumper systems, designed to protect many of the 1973 GM cars from low-speed impacts, pose an exploding danger. Both mechanics and fire fighters have been killed by the explosion of the impact cylinders due to overheating of the compressed gases by welding and car fires.

The IAFF “Annual Death and Injury Survey” reveals that fire fighters now can count on only a 50-50 chance of getting through a year’s work without being injured.

Two projects at NASA are underway to improve fire fighters’ equipment. The first focuses on conventional design, fire-resistant, protective clothing using space technology. The second focuses on a longer-duration breathing apparatus for fire fighters.

The IAFF, in cooperation with the American Arbitration Association, produces a 23-minute film entitled, “Count the Men.” The film focuses on grievance processing and arbitration.

IAFF members staff phones to help raise more than $12 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America Labor Day Telethon. President McClennan presents a $188,368 check from fire fighters to Chairman Jerry Lewis.

MDA and the IAFF →

Two Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, fire fighters are killed when battling a blaze at an ink manufacturing plant, and 37 others were injured, some seriously, when the South Philadelphia plant exploded at the height of an eight-alarm fire. The men were caught in the building and an adjacent storage yard when thousands of gallons of flammable solvent exploded. Bricks and debris were hurled more than a block.

Two federal fire fighters in San Diego, California, die October 23 when a JP-4 tank trailer explodes. The men were members of Local F-33, San Diego Naval Station.

The IAFF sponsors an Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance plan, allowing every member under age 70 to purchase policies ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 in coverage.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the IAFF ranks eighth among 45 unions with 100,000 or more members in making the greatest proportionate gain in membership during the period 1960 to 1970.

The IAFF urges members to support consumer boycotts against products and services of several companies which, because of their anti-union policies, do not deserve members’ patronage.

The IAFF engages in a campaign to alert physicians, fire fighters, ambulance attendants and other emergency medical personal to be aware of “Medic Alert” bracelets or necklaces and their life-saving significance.

The IAFF mourns the death of former U.S. President Harry S Truman, who “will go down in history as a great friend of labor.”

The IAFF alerts members to a fraudulent organization, the “Fraternal Order of Fire Fighters,” and urges all locals to watch for this organization in their communities and to inform their local police department if they have any information regarding its purpose.

27 states have laws on their books covering employees’ rights to bargain with their employer. Four states have bargaining laws covering fire fighters only – Georgia, Idaho, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

The MDA Task Force on Drug Development is established.

Due in large part to IAFF advocacy, Congress includes fire fighters in the Fair Labor Standards Act, which is signed into law on April 8, 1974, by U.S. President Richard M. Nixon. The law contains special overtime provisions that include a minimum wage of at least $1.90 per hour.

U.S. President Richard M. Nixon signs into law H.R. 9281, the Hazardous Duty Retirement Bill for federal fire fighters.

California Governor-Elect Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. visits IAFF headquarters seeking the support of the nation’s fire fighters several weeks before the national elections.

The energy crisis sweeps the nation and gasoline is in short supply. The IAFF warns fire fighters to beware of gas hoarders at auto fires, as one gallon of gasoline packs the punch of 14 sticks of dynamite. The IAFF urges delegates to the 1974 Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, to consider chartering buses for transportation due to the energy crisis.

The IAFF and IAFC adopt a joint resolution to use fully the opportunities provided by the Boy Scouts of America to educate youth in the areas of fire prevention and fire safety.

Delegates at the 32nd IAFF convention approve a 13-cent per capita increase in member dues, raising payments to $1.63 per month. IAFF President William H. McClennan and IAFF Secretary-Treasurer Frank Palumbo are re-elected by the delegates.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

Locals and Ladies’ Auxiliaries raise more than $300,000 in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America’s Labor Day Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

“The Towering Inferno” debuts in more than 200 cities in the United States and Canada. Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox donate all net proceeds from the premiere showing to the IAFF Scholarship Fund.

Two West St. Paul, Minnesota, (Local 1059) fire fighters are killed by an exploding propane gas tank as they battle a blaze at an apartment house complex.

At the 1974 Convention, President McClennan swears in newly elected officers of the Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Secretary-Treasurer Frank Palumbo represents the IAFF on the National Professional Qualifications Board of the Fire Service to develop a national standard for fire fighter qualifications. A minimum standard is unanimously approved.

The U.S. Department of Labor awards the IAFF a $31,150 grant to help finance a collective bargaining manual for public employee unions.

The IAFF and the National Bureau of Standards outline their preliminary draft for state standards for fire fighters’ turnout coats, including their size, stitching, material, color, collar and pockets.

The “Med-E-Train” manikin is developed to assist in the training of emergency medical personnel. An indicator light is provided to show the proper technique for CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Control of bleeding, diagnosis of vital physical signs and a simulated fractured bone are also featured.

The Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America dedicates a new summer camp in Haverhill, Massachusetts, in honor of the IAFF, a consistent supporter of MDAA. The camp is named after St. Florian, patron saint of fire fighters.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF announces the availability of a new group life insurance plan for members with benefits ranging from $5,000 to $30,000.

U.S. President Gerald Ford appoints IAFF President William H. McClennan to the National Commission on Productivity and Work Quality.

The IAFF opposes the nomination of John L. Peterson – a volunteer fire fighter – as the U.S. Fire Administrator, stating the nominee lacks experience, contacts, philosophy, vision and purpose about the fire problems. He urges members to write to President Gerald Ford and members of Congress to ask that Peterson’s nomination be withdrawn. Based partially on IAFF support, the U.S. Senate confirms Howard Tipton as the first administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration.

Legislation to provide a $50,000 death benefit for fire fighters and police officers dies in the 93rd Congress. The IAFF testifies at a congressional hearing in support of the death benefit.

The U.S. Supreme Court hands down a decision on the case involving the right of fire fighters and police officers to be covered by the U.S. Fair Labor Standard Act. The Chief Justice calls for the case to be re-argued.

Congress introduces a bill that, if enacted, would provide emergency financial assistance to cities and municipalities that have been forced to reduce their firefighting and police forces.

The IAFF supports the Burn Facilities Act of 1975, H.R. 8121, which calls for the appropriation of $90 million over a three-year period for the establishment of 12 burn treatment centers and 24 smaller burn units.

The IAFF and IAFC receive a $130,000 contract from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish an apprenticeship training program within fire departments throughout the United States.