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.
Mrs. Ernest W. Howard calls for the organization of an International Association of Fire Fighters Ladies’ Auxiliary. She wrote, “It has been said that for every union man gained, for every addition to the ranks of organized labor, there should be an addition to the ranks of noble women who carry on the battle for better working conditions with their menfolk. And so it follows that every local of the IAFF should be supported by a strong Ladies’ Auxiliary, a Chinese wall, shall we say, against the lamentations of the weak politicians who seek to cut the budget and lower the standard of living of firemen and their families.”
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.
At the 20th IAFF Convention, IAFF leaders mandate the establishment of an annual salary of $5,000 per year and urge members to persist in their efforts to secure the necessary legislation to have the salary mandate established into law in their communities. A goal is set to establish a 40-hour work week and to allow retirement at half pay after 20 years of service. In addition, the IAFF calls for three-quarters pay for fire fighters disabled in the line of duty and a minimum benefit for widows of $1,200 per year.
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.
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.
During the last two years, through the action of the International Labor Organization, all the progressive nations of the earth have secured the right to organize and bargain collectively. This, at last, has been accepted as a universal right by all the nations of the earth. The gateway to universal peace and prosperity is slowly opening the way for all mankind to enjoy.
John P. Redmond, IAFF President (1946-1957)
The U.S. Department of Treasury informs the IAFF that new locals are exempt from federal income tax.
The IAFF educates members on training in the use of three types of masks: the self-generating, the demand and the oxygen re-breathing types.
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 publishes an article on strategies fire fighters can employ to reduce panic and fear on the job, which included “keeping cool, accepting responsibility for taking charge of the situation, accepting and following others’ leadership and taking necessary steps to avert tragedy.”
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.
Korea is not the only place a war is being fought – the war on inflation in Washington is now drawing the attention of those super-patriots who are primarily interested in the old law of supply and demand. If thinking is continued along the lines of labor drafting, as some of the proponents are advocating, get ready, fire fighters, to work in the salt mines, or in any other place where the Czar of Labor may choose to send you.
John P. Redmond, IAFF President (1946-1957)
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.
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.
Carl W. Irwin, MD writes two articles describing occupational hazards facing fire fighters, both injury and disease related.
The IAFF publicizes its new chrome medallion emblem for automobiles.
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.
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 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 works on the development of Group Life Insurance, hospital and surgical benefits for fire fighters and their dependents.
The IAFF publicizes the federal government’s “Payroll Savings Plan for investing in Savings Bonds” campaign on the back covers of several issues of the International Fire Fighter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The IAFF raises more than $1 million in 1955, aiding more than 200,000 victims of muscular dystrophy, most of whom are children.
John P. Redmond is re-elected IAFF President and William D. Buck is elected Secretary-Treasurer at the 23rd Convention in Montreal.
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 Medal of Saint Florian, a Roman soldier-saint of the fourth century, protects present day fire fighters.
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.
William A. Sawyer, MD, encourages fire fighters to receive a polio vaccine to extend their life spans.
The IAFF encourages fire fighters to call their doctors for a cancer checkup.
The IAFF publishes a weekly budget for a family of four renting their home, and indicates that an income of $5,460 is needed to support living expenses, including alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
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.
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.
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 re-launches French language section of the International Fire Fighter. Two or three pages will appear in every second or third issue of the magazine.
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 reports that most union members are found to be wearing non-union work shoes. President John J. Mara of the Union Label and Services Trades Department, AFL-CIO, urges union members to seek and purchase only union-made shoes.
The IAFF publishes poster for families outlining good rules for a fire-safe Christmas.
John C. Kabachus (1957-1964)
When Secretary-Treasurer Buck was elected acting President after President John P. Redmond died in office, the IAFF Executive Board elected John C. Kabachus of Boston, MA Local 718 as acting Secretary-Treasurer.
Kabachus was a fast-rising champion of labor in his home state of Massachusetts. He served as Boston Local 718 president for just two years, but his list of accomplishments is long, including the establishment of a fire fighters’ credit union and successfully lobbing the state legislature to allow for union dues deduction.
He also served as president of the Associated Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, successfully lobbying for the state’s first presumptive law protecting fire fighters diagnosed with heart disease.
After losing his bid to become president of the IAFF in 1964, Kabachus returned to the Boston Fire Department as a lieutenant.
Samuel A. Fink (1919-1919)
Samuel A. Fink took office in May 1919 and served through September of that year. He spent his entire fire service career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and with Pittsburgh Local 1. When the IAFF was organized in 1918, Fink was elected 1st Vice President. One year later, as president, Fink focused on growing the membership, organizing 96 new locals. Fink resigned during the latter part of 1919 due to family obligations.
William H. McClennan (1968-1980)
In 1968, delegates at the 50th anniversary Convention in Toronto, Ontario, elected William “Howie” McClennan of Boston, MA Local 718 president following the retirement of President William Buck.
McClennan joined the Boston Fire Department and Boston Local 718 in 1942. From the beginning, he was dedicated to his calling as a fire fighter and to his duty as a union member. Among his many accomplishments while serving as Local 718 president, he successfully campaigned to reduce the fire fighter workweek from 84 to 48 hours. In 1958, he was elected 3rd District Vice President, a position he held until 1968 when he was elected president.
In 1977, the McClennan Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to children of IAFF members killed in the line of duty to pursue post-secondary education.
Frank A. Palumbo (1972-1980)
Frank A. Palumbo of the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) of New York Local 94 was elected Secretary-Treasurer in 1972 following the retirement of Secretary-Treasurer Albertoni.
Palumbo joined the Fire Department of New York in 1956 and quickly became an active member of Local 94 as a company delegate. He continued to take on more responsibilities as sergeant-at-arms and vice president. He was elected 1st District Vice President in 1970.
John A. Gannon (1980-1988)
John A. Gannon was elected president in 1980. During his tenure, he established the IAFF Foundation to support members, their families and citizens affected by burn trauma. The Burn Foundation holds the International Burn Camp held annually in Washington, DC. IAFF members serve as camp counselors who work to make a difference in the lives of the campers who are burn survivors ages 13-15.
Gannon became a fire fighter in 1949, joining the Cleveland Fire Department and Cleveland, OH Local 93 after serving three years in the Navy Intelligence Unit in Europe during World War II.3. He held every office within Local 93 from steward to president. He was elected 8th District Vice President in 1976 and held that position until his election to General President.
Thomas H. Miller (2010-2016)
Following the retirement of General Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Bollon, then-8th District Vice President Thomas H. Miller was elected by the IAFF Executive Board to serve out the remainder of Bollon’s term. He was re-elected at the 2012 Convention.
After serving in the military, Miller followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Indianapolis Fire Department and quickly became involved with Indianapolis Local 416. He served as trustee and vice president before being elected president of the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana (PFFUI) in 1978.
In 2000, Miller was elected 8th District Vice President, a position he kept until he was elected General Secretary-Treasurer in 2010. As secretary-treasurer, Miller oversaw efforts to find revenue sources outside union dues. During his tenure, non per capita revenue went from $2.4 million to $19 million.
George J. Richardson (1920-1956)
The IAFF Executive Board selected George. J. Richardson of Vancouver, BC Local 18 to become the IAFF’s second secretary-treasurer in 1920, a position he held for 36 years.
Richardson began his career as a fire fighter with the Vancouver Fire Department in 1913. In 1916, he became a founding member of Canada’s first fire fighter union, which would later be chartered in 1918 as Vancouver Local 18.
He was officially designated as Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus of the IAFF in 1956. A year later, AFL-CIO President George Meany appointed him to be his assistant.
In 1974, Richardson published “Symbol of Action,” which chronicles much of what is known about the early history of the IAFF.
Fred W. Baer (1919-1946)
At the 2nd IAFF Convention in Portland, Oregon, Fred W. Baer of Kansas City, MO Local 42, was elected president. A fire fighter with the Kansas City Fire Department for 10 years, Baer played a critical role in organizing the Federal City Firemen’s Union in 1917, which became Kansas City Local 42 when the union affiliated with the IAFF the following year.
As president, Baer fought for members who were retaliated against for union organizing. When he was appointed in 1924 by then-Secretary of State Herbert Hoover to serve on a street and highway safety committee, Baer helped craft several national safety regulations related to highway traffic.
He served until his death in May 1946. Baer was attending a banquet during the Kanas State Council of Fire Fighters Convention when he suffered a fatal heart attack and cerebral hemorrhage.
Thomas G. Spellacy (1918-1919)
Thomas G. Spellacy of Schenectady, New York, was elected president at the first IAFF Convention in 1918. He chose to be Local 28 because he served on Engine 28 in Schenectady. President Spellacy took on the profound responsibility of developing the IAFF’s core mission of improving wages and benefits, increasing fire fighter safety and creating basic job security for fire fighters. He left office in 1919, handing the office over to 1st Vice President Samuel A. Fink.
William A. Smith (1918-1920)
William A. Smith of Washington, DC, was elected the first IAFF Secretary-Treasurer in 1918. In 1913, Smith was instrumental in forming and serving as secretary of the Fireman’s Association of the District of Columbia, which was later chartered as Washington, DC IAFF Local 36.
Smith introduced the first Convention resolution to be adopted by delegates, which resolved to form an international organization of unions and to affiliate with the American Federation of Labor.
John P. Redmond (1946-1957)
After the untimely death of President Fred Baer, the IAFF Executive Board voted to elect John P. Redmond of Chicago, IL Local 2 as acting president on May 15, 1946. Just a few days later, he was officially elected as president by delegates at the IAFF Convention in Toledo, Ohio.
Redmond began his firefighting career in 1912 with the Chicago Fire Department and soon joined the Chicago AFL’s Federal Local 12270. When Chicago fire fighters joined the IAFF in 1918 as Local 2, he served as vice president and trustee, as well as a member of several committees.
In 1930, Redmond was elected 8th District Vice President at the 10th IAFF Convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
President Redmond died from a heart attack in December 1957 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he was attending the AFL-CIO Convention. The cause of death was determined to be occupational heart disease.
In his memory, the John P. Redmond Memorial Fund for Research of Occupational Disease of Fire Fighters was established by Convention Resolution 1 in 1958. Subsequently, the first John P. Redmond Symposium, the IAFF’s premier health and safety conference, was held in 1971 in his memory.
William D. Buck (1956-1957)
William D. Buck was first elected secretary-treasurer by delegates at the 23rd IAFF Convention in Montreal, Canada.
Buck began his career as a fire fighter with the St. Louis Fire Department in 1930 and soon became an active member of Local 73. He served as a vice president for the local and was also a member of several committees.
Buck was elected 2nd District Vice President in 1940. During his tenure, he was credited with forming three state affiliates, including the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters, the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada and the Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters.
William D. Buck (1957-1968)
William D. Buck was first elected secretary-treasurer by delegates at the 23rd IAFF Convention in Montreal, Canada. Less than a year later, he was elected by the IAFF Executive Board to serve as acting president after the untimely death of President John P. Redmond. As president, he set increasing membership as a priority, successfully growing the ranks by 50 percent to 115,370. He retired from his position as president in 1968 after celebrating the IAFF’s 50th anniversary.
Buck began his career as a fire fighter with the St. Louis Fire Department in 1930 and soon became an active member of Local 73. He served as a vice president for the local and was also a member of several committees.
Buck was elected 2nd District Vice President in 1940. During his tenure, he was credited with forming three state affiliates, including the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters, the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada and the Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters.
Albert E. Albertoni (1964-1972)
Albert E. Albertoni of Oakland, CA Local 55, was elected Secretary-Treasurer in 1964. Previously, he served two terms as 10th District Vice President from 1956-1960.
As a member of Local 55, Albertoni held several positions on the Local 55 Executive Board. He was also heavily involved in the Federated Fire Fighters of California (later renamed the California Professional Firefighters). He served in the offices of Vice President (three terms), president (one term) and Chairman of the Executive Board (one term).
Upon his retirement in 1972, Convention delegates adopted a resolution to bestow him with emeritus status, commending him on his dedication to solidifying the financial health of the IAFF.
Martin Pierce Sr. (1980-1982)
Martin Pierce Sr. was elected Secretary-Treasurer in 1980. He joined the Boston Fire Department in 1943 and became a member of Local 718 – which had formed just one year earlier. He was assigned to Ladder 17, where he served his entire 37-year career.
Pierce served as Local 718 president for seven, one-year terms before being elected president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts in 1960. In these leadership positions, he helped champion the reduction of the workweek from 84 to 48 hours and passage of the Heart Law, which presumed fire fighters with heart disease contracted the condition on the job.
He was elected IAFF 3rd District Vice President in 1968, a position he held until he was elected IAFF Secretary-Treasurer in 1980.
Alfred K. Whitehead (1982-1988)
Alfred K. Whitehead was elected General Secretary-Treasurer in 1982 before being elected General President in 1988.
He became involved in the labor movement as a member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1954 and joined Los Angeles County Local 1014, where he was elected president in 1970.
At the state level, he helped what was then called the Federated Fire Fighters of California (later renamed the California Professional Firefighters) develop an effective political action program and worked to save the state association from bankruptcy.
When Whitehead retired in 2000, Convention delegates renamed the IAFF Legislative Conference the Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference.
Vincent J. Bollon (1988-2009)
Vincent J. Bollon was elected General Secretary-Treasurer in 1988.
Bollon joined the Fire Department of New York in 1959 after serving in the military and immediately became a member of the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) of Greater New York Local 94, where he served as company delegate and secretary-treasurer before he was promoted to lieutenant and became a member of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) Local 854. There, he served as a lieutenant representative before being elected president.
Bollon served alongside General President Al Whitehead and General President Harold Schaitberger.
He retired in 2009 due to a lengthy illness and died in March 2011. In his honor, the Affiliate Leadership Training Summit was renamed the Vincent J. Bollon Affiliate Leadership Training Summit by IAFF Convention Resolution in 2012.
Harold A. Schaitberger (2000-2020)
General President Harold Schaitberger was elected by acclamation in 2000. Under his leadership, he has ensured that the IAFF is at the forefront in addressing health issues in the fire service, including cancer and behavioral health, devoting resources to preventing and treating cancer, as well as push for presumptive protections. He has also led efforts to help members struggling with post-traumatic stress and other behavioral health issues, including opening the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery.
The IAFF’s political influence has increased considerably since Schaitberger was elected. The IAFF’s political action committee – FIREPAC – has grown by more than 600, raising and contributing more than $16 million to federal candidates and their campaigns.
One of the greatest challenges to face the union came soon after Schaitberger took the helm – the September 11 terrorist attacks. The IAFF committed its full resources to help members and the families of the fallen, including raising and distributing more than $160 million for the families of the 343 FDNY fire fighters killed in the line of duty and worked tirelessly in the efforts to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act establishing the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund to provide health monitoring, treatment and compensation for 9/11 responders and survivors in all 50 states.
In his first term, he formed the IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) to provide financial services and quality insurance programs at a minimal cost to IAFF members.
Schaitberger began his career as a professional fire fighter in Fairfax County, Virginia. He quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant, organized and served as president of Fairfax County Local 2068 and was elected president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters – all before he had seven years on the job. Before being elected General President, he headed the IAFF’s political and legislative operation for nearly 25 years.
Alfred K. Whitehead (1988-2000)
Alfred K. Whitehead was elected General President in 1988 after having served as General Secretary-Treasurer since 1982. He became involved in the labor movement as a member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1954 and joined Los Angeles County Local 1014, where he was elected president in 1970.
At the state level, he helped what was then called the Federated Fire Fighters of California (later renamed the California Professional Firefighters) develop an effective political action program and worked to save the state association from bankruptcy.
When Whitehead retired in 2000, Convention delegates renamed the IAFF Legislative Conference the Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference.
Edward A. Kelly (2016-present)
Delegates at the 53rd IAFF Convention elected Edward A. Kelly of Boston, MA Local 718 IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer in 2016.
The son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin of fire fighters, Kelly joined the Boston Fire Department as a fire fighter/EMT in 1997.
Kelly rapidly climbed the ranks of organized labor and is known and respected for his dedication to the fire service and labor movement. As president of Local 718, he helped members weather some of the most difficult times in the local’s history before he went on to become president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts in 2011.
