1959-1968

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.

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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.

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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.

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 →