1999-2008

The IAFF issues a report calling for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to change inadequate airport safety regulations that place the lives of millions of passengers and airport employees in jeopardy.

President Bill Clinton signs IAFF-backed legislation that encourages fire-based EMS and helps prevent privatization. The law clarifies that the Fair Labor Standards Act’s 7(k) exemption applies to cross-trained, dual role fire fighters who spend much of their time providing emergency medical services.

History of Fire-Based EMS →

Two issues dominate the IAFF’s work in the 106th Congress: the Public Safety Employee National Collective Bargaining bill and Social Security reform.

The IAFF and several fire service organizations send a letter to U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois, urging him to act on the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act, HR 1168. Representatives Bill Pascrell (NJ) and Curt Weldon (FL) introduce the legislation with the support of all major fire service organizations and a bipartisan coalition of 200 members of Congress.

All three candidates endorsed and supported by FIREPAC Canada win their elections in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including Manitoba Local 803 member Scott Smith.

President Bill Clinton salutes the more than 700 fire fighters at the IAFF Legislative Conference for the work they do for the American people.

The IAFF First Responder Operation Hazardous Materials Training Program is launched with funding from NIOSH and NIEHS. Specifically targeting recruit fire fighters, the training is free, includes 24 hours of informative, interactive training and provides basic defensive skills in hazmat operations. More than 20 cities nationwide offer the training program.

Dozens of IAFF members work to rescue and treat the victims of the April 20 shooting massacre at Colorado’s Columbine High School.

IAFF Canada representatives attend the first Air Passenger Safety Symposium in Ottawa. Air passenger safety is a growing concern, as the federal Ministry of Transport makes regulation changes that facilitate cuts to fire protection services at Canadian airports.

The IAFF raises concerns that a popular moisture barrier used in firefighting protective clothing is degrading in the field. Several garment manufacturers remove BREATHE-TEX moisture barrier materials from their inventory.

Two Washington, DC fire fighters die from injuries sustained while fighting a townhouse fire. The fire started in the basement and progressed up to the first floor. A smoke detector was in the house and alerted residents who made their way out to safety. Due to a blast of heat, one fire fighter was knocked unconscious and died of asphyxiation. The second fire fighter died from third-degree burns.

IAFF members raise $13 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Labor Day Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

In a ceremony on Capitol Hill the IAFF signs on to the Project Impact Fire Service Partnership for Disaster Prevention, a national initiative designed to challenge Americans to protect families, businesses and communities by reducing the effects of natural disasters.

The IAFF warns members to plan for potential computer glitches in anticipation of the year 2000 (Y2K). The U.S. Fire Administration works to debunk rumors that fire service equipment will fail in 2000.

After many years of political struggle, the Operation Respond system is launched in Canada through a partnership with VIA Rail Canada. Operation Respond helps professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel save lives, and is a major victory for passenger, rail crew and first responder safety. The software beams information about passenger or freight rail cars, including contents and schematics, instantly and directly to those at the scene.

The IAFF begins the development of a first responder-specific weapons of mass destruction (WMD) training program.

Six fire fighters in Worcester, Massachusetts, perish while fighting a fire in a cold storage warehouse. Two of the fire fighters were killed while searching for a homeless couple believed to be inside. The other four perished while attempting to rescue their brothers. The homeless couple, who failed to report the fire, caused the blaze by knocking over a candle during an argument.

General President Alfred K. Whitehead announces that he will not seek re-election when the IAFF meets in Chicago in August 2000 for the 45th Convention.

The IAFF offers Union Plus Health Savings policies to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions and vision care for members.

The IAFF’s “1997 Annual Death and Injury Survey” indicates that firefighting remains a dangerous profession. While structural fire suppression accounts for just 10 percent of all emergency scene alarms, two-thirds of all injuries occur on these calls.

The U.S. Postal Service releases a stamp honoring the men and women who have served their country, including professional fire fighters.

Three fire fighters in Keokuk, Iowa, are killed trying to save a woman and her four children from a burning duplex apartment.

Fire fighters cast their votes for Vice President Al Gore’s bid for the U.S. presidency during the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, California.

President Bill Clinton issues an executive order to establish a Presidential Medal of Valor for fire fighters and law enforcement officers who show “extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty in the exercise of their official duties.” Up to 10 recipients will be chosen each year by the president, on the recommendation of the Attorney General.

Retiring General President Alfred Whitehead is honored at the 18th Legislative Conference for his years of service. Among those honoring him are Vice President Al Gore via telephone, MDA Chairman Jerry Lewis and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney.

General President Harold Schaitberger and General Secretary Vincent Bollon tour the western United States to solicit support for the NFPA 1710 standard. NFPA 1710 is the first standard to deal solely with the organization and deployment of fire suppression, emergency medical operations and special operations by career fire departments.

Harold Schaitberger is elected by acclamation as General President in an uncontested election at the 45th Convention. IAFF Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Bollon is re-elected by acclamation to his fourth term. This is the first unanimous election in IAFF history.

List of All Principal Officers →

The IAFF opposes a carefully worded section of provincial legislation that threatens Ontario fire fighters’ boot drives. Called the Safe Streets Act, the Canadian legislation targets “squeegee kids” who wash car windows in busy intersections for spare change and panhandlers. Despite assurances from legislators, there is ultimately no exemption in the law for boot drives.

IAFF members run in the 25th U.S. Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. Sixty-seven runners representing 20 locals, as well as IAFF staff, raise more than $25,000 for the IAFF Burn Foundation.

The IAFF’s Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) gains ground across the nation as the recognized standard for fire fighter recruit testing. The CPAT was developed through the IAFF’s partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs in the Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative.

Nearly 90 percent of the 276 candidates the IAFF supports for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives win their elections. More than 75 percent of the U.S. Senate candidates supported by the IAFF also win election or re-election with support from FIREPAC.

IAFF membership in the United States and Canada reaches 240,000.

Two Houston, Texas, fire fighters die when a roof collapses as they enter a burning McDonald’s restaurant to rescue a fellow fire fighter who reportedly suffered a heart attack. Three adults and a juvenile were arrested and charged with the murders of the two fire fighters. The suspects allegedly started the fire to cover up a burglary.

As part of its final budget package, Congress earmarks $100 million for the first year of the FIRE Act grant program. More than 19,000 applications are submitted for funding. The FIRE Act authorizes up to $300 million for the second year. The IAFF works with Congress to ensure the FIRE Act’s full appropriation. However, President George W. Bush announces his intention to cut the FIRE Act grant program in 2002.

Two Memphis, Tennessee, fire fighters are shot and killed as they respond to a house fire. The gunman also reportedly killed his wife and wounded a bystander.

FIREPAC Canada scores major election victories. In the November 2000 elections, 53 of 60 candidates who received support from FIREPAC Canada were elected or re-elected to the House of Commons, an 88.3 percent success rate.

The House of Representatives adopts a comprehensive pension reform proposal to help fire fighters and paramedics with their 457 plans. Representative Tom Davis (VA) co-sponsors the pension bill.

Three New York City fire fighters die in a store explosion in Queens, New York. The fire was almost out when an explosion occurred. Investigators said the blaze began when a 13-year-old boy accidentally knocked over a can of gasoline in the store’s backyard.

IAFF leadership supports the nomination of Jon Hansen, a 26-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, as administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration.

After a five-year campaign led by the IAFF, President George W. Bush signs U.S. federal pension rules into law. These 457 plans allow fire fighters to contribute a portion of their paycheck into a retirement account and pay no taxes on the contribution. The 457 plans are similar to the popular 401(k) plans available to private sector workers.

The IAFF finalizes an operations-level training program designed specifically to teach first responders to deal with terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. The two-day interactive program is called, “Emergency Response to Terrorism: Operations, A Safe Response for Public Safety Personnel.”

The IAFF unveils a telephone-based counseling program to help members quit smoking.

IAFF members raise $15 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Labor Day Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

343 FDNY fire fighters die in the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center twin towers. The IAFF lists the fallen fire fighters by name in the International Fire Fighter.

September 11, 2001 →

Immediately following the September 11 attacks, the IAFF mobilizes its top Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) counselors to aid fire fighters and emergency medical personnel in New York. In addition, the IAFF tracks health monitoring studies in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania to ensure that first responders’ physical and mental health concerns receive the highest priority.

September 11, 2001 →

The IAFF raises more than $70 million for the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund. More than 60 percent of these funds are donated from affiliate efforts such as boot drives, firehouse collections, or auctions. Nearly $16 million is distributed to the families within weeks of the terrorist attack.

IAFF leaders vehemently protest New York Mayor Giuliani’s decision to scale back operations to recover fire fighters from Ground Zero.

September 11, 2001 →

President George W. Bush signs legislation into law that raises the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) to $250,000.

FIREPAC exceeds its fundraising goals, raising a record $1.3 million in a two-year election cycle. More than 18,000 IAFF members contributed to FIREPAC during the 1998 election cycle.

In a bold initiative the IAFF announces its intention to sponsor and market a deferred compensation/IRA product for professional fire fighters under what would become the IAFF Financial Corporation. General President Harold Schaitberger appoints an executive board committee on deferred compensation to develop a series of tax deferred investment vehicles to offer to IAFF members and other eligible public employees. The IRA component accepts transfers from existing IRAs, other qualified deferred compensation programs and deferred retirement option programs. The deferred compensation program is marketed across the country to all public employers.

The Board of Directors of the International Association of Fire Chiefs votes to support the NFPA 1710 Standard on Organization and Employment for Career Fire Departments. The IAFF begins a research project to develop performance measures to assess compliance with EMS-related standards in the proposed NFPA 1710. After 10 years of effort by the IAFF, the NFPA Standards Council ultimately votes to approve the NFPA 1710 standard.

General President Harold Schaitberger outlines a bold new vision for the union’s approach toward human relations. Harassment, minority recruitment and diversity are among his priorities. He promises to bring together a cross section of women and minority affiliate presidents and pledges to continue an eight-week mentoring program for prospective CPAT applicants to help prepare and train them, physically and mentally, for the test.

The IAFF works to stop the growing number of attacks on big city fire departments and their IAFF local adversaries. Democratic mayors are violating contract agreements, ignoring arbitration awards, closing firehouses and reducing staff. General President Harold Schaitberger sends a letter to Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, chairman of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors, to address this issue.

During the 15th IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service in Colorado Springs, more than 6,000 members and family members pay their respects to fire fighters who lost their lives or are missing as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

The new IAFF website is unveiled. Features include the latest news and information from the International, the entire fire service, the labor movement and the halls of political power. In addition, members can access the new line-of-duty-death logo, calendar of events, hot issues, requests for assistance and the online library. Interactive, multimedia online courses are also available through the new website.

General President Harold Schaitberger receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF appoints 25 district field service representatives so locals can obtain more hands-on expertise in their communities.

Based on IAFF advocacy, the House and Senate introduce legislation for a significant increase in professional fire fighter staffing nationwide. The legislation calls for the creation of an additional 75,000 fire fighter jobs in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

General President Harold Schaitberger meets with Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge to discuss the important role played by professional fire fighters as the first line of defense against terrorism. Director Ridge contends that the IAFF is key to homeland defense.

Congress votes to significantly increase funding for the FIRE Act grant program, using $210 million of the $20 billion in emergency financing budgeted in response to 9/11. Legislators make $360 million available for 2002.

President George W. Bush proposes the creation of a new $3.5 billion program to aid first responders, but the new program would eliminate the successful FIRE Act and other existing fire service programs. General President Harold Schaitberger sends a letter to President Bush, asking him to support full funding for the FIRE Act. But in August, President Bush decides not to authorize a $5.1 billion supplemental appropriations bill for the FIRE Act and FDNY families. In lieu of FIRE Act funding, President Bush decides to develop a new first responder program to provide unprecedented amounts of money to states to help fire fighters and other first responders prepare for terrorist attacks, but does not allow the use of federal funds to hire additional fire fighters, despite inadequate staffing nationwide. When asked why, Bush officials merely reiterated their mantra that the president admires and respects fire fighters.

As a result of intense IAFF lobbying, the Congressional Fire Service Caucus unanimously passes a resolution calling for $50 million to help communities hire additional federal fire fighters.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell meets with Canadian fire fighters in Whistler, British Columbia, and commends them for their display of solidarity in the aftermath of September 11.

President George W. Bush signs the Mychal Judge Police and Fire Chaplains Public Safety Officers Benefit Act (PSOB) Act into law. The PSOB program provides $250,000 for the families of fire fighters, emergency response workers and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The legislation was introduced after it was discovered that 10 public safety officers who gave their lives on September 11 would not be eligible for death benefits because they did not have any surviving immediate family members. The bill is named in honor of FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge who, while serving as a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department, was the first certified fatality of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Members of Congress invite fire fighters to develop a strategy to fight terrorism at the grassroots level. The IAFF provides input during a Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs hearing on the “Local Role in Homeland Security.”

The IAFF endorses legislation introduced in the House of Commons that aims to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to impose tougher penalties on anyone who commits a crime that kills or injures a fire fighter acting in the course of his or her duties.

The IAFF partners with NFPA and Representative Jack Quinn (NY) to promote the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Act, legislation that provides grants to local communities to hire additional fire fighters.

The 2002 elections present challenges for the fire fighter agenda as Republicans control both Houses of Congress and the presidency for a two-year period. However, 83 percent of FIREPAC-supported candidates win their elections, including several in high-profile Senate and House races.

The IAFF develops the Partnership Education Program (PEP) designed to assist affiliate leaders in meeting the challenges they face on the job. Topics range from NFPA 1710 to collective bargaining negotiations.

The IAFF announces the availability of a Hepatitis C “Moving Forward Kit” through the Schering Corporation. The educational program is designed to help fire fighters who have been diagnosed with the disease to learn about their therapy options.

The IAFF 46th Convention is held in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the theme, “Always on the Front Line.”

List of All IAFF Conventions →

The IAFF and IAFC collaborate to offer a peer fitness program for the fire service. This is the next phase in the organizations’ Wellness-Fitness partnership. The IAFF and IAFC also release a new policy regarding how the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) program may be used to ensure its integrity.

In response to IAFF advocacy, the government of Manitoba, Canada enacts legislation granting presumptive status to five forms of cancer that are prevalent among professional fire fighters.

General President Harold Schaitberger and fellow IAFF members participate in the Ride for Life fundraiser for motorcycle-riding enthusiasts in Pennsylvania to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A similar event is planned in San Francisco, California.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF is the leading sponsor of MDA summer camps across North America. Mattie Stepanek, the MDA national goodwill ambassador, attends MDA summer camp at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, Maryland, every year. He continues to inspire many people through his poetry.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF co-sponsors a kids’ trauma program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. The International Center to Heal Our Children (CHOC) program will provide resources and training to fire fighters interested in gaining a better understanding of children’s responses to disasters and trauma.

IAFF members raise $17 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Labor Day Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) appoints an executive director to manage the development and implementation of the deferred compensation and other financial service products for its members.

The IAFF unveils the FIREPAC Leadership Trust, a new and prestigious donor level for those who contribute $500 or more during a calendar year.

The IAFF establishes a Weapons of Mass Destruction Department to assist in protecting member health and safety through risk-based WMD training.

The IAFF receives a $3.2 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIESH) to provide specialized training to 4,000 FDNY fire fighters to assist them in rebuilding their hazardous materials response program in the aftermath of September 11.

September 11, 2001 →

The AFL-CIO opens its 24th Convention with a ceremony showcasing and recognizing the heroism and sacrifice of professional fire fighters. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney presents the Federation’s prestigious community service award to New York City fire fighters. General President Harold Schaitberger speaks to the 3,000 delegates and guests in attendance.

As the war on terrorism continues, more IAFF members are called to active military service.

Although only four percent of U.S. IAFF members participate in FIREPAC, contributions top $737,000. This is the largest amount FIREPAC has raised in a calendar year. Members who contribute $25 or more to the FIREPAC Check-Off campaign via payroll deductions are eligible to win a trip to the 2002 IAFF Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Given the passage of the NFPA 1710 standard, General President Harold Schaitberger urges members to stop supporting the deferred compensation programs sponsored by the International City/County Management Association, which was the chief opponent of the recently passed NFPA 1710 standard.

IAFF-MDA’s new website is redesigned to include the latest news across North America, Mattie Stepanek’s special web page, a new picture gallery and a calendar of events, among other features.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF and the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE) become partners in the push for union fire fighters to wear union-made uniforms.

The 16th Annual IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service is held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in September to honor the memory of 499 IAFF members who died in the line of duty over the last two years, including those who died in New York in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. More than 10,000 fellow fighter and friends attend to pay their respects.

September 11, 2001 →

President George W. Bush signs legislation establishing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The creation of the new department marks the largest reorganization of the U.S. federal government in more than 50 years. The new department combines 22 agencies and 170,000 employees, and operates with a $38 billion budget. However, the legislation fails to address the fire fighter staffing crisis that is impeding first responders’ ability to defend their hometowns.

An estimated 75,000 professional fire fighters gather in New York City to honor the 356 FDNY fire fighters who died in the line of duty in the last two years. The historic event, held in Madison Square Garden, begins with a stirring procession of 50,000 professional fire fighters from across the United States, Canada and elsewhere. Speakers included General President Harold Schaitberger, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scopetta. U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer attended the event. The IAFF provided the bulk of financial resources for the memorial weekend and spent several months organizing the ceremony. The gathering was by far the largest in the IAFF’s 84-year history.

General President Harold Schaitberger speaks at the Democratic Governors Association Conference in Austin, Texas. He urges governors to make sure that safe and adequate fire fighter staffing is a top priority for the nation’s leaders.

During a press conference on Capitol Hill General President Harold Schaitberger, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle ask President George W. Bush and congressional members to put homeland security and first responders at the top of the nation’s priority list.

The IAFF endorses Democrat John Kerry for president in the 2004 election.

Congress doubles FIRE Act funding to $750 million, from $360 million in 2002. In addition, the legislation provides $90 million to monitor the health of fire fighters and other workers who responded to the September 11 terrorist attacks, $25 million for interoperable communications equipment and $60 million for urban search and rescue teams.

Canadian fire fighters achieve victory on pension reform. Finance Minister John Manley announces that the federal government will enact a regulatory change reflecting an increased yearly pension accrual rate of 2.33 percent for fire fighters.

Congress gives its final approval to a smallpox compensation package after IAFF members and other first responders express concerns over taking the vaccine. The program includes a $262,000 death benefit and compensation for injuries that result in lost wages.

Congress passes the IAFF’s SAFER initiative, which authorizes the federal government to hire up to 75,000 fire fighters over the next seven years.

The IAFF completes work with the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland, to offer college credit for fire service and EMS training, as well as local labor organization activities.

The IAFF releases smallpox vaccination guidance for its affiliates and members. Fire fighters, paramedics and other first responders are advised to weigh the pros and cons of smallpox vaccinations before making a decision.

IAFF advocacy results in improvements to a Canadian standard regarding the use of SCBAs during structural firefighting. This standard brings SCBA use in line with the two-in/two-out protections.

Two Memphis, Tennessee, fire fighters die as the roof of a store collapses while they battle an arson fire. One of the store managers was suspected of setting the fire to cover up theft of money.

The worldwide outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) serves as a test case for the ability of emergency responders and public health officials to deal with bioterrorism.

The Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia recognize some cancers as a fire fighter occupational hazard, following the precedent set by Manitoba in 2002 and by Alberta in 2003.

The IAFF outlines HIPPA regulations for members in their role as health care providers, as well as patients.

After a 25-year hiatus, the International Fire Fighter returns to a magazine format beginning with the July-August 2003 issue.

IAFF members raise $18 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Labor Day Telethon.

President George W. Bush releases a federal smallpox vaccination plan for health care workers and first responders. The IAFF holds public officials accountable for the smallpox vaccine program’s shortfalls and calls for the development of comprehensive guidelines for those who will be administering and receiving the vaccine.

The IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) offers members a new program that makes paying for a college education more affordable for fire fighters and their families. The IAFF-FC also partners with Nationwide Retirement Solutions to provide retirement services for members, launching two new programs: the FrontLine 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for retirement savings and a post-employment health savings plan for locals.

IAFF membership reaches 260,000 in the United States and Canada.

General President Harold Schaitberger announces the formation of the IAFF Alumni program to serve the needs of the more than 100,000 retired professional fire fighters who are former IAFF members in the U.S. and Canada.

President George W. Bush signs SAFER into law.

The Department of Justice’s Office for Domestic Preparedness awards a $3 million grant to the IAFF’s Weapons of Mass Destruction training program.

FIREPAC ranks 22nd among all PACs that contributed to U.S. House and Senate candidates in 2002.

President George W. Bush signs the Hometown Heroes Act into law, expanding the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) to cover victims of heart attacks and strokes. The IAFF is the only fire service organization present when Bush signs the measure into law in the White House.

General President Harold Schaitberger campaigns for U.S. presidential candidate, Senator John Kerry, in Iowa, urging fire fighters to vote in the caucuses.

The U.S. Department of Labor issues revisions to Section 541 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The new regulations protect overtime for fire fighters. This is the first major overhaul of FLSA in nearly 50 years.

Two Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, fire fighters die in the line of duty battling a church fire when the roof and the floor collapse simultaneously.

The collective bargaining rights of Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, including approximately 3,200 IAFF members, remain secure in 2004. The DoD delays the implementation of the new personnel system until 2005, when it intends to eliminate the collective bargaining rights of all DoD civilian employees.

President George W. Bush announces his plan to cut homeland security funding in 2005 by $700 million, and an additional $250 million in 2006. He also announces that he will cut FIRE Act funding by 33 percent, and opposes any federal dollars for the SAFER Act. The IAFF works to prevent these cuts.

In the closing days of the 108th Congress, the IAFF wins two important legislative victories: funding for the new SAFER program and amendments to the FIRE Act to increase the size of grants for larger fire departments. Congress votes in favor of the SAFER Act, authorizing nearly $8 billon to hire 75,000 new fire fighters over a seven-year period.

The IAFF 47th Convention is held in Boston, Massachusetts and is the largest in the union’s history with 2,645 delegates, alternates and guests in attendance. Senator John Kerry, a 2004 presidential candidate, speaks to delegates about his long-term commitment to professional fire fighters. General President Harold Schaitberger and General Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Bollon are unanimously re-elected for another term.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

The IAFF raises concerns about the “3/30 Rule” released by the U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM), contending that certified chemical protective equipment must be available to all first responders whether or not they expect to encounter dangerous materials.

The IAFF offers members baseball caps showing support for Senator John Kerry’s presidential campaign for a $20 contribution to FIREPAC.

The IAFF initiates Project HEROES – Homeland Emergency Response Operational and Equipment Systems – in partnership with the IAFC, NIOSH and other groups. The team is pursuing a two-track development involving the selection of ensemble materials for the garments, gloves, footwear and hood, combined with the design of ensemble element interfaces, to afford protection consistent with both NFPA 1971 (structural firefighting protection) and NFPA 1994 (chemical/ biological protection).

The IAFF has more than 2,900 affiliates representing 265,000 fire fighters and emergency medical personnel in more than 5,500 cities, towns, counties and communities in every state in the United States and across Canada.

The FIREPAC Check-Off Program begins in Canada with Whitby, ON Local 2036 being the first in the nation to allow for political contributions to be made via payroll deductions.

More than 8,600 fire departments have received in excess of $695 million in FIRE Act grants since June 2003.

The IAFF conducts a healthcare benefits survey that recognizes the unique differences between the Canadian and U.S. health care systems and medical benefit provisions.

General President Harold Schaitberger is named one of the top 10 nonprofit lobbyists on Capitol Hill in a special report, Kings of the Hill.

President George W. Bush’s top domestic priority for the 109th Congress is to reform the Social Security system by creating private investment accounts. The IAFF advocates to ensure that the reform proposal does not contain mandatory Social Security coverage for state and local government workers.

General President Harold Schaitberger honors two members of Congress for their support of the fire service: Representative Bart Gordon (TN) and Representative Ben Cardin (MD) both receive the Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Award.

The IAFF Canadian legislative agenda is prominent during the first two months of the 38th Session of Parliament. The IAFF works with several members of Parliament on a national Public Safety Officer Compensation (PSOC) benefit for Canadian fire fighters.

Two Yellowknife Local 2890 fire fighters from the Northwest Territories of Canada are killed when a roof collapses as they are responding to a structure fire.

The IAFF Legislative Conference is renamed the Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference in honor of the IAFF’s former president.

The IAFF launches the IAFF Motorcycle Group (IAFF-MG) for active and retired members and members of recognized affiliates during its EMS Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 1,000 members participate in the inaugural ride with General President Harold Schaitberger.

The IAFF joins the Near Miss Reporting Task Force, an agency funded through government grants and managed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, to implement a voluntary, confidential and non-punitive web-based reporting system.

An intensive lobbying effort by the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association results in the provincial government passing presumptive cancer legislation.

More than 100 fire fighters and high school students join forces with members of the National Hepatitis C Advisory Council to kick off a public awareness campaign. The IAFF commits to fight against the spread of the bloodborne disease.

The IAFF warns members of the dangers of asbestos exposure and provides information on early warning symptoms and treatment.

The U.S. Senate votes to increase homeland security funding for first responders by $550 million.

The IAFF celebrates its nearly 20-year partnership with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to help occupational medicine residents hone their skills during a two-to-three-month internship with the IAFF.

The IAFF unveils a prototype of the next-generation firefighting gear as part of its Homeland Emergency Response Operational and Equipment Systems (HEROES) initiative during the Fire Department Instructor Conference (FDIC).

The IAFF seeks funding for a study to determine if the use of fire stations as cellular phone base stations for antennas and towers is dangerous to the health of its members.

FIREPAC is in the top 20 percent among 5,000 political action committees (PACs) in the United States that make contributions to federal candidates for public office. The IAFF contributed 33 percent to Republicans and 69 percent to Democrats.

The IAFF receives the Pollie Award from the American Association of Political Consultants, a highly coveted prize among political professionals. The IAFF wins in the “Candidate Presidential Primary” category for direct mail for a brochure entitled, “Homeland Security Begins at Home.”

The IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) posts strong performance results in 2004. More than 64,000 IAFF members from more than 6,000 municipal employers are contributing to the plan – one in four IAFF members in the United States.

FIREPAC launches “On the Road to 200,” a nationwide campaign to increase the number of locals with payroll deduction check-off programs to 200 and double the dollar amount raised to $1 million by the end of 2005.

The IAFF works to protect affiliate leaders and locals who speak out regarding public safety needs in their communities and the rights of members. To date, the IAFF handled more than 40 legal cases under its Legal Guardian policy and won them all.

The U.S. Fire Administration develops a cooperative agreement with the IAFF to study vehicle safety as it relates to fire fighters.

The IAFF reports that approximately 75 percent of calls nationwide are EMS calls, up from 66 percent in 1990.

The IAFF contributes $40,000 to the Canadian Labour Congress’ (CLC) National Labor Issues Campaign, a tenfold increase over the $3,720 the International is required to contribute.

The IAFF sends recommendations on disaster preparedness to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Michael Chertoff and other leaders, urging the integration of preparedness and response activities under one agency with a single lead federal official in charge, and advocates for strengthening FEMA’s role within DHS, rather than making it an independent federal agency.

The IAFF celebrates a congressional victory with the passage of the Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety (HELPS) Retirees Act, a $4 billion program to make health care more affordable for retired public safety officers. In addition, the IAFF helps eliminate early withdrawal penalties from Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) accounts, allowing access to DROP money at age 50 instead of after reaching age 59.

For the first time in the union’s history, the IAFF takes an active role in assisting state and local affiliates in electing and re-electing fire fighter-friendly candidates as governors.

FIREPAC sets two records in 2005 – surpassing $1.5 million raised and exceeding 12,000 donors in a single year. FIREPAC Canada achieves a four-fold increase in the number of members contributing in 2005 over the previous year.

The IAFF releases a report on the dangers of responding to methamphetamine calls and develops a new curriculum to address handling illicit drug labs. In addition, the IAFF publishes an article on preparing for an avian flu outbreak and pushes for changes to protect members in a pandemic flu.

The IAFF partners with the National Paramedic Institute to offer continuing education credits for first responder, EMT and paramedic members in the U.S. and Canada.

The IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) launches a banking center for its members, alumni and employees that offers consistently higher rates on checking, savings, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. In addition, the IAFF-FC offers members a post-employment health plan to help cover medical expenses.

The IAFF supports Operation Helmet, a program to provide soldiers with potentially life-saving upgrades to ballistic helmets, free of charge.

Using data from NFPA, NIOSH, USFA and the IAFF, a new study reveals that 54 percent of fire fighters who died in the line of duty over a six-year period died because of health-related factors.

The IAFF partners with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) to ensure union sportsmen have a place to hunt and fish. “Wildest Dreams,” a new television show from TRCP and the Outdoor Life Network (OLN), takes union workers on fantasy hunting or fishing trips.

The strong bond of friendship between General President Harold Schaitberger and the late Mattie Stepanek, who served as MDA National Goodwill Ambassador, inspires the creation of the Peacemaker motorcycle. The unique bike will be auctioned as an MDA research fundraiser.

MDA and the IAFF →

More than 1,600 IAFF members have joined the IAFF Motorcycle Group (IAFF-MG] since its inception. The IAFF-MG is designed to promote fraternalism among IAFF ranks and is open to active and retired members who own and ride motorcycles.

IAFF members raise $23.6 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Labor Day Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF launches an online database to determine the nature and language of applicable presumptive laws in states and provinces.

General President Harold Schaitberger travels to more than 44 states, six provinces and 44 cities across the United States and Canada, attending 23 affiliate conventions, visiting 31 locals and sitting at the kitchen table with members at 42 fire stations.

The Department of Homeland Security expands eligibility for the Homeland Security Grant Program Urban Areas Security Initiative to include preparations for and responses to natural disasters. This provides an opportunity for affiliates to receive improved resources and training, subsequently improving their large-scale emergency response capability.

IAFF membership grows to 275,000 in the United States and Canada.

An IAFF Online History Exhibit debuts, providing a record of the union’s struggles and triumphs.

The IAFF builds a recognizable FIREPAC brand with gold and black T-shirts and signs.

The new IAFF-produced documentary, “Urban Legend,” condemns former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani for his failure to properly prepare the Fire Department of New York prior to September 11, 2001, and his subsequent decision to use the September 11 tragedy as a foundation for his presidential campaign.

September 11, 2001 →

As the 100th Congress convenes in January, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, commonly known as the collective bargaining bill, tops the IAFF’s legislative agenda. The House overwhelmingly passes H.R. 90 by a margin of 314 to 97.

Canada’s 20,000 IAFF members celebrate a new benchmark in political action with the election of Glen Pearson, a member of London, ON Local 142, to the House of Commons.

Nine fire fighters from Charleston, South Carolina, die in the line of duty while battling a fire at the Sofa Super Store. South Carolina remains the only state that refused to implement the “two-in, two-out” policy. Photographs of the incident show fire fighters engaged in fire suppression without personal protective equipment, and they are using booster lines to suppress the sofa store fire. These were never intended to be used for structural firefighting because they didn’t have the capacity to deliver large amounts of water.

With the IAFF’s support, the Ontario Liberal Party wins another four years in power.

The IAFF introduces three new education offerings focusing on critical issues affecting members: protecting retirement benefits, the Fair Labor Standards Act and enhancing leadership skills.

Ontario legislators enact presumptive legislation protecting 10,000 IAFF members in the province. The legislation automatically awards workers’ compensation benefits to fire fighters who contract certain cancers or suffer heart injuries while performing their duties. More than 40 states and six Canadian provinces recognize certain illnesses as occupational hazards of firefighting and have enacted laws to safeguard workers’ compensation and retirement disability benefits for fire fighters.

Two Boston, Massachusetts, fire fighters die in an explosion while responding to a restaurant fire.

NIOSH releases a report on its future role in fire fighter death and injury investigations. Nearly all of the IAFF’s recommendations on the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program are included in the summary report.

The IAFF joins concerned groups and individuals calling on the Canadian government to ban the import and manufacture of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a dangerous chemical-based flame retardant found in everyday household objects.

FIREPAC completes the 2005-2006 election cycle with its best year ever, raising more than $1.8 million from IAFF members, for a total in excess of $3.3 million.

After extensive lobbying by the IAFF, the Canadian government provides $1 million over two years to implement the IAFF Haz-Mat and CBRN training programs in Canada.

Legislation implementing recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, signed into law August 3, 2007, provides important new benefits to the nation’s fire service and improves emergency preparedness, including much-needed funding to support fire fighters in high-risk communities, ensuring that funding is delivered more quickly and to enable responders nationwide to communicate in an emergency. The bill also changes the distribution method for federal homeland security grants to allocate a greater percentage of funds to high-risk localities. Communities receive greater flexibility in how they spend federal grants, allowing up to half of the funds to be used for personnel, including backfilling positions and overtime pay.

The IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) selects United Healthcare to provide high-quality health benefit plans to IAFF retirees, their families and business owners.

The IAFF develops an online contribution option for members to become monthly donors to one of FIREPAC’s donor clubs. The new auto-draft program is similar to the dues check-off program for payroll deductions.

The IAFF co-sponsors a Public Employee Forum on the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB 45) in Washington, DC. Changes to accounting rules under GASB became effective in December 2006. The new rules for public employers require government entities to calculate and report how much they owe for health care costs and other post-employment benefits for their present and future retirees, including fire fighters and EMS personnel.

IAFF membership in the United States and Canada reaches 281,000.

The IAFF celebrates its 90th anniversary with more than 287,000 members in 3,100 affiliates across the United States and Canada.

The IAFF endorses Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) for president and vice president of the United States.

Congress appropriates $560 million for the FIRE Act and $190 million for SAFER grants.

The IAFF helps federal locals in several states win their two-year battles over staffing issues. Under the IAFF Guardian Policy, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Ohio) Local F-88, Tinker Air Force Base (Oklahoma) Local F-211 and Hanscom Air Force Base (Massachusetts) Local F-78 prevail in their grievance against the Air Force Material Command (AFMC). An arbitrator rules that the AFMC violated labor contracts and Department of Defense policy when it moved to reduce staffing on airport rescue fire fighter crash vehicles.

For the first time, affiliate leaders from across the United States and Canada meet in New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend dual conferences: The Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference and the Affiliate Leadership Training Summit.

The IAFF establishes the Local Leadership Award to recognize and honor active and active-retired local officers who have dedicated more than 15 years to their local. Eight dedicated members are honored with the 2012 IAFF Local Leadership Award at the 51st Convention.

The IAFF launches the first full pilot of a new 16-hour IAFF Frontline Safety Course. Pending sufficient funding, the course will be taught at least 12 times nationwide.

The IAFF and Pfizer launch a “Campaign to Save Two Million Years of IAFF Life,” to help fire fighters stop smoking.

The IAFF/IAFC Joint Labor-Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) celebrates 10 years of keeping fire fighters safer and healthier. Two new projects are in the works: a self-survival training course and a heart disease prevention pilot program. In addition, the IAFF initiates a database to track occupational illnesses among fire service personnel.

IAFF members raise $27.5 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Labor Day Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF relaunches its Alumni program for eligible members to continue to actively participate in protecting their pensions, health care and other benefits. More than 2,500 retired members join, thanks to a web-based mail campaign.

The IAFF releases the results of its “Contributing Factors to Fire Fighter Line-of-Duty Injury Study” conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

The IAFF publishes an article on how Insurance Services Offices (ISO) ratings factor into staffing and deployment reduction discussions with policy makers.