The International Association of Fire Fighters was established on February 28, 1918, for the sole benefit of rank-and-file fire fighters in the United States and Canada. It was on this date that thirty-six fire fighter delegates attended the first IAFF Convention and adopted the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws. The objectives incorporated into that Constitution remain in our preamble to this day.
The International Association of Fire Fighters was formed to achieve the following objectives:
The
history of fire fighting is really a story of men and women who have
dedicated their lives to helping people. The heritage of fire fighting has
always been one of bravery, loyalty, and devotion to public service. These
characteristics, coupled with a strong commitment to a personal calling that
places their lives in jeopardy every day, makes the career of fire fighting
truly a Proud Profession. Success in this proud profession is only possible
when there is a unity of purpose. When the IAFF was established on February
28, 1918, fire fighters brought with them a newly formed union, and shaped
the IAFF into the Bold Union that it is today.
It is through the collective strength of its diverse membership that the IAFF has fairly earned the honor and respect necessary to move forward and accomplish its mission to improve wages, hours, and working conditions of its membership. As you examine the history of the IAFF, you can see that the success of the IAFF has always been dependent on its membership. The growth, achievements, and success of the IAFF and its membership are as distinguished as its Future is Bright.