The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) recognized 16 leaders from the United States and Canada with the Local Leadership Award at the 57th IAFF Convention held in Boston.
As reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), these awards honor those with 15 or more years of service at the Local, state, or provincial level.
Recipients were selected from each of the IAFF’s 16 districts.
These leaders were acknowledged for their significant contributions, including negotiating key policies, improving safety standards, and advocating for better benefits for fire fighters.
The awards highlight the efforts of leaders like Steve McConlogue of Elizabeth Fire Officers Association Local 2040, who played a pivotal role in the enactment of the “Dominick Marino PFRS Enhanced Benefits for Surviving Spouses Act.” Other honorees include Matthew M.
Jackson, John W. Dwyer, and Michael T. Smith, each recognized for their dedication to improving conditions and benefits for fire fighters within their districts.
The final two days of the IAFF convention saw the adoption of several important resolutions, adding to those already passed in the initial days.
These resolutions address key issues affecting the IAFF and its members, with a focus on enhancing healthcare access, preserving public fire protection, and honoring long-serving members.
Resolution 30 calls for legislative efforts to secure early access to affordable healthcare for retired fire fighters, specifically advocating for the expansion of Medicare eligibility to age 55.
Another resolution, Resolution 32, urges the IAFF to oppose the use of private firefighting resources by federal agencies, emphasizing that fire protection should remain a public service handled by professional fire fighters.
The convention also adopted resolutions recognizing the extensive service of several long-serving IAFF members.
Resolution 45 honors Brother Pete Reagan for his over 42 years of dedication to the Fayetteville Firefighters Association and the Arkansas Professional Firefighters.
Other resolutions include honors for Brothers Roy L. “Sandy” McGhee, Thomas A. Thornberg, and David Burry, each receiving the title of District Vice President Emeritus for their decades of service and leadership.
These resolutions reflect the IAFF’s commitment to acknowledging the contributions of its members while ensuring the ongoing protection and welfare of fire fighters across North America.
The IAFF has made it clear that securing early healthcare access and maintaining public control over fire protection services are top priorities.
Resolution 30, passed during the convention, focuses on expanding Medicare eligibility to provide affordable healthcare for retired fire fighters starting at age 55.
This effort is part of a broader push to ensure that fire fighters have access to essential services after their careers in public service.
Additionally, the IAFF is taking a strong stance against the privatization of firefighting services through Resolution 32.
This resolution calls for legislative action to restrict the use of private firefighting resources by federal agencies, arguing that public safety should be managed by professional fire fighters in the public sector.
At the 57th IAFF Convention in Boston, the International Association of Fire Fighters honored 16 leaders from across the United States and Canada with Local Leadership Awards.
These awards recognize over 15 years of service and significant contributions to fire fighters’ safety, benefits, and working conditions.
In addition to the awards, several key resolutions were passed, including efforts to expand healthcare access for retired fire fighters and preserve public control over fire protection services.
The convention also recognized the long-standing service of several IAFF members with honorary titles.
