International Association of Fire Fighters 50th Convention

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Delegates representing 298,000 firefighters and paramedics in the United States and Canada gathered in San Diego, California during the week of August 23, 2010 for the International Association of Fire Fighters' (IAFF) 50th Convention.  IAFF delegates and leadership joined together to talk about and vote on the issues currently facing career firefighters and paramedics, with the effects of the national economic crisis at the forefront of discussions.

The loss of firefighter jobs and benefits was one of the major topics addressed at the IAFF Convention.  The IAFF's goal is to save as many firefighter and paramedic jobs as they can and to make sure that politicians do not blame the IAFF and its members for problems in local government.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger explained the IAFF's strategy in an interview with FDNNTV.com, saying, "We're going to use the political arena.  We're going to use the technical resources.  We're going to use the stage of public opinion to be able to get the truth out.  Those that work against us, we'll meet them at the ballot box at the next election."

According to Medford Fire Department Firefighter (Medford, Massachusetts) and IAFF Delegate Rick Jordan, the delegates discussed and voted on more than 40 resolutions during the Union's business session.  Lori Moore-Merrell, Ph.D., the Assistant to the General President of the IAFF explained, "Our conventions are set up to do the business of the International, so every two years our leadership comes together to make decisions about our operations for the next two years."  She went on to say that the IAFF's leaders address the significant issues that their members are facing and make plans about how they will lead their firefighters and paramedics through these issues.

The convention activities began with several pre-convention events in the San Diego area, enabling delegates to get to know one another or reconnect.  One event was a 100 mile Pre-Conference Motorcycle Ride hosted by San Diego City Firefighters Local 145.  Fire service vendors were also on-hand throughout the convention, giving firefighters and EMS personnel a look at the latest goods and services available to them.

The Opening Ceremonies of the IAFF's 50th Convention included a Presentation of Colors, along with performances by the Marine Band San Diego and the San Diego Master Chorale.  In a moving tribute, delegates honored members of the Urban Search and Rescue Teams, members of the military, and those members who had perished in service since the last convention in 2008.

The Opening Ceremonies concluded with the General President's State of the Union Address.  In his moving speech, Harold Schaitberger said, "We aren't just fighting to keep stations open.  We aren't just fighting to prevent furloughs, brownouts and company closures.  We are fighting to keep our members working.  I commit to all of you that while you are fighting on the front lines in your communities, this IAFF will be on the front lines with every one of you.  This is our mission, and failure is not an option."

Schaitberger reiterated this in his interview with FDNNTV.com, saying, "We've been around 92 years, and we've had our challenges.  We have built a very successful profession, and we've always been willing to fight the battles.  We've won more than we've lost.  A lot of those that think that they may have an opportunity to take us back a step or take us down, I say to them, we'll be around when you're gone."

The 2012 IAFF Convention will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and members voted to hold the 2014 IAFF Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For additional photos and video of the 2010 IAFF Convention, visit http://www.iaffconvention2010.com/.

Contributors to this story:
Barbara Brooks - Reporter - Video
Ann Zevely - Camera/Editor
Karen Batista - Text




Author:B. Brooks, A. Zevely and K.Batista - FDNNTV.com