1929-1938

IAFF wishes newly elected President Herbert Hoover good luck as he assumes leadership responsibilities and urges reforms for several union-related causes.

­During the Great Depression, firefighting became a coveted and dependable job. Already, the IAFF was improving the lives and working conditions, including helping affiliates in Pennsylvania pass the first Heart and Lung Act, Workers’ Compensation Act and the Occupational Disease Law, establishing some of the first heart and lung legislation. Members who began their careers in the fire service during this era saw advancements including the two-way radio, improved breathing apparatus and more.

The IAFF’s efforts to fight for better wages and working conditions was hampered by the Great Depression , which began with the stock market crash of October 1929, which led to the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world.

IAFF members in many cities assisted private relief agencies by organizing the distribution of clothes and other commodities to those in need. The charitable activities of the IAFF during the Great Depression set a precedent of involvement in charitable and community initiatives.

The International Fire Fighter appears in a new “uniform” – larger size and glossy paper improve readability.