1939-1948

World War II is declared in Europe with the German invasion of Poland. Britain and France declare war on Germany two days later.

The IAFF begins its 21st year with a new cover design for the International Fire Fighter.

The IAFF advises members that it won’t be necessary to file income tax returns for the year 1938 given the number of bills introduced in Congress dealing with this matter.

The IAFF celebrates the spread of civil service laws, significant shortening of hours of work and growth in salaries for fire fighters.

The IAFF reports that fire fighters’ average salaries increased 61.5 percent between 1918 ($1,295) and 1939 ($2,100). Using the 100 largest cities as a basis for comparison, the average fire fighter salary increased $800 per year, or 61.5 percent — a very definite answer to the question as to whether membership in the IAFF is a worthwhile investment.

Congress introduces and passes HR 1982 , removing the barrier to DC Fire Department members from affiliating with the IAFF. Congress passes a bill allowing DC fire fighters to work a 60-hour week.

IAFF members willingly serve their nations, and almost half of those employed in the fire service are eligible for the draft. Fire chiefs face a serious problem replacing their experienced fire fighters who had joined the Armed Forces. Concerned about weakened fire protection, the IAFF encourages fire fighters to rotate shifts and work paid overtime during wartime. As fire fighters return from the war, the IAFF works to make sure members can return to their firehouses and that disabled fire fighters can find positions in the fire service.

The IAFF engaged its first medical advisor – Max H. Skolnick, MD of Detroit – to carry out research in the physical effects of firefighting with special attention to heart disease.

The IAFF develops a series of 10 circulars, which are sent to practically every unorganized fire department in the United States. The circulars are also published on the back cover of the International Fire Fighter.

Nineteen state and provincial associations are affiliated with the IAFF.