Standard

A Decade of Advances

The 1940s saw major advances in membership and effectiveness, even as the IAFF coped with wartime and post-war problems. Although a World War II wage freeze largely stymied efforts to counter wartime inflation, the 48-hour work week became widespread.

Scroll for More
Standard

FBI Asks IAFF for Espionage Data

In a letter to IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George Richardson, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) John Edgar Hoover – on orders from President Franklin D. Roosevelt – asks the IAFF to turn over any information obtained related to espionage, counter-espionage, sabotage, subversive activities and violations of neutrality laws.

Scroll for More
Standard

Alien Registration Act

The Immigration and Naturalization Service sends a letter to IAFF Secretary-Treasurer George Richardson requesting the IAFF’s cooperation in publicizing the compulsory registration of aliens in the U.S. in accordance with the Alien Registration Act of 1940.

Scroll for More
Standard

IAFF Aids National Defense

Delegates at the IAFF 15th Convention, held in Des Moines, Iowa, approve a resolution to establish a Fire Defense Committee . IAFF President Fred Baer writes to President Franklin D. Roosevelt asking him to set up a committee from the fire service for determining how the fire service could best be of assistance in the national defense program. A Committee is appointed to explore the entire field of firefighting and fire prevention.


List of All IAFF Conventions →

Scroll for More
Standard

Roosevelt Supports Labor

President Franklin D. Roosevelt publicly opposes anti-labor employers and reactionary congressmen clamoring for restrictive anti-labor laws.

Scroll for More
Standard

Public Safety Tax Act

The Public Safety Tax Act is signed into law, requiring local and state employees in the United States to pay federal income tax, including fire fighters. Compensation received after December 31, 1938, was deemed to be taxable.

Scroll for More
Standard

FDR Takes Action on DC Fire Fighter Laws

President Franklin D. Roosevelt vetoes a bill providing for a 60-hour work week for DC fire fighters on the grounds that the financial condition of the city cannot support it. The IAFF continues efforts to help DC fire fighters obtain a shorter week. Meanwhile, he signs a bill allowing members of the DC Fire Department who have served 25 years and who are 55 to retire.

Scroll for More
Standard

Occupational Diseases

Dr. Max H. Skolnick begins to compile a registry of occupational and, therefore, compensable diseases and illnesses among firemen.

Scroll for More
Standard

First Aid Training

Columbus, Ohio, is the first fire department in the United States to have all its members trained in first aid. Fire fighters are required to have at least 30 hours in first aid work, serve as instructors of first aid and take water life-saving courses.

Scroll for More
Standard

Legislative Fund Defeated

An IAFF resolution to create a state and provincial legislative fund is narrowly defeated in a roll call vote, with 88 voting yes and 91 voting no.

Scroll for More