1939-1948

The average fire fighter earns 50 cents an hour and works 70 hours a week.

The IRS sends a letter to the IAFF indicating that pensions are regarded as compensation for services previously rendered and are, therefore, subject to income tax under the Revenue Act of 1942. A second letter from the IRS exempts from income tax any annuity payments made to former employees as part of their contributory retirement plans since these are not “wages.”

The IAFF publishes an article on strategies for fighting airplane crash fires.

To meet the financial requirements of the war, union members are required to pay a new 5 cent Victory Tax on all wages in excess of $12 per week, which is to be deducted from payrolls and forwarded to the U.S. Treasury Department by all employers.

The U.S. Office of Civilian Defense asks the Federal Communications Commission to amend the rules of the War Emergency Radio Service so that the emergency radio system can be made available for use by the fire service.

In cooperation with the government and to comply with regulations regarding the use of paper, one rather than two copies of the International Fire Fighter is sent to fire departments nationwide.

The IRS rules that the cost of meals prepared at fire stations is not deductible from income tax returns.