The IAFF goes on record in approving the “basic intent” of President John F. Kennedy’s tax proposals, which call for lower federal income taxes, but opposes three of the administration’s recommendations that would adversely affect professional fire fighters: abolishing the Retirement Tax Credit for those under age 65; setting the Retirement Tax Credit as a fixed amount; and removing the Sick Pay Exclusion provision from the present tax law.
IAFF President William D. Buck lunches with 31 other labor leaders at the White House for an “informal discussion.”
The Civil Service Retirement Act of 1962 is amended to include cost of living increases in benefit payments, among other revisions.
“By the very nature of his job, the fire fighter faces the somewhat unique problem of having a very small degree of control over the environment – especially safety factors – in which he works. Fire fighters have no statutes protecting their lives and limbs. Helmets, gloves, boots, turnouts and breathing equipment offer the fire fighter little protection in a collapsing building or from weakened floors and falling rafters.”
William D. Buck, IAFF President (1957-1968)
The IAFF Executive Board allocates funds for new programs: public relations, home delivery of the International Fire Fighter to all members and education seminars.
IAFF President William D. Buck appoints a five-man team to combat the consolidation of fire and police departments.
At the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention, delegates unanimously vote to press for legislation that will prohibit the consolidation of fire and police departments, give fire fighters salaries in keeping with their skill and establish a 35-hour week.
The International Fire Fighter begins the first of its series entitled, “Time to Pause for the Ladies.” The initial article focuses on Congress’ consideration of legalized price fixing on everything from nylons to razor blades. The Quality Stabilization Bill – Madison Avenue’s word game for legalized price-fixing – is studied by Congress and, if enacted, will increase consumer prices by as much as 30 percent on brand-name products.
Two Dallas, Texas, fire fighters are killed August 27 while responding to a false alarm when a police car slams into the side of their aerial ladder truck at an intersection.
The 1963 IAFF Salaries and Working Conditions survey shows a continuation of the trend towards better pay and shorter hours in the firefighting profession.
The U.S. Navy and Air Force extend formal recognition to the IAFF as the bargaining agent for civilian fire fighters employed at their installations.
Canada’s new Labor College located in Montreal hosts 20 different trade union members enrolled for a seven-week course of study.
The IAFF Executive Board gathers beside slain President John F. Kennedy’s grave during the fall meeting in Washington, DC, to accord a tribute on behalf of every member.
The IAFF reports that it has 113,000 members, boasting an average yearly growth of 4,000 new members.
The IAFF offers to sell red vinyl brief cases with its emblem imprinted in gold leaf on the flap to members for $3.00. Branded three-ring binders are also available for $1.
Three Cleveland, Ohio, fire fighters are killed when a propane gas explosion occurs during a fire. The blast was caused when an unknown source ignited 100 gallons of propane gas stored in the tank of a truck that was undergoing repairs at a truck rental agency. The explosion came almost immediately after the first fire fighters entered the one-story brick building. The blast killed the two fire fighters immediately and one other fire fighter died 48 hours later.
A new official IAFF auto emblem, which carries no date and is designed to last for at least two years, is made available through union secretaries.
The IAFF Executive Board recommends that all fire fighters receive a minimum of 14 paid holidays per year.
Samuel A. Fink (1919-1919)Samuel A. Fink took office in May 1919 and served through September of that year. He spent his entire fire service career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and with Pittsburgh Local 1. When the IAFF was organized in 1918, Fink was elected 1st Vice President. One year later, as president, Fink focused on growing the membership, organizing 96 new locals. Fink resigned during the latter part of 1919 due to family obligations.
William D. Buck (1957-1968)William D. Buck was first elected secretary-treasurer by delegates at the 23rd IAFF Convention in Montreal, Canada. Less than a year later, he was elected by the IAFF Executive Board to serve as acting president after the untimely death of President John P. Redmond. As president, he set increasing membership as a priority, successfully growing the ranks by 50 percent to 115,370. He retired from his position as president in 1968 after celebrating the IAFF’s 50th anniversary.
Buck began his career as a fire fighter with the St. Louis Fire Department in 1930 and soon became an active member of Local 73. He served as a vice president for the local and was also a member of several committees.
Buck was elected 2nd District Vice President in 1940. During his tenure, he was credited with forming three state affiliates, including the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters, the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada and the Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters.
William D. Buck (1956-1957)William D. Buck was first elected secretary-treasurer by delegates at the 23rd IAFF Convention in Montreal, Canada.
Buck began his career as a fire fighter with the St. Louis Fire Department in 1930 and soon became an active member of Local 73. He served as a vice president for the local and was also a member of several committees.
Buck was elected 2nd District Vice President in 1940. During his tenure, he was credited with forming three state affiliates, including the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters, the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada and the Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters.
All members from the youngest age to the oldest are taken regardless of occupation, nationality or locality, without a medical examination. New members under 50 years of age will be automatically added upon notice without a medical examination after the original group closes March 15, 1921. No member over 50 will then be accepted for insurance.