1979-1988

The IAFF/FIREPAC program is successful in raising $100,000 since 1981. In total, 76 percent of IAFF-endorsed U.S. House and Senate candidates win their races in the November 1982 elections.

The U.S. Fire Administration praises IAFF leaders for helping save it from extinction in the wake of a budget-cutting tidal wave that is sweeping the nation.

The IAFF speaks out against the Federal Aviation Administration’s disregard for the safety of passengers and the fire fighters who protect them by failing to upgrade aircraft fire protection. Following widespread adverse publicity that the IAFF generated at a press conference on this matter, the NTSB recommends improved ways to detect fires in lavatories and use of better breathing gear and smoke goggles by flight crews.

The AFL-CIO backs Walter Mondale for president of the United States, but the IAFF endorses no candidate.

The IAFF prepares for a Social Security showdown regarding mandatory universal coverage. A total of 334 delegates from 33 states attend a special two-day Social Security Conference sponsored by the IAFF.

The IAFF successfully negotiates a $500,000 grant to finance the IAFF/IAFC Apprenticeship Program.

The IAFF receives a $450,000 grant from the U.S. Fire Academy to complete Project FIRES to field test prototype protective clothing that will enhance fire fighter protection, provide increased mobility and reduce weight by 40 percent.

Due to low response rates, the IAFF does not publish a 1982 death and injury survey.

IAFF President John A. Gannon suggests to affiliates that local union newsletters may be the best way for them to keep in touch with their members.

The IAFF is deemed the number-one fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. IAFF affiliates raise $4.4 million for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

MDA and the IAFF →

The IAFF decides to allocate 15 cents per capita towards the 1984 Convention to ensure a debt-free conference.

The first woman fire fighter – Lisa Long, age 19, of Seattle, Washington – dies in the line of duty. Long answered an alarm at a small house fire on July 3, and the fire was quickly extinguished, but she suddenly collapsed while hauling fire hose. She was hospitalized overnight and released the next day. Two days later she was discovered unconscious by her roommate on the bathroom floor. She was rushed to the hospital for open heart surgery and died on the operating table from a pulmonary embolism.

The IAFF hires an outside accounting firm to do a complete “clean audit” of the International’s finances. The Audit finds that the IAFF is facing a $1 million plus deficit, and the Executive Board implements an austerity program, laying off staff, reducing the International Fire Fighter from 16 to eight pages per issue, freezing salaries and asking each member for a $4 one-time voluntary contribution.

IAFF President John A. Gannon suggests to affiliates that they engage in a letter-writing campaign to organize the unorganized fire fighters in their communities.

The IAFF introduces new branded items for sale such as belt buckles and zipper lavaliers to support FIREPAC.

The IAFF Executive Board votes that “automobile decal replacements shall be furnished in a number equal to one third of its membership to each local upon written request without charge.”

The first IAFF National Legislative Conference is held in Washington, DC.