Fire fighters cast their votes for Vice President Al Gore’s bid for the U.S. presidency during the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, California.
Presidential Medal of Valor
President Bill Clinton issues an executive order to establish a Presidential Medal of Valor for fire fighters and law enforcement officers who show “extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty in the exercise of their official duties.” Up to 10 recipients will be chosen each year by the president, on the recommendation of the Attorney General.
Whitehead Honored
Retiring General President Alfred Whitehead is honored at the 18th Legislative Conference for his years of service. Among those honoring him are Vice President Al Gore via telephone, MDA Chairman Jerry Lewis and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney.
IAFF 45th Convention
The IAFF 45th Convention is held in Chicago, Illinois, and attracts a record-setting 1,617 credentialed delegates, 612 alternates and 1,219 guests, making it one of the largest in IAFF history. Vice President Al Gore vows to fight for fire fighters and their families and pledges to support national collective bargaining legislation if elected president.
NFPA 1710 Standard
General President Harold Schaitberger and General Secretary Vincent Bollon tour the western United States to solicit support for the NFPA 1710 standard. NFPA 1710 is the first standard to deal solely with the organization and deployment of fire suppression, emergency medical operations and special operations by career fire departments.
Schaitberger Elected
Harold Schaitberger is elected by acclamation as General President in an uncontested election at the 45th Convention. IAFF Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Bollon is re-elected by acclamation to his fourth term. This is the first unanimous election in IAFF history.
Safe Streets Act
The IAFF opposes a carefully worded section of provincial legislation that threatens Ontario fire fighters’ boot drives. Called the Safe Streets Act, the Canadian legislation targets “squeegee kids” who wash car windows in busy intersections for spare change and panhandlers. Despite assurances from legislators, there is ultimately no exemption in the law for boot drives.
MDA Telethon
IAFF members raise $14 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Labor Day Telethon.
U.S. Marine Corps Marathon
IAFF members run in the 25th U.S. Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. Sixty-seven runners representing 20 locals, as well as IAFF staff, raise more than $25,000 for the IAFF Burn Foundation.
Candidate Physical Ability Test
The IAFF’s Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) gains ground across the nation as the recognized standard for fire fighter recruit testing. The CPAT was developed through the IAFF’s partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs in the Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative.
FIREPAC Support
Nearly 90 percent of the 276 candidates the IAFF supports for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives win their elections. More than 75 percent of the U.S. Senate candidates supported by the IAFF also win election or re-election with support from FIREPAC.