IAFF Principal Officers | IAFF History

President

Thomas G. Spellacy
1918-1919 – Learn more

Samuel A. Fink (Acting)
1919-1919 – Learn more

Fred W. Baer
1919-1946 – Learn more

John P. Redmond
1946-1957 – Learn more

William D. Buck
1957-1968 – Learn more

William H. McClennan
1968-1980 – Learn more

John A. Gannon
1980-1988 – Learn more

Alfred K. Whitehead
1988-2000 – Learn more

Harold A. Schaitberger
2000-present – Learn more

Secretary-Treasurer

William A. Smith
1918-1920 – Learn more

George J. Richardson
1920-1956 – Learn more

William D. Buck
1956-1957 – Learn more

John C. Kabachus
1957-1964 – Learn more

Albert E. Albertoni
1964-1972 – Learn more

Frank A. Palumbo
1972-1980 – Learn more

Martin E. Pierce Sr.
1980-1982 – Learn more

Alfred K. Whitehead
1982-1988 – Learn more

Vincent J. Bollon
1988-2009 – Learn more

Thomas H. Miller
2010-2016 – Learn more

Edward A. Kelly
2016-present – Learn more

Harold A. Schaitberger (2000-present)

General President Harold Schaitberger was elected by acclamation in 2000. Under his leadership, he has ensured that the IAFF is at the forefront in addressing health issues in the fire service, including cancer and behavioral health, devoting resources to preventing and treating cancer, as well as push for presumptive protections. He has also led efforts to help members struggling with post-traumatic stress and other behavioral health issues, including opening the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery.

The IAFF’s political influence has increased considerably since Schaitberger was elected. The IAFF’s political action committee – FIREPAC – has grown by more than 600, raising and contributing more than $16 million to federal candidates and their campaigns.

One of the greatest challenges to face the union came soon after Schaitberger took the helm – the September 11 terrorist attacks. The IAFF committed its full resources to help members and the families of the fallen, including raising and distributing more than $160 million for the families of the 343 FDNY fire fighters killed in the line of duty and worked tirelessly in the efforts to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act establishing the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund to provide health monitoring, treatment and compensation for 9/11 responders and survivors in all 50 states.

In his first term, he formed the IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) to provide financial services and quality insurance programs at a minimal cost to IAFF members.

Schaitberger began his career as a professional fire fighter in Fairfax County, Virginia. He quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant, organized and served as president of Fairfax County Local 2068 and was elected president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters – all before he had seven years on the job. Before being elected General President, he headed the IAFF’s political and legislative operation for nearly 25 years.