THE HISTORY OF ILLINOIS PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
In 1959, a few full-time firefighters of suburban cities and villages outside Chicago thought it was necessary to have an Association for the full-time professional firefighter. After seeking opinions from other firefighters, it was agreed to form and charter this group. It was called “Suburban Professional Firefighters Association.”
In 1960, a group of full-time firefighters from the suburbs north of Chicago formed an Association with identical objectives and purposes. With some
combined meetings and By-Law changes these two forces joined together. In 1964, the officers of this Association saw the need for a state wide
organization of this type. The membership voted to change the name and By-Laws to read “Illinois Professional Firefighters Association” and to function under this state charter. It was now possible for any full-time firefighter in the State of Illinois to join.
OBJECTIVES OF ILLINOIS PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
To promote the interest of professional firefighters
throughout the State of Illinois.
To secure the cooperation of firefighters in every town,
village, city, county and state.
- To acquire and disseminate useful and technical information incombating or preventing fires.
- To provide a media for the exchange of knowledge and experience in firefighting techniques.
- To seek enactment and maintenance of sound and liberal pension laws for active, retired,
or disabled firefighters and to provide for the dependents of deceased members. - To promote and encourage social, economic, and educational policies
that will benefit the fire service and the general public. - To be independent of any organized labor union or group.
- To avoid any direct involvement in the administrative affairs of any city, village, or town.
- To seek the enactment and maintenance of sound and liberal laws based on local and state level for active firefighters.
WHAT ILLINOIS PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
HAS DONE
- “Funding” legislation that established guidelines for full funding of pension funds.
- A savings clause in the State Constitution making pension rights a municipal obligation.
- “Preemption” legislation that keeps the Pension Act from being modified by Home Rule communities.
WHAT ILLINOIS PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
CONTINUES TO DO
- We have had our own Legislative Representative in Springfield since 1982. We are recognized in Springfield by our lawmakers. Association members have appeared before House and Senate Committees to testify for or against proposed legislation which could affect your job and/or retirement benefits.
- We have and will continue to oppose combined Police & Fire Services. We publish the “Size-Up” newsletter which gives you information about pensions, fire service activities, and other Association information. We actively participate in the Illinois Firefighters Life Safety Task Force. We continuously monitor proposed legislation to maintain or improve pensions and other benefits.
- We sponsor Pension Seminars to keep members current with requirements of the Pension Statutes. Topics covered include: the Pension Act, items of interest to the Fire Service, and other topics as suggested by the membership.
- We have representative(s) on the State Fire Marshal Advisory Committee, Fire Service Institute Advisory Committee, Personnel Standards and Education Advisory Committee, Firefighter Medal of Honor and Medal of Honor Foundation Committees.
- We are members of the Illinois Fire Services Association. This association provides equipment, supplies, and manpower for the Fire Services Exhibit at the Illinois State Fairs.
- We fund scholarships through the Illinois Fire Chiefs Education & Research Foundation.
HELP US TO HELP YOU – PLEASE JOIN US