Indiana’s Oldest Fire Service Organization

The early 20th Century was a time of many transitions in America. Mechanical equipment was being used more and more to replace passé methods. At this time, the country was becoming more populated; cities were becoming more susceptible to fire hazards due to overcrowded living conditions.

In these early days, the Firefighter was very poorly paid (if at all); they worked long hours, no pension, clothing allowance, insurance, or any other benefits. The early volunteer firefighters were usually farmers who manned bucket brigades, usually to no avail.

A small group of pioneers of the early fire service realized the importance of organizing the fire services for the State of Indiana. In 1917, The Indiana Firefighters’ Association was born, making it the oldest Fire Service Organization in Indiana.

Protecting Firefighters Since 1917

First organized as the Indiana Firemen’s Association, members later changed the name to the Indiana Firefighter’s Association. In 1925, as the only fire service organization in Indiana, the first firefighters’ pension plan was enacted for paid departments. This pension was upgraded in 1937.

The IFA has also championed these firefighter benefits:

   • Clothing Allowances for paid and volunteer       departments.

   • The right to own or work in an establishment       that serves alcoholic beverages.

   • Life insurance for paid and volunteer       departments.

   • The right to run for public office and serve if       elected.

   • Widows remarriage without pension loss.

   • During suspension, firefighter retain benefits       (i.e. hospitalization, clothing allowance, etc.)

   • Smoke detectors in hotels, motels, and public       buildings.

   • 2% of cigarette tax for pension relief.

   • Blue Light law for volunteer firefighters.

   • State lottery of which an annual percentage       will go to fire fighters pension fund.

Other IFA Benefits

   • Annual Convention.

   • Issuance of a quarterly publication on fire service       information.

   • Provides legal advice on departmental matters.

   • Provides a Bible to deceased member’s family.

   • Services of Chaplains for deceased members and spiritual       counseling for their families.

IFA Lobbyist Efforts Benefit Firefighters

Through the efforts of its members, lobbyists strive for the passage of legislation proposed by any member and approved by the officers. They also support legislation of any other organization that will benefit firefighters in general. They actively oppose any legislation that would be detrimental to firefighters.

Fight Continues. . .IFA Future Goals

   • State Public Safety Academy.

   • Collective Bargaining.

   • Abolish unsafe fireworks.

   • Partial paid hospitalization for retirees.

   • More stringent building codes.

   • Continued cooperation with the other public safety       oganizations.

   • Smoke detectors in homes that are being sold.

   • Lobby against any legislation that is detrimental to the fire       service.

   • Support any other beneficial legislation.

The Alarm Has Sounded Help
Your IFA Help You!
Join Today!