The IABPFF organized in Hartford, Connecticut, October 3, 1970. FOUNDING ORGANIZATIONS: Vulcan Society Inc., New York, N.Y., Phoenix Society Inc., Hartford, Connecticut, Vulcan Pioneers of New Jersey Inc., Newark, N.J., Vulcan Pioneers of Hudson County Inc., Jersey City, N.J., Valiants Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS: The 2003 - 2004 Membership of the l.A.B.P.F.F. is comprised 104 Chapters and represents 5301 fire service personnel and a 2003 - 2004 Lifetime Membership of 185 members.

The constitution and the proposed structure of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters was adopted. To address the lack of substantial access into the Fire Service and upward mobility opportunities, it is therefore became incumbent upon our membership to press for wide-scale reforms. And in the course of dealing with these problems, we expect to reduce the number of fire deaths and property loss in our respective communities and society as whole.

We are convinced that the black community has an abundance of untapped talent to offer the fire service. Conversely, we expect to improve the economic development and employment opportunities for minorities. As black fire fighters, it is our challenge to make the fire service more relevant to the needs and aspirations of minority citizens.

The I.A.B.P.F.F. will ensure that black and minority fire department officials become full partners in the leadership and decision-making arenas of the fire service.

PREAMBLE: Whereas we, Black Fire Fighters, aware of the increasing complexity of our problems and those of our Brothers and Sisters within the community, feel called upon to form an organization for the purpose of studying and solving such problems; in order to take our place in the vanguard of civilization, we hereby form ourselves into an organization for the purpose of cultivating and maintaining professional competence among fire fighters, and establishment of unity, also keeping alive the interest among retired members for the avowed purpose of improving the social status of our RACE, and increasing professional efficiency

"IABPFF Smoke"

News #5-0107	News #6-0307
News #7-1007	News #8-0208

Iabpff President
Johnny Brewington          

In September of 1969, black and minority fire fighters of all ranks from municipalities across the United States met in New York City for two days of discussion on the injustices that exist in the following categories: The recruitment of black youth into the fire service, firefighters-community relations with special emphasis on relations with the residents of neighborhoods inhabited by blacks, inter-group relations and practices in fire departments, and the need to improve fire prevention programs in the areas of greatest need.

The 2008 IABPFF Convention
 Hosted by the North Central Region's Phoenix of Detroit Fire Department Chapter
 Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
http://www.iabpff.org/conventn/conv.htm