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 inner city ghettos which are
inhabited by our most disadvantaged, neglected and exploited citizens. The
meeting was very productive and out of it was born the International
Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters.
In October of 1970, the first convention of Black Professional Fire Fighters
was held in Hartford, Connecticut. The constitution and the proposed
structure of the International Association of Black Professional Fire
Fighters were adopted.
The IABPFF is not to be looked upon as a black separatist organization and
its chapters are autonomous. Since many unions, locals and city governments
failed to institute an affirmative action plan in the testing, recruiting
and promotional process areas, it is therefore incumbent upon organized
minority fire fighters 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 as well as to reduce the
high rate of false fire alarms. 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 IABPFF will
insist that black and minority fire department officials become full
partners in the leadership and decision making arenas of the fire service.
