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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. |