IAFC Presents Historical Memorabilia as a Part of Their 150th Anniversary Celebration Plans

McLean, VA – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) will present IAFC historical memorabilia to the DC Fire Museum and Fairfax County Fire Museum and unveil its plans to celebrate the IAFC’s 150th anniversary at a press conference on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 3:30 PM Eastern. The event will take place at DC Fire & EMS Engine Company 3, 439 New Jersey Ave, NW on Capitol Hill.

150th Anniversary Co-Chairs, IAFC President Chief Donna Black, Duck (NC) Fire Department, and IAFC 1st Vice President John Butler, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department, will present historical items of significance to be displayed at these local fire and EMS museums during the IAFC’s sesquicentennial anniversary year. One item, the original handwritten ledger of the organizations proceedings in 1873, displays the notes of the IAFC’s first recording secretary – Cambridge (MA) Fire Chief P. H. Raymond. Chief Raymond is the first African American fire chief in the United States.

The IAFC was founded on October 20th, 1873, in New York City and is one of the oldest national fire service organizations in the United States. Today, the IAFC has over 11,000 members from 26 countries worldwide, proudly representing fire chiefs and fire officers of all ranks and department types. As we celebrate our sesquicentennial anniversary, we honor our tradition but are embracing innovation.

Download Press Release