National Association of Hispanic Firefighters Partners with the IAFC

Fairfax, Va. - The National Association of Hispanic Firefighters (NAHF) has partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to strengthen ties between the two organizations.

NAHF President Sal Morales said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been reached, which establishes a framework around the theme of diversity within the U.S. fire and emergency service and fosters ongoing cooperation between the two organizations.

The IAFC indicated that many fire departments need assistance in identifying qualified, diverse candidates which can be shared with municipalities and other local jurisdictions,” Morales said. “The NAHF is building a database of diverse candidates. This is just one example of how our two organizations can cooperate together for the benefit of the fire service.

This initial MOU is a nonfinancial agreement that will enable the IAFC and Hispanic firefighters to work together on issues where there is clear, mutual benefit.

Our hope is to create a substantive program with the IAFC that will draw other diversity associations to the table,” Morales said. “It has been a pleasure to work with IAFC leaders on this initiative. They have provided realistic insights into diversity from the prospective of the fire chief.

IAFC President Rhoda Mae Kerr, fire chief, Austin, Texas, said the partnership agreement is an important first step.

The IAFC is pleased to officially partner with NAHF with the common goal of improving diversity in our fire departments,” Kerr said. “We look forward to working closely with NAHF to achieve our common goals.