SER

Networking, Communications, Professional Development, and Community

ABOUT US

One of the greatest known traditions of the fire and emergency services is the camaraderie that is promoted. The successes of the inclusion of people of different ethnical backgrounds, gender and generational groups is recognized, there still exist the disparities in training, promotions and resources assigned to our communities.

 

Robert Pearson Sr.

IABPFF Southeast Region Director

Welcome to the website of the South East Region of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, Inc.. We hope you find our site informative and resourceful. Please let us know if there is something you would like assistance with locating regarding the fire service or our organization. It is our honor and privilege to serve you, your community, and the fire service.

Our purpose and aim is to create a liaison between our Black Brothers and Sisters throughout the nation, to collect and evaluate data on all deleterious conditions incumbent in all areas where minorities exist, and to compile information concerning the injustices that exist in the application of working conditions in the Fire Service, and implement action to correct them. To promote interracial progress throughout the Fire Service, and to see that competent Blacks are recruited and employed as fire fighters, where ever they reside, and to aid in motivating our Black Brothers and Sisters to seek advancement to elevated ranks throughout the Fire Service.

All I Am, I Owe… I Live Eternally in the Red!
Robert Pearson Sr.
IABPFF South East Region Director


2021 Fall Regional Conference Award Ceremony for Vulcan Blazers (Baltimore City, MD)

Message from the President of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters!

Welcome to the website of the Southeast Region of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, and I urge you to visit the website of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, Inc.! 

In September of 1969, our founders Dave J. Floyd and Charles Hendricks took a jaunt from the west coast to the east coast, stopping in every major city trying to locate black firefighters.  The idea was to unite Black fire fighters in the struggle. Black and minority firefighter from various municipalities across the United States, met in New York City for two days of discussion on the injustices that exist in the fire service and local communities.  As a result of the meetings, the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (I.A.B.P.F.F.) was established. In October of 1970, the first convention was held in Hartford, CT. 

Our Founders stepped out on faith to take a stand for social justice. We remain in the forefront of action as we voice our needs and come together to face deleterious conditions that exist in the fire service and local communities. The I.A.B.P.F.F. celebrate and recognize our Founders, who had the courage and vision to “speak truth to power” over the many decades.  We “kept the fire burning for justice” to quote founding president David J. Floyd. 

We are convinced that the Black community has an abundance of untapped talent to offer. The I.A.B.P.F.F. works to improve the economic development and employment opportunities for minorities. As Black firefighters, it is our challenge to make the fire services more relevant to the needs and aspirations of minority citizens and communities across the world. 

We welcome you to explore our website as we proudly share who we are and the principles for which we stand. Our website is intended to support the needs of our members by providing basic tools and resources for International business and services to the communities we serve. I hope you enjoy your visit to our online home.

Together We Can! 

IABPFF President