Never Forget 343 Gave It All On 9-11-2001
Minnesota Fire Department Association (MSFDA)
"Foster and encourage greater skill and efficiency, cultivate friendship and fellowship among members: Maintain proper remuneration for duties performed: Improve moral, intellectual, social and economic condition of members."
The MSFDA began legislative activities within the first few years and in 1885 designated that a percentage of Fire Insurance Premiums be used first for firefighters injured in the line of duty and second to equip and maintain fire departments. In 1903, that was changed to direct all moneys to firefighter pensions.
In addition to establishing 15 regions within the state, based at the time on legislative districts, some of the milestones were:
- 1927 -Sponsored the organization of the Volunteer Firemen's Benefit Association.
- 1935 -Sponsored the organization
of
the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs' Association.
- 1973 -Promoted and established a
$25,000 benefit for firefighters and police killed in the line of duty.
- 1975 -Helped to organize the National Volunteer Fire Council
- 1982 -Promoted and enacted
firefighter
license plates for firefighters,
Today the 15 Regions continue to serve as regional entities for representation by the MSFDA and MSFCA. The MSFDA continues to promote safety and education for the fire service as well as monitor and propose pension improvements for firefighters.
The MSFDA has a Board of Directors made up of representatives of the 15 Regions as well as the State Fire Marshal and member major cities. The MSFDA is active in the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the Governors Council for Safety and Education, National Benefit Conference, Minnesota Fire Services Joint Council, the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board, and the Public Safety Commissioner's Fire Advisory Council.
The MSFDA has a membership of over 550 fire departments, but feels it represents all of the firefighters in the State, currently estimated at 17,000 volunteer/paid-on-call and 2000 career firefighters.
We are striving to improve our web site which can be reach it at www.MSFDA.org
The current official "newsletter" is the Minnesota Smoke Eater. If you aren't receiving it, contact Secretary Dave Ganfield at
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