The origins of Women in Fire date back to 1982 when several courageous women firefighters unified and created the group known as Women in the Fire Service, Inc. These women forged a path to provide education, support and advocacy for all fire service women joining the ranks in this honorable career.

On September 15, 2007 the outcome of a joint meeting – sponsored by The National Fire Academy – between the boards of trustees of Women in the Fire Service (WFS) and Women Chief Fire Officers (WCFO) was the merger of the two organizations to form the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services.

As our organization grew, we partnered with the International Association of Fire Chief’s (IAFC). Successful relationships like the one between Women in Fire and the IAFC take-on important roles with regards to strategies and programs. The IAFC has helped Women in Fire over the past 12 years, grow into a great organization. We are an organization with a strong culture of inclusivity, a passion for the success of women as firefighters, an exceptional track record for keeping true to our purpose and a long history of talented trustees who deliver results. This journey has included the connections with not only the IAFC, but also with the IAFF, NFPA, Metro Chiefs, NFVC, and many other state and local fire organizations and educational institutions.

The International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the IAFC in terms of growth, goodwill and collaboration. Now we are in a good position to manage and move in our own direction as an organization.

Ending a long-standing business agreement is never easy; however, we believe our ability to respond to challenges and opportunities within the fire service will be greatly increased as we move forward. While we work through the separation from the IAFC and with our new management, we will ensure that the original mission to provide education, support and advocacy for all fire service women is upheld.

Our new Executive Director is Kimberly Cox, who has served as the Volunteer Trustee for the past several years. The contact information for Kimberly is:

1707 Ibis Drive
Buffalo, MN 55313
EMail: [email protected]
Phone: 763-595-1207

In addition to the changes in management, we will be undergoing updates to our website and membership databases. Over the next few months, your i-Women Trustee will be contacting you regarding your membership and to answer questions you might have.

We thank you for your trust and support and ask that you bear with us as we transition into the next chapter of our history. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email address or phone number above, or via our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

Sincerely,

Angela Hughes
President