Who We Are
History
The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA) has proudly served Illinois fire service leaders since 1951. For more than seven decades, the Association has been dedicated to advancing the fire service, supporting chief officers, and strengthening departments and communities throughout Illinois.
The foundation of IFCA began on August 3, 1951, when nine fire chiefs gathered at the River Forest Fire Station to discuss the creation of a statewide organization dedicated to fire service leadership. Their vision was to establish a professional association that would provide collaboration, education, and advocacy for fire chiefs across Illinois.
That vision became reality on September 16, 1951, when the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association was officially organized in Joliet, Illinois, and its constitution was adopted and ratified.
Chief Howard A. Redding of North Chicago was elected as the Association's first President, and Chief Alfred F. Zay of River Forest was elected as the first Secretary/Treasurer. Following the passing of President Redding shortly after the organization's formation, leadership continued under Chief Rod Porter of Winnetka, who was elected President at the Association's first annual conference.
The inaugural IFCA conference was held November 16–17, 1951, in Bloomington, Illinois, bringing together fire service leaders from communities across the state. That gathering established a tradition of professional development, networking, and leadership that continues today.
From its beginnings with a small group of dedicated chiefs, IFCA has grown into a statewide organization representing fire service leaders from career, combination, and volunteer departments. The Association remains committed to providing education, advocacy, leadership development, and professional resources that support the evolving needs of Illinois fire service professionals.
Today, IFCA continues to build on the vision established by its founders—strengthening the fire service through leadership, collaboration, and service to communities throughout Illinois.
Bylaws & Strategic Plan
IFCA Bell
If you’ve attended various association functions you may have seen the bell that’s featured on this issue’s cover. The bell has been displayed prominently at our Annual Conference, Banquet and many times the Annual Symposium. Some of you may have wonder why? It is a part of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association’s history.
The apparatus bell was a gift from Chief Behrend and the Bloomington Fire Department to the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association at the very first IFCA Conference which was held in Bloomington Illinois in 1951.
Inscribed on the base of the bell is each President’s name and the year he served and the locations and year of each of the Association’s Annual Conference. The bell resides with the President of the Association during their term of office.
