Local firefighter union to host 83rd annual firefighter convention

Metro Wire Staff

Stevens Point firefighters will host a state convention at the Holiday Inn Convention Center later this month.

The 83rd annual Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin (PFFW) State Convention will bring more than 250 firefighters, and their families, to Stevens Point. The convention will be held June 19-22.

The PFFW represents 4,000 professional firefighters and EMS personnel across the state. According to Firefighter/Paramedic Justin Thomson, president of the Local 484 firefighter’s union, it will be the fifth time SPFD members have hosted the statewide convention.

The first time was in 1955 when the organization was known as the Wisconsin Paid Firemen’s Association Convention. The Local 484 also hosted the PFFW in 1983, 1993, and 2003.

“Our local IAFF members are motivated to host this convention; we want to show our colleagues throughout the state all that Stevens Point and Portage County have to offer and why we choose to call this place home,” Thomson said in a press release on Monday. “We will be showcasing local attractions, raising money for our charitable foundation, and supporting many local restaurants and businesses throughout the week.”

The IAFF Local 484 was formed in September 1939 with 12 SPFD members. Today, Local 484 has 39 members that serve various roles within the organization and charitable foundation. The organization also works on annual Fill the Boot fundraisers for muscular dystrophy and Coats for Kids each fall. To date, the organization has given $184,400 back to the community.