History of Our Union

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 3518 was not the first fire union in West Chester, then Union Township.

In 1985, the six full-time firefighters organized and formed IAFF Local 2923. Through a series of events, promotions and departures, the membership dwindled and it was decided best to disband in 1989.

Just a few years later, in 1993, talk of re-organizing circulated. This was at a time when the Township was just beginning to grow and those members felt it best to address their needs and benefits. The process wasn’t easy, as many feelings and thoughts remained from the past. Not everyone was convinced that unionizing again was the right thing to do. And it separated those that worked full-time. The full-time officers opted not to be a part of the re-organizing effort. So, wanting to have a new start, the nine full-time firefighters rejoined the IAFF, received the number 3518 and were deemed certified by the State Employment Relations Board (SERB).

IAFF Local 3518 also became affiliate with the State organization, the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF), in 1994.

The Department was operating out of three stations then (#1 on Cincinnati Dayton Rd.; #2 on John Rd in Pisgah; #3 on Duff Dr.). The few members of IAFF Local 3518 only worked during the day, Monday through Friday. The Fire Department was still relying heavily on part-time employees throughout the day, and volunteers on nights and weekends.

With about 14 members, the Department was set to open two new stations (#4 in Beckett and #5 in Wetherington) in 1998. At the same time, it was negotiated to work the first 24-48 hour shift rotation. This would put a full-time firefighter at each station around the clock, serving the Township residents. And membership continued to grow, reaching 24 strong at the beginning of 2000.

In 2001, five members were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, but they didn’t leave the Union. Most remained dues paying members while they served their probation periods. It was 2003 when the majority of Lieutenants petitioned to enter into the collective bargaining agreement to enjoy the same benefits of the Firefighters. The Township contested the action, which resulted in a lengthy display in front of the State Employment Relations Board. IAFF Local 3518 prevailed.

The relationship between the Union and the Township grew strained after this decision. Negotiations grew to include attorneys and large teams. And it seems that the natural progress and needs of a growing Union and Department were continually challenged.

Our goal is to re-connect our business relationship with the Township and the Fire Administration. A positive relationship can only bring positive results - making the Department stronger and more successful internally.

At the end of 2006, IAFF Local 3518 had 44 members, and poised to have more. The Department received the SAFER Grant which would supplement the salaries of at least six more full-time firefighters. This was a welcomed gift that would put the Department back on track, hiring the ones promised from years earlier. Our members are also going through a promotional process to fill the four vacant Lieutenant positions, and we are excited to see these members move forward in their careers.

We are a young Union. We have been around for just more than one decade, having only five contracts. We’ve doubled in membership in the last six years. And not one of our members has yet to retire. We continue to grow and face our challenges. We continue to strive for the same safety and benefits enjoyed by our peers and neighbors. We look forward to our futures and we look forward to serving the residents of West Chester with the utmost dedication and professionalism in the years to come.

Past Officers

Thanks to those past members and leaders that helped pave our way…

Presidents

Rick Prinz
Mark Brate
Rodney Parrett
Jeff Edrington
Chuck Wagoner


Vice-Presidents

Bret Hicks
Jeff Edrington
Brandon Tully
Steve Getter
Paul Kreiner


Secretary-Treasurer

Terry Friedrich
Jim Cox
Jeff Moore
Todd Wilson