About Us
Serving Colorado With Courage & Commitment
The Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association is the collective voice of over 5300 dedicated Fire Fighters across our beautiful state. With 73 locals united under our banner, we stand as a formidable force committed to serving our communities with unwavering dedication and professionalism.
The mission of Colorado Professional Fire Fighters is clear: to protect and advance the rights, interests, and well-being of our members while ensuring the highest standards of safety and service for the residents of Colorado. From battling wildfires that threaten our forests and homes to responding to medical emergencies and hazardous incidents, our members are on the front lines, ready to answer the call whenever and wherever they are needed.
The CPFF is proud to amplify the voices of our brave Fire Fighters, advocating for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions that reflect the sacrifices they make day in and day out.
Through strategic communication and collaboration, we strive to build strong relationships with government officials, community leaders, and the public to foster understanding, support, and appreciation for the vital role Fire Fighters play in keeping Colorado safe.
Together, we are more than just a union – we are a family bound by a shared commitment to service, solidarity, and sacrifice. Thank you for visiting our website and for your continued support of Colorado Professional Fire Fighters.
Our History
The Colorado Professional Fire Fighters (CPFF) has proudly represented Colorado’s professional Fire Fighters for more than 75 years. Affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), CPFF serves as the unified voice for Fire Fighters locals across the state—fighting for safer working conditions, stronger benefits, fair labor protections, and better support systems for firefighters and their families.
The roots of the IAFF date back to 1918, when 36 Fire Fighters delegates from the United States and Canada formed a labor union dedicated to protecting career Fire Fighters and EMS personnel. At the time, Fire Fighter unions operated primarily as city-based locals, but as labor laws, pension systems, and workplace protections increasingly became state-level issues, Fire Fighters recognized the need for stronger statewide organizations.
During the 1920s and 1930s, state and provincial Fire Fighters associations began forming across North America to coordinate legislative advocacy, pension protections, political action, and labor organizing. These organizations became essential in advancing Fire Fighters rights at the state level while remaining connected to the IAFF’s international mission.
CPFF officially affiliated with the IAFF on November 17, 1948. The organization was built by six founding locals:
- Pueblo Local 3
- Denver Local 858
- Leadville Local 869
- Colorado Springs Local 5
- Greeley Local 888
- Boulder Local 900
Following World War II, firefighter union membership expanded rapidly throughout North America, and statewide firefighter associations became central to legislative advocacy, collective bargaining, leadership development, and political action. CPFF grew alongside this movement and became a leading advocate for Colorado firefighters.
Today, CPFF represents approximately 5,200 members across 70 IAFF locals throughout Colorado. The organization works closely with state legislators, local unions, and community partners to advance firefighter safety, labor protections, pension security, behavioral health resources, and cancer and heart benefits.
Over the decades, CPFF has helped secure major legislative victories for Colorado firefighters, including:
- Firefighter Presumptive Cancer Law (2007)
- Fire Fighter Safety Act / Collective Bargaining legislation (2013)
- Line-of-Duty Heart & Circulatory Trust Fund (2014)
- Line-of-Duty Cancer Benefits (2017)
- Colorado Firefighter Grant Program (2018)
- FPPA Pension Reform (2020)
- Behavioral Health Funding and Programs
- SB24-310 First Responder Death Benefit providing $1 million to surviving families of fallen first responders
CPFF also played a major role in establishing the Colorado Firefighters Heart & Cancer Benefits Trust, which expanded in 2020 to include breast and thyroid cancers and added a statewide behavioral health program in 2023 with $2 million in funding.
Beyond legislation, CPFF continues to strengthen the fire service through leadership training, political advocacy, organizing new locals, mental health support, emergency assistance programs, and scholarship opportunities for firefighters and their families.
Today, the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters remains committed to protecting those who protect Colorado communities—standing united in strength, solidarity, and service.
1918
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is founded by 36 firefighter delegates in the United States and Canada.
1920s–1930s
State and provincial firefighter associations begin forming to address statewide labor laws, pensions, and political advocacy.
Late 1930s
At least 11 state and provincial associations are affiliated with the IAFF.
1940
IAFF grows to include 19 affiliated state and provincial associations.
November 17, 1948
Colorado Professional Fire Fighters officially affiliates with the IAFF.
1948
CPFF is founded by six charter locals:
Pueblo Local 3
Denver Local 858
Leadville Local 869
Colorado Springs Local 5
Greeley Local 888
Boulder Local 900
2007
Passage of the Firefighter Presumptive Cancer Law.
2013
Fire Fighter Safety Act strengthens collective bargaining and meet-and-confer rights.
2014
Establishment of the Line-of-Duty Heart & Circulatory Trust Fund.
2017
Line-of-Duty Cancer Benefits legislation passes.
2018
Colorado Firefighter Grant Program launches with $750,000 in funding.
2019
Colorado Professional Fire Fighters specialty license plate approved through SB19-167.
2020
- FPPA Pension Reform secures major pension and disability improvements.
- Breast and thyroid cancers added to firefighter benefit coverage.
- CPFF license plate becomes publicly available statewide.
2023
Behavioral health program added to the Colorado Firefighters Heart & Cancer Benefits Trust with $2 million in funding.
2024
SB24-310 establishes a $1 million death benefit for families of first responders killed in the line of duty.
2025–2026
CPFF leadership elected to governance roles within the Colorado Firefighters Heart & Cancer Benefits Trust, including Vice-Chair appointment in 2026.
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