In the summer of 2022, we established a By-Law Committee to undertake much-needed updates to our bylaws, which had not been revised since 2010. After a detailed review and update process, we submitted our proposed changes for preliminary approval to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) at the end of 2022.
Multiple hurdles came up in getting preliminary approval from IAFF, including extensive discussions to ensure compliance with both IAFF bylaws and US Department of Labor laws. However, after a year of communication with IAFF legal we have now received conditional approval from the IAFF on proposed bylaw revisions. This preliminary approval allows us to bring revisions proposed by the bylaw committee to be brought to the membership to be voted on for adoption.
Upcoming Ratification and Information Sessions
Informational Zoom Meetings (no voting):
- May 1 at 13:00 Click here to join when it’s time for meeting
- May 2 at 13:00 Click here to join when it’s time for meeting
*If you have problems joining the zoom meeting please contact your Chapter President.
Ratification at Regular Membership Meetings:
- May 8 at 9am
- May 9 at 7pm
- Location: American Italian Club - 7509 N. 12th Street
During all of these sessions, members will have the opportunity to discuss bylaw changes, but members can only vote in person at the May 8th & 9th meetings as regulated by our bylaws. It is also important to know that we will be voting on Delegates to both the IAFF and the PFFA Convention at these meetings but it will be on a separate ballot.
Documentation:
- View current bylaws (2010 revision)
- View proposed bylaws
Important points:
Local 493 Bylaws:
- Regulate all chapters of Local 493.
- Require participation from all members across all cities.
- Ensured representation from all chapters on the committee.
Revisions include, but not limited to:
- Changes to Retiree membership (as required by IAFF)
- Delegates to the convention will be allocated on a per-capita basis, aligning representation with chapter size.
- Chapters will hold separate votes for their Chapter Trustees and Chapter President.
- 493 President, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, and Secretary must be voted on at main membership meeting where all members, from all Chapters, are in attendance.
- Enhanced clarity on roles and responsibilities.
- **NO CHANGES IN DUES**
Your Involvement:
The process has highlighted further areas for improvement, prompting the formation of a new Bylaw Committee this summer for additional changes given the amount of time we expect proposed changes to be approved. We invite those interested in contributing to the next revision process to contact their Chapter President directly.
Some Future Discussion Topics:
- Revising the voting process (online/electronic options).
- Reviewing the formal structure of our meetings.
In Solidarity,
- Bryan Willingham, 493 President
- Arick O'Hara, Glendale Chapter President (Committee Co-Chair)
- Ben Lindquist, Phoenix Chapter President (Committee Co-Chair)
- Hunter Clare, Peoria Chapter President
- Scott Onyett, Chandler Chapter President
- Mike Payne, Surprise Chapter President
- Mike Scheidt, Tempe Chapter President
- Wes Patterson, PFCOA Chapter President
We thank everyone involved in this revision process and look forward to robust discussions and your active participation in the upcoming sessions.