About Local 34
On February 8, 1892, Ordinance #396 was adopted which created and provided for a paid Fire Department for the City of Little Rock. The following Little Rock Fire Department members were selected pro-tem so that officers could be elected and installed:
William Burns Jr., President B. Ray, Recording Secretary
The following permanent officers were then elected and installed, their t
erm of office to expire June, 1918 with the exception of two Trustees. William Burns Jr., President Capt. Harmon, Vice President Capt. Files, Recording & Corresponding Secretary O. Long, Financial Secretary Capt. Joe Carmichael, Treasurer Sam Coote, Sgt.-at-Arms E. R. Brookins, Sentinel Capt. Gus McDonald, 3 year Trustee Gus Ginocchio, 2 year Trustee Fred S. Alley, 1 year Trustee
During that first meeting, a Constitution and; Bylaws Committee was appointed, a new member was approved and correspondence from President Samuel Gompers and Secretary Frank Morrison of the American Federation of Labor was read. It was also decided that membership meetings would be held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at the Central Fire Station. President Burns was also instructed to contact Jesse M. Pace and L. Moore regarding membership in the Central Trades Council and Arkansas State Federation of Labor. In following meetings, correspondence was exchanged with City Firemens Union #15473 of Schenectady, New York and City Firemens Union #14339 of Pueblo, Colorado to obtain advice and assistance. On Sunday, August 6, 1917 a Special Meeting was held to discuss a request from Schenectady, New York #15473 regarding support for organizing an International. Little Rock Firemens Union #15645 voted unanimously in favor of support for the creation of an International Firemens Union. On February 28, 1918, Little Rock City Firemens Union #15645 represented by Fireman John Kerwin, was admitted as Local 34 of the International Association of Fire Fighters. At this 1st IAFF Convention, Little Rock Delegate John Kerwin was elected to serve as the IAFF Vice President representing the 10th District. As a founding member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 34 continues to support Fire Fighters rights to a fair standard of living, improved health and safety as well as progressive and professional working conditions.
