Firefighter’s Emerald Societies have been around in the United States since the 1950’s. The Emerald Society for fire fighters was started in Arizona in 1987 by a group of Phoenix Firefighters. At that time it was known as the United Phoenix Firefighters Emerald Society (UPFFES). The small group met twice per year on St. Patrick’s Day and Half-way to St. Patrick’s Day. From there the UPFFES gradual
ly expanded membership and increased meetings until arriving at the monthly meetings we now have. We currently have over 100 members and are continually adding to our membership with firefighters from Phoenix, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Peoria, Tempe, Surprise, Harquahala and fire departments/districts throughout the state. Based on the diversity of departments, a new name was adopted for doing business: Arizona Firefighters Emerald Society (AZFFES). Our original title is still retained as our official foundation name to pay honor to our roots with the Phoenix Fire Department. AZFFES has associate and corporate members from all walks of life as well as those with relationships with fire departments. Through fundraisers, AZFFES currently supports the following charities: The Irish Cultural Center, The Arizona Burn Foundation, Fire Heroes Program (Phoenix Children’s Hospital), The Gary Pykare Bass Tournament for cancer treatment and research, and St. Baldrick’s Foundation. AZFFES is a 501C3 charity with over 90% of funds raised returned to the charities we support. As stewards of the Irish culture in Arizona, the AZFFES participates in the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade as well as the St. Patrick’s Day Fair, supports St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraisers, and hosts parties for St. One of our accomplishments that we are most proud of is establishing a mentorship program for those interested in careers as professional firefighters. At any given time, 20 or so, prospective fire fighters are working with our mentors to better understand the firefighting profession, culture, and learn techniques for testing, interviewing, and developing resumes. In addition, mentees receive advice on educational decisions useful in seeking careers in the fire service. Mentees are set-up with ride-alongs with fire departments to see what a career in the fire service entails as well as being able to speak from personal experience in job interviews. Our membership requirements are very strict and uncompromising: You must have a pulse, you must be a retired or current firefighter and you must pay the annual dues. We assume that those who aren’t sure if there is Irish blood flowing through their veins are at least Irish at heart. All meetings and events are posted on our page, as well as being distributed through our email list. Meetings are typically on weekdays during the day while events typically take place on the weekends. We usually meet at Irish Public Houses. It is our hope to extend meetings and events throughout the state as membership grows. Arizona Firefighters Emerald Society Officers:
President: Michael MacKenzie, Phoenix Fire Vice-President: Russ Trollope, Phoenix Fire Secretary: Aren Lara, Phoenix Fire Treasure: Justin Zamarra, Phoenix Fire Sargent at Arms: Nate Brees, Phoenix Fire
