Old Pueblo Firefighters Association - IAFF Local 4944

10/28/2025

The OPFFA joins the Tucson Fire Department & Tucson Fire Fighters Association in mourning the passing of Firefighter Benjamin Call, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 26.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time.

GoFundMe link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-call-family-in-their-time-of-loss

09/08/2025

Today, we remember one of Rural Metro Fire Department's all-time greats. 8 years have passed since we lost Captain Scott Ferguson. Not only was he a great Captain, but he had a sense of humor like no other. He was kind, compassionate, and an overall amazing human being (not to mention uber-talented on the keyboards). We miss you Fergie. May you continue to rest in peace my friend. 🥲

02/03/2025

The OPFFA is saddened by the sudden passing of our retired brother Casey Curtis. He held the positions of Firefighter, Engineer, and Captain throughout his 31 years of service in the field. The Fire Service was such a huge part of Casey’s identity that even after his retirement he elected to take a position as our warehouse manager to take care of his brothers and sisters in the field. Casey was a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but to us, he was our brother. Casey, may you rest in peace brother. We will take it from here.

Funeral services are TBD. We will provide information when available.

06/25/2024

To say we endorse Steve Gilman for a second term as the 10th District Vice President is an understatement. The OPFFA could not be more honored to back someone who has walked the walk everyday he has been in office. Brother, you have always backed the OPFFA and the OPFFA will always have yours!

06/01/2024

Something that started over a decade ago came to fruition last month when the Green Valley Fire District through the efforts of the Green Valley Firefighters Local 4125 lateraled Rural Metro Fire - Pima County captains, engineers and firefighters over to their department. Last night at the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona awards banquet we had the honor of recognizing fellow International Association of Fire Fighters and Team 10th brother, President Thomas Beckel for his unparalleled commitment to solidarity and brotherhood in his efforts to secure the rank and job of 13 Old Pueblo Firefighters Association - IAFF Local 4944 members. In addition to the OPFFA recognition, President Beckel received the PFFA President's award for the same reason. Accomplishments like this take years of relationship and relentless focus. And he deserved every last bit of the recognition he received.

05/30/2024

Today at the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona Convention the OPFFA was honored to stand alongside Team 10th DVP Gilman and our Rural Metro Brothers and Sisters from United Yuma County Fire Association as they received their International Association of Fire Fighters Charter and became IAFF Local 5414.

This is a huge step in progressing their working conditions, wages, benefits, and union as a whole.

05/06/2024

04/09/2024

Yesterday I was recognized by the District VP of the for the tenure of work as the OPFFA President. It was unexpected, humbling, and while greatly appreciate, that recognition is not mine alone. Any successful leader whether they admit it or not, is only successful because of the team and relationships surrounding them, the mentorship above them, and most importantly the foundation of the membership that holds them up. While that plaque has my name on it, that recognition was earned by the entire OPFFA Executive Board, past and present. The sacrifices they have and continue to make for our members and the support they have for me is a huge contributing factor to the plaque I was presented with yesterday. But the members we represent are the foundation of why this Executive Board, and ultimately the OPFFA as a whole is successful. While the head of the Union is often the one to receive the public recognition, the members I have been elected to represent are the ones on duty, running the calls, working the overtime, and being impacted the most. I speak for the entire Executive Board when I say we are dedicated to our members and this recognition belongs to each one of you!

04/08/2024

President Nico Latini was recognized at the IAFF 10th District PEP in Hawaii for his unceasing commitment and hard work. Congratulations Nico, this honor is well deserved!

03/12/2024

Congratulations to our three most recent retirees. Whether you put in one decade, two decades, or three (!), your service and contribution to our community and organization made a huge difference. Over sixty combined years of experience and knowledge will be missed. Thank you Alan Dekalb, Rob Moon, and Martin Montano.