History

The Charleston Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 61, was founded in 1918 as a founding member of the International Association of Fire Fighters and has spent more than a century representing the firefighters of Charleston while serving the community. Rooted in a fire service tradition that dates back to the city’s first volunteer companies in 1819 and the establishment of the Charleston Fire Department in 1882, Local 61 has consistently focused on protecting both firefighter and civilian safety, advocating for fair treatment of its members, and building strong relationships with city leadership.
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The union engages the community through charity events, safety education, and support programs such as the Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team, while also holding regular membership meetings to address local issues. Today, Local 61 is actively working to improve recruitment and retention, secure better benefits such as cancer screenings and post-retirement healthcare, and push for safer working conditions. Recent efforts have included defending members’ rights to speak out about hazards without fear of retaliation, as seen in high-profile cases involving unsafe station environments.
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Through more than 100 years of service, Local 61 remains steadfast in its mission to ensure Charleston’s firefighters have the resources, protections, and respect they need to serve the city with pride and retire with dignity.