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The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters is Founded

*The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (I.A.B.P.F.F.) was founded in Hartford, Connecticut, on this date in 1970.

In September 1969, Black and minority firefighters of all ranks across the United States met in New York City to discuss the racial injustices in American firefighting municipalities. That meeting created the I.A.B.P.F.F. Discussed that week in September were the recruitment of black youth into the fire service, firefighters-community relations with special emphasis on relations with the residents of neighborhoods inhabited by Blacks, inter-group relations and practices in fire departments, and the need to improve fire prevention programs in the areas of greatest need.

The I.A.B.P.F.F. Connecticut convention produced its constitution, and its proposed structure was adopted. Through its Preamble, Purpose & Aims, and Memberships, the I.A.B.P.F.F. ensures that Black and minority fire department officials become full partners in the leadership and decision-making arenas of the fire service.

The I.A.B.P.F.F. contains seven active regions, they are:
*North Central Region (1971): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
*Northeast Region: (1970) Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Nova Scotia, Canada.
*Northwest Region (1976): Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, Wyoming.
*South Central Region (1970): Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia.
*Southeast Region: (1970): Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia.
*Southwest Region (1972): Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
*Caribbean: (1995): Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad, and Antigua, England.
*Future Regions: Africa, Europe, Central, and South America.

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