Watch Video of Representative John Lewis

January 28, 2010 – Attendees at the 2010 Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference enjoyed inspirational stories and advice from distinguished presenters in the fields of civil rights, diversity and conflict resolution. More than 300 fire fighters from throughout the United States and Canada came together in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, January 24-27, 2010, to celebrate the progress that has been made toward making the fire service more inclusive and to honestly discuss the long road that still lies ahead.

Conference participants heard first-hand from one of the most instrumental players in the Civil Rights Movement, U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA), who kicked-off the conference with a moving speech in which he recalled his first meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His story about the life-changing mission he undertook to fight for equality set the course for an energetic, productive Conference that embraced the theme: Change! Together…Yes We Can!

Also during the meeting, leaders from affinity organizations and the labor movement participated in a town-hall style meeting. Representatives from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services and the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters shared their perspectives in a frank conversation about the progress and challenges toward greater equality in the fire service. This forum gave participants the opportunity to learn about how the labor movement is working together to collectively support the changing face of the fire service.

Conflict resolution was the focus of a general session with internationally noted conflict mediator and negotiator Bill Lincoln, who shared his expertise on breaking down the barriers between negotiation parties to create contracts that satisfy both sides and foster a sense of reliability between labor and management.

Also at the Conference, Sherwood Smith of Greater Kansas City, MO Local 42 was elected to serve on the Elected Human Relations Committee, representing black fire fighters on the committee through the term ending in 2012.

The Conference offered 35 workshops, including new sessions addressing generational differences and building more effective unions. Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Conference and left with a renewed spirit to embrace the role that an effective human relations program can play in fostering a sense of community within their locals, departments and the residents they service. The next Human Relations Conference is planned for January 2012 when the IAFF will celebrate 25 years of continued commitment toward broadening the scope of solidarity within the fire service.

January 20, 2010 -- Following the retirement of IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Vincent J. Bollon on January 15, 2010, the IAFF Executive Board – in accordance with the IAFF Constitution and Bylaws – has elected Thomas H. Miller, to finish the term.

“Tommy Miller has demonstrated his ability to lead on the local, state and international levels of this great union,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “I have no doubt he will continue to be an invaluable asset to our members in his new capacity as General Secretary-Treasurer.”

Miller says, “As I take on this new position of General Secretary-Treasurer, I am mindful of the awesome responsibility of the duties that come with it. I look forward to providing this higher level of service to our members.”

The newly-elected General Secretary-Treasurer joined the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1968, retiring in 2005 at the rank of captain. Showing an early commitment to the IAFF, he was elected a trustee of the Indianapolis, IN Local 416 in 1971, and elected vice president in 1974.

In 1978, Miller was elected as president of the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana (PFFUI), and served until 2002. While still serving as PFFUI president, he also began serving as IAFF 8th District Vice President – representing Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan – in 2000. With more than 700 locals, the 8th District is the second-largest District in the IAFF.

Miller was appointed by former Governor Robert Orr to the Police Officers and Firefighters Pension and Disability Fund Advisory Board. He was reappointed by four successive governors and became chairman of the advisory board in 1990.

He also served as an advisor to numerous Indianapolis mayors and governors and other legislators on matters of public safety, pensions, labor contracts and other fire service and union issues.

Miller also served two tours of duty in Vietnam while in the U.S. Navy as a sailor aboard the U.S.S Tioga County.