PURPOSE
The purpose of the IFBA is to serve as a common ground for fire buff, law enforcement, rehab emergency service, firefighting historical groups, other fire service groups, and individuals active in promoting the general welfare of fire departments and other fire service groups, allied emergency services, and their officers and members.
The IFBA forges this common ground through:- Convocation - Coming together in assemblage at the annual convention.
- Community - Sharing values of service, sacrifice, and honor.
- Communication - Maintaining avenues for shared dialogue.
- Consultation - Passing on experience, knowledge, and wisdom.
- Collaboration - Working as a team.
OUR ORIGIN STORY:
There was a cold wind blowing off Lake Michigan that evening in 1953 when members of the Milwaukee Fire Bell Club gathered around a table at a famous Milwaukee, Wisconsin restaurant. Before the evening was over, the idea of connecting fire buff clubs from all over the globe was made concrete with the formation of the International Fire Buff Associates, Incorporated. To further the IFBA’s primary mission as the common ground for these clubs and organizations, the idea of having an annual grand gathering of the clan was born. Shortly thereafter, on October 28, 1953, the IFBA was incorporated as a nonprofit in the State of Wisconsin. Since that time, various member clubs have hosted the IFBA annual convention, bringing members together from all over North America.
NONPROFIT STATUS:
The International Fire Buffs Associates, Inc. is a registered nonprofit (non-stock) corporation in the State of Wisconsin, under Chapter 181 of Wisconsin state statutes. It was first registered on October 28, 1953. Its registration number is 6101333.
