IAFF president issues statement after Biden exits presidential race

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

WASHINGTON — International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly released a statement about President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election.

Kelly stated that for 50 years, Biden has been a champion of the union, resulting in the hiring of tens of thousands of firefighters, improving safety and ensuring the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty receive the benefits they deserve.

“He is undoubtedly the greatest president firefighters and emergency medical workers have ever had,” Kelly stated, adding that the union membership will forever be in his debt.

Trending

Health & Wellness

Mo. first responders confront trauma, alcohol culture through peer support

As KCFD handles about 400 calls a day, the union-run program 42 CARES offers confidential counseling for firefighters coping with cumulative trauma

October 17, 2026 08:00 AM

Legal Issues

Man sues Calif. FD after fire truck ran him over outside station

A homeless man who suffered a lacerated spleen and broken back after a Richmond Fire Department truck ran him over alleges firefighters failed to check for obstructions before leaving the station

October 17, 2026 12:00 PM

Arson/Investigation

Calif. man dressed as firefighter arrested for allegedly spreading active vegetation fire

A Humboldt County man was arrested on suspicion of recklessly starting a fire and remains a person of interest in two other recent fires

October 18, 2026 07:21 AM

Technology

Calif. FD to test software simulating wildfire response

Orange County Fire Authority’s new partnership lets commanders model how actions like containment lines affect a fire’s spread, while a separate $300,000 FireWERX competition seeks technology to track firefighters working in remote areas with unreliable communications

October 18, 2026 07:21 AM