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

Fire Department Management

N.Y. village hires 20 part-time firefighters as volunteer ranks shrink

Minoa added 20 paid firefighters to bolster daytime coverage after its volunteer ranks fell from about 80 members to 30, with fewer than 20 regularly responding

September 17, 2026 08:02 AM

Fireground Operations

No working hydrants complicate firefighter response to Alaska cruise dock fire

Firefighters shuttled an estimated 161,000 gallons of water to the Whittier cruise ship terminal blaze, which significantly damaged the 137-foot Klondike Express

September 16, 2026 10:15 AM

September 11, 2001

Bipartisan bill seeks FEMA reimbursement for 9/11 first responder pensions

The bipartisan measure would seek an estimated $3.1 billion from FEMA for pension payments tied to 9/11-related deaths and disabilities among firefighters, police officers and other public employees

September 16, 2026 12:03 PM

Health & Wellness

NREMT launches study to track long-term health effects of fire, EMS careers

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers will study the cumulative effects of harmful exposures, workplace violence, injuries and psychological stress on firefighters and EMS providers

September 17, 2026 06:39 AM

 · 

FireRescue1 Staff