A Legacy of Service Since 1936
The Tucson Fire Fighters Association, Local 479, has been a cornerstone of the Tucson fire service for nearly a century. Officially established in 1936 as a chartered local of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 479 holds a unique distinction in Arizona history; it was the first organized fire fighter union in the state, setting the standard for fire fighter representation across the region.
From those early beginnings, the association has grown steadily alongside the city it protects. Today, Local 479 represents more than 600 members, including personnel from the Tucson Fire Department and a chapter within the Tucson Airport Authority; a testament to the trust and solidarity that has defined the organization since its founding.
At its core, Local 479 exists to advocate for the safety, rights, and working conditions of every member it represents. That mission has never wavered. Over the decades, the association has built strong partnerships with community organizations and local stakeholders, extending its reach well beyond the firehouse and into the neighborhoods and families that Tucson's fire fighters are sworn to protect.
Local 479's legacy is one of service, brotherhood, and dedication; values that guide its members not only on the job, but in the community as well. Through charitable fundraising and ongoing civic involvement, the association continues to honor the tradition established by those who came before, ensuring that Local 479 remains as relevant and committed today as it was when it first organized nearly 90 years ago.