FIRE FIGHTERS

AFFILIATED WITH THE

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF FIRE FIGHTERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I -- NAME, OBJECTIVE, MISSION, & PURPOSE 

SECTION  1.  This organization shall be known as the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters and shall be affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters. 

SECTION  2.  The objective of this association shall be to cultivate a closer feeling of friendship and fellowship among the professional Fire Fighters of the State of Virginia.  The promotion of legislation to advance the interest of Fire Fighters, the establishment of a civil service law to protect the Fire Fighters in their positions, and the establishment of the right to collective bargaining for the professional Fire Fighters in every fire department in the State of Virginia. 

SECTION  3.  The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters stands unequivocally opposed to discrimination in hiring, promoting, as well as, in all other employment related conditions.  This includes harassment because of race, color, creed, national origin, sex or by reason of disability.  The VPFF believes that discrimination can best be stopped in both its open and hidden forms by encouraging all people to live by the principle that every person is entitled to the same basic rights regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or by reason of disability.  Furthermore, that all individuals, whether they be members or not are entitled to full equality under the law.  The VPFF firmly believes that it cannot operate effectively as an organization unless it commits itself to eliminating the practice of discrimination and harassment in the fire service.  It is the commitment of the VPFF, its officers, directors, and each fire fighter, paramedic, and EMT to ENSURE THAT ALL BROTHER AND SISTER MEMBERS RECEIVE FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT AT ALL TIMES. 

SECTION  4.  The mission of this organization is to effectively organize and represent the interests of the members of the VPFF through responsive membership service and through organized legislative activities.

SECTION  5.  The purpose of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters is to continually strive for an enhanced quality of life for its membership and their families and the continued safety of the citizens that they serve. 

ARTICLE II ------ MEMBERSHIP 

SECTION  1.  The membership of the organization shall be composed of such local unions in the State of Virginia as are chartered and affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters, also individual paid Fire Fighters in any city or town in the State of Virginia as provided and defined in Article XIV, Section 3, of the International Association Constitution. 

SECTION  2.  Any person may be elected to honorary membership by a majority vote of the delegates of this association in convention assembled for meritorious service to the Association or distinguished public service.

ARTICLE III ----- OFFICERS  

SECTION  1.  The officers of this association shall consist of a President, seven (7) Vice-Presidents, Secretary-Treasurer, a Board of Director member to represent each local affiliated with this association and three (3) Trustees. 

SECTION 2.  The President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary-Treasurer and Trustees shall be elected by the duly accredited delegates at each biennial convention.  A majority vote by secret, written ballot shall be necessary to elect.  They shall be elected for a term of two (2) years and be installed at each biennial convention of this association and take office  on the 1st month following the election. Should any of these positions be vacated by death, illness, or resignation during the term of office, that position shall be filled at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting by a majority vote by secret, written ballot of those Board Members present and voting their per capita strength (See Article XIV).  The individual elected shall serve in that position for the remainder of that term.  The Board of Directors to represent each local affiliated with this association on the Executive Board shall be confirmed by their respective local by a method of that local's choosing, to the secretary-treasurer of this association within 30 days of the convention and shall serve on the executive board for a two (2) year term.  Should a board of director position be vacated during its term, the local of question shall submit and confirm a new representative to the Secretary-Treasurer by the next scheduled executive board meeting.

SECTION  3. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, seven (7) Vice-Presidents and the Secretary Treasurer. 

SECTION 4.  The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, seven (7) Vice Presidents, Secretary-Treasurer, and a   representative from each member Local. 

SECTION  5.   The position of President Emeritus is hereby established.  This position shall carry with it ex-officio lifetime membership in the VPFF and automatic selection as Delegates-at-large to each of its conventions.  The duty of these positions shall be the same as outlined by the IAFF Constitution and By-laws Article V, Sections 7, 8, 9 and any other duties as assigned by the President of the VPFF. 

SECTION  6.   The position of Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus is hereby established.  This position will be occupied by D. Duane Dixon effective June 1, 2002.  This position shall carry with it ex-officio lifetime membership in the VPFF and automatic selection as Delegates-at-large to each of its conventions.  The duty of these positions shall be the same as outlined by the IAFF Constitution and By-laws Article V, Sections 7, 8, 9 and any other duties as assigned by the President of the VPFF. 

SECTION  7.   The position of Vice President Emeritus is hereby established. This position shall carry with it ex-officio lifetime membership in the VPFF and automatic selection  as Delegates-at-large to each of its conventions.  The duty of these positions shall be the same as outlined by the IAFF Constitution and By-laws Article V, Sections 7, 8, 9 and any other duties as assigned by the President of the VPFF. 

SECTION  8. The Secretary-Treasurer shall preserve for two years the ballots and all other records pertaining to election of officers. 

SECTION  9.  The minutes of the tri-annual Board of Directors meetings shall be recorded and sent to all presidents and secretaries of the locals of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters. 

ARTICLE IV ------ CONVENTION (VPFF) 

SECTION  1.  This association shall assemble in convention every two (2) years in the month of May, in a different city to be selected by the convention delegates of each prior convention.  The convention date shall be set at the discretion of the host local subject to the approval of the executive committee.  Effective June 1, 1976 any action taken by the VPFF at the convention shall become effective the 1st day of the month following the adjournment of the convention. 

SECTION  2.  Representation in the convention shall be as follows:

A Local with a membership of twenty-five (25) or less shall be entitled to two (2) delegates.

Locals with a membership from twenty-six (26) to one hundred (100), three (3) delegates.

Locals with a membership from one hundred on (101)to two hundred (200), four (4) delegates.

Locals with a membership from two hundred one (201) to three hundred (300), five (5) delegates.

Locals with a membership from three hundred one (301) to four hundred (400), six (6) delegates.

Locals with a membership from four hundred one (401) to five hundred (500), seven (7) delegates.

Locals with a membership from five hundred one (501) to six hundred (600), nine (9) delegates.

Locals with a membership from six hundred one (601) to seven hundred (700), ten (10) delegates.

Locals with a membership from seven hundred one (701) to eight hundred (800), eleven (11) delegates.

Locals with a membership from eight hundred one (801) to nine hundred (900), twelve (12) delegates.

Locals with a membership from nine hundred one (901) to one thousand (1000), fourteen (14) delegates. 

SECTION  3.  No VPFF officer shall have more than one (1) vote in convention and they shall not be permitted to vote by proxy.

SECTION  4. Local unions, with 25 members or less, who do not send a delegate to the convention may be represented by giving it's proxy to another local or to the director of its own local.  No local may, in addition to its own delegate representation, accept proxies to represent membership in excess of 25.  Proxies must be in written form with the local's seal and should be submitted to the Credentials Committee upon arrival at the convention by the director of said local or the director of the local being given the proxy.  Proxy voting will be allowed only in roll call vote and the election of officers.  A delegate must be a member in good standing with the local he represents. 

SECTION  5.  Locals entitled to more than one delegate may send less than their authorized number and on roll call votes and election of officers any one (1) or total such delegates present and voting may cast the entire vote to which the local is entitled.  (See Article XIV) 

SECTION  6.  No member of this association other than a duly accredited delegate of VPFF officer shall be entitled to vote in convention. 

SECTION  7.  Representation shall be based on the average amount of monthly per capita tax paid by an affiliated local during the fiscal year preceding convention. 

SECTION  8.  Alternate delegates may be seated in the absence of regular delegates upon the presentation of proper credentials.

SECTION  9.  To be entitled to representation in convention, locals must have per capita tax paid on its full membership up to one (1) month prior to the date of convening of convention. 

SECTION 10.  A competent stenographer shall be obtained to take the minutes of each convention and write them up as a record. 

SECTION 11.  All credentials should be sent out sixty (60) days before convention and received thirty (30) days prior to the convention. 

SECTION 12.  All committees are to be appointed and notified fifteen (15) days prior to convention.  All pertinent information to said committee must be presented to each committee at this time.

ARTICLE V ------ FISCAL YEAR AND REVENUE 

SECTION  1.  The fiscal year of this association shall run from May 1st to April 30th. 

SECTION  2.  The revenue for this association shall be derived as follows:  Each affiliated local shall pay to the VPFF Secretary-Treasurer, a per capita tax of $2.82 (effective 5-1-2005) per member per month.  Per Capita shall be charged and payable on all active members in good standing, retired members dues are one half (1/2) of active members dues.  A one time initiation fee equal to two times the monthly VPFF per capita tax shall be paid by each local to the VPFF Secretary-Treasurer on each member added to its membership. 

SECTION  3.  Special assessments shall be levied only by referendum of the entire membership, voting in secret ballot, whenever it becomes absolutely necessary to carry on our organizational work. 

SECTION  4.  Initiation fees, Reinstatement fees, dues, or special assessments shall be set in accordance with section 8, Article XIV of the International Constitution which states a majority vote is required for adoption.  Honorary members are excluded from any dues payments. 

ARTICLE VI ------ SUSPENSIONS 

SECTION  1.  Any local accepting new members into its organization and not reporting same to the secretary-treasurer of this association and not paying per capita tax on the same, shall be deemed as violating the membership agreement on this association and shall be subject to suspension from this association. 

SECTION  2.  Any local affiliated with this association which fails to pay its per capita tax for a period of three (3) months shall be suspended from membership in this association.  Any local remaining suspended for an additional three (3) months automatically forfeits its affiliation and privileges in this association. 

SECTION  3.   The suspended local may be reinstated in the association upon payment of all arrearage providing however, that in exceptional cases, the president with the consent of the executive board, shall have the power to remit such arrearage when circumstances warrant such action. 

SECTION  4.  The Board of Directors is here-by vested with the authority to revoke the membership of any affiliated local whenever, upon evidence satisfactory to the majority of the executive committee, it is shown that the local has been guilty of disloyalty or where it's actions have been adverse or detrimental to the welfare of the membership of this association. 

SECTION  5.  The Board of Directors shall report in detail all of the evidence upon which it revokes the membership of any local and said local shall have the right to appeal to the convention of this association to have such action of the executive committee set aside.

ARTICLE VII --- MISCONDUCT AND PENALTIES,

CHARGES, TRIALS, AND APPEALS 

SECTION  1.  Article XV through XVIII of the International Association of Fire Fighters Constitution shall be recognized as the official procedures governing recognized charges of misconduct that may be filed against a member or officer of this association, method of preferring charges, penalties, trial and appeals. 

ARTICLE VIII ------ DUTIES OF OFFICERS 

SECTION  1.  The duties of the President shall be to preside over all meetings or conventions of this association.  He shall have the authority to appoint all committees and shall be a member, ex-officio of said committees.  He shall submit to each convention a written report of all his official acts during the period intervening since the preceding convention.  He shall perform all other duties that this association shall require of him.  He shall be chairman of the executive committee at least every four (4) months beginning within the 4th month after the conclusion of the biennial convention month (Effective date is 1/1/89).  Meetings will be held in various regions of the state as determined by the board of directors.  He shall further call a meeting of the executive committee and board of trustees on the day immediately prior to convening of the biennial convention of this association.  The president shall appoint a public relation chairman, a legislative chairman, an education and seminar chairman and a legislative editor/reporter, and they shall be ex-officio members of the executive board and shall carry no vote by virtue of their office. 

SECTION  2. It shall be the duties of the Vice-Presidents to serve as representatives of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters in their respective districts and may advise local unions and other subordinate bodies in such districts regarding Virginia Professional Fire Fighters policy and procedure.  They shall make available their professional and technical skill and experience to such local unions and other subordinate bodies in such districts regarding VPFF policy and procedure.  They shall also organize and install officers of newly chartered local unions.  They shall attend all conventions, meetings of the Executive Board and Board of Directors meetings.  Each of the Vice Presidents shall present a report of his/her official acts and work during his/her term of office to each regular convention of the Association.  In addition to the foregoing, each Vice President shall exercise authority and perform such other duties as are additionally prescribed in this Constitution and By-Laws or which may be delegated or assigned to him/her by the Executive Board or by the convention delegates. 

SECTION  3.   It shall be the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer to keep a record of all proceedings and all other records of this association.  He shall keep a record of all memberships of each local and the name and address of the secretary of each local.  He shall be the custodian of the Official Seal.  He shall provide a financial statement to all members of the executive committee at the tri-annual meetings.  He shall submit in writing to the convention of this association a report of all his official acts during the period intervening since the preceding convention.  He shall be the custodian of all money received.  He shall receive and deposit all money received from the affiliated locals.  He shall submit a written report, to the convention of this association of all money received and disbursed.  He shall be bonded at all times in compliance with Article XIV, Section 9 of the International Association of Fire Fighters Constitution.  It will be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer to help coordinate each biennial convention with the local or locals who has been voted on by the previous convention to host the convention.  He shall help with the finances by collecting the registration fees and paying the bills of the convention through a separate checking account (Misc. Account).  He will help the local to forecast the cost of the convention and to come up with a recommendation to the board of directors at the January board meeting. 

SECTION  4.  It shall be the duties of the Board of Trustees to check the records and audit the financial books of this association each year in the month of May.  They shall have the authority to demand a financial statement from the secretary-treasurer, with his signature, of the financial status of the funds of this association. 

SECTION  5.  All officers of this association shall discharge on behalf of this association such duties as may be imposed upon him by applicable law including and execution and filing of any reports to the federal or state authorities, and he shall cause to be maintained by this association such records as the law requires to be kept in support of records filed by it. 

SECTION  6.  No person shall be eligible to hold any office or to be a member of any committee unless that person is a member in good standing in this association. 

SECTION  7.  The Board of Directors shall supervise all of the business of this association not otherwise provided for.  One third of the member locals shall constitute a quorum. 

SECTION  8.  Reports of all officers shall be in the hands of the secretary-treasurer not later than one week before the convention of this association. 

SECTION  9.  The Board of Directors shall cause to be conducted an annual pay and benefits survey and submit the results to each member local upon its completion. 

ARTICLE IX ---- EXPENSES OF OFFICERS

AND GRATUITIES 

SECTION  1. The members of this association conducting business on behalf of the association shall have all their expenses paid. 

SECTION  2.  All claims for expenses shall be made out in an itemized form and be presented to the Secretary-Treasurer for payment. 

SECTION  3.  The President and Secretary-Treasurer shall be granted an annual gratuity of $9,600.00 and the Vice Presidents an annual gratuity of $2,400.00. 

ARTICLE X ----- INITIATIVE REFERENDUM AND RECALL 

SECTION  1. Initiative referendum may be had by petition of eight (8) locals under the rules provided by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XI ------ AMENDMENTS 

SECTION  1.  This constitution and the by-laws made under its provisions may be amended only by a two-thirds (2/3's) vote of the delegates present at the biennial convention of this association or by a two-thirds (2/3's) vote of the executive committee meeting in non-convention years or by two-thirds (2/3's) vote of the entire membership voting in secret ballot referendum.

ARTICLE XII ----- ACKNOWLEDGMENT OR

JURISDICTION OF INTERNATIONAL

SECTION  1.  This State Association, it's officers, representatives and members, shall recognize, observe and be bound by the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws of the International Association of Fire Fighters and the interpretations rendered by the International General President, Board or officers of the International Association when made in conformity with the authority granted by the Constitution and By-Laws of the established by the delegates at convention.  Article XIV of the Constitution and By-Laws of the International Association is recognized as providing the basic rules governing this State Association. 

SECTION  2.  None of the provisions of this constitution and by-laws shall be in conflict with any of the provisions of the International Constitution and By-Laws and after adoption by the membership but prior to printing or issuance this constitution and by-laws shall be submitted to the International General President for his approval.  Any proposed amendments, revisions or modifications to this constitution and by-laws shall likewise be submitted for his approval to the International General President prior to printing and issuance.

ARTICLE XIII ----- FUND RAISING OF LOCALS 

SECTION  1.  That no Local shall actively solicit citizens for any type of fund raising project within the governmental boundaries of any nearby or adjacent subdivision that is represented by a member local of this association.  That such solicitation shall be allowed is so approved by the principal officers of the local involved. 

SECTION  2.  Any local sponsoring a fund drive should be required to print plainly the full name of the organization and local number on literature, billboards, handbills, and or other advertisement used in the fund drive.

ARTICLE XIV ----- VOTING 

SECTION  1. Voting strength shall be based on the average amount of monthly per capita tax paid by an affiliated local during the fiscal year preceding convention and used this way only on roll call vote and in any election of officers. 

ARTICLE XV ----- SPECIAL MEETINGS 

SECTION  1.  Whenever the President receives a written petition over the signatures of at least fifty percent (50%) of the directors for a special meeting, setting forth the reasons for such a meeting, he shall within one (1) week notify the directors and calls such a meeting to be held within thirty (30) calendar days.  The notice for a special meeting shall state the business to be considered at the meeting, and no business other than that stated will be in order at the meeting. 

ARTICLE XVI -- VOLUNTEERS IN MINIMUM STAFFING 

SECTION  1.  It shall be the policy of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters prohibiting the use of volunteers in minimum staffing requirement and that if volunteers are to be used, they are to be used strictly as supplemental staffing.

 *BY-LAWS* 

NUMBER  1.  The Secretary-Treasurer may maintain a petty cash fund of $50.00.  He shall keep a record of funds drawn from this account and certify each withdrawal with a receipt. 

NUMBER  2. All checks drawn on the association funds shall be issued by the Secretary-Treasurer and countersigned by the President or with the President's permission, a Vice-President or Board of Director member located within the same local union as the Secretary-Treasurer.   

NUMBER  3.  The President and/or his designate shall attend, as a delegate by virtue of his office, all labor conventions and meetings of state affiliates of this association.  Unless otherwise directed by action of convention of this association or action of the Board of Directors, if any additional delegates are to be sent to which this association is entitled, the Secretary-Treasurer, a Vice President, or a person designated by the President of this association shall fill those spots. 

NUMBER  4.  The President and Secretary-Treasurer by virtue of their office, shall be delegates to the International Association of Fire Fighters Convention and this information shall be printed on the ballot for election of officers at each election time.  The alternate delegate by virtue of his election shall be a Vice President, if needed. 

NUMBER 5.  The Secretary-Treasurer shall receive information from each state association board of director member tri-annually prior to receiving payment of expenses, pertaining to news of each affiliated local.  Each director shall submit to the Secretary-Treasurer in writing the tri-annually report at that tri-annually meeting.   

NUMBER 6.  The President shall be responsible for appointing the credentials committee for each convention of this association at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the Convention. 

NUMBER 7.  All VPFF officers, local union delegates or local union intending to submit resolutions for adoption at any convention of this association, shall send a copy of such resolution to the Secretary-Treasurer.  Such copy must be received thirty (30) days prior to the Board of Directors meeting scheduled on the day preceding the convention.  Resolutions not meeting this requirement shall be allowed only by motion from the floor to refer such resolution to committee and requires a unanimous vote for this action. 

NUMBER 8.  The Secretary-Treasurer will assist the convention committee of the host local establish the registration fee.  The Secretary-Treasurer of the VPFF will assist in with the coordination and oversee the convention committee to help them stay within the finances of the registration fees.  The board of directors of the VPFF shall consider the recommendation of the convention committee and set the registration fee for the state convention at the tri-annual meeting preceding the state convention. 

NUMBER 9.  BONDING OF SECRETARY-TREASURER:  All officers and employees of the state association who handle funds or property of the association shall be bonded in such amounts as may be required by the board of Trustees and the International Secretary-Treasurer in compliance with applicable law, the expenses of which bonding shall be borne by the International on the first $2,500 of bond and that the cost of any additional bond that may be necessary is borne by the affiliate.