The International Association of Fire Fighters has a new leader just months after the organization's longtime head decided he wouldn't seek reelection.
Edward "Edzo" Kelly was elected as the IAFF's president this week, the group announced Thursday. He previously had served as the IAFF's general secretary-treasurer, and he also had been the president of both Boston's and Massachusetts' firefighters unions.
"I am honored and humbled by the overwhelming support and faith that the IAFF membership has placed in me to serve as the 10th General President in our proud 103-year history," Kelly said in a statement following the election.
Kelly defeated Mahlon Mitchell, the president of Wisconsin's firefighters union, by a vote of 146,727 to 114,518. The results will become official during the IAFF's 55th convention March 10.
"To our brother Mahlon Mitchell, thank you for a hard-fought campaign," Kelly said. "I know you will continue to do great things in Wisconsin, and I wish you the best going forward."
Kelly takes over for Harold Schaitberger, who announced in September that he wouldn't seek reelection. Schaitberger had been IAFF president since 2001, but he faces a federal investigation into allegedly improper pension payments.
Following his victory, Kelly received congratulations and words of support and encouragement from fire departments and IAFF branches around the country.
Boston Fire Fighters, Local 718: "There is no doubt he will fight for every Brother and Sister in OUR IAFF regardless of who they voted for on day one. We are honored to say the next General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters is a Boston Jake. But we are more proud to report that this is a great day for every firefighter and their families across this great International."
The Boston Sparks Association would like to congratulate our friend and Boston Firefighter Edward 'Edzo' Kelly on being elected the new General President of the the International Association of Firefighters!
Posted by Boston Sparks Association on Friday, March 5, 2021
Worcester, MA, Firefighters, Local 1009: "We have no doubt the future of the IAFF is bright with him leading the way."
The Alberta Fire Fighters Association would like to Congratulate Edward Kelly on his election as President of the IAFF....
Posted by Alberta Fire Fighters Association on Thursday, March 4, 2021
Endicott, NY, Fire Department: "Congratulations Edzo "Ed" Kelly, our new IAFF General President!"
I am proud to say Congratulations to Edzo Edward Kelly to be elected General President to the international association...
Posted by John Sarro on Thursday, March 4, 2021
Other IAFF election results include:
- General Secretary-Treasurer: Frank Lima
- 9th District Vice President: Michael “Big Mike” Frainier
- 10th District Vice President:: Stephen Gilman
- 11th District Vice President: R.L. “Sandy” McGhee III
- 16th District Vice President: James B. Johnson
- Region 2 Trustee (Eastern U.S.): Mark Ouellette
