Vermont State Firefighters’ Association
An organization with a purpose.
The Association shall have as its primary objective at all times to serve its constituents in the best possible manner, preserving life, limb, and property.
To promote membership of all members of fire departments, rescue and ambulance squads, and to solicit their participation in training, public education, and to promote fellowship among it's members.
To promote the best methods and procedures of fire and rescue training for fire, emergency, and comparable organizations.
To cooperate with any organization and agencies for the general improvement of safety for the public.
To promote and support all legislation that will make Vermont a safer place to live, through the efforts of the fire, rescue/ambulance services.
About the VSFA
The association has a long and rich history of serving the interests of the firefighters in the state. Over the years the association has been the driving force for many of the states fire related laws and has acted as the birthplace for many of the fire related programs that firefighters in the state know today. The association continues to work hard to identify and address the needs of the firefighters in Vermont’s rural fire departments.
During our history the association has seen many changes. However, the interests of our members who give so generously of their time and talents to Vermont's citizens and communities are always the foremost in our efforts.
The VSFA is an organization of firefighters and rescue personnel both active and retired. The association has over 4,000 members throughout the entire state. Our diverse membership allows the VSFA to capitalize on the technical expertise and special skills that firefighters have to support our mission of providing for the improvement of the fire service and the general enhancement of public safety in the state.
The association is led by Officers and an Executive Board. The Association also has numerous active committees, which work on a variety of fire related issues. Association committees also provide: programs, benefits, and support to the 236 fire departments throughout Vermont. The association also serves as the focal point, a voice, and a network for firefighters in the state.
Funding for all association programs are entirely provided through donations and yearly association membership dues.
The association continues to work hard to identify and address the needs of the firefighters in Vermont’s fire departments. However, any association is only as strong as its active membership. We have been very fortunate in the past to have people who were willing to roll up their sleeves and work on the major issues which face all of us in the Vermont fire service.
Formation of the VSFA
The Vermont State Firefighters' Association is one of the oldest firefighter's organizations in the country. It was organized by small group of Vermont firefighters in the mid 1800s. The firemen from different fire companies would get together to discuss fires and prevention. The group decided there needed to be a statewide organization of firefighters.
On November 7, 1890 The Vermont State Firemen's Association was officially formed by legislative Act # 148 which was passed by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont. The first meeting of VSFA was held in the village of Rutland, in September, 1891, and was called by: Robert S. Drysdale, Fdwin D. Moore, George Dunton, John H. Donnelly, John Shea, C. F. Little and W. B. Witters.
Contact Us
Please reach out with any questions, someone will follow up with you shortly after! If you’re looking for specific information regarding membership, let us know with the contact form. If you’re looking for information on applying for a VSFA license plate, please see our home page. There is a link to the application and information on obtaining a membership verification letter.