History

On March 13, 1939, the fire fighters reorganized as Local #617 of the IAFF. On November 8, 1939, the city manager proposed, and the council approved, the retaining of Article 403 of the revised Code of the City of Dallas. This code stated “it shall hereafter be unlawful for any member of the Police or Fire Department to become member of any labor union or organization which might in any way conflict with his duty to the city.” The city manager further proposed that by November 23, 1939, fire fighters had to choose between the union and city employment. In response, the IAFF sent Vice President Peris and Secretary-Treasurer Richardson to Dallas to attempt to mediate the situation. On November 15, 1939, the U.S. Department of Labor sent in Joseph S. Myers, a conciliator who had effect on the city’s position. A public meeting was held and nearly 1,000 citizens attended and backed the fire fighters.

On November 22, 1939, a final plea was made before the city council but to no avail. Secretary-Treasurer Richardson revoked the charter of Local #617 on the grounds that the laws of the state and city ordinance had always governed the IAFF. From November 22, 1939 until 1957, Dallas fire fighters were not organized, nor affiliated with the IAFF.