Standing with Atlanta's firefighters for over 50 years.
We are an independent labor organization for sworn Atlanta firefighters and a proud chapter of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters. We stand for peer advocacy, professional equity and service to our community.
Three things we work on every day.
Education
Study sessions and learning opportunities for firefighters, and fire safety education for the public.
Peer advocacy
A collective voice for sworn firefighters, focused on fair treatment and professional growth.
Community involvement
Outreach and events that connect Atlanta residents with the firefighters who serve them.
Who we represent and how we serve.
Sworn firefighters
We provide a collective voice for Atlanta's firefighters, with a focus on fair treatment, professional growth, and a stronger fire service.
Atlanta communities
We work with residents across the city through education, outreach, and events that connect people with the firefighters who serve them.
The next generation
We help people explore fire service careers and create opportunities for firefighters to learn, prepare, and lead.
Over 50 years of showing up.
1969
Founded
Six years after Atlanta hired its first Black firefighters, they organized as Brothers Combined Social Club to press the city for fair hiring, promotion and treatment. Chief William Hamer was the very first president. He was one of the original 16 Black American firefighters hired in 1963, starting at historical Station 16. Because firefighters like him were barred from joining the local firefighters' union, they founded this organization as an independent labor organization to advocate for fair hiring, promotion and working conditions on their own.
1970
IABPFF chapter
The year the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters held its first convention, Atlanta's Black firefighters joined the national movement as a chapter. Membership connected them with Black firefighters across the country who were fighting the same battles over hiring, promotion and fair treatment, and gave Atlanta a voice in a national effort.
2025
City Ordinance
The City of Atlanta formally recognized Progressive as a professional labor organization. The ordinance lets members pay dues through payroll deduction, the same standing other firefighter organizations hold, and puts Progressive on equal footing to represent members' interests with the city.
Today
A permanent labor hall
Under President Tyler Nelson and Vice President Reginald Scott, Progressive keeps pushing for unity: bringing firefighters together across stations, ranks and generations, and working alongside city leaders and fellow organizations for a fire service that reflects and protects every Atlanta neighborhood. Retired Station 22 at 817 Hollywood Road is now our labor hall and community home.
Our community home
PFA Labor Hall.A new chapter for Retired Station 22.
We are restoring Retired Station 22 at 817 Hollywood Road into our labor hall and community center: a gathering place for meetings, mentorship, firefighter training and neighborhood programs.
Interested in partnering, donating building materials, or helping with an event?
Common questions.
- Who does Progressive represent?
- We are a labor organization for sworn firefighters in Atlanta. Contact us if you want to learn more about membership or our work.
- Is Progressive Firefighters of Atlanta a union?
- No. We are an independent labor organization, not a union. We focus on peer advocacy, promotional exam preparation, fair treatment on the job and community service, giving sworn Atlanta firefighters a collective voice and mutual support.
- Is Progressive part of the IABPFF?
- Yes. We are proud to be a chapter of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters.
- Can community members attend events?
- Many of our outreach events are intended for the public. Follow our social channels or email us for details about upcoming opportunities.
- Can my business partner with Progressive?
- Yes. We welcome conversations about supplies, sponsorship, educational events, and support for our labor hall at Retired Station 22. Email us with your idea.
- How do I request EMS support for an event?
- Email your event details to info@progressiveffsatl.org. We can discuss availability, the scope of service, and a quote.
Let's talk.
Membership, partnerships, our labor hall, events or EMS support. Tell us what you have in mind.