President Joe Biden made history March 6 when he addressed hundreds of IAFF members at the 2023 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference. It was the first time in 25 years that a sitting president spoke at an IAFF conference.
Biden, a longtime supporter of the fire service, expressed his profound appreciation for firefighters and EMS professionals, remarking, “People don’t appreciate you until they need you. When that bell rings … you jump in the truck, no matter what.”
Biden’s commitment to firefighters has been evident throughout his career. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his American Rescue Plan helped cities hire firefighters and avoid massive layoffs. “You all know, the only thing that protects you is more firefighters,” he said to a round of thunderous applause and a standing ovation.