The origins of the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association date back to the fall of 1968 — a time marked by civil unrest and major changes in public-sector labor law.

York City Fire Chief Robert W. Little, Jr. invited his counterparts from Harrisburg and Lancaster to meet at the Yorktowne Hotel in downtown York to discuss shared challenges. Among the most pressing issues were firefighter safety during civil disturbances and the impact of Pennsylvania’s Act 111, which introduced collective bargaining and binding arbitration for public safety employees.
That initial meeting led to the formation of the Tri-City Fire Chiefs Association. By 1969, the chiefs were meeting quarterly, sharing strategies on safety, labor relations, and departmental operations.

Notably, the City of York and IAFF Local 627 reached the first firefighter contract in Pennsylvania settled through binding arbitration under Act 111.

Throughout the 1970s, the organization expanded to include additional third-class cities such as Reading and Lebanon, eventually becoming known as the Third-Class Cities Fire Chiefs Association. Membership remained exclusive to management-level fire officers, ensuring open dialogue on leadership, labor negotiations, and operational strategy.

Growth accelerated in the 1980s and 1990s, with more cities joining and quarterly meetings becoming full-day, rotating events featuring operational briefings, labor updates, apparatus discussions, and site tours of unique fire protection challenges.

A major turning point came in 2000 when invitations were extended statewide to career fire departments with full-time chiefs. This expansion brought in municipalities across western Pennsylvania, transforming the organization into what is now the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association.

Today, the PACFCA includes more than 150 active chief officers, continuing a legacy of collaboration that began with just three chiefs meeting during one of the most turbulent periods in Pennsylvania’s modern history.

“The knowledge and experience of our retirees are invaluable, and their legacy will always remain an important part of our association,” stated President Thomas O’Donnell. “Their leadership, mentorship, and dedication to professional excellence have helped build the strong foundation upon which we continue to grow today.”