York Professional Fire Fighters Assn.
Local No. 627, International Association of Fire Fighters

The Retired Fire Fighters Association of Local 627 was formed on December 1, 1965 with the purpose of continuing the friendship and brotherhood of former firefighters who have left the active service of the city, and to upgrade the pension and benefits of both the active and retired firefighters.

The original officers of the association were: John Schweiger, President; Luther Schaeffer, Vice President; Harry Miller, Secterary; and Chester Hartman, Treasurer.

The first important action taken by the organization was the formation of a committee to improve the existing pension. The committee worked with the pension board, the city administration and York City Council. An ordinance was passed in May of 1969 to increase the pensions of individual members up to 50% of the pay scale of an active firefighter.

In June of 1970 we requested that York City Council allow one of our members to sit as a representative on the board of the York City Paid Firemen's Pension Fund. The request was approved within five days, and Donald Gross was named as our representative.

The primary objective of the organization through the years has been the continuation of providing a fair pension to retired firefighters, and much work has been accomplished to ensure this. Regular meetings of the organization occur in January, April, July and October of each year.