We are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters(IAFF), the driving force behind nearly every advance in the fire and emergency services in the 21st century. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario, the IAFF represents more than 316,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics in more than 3,400 affiliates. IAFF members protect more than 85 percent of the population in communities throughout the United States and Canada.
Since 1918, members of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters have been on the frontlines protecting lives and property of citizens across the Buckeye State – just as the OAPFF has been there to protect the interests and health and safety of those first responders. Over the years, the profession of fire fighting has expanded to include EMS and rapid response to virtually every emergency, natural and man made. Accordingly, the OAPFF has increased its services to meet the growing needs of our members.
While professional fire fighters are on the job, serving their communities, the OAPFF is on the frontline for them. Whether it is defending and protecting fire fighters and their issues at the Statehouse in Columbus or providing assistance and guidance to local unions for fights in their hometown, the OAPFF is prepared, equipped and committed. The OAPFF has gained a well-earned reputation as an effective advocate for its members at every level. We win because we operate as a team. From our Executive Board and strong staff, to hard working dedicated local affiliate leaders and our members, the OAPFF’s effectiveness stems from commitment and unity. This State Association is always ready to assist our affiliates in accomplishing their missions. This guide is one more step to ensure that we provide the best services and assistance possible. You deserve no less.
Click within the different districts below for more details
Jon Harvey was elected as president of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters at the OAPFF 53rd Convention in May 2022. Jon joined the Middletown Fire Department (MFD) as a Fire Fighter / Paramedic in 1995. He currently serves as MFD Captain at Station 81, where he heads the city’s Hazardous Materials Response team and is the co-chair of the Butler Co. Reginal Haz Mat team. Harvey got involved with union service early in his career. First serving as trustee, then vice president, and eventually being elected as President of IAFF Local Union 336 (the birthplace of the OAPFF). Because of the hard work he put in with his local union he was appointed to the OAPFF Legislative Committee where he served until being elected by his peers as the OAPFF’s 4th District Vice President for 12 years.
Harvey has an impressive fire fighter and union resume’ including an associate degree in Fire Science as well as being certified with the state of Ohio as a Fire Safety Inspector, Fire Instructor, Rescue Technician (water, ice, trench, and confined space) and Fire Officer I, II and III. At a national union level, he has proudly attended the IAFF Political Training Academy, Redmond Health and Safety Symposium/Barbera EMS Conference, Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference, IAFF PEP Program and IAFF Field Service Representative Training (which he used to organize 17 locals into the IAFF and OAPFF). On the state union level Jon has been a featured speaker at multiple OAPFF seminars including the OAPFF Winter Educational Seminar, OAPFF Health and Safety Seminar and OAPFF Fire Ops 101. In his role as OAPFF 4th District Vice President, Harvey was proud to be a member of the leadership teams that saw the successful repeal of Senate Bill 5 and the passage of SB 27, the “Michael Louis Palumbo, Jr.” Act (presumptive cancer legislation) in Ohio.
Rich was hired by the City of Springfield Fire-Rescue Division in 2008 and immediately became a proud member of Springfield Professional Fire Fighters Local 333. He participated in various committees within the local, served as local Secretary, and President of the union hall. In his 8 years as Secretary, he worked to modernize the overall organization and improve communications within Local 333. Rich currently holds the rank of Lieutenant within the Fire-Rescue Division.
His involvement with the OAPFF began shortly after becoming a member of Local 333. Since then, he has served on various state committees, and was a charter member of the OAPFF Peer Support team. In 2018, Rich was elected to the position of OAPFF Trustee. While serving 3 terms as Trustee, he provided fiscal oversight of the organization’s entire finances, improved the organization’s banking operations, and streamlined the audit process. In 2024 Rich was elected to the position of OAPFF Secretary-Treasurer by members from all over Ohio at the 54 th Biennial Conference in Hamilton, Ohio.
Mark Sanders is the IAFF 8th District Vice President which includes Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. Mark is the former OAPFF President serving from 2004-2016. He is also past Legislative Director of the OAPFF. Mark sits on the Technical Committee for NFPA 1710, which has set industry standards for career fire department staffing and deployment. Sanders began his career as a professional fire fighter in Marion in 1981. Tough times in Marion forced the city to lay off many fire fighters in 1983 including Mark. Looking to further his career as a professional fire fighter, Sanders became a member of the Cincinnati Fire Department in 1984. Mark comes from a long line of strong union advocates. His mother was local Secretary/Treasurer of her letter carriers union for 32 years and his father, Lefty, is a past OAPFF President. So it is no surprise that with the Cincinnati Fire Department Mark began his ascent to local leadership. From Trustee to Recording Secretary and VP, Sanders was elected Local 48 President in 1994.
Family, as well as union activism, is important to Mark. He spends much of his free time with his wife, Diane, two adult children and three grandchildren . Sanders is also the driver of a Father-Son NHRA drag racing team.
