Since 1965, the Metro Chiefs has proudly represented the world’s leading fire and emergency service professionals, uniting leaders from metropolitan areas worldwide to address the unique challenges faced by large urban area departments.
Metro brings together fire chiefs from all over the world, reflecting the global nature of fire and emergency service challenges. Metro members belong to both the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and membership is exclusive to the single highest-ranking uniform officer (Chief of Department/Commissioner) of jurisdictions with a minimum staffing of 350 fully paid career firefighters. International membership is available to jurisdictions outside the United States and Canada with populations greater than 750,000 residents.
As a Metro Chiefs member, you’ll gain access to a robust network of peers dedicated to mutual support and the sharing of best practices. Both active and retired members often turn to this network for insights, solutions, and guidance, drawing on the experience of professionals across generations.
Access to senior leadership from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), IAFC, NFPA, and IAFF.
All benefits of IAFC membership: iafc.org/membership/member-benefits.
All benefits of NFPA membership: nfpa.org/Membership/Member-Benefits.
Timely information on federal legislative matters, which may affect the fire service, as well as your department.
Opportunity to become a member of the Board as well as to work on special projects throughout the year.
Eligibility to be invited to attend the NFPA Urban Fire Forum and represent the Metro on IAFC and NFPA committees and projects.
Opportunity to work with our research and training partners to identify solutions and best practices for current and emerging fire and life safety challenges.
Exposure of Metro Chiefs to newly emerging trends earlier than the general fire service through the annual Metro Chief conference, the Urban Fire Forum, and Metro Chief updates. This allows Metro Chief members the opportunity to consider large organizational impacts that might come with some of the solutions to challenges and to position our organizations to capitalize on opportunities.
Ability to “surface” emerging issues to the Metro Chiefs Board, IAFC executive leadership, and their peers to create awareness and establish coalitions to address common problems.
Interaction with top-tier public safety companies and their leadership, providing input on product offerings and service delivery.
Shape the future of the codes and standards you use every day by voting at our technical meeting in conjunction with the NFPA Conference & Expo®. Voting privileges begin after 180 days of continuous membership.
Partnership with the International Fire Service Journal of Leadership and Management (IFSJLM) Early Career Fire Service Research Scholar Award and Program.
Opportunity to distribute email surveys and questionnaires to the entire membership of the Metro Chiefs on matters that are affecting your organization.
Ability to vote at Metro Chiefs business meetings. All Regular, Senior, and International Members of the Metro Chiefs are entitled to one vote on any question. Honorary and Affiliate members are not permitted to vote on any matter.
Opportunity to attend the Metro Chiefs Annual Conference and meetings, which is a premier networking and professional development benefit.
Access to the Metro NFPA Xchange™ platform, which serves as a digital hub where the Metro Chiefs can come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, ask questions, and discuss topics related to fire, electrical, and life safety, codes and standards, and best practices.
The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (the Metro Chiefs) membership is limited to members who maintain an active membership with the IAFC and NFPA, and who serve as the highest-ranking fire department officer of cities, counties, or local government fire protection districts having a minimum staffed strength of 350 fully paid career firefighters. Leadership titles vary for fire department top leaders (e.g., chief of the department, commissioner, director, superintendent, etc.); however, membership is limited to one member only of each eligible fire department, and that member must be the chief of the department or in a role of equal or greater responsibility.
Metro Chief members must be a member in good standing of the NFPA and the IAFC. Cities, counties, or local government fire protection districts that acquire membership under the aforementioned criteria, and after acquiring membership drop below the minimum membership requirements, will retain membership only as long as that member remains with the department. If a Regular Member moves to a department that does not meet the aforementioned criteria, that member will lose the status of a Regular Member.
However, as a former Regular Member, that member would be eligible to apply for Senior Member status. In addition, members of other associations or organizations may be recognized as Affiliate Member Associations or Organizations upon recommendation by the Metro Chief President and approval of the membership.
| Definition of Role | Membership Rights | Voting Rights | Able to Hold Officer Position | Dues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGULAR MEMBERSHIP | ||||
Active chiefs of departments. |
full. | yes. | Yes. Only Regular Members are eligible to be elected as officers of the Metro Chiefs. |
|
| SENIOR MEMBERSHIP | ||||
Retired and/or former members who have served as Regular Members. |
full. | yes. | Eligible to serve on the Executive Board in the senior board member position only. |
|
| INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP | ||||
Active chiefs of departments outside Canada and the United States that protect a jurisdictional population greater than 750,000. |
full. | yes. | No. |
|
| AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP | ||||
An associational or organizational membership granted to the governing officer (e.g., president, chair, etc.) or his or her designee of an approved association or organization. |
none. | no. | No. |
|
| HONORARY MEMBERSHIP | ||||
Persons with background and/or expertise in areas of fire prevention, fire suppression, or other related disciplines who warrant such recognition as determined by the President. |
none. | no. | No. |
None. |
Become part of a trusted network of fire service chiefs committed to strengthening safety, collaboration, and leadership across the profession.
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