"To organize professional firefighters, emergency medical service, and related service(s) members for the purpose of securing just compensation for their services fair and equitable settlement of their grievances; to promote and maintain a healthy and safe work environment for members as might be possible employing modern technology, research and regulation; to promote the establishment of just and reasonable working conditions and harmonious relations between members and their employers including the establishment and maintenance of statutory collective negotiations; to assure a just standard of living for retired members and surviving families; to place members of the Association on a higher plane of skill and efficiency by way of basic and continuing training and education; to promote members active participation in all levels of local, county, State and Federal governmental affairs; to encourage formation of local unions affiliated with our parent International, its Chartered State Association, and the State and National AFL-CIO; to cultivate caring, understanding , equality, friendship and a union work and loyalty ethic amongst the membership that results in a Brother and Sisterhood of professional firefighters organized within the House of Labor that is second to none. From the time that we first organized ourselves to today, our union has made stride after stride. The profession has been made safer, our livelihoods and retirements more secure. Our unity has shown those in positions of power and influence that we were not to be trifled with. Our unity has shown the public that they have had their standard of living preserved and even raised by our bravery and sacrifice. Our unity has allowed us to bring our message, whatever it may be, to the forefront of the societal agenda."