"The union of all the members for their mutual protection and welfare.To maintain the merit system in the New York Fire Department. To promote the highest standards of efficiency, in the performance of duty, by the uniformed force in the New York City Fire Department. To encourage esprit-de-corps. To cooperate with the Fire Department in the accomplishment of these purposes and the development of full understanding of the problems of the Fire Department by the Citizens of the City of New York."