Nationwide Push for Union-Made Firefighter Gear Gains Momentum as Fire Season Peaks
DATE: July 22, 2025
BYLINE: Union Fire Store Newsroom
As wildfires erupt across the Western U.S. and record-breaking heat waves strain fire departments nationwide, firefighters and union leaders are renewing calls to support union-made, American-made firefighter gear and apparel.
The conversation took center stage this month after the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) issued a formal statement urging local departments and union members to prioritize purchasing gear, decals, and apparel made in the USA by union-backed companies.
“Firefighters deserve more than just respect — they deserve quality, union-made gear that reflects our values and supports our workers,” said IAFF General President Edward Kelly during a press briefing on July 15th.
The statement comes amid a surge in demand for firefighter decals, helmet stickers, and union apparel — especially from IAFF locals organizing public events, firefighter memorials, and department anniversaries during the peak of summer operations.
Why It Matters in 2025
Firefighters across the country are facing intensifying call volumes due to wildfires, extreme weather, and staffing shortages. At the same time, many departments are battling budget constraints — leading some to source cheaper, mass-produced gear that lacks the durability and union craftsmanship of domestic alternatives.
The IAFF's message is clear: supporting union-made goods strengthens the very workforce responding to these growing emergencies.
That includes everything from vehicle decals and helmet insignias to apparel and morale patches, which often become symbols of identity, pride, and solidarity within a department.
Union Fire Store Responds
As one of the country’s leading providers of IAFF-approved decals and union-made firefighter gear, Union Fire Store has seen a significant increase in orders and inquiries this July.
“Departments are stepping up. We’re seeing a wave of support for gear that’s not only high quality but made right here by union workers,” said a Union Fire Store spokesperson. “It’s not about just looking the part — it’s about standing behind what we believe in.”
Union Fire Store’s products are designed by and for firefighters, with Made-in-USA materials and union manufacturing standards. The store offers custom decals, IAFF-specific designs, and bulk pricing for union halls and fire departments.
A Cultural Shift in the Fire Service
Beyond the gear itself, the push for American-made firefighter products is part of a larger cultural shift — one emphasizing solidarity, craftsmanship, and union pride in the face of growing operational challenges.
Many IAFF locals are choosing to source event gear, fundraiser decals, and memorial merchandise exclusively from verified union shops. This shift not only strengthens domestic supply chains but reinforces the values many firefighters live by: loyalty, strength, and unity.
What to Watch
August 1, 2025 – IAFF expected to release updated guidelines on sourcing union-made products for local chapters.
October 2025 – National Firefighter Memorial events in Emmitsburg, MD will highlight union craftsmanship in all ceremony materials.
Fall 2025 – Anticipated legislation in California and Oregon may require public safety agencies to certify the origin of custom firefighter apparel and patches.
Final Word
As departments across the U.S. prepare for one of the most dangerous fire seasons on record, the decision to support union-made firefighter gear isn’t just symbolic — it’s strategic.
For those on the front lines, quality matters. Solidarity matters. And at Union Fire Store, both are built into every decal, patch, and piece of gear we offer.
Visit us at www.UNIONFIRESTORE.com
Proudly union made products. Proudly IAFF Member-owned.