Local 342 received its original charter from the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) in 1933. There were 27 members operating out of the single fire station located at 7332 W. National Ave., currently serving as the administration building for the department.
Sometime between 1933 and 1948, it is understood that financial hardship found the City of West Allis unable to pay its employees, including members of the fire department. This event resulted in an inability of Local 342 to pay its per capita dues to the IAFF thus forfeiting its charter. The West Allis Professional Firefighters petitioned for a charter once again in 1948 being granted Local 1004.
1933
From 1948 on, the West Allis Professional Firefighters Association proudly represented the men and women of the West Allis Fire Department as Local 1004.
1948
Through research in concert with the IAFF, it was discovered that Local 342 had been held in reserve ever since it was first granted in 1933. The West Allis Professional Firefighters needed only to request its reinstatement which was granted on December 19, 2019.
Local 342 has now been fully reinstated. We commend the efforts of our brothers and sisters, both past and present, who so honorably represented West Allis as Local 1004 for over 70 years!
2019 - present
Local 342 is excited to carry on the legacy of its original charter and continue the fight by all honorable means for the betterment of our members.