Pat Devaney was elected as President of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois at the 37^th Biennial Convention in Peoria. Devaney is the eighth AFFI President to be elected since the organization’s formation in 1935. He previously served as the Central District Legislative Representative and Political Action Committee Treasurer. Devaney began his fire service career with the Champaign Fire Department in 1995 and has served as a lieutenant since 2006. He is a proud member of the Champaign Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 1260, and has served as the local’s president since 2002. Devaney first became active in the state association as a member of the Political Education Committee. “Former President Foreman encouraged me to organize the AFFI’s election efforts in several downstate campaigns and I found the experience to be very rewarding.” 

 Devaney says the biggest challenge currently facing the AFFI is to avoid complacency from previous organizational victories and says, "Our members must continue to be engaged in the political and legislative process to ensure future successes for firefighters and their families." He feels very fortunate to be given the opportunity to lead the AFFI and is very optimistic about the future of the association. “The AFFI is one of the most respected labor unions in the state because of the strength we draw from our membership. Fire Fighters support each other and their Union with the same focus and commitment they display each day while protecting the citizens of Illinois. ”