Great Falls Airport Firefighters IAFF Local 3261

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

Services for Retired Dave " Loper" Lee:

Friday May 15th
Location: Scotish Rite
Time: 10-11 Viewing
11-12 Funeral
Procession following service
* Depart from Scotish Rite to 10th Ave South
* West on 10th Ave South to right on 6th St SW.
* North on 6th St SW to Northwest Bypass.
* Northwest Bypass continuing on Vaughn south frontage road
AT THE END OF THE FRONTAGE ROAD ALL OTHER UNITS EXCEPT BLACK EAGLE AND GREAT FALLS AIRPORT FIRE UNITS TURN RIGHT AND RETURN TO THE INTERSTATE.
** At the family's request, only Lee's family, Black Eagle Black Eagle Volunteer Fire Department and Great Falls Airport Firefighters IAFF Local 3261 will continue Procession to Dave's burial place.

The family wishes that any fire department and trucks report/ park at the Scotish Rite between 0945-1015. Apparatus parked no later than 1015 please.

05/07/2026

We are unfortunate to bring sad news to the fire service family. Retired Lieutenant David "Loper" Lee has passed away. Dave served honorably with us for 30 years as a full- time State firefighter. Dave also spent many years with the 120th Fighter Wing serving his community and country as a firefighter. We send out condolences to Dave's family, his Black Eagle Volunteer Fire Department family, the rest of the fire service community. Rest easy Lop, we'll take it from here Brother.

It is with deep sorrow that the Black Eagle Fire Department announces the unexpected passing of Retired Captain Dave Lee, who faithfully served our department and community for 27 years. Captain Lee dedicated his career to protecting others with professionalism, leadership, and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on every member of this department and the citizens he served.

Throughout his career, Captain Lee was respected not only as a firefighter and officer, but also as a mentor, friend, and role model. His commitment to service and the fire service brotherhood will never be forgotten.

We ask the community to keep Captain Lee’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters in their thoughts during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements and memorial information will be shared as they become available.

Respectfully,
Black Eagle Fire Department

04/05/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at Ulm Volunteer Fire Department. Rest easy Chief. We'll take it from here.

02/13/2026

Solid work by our Brothers and Sisters in Wisconsin on getting this passed!

Today the State Senate passed legislation to expand worker’s compensation PTSD coverage to include all emergency medical service professionals!!
In 2021 Wisconsin Act 29 provided PTSD coverage to career firefighters, which has been a lifeline for some of our members. Action today will align worker’s compensation coverage for stand-alone EMS professionals with career firefighters. Access to comprehensive PTSD benefits ensures our members can recover fully and remain ready to serve.
We thank the senate for the strong bipartisan support and we look forward to Governor Evers signing the bill into law!

02/04/2026

This week we have a couple of our members attending the Jason Baker Memorial Mini Education Seminar at Chico Hot Springs. This week we will be learning more about rolls and responsibilities for our elected positions within our Local, auditing our Local budget, Labor/ Management relations, and Peer Support teams and so much more.

11/27/2025

🦃🍁 Thanksgiving Fire Safety from IAFF Local 3261 🍁🔥
This Thanksgiving, as the ovens heat up and kitchens fill with family, laughter, and good food, we want to remind everyone to keep safety at the heart of the holiday. Thanksgiving is one of the leading days for home cooking fires—but with a little caution, every meal can finish as perfectly as it starts.

Keep your home safe this holiday with these simple tips:

🔥 Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Unattended food is the leading cause of home cooking fires.
⏲️ Use timers for everything—turkey, rolls, pies, and side dishes.
🧯 Keep a lid or extinguisher close for grease flare-ups (never use water!).
🦃 Deep frying a turkey? Do it outside, far from structures, vehicles, and decking. Make sure it’s fully thawed.
🚫 Create a kid-free zone around stoves, hot oils, and open flames.
🔌 Don’t overload outlets or power strips with multiple kitchen appliances.
🔊 Check your smoke alarms before the cooking rush begins.

From IAFF Local 3261, we wish you a warm, safe, and memorable Thanksgiving surrounded by the people who matter most.
Enjoy the food, the fun, and the family—not the flames. 🧡🦃

11/13/2025

November 12, 2025

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the passing of Captain David T. Lambers.You haven’t been forgotten, Brother.
We all live for you, and we miss your cat antics around the station — your infectious smile, your laugh, and that constant whistling of Christmas songs this time of year.
Gone but never forgotten. 💙🚒

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Veterans Day 🇺🇸
Today we proudly stand united in honoring the brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication have protected the freedoms we enjoy every day.

From all of us at Great Falls Airport Firefighters L3261, we extend our deepest gratitude to every Veteran — especially those within our own fire family — who have served our country with honor and strength.

Your service inspires us, your sacrifice humbles us, and your legacy reminds us that freedom is never free.

Thank you, Veterans.
Proudly honoring all who served — yesterday, today, and always.

10/29/2025

With Halloween a few days away here are a few safety tips.