06/09/2026
Different Missions. Same Goal. 🤝
Over the last several months, we’ve seen tremendous growth in organizations dedicated to improving the fire service across the Upstate.
Two of those organizations are the Carolina Foothills Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 5612, and the Upstate Misfits FOOLs, Reidville Chapter.
While our organizations serve different purposes, our mission is ultimately the same:
To build a stronger, safer, more professional fire service for the communities we serve.
The IAFF focuses on protecting and advancing firefighters through advocacy, workplace issues, benefits, pay, staffing, leadership development, mental health, cancer prevention, retirement security, and ensuring firefighters have a voice in decisions that impact their careers and families.
The FOOLS focus on preserving the traditions of the fire service, developing firefighters through training and mentorship, promoting aggressive but disciplined firefighting, and passing knowledge from one generation to the next.
One organization helps protect the firefighter.
One organization helps develop the firefighter.
Both help strengthen the fire service.
Choosing to join one, the other, or both depends on what you’re looking for as a firefighter. Some members may be passionate about labor advocacy and workplace improvement. Others may be driven by training, tactics, and preserving the culture of the job. Many will find value in both because both are needed.
In fact, many of our current union members have already joined the Upstate Misfits FOOLS chapter, and we’re excited to see the continued growth of both organizations. Growth for one is growth for all. Every firefighter who invests in becoming a better advocate, a better brother or sister, a better leader, or a better firefighter makes our entire region stronger.
The Upstate of South Carolina:
Greenville County, Spartanburg County, and the surrounding communities, is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. With that growth comes new challenges, new expectations, and a responsibility to continue raising the standard of our profession.
The important thing is recognizing that neither organization exists in competition with the other.
The fire service is strongest when firefighters, labor organizations, training groups, officers, and members work together toward a common purpose.
The firefighters of this region have made it clear that they’re invested in the future of the job. They’re invested in training. They’re invested in professionalism. They’re invested in taking care of one another and serving their communities at the highest level possible.
The job isn’t dead.
Not here.
Not in the Upstate.
The next generation is stepping up, traditions are being passed down, firefighters are organizing, training, mentoring, and investing in the future of the profession.
At the end of the day, we all put on the same gear, answer the same calls, and serve the same communities.
Different patches.
Different missions.
One profession. One service. One community.
The Carolina Foothills Professional Firefighters Association is proud to support organizations committed to making firefighters better and our communities safer.
Together, we move the fire service forward.
