About Us
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)was established to support and advocate for first responders across Canada and the U.S., and represents more than 300,000 firefighters and paramedics. Locally, the IAFF’s Local 1605 chapter is made up of 143 dedicated professional firefighters from Hagerstown and the Washington County Department of Emergency Services.
In 2005, the members of IAFF Local 1605 took their commitment to the community a step further by forming a nonprofit philanthropic foundation. This foundation launched the Bonanza Extravaganza, now recognized as the region’s premier fundraising event.
Dedicated to enhancing the health and welfare of residents in the Greater Hagerstown area.
$2.3 million to local non-profits & charities
The IAFF Local 1605 Foundation, Inc., is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the health and welfare of residents in the Greater Hagerstown area. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed over $2.3 million to local nonprofits and charities, including a $40,000 gift to Children’s Village and a $60,000 van to transport cancer patients to treatment facilities.
Our members are proud to call Hagerstown and the surrounding communities home. Every day, we risk our lives to protect the people and places we cherish. But our commitment to the community goes far beyond the job. We volunteer thousands of hours to make events like the Bonanza Extravaganza possible. Our Honor Guard serves throughout the four-state region, offering its presence at funerals and other solemn ceremonies. We also work tirelessly in the state legislature to advocate for public safety measures.
