Local 479 is a charter of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and represents more than 600 uniformed personnel of the Tucson Fire Department as well as the uniformed personnel of the South Tucson Fire Department and the Tucson Airport Authority Fire Department. More than 98 percent of Tucson Fire Fighters belong to the TFFA. 
 

Tucson Fire Department is the second largest municipal fire department in Arizona, and operates 22 fire stations. Currently, TFD has 23 engine companies, 7 ladder companies, and 17 paramedic companies in service. It also boasts specialized heavy rescue, hazardous materials, mass casualty and mobile command center equipment, as well as a 158 acre, state-of-the-art public safety training academy.

TFFA is highly visible in the community, and has a long history of involvement with charitable causes such as cancer research, child injury prevention, and burn treatment. We are key supporters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raising money through community events, Fill-The-Boot campaigns, and ticket sales to semiannual charity concerts. MDA's national corporate headquarters is located in Tucson.

Each year, we host numerous Tucson Fire Fighters Fundraisers, including Shoots and Ladders, SADFF Golf Tournament, Fire Fighter Ball, and Chili Cookoff.  These events raise more than $60,000 for our Adopt-A-Family program, which helps well over a thousand Southern Arizona families during the holidays with food, clothing, shelter and Christmas presents.