A large group of fire fighters walking in the road.

about us

who we are

 Our Mission & Commitment

Standing Strong for Evansville’s Fire Fighters

Evansville Professional Fire Fighters Local 357 proudly represents the dedicated men and women of the Evansville Fire Department. Our members are committed to protecting the lives, property, and well-being of our community through exceptional fire suppression, emergency response, and public safety services.

Two children holding a cat next to a fire fighter.

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As a labor organization, Local 357 advocates for the needs of our fire fighters, ensuring they have the tools, training, and support necessary to serve the citizens of Evansville with courage and professionalism.

For decades, Local 357 has been a voice for Evansville’s fire fighters, working to improve workplace safety, strengthen labor agreements, and promote initiatives that benefit both our members and the community we serve. Beyond emergency response, we are proud to give back to our city through charitable efforts, public education programs, and partnerships that foster strong community relationships. At Local 357, our mission is simple: to protect those who protect Evansville and to build a safer, stronger future for all.

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 our leadership

board members

Meet the dedicated leaders of IAFF Local 357 who advocate for our fire fighters and community. Read messages from our President and Vice President to learn more about our mission and vision.

Larry Zuber

President

James Cohen

Vice President

Mathew Mastison

Secretary

Mark Mastison

Treasurer

Matt Agan

Trustee

Kenny Woolsey

Trustee

vacant

Trustee

 Leadership Vision

Our Commitment to Community

The President's and Vice President's Messages share their vision for the future of Evansville’s fire service. Their leadership is rooted in dedication to community, safety, and service, guiding our union every day.

Welcome to the official webpage of the Evansville Professional Fire Fighters.

The members of Local 357 originally organized with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in 1918 as Local 119. After promises of higher wages and better working conditions from the city, the members voted to disband the union. Unfortunately, those promises went unfulfilled for many years.

With new leadership and a strong determination to improve conditions for Evansville’s Bravest, the members of the Evansville Fire Department (EFD) once again organized with the IAFF. On September 23, 1933, Local 357 was established. For more than 90 years, we have vigorously represented the interests of the men and women of the EFD.

Local 357 has been the driving force behind improving workplace safety, securing competitive compensation, and working alongside the Professional Fire Fighters of Indiana (PFFUI) to ensure a sound retirement system for our members.

I am honored to serve as the current President of Local 357, a position I was elected to in 2012, representing more than 300 members, both active and retired.

On behalf of our Executive Board and members, we hope you find our page informative and visit frequently for new content. Feel free to contact us and follow us on our social media platforms as well.

Stay Safe,

Larry J. Zuber

President

IAFF Local 357

Brothers and Sisters,

Shout out to all of you for being a part of this awesome Union that represents the family that we call the Evansville Fire Department. We are a strong force together, and accomplish huge tasks that could never be completed without coming together as one unit.

As your Vice President, I want to take a moment to connect with you all and share some important updates. We've been working hard as hell, and I want to keep you informed every step of the way.

Contract Negotiations: The board work with Mayor Terry and her staff to negotiate a contract that we feel will benefits all members of the 357. We feel it reflects the hard work and dedication you demonstrate every day, including fair wages, increased benefits for longevity due to the invaluable asset of firefighter experience, and promoting a healthy and safe work environment.
Legislative Advocacy: We've been actively lobbying at the national/state/local level for legislation that supports firefighters and public safety. Specifically, we have been working to get retirees enhanced benefits through our retirement pension and social security. Your support in helping us make friends in the political world is crucial to our success in passing legislation that effects us all.
Continued Relationship Building with Mayor Terry and City Council: We're planning on continuously supporting those community leaders that have our membership, the community, and public safety's best interests at heart.
Safety & Wellness: The safety and well-being of our members is our top priority. Please remember to prioritize your physical and mental health. We offer resources and support programs to help you stay healthy and resilient. We have worked tirelessly to learn more about cancer risks in the fire service and how to minimize our membership's risk to these hazards while allowing them to do their job successfully. The board worked with the administration to remove PFAS foam from the trucks and helped bring state of the art cancer screening for our members. President Zuber is working on bringing those same screenings to our retirees at this very moment.
Member Support: Remember, your union is here for you. If you're facing challenges at work, whether it's a disciplinary issue, a safety concern, or just need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to providing you with the support and representation you deserve.

We are stronger together. Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to our union and the communities we serve.

In Solidarity,

James A. Cohen II

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who we are

Standing Strong for Evansville’s Fire Fighters