Bob became the President in December 2021 after a special election. Prior to being elected President, Bob served the PPFFA as the Eastern Vice President and Northeast District Field Service Representative. He has been a firefighter with the City of Bethlehem, where he has worn many hats since February of 2005. A proud member of Local 735 where he has held the positions of President, Secretary, Vice President, Trustee and Roster Duty Chairman. Bob has considerable experience of dealing with issues, including but not limited to - contract negotiations, arbitrations/mediations, safety concerns, healthcare, Heart & Lung panels, disciplinary hearings, political and legislative aspects - to name a few. His knowledge and relationships he has built across the state will go a long way towards helping us move our union forward.
He was raised in North Adams, Massachusetts and made his way to PA in 1992. Bob currently lives in Nazareth with his wife Jen, his son Austin, is an assistant manager for the Sherwin Williams Paint Corporation, and his stepson Hunter, a student and football player at Widener University. His other son, Keith, is in the contractor field working for M and J outdoor services and his other stepson, Mason, is a staff sergeant in the United States Airforce stationed in Cheyanne, Wyoming. He has been graced with a lovely granddaughter, Elliana Avayda. Bob, also known as Brooksy, has been coaching baseball at many levels, most recently for Nazareth Area High School for 5 years before retiring from that position to concentrate his efforts on our union.
Jack became the PPFFA Eastern Vice President on January 18,2022 at a special election held in Harrisburg after serving as the Northeast PPFFA District Service Representative since 2020.
He has been a firefighter with the Bureau of Fire in Scranton, where he holds many accreditations, since February of 2003. He has been a proud member of Local 60 where he has held the positions of Vice President and President. Jack has considerable experience of dealing with issues, including but not limited to - contract negotiations, arbitrations/mediations, safety concerns, healthcare, Heart & Lung panels, disciplinary hearings, political and legislative aspects - to name a few. As a previous Legislative Assistant within the PPFFA, Jack has made numerous relationships within the IAFF, PPFFA and throughout the Pennsylvania state legislature. These relationships have proven to be a successful tool in securing the necessary needs of locals in the state. Jack will bring energy and determination to the DSR position.
Jack currently lives in Scranton, where he was born and raised. He lives with his wife Amy and their three daughters - Abigail, Nicole and Molly. In his spare time, Jack is a registered PIAA basketball official since 2001, where he serves on his chapter board as the Director of Official Development. He was also a NCAA basketball official for many years.
Eastern VP Gaffney looks forward to working with all of the locals in the East! Please feel free to reach out to him for any of your concerns and/or questions!
Jim Kaufman was elected SW DSR at a special election in 2018, due to a vacancy. He has been re-elected to the SW DSR position at the 2019 PPFFA convention in Erie and the 2021 PPFFA convention in Lancaster.
Jim has been a member of the IAFF/PPFFA for 32 years. He was just re-elected as President of the Butler Fire Fighters IAFF L0114, a postion he has held for 24 years. Prior to being elected President, he served 2 terms as VP.
He currently serves as Captan 1-3 in the Butler Bureau of Fire, a position he has held for 5 years. Prior to his current position he advanced through the ranks of Fire Fighter, Driver and Lieutenant.
As a local Union Officer, his main concern has always been, and continues to be the safety and welfare of the members, making sure EVERYONE goes home safely and retires healthy and comfortable.
Jim is married to his wife Tammy and has 2 sons, Derek who is a Lawyer, and Zachary who is a Chemist.
"Serving the PPFFA membership as the SW DSR is a privilege and honor, and I am looking forward to the future of this great Organization"
DSR Kaufman looks forward to working with all of the locals in the Southwest. Please feel free to reach out to him for any of your concerns or questions!
