Mecklenburg County, NC Local 5326 is one of the newest IAFF affiliates to organize in the southeastern United States. Mecklenburg County is in the southwestern part of the state and is the second-most populated county in the state.
Several Mecklenburg County fire departments are beginning to shift from combination fire departments to career departments. To ensure they would have a seat at the table as decisions are being made about the future of these departments, 33 firefighters from these departments organized Local 5326 and affiliated with the IAFF and the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina (PFFPNC).
Improving emergency service
“We are looking forward to doing our part to improve emergency service for our growing communities,” says Local 5326 President James Tracey. “We also look forward to working with the state association as they advocate for important issues, such cancer presumption.”
Tracey, who also serves as PFFPNC 1st District Vice President, came to Mecklenburg County after first being a member of Cabarrus Local 3393, where he served as president for five years. Joining President Tracey on the Executive Board are Secretary Kyle Gilliam, Treasurer Matthew Bixler, Matthews Vice President Harry McLaughlin, Fire Marshals Vice President Andrew Bridges, and Davidson Vice President James Rogers.
