Contributors to this Article:
VPFF Secretary/Treasurer Mike Hanks L-1132
Rhett Fleitz L-1132

Those of us who have served the IAFF, State Associations, and Local affiliates know the difficulty in setting our personal lives aside and maintaining a professional and determined course of action in fighting for firefighter’s rights, benefits, and working conditions. A Labor leader must have the passion, skill and will to overcome obstacles on a daily basis.  Occasionally we are blessed with an individual who exemplifies this role. For those of us in Roanoke, Virginia, and across the Nation we know that one of these trade unionist is D. Duane Dixon.

Duane's Department Photo

Duane passed away on July 10, 2010 in Fort Myers, Florida. To those who knew Duane he was a friend, husband, father, and brother. Duane was 74 years old.

Duane worked as a firefighter for the Roanoke (VA) Fire Department from December 9, 1963 until December 15, 1988 and retired at the rank of Lieutenant. Duane served the department during some of its busiest times. He was there when the department expanded from two platoons to three in 1972. Local 1132 had a huge role in making this happen.

As much as he loved the fire service, his true passion was the Union.  He served the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association Local 1132 as President for 6 years from 1980-1982 and 1984-1986 and as Treasurer and/or Secretary/Treasurer  for 11 years from 1968-1978. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association for 30 years. He was elected President Emeritus for Local 1132 and Secretary Treasurer Emeritus for the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.  He remains the only Emeritus Officer for the VPFF.

He was very active with the IAFF as well. He served as chairman of the IAFF Credentials committee for many years.  He also served as S/T for the Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters and the Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters.

During the many years as a labor leader Duane never missed a IAFF or VPFF Convention and only missed one VPFF tri-yearly board meeting (he had to attend a IAFF committee meeting on collective bargaining in DC).  As a delegate from Local 1132, his youthfulness often resonated with those travelling with him. He was a great person to be around and his attitude made you want to work harder as a Union representative.

Duane’s lifelong service to the IAFF, VPFF, and RFFA has and will continue to truly benefit its members. Duane’s legacy will serve as a guiding light for Union stewardship for a very long time.

Please also check out the IAFF’s article on Duane here.