Tri-State Firemen’s Association
The Tri-State Firemen’s Association was formed in 1938 by a group of department chiefs and members from several fire departments. These firemen had a vision: to create an association that would strengthen fire departments across state lines by sharing ideas, training, competition, and camaraderie. Originally, the association incorporated departments from New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. In later years, Utah was replaced by Arizona, forming a solid foundation across the Four Corners region. The annual gathering quickly became a central event for departments to come together and build on each other’s experience and knowledge.
The association has long supported not only volunteer departments—which made up the majority from the 1940s through the 1990s—but now also includes paid and combination departments. As stated during the early meeting in Cortez, one of the founding objectives was “to bring modern firefighting methods to a greater number of men than could hope to attend the usual state schools and to furnish each team with actual practice in the demonstrations and contests, where otherwise they would have to watch.”
What began as a vision by a few has grown into an annual convention and fire school that brings together over 20 diverse departments each year. The event is hosted on a rotating basis by departments within the boundaries set by the association’s bylaws. Held during the first full weekend of August, the event kicks off Thursday night with the Chief’s Meeting, where fire chiefs or their representatives discuss association business, bylaws updates, and membership matters.
Friday includes member registration, morning training sessions, afternoon fire event competitions, and a BBQ dinner capped off with comedy skits performed by participating departments. Saturday features the annual memorial service to honor fallen comrades, a membership business meeting, additional training sessions, afternoon competitions, and concludes with the Awards Banquet and a celebratory dance.
Tri-State training covers a wide range of essential and accredited firefighting topics. Past training has included high incline rescue, vehicle extrication, search and rescue, EMS landing zone setup, incident command systems (ICS), meth lab response, HAZMAT first responder protocols, fire ground safety, airplane rescue, and pre-fire planning. The host department typically offers multiple training opportunities to ensure attendees can choose the courses most relevant to their roles and interests. Training remains one of the most vital aspects of the Association and continues to be a driving reason for participation.
Each year, the host department coordinates the competitions and hospitality, with certain contests—like the one-man and six-man events—held as core parts of the tradition. Departments gather not only to sharpen their skills, but to strengthen their bond as a fire service community.