My name is Tod Miller and I’m your President of the Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters. I began my career in 1982 with Miles City Fire Department. I was promoted to Lieutenant in August of 1990 and then to Battalion Chief in August of 1995. Another highlight of my career was being selected to serve as an Operations Section Chief on a National Interagency Type II Incident Management Team for the Northern Rockies in 1993, a position I filled until 2003.

Early in my career I took an active interest both locally and at the state level in our Union and State Association. I served on the executive board of our Local 600, first as Sec/Treasurer and then as President from 1984 until 1994. In 1988 I was elected as Vice-President of the Montana State Firemans Assc. and later filled the unfinished term of then President Michael Hunt when he was forced to retire due to an on-the-job injury. I continued to serve as President of the Association until about 1994. After leaving that office I was elected as a District Vice-President for the Montana State Council and served in that position until running for the office of President and being elected in 2004.

I continue to enjoy my career and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to serve as your State Council President.

A little about myself. Unfortunately I cannot claim myself as a native of Montana; I was transplanted here from California in June of 1992 with the United States Air Force. I was an active duty fire fighter with the Air Force from 1992 to 1995. Prior to my military stent I was a wild land fire fighter for Santa Barbara County Fire department from 1989 - 1991. I was married to my beautiful wife in June of 1990 and we are happily raising or four children (17 year old son, 10 year old son and 3 year old twins one boy and one girl).

On August 1, 1995 I began working for Great Falls Fire Rescue and was promoted to Captain in October of 2003. I attended my first convention of the Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters in 1996 and have not missed one since. I started my union career by being elected Vice President of Great Falls Fire Fighters IAFF Local # 8 in 1999 and then elected as President in 2003 which I currently still hold. In 2002 I began my career with the Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters as I was elected to the position of Secretary Treasurer.

I completely enjoy Montana, which I now call home, and truly enjoy serving all the members of the Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the State Council that you may have. STAY SAFE!!

Fraternally,

David J. van Son

I was born and raised in Lewistown, MT. I started my fire service career at the age of 16 ,in the Lewistown Fire Department, as a part-paid volunteer. In 1986, I joined the Air Force as a firefighter. In 1990, I was hired by Montana Air National Guard and served 2 years on the department. In 1992, I accepted a job with Missoula City Fire Department. I have served as a treasure/secretary, vice president, and now serve as the union president. I was elected as District VP #1 in 2004.

Brothers and Sisters,

I am your MSCOPFF District 2 VP. Locals served include Havre, Great Falls Airpot, Great Falls, Helena, Lewistown, Bozeman, Big Sky, and West Yellowstone. I am also the current President at L613 in Bozeman were I have worked since '95. In my spare time, I ride my horses, check my cattle, try to keep up with my new daughter and a 3 legged dog, as well as being the perfect husband to my wife. I am honored and humbled to serve the Council in this role, and look forward to strengthening our union through the paticipation of all.

Fraternally,
Joel Fassbinder
Bozeman Firefighters, IAFF L613
President
422 E Mendenhall
Bozeman, MT 59718 406-581-2325
email