The Irving Professional Fire Fighters Association (IPFFA) President Brian Becker issued a detailed statement to Irving voters regarding the organization's endorsements for the 2025 Irving City Council elections, addressing recent criticism and clarifying the endorsement process.
According to Becker, the IPFFA begins its endorsement process shortly after the candidate filing deadline each election cycle. The organization sends a detailed questionnaire to all candidates and schedules in-person interviews with the candidates and the IPFFA Executive Board. The questionnaire is designed to evaluate candidates' understanding of city government operations, prior civic engagement or public service, basic knowledge of fire department operations, and includes questions about the candidates' personal backgrounds.
During these interviews, Becker stated that candidates are informed that the IPFFA does not expect them to vote in favor of firefighter interests on every issue. Instead, the association asks only that candidates remain accessible and willing to communicate if questions arise regarding firefighter-related matters.
Following the interviews and questionnaire review, the IPFFA Executive Board engages in extensive discussions about the candidates before recommending endorsements to the full IPFFA membership. At the next scheduled membership meeting, the Executive Board presents its recommendations and answers any questions from members. An endorsement requires a two-thirds majority vote of the membership, as mandated by the IPFFA Constitution and By-Laws. After the vote, all candidates — whether endorsed or not — are informed of the results.
Becker stated that since affiliating with the International Association of Fire Fighters in 1971, the IPFFA has consistently endorsed candidates based solely on their leadership abilities, civic engagement, and understanding of city operations. The organization does not endorse candidates based on political party affiliation or unrelated political issues.
For the 2025 election, the IPFFA has endorsed the following candidates:
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District 1: John Bloch
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District 2 (At-Large/Citywide): David Pfaff
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District 7: Priscilla Vigliante
Becker further explained the IPFFA’s campaign strategy, stating that the Irving Fire Fighters PAC (IFF PAC) typically operates separate campaigns in support of endorsed candidates. The PAC occasionally makes financial contributions, but more often creates its own campaign materials, including signs, mailers, and advertisements, to maintain control over messaging and branding.
In addition, the IPFFA organizes volunteer and paid efforts for activities such as block walking and poll greeting. Firefighters working on behalf of the PAC may volunteer their time or be compensated through PAC funds. Becker emphasized that all funds within the IFF PAC come exclusively from firefighter contributions and that no outside money is accepted. Financial reports detailing these activities are filed with and publicly available through the Texas Ethics Commission.
In his closing remarks, Becker encouraged Irving residents to participate in the upcoming elections, noting that municipal elections historically suffer from low voter turnout despite their significant impact on daily city operations such as public safety, utilities, streets, and tax rates.
