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IAFF Local 203 is a labor union that represents the Firefighters of the City of Cumberland MD.

We are committed to providing the highest level of service to the citizens of the City of Cumberland and surrounding communities. Our members are dedicated to excellence and professionalism in everything we do, from emergency response to community outreach programs.

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The City of Cumberland Fire Department was formed in 1906 out of a rising need for a professional and unified fire department to replace multiple small volunteer companies.

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Local 203 was originally charted in 1919 to fight for better wages, hours, and working conditions. 203 disbanded in 1921 as the firefighters and police officers of Cumberland joined into a combined welfare association.

In 1940 firefighters re-affiliated with the IAFF as Local 654 until 1953.   

In 1967 firefighters re-affiliated with the IAFF as Local 1715 until 2023. During this period the local took in members from the Allegany Department of Emergency Services. 

In 2023 the firefighters of Cumberland and the paramedics of Allegany County decided to split releasing Local 1715 to Allegany County and allowing us to return to our roots as IAFF Local 203.