In this episode of Hazard Class, we sit down with Mahlon Mitchell, a fire lieutenant from Madison, Wisconsin, and a major player in the fire service labor movement. Mahlon has served as the longtime president of Madison Professional Firefighters Local 311, the president of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, and was most recently elected as the IAFF Fifth District Vice President in 2024. We talk about his journey in the fire service, his transition into union leadership, and some of the most pressing issues facing firefighters today, including occupational cancer, PFAS in turnout gear, and the IAFF’s role in disaster relief.  

We also discuss the landmark passing of the Social Security Fairness Act, the importance of legislative action in securing better working conditions for firefighters, and how the IAFF is leading the charge in advocacy for fire service professionals across North America.

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

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Timestamps & Segment Breakdown:

(0:00 - 0:12) | Intro to the Hazard Class Podcast

- Host introduces the show’s concept: asking tough (and sometimes stupid) questions to some of the smartest people in emergency services.

(0:12 - 0:54) | Guest Introduction: Mahlon Mitchell

- Background on Mahlon Mitchell:  

 - Fire lieutenant in Madison, WI  

 - President of Madison Professional Firefighters Local 311  

 - President of Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin  

 - Elected in 2024 as IAFF Fifth District Vice President

(1:10 - 1:37) | The Wheel of Stupid Questions

- Fun segment: “Is John Rambo the good guy or the bad guy in *First Blood*?”  

- Mahlon reveals he’s never seen *Rambo: First Blood*, leading to some friendly ribbing from the host.

(2:33 - 4:10) | Mahlon’s Journey into the Fire Service

- Originally pursued a career in culinary arts before transitioning to firefighting.

- Inspired by his older brother, who joined the fire department in Atlanta.

- Applied to numerous Chicagoland fire departments but was too young at the time.

- Discovered an opportunity in Madison, WI, and chose to move there.

(4:12 - 5:11) | First Fire and Early Firehouse Experiences

- Recalls his first fire vividly, including stepping on a cat in a smoke-filled home.

- Talks about how his older brother set the foundation for firefighting becoming the family business.

(5:11 - 7:04) | Entering Union Politics

- First exposure to union politics was through a hard-nosed lieutenant who pushed him to attend meetings.

- Mahlon’s first union meeting and how he got involved in Local 311.

- His first task: carrying golf bags at a charity golf outing, which became his first step into union leadership.

(9:11 - 11:42) | Becoming a Union Leader

- Mahlon’s rise through the ranks of union leadership, from trustee to president of Local 311 and later state president.

- Unconventional path: became state president before becoming local president.

(11:43 - 12:47) | Differences Between Local and State Union Leadership

- Local union work is more hands-on, focusing on contracts and member relations.

- State-level leadership involves legislative advocacy and advancing firefighter interests at a broader level.

(20:17 - 23:04) | Social Security Fairness Act: A Landmark Win

- Explanation of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and its impact on firefighters’ pensions.

- How the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act restores rightful benefits to retired firefighters.

- The bill’s bipartisan support and its significance in IAFF history.

(24:05 - 26:27) | PFAS in Turnout Gear: The Fight for Safer Equipment

- Ongoing IAFF efforts to remove harmful PFAS chemicals from firefighter turnout gear.

- NFPA 1970 standards update and legislative actions underway.

(26:56 - 29:42) | IAFF Disaster Assistance and Wildfires in California

- IAFF’s role in supporting firefighters affected by wildfires.

- How IAFF disaster assistance programs provide relief to first responders and their families.

(30:16 - 33:34) | Public Perception and Fire Service Advocacy

- How high-profile disasters impact funding and policy decisions.

- The importance of SAFER and Fire Act grants in securing resources for fire departments.

(33:56 - 37:46) | 2025 Priorities for the IAFF

- Addressing occupational cancer as a line-of-duty concern.

- Expanding PTSD and mental health support for firefighters.

- Legislative efforts to secure additional funding for fire service programs.

(38:07 - 43:47) | IAFF Resources and Getting Involved

- Overview of IAFF training programs, disaster assistance, and financial analysis tools.

- How firefighters can engage with their union at local, state, and national levels.