A merger of the two departments occurred in the early 1990s to become the Lakewood-Bancroft Fire Authority. Lakewood and Bancroft firefighters officially consolidated on February 23, 1992, and as the department re-branded to become West Metro Fire Rescue, the firefighters union became the West Metro Fire Fighters IAFF Local 3430.
On January 21, 1999, in an effort to preserve the history of the Fire Department and its proud union-backed membership, a request was made to the IAFF to return to the earliest of the three Local designations: Local 1309. Not long after, the West Metro Mechanics that keep the apparatus rubber on the road as Fleet Maintenance professionals were brought into the Local. This unique and innovative relationship highlights the inclusive nature of the West Metro Firefighters Union.
As the evolution and development of both West Metro Fire Rescue and its Union continued, an opportunity to merge with the Wheat Ridge Fire Department presented itself in 2016. Soon, the Wheat Ridge Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4881 would consolidate under the banner of Local 1309.
Over the years Local 1309 Members have formed a myriad of professional and political relationships with neighboring firefighter unions and elected officials on the local, state, and federal levels, respectively. These relationships span both West Metro administration changes, as well as the ebb and flow of Colorado and national politics. And these relationships are fostered daily by our Executive Board and through the work of our Members. This effort has shaped the Fire District and helped grow West Metro into the professional, accredited fire department it is today. All of this work is done to ensure that each and every firefighter and mechanic is treated fairly, provided with a safe and equitable working environment, receives state-of-the-art equipment and apparatus, and are compensated for the sacrifices that they and their families make each and every day.
