Message from President Freed

Brothers and Sisters,

I’ll be stepping down as President of IAFF Local 1352 effective January 1, 2026, as I transition into my new role as a Battalion Chief. This comes from a place of respect for both positions and the understanding that it’s time to allow new leadership to carry the work forward.

Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors of my career. It hasn’t always been easy, and not every decision has been perfect — but it’s been genuine. We’ve been through some incredibly difficult moments together, especially during the pandemic, when strong feelings and differing opinions challenged our unity. Those times tested us all. I know some may have wished I handled things differently, and I understand that. What I hope everyone knows is that every decision I made came from a place of honesty and care for this membership.

This role — like any in leadership — demands a lot from the people who step into it. Balancing work, family, and union responsibilities is never simple, but it’s worth every ounce of effort when it means representing and protecting our members. As I step back, I’ll remain part of this local and continue to support its success.

Tyler Eliason and Dan Sequist have announced their intent to run for President, and I believe both will bring passion, commitment, and integrity to the position. My ask of the membership is simple: support them, stay engaged, and give grace to those who step up. Leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about standing in the arena, doing the work, and learning as you go.

Thank you for the trust, the challenges, and the opportunity to serve. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m confident Local 1352’s best chapters are still ahead.

In Solidarity and Strength,

Ryan Freed

President, IAFF Local 1352