Collins Fire Chief John Pope was re-elected to serve a third, two-year term as President of the Mississippi Firefighter’s Association (MFFA) during the 79th annual Mississippi Fire Fighter’s and Fire Chief’s Conference held in Natchez earlier this summer.
Pope began his fire service career with the Collins Fire Department in 1996 and worked his way through the department’ ranks. He was named fire chief in August 2007. He also served as an instructor chief with the Louisiana State University Fire and Emergency Training Institute in Baton Rouge and as a staff instructor with the Mississippi State Fire Academy in Pearl.
Having served as a member of the MFFA Executive Board for the past 10 years, Pope was first elected president in 2012. In 2012, the length of office term was extended to two years. Pope was re-elected to his third consecutive term with overwhelming support from the association’ membership and conference delegates.
“It is an honor and privilege to be re-elected to serve as president of this great association,” said Pope. “I remain humbled by the confidence that has been placed in my ability to lead and guide our association. I vow to continue to work diligently to represent the fire service and ensure that the issues, concerns and needs of our firefighters are properly addressed.”
During his first two terms, he worked to see many important issues effecting firefighters were addressed. He has worked to see legislation, especially the Mississippi Firefighter’s and Law Officer’s Death Benefit, were passed.
Pope is a resident of Collins and he and his wife, Rebecca, have three daughters Bela, Blayne and Blaire.
The Mississippi Fire Fighter’s Association was established in 1923 and represents over 16,000 firefighters throughout the State of Mississippi.
