The IAFF Political Training Academy was designed to help IAFF members and their family members enhance their political skills to help friendly candidates get elected and to give fire fighters the skills to run for public office themselves. The Academy encompasses four days of hands-on political training by campaign specialists and IAFF staff. Seminars focus on developing an effective campaign plan; targeting voters; recruiting volunteers; polling techniques; fundraising and budgeting; message development; working with the press; getting out the vote; and campaign finance laws.

More than 350 IAFF members have graduated from the Political Training Academy. Nationwide, 315 IAFF members hold public office, including positions as mayors, township supervisors, city council members, fire commissioners and state legislators.

The IAFF is one of the most effective lobbying organizations on Capitol Hill and they are one of the most sought after endorsements by candidates pursuing elective office. The IAFF was the first organization to endorse John Kerry for president of the United States in September 2003 and its subsequent "Fire Fighters for Kerry" campaign was credited as among the leading factors in helping the candidate achieve his come-from-behind victories in Iowa and New Hampshire. The IAFF's Political Action Committee, FIREPAC, is currently one of the top 25 PACs in the nation.