Zamzow for Local 311 President

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Vote for Aaron Zamzow, Local 311 President.

Welcome to the home of Zam for Local 311 President.

Whether you are a paramedic, firefighter, officer, or affiliate seeking more focused representation, or a member who simply demands more proactive leadership to move us forward, this is your chance to have a voice.

As a 15-year member of the Madison Fire Department and this union, I have seen firsthand the strength of our traditions. My journey through the fire service, both across the country and through deep conversations on my podcast, has provided me with a unique perspective on the professional standards and innovative strategies that define world-class organizations.

While my travels have shown me what is possible, my true education has happened right here in our stations over the last 15 years. I have spent that time listening to you and learning the intricacies of our local environment. I’ve witnessed a diminishing culture where the "same old way of doing things" has left many feeling unheard and stuck in place. I have gained a deep understanding of the frustrations born from stagnant practices, and I recognize that we cannot fix today's challenges with yesterday’s mindset.

My goal is to bring those experiences home to ensure our union isn't just maintaining the status quo, but is actively evolving. I believe the path to a stronger Local 311 is built on a simple, powerful promise: Forward... Together.

The Four Pillars of a Stronger Local 311

To revitalize our union, I will lead with a growth mindset focused on these four commitments:

1. Progress: Securing Our Future

Our future depends on modern bargaining and leveraging a diverse range of local and national expertise to strengthen our collective voice. I recognize that while a competitive pay rate is essential, a truly fair contract must also protect the work-life balance and financial security your family relies on. I am committed to being a relentless advocate for both your well-being and your livelihood. By bridging our proud traditions with the innovations of tomorrow, we will return Local 311 to a position of prominence in the state and the nation

2. Accountability: Results, Not Excuses

I will prioritize holding the fire department administration accountable for their planning, progress, and overall performance. I will aggressively challenge the administration to move away from reactive management and toward proactive leadership, while demanding a new standard of transparency and clear communication from those who lead our department. This commitment to accountability extends internally to our union as well; I will hold every officer and committee chair to the highest levels of performance, ensuring they deliver the meaningful reports and tangible progress our members expect.

3. Transparency: Your Right to Know

Every member deserves a union that operates in the light. I am committed to moving beyond basic posting requirements to ensure you are fully informed on all pertinent union matters, including active grievances, financial health, and our long-term strategic vision. This also means working to modernize our outreach to bridge the gap between leadership and the membership—utilizing direct video briefings, text alerts, and a renewed commitment to face-to-face accountability through regular station visits. By combining modern communication with a clear plan for the future, I will ensure you stay informed, engaged, and heard.

4. Unity: One Voice

Our strength lies in the diverse backgrounds of our members coming together for a greater cause: a better, more unified union. I will work tirelessly to promote harmony across every station, shift, and organization we represent. This includes ensuring our affiliates have a powerful voice on the Executive Board and feel like an integral, welcomed part of Local 311. That unity begins by listening; from our newest recruits to our active retirees, every member will be heard and respected. Furthermore, when any member faces an investigation or hardship, this union will serve as a steadfast shield, providing the high-quality representation and support that you and your family deserve.

Vote for Progress this February

Our membership is filled with brilliant, passionate professionals ready to elevate this organization. I will harness that talent and energy and provide the clear, decisive vision we have been missing. I am asking for your support and your vote this February to lead Local 311 into a new era of excellence.

Let’s move Forward... Together.

In Solidarity,

Aaron Zamzow (Zam)

Candidate for Local 311 President

Click Here to Request an Absentee Ballot

Absentee ballots must be requested by noon on January 19th.

Make sure you check the box and vote for Aaron Zamzow.

In-person voting will be held at the Labor Temple on February 9th & 10th from

7 a.m. - 9 a.m. (both days).

Click here to take the Member Questionnaire Zam Mentioned in the Video.

Frequently Asked Questions for Zam

Why do I beleive I have the leadership skills and knowledge to fill the position of Union President?

Regarding my involvement, I’ve focused my efforts where I could make the most impact for our members: serving on the Safety Committee, chairing the Fitness Committee, and bringing the Tactical Athlete program to the 311. While I’ve sought further local roles like the bargaining committee, those opportunities weren’t always open to me—a challenge I know many of our talented, underutilized members face.

Instead of sitting back, I took that drive to the state and national levels—advocating for the NFFF and the Congressional Fire Services Institute, serving on the boards of Firehouse and FireRescue1, and learning directly from the top leaders in our service.

I’m ready for this challenge. I’ll be the first to admit I’ll have a learning curve, but I will bridge that by empowering the members who have been denied a seat at the table in the past. I have a lot of respect for what our current president has achieved; my campaign isn’t about disparaging the past, it’s about using my national network and 15 years here in Madison to help us evolve for the future. I look forward to the continued conversation!

What qualifications do you have to be President of the Local 311?

I am uniquely qualified to lead Local 311 because I possess a rare combination of deep institutional roots and a broad national perspective. Having served the Madison Fire Department for over 15 years as a dedicated member of this union, I have a first-hand understanding of the daily challenges our members face on the line. My commitment to our local is evidenced by my active participation on numerous internal committees, where I have worked to improve the working conditions and safety of our brothers and sisters. This foundational experience is further bolstered by my work with workers' compensation insurance companies, which has provided me with the technical expertise necessary to navigate the complex legal and financial protections our members rely on when they are most vulnerable.

Beyond my local experience, I bring a national reputation and executive-level training that will elevate the influence of Local 311. Through my participation on national committees with the IAFF Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) and my role as a National Fallen Firefighters (NFFF) state advocate, I have helped shape the very standards that protect firefighters across the country. My Master's in Entrepreneurship provides me with the strategic mindset and fiscal discipline required to manage the Union’s business affairs with modern efficiency. By leveraging the insights gained from my podcast and my network of fire service leaders nationwide, I intend to bring "best practices" back to Madison, ensuring that Local 311 is not only a participant in the fire service conversation but a leader that sets the standard for advocacy and growth.

What does "modern bargaining" mean for our next contract negotiation?

Modern bargaining means moving away from a "this is the way we have always done it" approach and utilizing a professional, data-driven strategy to secure the contract you deserve. My goal is to leverage both local and national expertise to strengthen our voice at the table.

This strategy includes:

Data-Driven Advocacy: Utilizing hard data and comparative studies of peer departments to ensure Madison remains a premier leader in wages and benefits.

Comprehensive Focus: Recognizing that a fair contract is about more than just the biweekly base rate. It must protect the "intangibles" that safeguard your family’s future, such as long-term financial security and a healthy work-life balance.

Maximizing Incentives and Pay: Ensuring our agreements capitalize on all available avenues for pay increases, this includes additional compensation for details (detail fee), overtime pay when calling and checking emails, and attending trainings off-duty.

How will your national experience benefit the members of Local 311 here in Madison?

My travels and podcast have allowed me to "dig deep" with the most influential leaders in the fire service. I’ve seen firsthand how other departments are solving the same challenges we face—from staffing shortages to mental health support. I’m not just bringing back ideas; I’m bringing back a national network of best practices and proven strategies to ensure Local 311 isn't just keeping up, but leading the way in the state and the nation.

How will you ensure that our diverse backgrounds and all affiliates are truly represented?

Our strength lies in the diverse backgrounds of our members coming together for a greater cause. My philosophy operates on a "listening first" policy. This means ensuring that every affiliate has a powerful voice on the Executive Board and feels like an integral, welcomed part of Local 311. Whether you are a new recruit or a retiree, your voice will be respected needs to be respected in deliberations, ensuring harmony across every station, shift, and organization we represent.

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