A friendly greeting to our fellow members and guests.

Let me take this opportunity to welcome you to the Mississippi Firefighter’s Association website. We are certain that you will find it both informative and friendly.

This year marked the 103rd anniversary of our organization, which dates to its humble beginnings in 1923. Our hope is for each one of you to have a safe and happy year as you serve in the fire service in the state of Mississippi. As my first term as President of this impressive association ends, it is with the highest honor and privilege to serve you all. 2026 is gearing up to be a busy year as we plan for the successful future of the fire services in our great state. As an association, we will commit to continue to serve each of you at the local, state, and national level for common sense legislation and support for you, your families, and this association. One area we are constantly working on is the committee format. As your elected President, the belief is that it is a group effort, and with involvement from the membership body, it can become a more hands-on organization. Some areas or committees you may be asked to serve for your input will be, but not limited to is legislation, conference, by-laws, financial, along with lifetime and scholarship awarding.

The 2026 Summer Conference is in the planning stages and promises to challenge all previous years as being the “best yet.”  The Gulf Coast, with leadership from Biloxi and other great cities and communities will be our host, and the beach covered by a red carpet will be stretched out for you as you arrive. Our Conference Committee planning team will be reaching out to see that your training needs, conference needs, and your stay in Biloxi will be as pleasant as before. Upcoming events, registrations, and hotel accommodations are available and updated often.

Again, I am absolutely humbled, honored, and excited to be elected and serve as your President of our association. It is a position that I do not take lightly, or for granted. My plans remain to approach this as I do other tasks each day. We will work for you and this association, making decisions that are best for the association, and the service which we are responsible for. It will be done as a team approach, with continued plans to surround myself with the best available in our state to be the leading organization and set a high standard for each of us to grow and excel from.

My contact information is below, and feel free to reach out to me for any of your questions, ideas, needs, or just friendship. My door at 107 Cleveland Street, New Albany, MS is always open to each of you, and you are welcome to stop by when in the area.

Respectfully,

Mark K. Whiteside
President; Mississippi Firefighter’s Association
Fire Chief; City of New Albany Fire Department
Volunteer Firefighter; North Haven Volunteer Fire Department