International Assocation
of Fire Fighters Alberta
EXECUTIVE BOARD
IAFF Alberta's leadership is guided by three Principal Officers, a President, Secretary Treasurer, and Executive Vice President, supported by an Executive Assistant. Together with three appointed Vice Presidents, representing locals under 1,000 members as well as our largest affiliates, they make up the Executive Board that sets direction for the Association. A dedicated Coordinator team oversees key priority areas including Bargaining, WCB, and Retirement Securities, while our Financial Trustees and Bookkeeper manage the Association's finances under the Secretary Treasurer's office.
Elliott Davis
President
Dan Henschel
Executive Vice President
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Cole Chapelsky
Secretary - Treasurer
Elliott Davis
President
Elliott was elected President of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association in May 2025, following his previous term as Secretary/Treasurer beginning in November 2023. He has also served as President of the Strathcona County Professional Fire Fighters’ Association and was formerly the Secretary of the provincial board.
Elliott is the IAFF’s 6th District EMS Committee representative and has worked as a Fire Fighter / Advanced Care Paramedic for over 20 years. He credits his successes in organized labour to strong union mentors early in his career and a focus on cultivating strong, respectful relationships across the labour movement. Elliott lives in Sherwood Park with his wife and three children.​
Dan Henschel
Executive Vice President
Dan was elected Executive Vice President of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association (APFFPA) in May 2023. He began his career in the fire service as a paid-on-call firefighter, which laid the foundation for his commitment to public service and advocacy.
He went on to serve in operations as a full-time Fire Fighter and Advanced Care Paramedic before transitioning into his current role as a Training Officer with Red Deer Emergency Services. Dan has also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Red Deer Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1190.
Dan brings practical experience and an approachable, integral style of leadership to the APFFPA Executive Board.
Cole Chapelsky
Secretary - Treasurer
Cole was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association in May 2025. He brings over a decade of union and frontline experience to the role, having served for 8 years as Vice President of Edmonton Firefighters, IAFF Local 209.
Throughout his career, Cole has contributed to a broad range of initiatives including occupational health and safety, bargaining, grievance handling, political action, critical staffing, and implementation of NFPA 1710 standards. He has also served as Co-Chair of the Local 209 OH&S Committee and held roles with the Edmonton Pipes & Drums and Honour Guard.
Cole’s leadership is rooted in collaboration and operational knowledge, and he is committed to advancing the interests of members across Alberta.​
