A Los Angeles credit union that serves firefighters has expanded beyond California's borders over the past four years so that now more than a third of its branches are outside the state.

Firefighters First Federal Credit Union ($2.4 billion in assets, 75,498 members) announced Monday that it has opened a branch in Hendersonville, Tenn., 17 miles northeast of Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

Dixie Abramián, CEO of Firefighters First Credit Union, leads the ribbon cutting during the grand opening of the credit union's new Hendersonville Hub in Hendersonville, Tenn., joined by firefighters, community leaders and Firefighters First representatives. (Credit/Firefighters First CU)

"Our expansion into Hendersonville is a significant moment in our national growth," President/CEO Dixie Abramián said. "This hub gives us a stronger foundation to serve firefighters and their families across the country while building meaningful connections in Tennessee. We're proud to invest in a community that reflects both our progress and our longstanding commitment to the Fire Family."

Dixie Abramian

Board Chair John Buck said the new branch represents a strategic investment in the credit union's long-term plan to extend its national reach.
"Opening the Hendersonville Hub reinforces our long-term strategy to expand access and support for firefighters nationwide." Buck said. "This milestone strengthens our national reach and underscores our commitment to providing trusted financial services."

A fire truck ladder raises an American flag above Firefighters First Credit Union's new Hendersonville Hub as the color guard and pipes and drums lead the ceremonial opening during the grand opening in Hendersonville, Tenn. on Feb. 26, 2026. (Credit/Firefighters First CU)

At the end of 2021, Firefighters First had eight offices, all in California.

In 2022 and 2023, it opened branches in Tempe, Ariz., Seattle and two in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

In 2024, it opened a branch in Memphis, Tenn., and in 2024 it opened one in Palm Springs, Fla.

The new Nashville-area branch houses a restored horse‑drawn steam engine on loan from the Los Angeles City Fire Museum serves as the centerpiece of a curated firefighter exhibit.

A view into the mini museum inside Firefighters First Credit Union's Hendersonville Hub showcases working firefighter‑style doors and a restored horse‑drawn steam engine on loan from the Los Angeles City Fire Museum, highlighting the credit union's deep roots in the fire service. (Credit/Firefighters First CU)

Last year Firefighters First earned $14.7 million, or a 2.55% return on its average assets.

In other branch news:

  • Indiana Members Credit Union ($3.5 billion in assets, 164,249 members) opened their new headquarters March 11 in Indianapolis. IMCU's headquarters and training center is adjacent to its recently opened full-service Bottleworks branch. It earned $30.1 million (3.57% ROA) in 2025.
  • Space Coast Credit Union of Melbourne, Fla. ($9.1 billion in assets, 699155 members) opened a branch March 13 in Palm Coast, its second in the city 114 miles north of Melbourne on Florida's Atlantic coast. "Palm Coast is a vibrant and growing community, and we're excited to establish a presence that delivers the trusted guidance, personal service and financial protection our members expect from SCCU," President/CEO Shane Hoyle said.
  • Space Coast also announced Monday it has opened a new 2,500-square-foot Bayside Lakes branch, replacing a smaller branch less than a mile away. Bayside Lakes is about 12 miles south of Melbourne. The credit union earned $74.3 million (3.32% ROA) in 2025.
  • VyStar Credit Union of Jacksonville, Fla. ($13.7 billion in assets, 1 million members) opened a branch this month 15 miles west of Orlando – its fifth branch in Orange County.

VyStar held an opening celebration March 12 for its Hamlin branch in Winter Garden's Hamlin Town Center located within what it called "the rapidly growing" Horizon West master‑planned community.

Brad Filbert, VyStar's chief retail officer, said Central Florida continues to be one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

"Hamlin is at the center of that momentum," Filbert said. "Opening this branch allows us to better serve the families and businesses driving that growth while deepening our commitment to the Winter Garden community.

"As more families choose to call Hamlin home, we're proud to open our newest branch here and provide the personalized financial guidance and service members expect."
VyStar continues to grow across central Florida, with an additional branch planned for Clermont, 25 miles west of Orlando, which is scheduled to open this fall.
VyStar earned $56.3 million (0.41% ROA) in 2025.

Contact Jim DuPlessis at Jim.DuPlessis@arc-network.com.

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