Providing Members with Solutions

Below is a sampling of members who had a specific need and found guidance and resolution using a resource from the IAFC. Click on a need below that you have and learn how you, too, can benefit from an IAFC membership. Join the IAFC

What do you need help with?

Example Policy/Procedure | Professional Development | Department Development | Apparatus Guidance

Example Policy/Procedure

Captain Rob Frampton

My need: Department Policy
IAFC resource used: KnowledgeNet

Recently, I was asked to help develop a “Door Tag Program” for notifying property owners after we force entry and there is not a property owner or representative on scene. I posted the question on IAFC’s KnowledgeNet and within a few hours I had multiple SOP’s, examples, and valuable input from fellow fire service leaders across the country. In less than five days, I developed several contacts and the program was well on its way.

Rob Frampton, Captain
Salisbury, Md.
Years of experience:
19
Member since: 2011

Chief Brad Smith

My need: Department Policy
IAFC resource used: IAFC Website and KnowledgeNe

When I needed to create an SOP for the use of social media in the department, specifically referencing firefighters posting pictures on Facebook, I was able to access what other departments were using by going to the IAFC website and searching for various documents. Using IAFC’s online community, KnowledgeNet, allowed me to ask what other departments were using. I now have a valuable policy in place, thanks to the IAFC.

Brad Smith, Fire Chief
Derby, Ks.
Years of experience:
37
Member since: 2001

Professional Development

Chief Susanna Williams

My need: Professional Development
IAFC resource used: IAFC Scholarship, Mentoring Program, KnowledgeNet, Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI)

I have benefited in so many ways through the IAFC! The IAFC Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship in 2012 aided in my achieving a Masters in Public Administration. Mentoring a company officer in the IAFC's mentoring program has kept me grounded and forces me to continually see how my decisions impact those below me. IAFC's online networking community KnowledgeNet is my “go to” place when I am in need of opinions on policy, operational procedures and training. It is a wealth of information right at my fingertips that I routinely tap into. And finally, the FSEDI courses have made me into the leader I am today.

Susanna Williams, Chief
Carrboro, N.C.
Years of experience:
16
Member since: 2012

Department Development

Chief Mike Bucy

My need: Department Development
IAFC resource used: IAFC Conferences

As Chief of an understaffed fire district, I attended IAFC's annual Fire-Rescue International conference in August where I learned about updated fire tactics. The information I gained has proven beneficial as we revise our tactics to meet the needs of the taxpayers without sacrificing firefighter safety. At the annual Symposium in the Sun in November, I attended the "Town Hall" meeting that focused on recruitment and retention and had a lot of great ideas and feedback. Best of all, the attendees are still in touch, the truest example of networking that takes place at and beyond the conferences.

Mike Bucy, Fire Chief
Clayton, Wa.
Years of experience:
28
Member since: 2010

Apparatus Guidance

Division Chief Nicolas Thomas

My need: Apparatus Guidance
IAFC resource used: IAFC Website

The last project I researched was focused on updating our Apparatus Replacement Plan (ARP) for budgetary purposes and project management. I searched the IAFC website and found apparatus replacement plans other departments have in place, as well as articles discussing how to present a strong argument for maintaining a well-funded apparatus replacement budget. The information I found assisted me in preparing a comprehensive report for the City Manager and Finance Director about our apparatus status and future needs.

Nicolas Thomas, Division Chief
Benicia, Ca. Years of experience:
33
Member since: 1997

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