Fed/Mil Election

Julien Crolet

Profile

Started as a volunteer firefighter in 2006 at the age of 16 in a combination fire department. Proudly come from a family dedicated to public service. I have had the opportunity to serve as a firefighter, ALS Technician I, Transport Paramedic, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Fire Protection Specialist/ Fire Marshal, Accreditation Manager, and Assistant Fire Chief, and I currently serve my agency as the Deputy Fire Chief. I have served as the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Federal/ Military Section Vice President and President for the past 3 years.

Ibzan "Omar" OritzLand

Land Management Agencies Representative
National Park Service
Unopposed

Profile

As a dedicated and proven fire service and emergency management professional with 27 years of experience in the Department of Defense and the National Park Service. I bring a wealth of leadership and operational expertise to the table. Throughout my career, I have excelled in various roles, including Installation Fire Chief, Regional Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief of Operations, and Firefighter/EMT. My extensive experience spans personnel management, strategic budgeting, policy development, and ensuring fire department health and safety.

Currently, I serve as the Regional Fire Marshal for the National Park Service's Pacific West Region, overseeing fire and life safety compliance across 80 parks in six states and 2 territories. In this role, I act as the Regional Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) for structural fires and have served on Type I and Type II Federal Incident Management Teams during major wildfires and natural disasters. Additionally, I have successfully managed diverse emergency response teams in the Department of Defense and conducted critical inspections and fire investigations, working to safeguard historic and vital infrastructure.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Administration and am currently pursuing a Master's in Public Administration. My professional credentials include Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation, Fire Investigation Technician (FIT), and numerous certifications in firefighting, emergency management, and occupational safety.

I am passionate about advancing community risk reduction, strategic planning, and fair treatment of our wildland team. As an advocate for the safety and well-being of my community, I am committed to fostering collaboration and excellence across fire services. I aim to bring my extensive experience in fire and emergency management to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, ensuring our profession continues to thrive and meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“Proud to Protect and Serve.”

Bruce Hildreth, CFO

Profile

Chief Nathan Hildreth is a transformational fire service leader with 29 years of experience, dedicated to operational excellence, firefighter safety, and community impact. As a Battalion Chief for the U.S. Army at Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, he oversees emergency operations, planning, and community risk reduction for a population of 60,000+, leading 46 firefighters across four fire stations at the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi. His leadership ensures the protection of 22.4 million square feet of inspected space within the 3rd Infantry Division.

A seasoned incident commander, Chief Hildreth has personally led a substantial number of emergencies, including hazardous material incidents, high-risk technical rescues, and large-scale fire suppression efforts—all with zero firefighter casualties or significant property losses. His expertise spans policy development, accreditation processes, and strategic planning, driving efficiency, safety, and operational excellence.

A credentialed Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Chief Hildreth is deeply committed to professional development and continuous improvement. His public service extends beyond the fireground—he serves as the Public Information Officer for the Marne Firefighters Association and volunteers in conjunction with his membership within veteran-focused organizations such as AMVETS, DAV, and the American Legion.

Chief Hildreth holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Purdue University, a Bachelor’s in Emergency Management, and multiple fire service certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Health and Safety Officer, and Paramedic (20+ years). A graduate of the DoD New Leader Program in Washington, DC, he has earned multiple performance and leadership awards.

Passionate about firefighter training, emergency response innovation, and leadership mentorship, Chief Hildreth seeks to enhance collaboration, training, and networking for federal and military fire services worldwide as a member of the International Fire Chiefs Association Federal and Military Fire Services Board.