Every year, hundreds of fire service exhibitors, educators, experts, and leaders gather to share
knowledge and network at Fire-Rescue International (FRI), one of the world’s largest emergency
service conferences. This year’s convention will take place in Dallas, TX.
One of the major draws of FRI is the conference’s three general sessions. Each session is
sponsored by one of the IAFC’s corporate partners and features a speaker on a topic relevant to
the fire and emergency services. This year’s general session lineup is set to be the crowning
glory for an already groundbreaking conference.
General Session 1: August 14
Sponsored by FirstNet (Built with AT&T)
FRI 2024’s opening session will feature U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell and a
panel comprised of three past IAFC presidents: Chiefs John Butler, Donna Black, and Ken
Stuebing.
After introducing attendees to the current state of the fire service from a U.S. Government
standpoint, Dr. Moore-Merrell will lead the panel in exploring the issues fire chiefs should
prepare to face in the near future. These issues will include topics such as data management,
funding and research, regulatory compliance, human resource management, and more.
What does success look like for a modernized fire service? How do fire service leaders balance
the needs of an increasingly interconnected public with the limited resources their agencies and
departments are provided with? Who influences public policy within the fire service, and how
has this influence changed in recent years?
To answer these and many other questions, our three panelists will share perspectives from
within the fire service, adding vital context to an increasingly nuanced and ongoing
conversation.
General Session 2: August 15
Sponsored by FirstDue
The second general session will feature speaker Steven Wirth, esq., an attorney and veteran
EMT who specializes in leadership, compliance, and EMS law.