Chief Willard H. “Bill” Halmich, Washington (Mo.) Volunteer Fire Company
IAFC: What does it mean to you to be honored as 2016 Fire Chief of the Year?
Halmich: To be recognized by a prestigious organization like the IAFC is an honor beyond belief. The IAFC in partnership with the award sponsor, Pierce Manufacturing, orchestrated a phenomenal experience.
The outpouring of congratulations and well wishes I received later at home further enhance this distinguished award and deepens my sincere gratitude and commitment to duty. I have always felt that in public service, the best we can do is the least we can do.
IAFC: What is the one accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Halmich: August 2 voter approval of a 30-cent levy for the unincorporated area of our 65-square-mile response district; a written contract between the city of Washington and the newly formed fire district providing a seamless, cost-effective approach for delivering fire rescue services to our citizens in both venues. One chief, one ISO rating, two political subdivisions; eliminating subsidizing and redefining mutual aid. My initiative to pursue this endeavor was reinforced by networking at previous Fire-Rescue International conferences, with fire chiefs who had already accomplished a similar arrangement.
IAFC: What has the reaction been from your department and community about being named Fire Chief of the Year?
Halmich: Members of my department, unknown to me, initiated my nomination and held a surprise reception, parade and assembly at Fire Headquarters in my honor upon my return from Fire-Rescue International in San Antonio. Multiple articles have appeared in the local newspaper. Cards, letters and gifts have arrived from friends, family, fire service associates and citizens—locally, regionally and out-state Missouri. The response has been unbelievable.
IAFC: Who has been the most influential person inside or outside the fire service on your success? Why?
Halmich: Dennis Smith, with his Report from Engine Company 82, led the way. Upon return from duty in Vietnam, I became very active in the Washington Volunteer Fire Company. Mr. Smith’s book turned my spark of interest into a “free burning” fire of dedication.
In 1986, August 2nd to be exact, I attended a fire command class in St. Louis City, taught by the Western Fire Academy, Alan Brunacini and staff. I purchased a copy of Fire Command, which he autographed. This class, and in particular a video they showed called For the Children, which depicts why firefighters do what they do, fanned the flames of my already free burning fire into a conflagration that no one could extinguish.
I had the privilege of working with both of these exemplary fire service leaders as a member of the IAFC’s Near Miss Advisory Board 20-plus years later.
IAFC: When was your most difficult time or challenge in the fire service and how did you overcome it?
Halmich: My department lost two young, exceptional, professional volunteer firefighters to civilian motor vehicle accidents within a span of a few years. Both losses were devastating to me personally as well as to the organization.
Encouragement by their parents to continue in their name, coupled with our “Band of Brothers” family-atmosphere support environment, got us through these and other difficult times. This bond continues and is the strong fiber that holds us together. Our motto: One for all, all for one!
IAFC: What advice would you offer new or emerging leaders in the fire service?
Halmich: In a professional volunteer department, conscience and level of personal commitment are really your only leverage. So, remember that example is the best general order.
Lead from the front; follow the “first in, last out” leadership model.
Remember that no matter what the challenge, there are individuals, chiefs and organizations, like the IAFC, who can help. For me the IAFC has been the place where challenges meet solutions.
Chief Harry Beck, Mesa (Ariz.) Fire and Medical Department
IAFC: What does it mean to you to be honored as 2016 Fire Chief of the Year?
Beck: When I was notified of the award, I was completely stunned! You never think something like this could happen to you!
In reality, the recognition belongs to the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. As fire chief, I have an important role in our leadership team, but our accomplishments are the results of hard work and dedication from everybody on the department. I am proud to be a member of such a great team!
IAFC: What is the one accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Beck: In 2007, we were facing severe budget cuts as a result of the Great Recession. We were looking at closing a station and reductions in four-person staffing. Our labor/management team got together and proposed placing two-person units in service to respond to low-acuity patient calls, and we agreed to use this model as much as possible as an infill strategy in the future. As a result, we acquired the ability to do our own dispatch, didn’t close a station or reduce four-person staffing. This model has now added to our response capability and grown into a premier community-medicine model.
IAFC: What has the reaction been from your department and community about being named Fire Chief of the Year?
Beck: It’s viewed as validation that the department is excellent and a leader in the industry. Everybody is proud of the department and very happy for me. Perfect!
IAFC: Who has been the most influential person inside or outside the fire service on your success? Why
Beck: Although there are many people who gave me support and guidance, my father set an example of integrity, hard work, loyalty and self confidence that I’ve tried to live by in all aspects of my life. The character he demonstrated has been the model I’ve tried to live by.
IAFC: When was your most difficult time or challenge in the fire service and how did you overcome it?
Beck: When I was a deputy chief in Phoenix, I was initially responsible for regional dispatch. It grew to include technology, communications, information management and county-wide 911. At this point I was not familiar with these areas and had a huge learning curve.
I learned to understand dispatchers and technologists, developed a team concept, actively encouraged the experts to participate and followed their advice most of the time.
IAFC: What advice would you offer new or emerging leaders in the fire service?
Beck: Successful leaders are typically high-energy people who strive to accomplish goals. The following is a guide I recently gave to members of our senior management team:
Accomplishment:
- Have a plan.
- Work within the system.
- Be respectful.
- Be patient.
- Be relentless.
- Have fun!