Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Releases New “Hot Wash” For Major Incidents and Training Exercises

“Hotwash” form provides a means to collect pertinent lessons learned; challenges that were faced; and successes that a fire chief and their community face

Jan 01, 0001

Response Considerations: Incidents Involving Crowds Following the 2020 National Election Period

This document discusses potential threats around the election and includes operational considerations and resources.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President: We Are Not Your Enemy

It is enormously distressing to see our firefighters and EMS personnel attacked by stones, rocks, bricks, fireworks, and in other ways.

Jan 01, 0001

Ballistic Protection: Funding Opportunities for Fire Departments

While federal grant options are limited for fire departments to buy ballistic protection for their firefighters, there are some programs that fire chiefs can consider.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: One Fire Department’s Response to an Active-Shooter Incident

If your department received this call, are your members and department trained, equipped and prepared to respond?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Another Shooting, Another Consideration – The Need for a Predictable Response

As long as active-shooter incidents continue to take place, there will be a need to plan and train for a coordinated response.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism and Homeland Security: Hot, Warm and Cold Zones

Hot, warm, and cold zones: what do these designations really mean?

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Reissues the NTAS Bulletin

A vigilant public remains one of our greatest assets.

Jan 01, 0001

Ballistic Protection in the Fire-EMS World

With a long history of law enforcement in my background, I understood ballistic protection levels and the terms associated with them. The surprise is that I’m now having conversations about this protection with other fire chiefs.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety and Health: All-Hazards Response and Scenario Planning

All-hazards response isn’t a new concept, so what’s the point of talking about it yet again? It’s not about the past; it’s about scenario-planning for the future.

Jan 01, 0001

The American Fire Service and the FBI-Joint Terrorism Task Force

Why can’t the fire service get information from the feds that is as relevant as it is to law enforcement? The fact is that we can; we just have to ask, then commit to developing a partnership with them.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: The New “Gray” Terrorism

Mass shootings persist, and whether the shooters are branded as domestic terrorists, violent extremists or another such label, this persistence presents significant challenges for security analysts, law enforcement and fire-rescue professionals.

Jan 01, 0001

Chiefs Urged to Review Active Shooter Plans

Our hearts are heavy for the senseless loss of life in Parkland, Florida.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Complex Coordinated Attacks – More than Active-Shooter Events

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the seventh article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Asks Fire Service to Urge Governors to Opt into FirstNet

The IAFC believes FirstNet will enhance emergency response operations throughout the fire and emergency service for years to come.

Jan 01, 0001

Do You Need a Drone in Your Department?

The key to a successful and sustainable drone program is to have a supporting infrastructure in place before that first flight.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Body-Armor Purchasing Decisions

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the sixth article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Ballistic Protection – Not as Simple as It Appears

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the fifth article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Active-Threat Incidents—The Time to Coordinate with Law Enforcement Is Now

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the fourth article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

New Vicarious Trauma Resources Available

500 tools for organizations to become more informed about vicarious trauma

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Transport: Coming Full Circle

In the past, many people were transported in cars rather than ambulances. How many over the years died because no one opened an airway, no one suctioned vomit or blood from an airway? How many removed from car crashes without proper immobilization?

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Needs a National Strategy for Mitigating and Recovering from Disaster

President Sinclair tells Congress IAFC is concerned about the increasing number of disasters and the increasing costs of these disasters.

Jan 01, 0001

How to Begin Addressing Cybersecurity Risk

Those in the fire service aim to save lives every day. Your jobs are fraught with physical danger, and cybersecurity is probably not at the top of your to-do list. Here’s why cybersecurity is essential and steps you can take to protect your data.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Suspicious Activity Reporting – The Fire Service’s Moral Obligation

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the third article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Intelligence – The Role of the Fire Service

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the second article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

Three Reasons Terrorism and Homeland Security Should Be Important to Every Fire Chief

The fire service is an integral piece of the homeland-security puzzle. Chiefs must be advocates and partners. To help, the IAFC’s T&HS Committee is bringing you this series, offering an in-depth look at issues and resources available from the IAFC.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Supports Nomination of General John Kelly to be Secretary of Homeland Security

Chief John Sinclair, IAFC president and chair of the board, said, “General Kelly will provide the necessary leadership to help the nation be prepared to respond to all hazards.”

Jan 01, 0001

Final Passage of USAR Bill Good News for Responders, Families

Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today applauded final passage of the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act (S. 2971). The bipartisan legislation, strongly supported by the IAFC, strengthens the efficiency and effectiveness of ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC to Congress: Cybercrime on Fire Service Radar

Fire Chief Sam Greif of the Plano (Texas) Fire-Rescue Department today told a Congressional panel that it ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC: Proposed Cuts to FEMA Grant Programs are Draconian

Fairfax, Va. - Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, IAFC president and chair of the board, testified today before a U.S. ...

Jan 01, 0001

First Responders in the Age of Terror

During the past few years, the fire and emergency service has seen an evolving terrorist threat in the Middle East ...