International Association of Fire Chiefs

Diversity & Inclusion

VCOSYellow_BeInclusive1280x720
The IAFC's Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) worked with the Human Relations Committee (HRC) to create the "Be Inclusive" poster.
Recruitment efforts aimed at women
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Southern California Wildfires Underscore the Growing Threat in the United States

Firefighters encountering walls of flames backed by 80 mph winds are facing the new wildfire reality

Jan 01, 0001

Southern California Wildfires Underscore the Growing Threat in the United States

Unprecedented destruction in Southern California WUI highlights the need for broad action on wildfire risk.

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Register today for IAFC's Mentoring Program

Learn what it takes to build and develop your team!

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Congress Takes Action to Help the Nation’s Fire and Emergency Service

As the 118th Congress came to an end on December 21, it passed two bills that will benefit the nation’s fire and emergency service.

Jan 01, 0001

Last Call for FSEDI 2025 Applications!

Apply for the 13th FSEDI cohort!

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Congress Takes Action to Help the Nation’s Fire and Emergency Service

Congress passes 2 laws benefitting fire & EMS.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI)

Latest updates on the Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI)

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Members Asked to Call Their U.S. Senators to Pass the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on legislation that would eliminate two Social Security provisions that have denied public servants

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Congress Passes Bill to Protect National Firefighter Cancer Registry

U.S. Senate passed legislation to reauthorize the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer by voice vote

Jan 01, 0001

First Responders Depend on AM Radio

The critical role of AM radio, we urge legislators to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Watch Collection Pays Tribute To Firefighting Community

Announcing the IAFC Collection by William Wood Watches.

Jan 01, 0001

Elevate Your Leadership Skills at Staff and Command

Five full days of learning with top fire leaders from across the count

Jan 01, 0001

SmartTech, Robotics, & the Future of Responder Health: What’s New At TSI?

SmartTech, Robotics, & the Future of Responder Health: learn what's new at TSI 2024

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. House Passes Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)

The House passes legislation to increase the Social Security benefit for many career fire and EMS personnel and their spouses

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Announces Winner of the 2024 William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award

Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (AVFRD) recipient of the 2024 William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Announces Winner of the 2024 Retention & Recruitment Award

Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS is the winner of the 2024’s Retention and Recruitment Award

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Brian McQueen (Ret.) Named Winner of the 2024 John M. Buckman III Leadership Award

VCOS announces the winner of the 2024 John M. Buckman III Leadership Award

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC & Motorola Announce 13th Year of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) Program

Twenty applicants will be chosen to participate in this year’s cohort

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Testifies on Draft OSHA Emergency Response Regulations

The new rule calls for changes in all aspects of emergency response, including staffing, training, apparatus readiness, and protective clothing and equipment.

Jan 01, 0001

Crash Responder Safety Week 2024: Responders Ahead! Reduce Your Speed as You Proceed

Help raise awareness for the motoring public and implement strategies to promote a culture of safety

Jan 01, 0001

Ensuring Safety in the Age of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Resources to assist fire departments during Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Systems response

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC Calls Upon the House of Representatives to Pass the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)

Please use our Legislative Action Center to contact your Representative and ask them to pass the Social Security Fairness Act

Jan 01, 0001

Public Hearing on Thermal Fuse Reimbursement: A Critical Step Towards Fire Safety

CMC to hold public hearing November 8 regarding thermal fuses, a crucial safety device in fire prevention.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Releases Resources for Incidents Related to the 2024 Election

Resources to help fire and EMS departments prepare for instances of civil unrest related to the 2024 election

Jan 01, 0001

Evacuation Management 2-Day Course for Law & Fire Service Leaders

A two-day program was developed to help communities PREPARE and RESPOND to a largescale evacuation

Jan 01, 0001

The FCC Announces New Rules for the 4.9 GHz Band

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) votes to support new guidelines for a nationwide Band Manager framework

Jan 01, 0001

Spencerport Fire District Awarded IAFC Deccan International Grant

Spencerport Fire District is proud to announce that it has been awarded an exclusive IAFC VCOS Analytics Grant in partnership with Deccan International

Jan 01, 0001

Shaping the Future of Fire Service: Insights from IAFC President Josh Waldo

Listen in as Chief Josh Waldo shares his journey to becoming Chief of Bozeman and President of the IAFC.

Jan 01, 0001

Good News! Symposium In The Sun Update Following Hurricane Milton!

The Hilton is open at full capacity, with amenities open or soon to be open (pool, bars, etc.), with no structural or utility damage.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA's Hurricane Milton After the Storm Messaging Resource Toolkit

This toolkit provides multimedia resources quickly available for you to be able to share messaging to your community after Hurricane Milton.

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC calls upon the United States Senate to consider and pass legislation to help make e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards fire-safe.

IAFC encourages members to contact their Senators and ask them to pass legislation requiring safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in micro mobility devices.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC is transitioning to a calendar-year membership model

Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new calendar year renewal process

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recommends that Fire and EMS Chiefs Prepare for Supply Chain Interruptions

The IAFC recommends that fire and EMS chiefs take precautions to prepare for possible supply chain interruptions.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee Releases 2024-2026 Strategic Plan

IAFC members are encouraged to review the strategic plan and download the annexes for their use

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Releases New Resource for Responding to Civil Unrest

A fire service resource to help fire chiefs prepare for and when required, better respond to periods of civil unrest

Jan 01, 0001

The Fire & Life Safety Section (FLSS) has launched a Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT) Toolkit

FLSS recently launches an essential tool for Fire Chiefs and departments to address the hazards associated with Home Oxygen Therapy

Jan 01, 0001

New career center enhancements to improve user’s search for jobs and qualified candidates

IAFC's Career Center has recently launched updates to enhance the user interface

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

Congress Passes SIREN Act Reauthorization to Assist Rural EMS

Now that S. 265 has passed the House of Representatives, it will go to President Biden to sign into law

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Greg Rogers provides insight to NFPA Journal on the Single Exit Stair topic

Chief Greg Rogers provides insight to NFPA Journal on the Single Exit Stair topic

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC's VCOS welcomes new members joining the VCOS Board of Directors.

IAFC's VCOS welcomes new members joining the VCOS Board of Directors.

Jan 01, 0001

Federal Communications Commission Adopts Report and Order to Facilitate the Implementation of Next Generation 911 Services

The IAFC supports the development and implementation of NG911 to strengthen emergency response times.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief Ray Reynolds Honored for Excellence in Fire and Life Safety

Fire and Life Safety Section presented Fire Chief Ray Reynolds with the 2024 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award

Jan 01, 0001

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Statement on the Passing of Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr.

The IAFC honors the memory of the fire service’s friend in Congress, Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr., and expresses its sympathies to Representative Pascrell’s family, friends, and staff during their time of grief.

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC President Sworn In At 2024 Fire-Rescue International Conference

Chief Waldo officially took office along with 1st Vice President Trisha Wolford and 2nd Vice President, Steven Locke

Jan 01, 0001

Welcome and congratulations to incoming our three incoming executive committee leaders

Three of IAFC's incoming executive committee leaders were administered their oath of office

Jan 01, 0001

Oregon firefighter honored with 2024 Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Engineer Manny Sharp (center) of the Medford (Oregon) Fire Department was announced the winner of the 2024 Ben Franklin Award for Valor at the IAFC’s Fire-Rescue International conference in Dallas.

Jan 01, 0001

Pierce and IAFC Celebrate Leadership with 2024 Fire Chief of the Year Awards

IAFC Fire Chief of the Year 2024” honorees at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) in Dallas, TX

Jan 01, 0001

Join us at FRI and attend our Diversity Breakfast

Secure your Diversity Breakfast ticket during FRI registration or add it to your existing registration package, seats are limited

Jan 01, 0001

Invest In Your Future, Elevate Your Career with the IAFC-CSU Officer Development Program (ODP)

Learn about the IAFC- Columbia Southern University Officer Development Program (ODP)

Jan 01, 0001

2024 Recipient of the VCOS Training Officer Award

Division Chief Training Officer Robert Barron has been selected as the 2024 raining Officer Award

Jan 01, 0001

Call For Presentations: 2025 Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Submit your presentation idea as part of the 2025 Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Leadership Conference today

Jan 01, 0001

What’s New In Dallas? Introducing The FRI 2024 General Sessions

FRI General Sessions highlighted speakers

Jan 01, 0001

Upcoming Contractor Opportunity – Workforce Solutions

Work with IAFC to help develop and update our educational offerings

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Files Comments in Response to OSHA’s Proposed Emergency Response Standard

IAFC comments highlight the need to protect firefighter safety and reduce deaths and injuries & discusses the risks of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and threats

Jan 01, 0001

Come participate in the conversation about Fire Service Hazards and Building and Fire Code Prevention Measures related to Lithium-ion Batteries and Energy Storage Systems!

Join the IAFC and FLSS session on lithium-Ion Batteries during FRI.

Jan 01, 0001

An Exclusive Offer for IAFC VCOS Members

Vector Solutions offers a special on their training system to VCOS members.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS & Deccan International Partner to Bring Analytics Grant to Volunteer & Combination Fire Departments

Opportunity for Analyst Grant Award will receive registration and travel expenses for one representative to attend the Symposium in the Sun

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer & Combination Officers Section: Notice of FRI & SUN Awards & Scholarships

Volunteer & Combination Officers section's FRI and Sun Awards & Scholarship Opportunities.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Grants and Safety Act, S. 870 Bill Signing

Important update on two vital programs to the fire service: the AFG and SAFER grants

Jan 01, 0001

2024 Emerging Leader and Emerging Leader Alumni Scholarship Opportunity

Emerging Leader Scholarship and Alumni Scholarship opportunity to attend Symposium in the Sun

Jan 01, 0001

NIOSH Program Requests Fire and Emergency Service Input on LODD Investigations Comments Due by July 22

NIOSH Request for Comments around Human Factors Considerations - Feedback Requested

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Families Visit Washington DC to Advocate for PSOB Benefits

Ask Congress to Pass the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1719/S. 930)

Jan 01, 0001

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Adopts Final Rule to Amend Real-Time Train Consist Information Requirements

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a final rule altering the Hazardous Materials Regulations found in 49 C.F.R. §§171—180

Jan 01, 0001

Federal Communications Commission Adopts Rule Requiring Location-Based Routing for 9-1-1 Calls

The FCC mandated that all wireless carriers nationwide adopt location-based routing for 911 calls and RTTs

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill -- What It Means For Fire Chiefs

Information regarding FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and several provisions in the law that are likely to impact the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Senate Passes Legislation to Save FIRE and SAFER Grants

S. 870 Goes to President Biden for Signature.

Jan 01, 0001

What are you doing for Safety Stand Down?

It is critical that training programs meet the needs of the firefighters, department, and community. That is why the theme for Safety Stand Down 2024, taking place June 16-22, is “Fire Training: Back to Basics.”

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Leaders Attend FHA Transportation Safety Summit in Nation's Capital

CEO Rob Brown, President John Butler, & other IAFC leaders attended the FHA Transportation and Public Safety Summit in Washington, D.C.

Jan 01, 0001

New Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Resources Available - Free R&R App and Fire Camp Guide

Check out the IAFC's new recruitment and retention app and fire camp guide.

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Prepared For This Election Season?

A message from Scott D. Kerwood, PhD, Hutto Fire Rescue. What chiefs need to know about elections, voting, and staying involved!

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Testifies About Emergency Responders' Use of Drones

Chief Kevin Fetterman, speaking on behalf of the IAFC, recently testified before the House of Representatives on the topic of drone use by the United States fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

New Standards Development Activity on Battery Safety

NFPA is seeking comments regarding New Standards Development Activity on Battery Safety

Jan 01, 0001

Contractor Opportunity: IAFC Wildfire Programs through June 17

Contractor Opportunity: IAFC Wildfire Programs through June 17.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Critical Fire Safety Legislation

The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act has passed its first hurdle. This important safety bill and its companion legislation will now face a Senate vote.

Jan 01, 0001

Nominations Open for Prestigious Training Officer Award

VCOS is accepting nominations for the Prestigious 2024 Training Officer Recognition Award

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. House of Representatives Votes to Save FIRE and SAFER Grants

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to pass S. 870, extending the end date of both the AFG (FIRE) & SAFER Grants. The bill will now be considered by the Senate.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety Section Chair Greg Rogers testifies at ICC Code Hearing

Watch the fire service testify against the single stair code proposal

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chiefs: Act Now to Save the AFG and SAFER Grant Programs!

U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to consider the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870)

Jan 01, 0001

Message from IAFC President John Butler re: OSHA Draft Emergency Response Standard

Message from IAFC President John Butler re: OSHA Draft Emergency Response Standard

Jan 01, 0001

Two Fire/EMS Departments to Receive Heart Safe Community Awards at 2024 Fire-Rescue Med Conference

City of Madison and Dothan, Alabama fire departments recognized for their exceptional efforts toward cardiac safety & education.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC's EMS Section Names Chief J. Robert Brown, Jr. (Ret.) Recipient of the 2024 James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

IAFC Honors Chief Rob Brown with Prestigious Award

Jan 01, 0001

EPA Releases Final Rule on CERCLA Designation of PFOA and PFOS

The EPA has issued a statement regarding fire departments' responsibilities under recently passed "forever chemicals" legislation.

Jan 01, 0001

IFSS To Provide Updates for OSHA 1910.156

A resource to provide updates on proposed changes to OSHA 1910.156

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Congress Proposes 10% Cut to AFG and SAFER Grant Programs

The bill will cut the Federal Emergency Management Agency's grant programs by 10%

Jan 01, 0001

Reducing Stairs in Residential Buildings Higher Than Three Stories Creates Escape Hazards for Occupants and Inhibits Vital Emergency Response Operations

Fire, Life and Safety Section submits a position statement.

Jan 01, 0001

Passing of VCOS Immediate Past Chair Chief Charles Flynn

Chief Charles Flynn, Immediate Past Chair of the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, early this morning.

Jan 01, 0001

Passing of VCOS Immediate Past Chair Chief Charles Flynn

Chief Charles Flynn, Immediate Past Chair of the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, early this morning.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Funding for Wildland Fire and Hazmat Programs

On Friday the U.S. Senate passed legislation to fund federal wildland fire and hazmat programs through September 30. The House previously passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 4366) on March 6. The bill will now go to President Biden for signature.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for the 2024 IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Presented annually at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) by the IAFC and Motorola Solutions, the award honors a firefighter(s) for their expert training, professional service and dedication to duty displayed in saving human life.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for the 2024 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award

The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award through May 17. Since 1996, this prestigious award has recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief.

Jan 01, 0001

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Celebrates 106th Anniversary

Congratulations to the IAFF on their 106 years of service representing more than 343,000 career firefighters and paramedics.

Jan 01, 0001

iDELP Chort 3 Announced

President John Butler announces the names of the individuals who have been accepted into the iDELP program as fellows in Cohort 3

Jan 01, 0001

2024 Safety Stand Down Theme Announced

Fire Training: Back to Basics is announced as theme for Safety Stand Down, June 16-22, 2024

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief John S. Butler Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action

IAFC President Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action

Jan 01, 0001

Wildfire Mitigation Awards Announced

Wildfire Mitigation Awards have named the individuals and organizations chosen to receive honors this year

Jan 01, 0001

Elevate Your Leadership Skills with ODP - Leadership Development Certification Series Online Courses

IAFC and Columbia Southern University announce first series of online courses for Company Officers I – II – III

Jan 01, 0001

Chief John S. Butler Appoints Stephanie Holloman to the IAFC Human Relations Committee

Stephanie Holloman of Orange County Fire Authority appointed to IAFC HRC

Jan 01, 0001

Fighting Fire and Preserving Progress: The Unsung Role of Portable Fire Extinguishers in Environmental and Life Safety

The use of portable fire extinguishers is a win-win situation for both life safety and environmental preservation

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Seeks Proposals from Technology Organizations with Specialized Expertise in System Consolidation

Services sought to leverage IAFC’s existing technology stack, with potential consideration for additive solutions

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officers Section Board Nomination Period is Open

Company Officers Section (COS) announces the opening of their board nomination period.

Jan 01, 0001

2024 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

IAFC and Motorola announce the12th year FSEDI participants

Jan 01, 0001

FRM 2024: Why You Can't Afford to Miss It!

FRM, for leaders to gather key information and build better situational awareness, leading to better decision-making

Jan 01, 0001

Important NIST Findings on Firefighter Gear: Understanding the Risks of PFAS

Are firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?

Jan 01, 0001

Lion, IAFC Proudly Partner for Saudi Aramco Cohort 24 International Fellowship Program Graduation

IAFC continues partnership to provide a host environment for the Fellowship Program.

Jan 01, 0001

Statement from IAFC President, Chief John S. Butler

IAFC President, Chief John S. Butler announces appointments

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President John Butler's Statement Regarding Aurora (CO) Paramedics Verdict

IAFC President John Butler's Statement Regarding Aurora (CO) Paramedics Verdict

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Chaplains for Federal Fire Service Agencies: Q and A

The important roles that chaplains play within the first responder community

Jan 01, 0001

Department of Labor seeks to expand, establish protections for today’s emergency response workers

Proposal to update standard and expand safety & health protections for emergency responders.

Jan 01, 0001

Straight Talk about FirstNet: First Responder-Designed and First Responder-Led

FirstNet Authority is working to facilitate coordination of this spectrum amongst public safety representatives

Jan 01, 0001

Help Improve the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Today!

The IAFC is conducting a study on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the US Fire and EMS.

Jan 01, 0001

FLSS Strategic Initiatives Plan for the years 2023 – 2025

New! FLSS Strategic Initiatives Plan for the years 2023 – 2025

Jan 01, 0001

FLSS Scholarship for the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Learn about an opportunity for scholarships and complimentary registration to attend the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Jan 01, 0001

Federal Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee Votes on Recommendations

New recommendations are being considered for ambulance services and improve the disclosure of charges and fees for ground ambulance services

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Celebrates 150th Anniversary at Southwestern Division Annual Meeting

Engaging Dialogue Will Delve into the Future of Fire and Emergency Services and Local Community Concerns

Jan 01, 0001

National Fire Service Organizations Urge Congress to Protect America's Fire and Emergency Services

National organizations calling on Congress to ensure that vital fire service grant programs are reauthorized

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief John S. Butler Joins Top Leaders at the U.S. Fire Administration's Summit on Fire Prevention and Control

Key representatives from federal government agencies meet during the Summit on Fire Prevention and Control

Jan 01, 0001

It’s Fire Prevention Week – Ask Congress to Join the Fight

IAFC has developed talking points to help you advocate for the protection of the AFG and SAFER programs

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Applauds Groundbreaking Recommendations in Recent Wildfire Commission Report

IAFC believes in collaborative efforts to reduce risks in communities and enhance preparedness for wildland fires

Jan 01, 0001

Celebrating 150 Years of IAFC: A Legacy of Fire Service Excellence

We invite all our members to participate in the 150th year celebration.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for Twelfth Year

IAFC receives a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation to fund the 12th year of FSEDI

Jan 01, 0001

City of Golden (CO) Fire Department and Goochland County (VA) Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services Selected for Deccan International/VCOS “Analyst” Grant!

IAFC, VCOS and Deccan International announce departments selected to receive grant

Jan 01, 0001

A Potential Federal Government Shutdown: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

IAFC is monitoring the situation in the U.S. Congress for potential shutdown of federal government operations.

Jan 01, 0001

Crash Responder Safety Week 2023: “Protecting Those Who Protect Us”

Crash Responder Safety Week, observed November 13-17 this year

Jan 01, 0001

Leadership in Action: Fire Chief John S. Butler, IAFC President and Board Chair, Appoints Key Working Groups

IAFC President and Board Chair, John S. Butler, acted on several key appointments during the recent IAFC Board Meeting

Jan 01, 0001

The Fire and Life Safety Section IAFC training has been rescheduled!

Join us on November 15th, 2023, and equip yourself with essential skills to ensure safety in any situation

Jan 01, 0001

Event Cancellation for the Lithium Ion Battery - Tall Mass Timber Buildings - Codes and Construction

A Message from Fire & Life Safety Section IAFC: Hurricane IDALIA - August 30th EVENT Greater Naples

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Life Safety Section (FLSS) Section & Board Meetings

FRI 2023 Section & Board Meetings

Jan 01, 0001

Chief John Butler Installed as IAFC President

Fire Chief John Butler installed as IAFC President during the final General Session at FRI 2023

Jan 01, 0001

Hilton Head Island Fire Department Honored with Ben Franklin Award for Valor

The IAFC and Motorola are proud to honor Hilton Head Island Fire Department with the Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Jan 01, 0001

Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award

St. Paul, Minnesota’s Director of the Department of Safety and Inspections, Angie Wiese, honored with the 2023 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief of the Year Awardees Announced

2023 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees during FRI 2023

Jan 01, 0001

Transformative Partnership Formed Between IAFC and Columbia Southern University

IAFC and CSU proudly announced a groundbreaking collaboration that delivers on one of the key goals

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit

Checkout this new interactive web-based geospatial Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit.

Jan 01, 0001

Please Take Action: Ask Your Senators Not to Cut the FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs

FY 2024 DHS Appropriations bill proposes cutting the AFG and SAFER grants.

Jan 01, 0001

Training: Batteries in the Fire Service, Tall Mass-Timber Buildings & Fire Department Concerns, and Codes that Safeguard Construction

Training on operational response and code requirements for batteries in buildings and energy storage systems

Jan 01, 0001

Be Part of IAFC's History: Submit Your Biography Now!

Submit your biography for inclusion in IAFC's 150th-Anniversary Commemorative Book

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Presents on EV Battery Safety at the EV Charging Symposium

EV Charging Symposium brought together stakeholders to collaborate on EV battery safety

Jan 01, 0001

National US&R Response System Strategic Plan

Provide feedback to assist with updating the US&R Strategic Plan.

Jan 01, 0001

House Begins Work on Fiscal Year 2024 DHS Appropriations

Reported Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.

Jan 01, 0001

House Committee Passes Legislation to Preserve FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs

Today legislation was passed to protect the AFG and SAFER programs

Jan 01, 0001

Lithium-ion Batteries: Are You Ready?

Daily focus areas highlight different aspects of lithium-ion battery response, a critical safety topic, June 18-24.

Jan 01, 0001

Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med 2023

Two fire departments were recognized for their success in improving cardiac arrest survival rates in their communities

Jan 01, 0001

Spanish-Language Hazmat Instructor - Independent Contractor Opportunity

Seeking a minimum of two (2) independent contractors to serve as Spanish-speaking Hazmat Safety Instructors

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Presents Historical Memorabilia as a Part of Their 150th Anniversary Celebration Plans

The IAFC will celebrate 150th anniversary at a press conference on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 3:30 PM ET

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Board Unveils 150th Anniversary Celebration Plans

IAFC is turning 150

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Week 2023 - May 21-27

This annual campaign brings the EMS community together to celebrate the accomplishments of EMTs and paramedics

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Testifies at Congressional Hearing

Chief Donna Black testifies to support the reauthorization of the AFG and SAFER programs

Jan 01, 0001

Vector Solutions and IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Now Accepting Nominations for the 2023 Training Officer Recognition Award

The award, which is now open for nominations, acknowledges exemplary conduct by a training officer for their innovation and effectiveness when delivering training.

Jan 01, 0001

The 2023 Safety Stand Down Quiz is Now Live – Test Your Knowledge on Lithium-ion Battery Response

In support of this year’s Safety Stand Down, emergency services personnel are encouraged to take and promote the quiz.

Jan 01, 0001

Long COVID: A Need for Full Situational Awareness

Looking at the long-term effects of COVID-19 on firefighter health and fitness

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate, Now What?

Great news for members of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the entire fire service community! The Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate with an overwhelming vote of 95-2. This is a significant achievement and deserves to be celebrated.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Camp Guide Contractor Opportunity

Seeking contractors to help develop a fire camp guide for volunteer and combination departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Help Improve Mutual Aid & Multi-Agency Coordination – Participate Today!

We ask that you please share any relevant documents your agency has and complete the brief feedback form on your agency’s mutual aid to help inform best practices and assist us in developing this resource for the entire public safety community.

Jan 01, 0001

Nominations Open for 2023 SHS Section Awards

Nominate someone who continues to pave the way for improved safety, health, and survival in the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

URGENT: TAKE ACTION: The Senate Considers Legislation to Reauthorize the AFG and SAFER Grant Programs Starting Tomorrow (Wednesday)

Please contact your Senators and ask them to vote for S. 870, the Fire Grants & Safety Act, without any amendments

Jan 01, 0001

First Responder Wellness Week: 5 days of health and wellness

Join us March 27-31 as we partner with Lexipol to launch the first annual First Responder Wellness Week

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for the 2023 IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Presented annually at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) by the IAFC and Motorola Solutions, the award honors a firefighter(s) for their expert training, professional service and dedication to duty displayed in saving human life.

Jan 01, 0001

Full U.S. Senate to Consider Legislation to Protect the FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs!

Within the next few days, the U.S. Senate may be considering legislation to reauthorize funding for key grant programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for the 2023 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award

The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award through June 9. Since 1996, this prestigious award has recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief.

Jan 01, 0001

“Lithium-ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” is Announced as Theme for Safety Stand Down, June 18-24, 2023

The 2023 Safety Stand Down will be June 18 - 24. The week of the Safety Stand Down will cover topics relating to lithium-ion battery response and safety, which will be broken down into five daily focus areas: recognition of hazards, firefighting operations, firefighter safety, post-incident considerations, and public education.

Jan 01, 0001

EVMS Presents 2021 Boyd Cole Award

IAFC’s EVMS and Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL), proudly announces the recipient of the 2021

Jan 01, 0001

Please Take Action: Ask the Senate to Protect the FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs!

Update on legislation to reauthorize funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program

Jan 01, 0001

WUI Fireworks Awareness Resources Project Contractor Opportunity

We are now accepting submissions for a WUI subject matter expert contractors for the Fireworks Awareness Resources Project .

Jan 01, 0001

2023 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

The IAFC is proud to announce the participants accepted into the fifth year of the prestigious Fire Service Executive Development Institute.

Jan 01, 0001

The four cosponsors of the national Wildfire Mitigation Awards have named the individuals and organizations chosen to receive honors this year in recognition of their exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction.

Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has named one individual and one organization chosen to receive 2023 Wildfire Mitigation Awards

Jan 01, 0001

RFP: Recruitment and Retention Instructor Contract Opportunity

Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Certification (RRC) course is accepting submissions for contractor positions.

Jan 01, 0001

North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Receives Safer Grant

NCAFC Grant Will Assist Communities in Recruiting and Retaining Volunteer Firefighters

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Ready to be an IAFC Officer?

Call for 2nd VP Candidates, Apply by February 1

Jan 01, 0001

President Biden Signed a $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Bill; Fire Service Grant Programs Funded Through 2023

Updates regarding the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Status of AFG and SAFER Grants – Funded for Fiscal Year 2023

On December 22, the H.R. 2617 bill was passed which includes funding for the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Statement by IAFC President Chief Donna Black on the passing of Chief Bobby Halton

IAFC wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to Bobby’s family and our colleagues at Fire Engineering & FDIC International

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Releases Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

The Senate Appropriations Committee released its Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

Jan 01, 0001

How do our fire and building codes address changing technologies?

The creation of the 2024 I-Codes and NFPA codes, changes were proposed as it relates to changing refrigeration systems

Jan 01, 0001

Call to Action: IAFC Asks Fire Chiefs to Call Congress to Save FIRE & SAFER Grant Programs and USFA

The IAFC asks that members contact their U.S. Representatives & Senators to ask them to pass S. 4882 this year

Jan 01, 0001

It’s the Holiday Season: Health Update from the IAFC

The the best ways to stay healthy over the coming winter months

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Chief Donna Black on Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Systems

Release of new resource page dedicated to lithium-ion batteries preparedness.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for 11th Year

UPDATE: The 2023 FSEDI application period is closed. Applicants will be notified in the near future.

Jan 01, 0001

NVFC, VCOS, ISFSI Release Operational Training Guide for Fire Departments

A training program that meets the needs of the community and the individual firefighter with safety

Jan 01, 0001

Sound the Alarm: The Medicare Cost Survey is in Full Force

Best practices for reducing your risk of the enforced payment reduction for noncompliance

Jan 01, 0001

2022 Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award Presented to Jeff Shapiro

Jeffrey M. Shapiro, P.E., FSFPE has been named the recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award

Jan 01, 0001

The Importance of Understanding and Training on the Portable Radio Emergency Alert Button (EAB) during a Mayday

The IAFC is proud to support NIOSH’s efforts to improve firefighter safety.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter safety and Engineered Wood I-Joists

In-depth information for firefighters on engineered wood I-Joists.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC is pleased that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation to fund AFG

Senate committee has approved a AFG/SAFER legislation that funds the programs through 2032

Jan 01, 0001

Financial Education Survey: Help Develop Resources for Fire Chiefs

Complete a short survey to help us develop financial education and resources for fire chiefs.

Jan 01, 0001

Hurricane Ian Situational Awareness Resources for Fire and Emergency Service Leaders

Relevant hurricane/authoritative situational awareness resources for use by leaders in the fire/emergency services.

Jan 01, 0001

The 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™ is October 9 – 15

Celebrating Fire Prevention Week with a toolkit page with social media cards, templates, logos, and activities.

Jan 01, 0001

Call to Action: Ask Your Senators to Cosponsor Legislation to Preserve the USFA & AFG and SAFER Programs

Updates on USFA & AFG SAFER Grants

Jan 01, 0001

Members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Honor Guard helped lead Monday morning’s remembrance

IAFC 1st VP and Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Chief John Butler attended this morning’s bell-ringing and moment of silence.

Jan 01, 0001

Symposium in the Sun Scholarship and Award Nominations Due Sept. 29

Apply for a scholarship to the Symposium in the Sun.

Jan 01, 0001

FRI 2022 A Success Thousands "Recharge" at Annual Conference

IAFC wishes to thank all of the FRI 2022 attendees, presenters and sponsors for an extremely successful event in San Antonio

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Donna Black Installed as IAFC President

Chief Black will serve as Chair of the IAFC Board of Directors as the organization enters its 150th year of leadership, education and service

Jan 01, 0001

Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS Honored with 2022 IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor

IAFC and Motorola Solutions recognize brave first responders for their swift water rescue

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Honors Fire Chief of the Year Awardees

IAFC in partnership with Pierce Manufacturing Inc., announced the 2022 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees.

Jan 01, 0001

Advisory - DHS Secretary Mayorkas' Remarks To Fire-Rescue International Conference Attendees to be Streamed Live on IAFC YouTube Channel

IAFC will livestream DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ remarks to the 2022 FRI attendees.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC's Fire Department Response to Energy Storage Systems "ESS"

Guide for responding to Energy Storage Systems.

Jan 01, 0001

Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to Address International Association of Fire Chiefs Conference

IAFC is honored to announce that the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas will address the IAFC membership during upcoming conference.

Jan 01, 0001

CDC Reduces Quarantine and Begins Planning for Autumn - Implications for Fire Chiefs

CDC is streamlining existing COVID guidance to reduce the impact of the virus on schools, employment, and the health system.

Jan 01, 0001

Emerging Leader Scholarship and Alumni Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarship available for an all- expenses paid opportunity for a future fire service leader to attend the Symposium in the Sun.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Endorses Senate Legislation to Fund Fire Station Construction

The legislation would provide federal funding to maintain and build new fire stations across the nation.

Jan 01, 0001

Propane Emergencies: Basic Certifications with Propane Emergency

It is essential that all responders to understand the changes that have occurred that pertain to NFPA 470 and be well versed in the OSHA requirements.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. House Passes Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation

Updates on U.S. house passing next generation 9-1-1 legislation.

Jan 01, 0001

The US Department of Agriculture has launched a new $1 billion Community Wildfire Defense Grant program

This five-year program is designed to assist at-risk communities with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Participates in National Transportation Safety Board’s Rail Safety Summit

NTSB summit focused on actions needed to reduce casualties, partnerships needed to improve safety.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID Vaccine by Novavax is Approved

The CDC followed the recommendation of the FDA and endorsed the use of the Novavax COVID vaccine for primary series prevention in adults ages 18 and older.

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Study Report Identifies Areas of Improvement and Recommends Actions Departments Can Take to Improve Recruitment and Retention

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion study report identifies areas of improvement and recommend actions departments can take to create and maintain diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environments.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recognizes Randolph Mantooth, West Allis FD and Spokane Valley FD in Annual Fire-Rescue Med Awards

The IAFC recognizes the winners of the James O. Page and the Heart Safe Community Awards during FRM 2022.

Jan 01, 0001

Webinar: Making Positive Change During America's Heroin Epidemic

This webinar shares response efforts to substance use in a community and other collaborative initiatives between public health and safety.

Jan 01, 0001

Fuels Reduction Project Grant Funding Available

A maximum of $10,000 per department is available to help departments cover the cost of department staffing, equipment rentals, and/or contractual services.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Michael O’Brian honored for excellence in fire and life safety

Individuals dedicated to saving lives & property through their work on code development, fire prevention practices and fire service leadership.

Jan 01, 0001

Electric Vehicle Manufacturers are Improving Emergency Response Guidance for Fighting Lithium-ion Battery Fires Per NTSB Recommendation

Updates on improving emergency response guidance for electric vehicles.

Jan 01, 0001

Department of Transportation Announces Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program

Updates on the SS4A grant

Jan 01, 0001

Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Roundtable

Reports capture the findings from these assessments and the discussion from the recent Roundtable meeting.

Jan 01, 0001

Preventing Electrical Fires - Vigilance & Cooperation Key to Future Risk Reduction

Preventing electrical fires

Jan 01, 0001

Responding to Propane Incidents

While performing air monitoring of the structure for flammable gas there are a few items you need to remember to operate in a safe and efficient manner.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Launches Whole Community Planning for Disaster Online Training

This course will provide information on why/how community organizations and others can participate in inclusive emergency planning processes to improve resiliency.

Jan 01, 0001

Protecting Mental Health of First Responders

Behavioral health resources available for the mental health needs of responders.

Jan 01, 0001

Monkeypox: What a Fire and EMS Chief Needs to Know

While outbreaks of this disease are rare, fire and EMS chiefs should be prepared for the rare instance of a monkeypox case in their community.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety Section Board Meets at CRRL in Toronto Canada

FLSS Board Meeting

Jan 01, 0001

Meeting of the Unicorns

FDX, out of the gate came one of the most impactful statements and a common theme of the day.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Communications.

IAFC communication notice.

Jan 01, 0001

The Good That Came from COVID

EMS has a new image, one that positions the career more holistically in the communities served.

Jan 01, 0001

New First Responder Tool for Reporting Transportation Struck-By Incidents

A new tool to help ERSI track/analyze struck-by incident data, gain a better understanding of exactly how and why these incidents occur.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for the IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor

IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Jan 01, 0001

Pet Therapy Response Team; From 9-1-1 Dispatch to FD "Stress Relief" Visits

Fire & EMS departments across USA should consider starting Pet Therapy “stress relief” visits.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award

The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award

Jan 01, 0001

President Biden Releases Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request

President Biden released his $5.8 trillion budget request for Fiscal Year (FY 2023)

Jan 01, 0001

2022 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

IAFC announced the names of the individuals who have been accepted into the FSEDI

Jan 01, 0001

Roadside Community Chipping Program Grant Funding Available

A maximum of $20,000 per department is available to help RSG! members cover the cost of chipping programs.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Increases Federal Cost Share for 2020 and 2021 Disasters

FEMA announced that it will be allowing a minimum 90% cost share for all federal emergency or major disaster declarations.

Jan 01, 0001

Nation's leading wildfire management groups name 2022 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

WASHINGTON—The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has named the six individuals and organizations chosen to receive 2022 Wildfire Mitigation Awards.

Jan 01, 0001

Roadway Vegetation Management: A CRR tool for the WUI

Recent incidents get the community’s attention, and it is our job to turn attention into action. In Jackson Hole we are trying to leverage our existing partnerships and forge new ones to implement big picture projects starting with meaningful first steps.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Early on Tuesday morning, the House and Senate Appropriations Committee released their Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471).

Jan 01, 0001

Safety Stand Down 2022 Announced

The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Safety, Health and Survival Section, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the National Fire Protection Association have announced the theme for the 2022 Safety Stand Down is Situational Awareness: The Foundation for Good Decision-Making.

Jan 01, 0001

Planning for the Off Ramp of the Current COVID Wave

The IAFC Coronavirus Task Force has been looking into the future and attempting to plan for a reduction in COVID burden in the communities we serve. This can then be matched to the stepdown of mask guidelines for the service.

Jan 01, 0001

New Ethanol Emergency Response Training Now Available

RFA and TRANSCAER announces new ethanol emergency response training.

Jan 01, 0001

Call for Candidates for the 2024 FLSS Election

Learn more about the available positions.

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Rural EMS Grant Application Period Ends on February 14

Eligible IAFC members are encouraged to review the grant announcement and Notice of Funding Opportunity to apply for these grants.

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Urges Organizations to Implement Cybersecurity Measures Now

CISA is urging senior leaders at every organization in the U.S. to become aware of critical cyber risks and take urgent, near-term steps to reduce the likelihood and impact of a cyberattack.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases New National Resource Hub

FEMA launches National Resource Hub to help communities to implement resource management preparedness processes.

Jan 01, 0001

More Than $1B Available for Firefighters Grants

Grants totaling more than $1 billion are available for firefighters. FEMA is accepting applications for all three of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program's FY21 grants, with the first due approaching on January 21.

Jan 01, 0001

Would You Take 10 Minutes to Help the Volunteer and Combination Fire Service?

The IAFC is conducting a survey on diversity, equity and inclusion to assist volunteer recruitment and retention in the volunter and combination fire service. Learn more about the survey and participate today.

Jan 01, 0001

Supreme Court Decision on Vaccine Mandates: What It Means for Fire Departments

The Supreme Court blocked a temporary emergency standard by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Jan 01, 0001

SAVER Market Survey Report Published: Incident Management Software

Results are published from NUSTL’s market survey of Incident Management Software (IMS) for Emergency Response.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Announces FY 2021 Fire Prevention & Safety Grant Application Period: January 18 – February 18

IAFC members are encouraged to start reviewing the application materials on the FEMA FP&S website.

Jan 01, 0001

Leading U.S. Fire Service Organizations Urge Immediate Action to Safeguard the American Public

The call follows two tragic fires in the last 5 days that claimed the lives of at least 31 people and injured well over 60.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID-19 Firefighter Survival Informational Stand Down

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) urges all first responders to join in a COVID-19 Firefighter Survival Informational Stand Down.

Jan 01, 0001

AFG/SAFER Webinar Schedule Posted

FEMA has webinars scheduled throughout the month of January to help fire departments develop applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Legislation to Address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

This year’s NDAA contains several provisions that address problems relating to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

Jan 01, 0001

OSHA Withdraws Part of Health Care Emergency Temporary Standard / CDC Releases New Quarantine Recommendations

On December 27, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdrew major parts of its Health Care Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS).

Jan 01, 0001

Save the Date: 3rd International Fire Operations Conference & Exhibition

A platform for academicians, researchers, managers, subject matter experts & students to share their research findings/best practices with the global audience.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Announces SAFER Grant Application Period: Jan. 3 – Feb. 4, 2022

The application period for the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants application period will begin on JAN 3.

Jan 01, 0001

Needs Assessment of US Fire Service

Fifth Needs Assessment shows some progress but continuing gaps in fire department resources.

Jan 01, 0001

Application Period Extended for FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program

The application process for the FY 2021 AFG Program is extended to January 21, 2022.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. EEOC Updates Technical Assistance Clarifying COVID-19 As Disability

The technical assistance includes answers to questions about how illnesses caused by COVID-19 relate to the ADA definition of "disability."

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC & Metro Chiefs Statement on Log4j Vulnerability and Reported TeleStaff Outage

DHS recommendations for users of programs with vulnerability.

Jan 01, 0001

FAA Reinterprets Guidance to Allow State and Local Governments to Conduct UAS Training as part of Public Aircraft Operations

This training must be limited to non-federal entity’s own aircraft and crews.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for Tenth Year

Chantilly, Va. ‐ For the tenth year, the IAFC has received a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation (MSF) to fund another year of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI).

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Bill to Delay Medicare Sequestration Cuts

This week, the House and Senate passed the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act.

Jan 01, 0001

Senators and Representatives Introduce Bill to Incentivize the Installation of Fire Sprinklers in Older High-Rises

This bill amends the tax code to create a new incentive for the owners of high-rise buildings (buildings over 75 feet tall) to install sprinklers in their structures erected before fire codes required sprinklers.

Jan 01, 0001

Omicron for the Fire Rescue EMS Provider as of December 4, 2021

According to the World Health Organization, the strain poses a very high risk, so it has been added to its list called "variants of concern."

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighters: Are They the Ones Who Need Saving?

In Tennessee, a health crisis therapist came to talk to students about the emotional side of emergency services. The talk prompted one student, Kira Jones, to write an essay.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Asks for Review of Fire Management and Suppression Draft Resource Types

Comments are due by 5:00 PM ET on December 10. The IAFC requests that its members review these resource typing documents and submit comments.

Jan 01, 0001

House Passes Build Back Better Act; Senate Action Still Required

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) by a vote of 220-213.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Members Invited to Engage EPA Researchers for a Disaster Waste Management Study

Researchers want to understand how debris and waste are sorted, staged, and transported in disaster contexts, as well as how final disposal and/or recycling decisions are made in the field

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Online Community available via Mobile App

Access IAFC's online community via mobile app.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC-VCOS Releases the 2021 Yellow Ribbon Report Update on Responder Behavioral Wellness

The contributors hope that you use this report to assist your public safety personnel in managing the traumatic stresses they are confronting every day.

Jan 01, 0001

EVMS Presents 2019 & 2020 Boyd Cole Awards

The EVMS announces the recipient of the 2020 Boyd Cole Award, David Williams.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Will Reimburse COVID-19 Vaccination Expenses for Children

As part of the effort to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to children between ages 5 and 11, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said that it could reimburse expenses for vaccination programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Application Period Opens Today

The AFG program is designed to help fire and EMS departments improve their baseline capabilities for protecting the public.

Jan 01, 0001

House Sends Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework Funding Wildfire Initiatives and Authorizing the ALERT Grant to the President’s Desk

The IAFC was very pleased that this package includes the authorization of the ALERT grant program.

Jan 01, 0001

IDEX SAM Control System: Transforming Traditional Pump Operations

SAM allows the operator to control the truck from either side, which lets the operator stay in better visual contact with the crew and the fireground.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Legislation to Expand PSOB Benefits

The legislation would make a number of changes to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and EMS Departments Not Included in CMS and OSHA Vaccine Requirements

Despite new federal regulations regarding COVID vaccine requirements, fire & EMS departments remain covered under OSHA.

Jan 01, 0001

National Kickoff: Crash Responder Safety Week 2021

Please join this National Kickoff webinar to learn about actions that response leaders and every responder can take to advance the safety of incident responders and road users.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and TC Energy Mexico Pipeline Training

Training in 2020 was completed in the State of Veracruz and the State of Sinaloa and is presently underway in the State of Hidalgo October 28-29, 2021, and Guanajuato November 4-5, 2021.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Response to Electric Vehicle Fires

This one-page bulletin is intended to guide our pre-response, response and post-event responses to electrical vehicle fires.

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Issues Public Notice Partially Lifting the Temporary Freeze on 4.9 GHz Licenses

The FCC imposed the 4.9 GHz licensing freeze on September 8, 2020, to maintain a stable spectral environment in the 4.9 GHz band while it considered changes to the service rules governing operations in the band.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Calls for Congress to Take Action to Address National Wildland Fire Problem

Deputy Fire Chief Rich Elliott, Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue and Chair of the IAFC’s Wildland Fire Policy Committee, testified on October 26.

Jan 01, 0001

White House and EPA Release Three Year Strategy for PFAS ​

PFAS are often dubbed “forever chemicals” because some of the chemicals linger for decades in people’s bodies and seemingly forever in the environment.

Jan 01, 0001

Vote Now International Code Council

International Code Council voting information

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC-VCOS and Provident Insurance Announce the John M. Buckman III Leadership Award Winner: Assistant Chief David Lewis, Sr. (Ret.)

IAFC-VCOS and Provident Insurance Announce the 2021 John M. Buckman III Leadership Award Winner

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Releases FAQs on HIPAA, COVID-19, and the Workplace

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Acting Communications Committee Chair Testifies Before House Hearing on Post 9/11 Emergency Communications

The testimony focused on the challenges facing public safety communications on 9/11, the advances made since then, and the remaining communications needs of public safety.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Department of Education Overhauls Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

This program cancels the student debt of Americans who spend ten years in public service jobs, including firefighters and EMS personnel.

Jan 01, 0001

WUI 2021 is Going Virtual

IAFC has made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person 2021 Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Conference.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC-VCOS and NVFC Release Lavender Ribbon Report Update to Reduce Occupational Cancer Risks

11 best practices for reducing exposure risks and preventing occupationally caused cancer in firefighters

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recommends Improvements for National Preparedness

Testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the IAFC identified opportunities for improvement to the national preparedness system.

Jan 01, 0001

RSG for Law Enforcement

Video and Flyer available for use

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief Michael O’Brain Receives The Robert W. Gain Fire Prevention Leadership

Fire Chief Michael O’Brian has been named the recipient of the 2021 Robert W. Gain Fire Prevention Leadership Award.

Jan 01, 0001

Nominate Today for 2021 RSG! Program Awards

Award recipients will be invited to the IAFC's Wildland-Urban Interface Conference in Reno on November 15-16, 2021

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Announces Availability of $25.5 billion in COVID-19 Provider Funding

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that $25.5 billion soon will be available to help EMS providers with the costs of providing COVID-19 response.

Jan 01, 0001

Community Emergency Response Team Materials in Six Languages

CERTs are pivotal in building personal and community resilience, so it is essential that all groups feel at ease accessing resources.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Statement on September 11th, Twenty Years Later

Today we honor the legacy of those who responded to this event and pay our respects for the many lives lost far too soon. May they not be forgotten.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chiefs Encouraged to Recognize 20th Anniversary of 9/11

IAFC resources for fire and EMS departments that would like to hold 9/11 remembrance ceremonies.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Encourages Fire and EMS Departments to Remain Vigilant During the Fall

The Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee is in close contact with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners and will work diligently to share any priority threat-related information.

Jan 01, 0001

Documentary: Vaccination from the Misinformation Virus

This one-hour documentary helps address vaccine concerns by explaining why vaccines are safe, crucial to community health, and save millions of lives annually.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Exchange is Accepting Applications

Five applicants will be selected to participate.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Position on COVID-19 Vaccination of Fire and EMS Personnel

The IAFC is committed to the health and safety of our fire and EMS department personnel.

Jan 01, 0001

Chiefs Reflect on Interview Regarding Volunteer Firefighters

According to a National Fire Protection Association report, there is an estimated 1,115,000 firefighters in the United States. Of that total number, 745,000 or 67% are volunteer firefighters.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. EPA Decontamination Conference, Call for Abstracts Open

The EPA is seeking abstracts for this years’ conference and welcomes IAFC members to submit proposals with experiences in decontamination.

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Releases New National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin: IAFC Has Tools to Keep You Prepared

he IAFC will continue to provide resources to help you prepare for the evolving terrorist threat.

Jan 01, 0001

CISA Recommendations for Protecting Information from Ransomware-Caused Data Breaches

Data breaches, often involving sensitive or personal information, can cause financial loss to the victim organization and erode customer trust.

Jan 01, 0001

WMA Awardees Speak on Their Crucial Work to Mitigate Wildfire Damage

This February, the Wildfire Mitigation Awards (WMAs) selection committee chose three individuals to receive recognition for their sustained dedication to wildfire mitigation and preparedness initiatives. The 2021 WMA winners are leaders who have shown how innovation and collaboration can secure lasting results for communities of all sizes and demographics.

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Issues New National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin

On August 13, 2021, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the heightened threat environment across the United States.

Jan 01, 0001

Influence: Connecting with Stakeholders

Fire chiefs must simultaneously invest in engaging citizens using social media and other technology while never forgetting that traditional stakeholder engagement is still viable.

Jan 01, 0001

Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Package Funding Wildfire Initiatives and Authorizing the ALERT Grant

Earlier this week the Senate passed the Senate Amendment to H.R.3684, the INVEST in America Act, otherwise known as the “Compromise Infrastructure Package.” This package was developed as a compromise following negotiations between the White House and a group of moderate Senators and passed by a vote of 69 to 30.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Toolkit Documents

Documents apply an all-hazards approach in its concepts, processes, and principles.

Jan 01, 0001

New VCOS Board Members Sworn-In at Fire-Rescue International

Chief Brita Horn, Assistant Chief Paul Sterling, Jr., Chief Al Yancey, Jr., and Chief Kevin Hardwick sworn in at FRI 2021.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety at the Forefront: A Doctor Reflects on FRI 2021

The actions of IAFC staff and leadership allowed conference attendees to enjoy in-person camaraderie, fulfill any requirements “back home” related to reducing exposure, and fulfill commitments to the host community.

Jan 01, 0001

CSB Releases New Safety Video on Aghorn Operating Investigation Entitled "Silent Killer: Hydrogen Sulfide Release in Odessa, Texas"

The CSB also made two recommendations to federal and state regulators, OSHA and the Railroad Commission of Texas, addressing the requirements for protecting workers from hazardous air contaminants and from hazardous energy.

Jan 01, 0001

Members of Congress Introduce Legislation with Housing Benefits for Volunteer Fire and EMS Personnel

The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act (S. 2316/H.R. 4377) was introduced by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-MN) and Representative Cynthia Axne (D-IA). Both bills have bipartisan support.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Guide to Continuity of Government

The guide identifies the major roles of government and how continuity of operations is critical to constitutional government.

Jan 01, 0001

DOJ Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Nominations Due July 31

Fire and EMS chiefs are encouraged to nominate members of their departments for this esteemed award.

Jan 01, 0001

FireRescue GPO is Now Part of Sourcewell

The IAFC is pleased to continue to support FireRescue GPO through this integration, and Sourcewell is now the sole cooperative purchasing partner of the IAFC.

Jan 01, 0001

Winner Announced for 2021 VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award Sponsored by Vector Solutions

James Hedrick, Volunteer Training Coordinator from Fairfax County (Virginia) Fire and Rescue Department Named the 2021 Recipient

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Fire Management Assistance Grant Program and Policy Guide

The new FEMA document explains the FMAG declaration process; eligibility; and the grant management and close-out process.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief Calls for New Technology to Fight Wildland Fires

Chief Litzenberg, testified before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee about federal wildland fire research.

Jan 01, 0001

CSB U.S. Chemical Safety Board

Tracking, monitoring, investigating the causes of, and preventing accidental chemical releases remains a top priority for the CSB

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Seeks Proposals for App Development

IAFC seeks competitive proposals for app development that will enable fire departments to create recruitment and retention plans

Jan 01, 0001

National Workforce Solutions Fire Camp Scholarships

IAFC's National Workforce Solutions & VCOS partner to offer scholarships to 20 volunteer and combination fire departments across the country

Jan 01, 0001

OSHA Issues Emergency COVID Standard for Fire and EMS Agencies

OSHA releases new guidance for employers to protect their employees from COVID-19

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recognizes Michael Metro with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Chief Michael Metro, Ret., was named the 2021 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award.

Jan 01, 0001

Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med

Chesapeake and Harrisonburg, Virginia, Recognized for Innovative Emergency Cardiac Responses

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Issues Consent Decrees Regarding Enforcement Actions Taken Against Telecommunications Carriers Over 9-11 Location Accuracy

The IAFC has emphasized the need for accurate z-axis 911 location accuracy to be nationally distributed as quickly as possible.

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Stays 4.9 GHz Spectrum Order

The IAFC has engaged with the FCC on multiple occasions requesting that the Sixth R&O relating to the 4.9 GHz spectrum be vacated.

Jan 01, 0001

Pascrell Legislation Would Authorize $1B Fire Station Construction Grant Program

The legislation would create a $1 billion grant program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Jan 01, 0001

President Biden’s FY 2022 Budget Includes Increases for Federal Fire Programs

Congress will now spend the summer deliberating the FY 2022 appropriations bills with the aim of passing them before the October 1 start of the fiscal year.

Jan 01, 0001

Message from Non-federal Members of the Wildland Fire Leadership Council

Non-federal WFLC members have joined together to share their Fire Year 2021 message.

Jan 01, 0001

Alert from the FAA on Demonstration Flights of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

At the urging of the FAA, the IAFC recommends that departments solicited by vendors offering UAS demonstrations ensure the parties meet the safety requirements of the FAA and other applicable regulations.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Issues New COVID-19 Operational Guidance: All-Hazards Incident Response and Recovery

FEMA will be offering webinars in early to mid-June to discuss the pandemic operational guidance. For more information on these webinars, please go to the FEMA website.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Fact Sheet About Reimbursement for Public Vaccination Campaigns

Funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and eligible private and non-profit medical facilities carrying out vaccination administration activities.

Jan 01, 0001

Dousing Public Housing Fires

IAFC urges Congress to pass critical legislation to fund fire sprinkler installations

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC Seeks Vendor for Salesforce & Fonteva Assessment & Remediation

This request for proposal is to identify a vendor qualified to plan and execute a technology/platform assessment of the IAFC’s Salesforce system/platform Association Management System (AMS).

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Releases TIP Rules

CMS has issued it guidance on reimbursing EMS agencies for providing treatment-in-place services.

Jan 01, 0001

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Reform Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program

The PSOB program provides death and educational benefits to the families of fallen fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel, along with benefits to public safety officers who become disabled in the line of duty.

Jan 01, 0001

Vector Solutions and IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Now Accepting Nominations for the 2021 Training Officer Recognition Award

The award, which is now open for nominations, acknowledges exemplary conduct by a training officer for their innovation and effectiveness when delivering training.

Jan 01, 0001

Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition to Host Webinar on Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation

The Next Generation 9-1-1 language in H.R. 1848 provides $15 billion in grants to modernize the nation’s 9-1-1 infrastructure and facilitate the deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 capabilities.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Released Research Findings to Improve Public Messaging for Evacuations and Sheltering-in-Place

This research also includes strategies to help emergency managers understand complexities in individual and household decision-making.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Resources for Preparing for Civil Unrest

To help fire departments provide service to their communities and protect their personnel, the IAFC has both compiled and developed some resources.

Jan 01, 0001

The April 2021 Talking TIM Webinar is Here

Learn how local agencies can apply NextGen TIM innovations.

Jan 01, 0001

J. Robert "Rob" Brown Appointed as CEO/Executive Director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs

​Mr. Brown served 38-years in the fire and rescue service – 20-years as fire chief – and joined the IAFC as a full member in 1987.

Jan 01, 0001

Webinar: Unaware, Unwilling or Unable? Identify and Manage 3 Types of Underperforming Employees

District Chief Sobieski offers strategies for handling performance issues and details how to develop a performance improvement plan.

Jan 01, 0001

Driving to Extend Ambulance Payments

Congress is considering legislation to preserve the ground ambulance extender payments. Chief should contact their members of Congress to urge them to support the bill.

Jan 01, 0001

Webinar: Making a Dynamic Professional Development Program for Fire Leaders

This onversation will help you identify needs, find motivators, and explore the necessary components to establish a successful program for your organization.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Issues Repayment Notice

CMS is looking to recoup payments made to agencies under its Accelerated and Advanced Payments program from 2020

Jan 01, 0001

CISA releases an updated Fire as a Weapon Action Guide

The updated action guide promotes vigilance for our industry partners and empowers security professionals to observe and evaluate potential indicators, mitigate potential risk, and obtain help when necessary.

Jan 01, 0001

Effective & Efficient Emergency Healthcare

This new podcast episode of iCHIEFS spotlights Houston’s effective emergency healthcare program and how the fire department provides service to a large metropolitan city through its Emergency Telehealth and Navigation (ETHAN) program.

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Refers Carriers to Enforcement for Failing to Meet Key 911 Location Accuracy Deadline

Vertical location is critical to helping first responders quickly locate 911 wireless callers, particularly in buildings taller than three stories.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases NIMS National Qualification System Implementation Objectives Fact Sheet for Public Engagement

FEMA will host two, 30-minute webinars to discuss the draft implementation objectives and answer related questions.

Jan 01, 0001

Webinar: Lessons Learned from Fukushima

This presentation will share experiences and lessons that will greatly benefit decision makers and responders who have to prepare for wide area environmental remediation to respond to and recover from radiological contamination events.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Audit-Related Guidance for Entities Receiving COVID-19 Public Assistance Funds

Fire and EMS chiefs are encouraged to review this document to help them maximize their cost recovery through the FEMA Public Assistance program while meeting all the reporting requirements.

Jan 01, 0001

Ebola Resources Continue to Be Relevant

The IAFC encourages fire chiefs to review its recommendations for potential responses to Ebola patients

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases 9 Search & Rescue Resource Typing Documents

These resource typing documents will facilitate the sharing of deployable resource types at all jurisdictional levels.

Jan 01, 0001

Help Vaccinate America

Register for an opportunity to help distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to communities.

Jan 01, 0001

3AM Innovations and NextNav Improve First Responder Safety and Situational Awareness with Vertical Location

NextNav announces a new partnership with 3AM Innovations to deliver improved situational awareness for first responders through vertical location.

Jan 01, 0001

Medicare Holds Claims Pending Congressional Action

Medicare announced it will hold claims until Congress delays pending rate cuts

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Updates Core Capabilities Development Sheets with Revised Training Courses

These updated versions include revised suggested training for each core capability.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Will Cover 100% of COVID-19 Response Costs & Funeral Assistance

Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency made two major announcements to help assist communities with the response to COVID-19.

Jan 01, 0001

Public Consulting Group and The International Association of Fire Chiefs Continue Partnership to Educate the Fire and EMS Community

The IAFC is thrilled to work with PCG as both organizations strive to educate fire and emergency medical services leaders and the first responder community at large.

Jan 01, 0001

America’s First Responders Deserve Better Support From Federal Government in Preparation for Future Biological Events

Upcoming Commission Meeting to Explore Needs of First Responder Community During Biological Events

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Urges Congress to Pass Recently Introduced Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation

As Next Generation 9-1-1 technology evolves and is deployed around the country, it is going to encounter numerous and vastly different use scenarios across law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in urban, suburban and rural areas.

Jan 01, 0001

CNIC Announces Fire and Emergency Services Award Winners

The Navy F&ES Awards Program was instituted in 1997 to recognize the most outstanding fire departments and personnel for achieving the highest degree of excellence in mission support and fire protection management.

Jan 01, 0001

Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition Launches Major Grassroots Campaign

The Coalition is solely motivated by what is needed by public safety professionals as they carry out their missions to save and protect the public every day.

Jan 01, 0001

Leading Through Uncertainty

Perhaps the most important thing for leaders to do in times of uncertainty is to show up and be present.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes $1.9 trillion COVID-19 Relief Bill

President Biden is expected to sign this legislation.

Jan 01, 0001

CDC Releases New Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals

The CDC has released new guidelines for individuals who have received their COVID-19 vaccinations. Everyone is encouraged to review these guidelines and do their part to help control the spread of COVID-19.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases 4 Emergency Medical Services Resource Typing Documents

Resource typing is a key component of NIMS and enables organizations from across the country to work together during incidents of all types and sizes.

Jan 01, 0001

More Information About Microsoft Exchange Vulnerability

CISA strongly encourages partners to immediately disconnect any Microsoft Exchange systems suspected of being compromised.

Jan 01, 0001

2021 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

This is the ninth year that the Motorola Solutions Foundation has provided the IAFC with a grant to fund the program.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chiefs Urged to Take Immediate Steps to Check for Microsoft Exchange Vulnerabilities

Fire chiefs are urged to contact their IT departments -- without delay -- to ascertain their departments’ vulnerability.

Jan 01, 0001

Accepting Failure or Faking Perfection? It’s Time to be Realistic About our Success and Failures

We must review our incidents with honesty or we’ll never be able to improve as a fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Top Wildfire Management Groups Name 2021 National Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

Individuals and organizations honored for exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction.

Jan 01, 0001

Your Role in Improving EMS Flight Safety

After your call, the operator should assess the risks—such as weather, flight conditions, and which pilot is on duty—to determine if it’s safe to accept the flight.

Jan 01, 0001

NHTSA Encourages First Responders to Review its Guidelines for Incidents Involving Electric of Hybrid Vehicles Following NTSB Study on Risks Posed by These Vehicles

Guidance for responders when responding to incidents including electric vehicles.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety Stand Down 2021: Rebuild Rehab

Responder agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 20-26 in order to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme, Rebuild Rehab.

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Announces ASPR TRACIE Website to Provide Information for Healthcare Practitioners

Fire and EMS chiefs are encouraged to review this website and bookmark it as appropriate.

Jan 01, 0001

Ending Harassment in the Fire Service is Everyone’s Responsibility

Company officers rHarassment is a systemic issue, meaning it’s not simply an isolated issue between two peopleepresent the intersection of all the department’s policies, training and actions

Jan 01, 0001

USFA & IAFC Co-Host Webinar on Public COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns

On February 11, 2021, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the IAFC hosted a webinar on fire department participation in public COVID-19 vaccination campaigns

Jan 01, 0001

NHTSA Released Just-In-Time Training for EMS to Perform COVID-19 Vaccinations

IAFC members are encouraged to consult these resources if they are asked to participate in COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Three Year Reauthorization of PHMSA

The PIPES Act reauthorizes the PHMSA through FY 2023 and contains a number of provisions that improve pipeline safety.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA FAQs Include Information of Reimbursement for Participation in Public Vaccine Programs

The reimbursement would take place through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program.

Jan 01, 0001

How fire chiefs can push past mistakes to grow as an individual and advance their organization

Overcoming key personal battles will ultimately serve the entire department.

Jan 01, 0001

Living up to Our Oath: We Must Take Care of Others and Ourselves

Following a difficult year, firefighters must continue to focus on helping our fellow members cope

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Nancy

The story of the first woman to join the IAFC

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Public Statement Against Violence and Hate

A response to the events of the last year and recent days.

Jan 01, 0001

FAA Approves AeroLEDs for Part 27 Rotorcraft

This STC covers the installation of the SunSpot™ 36 and 46 Series LEDs on nearly all “Normal” category rotorcraft.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFF Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines

IAFF recommends that all IAFF members receive a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine to prevent the spread of disease and assist in administering vaccinations.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Legislation Protecting Mission-Critical Public Safety Communications

The Spending/Stimulus package passed by Congress contains the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act

Jan 01, 0001

Nationwide Computer Hack: What Fire Chiefs Need to Do

As reported in the news, an actor affiliated with a foreign state used the SolarWinds Orion Platform software to compromise public and private computer networks in the United States.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Congress Passes Massive Spending Bill to Fund Fire & EMS Programs

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 133).

Jan 01, 0001

City Officials – How Must Your Cities Change in the Future?

Our goal to protect our staff and citizens should be unwavering.

Jan 01, 0001

Lancaster, California: Response to COVID From the City's Perspective

A look at how the city responded and came out stronger during the pandemic.

Jan 01, 0001

The One Thing!

My journey and my most important advice.

Jan 01, 0001

America is bracing for the convergence of COVID-19 and the flu season.

What does it mean for our health care system and first responders?

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Legislation to Address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

This week Congress passed The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA; H.R. 6395).

Jan 01, 0001

State-by-State Listing of Vaccine Priority Available

IAFC urges members to contact their governors in support of providing all fire and EMS personnel with priority access to COVID vaccines.

Jan 01, 0001

Urge Your Governor to Prioritize Fire and EMS for COVID-19 Vaccines

IAFC members are asked to urge their governors to prioritize fire and EMS personnel for access to a COVID-19 vaccine

Jan 01, 0001

Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant & Substance Abuse Program

Resources that provide support and information to responders responding to influence substance abuse cases positively.

Jan 01, 0001

I Picked A Bad Week to Stop

My Initial COVID-19 Response and the Lessons I Learned

Jan 01, 0001

The 21st Century Fire and Emergency Services

As we move farther into the 21st century, the speed of change will continue to accelerate.

Jan 01, 0001

CDC Panel Recommends Initial COVID Vaccine Priority for EMS

IAFC urges the CDC to also provide all firefighters with priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Jan 01, 0001

Major Fire Service Organizations Call for Priority Access to COVID-19 Vaccines

Organizations urge governors and state health officials.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Workforce Capacity Survey

This a survey to assess the impacts of COVID-19 on staffing levels at fire and ems agencies.

Jan 01, 0001

Raising the Bar for Fire Service sUAS (Drone) Pilots

The utilization of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) by U.S. fire departments has grown exponentially over the last six years.

Jan 01, 0001

The Intersection of Need and Demand Equals Opportunity

Things are changing, and the fire service must pay attention.

Jan 01, 0001

A New Way to Educate the Community

COVID-19 gives the fire service a unique opportunity to educate the community on risk reduction.

Jan 01, 0001

Trend Towards 10-Year Technology

Suggestions for replacing alarms.

Jan 01, 0001

Do Not Be Left Under Protected

If your home was built before 1993, here are optimum locations of smoke alarms.

Jan 01, 0001

Checkout IAFC’s newly refreshed Career Center and Gain Access to Quality Candidates

IAFC’s Career Center utilizes a modernized platform to provide user with an easy to use job search experience.

Jan 01, 0001

Near Real-time Data Producing Long-term Solutions: ODMAP

ODMAP is available to government entities serving the interests of public health and/or safety as well as licensed first responders and Emergency Departments in hospitals.

Jan 01, 0001

Cutting Edge EMS Technology

Healthcare innovation is happening at a pace never before seen; technologies that were once science fiction are now a reality.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID-19 Update

The IAFC, through the task forces and personnel who are keeping their fingers on the pulse of the pandemic.

Jan 01, 0001

Social Media Policies – Avoiding “Headlines” And Litigation

5 Simple Rules for Developing a Fire Department’s Social Media Policy

Jan 01, 0001

A Decade of Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival

August marked the 10th anniversary of the International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) adoption of the Rules of Engagement.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Seeks to Strengthen Retirement for Firefighters

House proposes changes to improve firefighters' retirement plans

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

Helicopter Resource Survey

IAFC is conducting a survey to locate, map & define the Aerial Helicopter Firefighting Capabilities.

Jan 01, 0001

Adapting to COVID on a Rural Ambulance Service

Adapting to COVID on a Rural Ambulance Service

Jan 01, 0001

Community First

When it comes to impactful decisions, always keep in mind my systematic approach.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS: Whose Job Is It?

IAFC urges Congress to pass the EMS Counts Act

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for Ninth Year

Thanks to the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the program provides new chiefs with tools they need to succeed.

Jan 01, 0001

Risky Business

When developing a risk assessment, your job is to define the characteristics of the response area or overall jurisdiction.

Jan 01, 0001

Will Vaccines End the COVID Pandemic?

Understanding the vaccine development process is essential for fire service leadership planning and education.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Leadership in the Fire Service: Observations Part 2

Part Two of a Two-Part Series Discussing Executive Leadership with Dr. Denis Onieal.

Jan 01, 0001

Public Safety Communications Legislation Blocked in the U.S. Senate

This legislation would prevent the auction of public safety spectrum in the T-Band (470 MHz - 512 MHz).

Jan 01, 0001

National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week November 9-15

This week is an opportunity for responders to increase awareness to the public.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Releases COVID Reporting Rules

CMS released new rules for COVID funding recipients

Jan 01, 0001

Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program - COVID-19 Impact on US National Overdose Crisis

This study is an attempt to understand the impact of COVID-19 on overdoses, and specifically looks at ODMAP submissions since the inception of state implemented stay-at-home orders.

Jan 01, 0001

Mobile Integrated Health Care: A Look at Anaheim Fire & Rescue Community Care Response Unit (CCRU)

The CCRU is an innovative response model designed by Anaheim Fire & Rescue in collaboration.

Jan 01, 0001

Building a Better Future – It Takes Collaboration!

During these turbulent times, fire chiefs must dedicate a sufficient amount of time to look forward and build a better future path.

Jan 01, 0001

House Passes Legislation to Protect the Public Safety Communications

The legislation will protect public safety communications in the T-Band (470 MHz – 512 MHz).

Jan 01, 0001

House Passes Legislation to Support Fire & EMS Mental Wellness

U.S. House of Representatives passes legislation to provide critical resources to local fire and EMS personnel

Jan 01, 0001

Request for Proposal: America Burning Wildland Urban Interface Researcher/Writer

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has been awarded funding to manage the America Burning WUI project through the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and cooperators.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Leadership in the Fire Service Observations Part 1

Part One of a Two-Part Series Discussion with Dr. Denis Onieal

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Members Pass Amendment to Constitution and Bylaws

IAFC members approve amendment to the IAFC Constitution and Bylaws.

Jan 01, 0001

9/11 Communications Lessons Forgotten

Almost 2 Decades Later Emergency Radio Channels Used for COVID & Terrorism Scheduled to be Cut

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Symposium 2020 is Canceled, Virtual Options Coming Soon

#VirtualVCOS details will be coming soon.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Richard Carrizzo named Vice-Chair of the Board of FirstNet Authority

Chief promises to continue the work that maintains a robust public safety broadband network.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Supports Vaccine Prioritization for First Responders

IAFC supports prioritized COVID-19 vaccine access for fire and EMS personnel

Jan 01, 0001

Keep Your Community Safe

The goal of this survey is to identify the strengths of fire departments that can be helpful to other LEPCs.

Jan 01, 0001

Bridging the Multigenerational Divide in Your Department

In a diverse world of generations, we as a fire service, still seem to struggle when it comes to retention and recruitment.

Jan 01, 0001

Hazmat and Local Emergency Planning Committees

Industrial partners are encouraged to be active in their Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC).

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Releases Checklist for Active Shooter Response

Keeping our responders and communities safe requires a full suite of tools.

Jan 01, 0001

Wildland Fire Highlighted in Congressional Briefing

IAFC educates Congress about current wildland fire issues

Jan 01, 0001

Civil Unrest Lessons Learned

The safety of first responders is paramount during these events.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Coronavirus Task Force Update

The IAFC Coronavirus Task Force was formed to focus the IAFC's efforts on preparing the fire and emergency service to respond to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Jan 01, 0001

USDOT Announces Updated Hazmat Emergency Guidebook

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced the publication of the 2020 edition of its Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Comments at COVID-19 Vaccine Meeting

IAFC urges HHS to prioritize fire and EMS personnel for receiving COVID-19 vaccines

Jan 01, 0001

Location Accuracy: Where it Stands

The FCC has been working to address the issue of identifying caller location through an E911 Location Accuracy rulemaking.

Jan 01, 0001

The Cornerstones of Fire Service Leadership

Every fire department will, at some time, be tested. The foundation that you lay for your members will decide how you will survive the bad times and take advantage of the good ones.

Jan 01, 0001

Senate Republicans Release HEALS Legislation to Combat COVID-19

The legislation includes provisions to assist local fire and EMS departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Karl Neubecker of Ellington Fire Department Selected as 2020 Training Officer Recognition Award Winner

Deputy Chief of Training Made Mark with Innovation During COVID Pandemic and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) Training Program

Jan 01, 0001

COVID-19 PSOB Legislation Passes Congress

Bill supports families of responders who are disabled or die in the line of duty due to COVID.

Jan 01, 0001

PFAS incineration in New York spurs legislation, loss of federal contracts

PFAS incineration has been a source of interest for some companies, with U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contracts offering an access point.

Jan 01, 0001

Ask Your Senator to Support Fire Departments in New COVID-19 Legislation

Make sure to make your voice heard on behalf of the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Planning for the Worst

Having LODD guidelines is vital for you and your department.

Jan 01, 0001

Esri Supports Fire & EMS Service Operations in the New Normal

Esri continues its strong partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Jan 01, 0001

Livingston County chief named Fire Chief of the Year

Honor goes to Livingston County chief two years in a row

Jan 01, 0001

2020 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees Announced

Individuals and organizations honored for exemplary commitment to community wildfire risk reduction.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Announces New Dates and Format for Fire-Rescue International, Fire-Rescue Med, and Wildland-Urban Interface Conferences

Fire chiefs go virtual in the Fall.

Jan 01, 0001

What You Need to Know About New Smoke Alarms

The three Es come together.

Jan 01, 0001

How Vital is a Healthy Mutual Aid System?

Lessons from the Oregon Mutual Aid System

Jan 01, 0001

Addressing Policy Deviation in the Firehouse

Learn how to handle firefighter deviation from your department’s policies

Jan 01, 0001

Smart Firefighting: Virtual Chat on Data in the Fire Service

How do we capture this data, analyze it without bias, and then use it to make meaningful decisions?

Jan 01, 0001

First 5 Minutes on The Fireground

The Incident Safety Officer’s response, arrival and initial activity are critical.

Jan 01, 0001

Public Safety Departments Must Hire and Promote Inclusive Employees

You eliminate bias in employment practices by hiring inclusive employees and promoting only inclusive leaders.

Jan 01, 0001

Priority Dispatch and PulsePoint Partner to Help 911 Dispatchers Guide Callers to Closest Lifesaving AED

June 23 Webinar to Highlight Best Practices in Dispatching Citizen Response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Board Cancels Fire-Rescue International 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona

Virtual Format will be Announced July 7.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Calls on Congress to Support Fire & EMS Departments During COVID-19 Pandemic

Chief Ludwig's testimony highlighted the challenges that local fire departments face during the pandemic.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Urges Expanded Support for Nonprofit Fire Departments

IAFC urges the SBA to assist private nonprofit fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID-19 and Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton

History is often the best of teachers.

Jan 01, 0001

Social Media and the Fire Department

Proper use of social media can strengthen the mission of the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Chemical Safety in Shared Communities: What Fire Chiefs Can Do

Learn four things fire chiefs can do to keep communities safe.

Jan 01, 0001

Wildfire Mitigation Awards Nominations Open

Applications Open for the 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Awards

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Ludwig Issues Public Statement

President of the IAFC to protesters: "We are not your enemy."

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

Mass Gatherings During COVID-19 Pandemic

Leadership considerations for response to mass gatherings and large crowd events.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA's Pandemic Operational Guidance for 2020 Hurricane Season

FEMA releases the COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season

Jan 01, 0001

Managing the Economic Challenges of COVID-19

How is your department managing the economic fallout from COVID-19?

Jan 01, 0001

Good Policies Support A Culture of Trust

Trust between firefighters and their officers, or lack of it, is part of fire department culture.

Jan 01, 0001

Running A Firehouse During A Pandemic

How does a fire department tackle PPE shortages head-on?

Jan 01, 0001

Extraordinary Times Demand Extraordinary Leadership

We will get through this current crisis, and how we come out on the backside will depend on the leadership exhibited at all levels.

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Doing Enough to Engage Your Community?

There are many ways we as fire service leaders can engage our communities.

Jan 01, 0001

Celebrate Firefighters and EMS Providers During EMS Week

The EMS Strong campaign provides some great ideas for how we can recognize these fire/EMS personnel who are protecting our communities.

Jan 01, 0001

Now Accepting Nominations for VCOS/TargetSolutions Training Officer Recognition Award

TargetSolutions and IAFC’s VCOS team once again for the annual Training Officer Recognition Award.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Provides COVID Support Payments to EMS Agencies

Increased response costs during COVID-19 can make it very difficult for a fire chief to manage their budget, but not impossible.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Issues Data Collection Waiver

If your agency hasn’t started preparing for CMS’ data collection efforts, it’s not too late!

Jan 01, 0001

HEROES Act Will Help Keep Communities Safe

Fire fighters urge Congress to move quickly to pass HEROES Act to protect them and shore up public safety

Jan 01, 0001

FY 2019 SAFER Grants: Application Period Extended, Cost-Share Waived

In consideration of the economic effects of the pandemic, Acting Secretary Wolf also authorized waivers for certain provisions of the FY 2020 SAFER Grant Program.

Jan 01, 0001

House Releases New COVID-19 Response Legislation

The House bill has a number of provisions, including almost $1 trillion to assist state and local governments as they cope with the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC: Fire Department Layoffs and Furloughs Near 1,000; 30,000 Projected

The IAFC is asking Congress and The White House to help offset these losses with a request of $10 billion that will go directly to the nation’s fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

No Data, No Problem

As we gather our incident data for our communities, big or small, accurate data is mandatory.

Jan 01, 0001

Building a Fire Department Sustainability Program Starts with Policy

Fire departments are not businesses, but we don’t have to look far to find examples of private sector management practices adopted into the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Expectations Memos: Building Understanding and Rapport

Expectations memos can be a handy tool in building high performing teams and productive employees.

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Assistance Available for Indiana Fire Departments

All support is provided free of cost to departments; the program is funded by the FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants.

Jan 01, 0001

Tell Congress to ACT!

Chief Ludwig is calling on all U.S. IAFC members to contact their congressional representatives and tell them to help you fight the COVID-19 pandemic with a strong response force by supporting $5 billion each for the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Provides COVID Support Payments to EMS Agencies

Rising response costs, coupled with increased staffing costs, can make it very difficult for a fire chief to manage their budget.

Jan 01, 0001

Tell Congress to Support $5 Billion Each for AFG, SAFER for COVID-19 Response

The IAFC is asking Congress now to provide $5 billion in new coronavirus relief funding for both the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC: Police Get CARES Act Money – Firefighters Still Waiting

The IAFC has asked Congress to get money directly to local fire departments by dramatically increasing funding of both the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

$100 Million AFG COVID-19 Response Application Period: Deadline May 15

FEMA will begin accepting Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program applications for COVID-19 response at 8 AM ET, Tuesday, April 28.

Jan 01, 0001

The Future of Technology Partners for Public Safety: A Case Study on First Due

When the fire service leaders look to acquire and adopt new technologies, we need to ensure we lead through the technology we implement – not be led by it.

Jan 01, 0001

What Does it Take to Become a Fire Chief?

Even if you’re not sure you want to become a fire chief, applying some of the suggestions here will enable you to become better at what you do now, in the future, and as you mentor other members.

Jan 01, 0001

Because We Are Still Here

When an events like a pandemic occur, it should cause us to stop for a second and think about what is truly important.

Jan 01, 0001

The Best of Times

The fire service and EMS world also got turned upside down when COVID-19 showed up in our door step.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Secures Amazon Business as a Strategic Supplier for PPE

This collaboration between the IAFC and Amazon Business allows IAFC members to take advantage of the buying power of a single agency, and the value of exclusive access to the specific products assigned to the Amazon Business COVID-19 Hub.

Jan 01, 0001

Help Advocate for Additional Funding for Fire and EMS Departments

The IAFC needs your help in measuring the effects of state and local government social distancing orders on local fire and EMS department budgets, including the long-term implications on resources and staffing.

Jan 01, 0001

SAFER Grant Application Assistance is Available

The FY 2019 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant application period is open April 13 – May 15 at 5 PM ET.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Develops PPE Assessment Survey to Help Responders

To help the IAFC make its best case to President Trump and Congress for additional federal funding, we have developed the IAFC COVID-19 PPE Readiness & Availability Assessment Survey

Jan 01, 0001

FY 2020 Homeland Security Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA is announcing modifications to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP).

Jan 01, 0001

Leadership in Tough Times

The current crisis with the coronavirus, while scary, doesn’t mean we should abandon our usual leadership practices.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief, Begin Your Day by Asking the Right Questions

There are so many things a chief must decide in a day, so start with simple questions.

Jan 01, 0001

Are Your Firefighters Members or Employees?

As you look at the policies, standard operating procedures or guidelines, how are you describing your firefighters or civilian personnel?

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet is Transforming Public Safety Communications for a Safer Tomorrow

Although most city managers do not have a public safety background, there is nothing more important to them than the safety and security of their community.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID-19: Lessons from the Streets

The new installment of iCHIEFS podcast is here.

Jan 01, 0001

Critical Infrastructure Workers and Potential COVID-19 Exposures

Critical COVID-19 information regarding civilians working for the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID-19 Guidance for Public Safety Communications and 911 Centers

During the coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that departments evaluate their communications posture and take steps to ensure the right resources, mitigation strategies, and tools are in place.

Jan 01, 0001

Western Fire Chiefs Association, IAFC, partner with Constellis to Help Chiefs During COVID-19

Western Fire Chiefs Association, IAFC, partner with Constellis to make Fire Chiefs aware of two new products being used to combat COVID-19

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Departments Eligible for CARES Act Loan Programs

Under the CARES Act, all "private non-profit organizations" are eligible for purposes of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, including any entity exempt under IRC 501(c).

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Expands EMS Payment Opportunities

CMS has released one of the most significant updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule (AFS) since its creation 20 years ago.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Updated Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool (RAPT)

This update to the tool enables a more granular analysis of community resilience indicators and allows users to calculate the population of individuals with specific indicator characteristics in selected census tracts.

Jan 01, 0001

President of Fire Chiefs Association Calls for Action

Fire and EMS chiefs are fighting a “war” against a virus and proper funding is absolutely required to win the war and keep communities safe.

Jan 01, 0001

Economic Task Force Created to Help IAFC Members Navigate Challenging Times

IAFC Economic Task Force to help members navigate these challenging economic times.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS and Tim Shurr Team Up to Offer Valuable Online Leadership Education for the Fire Service

Six-Part Online Leadership Training

Jan 01, 0001

First Due & International Association Of Fire Chiefs Release Community Connect For Covid 19

Community Connect for COVID-19 is designed for the sole mission of improving emergency response and community risk area analysis.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC's COVID-19 Resources Available for Fire Service Leaders, First Responders

Since the earliest days the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAFC has been working around the clock providing fire and emergency service leaders with the information and resources they need to protect first responders and serve their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC to Congress: Include T-Band Mandate Repeal in COVID-19 Stimulus Package

The IAFC and other public safety oganizations wrote to congressional leaders urging action on repealing the T-Band auction mandate as part of any coronavirus emergency stimulus package.

Jan 01, 0001

WEBINAR: Coronavirus: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

The March 16 COVID-19 webinar recording is now available.

Jan 01, 0001

National Emergency Declaration: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

President Trump on March 13 declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, invoking the Stafford Act.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Launches Coronavirus Task Force

The Task Force will be monitoring COVID-19 and developing recommendations for ways that fire departments can protect their members while continuing to serve their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

LEPC 101: How do You Get Your Community Involved in Your LEPC?

The IAFC Hazmat Fusion continues its LEPC 101 Series with its second installment. In this featured video, LEPC members discuss ways to improve community involvement with the LEPC.

Jan 01, 0001

WUI 2020 is Officially Postponed to November 2020

Important update from the IAFC regarding the WUI Conference

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC’s Members Can Help US&R Resource Cataloging Initiatives

The assistance of the IAFC membership is requested to ensure that we indeed have developed a comprehensive catalog of search and rescue resources that can be used in a catastrophic event.

Jan 01, 0001

Planning for the Worst

Why having LODD guidelines is essential.

Jan 01, 0001

Six Tips for Effective Meetings

Make your meetings count.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC to Congress: Congress Must Repeal the T-Band Auction Mandate

Fire Departments Must have Access to Interoperable Communications, Namely on the T-Band.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety Stand Down 2020: Focus on Safe Operations on Roadways

The theme of the 2020 Safety Stand Down campaign is “Building a Superhighway to Safety – Protecting our Responders on Roadways.”

Jan 01, 0001

LEPC 101: Las Vegas Prepares for Earthquake Response

The members of the North Las Vegas Fire industrial and first responder communities participated in an earthquake tabletop exercise.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC to Create Coronavirus Task Force

Task Force created for six months to monitor the virus and advise the IAFC Board of Directors as needed.

Jan 01, 0001

RSG! Program Member Spotlight: Bellefontaine Fire & EMS

Bellefontaine Fire & EMS is a combination department in the city of Bellefontaine, Ohio, serving a residential population of over 15,000 citizens.

Jan 01, 0001

The Heartburn I Experienced Should Have Been a Red Flag

A story told from three perspectives.

Jan 01, 0001

Surviving Survivors' Guilt

Being proactive in vital to being prepared and getting back to normalcy.

Jan 01, 0001

RQI Partners and IAFC aim to double out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival

Resuscitation programs and education for fire service leaders are central elements to improve survival rates

Jan 01, 0001

Incident Data Utilization Survey

The IAFC is conducting a research survey on how Fire Departments are leveraging their incident data.

Jan 01, 0001

2020 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

FSEDI is a yearlong leadership-development program developed by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have successful and productive tenures.

Jan 01, 0001

The FAA Wants Your Input on the Remote ID Proposal

Those in the public safety community are encouraged to participate.

Jan 01, 0001

Essential Hazmat Training Criteria for Responders, Leaders

Do you know your training programs strengths? Weaknesses?

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Goes to New Mexico to Teach Recruitment & Retention

IAFC programs are making a difference world-wide.

Jan 01, 0001

In a Man's World

How good are you at listening to people?

Jan 01, 0001

LEPC 101: What is an LEPC and Why is it Important

This program is designed to create community training in preparing for over the road, rail and pipeline Hazardous Materials and other emergency incidents, especially in rural areas.

Jan 01, 0001

If You Don’t Feel Well, Don’t Make It Your Farewell

Campaign aims to raise awareness throughout the fire service about the fatal risks of firefighters ignoring signs of a heart attack.

Jan 01, 0001

President's FY 2021 Budget Mixed Bag for Fire Service

USFA, USDA Fire, DOI Fire up, but AFG (FIRE), SAFER, others down.

Jan 01, 0001

Critical Information During a Chemical Response

To increase the chemical information available to firefighters requires a combined effort

Jan 01, 0001

Humility for Leaders

How do you view the concept of humility?

Jan 01, 0001

Grant Writing Tips and Assistance

The FY 2019 Assistance to Firefighter Grants (including Assistance to Firefighters Grants, Fire Prevention & Safety, and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) application periods are around the corner.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Member Story – Reach Out and Get Involved

Learn how you can get plugged in.

Jan 01, 0001

Thank You IAFC Bugle Partners

Your support is appreciated.

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC Applauds Passage of Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act

VRIPA exempts nominal incentives for volunteer first responders from being considered taxable income for the 2020 tax year

Jan 01, 0001

Pay Attention and Move Over!! For Firefighter Survival

Firefighters from across the nation are urging motorists to respect the move over laws and use caution when approaching emergency vehicles on interstates and roads.

Jan 01, 0001

A Joint North American Firefighter Survival Message

Because roadway operations are the number one traumatic risk firefighters have, we are providing these reminders and tips to minimize the risk.

Jan 01, 0001

A Collaboration to Help Establish Safer, Bully-Free Departments and Healthy Workplace Environments

Members of the IAFC Bullying, Harassment, and Workplace Violence Prevention Work Group curriculum sub-group traveled to the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to develop an introductory course curriculum and a Train-the-Trainer (TtT) program to be launched as a pre-conference at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jan 01, 0001

What Chiefs Need to Know About Hazmat Preparedness

Chief, are you prepared for a hazmat incident?

Jan 01, 0001

Lessons Learned from the Misfortunes of Others

Using Case Studies to Aid Professional Development

Jan 01, 0001

Five Es for Us!

By getting ahead of the call, you will be keeping your community and your firefighters safer.

Jan 01, 0001

Targeted Wildfire Risk Reduction Opportunity

A total of ten fire departments will be selected to receive assistance on implementing wildfire risk reduction efforts in their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

Working with Communities to Make a Difference – Ready, Set, Go! Program

RSG! Program members have reported over 178,278 hours of fuels reduction.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Increases Funding for Fire Service Programs

Federal funding for programs important to fire service come out well in Homeland Security appropriations bill.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes PFAS Legislation

There is a concern that firefighters’ exposure to PFAS may lead to cancer and problems with the thyroid and immune systems.

Jan 01, 0001

Verisk Partners with IAFC to Identify Communities Actively Participating in Recognized Wildfire Mitigation

Verisk, a leading data analytics provider, is partnering with the IAFC to help insurers identify properties that are located in communities taking action to mitigate wildfire risk.

Jan 01, 0001

Most Impactful Near Misses from 2019

Extreme Near Misses from 2019

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC's Fellowship Program Graduates its 17th Cohort

IAFC staff and our partners traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this month.

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Announces New 911 Location Accuracy Requirements

The IAFC has been advocating for the FCC to establish a tight vertical standard for 911 calls.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Data Collection Rules Released

Was Your Agency Selected?

Jan 01, 0001

Crisis Communications and the Role of the PIO

Are you and your PIOs prepared to meet today's challenges?

Jan 01, 0001

Nominate Today for 2020 RSG! Program Awards

The IAFC Ready, Set, Go! Program announces the 2020 RSG! Program Awards. Award recipients will be invited to the IAFC’s Wildland Fire Interface Conference in Reno, Nevada, on March 24-26, where the awards will be presented.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recognizes 2019 Ben Franklin Award for Valor Nominees

All are worthy of our recognition and appreciation.

Jan 01, 0001

What I Wish I Knew When I Became a Fire Chief

A lesson on relationships.

Jan 01, 0001

Don't Fall Victim to Carbon Monoxide, the "Invisible Killer"

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the "Invisible Killer" because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the Unites States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators.

Jan 01, 0001

Cardiac Incident? Share Your Story and Save Others

If you have ever experienced a cardiac incident, please take a moment to complete this survey as part of IAFC President Gary Ludwig's presidential initiative, "If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make it Your Farewell."

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Senate Committees Consider on IAFC-Supported PFAS Legislation

As directed by the bill, FEMA would create and maintain an online repository of this guidance, as well as other vetted resources.

Jan 01, 0001

Continuing Education: The Lifeblood of the Hazmat Responder

Hazmat Responders Need to be Informed and Prepared.

Jan 01, 0001

Preparedness is Key as Wildland Fire Hits Closer to Home

Knowing the challenges is not just about defensible space.

Jan 01, 0001

Recruitment and Retention, Not Just a Volunteer Challenge

The challenges with recruiting and retaining firefighters is not limited to volunteer departments.

Jan 01, 0001

RSG! Program Member Spotlight: Carson City Fire Department

For over ten years, the Carson City Fire Department has implemented an effective mitigation program.

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Releases New “Cyber Essentials” Resources to Promote Cybersecurity

The IAFC recommends that fire chiefs review the actions described in the Cyber Essentials to protect your fire department from cyber-attacks.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Clarifies The Use of Federal Employees on US&R Teams

Now the US&R team’s sponsoring agency must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the federal employee’s agency.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and TC Energy Partnership Continues to Evolve

The partnership has led to successful training and community engagement.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, IAFF Applaud FCC Order on Wireless 9-1-1 Calls

A three meter z-axis metric provides emergency responders with actionable location information, and gives the public greater assurance that when they dial 9-1-1 from their cell phones, emergency responders can find them more quickly.

Jan 01, 0001

It's Drone Safety Week

This is an opportunity to share your commitment to drone safety and download valuable resources for you and your crew.

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Addresses Wireless 911 Dispatchable Location Technology

FCC order would help first responders locate people who call 911 from wireless phones in multi-story buildings.

Jan 01, 0001

From Captain to Chief with an IAFC Assist

When I became a captain, I had an immediate interest in joining the IAFC. Previously, I thought that the IAFC was only for chief officers. I quickly learned that was not the case and signed up right away.

Jan 01, 0001

Brevity: An Important Detail for Critical Messaging

The four tenets of critical messaging, short, concise, accurate, and timely, should be used as a guidepost to develop messaging during significant events.

Jan 01, 0001

UL FSRI Survey: More Americans Close Doors for Fire Safety, But There is Still Work to Do

Fire safety education is more important than ever, and UL FSRI aims to help fire service members to educate their communities this Fire Prevention Awareness Month and throughout the year.

Jan 01, 0001

Mitigation Moment: Roadside Fuels Reduction Projects in Helena, MT

Roadside fuels reduction was a priority for Helena departments when identifying mitigation projects due to the potential impact with evacuations for both residential and seasonal populations as well as considering firefighter safety.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. DOT Proposes Major Rule for the Safe Transportation of LNG by Rail Tank Car

Currently, LNG may only be transported via rail in a portable tank with an approval from FRA. However, the HMR does authorize the DOT 113 specification tank car for other flammable cryogenic liquids

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Sprinkler Bill Introduced in House

Legislation would create incentives for high-rise property owners to retrofit their buildings with fire sprinkler systems.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Data Collection – How Do Your Costs Add Up?

Does your fire department bill for EMS service? If so, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to get a snapshot of your agency’s EMS costs, revenues, and utilization.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Safety Culture Starts Behind the Wheel

A comprehensive emergency vehicle driver program demonstrates your organization’s culture of safety for your firefighters, as well as the general public, that encounters our emergency vehicles on the street.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for 8th Year

Motorola Solutions Foundations awards grants each year to organizations such as the IAFC to support advanced public safety programs that support enhanced relationships and understanding between fire service organizations and the citizens they serve.

Jan 01, 0001

Phase Two of the IAFC Community Safety Grant Launched

Defining the LEPC. Do you understand the functions of the local emergency planning committee?

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC: Communications Integral Part of Emergency Response

IAFC President and Charmian of the Board, Chief Gary Ludwig, today submitted written testimony to the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Jan 01, 0001

CISA Releases the Updated National Emergency Communications Plan

NECP 2019 has been updated to address gaps within emergency communications, reflect new and emerging technological advancements, and provide guidance to drive the nation towards a common end-state for communications.

Jan 01, 0001

Accounting for Fire Departments in Congress

Your help is needed to contact your members of Congress and urge them to include fire sprinklers and volunteer tax protections in any tax package that Congress will pass this year.

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC SAR Data Collection Tool and the Response Hurricane Dorian

The partnership between the IAFC / NAPSG Foundation / Esri is in its third year of response to disasters.

Jan 01, 0001

The Oregon Mutual Aid System: Learning to Adapt and Confront Emerging Challenges

Built upon the state's Emergency Conflagration Act, Oregon's mutual aid system continues to adapt to confront these emerging challenges.

Jan 01, 0001

Wildfire Mitigation Awards Open

If you know of someone deserving of recognition for their wildfire mitigation work, please review the Wildfire Mitigation Award criteria and submit a nomination!

Jan 01, 0001

ET3 Updates: Where Is the Program Heading?

One of the most important announcements from CMMI came with their decision to extend the application period, which now will close on October 5 at 11:59 PM ET.

Jan 01, 0001

Ready, Set, Go! Member Spotlight: Greater Eagle Fire Protection District

GEFPD is a combination department in Eagle, Colorado serving a residential population of over 8,000 citizens.

Jan 01, 0001

Seven Ways to Make Community Risk Reduction a Focus of Your Department

An ever-present concern for any fire chief is our role in reducing the impact incidents have on our community.

Jan 01, 0001

Transitioning to a First-Level or Higher-Level Leadership Position

How does one seamlessly transition to an officer position with as few setbacks as possible?

Jan 01, 0001

That's the Way We've Always Done It!

As leaders, it's your job to challenge that corrosive "we've always done it that way" mindset.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Must Act to Protect Public Safety Communications on the T-Band Spectrum

The IAFC urges Congress to pass legislation repealing the T-Band auction requirement this year

Jan 01, 0001

FRI 2019 Highlights: VCOS Interview

Chief Charles Flynn and Chief Al Yancey, Jr. on IAFC TV during FRI 2019

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA's 'Ready' Program Can Help You Be Prepared

Are you and your family ready for an emergency?

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Again Supports Hurricane Response

Search and Rescue Data Collector Tool allows first responders to capture real time their efforts and work in the field and transfer data to decision makers back in command centers.

Jan 01, 0001

FRI 2019 Highlights: Chief Chat with Chief David Hawks

2019 Ben Franklin Award for Valor describes the day that earned him the award.

Jan 01, 0001

iCHIEFS Episode 4 Now Available

Listen as Tonya Hoover, Superintendent at the National Fire Academy, explains the big changes coming to the Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP) in early 2020.

Jan 01, 0001

Dorian Communications Resources Available on FCC Website

The FCC continues to release notices and news releases in response to Hurricane Dorian.

Jan 01, 0001

Never Lose Focus: Building a Cancer-free Fire Service

Cancer affects more than me or you. It affects our family, our friends, our brothers and sisters, and co-workers.

Jan 01, 0001

The View From The Hill: September 2019

Ken LaSala breaks down legislative issues that affect the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Decontaminate, Detect & Do it Again – Your Survival Pathway

One of the most significant threats to your survival of the fire service is occupational carcinogen exposure and contracting cancer

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Rader: Change Begins With Leaders

Chief Jan Rader walks through ground zero of the opioid epidemic in her state by exploring how the community and first responders are making a difference - especially through community partnerships.

Jan 01, 0001

US Wage and Hours Division Clarifies Hours Rules Governing Combined Firefighters and Police

Wage and House Division releases an opinion clarifying the rules for firefighters and law enforcement personnel.

Jan 01, 0001

ET3 Applications Now Being Accepted

The portal allows the submission of information regarding more efficient and effective patient care.

Jan 01, 0001

The Value of the IAFC's Fellowship Program

Fire chief recalls experience with IAFC Cohort 13.

Jan 01, 0001

FRI 2019 Highlights: New President Installed

Fire-Rescue International recap and highlights.

Jan 01, 0001

Has Technology Killed Our Networking Opportunities?

Technology is great and necessary, but in-person learning and networking can prove vital to personal and professional growth.

Jan 01, 0001

Dan Finnegan Earns 2019 FLSS Award

The award honors those who have dedicated themselves to saving lives and property through the development of codes and standards, supporting community risk reduction programs and fire-prevention practices, and demonstrating strong leadership techniques.

Jan 01, 0001

NVFC and IAFC-VCOS Release Cancer Prevention Posters

Do you know the 11 actions firefighters need to take to reduce their risks of occupational cancer?

Jan 01, 0001

iCHIEFS Magazine: New Publication, New Opportunities

The official print magazine of the IAFC is here.

Jan 01, 0001

Chiefs Morrison and Clack Selected 2019 IAFC Fire Chiefs of the Year

Since 1996, the prestigious Fire Chief of the Year award has recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief for their leadership, innovation and contributions to the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Rural Communities: Know Where Hidden Hazards Reside

It is vital for rural fire departments to fully understand local risks and how to seek training and assistance before a call to action.

Jan 01, 0001

5 Things I Learned from My Dad to Help Grow Volunteer Membership

Tips for firefighter retention inspired by a church growth program.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS and EFO Release New Report to Assist in First 100 Days as a Chief

New report lays out the key things a new or interim chief needs to know and be thinking about on the first day, during the first week, during the first month, and during months two through six.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Gary Ludwig Installed as IAFC President

Chief Ludwig will lead the association’s 18-member board of directors and serve as the association’s primary spokesman on national and international issues.

Jan 01, 0001

California Fire Chief David Hawks Honored For Rescue Mission

David Hawks, CAL FIRE Butte Unit Chief and Butte County Fire Chief, is being recognized for his courageous effort with the 2019 IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, in Partnership with Pierce, Announce 2019 Volunteer and Career Fire Chiefs of the Year

The announcement was made at Fire-Rescue International in Atlanta, Georgia

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC Launches a New Online Training: Fire Adapted Communities for the Fire Service

New online class helps first responders adapt to wildland fire threats.

Jan 01, 0001

National Diversity and Inclusion Program Departments Announced

This program focuses on improving volunteer recruitment and retention through more inclusive and diverse departments nationwide

Jan 01, 0001

Lee Whitner of South Adams County Fire Department Selected as 2019 Training Officer Recognition Award Winner

The award honors exemplary conduct and dedication by a training officer.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Member Appointed to FCC Council on Public Safety Communications

Chief Buckner appointed to the FCC Communications, Security, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC).

Jan 01, 0001

T-Band Voter Voice Campaign Launched

The IAFC has launched a Voter Voice campaign to support preserving public safety’s access to the T-Band.

Jan 01, 0001

Illness and Injury Prevention Award Now Accepting Applications

The Illness & Injury Prevention Award is designed to support the NFFF and USFA initiatives to reduce firefighter injuries and illness.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS & VFIS Retention and Recruitment Award Open

The award recognizes success and excellence in the retention and recruitment of emergency service members.

Jan 01, 0001

Mentoring Within the Fire Service Course Released

Learn to demonstrate effective mentorship communication skills and identify strategies for developing the mentee’s behavior and performance.

Jan 01, 0001

Final Rule from PHMSA and FRA seeks to make preparedness and mitigation easier

New rule regarding High Hazard Flammable Trains (HHFTs) went into effect earlier this year (April 1).

Jan 01, 0001

Make Your Voice be Heard

The Importance of Educating Elected Officials About Fire and EMS Issues

Jan 01, 0001

Understanding Addiction: A Guide for First Responders

Understanding how addiction works will help first responders deal with opioid calls.

Jan 01, 0001

Can You Spot a Cry for Help?

We must acknowledge and seek to genuinely understand the ongoing emotional impact of our job—which we love—on our health and well-being. Read about a tool that can help.

Jan 01, 0001

Reminder of Ongoing Kidde Recall

The 2017 recall of fire extinguishers by Kidde, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is still ongoing.

Jan 01, 0001

Nominations Open for Chief Buckman Leadership Award

Nomination period for the Chief Buckman Leadership Award is open through August 16.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Bureau of Justice Seeking Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Nominations

Do you know a first responder that always goes above and beyond the call of duty?

Jan 01, 0001

Six Things Fire Chiefs Need to Know About ET3

ET3 has the potential to revolutionize how the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburses fire/EMS agencies.

Jan 01, 0001

Understanding Functional Fitness: 6 Tips for Success

Being “functionally fit” is a relative term. However, you may define it, know that it means much more than just being “in shape.”

Jan 01, 0001

Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department

Learn how San Diego Fire-Rescue collaborated with Cigna to implement a behavioral wellness treatment program for first responders and local law enforcement to help them cope with traumatic and high-stress situations while on the job.

Jan 01, 0001

Wildfire Risk Management Starts with Communities

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, there are always communities preparing for, actively mitigating, fighting, or recovering from wildfire

Jan 01, 0001

iCHIEFS Podcast Episode 2 Now Available

Listen to the second iCHIEFS podcast, now available.

Jan 01, 0001

Connecticut's "See You Out There" PSA wins EMMY®

A PSA recruiting volunteer firefighters wins EMMY®

Jan 01, 0001

Are Your Firefighters Good Hotel Employees?

In the past, customer service was taught at the fire station and learned on the job by observing senior firefighters. However, this is doing the firefighter and the community a disservice.

Jan 01, 0001

Updated Scope of Practice: What It Means for Fire-based EMS

The National Scope of Practice Model 2019 has key areas that could affect EMS operations in your fire department. Here are some highlights of changes from the previous Scope of Practice Model.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Hazmat Center Brings in Experts from Across the US to Help Develop Community Safety Tool-Kit

First responders and safety experts meet in Baltimore to discuss issues facing LEPCs across the nation.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Urged to Commemorate Flag Day

Led by the NFF and supported by major labor unions and veterans’ organizations, we are asked to fly the Flag of the United States of America in a show of unity, democracy and civility on Flag Day.

Jan 01, 0001

Don’t Change Fire Prevention to Community Risk Reduction

Every member of the fire service has a role in Community Risk Reduction. Don't exclude the other members of your department by simply changing the name of Fire Prevention to Community Risk Reduction.

Jan 01, 0001

Four Inclusive Behaviors

Know the four key inclusive behaviors that leaders need to embrace along with eight sustaining behaviors that will assist your organization to become more inclusive.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety: The Uphill Battle

Make the safety officer position in your department a key player in everything you do.

Jan 01, 0001

2nd iDELP Cohort to Help Foster More Diverse, Inclusive Fire Service

The program aims to provide changemakers the tools necessary to become national leaders in the fire and emergency service and the IAFC.

Jan 01, 0001

New Mobile App Helps Firefighters Track Exposures, Health

New mobile app gathers valuable physical and behavioral health data to help firefighters battle occupational disease. NFORS Fire Fighter Exposure Tracker was developed through a partnership with The IAFF, IAFC, Metro Chiefs, International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) and other fire service organizations.

Jan 01, 0001

House Acts to Restore Volunteer Tax Protections

If passed by the Senate, it would allow volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to receive property tax-based incentives and up to $600 per year.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Releases Updated ET3 Details

New reimbursement opportunities coming for fire/EMS agencies

Jan 01, 0001

TargetSolutions and IAFC VCOS Now Accepting Nominations for 2019 Training Officer Recognition Award

Nominations for the 2019 Training Officer Recognition Award are being accepted through June 30.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: Hanover SMARTER Program

Learn how Hanover utilized federal grants to implement wearable technology to study firefighter health and wellness, implement data-driven decisions based on those results.

Jan 01, 0001

NMAS: The New Mutual Aid

As we approach the start of the 2019 Hurricane season, there is a new tool to help responders request assistance – the National Mutual Aid System.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Sprinklers Save Lives; Pass It On

Home Fire Sprinkler Week is May 19-25, a great opportunity for you to raise awareness in your community about this life-saving technology and break down the myths and legislative barriers to its use.

Jan 01, 0001

Looking for the Executive Within

How do new chiefs prepare for what happens after they're appointed? Like new parents, do they ask themselves, “Am I ready? Am I the right person for the job?” Remember, you are not alone.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC TV Returns to FRI 2019 in Atlanta

The IAFC is pleased to again partner with international film and broadcasting company WebsEdge as the exclusive provider for IAFC TV at Fire-Rescue International (FRI).

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Legislative and Federal Funding Priorities Delivered to Capitol Hill, Administration

IAFC leaders are in Washington this week to raise awareness on Capitol Hill about federal funding and legislative priorities important to IAFC members and the entire fire and emergency service.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: Bloomfield (NJ) Fire Department

Learn how Jersey City built a program to help provide medical screenings at no cost to its firefighters, helping save countless lives.

Jan 01, 0001

Preventing Occupational Exposure to Illicit Drugs

Reduce the risk of inadvertent exposure while handling or testing fentanyl or other illicit drugs by following these steps.

Jan 01, 0001

Visionary EMS Leadership: Our Fire Duty to EMS

The fire service owns EMS in the United States; it’s time to step up and provide our visionary leadership to EMS. The future of EMS depends on you.

Jan 01, 0001

The Cost and Intensity of Climate-related Disasters are Increasing

IAFC tells Congress that the cost and intensity of climate-driven disasters is increasing.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Board of Directors Approves Technical Amendment

CBR Committee and IAFC Board of Directors approve technical amendment to IAFC Constitution and Bylaws.

Jan 01, 0001

Pipeline Incident Response Requires Coordination, Training and Federal Support

IAFC President Dan Eggleston today told a House of Representatives panel that an effective response to a pipeline/hazmat incident requires pipeline operators, local fire departments and other state and local officials to work together.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: How Fire Chiefs Drive Legislation on Capitol Hill

The strength of CFSI’s caucus comes from our National Advisory Committee, and I can’t emphasize enough its importance in keeping our first responders safely equipped for any emergency response. Your role is even more critical!

Jan 01, 0001

Fighting Fire with Tax Policy

Whether you are already engaged with your members of Congress or have not yet ventured into the political world, now is a great time to get involved. We need you to add your voice to the discussion.

Jan 01, 0001

Preserving the T-Band

The T-Band spectrum supports radio communications in most of America’s major cities. Yet in two years, public safety must give it back. The history of the T-Band and why we need it is more important than ever.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Releases New Wildfire Guide for Fire Chiefs

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Chief’s Guide provides tools and tips to aid wildland-urban interface fire department planning and operations.

Jan 01, 0001

Get Ready for Spring in Washington!

Smart Washington watchers know this is the start of the appropriations season; we hope you're planning to attend the National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner April 24-25.

Jan 01, 0001

iDELP Application Period Extended to March 29

Launched in 2017, iDELP is aimed at supporting individuals from under-represented identity groups and courageous leaders interested in creating an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Jan 01, 0001

President Trump’s Budget Released

President Trump's Fiscal Year 2020 budget request includes an 8.5 percent cut to nondefense discretionary spending and an increase in defense spending.

Jan 01, 0001

Senators Introduce Bill to Fix Fire Sprinkler/QIP Error

Bill will correct a drafting error contained in Congress’ 2017 re-write of the federal tax code that significantly limited the amount of a money that a property owner can recoup each year from installing a fire sprinkler system.

Jan 01, 0001

Creating Trust with Your Crew

Being promoted does not magically provide new officers with leadership skills, and the fire service has sometimes been light on developing leadership qualities. The most important leadership quality all others can be built on is trust.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officer Program: A New Evolution

For a program to remain relevant for decades, it must evolve. The EFOP is currently undergoing one of its most significant evolutions since its creation.

Jan 01, 0001

Visionary EMS Leadership: The History of the James O Page Award

Every year at Fire-Rescue Med, the EMS Section pays tribute to the legacy of James O Page with the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety Stand Down 2019 to Focus on Occupational Cancer Prevention

Agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week of June 16-22 in order to focus on training and education related to this year’s theme: Reduce Your Exposure - It’s Everyone’s Responsibility.

Jan 01, 0001

Join the 2nd iDELP Cohort: Apply by March 22

The application period for the next round of the IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program (iDELP) is officially open. This will be the second cohort of the two-year program.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Presents on Second International Fire Operations Conference in Bahrain

IFOC is being presented by the IAFC in collaboration with the Fire Protection Department, Saudi Aramco; the Ministry of the Interior Bahrain; the Bahrain General Directorate of Civil Defence, and the Directors of Civil Defence of the GCC.

Jan 01, 0001

SAFER Grant Application Period Open

The FY 2018 SAFER application period is open through Friday, March 22, at 5 PM ET. FEMA and the IAFC each have some resources to help with your application.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Highlighting the “International” in the IAFC!

The IAFC is a world leader in the fire service, and we are proud to present the second International Fire Operations Conference in Manama, Bahrain – the result of our vision to expand the IAFC’s reach beyond North America.

Jan 01, 0001

Help Your Members Ride Their Enthusiasm Waves

Do you see enthusiasm waves in the people at your station? We know the ups and downs of work and life will happen, so we need to be prepared to help members ride their enthusiasm waves.

Jan 01, 0001

No Evidence of IAFC Data Being Extracted

After a thorough analysis of our systems by the FBI, the agency found no evidence that IAFC member data had been taken.

Jan 01, 0001

Labor and Management Working Together

A positive partnership between labor and management is critical and necessary aspect of leading a fire department. How do we ensure that labor and management develop and maintain a positive partnership?

Jan 01, 0001

President Signs Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations with Increases for Fire Service Programs

2019 appropriations bill signed into law which funds federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Department of Transportation. The bill included a number of increases for fire service programs.

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Announces New EMS Reimbursement Model

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) announced Feb. 14 that they will begin testing a model policy in which CMMI reimburses fire departments for the cost of providing Medicare beneficiaries with treatment-without-transportation and transporting patients to alternative destinations.

Jan 01, 0001

Visionary EMS Leadership: A New Format for Fire-Rescue Med

Many conferences offer multiple breakout sessions. Which session should you attend? Should you attend only one full session or session-jump and miss parts of each? FRM’s solution: the World Café model, also known as speed dating.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Fire and EMS National Emergency Safety and Survival Alert

All fire chiefs and officers are urged to immediately issue a safety and survival alert in their departments to minimize the risk to firefighters operating on highways.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Award honors a firefighter for his or her expert training, professional service and dedication to duty displayed in saving a human life.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for IAFC Fire Chief of the Year

Since 1996, one volunteer and one career chief has been honored for their leadership, innovation, and contributions to the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

5 Things I Learned from Dad to Help Grow Volunteer Membership

Over the holidays, my dad told me the church he attends is growing. I was surprised because over the past 25 years, membership in American churches has dropped 15%. Sound familiar? In the past 30 years, volunteer firefighters have declined by 12%.

Jan 01, 0001

Four Simple Skills of an Effective Communicator

Effective communication helps us to understand a person or situation and enables us to resolve differences, build trust and respect and create environments where creative ideas, problem solving, affection and caring can flourish.

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

Is the Scene Really Safe?

Scene safety involves more than following rules; it’s asking the right questions and making the right decisions. Asking if a scene is safe is not a realistic approach; scenes are inherently not safe. We must ask how we can make the scene safer.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Prolonged Government Shutdown Serves No One

As I write, the U.S. federal government shutdown is in its fourth week with no end in sight. The White House and Congress are not negotiating; they're barely speaking to one another. What does this shutdown mean for the fire and emergency service?

Jan 01, 0001

Partnership Announces 2019 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

Awards recognize outstanding service in wildfire preparedness and safety.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS is Not Nursing!

As the debate over requiring a degree for paramedic education heats up, I want to clarify one thing: EMS is not the same as other health fields. Stop comparing EMS to any other form of medicine.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Human Capital: Harassment in Our Workplace

Sexual harassment, one type of abuse, is a prominent and prevalent topic these days, but on-the-job abuse includes all types of bullying and discrimination.

Jan 01, 0001

Community Safety Planning and Training 

​The IAFC Hazmat Center is proud to announce that they received the Community Safety–Emergency Planning Response and Outreach (CS–EPRO) Grant from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in November 2018.

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Using Your Equity Goggles?

At a public-education event, a young Asian boy said to me, “Wow, I didn’t know you could be a firefighter; could I be a firefighter too?” I'll never forget his words; this was the first time he had seen a firefighter who looked like him.

Jan 01, 0001

Opposing Degree Requirements for Paramedic Certification

There's no evidence that requiring college degrees will help advance the EMS industry, yet this same requirement could create significant obstacles to caring for patients.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC 2019 Budget: Growing To Serve You Better

These are exciting times at the IAFC. From our conferences and influence on Capitol Hill to our programs, education and training opportunities and more, the IAFC is positioned to achieve the goals affirmed this year in the IAFC Strategic Direction.

Jan 01, 0001

Dues Adjustment

Chief Dan Eggleston, IAFC president and chairman of the board, and Chief Richard Carrizzo, IAFC treasurer, explain the dues increase for 2019 in this letter to members.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Cohesive Efforts Key to Contain Wildfire Threat

California and the nation are still reeling from Butte County’s Camp Fire: 86 people killed; 12 civilians and 5 firefighters injured; 18,804 structures incinerated; billions of dollars in damage. So, what can be done?

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

Rural EMS and Wildland Fire Funding Survive Final Farm Bill

Final version of the Farm Bill contains Rural EMS funding, cross-boundary fuel removal grants, and preserves current fire-safe cigarette laws.

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

2019 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

FSEDI is a yearlong leadership-development program to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have successful tenures.

Jan 01, 0001

Alaskan Communities Receive Hazmat Training

In August, the IAFC Hazmat Center ventured to Alaska to provide training on how to plan for and respond to a rail event.

Jan 01, 0001

Autonomous Vehicles: What a Fire Chief Needs to Know

With promises of fewer accidents, better commutes and improved rider comfort, it’s no wonder the AV market is expected to grow tenfold by 2026. The field, however, is not without its detractors.

Jan 01, 0001

Taxing Times in Congress

Urge your members of Congress to support fire sprinklers and volunteer and combination fire departments!

Jan 01, 0001

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

Keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during the holidays.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Are We Killing Our Own Diversity?

Every fire department has their notable firsts. Firsts are important to its history. What are your department’s firsts in terms of diversity and inclusion?

Jan 01, 0001

Chief 101: Executing Your Leadership Role

This new online chief-level course is designed to help fire chiefs in volunteer fire departments effectively execute the roles and responsibilities of a leadership position.

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

Fire and Life Safety: Experiencing Home Fires – Still a Real Problem

School visits, department open houses and old messages don’t resonate with average community members. Public apathy is still a real problem. Are we missing the mark on public education?

Jan 01, 0001

I Stands for Inclusion

Diversity is about all of us in the fire service – it is who an organization is as well as who those in it are. But is the term becoming just an empty concept?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Seconds Matter

What is your department’s mutual-aid plan for when the big one hits?

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Treasurer Carrizzo Appointed to FirstNet Board

IAFC Treasurer, Chief Richard, was among six public safety leaders appointed to serve on the board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).

Jan 01, 0001

Public Works – A Partner and First Responder

Last year, the board of directors of the APWA passed a motion to launch a campaign to promote Public Works as First Responders. What impact does this have on your fire department?

Jan 01, 0001

Educational Interests of the Fire Service

Researchers from the University of Southern California are looking to understand the educational interests of fire service professionals and what is known about a federal opportunity to partake in a program that offers loan forgiveness.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recognizes 2018 Ben Franklin Award for Valor Nominees

In 2018, the IAFC received 8 nominations for its Award for Valor; all of them are worthy of recognition and appreciation. The winners were announced in September’s On Scene; here’s a summary of the other 7 nominations.

Jan 01, 0001

CRR Around the Globe with Chief Tom Jenkins

Past President Tom Jenkins sat down with CRR Radio and shared his observations on how fire departments are working with Community Risk Reduction and the challenges they are facing.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Condemns Mail Bomb Attacks

The IAFC strongly condemns the acts and affirms its intent to work tirelessly with our local and federal law-enforcement partners and other stakeholders in any response activities and in support of investigative activities during this crisis.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Leaders Urged to Reject AAA Cost Reporting Plan

We urge all state and local fire service leaders to reject overtures to sign on to the AAA alternative effort that may be harmful to fire-based EMS agencies.

Jan 01, 0001

Community Risk Reduction: The Magic Pill?

In CRR, we make changes to reduce the risk we find among our organizations, business community and citizens. We have many ways to do this, but what we’re looking for is a change of heart and direction, not just a magic pill.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Holistically Protecting Our Communities

Collectively, America has become more resilient and prepared, thanks to an emergency-response system that begins at the local level and is supported by state and federal resources.

Jan 01, 0001

Making Community Risk Reduction Relevant

The IAFC’s new CRR Leadership Conference will educate and train chief officers and other fire service managers seeking to create, execute and evaluate measurably successful CRR platforms and programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Teaching and Technology: A Recipe for Safe Cooking

We know that cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and fire injuries in America, with $1 billion lost annually in property damage. An interest in technology that limits the high-end temperature of electric-coil elements is growing as a result.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Sprinkler Incentives for Developers: A Win-Win

In a national survey of homebuilders and developers, 55% said they would be interested in building homes with fire sprinklers if they were offered incentives. However, only 6% had ever been offered them.

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Service: Disruptive Innovation in the Fire and Emergency Service

What do Blockbuster, Borders, Yellow Cab and Kodak have in common? They never saw it coming.

Jan 01, 0001

Q&A with Joanne Hayes-White, 2018 Career Fire Chief of the Year

Joanne Hayes-White is chief of the San Francisco (California) Fire Department. She was honored during Fire-Rescue International in Dallas as the 2018 Career Fire Chief of the Year. Here’s what she told On Scene about the path to this high honor.

Jan 01, 0001

How You Can Help Disaster Survivors

FEMA: Don’t send stuff, send money

Jan 01, 0001

You're a New Chief-level Officer. Now What?

New course is designed for chief-level officers across the United States so please share it with your fire service colleagues.

Jan 01, 0001

CEO Mark Light Shares Insights of Leading the IAFC in Podcast Interview

CEO/Executive Director Mark Light discusses his fire service background, the IAFC, how IAFC programs, tools and resources assists fire departments, and controversial issues facing the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

FAA Reauthorization Package Contains Fire Service Provisions

Provision should help Congress and the FAA to identify and remove obstacles fire departments face in using UASs.

Jan 01, 0001

Launch of the New NMAS Takes Mutual Aid Net to the Next Level

The new NMAS uses the latest technology to identify, request and deploy resources for mutual aid support faster, easier and more accurately.

Jan 01, 0001

The Evolution of Mutual Aid Going Live

IAFC, Juvare, and Esri have been working to build NMAS since the fall of 2017.

Jan 01, 0001

Code? What Code?

If code officials know what responders face, they can address those concerns and work on future code language to improve conditions. If code officials communicate trends, responders can make informed decisions in the field. Communicating is key!

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Prevention Week: A Good Time to Reflect

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is "Look, Listen, Learn: Be Aware, Fire Can Happen Anywhere."

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: “Fire Prevention” Is Outdated!

Am I suggesting the fire service do away with fire-prevention activities? Absolutely not! But are you doing a disservice to your responsibility to protect your community by using the label “fire prevention?”

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s International Fellows Join Hurricane Florence Response in Myrtle Beach

The IAFC’s International Fellowship Program (IFP) embeds international firefighters in American fire departments to gain operational experience and internalize the American fire-service culture.

Jan 01, 0001

Q&A with Herbert Leusch, 2018 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year

Herbert Leusch is chief of the Glen Echo (Maryland) Fire Department. He was honored during Fire-Rescue International in Dallas as the 2018 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year. Here’s what he told On Scene about the path to this high honor.

Jan 01, 0001

Metro Chiefs Adopt Positions at Urban Fire Forum

Urban Fire Forum (UFF) held last week at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Mass.

Jan 01, 0001

Now Accepting Nominations for 2019 Wildfire Mitigation Awards

Submit a nomination by October 31.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: West University Place

Learn how one department in Texas rolled out a successful NFPA 1582 program.

Jan 01, 0001

Does Your Department Need a Chief People Officer?

In departments staffed by volunteers, morale is the most important aspect. While creating a course to help volunteer leaders learn more about the business of running a department, our team came up with the idea for a “Chief People Officer.”

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Our Jobs Are Changing

Many of us are facing some of the stormiest, most demanding challenges we’ve ever seen, and our jobs are changing. We aren’t just firefighters anymore; we’re civil servants called upon to answer at a moment’s notice any call for assistance.

Jan 01, 0001

Health, Wellness and the Fire Service Family

It’s our duty as officers to lead; successful officers do lead, then take their lumps when they find themselves on the unpopular side of us-versus-them discussions. After these difficult situations, I do still feel part of the fire service family.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: The SIMPLE Way of Accountability

No organization can flourish without the right people in place, doing the right things at the right time. It’s our responsibility to set our members up for success; we must define our expectations and hold employees accountable for those results.

Jan 01, 0001

Human Relations: Managing within the Context of a Fire Organization

Most fire departments are structured around a traditional model and leaders have a firm foundation to build on; this article focuses on continuous training, team spirit and influence.

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Reissues the NTAS Bulletin

A vigilant public remains one of our greatest assets.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Discourages the Practice of Self-Dispatch to Emergency Locations

In major disasters, the fire service needs to be disciplined in its response.

Jan 01, 0001

Search and Rescue Apps Available for Disaster Response

We're partnered with the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS (NAPSG) Foundation to build a standardized mobile application and tool set for first responders to rapidly collection location-based information during a disaster.

Jan 01, 0001

New Video from the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section

Check out the new promotional video from the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section.

Jan 01, 0001

NFHC National Induction Ceremony Set for October 8

The Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders provides individual recognition of significant contributions and distinguished service to the fire and emergency services mission.

Jan 01, 0001

State Fire Marshal Dwayne Garriss Earns 2018 FLSS Award

Georgia State Fire Marshal Dwayne Garriss has been named the recipient of the 2018 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for 7th Year

The year-long program is open to new and aspiring chiefs who have demonstrated a commitment to career advancement and enhancing the fire and emergency service through their leadership.

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet Board Leaders Announce Plans to Retire

Chief Johnson and Sue Swenson have both been advocates for the fire service and for the FirstNet system.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: The Business Side of the Fire Department

Many who become firefighters do so to help their communities and experience the excitement of fighting fires. But as firefighters move up the ranks, the required skill set changes from pulling hose or cutting open a roof to managing a business.

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Service: Let’s Buckle Up!

Does your department have a policy that providers must be restrained when the ambulance is moving? If providers need to remove their restraints, is it policy for the ambulance to pull off the road and completely stop while treatment is rendered?

Jan 01, 0001

An open Letter to the Fire Service

On Thursday, I was bestowed the honor of being this year’s Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. What an amazing honor!

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Dan Eggleston Installed as IAFC President

Over 10,000 fire and emergency service leaders, exhibitors, guests and industry partners participate in Fire-Rescue Internanal in Dallas.

Jan 01, 0001

2018 Presidential Address: Chief Tom Jenkins

To the members here today, I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to serve you and represent you internationally, in the halls of congress, and all venues in between. Be proud to be an IAFC member. Stay involved or find ways to get involved.

Jan 01, 0001

Acceptance Speech: IAFC President Dan Eggleston

Pledges his dedication to upholding and elevating the impeccable standards of the IAFC and the expectations of the global fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer Released

Fire service leaders and all personnel are asked to make cancer prevention a priority in all fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Oregon Firefighters Honored for Daring House Fire Rescue

Clackamas Fire District #1 Crew Wins 2018 IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and Pierce Manufacturing Announce 2018 Fire Chiefs of the Year

Herbert Leusch, volunteer, and Joanne Hayes-White, career, named Fire Chiefs of the Year

Jan 01, 0001

Statement: IAFC Board of Directors

To allow discrimination or unequal treatment breaks down our abilities to work together in delivering service to the communities we serve.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, 1-800-BOARDUP Announce Chief’s Edge Scholarship Winners

The scholarships include complimentary registration for the Chief’s Edge leadership program at FRI in Dallas.

Jan 01, 0001

Planning Approaches: Operational and Financial Planning

This series has addressed the elements of a fire department’s planning approach. This third entry in the series briefly introduces the concepts of tactical/operational planning and financial planning.

Jan 01, 0001

Avoid Mission Failure: Prepare Your People for Success

The exodus of senior leaders and their experience creates a critical need to prepare the upcoming generation to lead. Although succession planning is challenging, the reward is an agency prepared to meet its mission with confidence and competence.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Leaders to Convene in Dallas for Fire-Rescue International, August 8-11

FRI offers fire service leaders teh information, education and services needed to enhance their professional development and service delivery.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism and Homeland Security: Mayhem in the Streets

2017 was an extraordinary year in the United Kingdom as it relates to terrorism and large-scale incidents. The management of and response to these events are noteworthy and provide tremendous opportunities to capture lessons learned.

Jan 01, 0001

Illness and Injury Prevention Award Now Accepting Applications

The Award is designed to support the NFFF and USFA initiatives to reduce firefighter injuries and illness.

Jan 01, 0001

Planning Approaches and Alternatives: Are You Planning Effectively for Your Organization’s Future?

Do you know what standards of cover and cooperative-efforts planning are and how to use them to improve the effectiveness of your planning initiatives?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Opportunity Missed!

It's said we should leave an organization better than we found it. How can we do that if we don’t seek out a next generation of members who come in the door prepared to take the organization to that next level? Or if we don't nurture that in them?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Education is a Pillar of Our Mission

Our profession isn’t for the faint of heart and it requires almost constant learning. The fire and emergency service is saturated with places to go and associations to join; it’s important that we don’t get distracted.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS and VFIS Retention and Recruitment Award Open

Award recognizes innovative volunteer department retention and recruitment programs.

Jan 01, 0001

PHMSA Sends Out a Request for Comments for the 2020 ERG

PHMSA has requested comments and input for the 2020 ERG to improve the guidebook as it develops the 2020 edition.

Jan 01, 0001

Veterans Affairs Directed to Use "Prudent Layperson Standard" for EMS Claims

Directive improves the amount EMS-related funds available to fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Accepting Nominations for Chief John M. Buckman III Leadership Award

Award recognizes fire service leaders who demonstrat leadership, integrity, and outstanding values.

Jan 01, 0001

Unofficial Results: VCOS Board Election Announced

3-year terms will start at the VCOS Annual Meeting during FRI in Dallas.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Reverse-Engineering Succession Management to Grow Your Career

Few departments have successfully implemented a succession-management program, so to have the greatest success in promotions and job performance, aspiring chiefs and officers must know how to reverse-engineer succession management.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Life Safety: Why Pursue Our Professional Credentials?

What’s the common denominator between obtaining coaching credentials and working for our fire service professional credentials? What value do these provide?

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Human Capital: Building a Desire to Serve

Leaders look for talented personnel with traits that cause them to serve others in a way that garners trust and respect. But what do they do when members want to choose who and how they'll serve?

Jan 01, 0001

Unofficial Results: Chief Drozd Elected 2nd Vice President

Chief Otto Drozd, Orange County, Florida, to become 2018-2019 IAFC second vice president at FRI in August.

Jan 01, 0001

Symposium in the Sun Scholarship Now Accepting Applications through Aug. 10

Conference helps leaders address unique challenges facing departments of all sizes.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Cancer Registry Bill Clears Congress

Legislation will create an anonymous, voluntary registry for firefighters at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Board of Directors Approves Appointments

Due to a vacancy in the first vice president position, the IAFC Board of Directors on June 18 unanimously approved two appointments through August 11.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Honors Chief Ludwig with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Award honors leader who has made a positive impact on a national scale in fire service EMS management.

Jan 01, 0001

Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med 2018

Award recognizes creative approaches to implementing systems to prevent and treat cardiac-related diseases.

Jan 01, 0001

Planning Approaches and Alternatives: Master Planning, Strategic Planning and Why You Need Both

Master planning, strategic planning and why you need both.

Jan 01, 0001

SAFECOM, OEC Want to Hear from Fire Chiefs

Please complete this nationwide survey by Feb. 23.

Jan 01, 0001

Who’s Really Responsible for Health and Safety in the Fire Service?

It's the responsibility of each first responder and of the department to ensure responders know what's expected of them to be safe; in an ideal world, this would be enough to ensure everyone's taken care of, but is it?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Let’s Do More for Firefighter Health and Safety

Without a doubt, cancer, cardiovascular health and physical fitness are topics of conversation around firehouse kitchen tables across the world. However, we still have much left to accomplish!

Jan 01, 0001

Mental Health: Be Prepared to Step In

As our members continue to experience natural reactions to traumatic environments, we must be prepared to step in. Without intervention, we’ll lose good people to the effects of critical incident/post-traumatic stress—in more ways than one.

Jan 01, 0001

Treating the Symptoms or Working on a Cure?

Why is Cultural Change the first of the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives? Shouldn’t number one be cancer or mental health or any of the myriad other problems faced by firefighters on a regular basis?

Jan 01, 0001

We are the International Association of Fire Chiefs

New "We are the IAFC" video available.

Jan 01, 0001

Nominate for DOJ’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

Highest U.S. award honoring emergency-service officers, firefighters and law-enforcement officers.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Exchange Accepting Applications

Improve overall practices and procedures within wildland fire programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Annual Medical Physicals: The Risk Is Real; So Is the Solution

Is your department ready to stand down? This year’s Safety Stand Down theme is "Be Aware – Get Checked."

Jan 01, 0001

America Burning: It’s Giving Us Cancer

We now know, and are learning more every day, that cancer is the most pervasive hazard to a firefighter. What more do we need to learn on this danger? What are our next steps to reduce our risk?

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: What Does Changing the Culture for Safety Mean?

Some hope to achieve a safety culture by admonishing their members to be safe or have a safety mindset and letting the rest figure itself out. What does it mean to be safe or have a safety mindset? Just exactly how do we achieve that?

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recommends Use of Mobile Technology to Activate Citizens and First Responders to Improve Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates

Applications such as PulsePoint offer a unique way to involve the citizens in a local jurisdiction to not only become aware of when others need life or death assistance, but also provide them an avenue to render aid.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Week 2018: Are You EMS Strong?

Here are a few great ideas how you can celebrate EMS Week in your community.

Jan 01, 0001

Opioid, Narcotic and Psychoactive Substance Abuse (IAFC Position)

The IAFC calls on you to aid the progress of those already “fighting the good fight.”

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates Recognize National EMS Week

National EMS Week is a time to thank the entire EMS community, especially firefighter/EMTs and paramedics.

Jan 01, 0001

Sounding the SIREN in Congress

New bill would restore a grant program in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for rural public and non-profit fire departments and EMS agencies.

Jan 01, 0001

Metro Chiefs Present Awards in San Antonio

IAFC CEO/Executive Director Light given Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jan 01, 0001

Keeping the Lug Nuts Tight on the Chariot Wheels!

Innovation is happening in the fire service. The question is, do you know about it? If you do know, do you have time to develop an implementation strategy?

Jan 01, 0001

Is a Degree for EMS Providers Needed to Advance the Profession?

The EMS community is split on whether EMS needs to add a college degree to the minimum requirements for all paramedic training. This article is an in-depth consideration of this question for American EMS providers.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Evolution

For a profession that prides its self on such catchphrases as "100 years of tradition unimpeded by progress," the fire service has proven itself to be very resilient and adaptable to change.

Jan 01, 0001

Human Relations: Mutual Respect Starts with a Conversation

I often ask, “Why can’t everyone just get along?” Is inappropriate behavior and comments by firefighters a product of cultural, gender or social differences, or is it just that someone is being an insensitive and unprofessional jerk?

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

President’s Letter: Our Common Voice Serves the Fire Service Well

CFSI Week is a great reminder that the actions of a few can make a difference in our communities and the country as a whole.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: EMS Performance Metrics

We invested considerable time and funds toward data extraction. The fruit of this labor has been accurate reports and ultimately the best decisions.

Jan 01, 0001

But Was That a Direct Hit?

The National Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System is a free, anonymous, nonpunitive reporting system. We strongly encourage firefighters to submit reports, whether the events led to injury or accident or something just almost happened.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: The Four Dynamics of the Fire Service

Our personnel failures occur in each of these environments and knowing these four dynamics exist is the first step on the road to change.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, American Military University Expand Partnership

Partnership enables the IAFC to promote AMU’s educational opportunities to members while AMU’s experts will be available to share their expertise with fire chiefs through support at several IAFC conferences.

Jan 01, 0001

Pushing for Hands-only CPR

Teach residents and visitors how to assist firefighters and EMS personnel in saving lives through Hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed.

Jan 01, 0001

Opioid Crisis and the Story of Two Cities

Hear two compelling stories of how community risk reduction was applied to the epidemic.

Jan 01, 0001

Wanted: Nominations for Fire Chief of the Year – Especially Volunteer Chiefs

With the May 20 deadline fast-approaching, the IAFC wants is making a special appeal for volunteer fire chief nominations.

Jan 01, 0001

Training Available: The Rural Response to Rail Incidents

The IAFC Hazmat Center has launched a rail-response class, The Rural Response to Rail Incidents, a two-hour, awareness-level course on responding to rail incidents with hazardous materials.

Jan 01, 0001

Training as if Your Life Depended on It!

The public and all our fellow firefighters are relying on us to be 100% proficient 100% of the time. The only way that happens is through training—every day, every shift, whenever and however you can.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Help is Available for the Volunteer Fire Service

We have a crisis on our hands: The number of volunteer firefighters is down and the local ranks of volunteer firefighters are getting older. There’s no quick fix to this problem, but resources are available to help calm the storm.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Tipping Over

The life of an on-call/volunteer firefighter often becomes a balancing act. We need department cultures that recognize the importance of family and the wellbeing of our members.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Section: Fire-Rescue Med v2.0.18

Technology needs constant upgrades to improve security and address bugs; If we fail to upgrade to the newest version, things may not work so well anymore. With this in mind, the EMS Section has upgraded Fire-Rescue Med to a new and better version.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and AT&T Renew Strategic Relationship for Fire Service

Renewed relationship includes participation in events and collaborative efforts of mutual interest.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety, Health And Survival Section Spotlight: Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue

Learn how Ft. Lauderdale put a fitness initiative in motion to improve the safety and health of its firefighters.

Jan 01, 0001

CFSI Week - What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

The IAFC has developed resources to help you prepare

Jan 01, 0001

Feeling Blessed to Pass the Torch

Not only is the fire service not immune from the speedy pace of retiring Baby Boomers, but given the demographics, culture and traditions, we may be at even greater risk. This article is adapted from one that ran recently in the VCOS newsletter.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: Respect

Why do people like me cherish respect? Because of my children. I want my children to be respectful of their peers, their employers, their clients and themselves.

Jan 01, 0001

House, Senate Pass FY 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act

Mostly good news for the fire and emergency service.

Jan 01, 0001

Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms

Recall involves models PI2010 and PI9010 of Kidde dual sensor.

Jan 01, 0001

The 2018 Legislative Agenda

Last year, the IAFC scored a number of legislative wins, but there’s still much to do. Use this legislative agenda as you prepare to visit Washington and meet with members of Congress for the 30th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Focused on Promoting Community Preparedness Against Wildfire

IAFC concerned about the escalating costs and damages caused by wildland fires

Jan 01, 0001

Resuscitating the Ambulance Fee Schedule

If your patient was the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule, you’d be preparing to start CPR. Congress just brought us an AED and a drug box, and it’s time to get to work.

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

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: The Expanded Visual Scope of a Supervisor

This month’s prescription: Prepare for an expanded viewpoint.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination Today for IAFC Fire Chief of the Year

Since 1996 this prestigious award has recognized one volunteer and one career chief for leadership and contributions to the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Chiefs: Nominate Now for the IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Honors a firefighter for service to the duty displayed in saving a human life.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Preparing Our Departments for All Hazards

The fire service handles things outside our traditional mission of firefighting: from community paramedicine and terrorism to hazardous materials and technical rescue, our world’s fire service is the benefactor of all-hazards solutions.

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

Company Officer Leadership: More Than Just Response

While we often find comfort in our response duties, we must also focus on prevention as well, such as inspections, public education and emergency management. These CRR measures provide exponential benefit to our communities and organizations.

Jan 01, 0001

Next Generation of National Mutual Aid System Launches in Four States

New version to better manage and track emergency service resources during large-scale emergencies that require mutual aid.

Jan 01, 0001

Heard of the Over-the-Air Broadcast TV Change Coming to Your Town?

1,000 local television stations are required by law to change to new frequencies which may impact the ability to reach residents with emergency information.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Honors Station Nightclub Fire Vicitms

Fire service leaders highlight new tax incentive for small business to install fire sprinklers.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Organizing Fire Operations Conference in Middle East

Conference offers unique opportunity to explore leadership development, education sessions covering many operational components.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Programs Cut by President Trump’s FY 2019 Budget

The IAFC will work with our allies in Washington to protect fire and emergency service programs, like FIRE, SAFER, USFA and the VFA program.

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

Chiefs: Help IAFF Celebrate Its 100-year Anniversary

On Feb. 28 at 2 PM ET, fire departments to strike emergency tones; announce centennial message through their jurisdiction's dispatch system.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Embrace Technology

It’s no longer acceptable for fire chiefs to be technology-averse. We must wake up, dig deep and begin to understand the technology that surrounds our profession more deeply than ever before.

Jan 01, 0001

Could Your Department Website Be a Legal Liability?

For many departments, their websites are places where the community can understand the department’s mission, find contact information and gather the latest news and information. Don’t you want to be accessible to every individual you serve?

Jan 01, 0001

T-Band Spectrum: Why It’s Important to the Fire Service

In large metropolitan areas, public safety relies on the T-Band spectrum to operate radios in day-to-day operations. A requirement to move off this spectrum greatly concerns agencies in these areas. Here’s what you need to know.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Section: Full Speed Ahead

The extreme events of 2017 exacted a financial toll as well as physical and emotional tolls on our communities and our fire departments and members. Though our resources were frequently stretched, fire and EMS consistently rose to meet the demands.

Jan 01, 0001

Benchmarking for Improvement: ISO and ESCI Team Up

The Community Fire Service Performance Review for Structural Fire Protection is next in ISO’s continuing effort to help communities improve their fire protection services through partnerships and training, and the ESCI report is proof of that goal.

Jan 01, 0001

Time Running Short for Input Into NFPA Active Shooter Standard

Standard provides training standards; breaks it down between law enforcement, fire and EMS responsibilities.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Restores Medicare Ambulance Add-On Payments

Bill contains some of the most significant EMS reimbursement reforms that Congress has enacted in several years.

Jan 01, 0001

The Gold Standard: Are You Ready to Shine?

Today’s fire service leaders must develop professional competencies to lead their organizations into the future, fully engaging in their communities, becoming certified and credentialed and embracing lifelong learning.

Jan 01, 0001

Excellent Firefighters: We’re Not Promoting Through Testing Difficulties

There’s no question the fire service needs standards, but are our standards so stringent that we’re promoting the academic and passing over vocational candidates?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Atypical Innovation

Innovation isn’t always packaged in the shiniest wrapping and it doesn’t always cost money. Sometimes, it’s packaged in as research that provides perspectives leading to innovative solutions.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: Trust in the Fire Service

A lack of trust is the kryptonite to any fire-rescue organization. Without trust, an organization can’t provide the public service required.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Board Approves Technical Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws

These amendments concern IAFC officer conflict of interest, impairment and vacancies.

Jan 01, 0001

FY 2017 FP&S Grant Application Period Opens Feb. 12

Begin Preparing Your FY 2017 FP&S Application Now.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Partners with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Partners for UAS Training

Embry-Riddle to provide UAS-related education, training and certification activities.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Delays “Cadillac Tax”

“Cadillac Tax” now set to take effect in four years in 2022.

Jan 01, 0001

New Tax Law: Outreach Opportunity for Chiefs

New tax law Incentivizes businesses to retrofit properties with fire sprinkler systems.

Jan 01, 0001

EVMS Presents 2017 Boyd Cole Award

The award recognizes an educator, trainer or facilitator of emergency vehicle technicians training.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Managing Your Key Relationships

I personally invite you to take advantage of a golden opportunity to hone your skills with the IAFF/IAFC Labor-Management Alliance: join us for the LMA Conference April 5-6 in Denver at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center: IAFC.org/LMAconference.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Labor-Management Relations – Building Our Teams

Labor and management. Two groups of people who don’t always agree, but must come together to meet the overall goals and mission of the organization. How do you view labor and management?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Cultivating Effective Union-Management Relationships

Organizations want to deliver results and greater productivity; a union may be seen as a barrier to effectively achieving these goals. From the union’s perspective, this management view leads to violations of the collective bargaining agreement.

Jan 01, 0001

LMA Update: A New Era of Cooperation and Collaboration

Over the life of the IAFC’s and IAFF’s partnership, the Labor-Management Alliance has gone through several iterations. One constant is the organizations’ dedication to building strong labor-management relationships.

Jan 01, 0001

Chiefs, Union Leaders Come Together as LMA Conference Returns

For any fire department that has labor-management relationships or new people in leadership roles, the 2018 LMA Conference is the place to be.

Jan 01, 0001

It's Time We Build a Uniform Officer Ride-Along Standard

Is it time to consider developing, adopting and using a formal officer/job-sharing or ride-along program standard?

Jan 01, 0001

Choose Your Next Officer with These Key Evaluation Areas

A key factor to ensuring a successful and highly reliable organization is finding those who are committed to excellence and embody the epitome of the organization’s vision.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety and Health: Leadership and the Mob

A group targets an individual with character assassination, humiliation, blame and criticism. They question the target’s knowledge, skill and ability. This is mobbing, AKA group bullying.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: Succession Planning and Implementation

The time has come for today’s leaders to embrace, develop and implement succession planning and management. Let’s examine the foundation, the method and the outcomes and challenges associated with it.

Jan 01, 0001

Partnership Announces 2018 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

Individuals, organizations honored for exemplary commitment to community wildland fire protection.

Jan 01, 0001

NTSB Seeks Fire Chiefs Opinions on Electric Vehicle Response

Help NTSB establish an assessment of events involving hybrid electric/electric vehicles by taking a brief survey.

Jan 01, 0001

Reminder: FY 2017 AFG Application Period Closes Feb. 2

Don't wait until the last minute to submit your AFG Grant application.

Jan 01, 0001

Historic Achievement: Clean Sweep of FirstNet Opt-In

Closer than ever to a wireless broadband network for first responders.

Jan 01, 0001

Save the Medicare Ambulance Add-On Payments

Urge your members of Congress to restore the Add-On Payments!

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet's Historic Achievement

All 50 states, D.C., and two U.S. territories have officially "opted in" to FirstNet

Jan 01, 0001

Senate Reauthorizes AFG/SAFER and USFA

Sunset date for AFG/SAFER grant programs pushed out to 2024.

Jan 01, 0001

Tax Cut Bill Contains IAFC Priorities

Bill includes fire sprinkler incentive and volunteer firefighter provisions.

Jan 01, 0001

House Passes AFG-SAFER-USFA Reauthorization Bill

Bill authorizes $750 million each for FIRE and SAFER grant programs. Sunset date: 2024

Jan 01, 0001

What’s in Your Disaster Plan?

As Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria hit different areas, we watched challenges play out through the media. While many areas still work to get back to a place of normalcy, we should look at those challenges and ask, “What’s in my disaster plan?”

Jan 01, 0001

Unmanned Aerial Systems: Potential Meets Reality

With the advent of extensive drone usage in commercial and recreational settings, there’s been increased interest in the fire service, which must be ready for UAS potential to meet the modern-day reality of our operations.

Jan 01, 0001

Reaching the Community with Hands-Only CPR

While the death rate is declining, the best way to affect out-of-hospital cardiac-arrest incidents is to ensure that AEDs are readily available and that members of the community are trained in CPR.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Let’s Better Connect with the Communities We Protect

Fire chiefs must be able to answer the question, “What are you doing to connect to the people you protect?”

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Maintaining Relevance through Culture and Action

Any organization’s leadership will tell you that a key ingredient for sustained success is maintaining a positive relationship with the customer. It’s essential to achieve this, and the most stable path is through positive culture.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Public-Relations Campaigns are Tools for Relevance

What makes us relevant in our communities? Our quick response, willingness to take risks and professional competence? How do we show them how relevant—and indispensable—we are?

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Life Safety: Community Relations

In today's environment of public suspicion, gaining and maintaining public consent to operate has become an ongoing top-management concern for most fire agencies and fire-prevention divisions.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety and Health: Helping the Masses Tame the Danger

In the fire service, safety is now a way of life. It hasn’t always been that way, as our occupation can be resistant to change. It prides itself on the ability to take on danger and tame it.

Jan 01, 0001

Thanks to 2017 Corporate Bugle Partners

The IAFC thanks its Bugle partners for their investment in conferences and programs in 2017. Their support helped the IAFC provide training and education, news and member resources, and legislative action to advance the fire and emergency service.

Jan 01, 0001

Mobile Integrated Healthcare Handbook is Released

The MIH Handbook will provide a step-by-step process to evaluate whether mobile integrated healthcare is right for fire departments and the steps to implement such a program, tailormade to the needs of the department’s local EMS systems.

Jan 01, 0001

Fighting Fire with the Tax Code

Tax cut bill: What's in it for fire and EMS

Jan 01, 0001

2018 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

The program has become the premier development piece for chief officers transitioning to fire chief roles.

Jan 01, 0001

Bringing Back Fun in the Firehouse

I remember the days of riding the back step and so much more. I won’t call them the good old days; we were lucky to have survived them unscathed. But oh, was it easy to recruit and retain new members; the volunteer firehouse was the place to be.

Jan 01, 0001

Recruit the Best and Retain Them Longer

It’s no surprise that the recruitment and retention of volunteers has become a hot topic and one that many fire departments are constantly trying to overcome. Recruiting new members and retaining seasoned individuals is becoming a challenge.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: The Relationship Between Human Resources and Community Awareness

A public-safety organization's HR responsibilities include attracting applicants, retaining members, motivating members, planning for succession development and offering relevant training. The challenge for us is to get it right.

Jan 01, 0001

Recognizing 2017 Ben Franklin Valor Award Nominees

This year, the IAFC received 8 nominations for the IAFC/Motorola Solutions Ben Franklin Award for Valor. The award was presented to the Monroe (Ohio) Fire Department, whose members saved trapped senior citizens. Check out the other 2017 nominations.

Jan 01, 0001

Integrating Veterans in the Fire and Emergency Service

At my FRI session, we discussed bringing veterans into our firehouses. The idea seems simple, though it can lead to worrying about what-ifs. But why don’t we have a fire or EMS job for every veteran who meets our requirements and wants one?

Jan 01, 0001

ICS Is Not Just for Operations

ICS is an excellent means of organizing resources, providing accountability and allocating them to meet challenges; it’s a time-proven approach to dealing with emergencies. But we shouldn’t ignore that, at its base, it’s simply a management tool.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Make Community Interaction Count

On the heels of Fire Prevention Week, it’s easy to appreciate the interaction and trust we have within our communities; the week is a magnificent example of harnessing tragedy to make positive change.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Community Relations – Whose Job Is It Anyway?

In the fire service, whose job is community relations? Most folks would probably say the fire prevention and education division or the PIO. The real answer is much larger than these two.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: “Be Nice”

With the news of Chief Brunacini’s passing, I’ve thought about how his contributions relate to the safety, health and survival of firefighters. I keep coming back to one of his simple yet impactful innovations. He told his firefighters to “Be nice.”

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Partners with Intermedix and Esri to Build the National Mutual Aid System

NMAS will be the next generation version of the IAFC’s Mutual Aid Net tool used coast to coast.

Jan 01, 0001

ALERT Grant Enables IAFC to Continue Rail Safety Program

Thousands of responders trained both online and in person.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Senior SAFE Program – Protecting Our Seniors

Though the trend in fire deaths has decreased for the older adult population, older adults still face the greatest relative risk of dying in a fire.

Jan 01, 0001

Emotional Intelligence, or Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

Traditionally, intellectual capacity has been seen as a primary indicator of one’s ability to succeed. Emotional intelligence is now also considered a crucial element in individual and professional success.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Sells Building to Relocate to New Location

Bricks and mortar—or in this case, block and stucco: What really is it to us? A building, a home, an investment?

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Service: The EMS Section Show

Any successful, long-running TV series, when it first aired, had a solid cast of lead characters. After some time, some leads were phased out and new characters were brought in. Such is the life of the EMS Section.

Jan 01, 0001

Q&A with the 2017 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year: Chief Brian Wade

Brian Wade of North Lenoir (N.C.) Fire & Rescue Department was honored during Fire-Rescue International as the 2017 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year. Here’s what he told On Scene about the path to this high honor.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Community Members Help Reduce Risk

Community education needs be at the forefront of our minds. If we can educate our communities in risk reduction, lives will be saved.

Jan 01, 0001

Women Fire Chiefs Council Supports Women Leaders

I attended FRI this year as I had before and looked forward to interesting ideas to implement in my department. But I’ll admit, each year I felt like the only woman chief present. This year marked a dramatic change in my outlook.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Fire-Sprinkler Systems Best Path to Life Safety

Reducing the incidence and impact of fires is a fundamental element of our jobs. The best fires are the ones we don't respond to or that are held in an incipient stage by sprinklers.

Jan 01, 0001

Q&A with 2017 Career Fire Chief of the Year Marvin Riggins

Marvin Riggins of the Macon-Bibb County (Georgia) Fire Department was honored during Fire-Rescue International in Charlotte as the 2017 Career Fire Chief of the Year. Here’s what he told On Scene about the path to this high honor.

Jan 01, 0001

The Driving Force Behind Catalyst Leadership

A catalyst is a driving force behind transforming one product into a more usable, valuable one. Without it, no change can take place. In leadership, how does a catalyst become the driving force behind change?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Who’s on Deck?

Our obligation as fire chiefs is to do everything we can to develop, encourage and support future leaders.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Make a Decision

Many chief officers have prepared for and experienced many types of fireground situations. Countless lives have been saved based on quick, decisive actions. How do these processes transfer to administrative decisions these same officers must make?

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Personally Commit to Professional Development

Until a few years ago, there were few options for professional development of midcareer members. True professional development, both education and training, was limited to chief matters. Through decades of effort, that's changing.

Jan 01, 0001

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit: A Resource for Fire Departments

Exposure to the trauma of others is an occupational challenge for first responders. Organ-izations can mitigate the negative impacts of vicarious trauma—and it’s their duty and responsibility to do so. The VTT was designed to help.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS: People Will Come

On May 8, the REPLICA team was established when Georgia became the 10th state to sign on. This significant moment in the history of EMS represents one of the largest im-provements in our system in decades.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for 6th Year

Apply by October 6 for the IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Institute.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Discourages the Practice of Self-Dispatch to Emergency Locations

In major disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, the fire service needs to be disciplined in its response, ready and available.

Jan 01, 0001

New Publication Explores Importance of Succession Management in the Fire Service

Guide provides steps for departments to start their own succession plans and includes a history of succession management in the fire-rescue service.

Jan 01, 0001

Don’t Train Your Firefighters to Be Leaders

How can we build relationships and invest the time and energy to make our firefighters successful? We need to leave the footprints behind that can create a path for their success.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Helping to Make Our Communities Safer

My focus this year as your president is simple: finding ways to help fire chiefs make our communities and citizens safer.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Professional Development for the Entire Organizational Chart

One of the questions many training officers and fire chiefs struggle with is how to structure professional and career development programs within their departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Leadership Development

Leadership development—what does that really mean? Can you develop people into becoming good leaders, or are leaders just born to be leaders?

Jan 01, 0001

Those Who Lead: When Opportunity Knocks

What are the qualifications to be a leader? You don’t need a degree or particular classes to be a leader. A true leader has what it takes within, and this surpasses any other qualities of leadership.

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

An Evolution in Transparency: In Our Departments and Communities

It’s time to introduce our personnel to the public we serve. People have seen our folks in action. They’ve invited them into their homes at their time of need. But who is it that’s stepping across the threshold?

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Tom Jenkins Installed as IAFC President

Jenkins says IAFC will push to find ways to harness, disseminate, and improve cutting-edge initiatives.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Tom Jenkins Installation Remarks

An area of emphasis for this coming year will be in terrorism and domestic emergency preparedness.

Jan 01, 0001

Ohio Crew Honored for Heroics in Retirement Community Fire

The department’s heroic actions heralded with the 2017 IAFC/Motorola Solutions Ben Franklin Award for Valor.

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

Pierce Manufacturing, IAFC Honor 2017 Fire Chiefs of the Year

Chiefs from Macon-Bibb Country (GA) Fire department and North Lenoir (NC) Fire & Rescue receive prestigious awards at FRI

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, VCOS Release Report on Behavioral Health in the Fire Service

Report raises awareness about the emotional and behavioral health issues in the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, PulsePoint Foundation Announce Global Strategic Partnership to Increase Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates

The collaboration also endeavors to develop strategies for utilizing public safety data in new and innovative ways.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Try a KISS Succession Plan

It’s been said you never know what a job entails until you’re in it. As the fire chief, exposing those coming up behind you to what you do is a major step in minimizing the gap.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Passing the Baton

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past 11 months. The IAFC is strong and is growing stronger as we respond to many voices.

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

IAFC: AFG, SAFER Grants Help Local Departments Protect Communities

President Sinclair asks Congress to reauthorize AFG and SAFER grant programs this year.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Applauds Virginia for Becoming First State to Opt-in for FirstNet

Once completed in all states, it will be the first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to America’s first responders.

Jan 01, 0001

Concerns Remain with 911 Indoor Location Accuracy Implementation

Finding an individual when they call 911 on their mobile phone from a building that’s on fire and full of smoke is critical to satisfying the intent of the FCC Order and meeting public expectations.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Your Role in Departmental SOGs

Many think that all a company officer needs to do is apply the SOGs/SOPs and discipline those who don’t abide by them. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Jan 01, 0001

Split Personalities: What's Your Organization’s Culture?

Understanding your department’s internal personality will help you understand how its external image is perceived. Bad attitudes, poor morale, sloppy attire: If you don’t recognize it, others quickly will.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Leaders to Convene in Charlotte July 26-29 for FRI 2017

FRI offers current and future fire chiefs the information, education and services needed to succeed.

Jan 01, 0001

Yes, Bullying, Harassment and Violence are Alive in the Firehouse

In the midst of discussions of brotherhood, courage, honor and self-sacrifice, the revelation that a firefighter committed suicide as a reaction to cyberbullying was for some eye opening, for others validation of their lived experience.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Firefighters and the Cancer Threat

Occupational cancer among firefighters is on the rise at a rate that is far above the norms for the general population: Reports shows that firefighters are 2.2 times more likely to develop occupational cancer.

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

Inaugural IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program Fellows Selected

New program aims to foster a diverse and inclusive fire service workforce.

Jan 01, 0001

Unofficial Results: Eggleston Elected 2nd VP

Chief Dan Eggleston elected IAFC 2nd VP; Voters approve permanent board seats for EMS, Fire & Life Safety and Safety, Health & Survival Sections

Jan 01, 0001

Fentanyl Poses Lethal Threat to First Responders

EMS personnel responding to overdose patients and other opioid-related calls are especially at risk.

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Fit for RIT?

Strenuous firefighting affects every system in our bodies. A heart rate can exceed 200 beats a minute during firefighting operations and stay there for an extended period—unlikely to be duplicated even in high-intensity physical-training sessions.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: The Elephant in the Firehouse - Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress

Whether on social-media or in infomercials touting the latest in mental-health therapy at an exotic location, we’re all inundated with opportunities for help and healing. While many of these may be helpful, most appear to be modern day snake-oil.

Jan 01, 0001

Human Relations: If We Build It, They Will Come

There are many untapped, talented people who would be ready to play on our team and work for our mission if we would just prepare the workplace to recognize and harness their diverse and varied talents.

Jan 01, 0001

Naperville and Grand Junction Win Heart Safe Communities Award at Fire-Rescue Med

EMS Section honored two fire departments with 2017 Heart Safe Community Awards.

Jan 01, 0001

Knipper Honored with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

EMS Section presents 2017 James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Jan 01, 0001

Register for the Safety Stand Down Webinar: “Project Mayday”

Webinar will address issues dealing with prevention, SOPs, training, and operational enforcement.

Jan 01, 0001

President Trump Appoints Chief G. Keith Bryant as U.S. Fire Administrator

IAFC Past President Keith Bryant to lead U.S. Fire Administration.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS, We Have Some Work to Do

As if fire-based EMS doesn’t have enough issues with its name brand of service delivery, I want to tell you about two new challenges.

Jan 01, 0001

REPLICA Three Years Later

For years, departments have struggled with events that require EMS providers to provide care across state lines. Public safety doesn’t stop at the state line, so why should the ability of personnel providing this service stop here?

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Risk Reduction—A Global View

When considering risk-reduction programs, fire departments typically target the residential populations in their communities. There’s good reason for this approach.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Incorporating Performance Metrics into Agency Culture and Analysis

Performance metrics help to establish expected performance levels. Without them, organizations may drift along with no perception of quality performance. Without substantiating data, any perception they do have is ultimately just an opinion.

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

Don't Be Scammed: Beware of Conference Hotel Room Poachers

Unauthorized housing companies have been contacting IAFC members, offering lower rates at hotels in the IAFC’s FRI housing block. But when people book hotel accommodations through poachers or pirates, the consequences can be costly.

Jan 01, 0001

New Vicarious Trauma Resources Available

500 tools for organizations to become more informed about vicarious trauma

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and TransCanada Extend Partnership

Agreement Supports Pipeline Emergency Response Training across North America

Jan 01, 0001

Medical Equipment Failures

When medical devices fail and death or serious injury occurs, your department is required to report it. This article tells you how.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Spread the Word About Hands-only CPR

This year for EMS Week, we’ve developed a BHAG—a Big Hairy Audacious Goal—to train 1 million people in North America with compression only CPR.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Fire-Based EMS Systems

There are multiple service-delivery models employed all across the United States. Depending on the area or territory served, government structure, political climate and available funding, each model alternative has its place.

Jan 01, 0001

What ESCI’s Purchase of Fields Consulting Group Means for You

As you may know, Fields Consulting Group was purchased by Emergency Services Consulting International, the consulting arm of the IAFC. In doing so, we have expanded our services extensively.

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

IAFC, AMR and ACEP Team Up to Save Lives from Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Three of the largest names in emergency medical services aim to train people in bystander CPR during World CPR Challenge, May 21-27

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

Deadline May 12 to Nominate for IAFC Awards

Nominate Today for IAFC Fire Chief of the Year and Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Innovation Is Peer-Driven

After years in the industry, I can tell you the companies serving the fire service are in fire houses, eagerly working with the fire service. But adopting technology in the fire service is a whole different animal.

Jan 01, 0001

Drones in the Fire Service

Using a drone never entered my thoughts as a company officer. As a lieutenant in charge of a ladder truck staffed with just a firefighter and me inside, I certainly never thought I’d be in command of an incident where a drone would come in handy.

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

Executive Officer Leadership: Things Have Changed

As chief officers, we must find innovative ways to involve our members that allow them to learn and be heard. New technology is out there and will continue to grow quickly, so we must embrace it.

Jan 01, 0001

Human Relations: Courageous Conversations

Every conversation begins long before the current words are spoken. Everyone retains a thousand memories, experiences and life lessons, and these contain our opinions and biases. And we all bring those into our current conversations.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and AT&T Strengthen Strategic Relationship for Fire Service

The IAFC and AT&T have renewed and expanded their relationship to further serve leaders of the fire and emergency service.

Jan 01, 0001

Cancer Prevention at Natick Fire Department

Natick (Massachusetts) Fire Department is taking these steps to protect their firefighters and are share them in hopes they’ll help other departments find the best approach to protect their firefighters as well.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and NVFC Announce 2017 Safety Stand Down – MAYDAY, Self-Rescue, and Rapid Intervention

The IAFC and the National Volunteer Fire Council have announced the topic for the 2017 Safety Stand Down, June 18-24.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Physicals: Where Are We Now?

Three years ago, the SHS Section decided to take on the proverbial 800-pound elephant: mandatory annual medical evaluations for all firefighters. Here’s a snapshot of the progress we’ve made to date.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Our Focus is Firmly on Leading the Fire Service

I’m extremely pleased to report that last month, we completed our self-evaluation, clearing the path for all components of our great organization to Lead, Educate and Serve the fire and emergency service well into the future.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Innovation in Officer-Development Training

Fairfax County (Virginia) Fire and Rescue serves rural, suburban and urban environments, and with such varied needs, ensuring a highly trained and effective officer corps becomes even more critical.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Research and Innovation

The fire service is perceived by many as slow to evolve. There may be some truth to this, but some of us are witnesses to increasing acceptance of innovative thinking: One of the greatest drivers is the practical application of scientific research.

Jan 01, 0001

New Voting Process for IAFC and Section Elections

The IAFC has simplified the process for voting this year. Members will cast votes through one electronic ballot tailored to each member. Here's what you need to know.

Jan 01, 0001

Summary of 2017 IAFC Ballot Questions

The 2017 IAFC elections open April 27 and close June 8. Seven amendments to the IAFC Constitution and Bylaws have been proposed and require member consideration.

Jan 01, 0001

Technical Amendment to Constitution and Bylaws Approved

The CBR Committee voted unanimously in March to propose a technical amendment that recommends longtime language in the Constitution and Bylaws about the amendment process, that had been inadvertently removed in 2013-14, be reinserted.

Jan 01, 0001

AskRail Version 3.0 Is Now Available

During the last emergency rail response you were on, did you have all of the information you needed to safely and effectively do your job? What would you say if there was a tool that will help during major rail incidents?

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Pleased AT&T Named to Build the First Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network

With strong IAFC support, the Department of Commerce and First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) today announced the selection of AT&T to build the first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to America’s first responders.

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Fire Service: Finding Recruitment and Retention Solutions

Recently, volunteer firefighters and leaders of all ranks across Connecticut met at the Branford (Conn.) Fire Department, to share information about the financial and training opportunities available statewide to volunteer departments.

Jan 01, 0001

USDA Retiree Honored for Lifelong Work on Wildland-Fire Mitigation

USDA Forest Service retiree receives the 2017 Wildfire Mitigation Legacy Award for being instrumental in developing the science behind many effective wildland-fire mitigation concepts.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Expresses Condolences on Sudden Passing of Wildland Fire Expert

The IAFC expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Christina Randall, a valued member of the IAFC’s Wildland Fire Policy Committee, who passed suddenly today while attending the IAFC's Wildland-Urban Interface conference.

Jan 01, 0001

Taxing Times in Congress

With the new administration and Congress, the chances of seeing comprehensive tax reform increased dramatically. There may be several ways the fire and emergency service can capitalize on this to achieve some longstanding goals.

Jan 01, 0001

911 Indoor Location Accuracy: Can a Caller Be Located?

In 2014, the FCC proposed regulations to improve the ability to find wireless callers to 911 in their horizontal and vertical location. Later, four wireless carriers entered into an agreement to instead provide a “dispatchable location.”

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Alternative Funding for the Fire Service

In today’s economy, we’re still working to make ends meet and stay within our budgets. It’s never been more critical to examine alternative funding streams to supplement existing budgets, support essential services and purchase new technology.

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

Bill Introduced in House to Provide Volunteer Firefighters Tax Break Incentive

VRIPA would provide a permanent reauthorization of a portion of the tax code which allows volunteer firefighters to receive property-tax based incentives and up to $600 in other incentives without being considered taxable income.

Jan 01, 0001

We Need to See You in Washington in April!

This is a really important year for you to contact your senators and representatives! Our number-one goal will be to reauthorize vital federal fire and EMS programs, like the FIRE and SAFER Grants programs, or they will expire.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: The Importance of Effective Governmental Relations

In February, I testified on FEMA’s future before a House subcommittee. Easy-peasy, done in an hour. But wait, there’s more. That hour of testimony was preceded by hundreds of hours put in by many people to ensure our message was crafted correctly.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: The Company Officer’s Role in Obtaining Funding

It’s pretty easy talk to our crew and gather ideas on what we need, helping the department find the resources to purchase the items is another story altogether.

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Service: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

We know change is inevitable: we deal with it daily, in both our profession and our personal lives. Most of us know we should embrace it and make it work for us, not against us. Today, we face an environment of significant change.

Jan 01, 0001

Human Relations: Inclusion Is Effective Only If Everyone Is Included!

Diversity inclusion means including everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation; all employees of an organization can and should feel relevant to that organization.

Jan 01, 0001

Is Your Pay-Per Call Program FLSA Compliant?

Pay-per-call programs can benefit volunteer and combination fire departments with their firefighter recruitment and retention efforts. They can also create significant liabilities for local governments when those programs are not FLSA compliant. The IAFC has resources to help departments be FLSA compliant.

Jan 01, 0001

ESCI Acquires Fields Consulting Group

Emergency Services Consulting International, the consulting arm of the IAFC, expands its services and product line with the acquisition of Fields Consulting Group.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Roper Honored with Inaugural Ready, Set, Go! Special Recognition Award

Fire Chief (Ret.) Bob Roper, EFO, is the inaugural recipient of the IAFC's RSG Special Recognition Award.

Jan 01, 0001

Ready, Set, Go! Program Announces 2017 Award for Excellence Winners

The IAFC’s Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Program names 2017 Award for Excellence recipients for implementing successful RSG! programs in their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

Our Volunteer Family Life

Being part of the fire service family comes with responsibility and duty: to be part of a larger network with the obligation to support each other through good times and bad. It’s part of the fabric of the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

President Trump Should Appoint Experienced Fire Service Leader as FEMA Administrator

President Sinclair tells Congress: President should appoint an experienced fire service leader or emergency manager as FEMA administrator.

Jan 01, 0001

A Whole-Community Approach to All-Hazards Planning

Whole-community planning allows public-safety officials to develop plans that serve the community’s needs. Public safety's goal should be to lead the community toward risk-management that includes residents more in disaster response and recovery.

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

Hazmat Initiatives at the IAFC: Program Update and Learning Opportunities

Here’s what’s been happening at the IAFC in the Hazmat Center.

Jan 01, 0001

Your IAFC 2017 Budget: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?

Since 2014, the IAFC budget process has started earlier each year; 2017’s process was no different. The 2017 budget is a balanced budget, with changes proposed to set a financial direction that increases net assets over several years.

Jan 01, 0001

All-Hazards Doesn’t Mean Plan for Everything

Many fire service leaders are knighted to the position of emergency manager as well as fire chief. In this role, we’re tasked with conducting all-hazards planning. But just what does this mean?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: All-Hazards Experience Is the Worst Teacher

As I was standing alongside a road, watching a mile-wide flame front from a fast-moving wildland fire move rapidly toward me, a friend pulled up and said, “Fire first gives the test, then provides the lesson.”

Jan 01, 0001

Small Departments Aren’t Exempt from Being All-Hazards Ready

When we think of the term all-hazards, images come to mind of expansive incidents with vast resources distributed to handle any problem that arises. Few small departments can field such assets, but they’re not exempt from the responsibility.

Jan 01, 0001

Community and Department Needs First

I’m asked from time to time about how I've survived the changing landscape of our community and not encountered the issues other neighboring chiefs have. While I have no magic solution, I can offer these suggestions.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: All-Hazards on the Street

It’s now post-post-9/11 and everyone has a different idea about what to call us and our activities. Probably the most common formulation today is all-hazards. So what does all-hazards mean to us?

Jan 01, 0001

'Tis Intimidation Season—Again!

IAFC members and staff are again being harassed and lied to by representatives of a union upset that our organization is holding FRM at the Green Valley Ranch in Nevada. Don't let these bullying tactics derail our conference.

Jan 01, 0001

Looking for a New Job in Fire and EMS?

A quick round-up of recently posted fire and emergency service leadership positions in the IAFC Career Center.

Jan 01, 0001

The Elephants—Better Known as the Undiscussables

Is there an issue or problem in your department that keeps rearing its ugly head but nobody wants to discuss it or attempt to fix it? These unnamed elephants are issues everyone knows about but is afraid to discuss. So what do you do?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Look What’s Coming in 2017

2017 has the potential to be great for the IAFC. We’re very excited about some new projects and initiatives that will be coming your way.

Jan 01, 0001

In Your Leadership Toolkit: Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is recognized as a necessary component of leadership. Fire and emergency service leaders must keep this tool sharp and use it effectively in the firehouse and on every call. How sharp is the tool in your kit?

Jan 01, 0001

Welcome to the 115th Congress

2017 will be an important year for the fire and emergency service. It’s important to educate the new administration and Congress about the policy goals of the fire and emergency service. Here’s what they need to know.

Jan 01, 0001

HELP Yourself This Tax Season

Tax season can be a time of frustration. The HELPS program offers an excellent way to decrease your taxable income while still retaining strong benefits for fire and emergency service retirees.

Jan 01, 0001

NACOSH Takes Action to Improve Firefighter Safety

The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health has recommended to the assistant secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health to move the draft Emergency Response and Preparedness Standard forward for rule-making in OSHA.

Jan 01, 0001

State Planning, Preparation for FirstNet on the Rise as We Look Toward 2017

In 2016, we took many important steps forward in our efforts to deploy a nationwide public-safety broadband network. We look forward to this work paying dividends in 2017, as we move into implementation mode.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Forecasting—An Inexact Science

Can anyone with certainty forecast the future? It isn’t likely, but with some research and knowledge, we can predict how current trends may change what we see and how we act 5 to 10 years from now.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Moving Forward in 2017

We know that one of the most powerful positions has little impact on what we do daily when the bell goes off in the fire station. Now that the vote is done, it’s time to move forward and continue with our daily responsibilities as company officers.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Leadership in Innovation

Contrary to common wisdom, some value progress, unimpeded by tradition. These organizations' focus is closely associated with their leaders and their views on innovation.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Saddened by Loss of Dozens of Firefighters in Iran Fire, Building Collapse

The IAFC is saddened by the apparent loss of more than 50 firefighters who reportedly perished during a massive fire in a high-rise building in Tehran.

Jan 01, 0001

2017 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

The IAFC is proud to announce the participants accepted into the fifth year of the prestigious Fire Service Executive Development Institute.

Jan 01, 0001

Partnership Announces 2017 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

The 2017 Wildfire Mitigation Award winners are the highest commendation for innovation and leadership displayed by individuals and organizations committed to wildfire mitigation.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Expresses Condolences for Victims of Baltimore Fire

The IAFC expresses its deep condolences to the family and friends of six young children who reportedly perished during a residential house fire Thursday in Baltimore, Md. We commend the first responders who responded to the tragic scene.

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

SAFER Application Period Open January 9 to February 10

SAFER application period open January 9 to February 10. Start planning your FY 2016 SAFER Grant application now by reviewing the technical assistance tools offered by FEMA.

Jan 01, 0001

The Color of Protection

Law-enforcement officers are under attack and becoming targets. Responding alongside law enforcement places us in areas of risk; their risk is our risk. Action must be taken to protect ourselves, but what steps can we take to do that?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Developing Relationships

When someone new is elected in your community, you introduce yourself and educate the newly elected person on your mission, your dedication to the community and your needs. Just like you do back home, that’s what we’ll be doing at the federal level.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Maintaining Relevance in Communities

A community's perception of the fire and emergency service is often affected by its perception of the chief and his members. What do your relationships reflect?

Jan 01, 0001

Diversity: What Does It Mean?

Diversity is defined differently by various researchers and disciplines. What does it mean to the fire service? Each organization has to create a series of criteria that defines it for the organization.

Jan 01, 0001

How an Empty Salt Shaker Leads to Firefighter Death

Yes, anyone can fill the salt shaker, but as one chief pointed out, this particular, insignificant task is assigned to someone. I believe the way he said it was, “Filling the salt shaker was someone’s job.”

Jan 01, 0001

EMS: "Back in Time"

We've told customers they need to call 911 quickly to ensure we arrive quickly. But we know most non-emergent responses will likely end in the same outcome. So why do we put our members at risk when we know the outcome is going to be the same?

Jan 01, 0001

The Need for FirstNet Is as Strong as Ever

When I speak to the fire and emergency service about FirstNet, some may not recognize it solely by name. But when I talk about the promise of a broadband network, they certainly recognize the need for it.

Jan 01, 0001

Integrating State and Local Expertise into the U.S. Intelligence Community

After 9/11, American intelligence changed how it IDs and shares information about threats. DHS’s Office of Intelligence & Analysis has incorporated state and local expertise directly into the IC. One vehicle for this has been I&A’s Fellows Program.

Jan 01, 0001

Leading from the Front

Saudi Aramco, with one of the largest industrial fire brigades, recognized the IAFC's mission is to lead, educate and serve fire-rescue leadership this when it turned to the IAFC for help in bringing about significant culture change.

Jan 01, 0001

Recognizing 2016 Valor Award Nominees

This year, the IAFC received 16 nominations for the IAFC/Motorola Solutions Ben Franklin Award for Valor. The award was presented to the Fairfax County and Los Angeles County Urban Search and Rescue teams at FRI. Check out the other 2016 nominations.

Jan 01, 0001

How are you currently using data in your agency?

NFPA wants to know more about how you are currently using data in your agency. Complete survey by Jan. 20.

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

Constitution and Bylaws changes due by Feb. 1

Reminder and proposal submission procedures for all proposed changes to the IAFC Constitution and Bylaws and division and section bylaws.

Jan 01, 0001

Press Release Right Rail Test

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Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Leadership in a Combination or Volunteer Department

Everyone knows that to be the fire chief of New York City or Los Angeles is a big and difficult job. However, some of our Metro colleague’s may not appreciate that being the fire chief in a combination or completely ...

Jan 01, 0001

Let Character Be the Standard

The fire service, without a doubt, provides excellent fire and emergency service education. More often than not, department personnel go through hours of dedicated training to perfect the operational skills they need to perform properly during a call. A new ...

Jan 01, 0001

Navigating the Gridlock: Finding a Path for Volunteer Legislation

Between the challenges of this year’s presidential race and the fewest number of laws enacted in more than 40 years, partisanship and gridlock have become a hallmark of the 114th Congress. Despite these challenges, however, Congress has made some progress ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Be Respectful, but Be Different

Uber is a transportation network company that promotes ride sharing in the taxi industry; it enables individuals to hail a vehicle using smart phones. Since the app appeared in June 2010, competition in this industry has led to falling prices ...

Jan 01, 0001

Meet Your IAFC Officers: Chief Richard R. Carrizzo

On Scene is profiling President and Chairman of the Board John Sinclair, FirstVice President Tom Jenkins, and Treasurer Richard Carrizzo.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Survive Alive

More than four years ago, the board of the IAFC’s Safety, Health & Survival Section (SHS) met in Virginia over several cold and blustery January days to create a new strategic plan. Much of the discussion during these meetings focused ...

Jan 01, 0001

Exclusive Q&A with the 2016 Fire Chiefs of the Year

Chiefs honored during Fire-Rescue International 2016 in San Antonio as 2016 IAFC Fire Chiefs of the Year. Here’s what they told On Scene about the path to this high honor.

Jan 01, 0001

Us Versus Them: Can We All Get Along?

“Can we all get along?” Those words were spoken nearly 25 years ago by Rodney King during the Los Angeles riots that followed the trial of police officers accused of beating King during his arrest. The quote is often misstated and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Kidde Announces Winner of Step Up and Stand Out Contest

MEBANE, N.C. - Kidde today announced the winner of the "Step Up and Stand Out" contest. The honor goes to Bob Love, assistant chief of North Hays County Fire Rescue in Dripping Springs, Texas. The contest is part of a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Motorola Solutions Foundation Public Safety Grant Funds 5th Year of Fire Service Executive Development Institute

Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has received a significant grant award as part of the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s public safety grant award program. The grant will make it possible for the IAFC to provide a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Meet Your IAFC Officers: Chief John Sinclair

IAFC On Scene is profiling your association's elected leaders

Jan 01, 0001

Physicals: Your Life Depends on Them!

Physicals in the fire department.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety Tips for Fire and EMS

Recent threats against law enforcement across the country haven’t been limited to police, but include fire and EMS personnel.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: The Silent Fire Service Heroes

Safety from fire should not be a topic for discussion during only 1 or 2 weeks of the year. It is definitely a year-round public responsibility. I believe that the highest state and municipal officials must assume greater responsibility for ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Mission: Protect

The mission and meaning of protect.

Jan 01, 0001

NFA’s Growing Impact on Community Risk Reduction

One goal of the USFA is to reduce risk and increase resiliency through programs and training in preparedness, prevention and mitigation, and the NFA has offered courses focused on prevention since it doors opened in 1980.

Jan 01, 0001

Proving Risk Reduction Works: The Case in Point

Proving what we do works for our communities has always challenged fire and emergency services. Nevertheless, pressure to prove that our performance affects outcomes for the better has never been greater.

Jan 01, 0001

FSTAR Health Shares New Guide to Improve Firefighter Physicals

The Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals is coming soon to a fire department near you. Although there are indications the environment is improving, there is still a significant gap in the provision of healthcare for firefighters. Some firefighters receive annual ...

Jan 01, 0001

Integrated Reporting Tool Launched at FRI 2016

Cloud-based event-reporting and analysis tool access to internal and nationally-collected data to support operational changes and necessary training.

Jan 01, 0001

NWS Watch, Warning and Advisory Survey for Decision-makers

NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) is conducting a survey that is gauging how decision-makers, such as fire department officials, use NWS watches, warnings and advisories. Your feedback will play an important role in any decisions on how to improve NWS ...

Jan 01, 0001

OnStar Donates $400,000 to First Responders

DETROIT — Today OnStar celebrates its 20th anniversary by giving $20,000 each to 20 public safety personnel who experienced serious physical injury or hardship that impacted their ability to perform their jobs. OnStar identified the 20 recipients by working with the ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and Partners Now Accepting Applications for the 2017 Wildfire Mitigation Awards

The International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Association of State Foresters, National Fire Protection Association, and the USDA Forest Service are now accepting nominations for the 2017 Wildfire Mitigation Awards.   The Wildfire Mitigation Awards are the highest national honor one can ...

Jan 01, 0001

If Not Now, When?

Training is about today. Education is about tomorrow: what the next community need is and where the fire and emergency service fits in.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter - Noble Obligation

As leaders of organizations filled with such brave souls, it is our obligation to lead with nobility, courage, selflessness and strength.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Officer Development at FRI 2016 – A First-Hand Look

“ODP is second to none. There’s no other training for company and chief officers that compares to the Officer Development Program at FRI.”

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Formal Education Needs in the Fire Service

The fire and emergency service is a dynamic profession, and it’s up to each member to continue to improve.

Jan 01, 0001

Providing A Safe Haven for Newborns

The mission of A Safe Haven for Newborns program by the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation is expanding as they work collectively with communities toward preventing the abandonment of newborn infants. Since the Safe Haven Law was adopted in 2000 and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Building Experience After Education

“That was a great class. Now what do I do with it?” That thought has passed through the minds of many fire officers, but how do you apply your new information to make it practical, valuable? Read more

Jan 01, 0001

AFG Application Period Opens October 11

Fairfax, Va. - The FY 2016 Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) application period will open on October 11, at 8 AM ET, and will close on November 18, at 5 PM ET. Begin your application now by utilizing the application assistance ...

Jan 01, 0001

"Man in the Mirror"

You may not be changing the world, but you are sending a message of change to your fire department with everything you do or don’t do. So are you committed to the lifelong learning a chief officer in the 21st-century fire service needs?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership- Are You Energized to Develop our Future Leaders?

To truly develop leaders, we must exercise more effort than just formulating a well-laid-out plan; we must energize ourselves and the individuals to achieve this goal.

Jan 01, 0001

Why So Many Unhappy Firefighters?

The fire service is one of the most rewarding and exciting careers available. So why are there so many unhappy firefighters?

Jan 01, 0001

When Leadership Requires a Subtle Approach

Leadership is exhibited not only in times of peril and action, but also in the more mundane events we encounter. Yet, as fire-suppression activities decline, fire officers garner fewer opportunities to hone their leadership skills...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety- Leading Your Team to Success

Job satisfaction often hinges on the quality of relationships. Yet in today’s rapidly evolving, 24/7 workplaces, it’s not always clear what we should do to create satisfying work experiences and happy team members.

Jan 01, 0001

The Lawsuit Litmus Test

Anyone in public service knows that legal action or a lawsuit may be just the next call or the next shift away.

Jan 01, 0001

What to Do When Internal Candidates Don’t Get the Promotion

Fostering a pool of both interested and qualified personnel allows chiefs to select their command staff and local administrators or governing boards to draw from for their next fire chief.

Jan 01, 0001

5 Notable Traits of High-Performing Management Teams

Five attributes are consistently seen in high-performing management teams, consistently resulting in optimized performance, innovation, growth in capabilities and influence and measurable results.

Jan 01, 0001

The Value of SAFECOM

When emergency responders are on the frontlines, working to save lives and property, nothing is more important than effective, reliable and interoperable communications.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership- Taking Management Decisions to the Field

What does it really mean to manage a department? It takes leaders at all levels throughout an organization to put forward ideas and work together to meet the department’s management demands.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership- Delegation and Communication

Proper communication facilitates good management; this is often easier to say than to do.

Jan 01, 0001

Conducting Effective Evaluations

Effective employee evaluations create an atmosphere of trust; employees know what expectations the agency has and employers have a forum to ensure those expectations have been communicated.

Jan 01, 0001

How to Score Grant Monies to Enhance Your Services

Here are six tips to help you win grants for much needed enhancements to the services your department provides.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Member Value Comes to Life at FRI!

IAFC members, Fire-Rescue International is your annual meeting. At FRI, you’ll find new ideas, cutting-edge research and proven leadership strategies. It’s here that brainstorming and creative ideas turn into innovative concepts that are shaping the future of the fire service. As a ...

Jan 01, 0001

We All Know…

We all know “Everyone Goes Home”; that’s what it says on the black rubber bracelet I’m wearing. I think of it like a “WWJD” bracelet—a simple reminder for us to do all we can to ensure that it happens.

Jan 01, 0001

First 5 Minutes Determines Risk and Outcome

It’s generally accepted in the fire service that the first five minutes of a firefight sets the stage for risk and outcomes. If we do it smart and correct, the risk to firefighters will be low and the outcome will be better.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Mental Health - It’s YOUR Responsibility!

Take time to learn these issues and talk with your members about mental health before it is too late.

Jan 01, 0001

No Easy Answers: The Nature of Diversity and Leadership

Editor's Note: The IAFC has begun a dialog regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision of Ricci v. DeStefano. This article, "No Easy Answers: The Nature of Diversity and Leadership," by Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, chair of the IAFC Human Relations ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ricci v. DeStefano: A New Approach to Disparate-Impact Discrimination in Promotional Testing

Editor's Note: The IAFC has begun a dialog regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision of Ricci v. DeStefano. This article, "Ricci v. DeStefan - A New Approach to Disparate-Impact Discrimination in Promotional Testing," by John Rukavina, a retired fire chief ...

Jan 01, 0001

Jim Tidwell Earns Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award

Chief Tidwell is a recognized leader in the fire service as well as an outspoken supporter of the International Code Council.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter- Let’s Always Look Out for Each Other

When the wall collapses, we’ll be there for our brothers and sisters. We should be there for them, too, even before the wall comes down.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership - Success as a Leader Means Never Being Satisfied

The most important attribute of being a leader is just this—the continued drive for personal and professional success in all aspects of life.

Jan 01, 0001

Nine Qualities for Excelling at Team Leadership

This crew of rookies and veterans, paramedics and EMTs, young guns and grizzled old-timers didn’t gel just because they’re together there. It took the leadership of the company officers and the follower-ship of the crews.

Jan 01, 0001

Five Core Competencies of Executive Leadership

Just as a mechanic requires a precise set of skills to fix cars, leaders require a certain array of competencies to enact effective leadership.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Fiscal Year 2013 Funding for Federal Government

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 933). This ...

Jan 01, 0001

WUI Presenter: 3 Things You Should Know About Chief Todd McNeal

Here are three things you should know about Chief Todd McNeal before the Wildland-Urban Interface Conference: Chief Todd McNeal ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Let`s Make a Deal?

Some of you may be familiar with the TV game show Let``s Make a Deal, currently hosted by Wayne Brady ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Have You Prepared Mentally?

Preparation in the fire service has several meanings and connotations, from preparing gear to preparing a meal to preparing oneself ...

Jan 01, 0001

FSTAR: Taking Science to the Streets

Those of us of a certain age remember the Doobie Brothers hit, "Taking It to the Streets." In the fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Your Community`s Active-Shooter Response: Are You Prepared?

If it seems like the number of active shooter incidents are on the rise, it``s because they are. Between 2002 ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Hoarding and the EMS Responder

Hoarding is a prevalent and yet largely unseen problem. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Defining the Cutting-Edge of EMS

Since the release of the 1966 white paper Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society (PDF, 2 ...

Jan 01, 0001

Technology in the EMS Field: Is Your EPCR Worthless?

After years of being on the bleeding edge of technology, electronic patient-care reporting devices (EPCRs) are becoming increasingly widespread in ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: The Fire Service`s Role in Healthcare Delivery

The healthcare system in our country is undergoing tremendous change. Driven by unsustainable costs, policy makers are reengineering healthcare in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes the Protecting Medicare Access Act

Yesterday, Congress passed the Protecting Medicare Access Act of 2014, which reauthorizes several key portions of the Medicare program, including ...

Jan 01, 0001

New York State Association of Fire Chiefs Appoints New Executive Director

The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), the statewide association representing career and volunteer fire chiefs throughout New ...

Jan 01, 0001

Seeking Support for a Company Officer Leadership Section

Because of the importance of the company officer position in the fire service, it``s imperative that these individuals receive ongoing ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Culture Change Through Grassroots Leadership

When applied to common areas in the fire service, grassroots leadership can take on a powerful form and gain momentum. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Unconventional Mutual Aid: Calling on Your Members of Congress for Help

Mutual aid is a familiar concept in the fire service, but its usefulness extends far beyond the fireground. When your ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Have You Looked in the Mirror Lately?

Whether I``m at home in southern California or traveling across North America and the world, I``m reminded at almost every ...

Jan 01, 0001

Help Your Community Prepare for the Coming Severe-Weather Season

During National Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 2 to 8, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Consequences

We all know that with opportunities and challenges there are always consequences—sometimes good, sometimes bad. This certainly applies in EMS, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Supporting Our Departments` Grassroots Leaders

Leadership in today``s fire service is constantly challenged at a variety of levels. Leaders in fire and rescue departments everywhere ...

Jan 01, 0001

Relationship Excellence: 9 Steps to Providing Relationship Leadership

Leaders in paramilitary organizations may be tempted to rely on their authority or position to get the results they want. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Taking the Lead: Preparing Responders for New Types of Hazmat Incidents

The transportation of crude oil has grabbed national headlines as the nation experiences an energy-production boom. States such as North ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Member Attends the State of the Union Address

This past January 25, Glenn Lewis, mayor of the city of Moore, Okla., contacted me to say he had a ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Foundation Receives Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant

The IAFC Foundation, providing first responders with the educational opportunities they need to lead the fire service and serve ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Tackling Fire Prevention while Practicing ICS

There have been many successful, long-term campaigns to install smoke alarms in homes throughout neighborhoods, cities and states. In Des ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Community Safety Equals Firefighter Safety

Every morning, when firefighters don their station uniforms to begin their shifts, the commonality they share—regardless of geography or whether ...

Jan 01, 0001

Consumer Fireworks: Are They Really "Safe and Sane?"

The consumer fireworks industry wants the American public to believe their products are safer than ever. Fireworks manufacturers say that ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Preventing the Predictable

Will you prevent the predictable? Yes, you. Will you? Begin with the foundation: Firefighting is a profession—a trade—that requires a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: By the Way, You`re the Safety Officer

A large portion of fire departments has a designated safety officer that coordinates the safety and risk management of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Relationship Excellence: The Key to Keeping Everyone Safe

Establishing trusting relationships quickly with the people they serve is especially important for firefighters and EMTs. On the most basic ...

Jan 01, 0001

Train Like You Fight with the Rules of Engagement

Training and fireground operational safety are uniquely linked, and standard operational guidelines (SOGs) establish a baseline for effective training. Where ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Are There Other Ways?

Recently, while discussing the state of the fire service today with a friend (you know who you are), he suggested ...

Jan 01, 0001

Establishing a Safety Climate through Leadership

Leadership can be defined as how we as fire chiefs influence our fire departments to achieve a common goal. So ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Election Voting Now Open

Voting in the 2014 IAFC election is now open. Letters are being mailed to each eligible voting member with login ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: An Ounce of Prevention

It never ceases to amaze me how intelligent and forward-thinking our forefathers were. Benjamin Franklin is credited with the quote, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Community Relationships

Smart, safe firefighting is the message of the day. This message resounds in every conference, every training session, every shift ...

Jan 01, 0001

Relationship Excellence: Community & Culture

In today’s increasingly diverse world, developing and maintaining relationships with your community can be challenging, especially if you serve an ...

Jan 01, 0001

Campus Fire Safety: Securing Student Safety with Their Help

A campus can include residences, laboratories, daycare facilities, assembly locations, retail, industrial and agriculture, all with different fire-protection needs. Add ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "Suicide Is Painless"

If you have ever seen the movie M*A*S*H, you may recall where a fake suicide was held as part of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Culture Change Needs Climate Change as Well

Over the past decade, particularly in the wake of the 2004 National Fallen Fighters Foundation``s first Line of Duty Death ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Safety Through Advance Research: Applying the Latest Research to Tactics

The latest scientific fire experiments are providing new data on vertical ventilation and suppression that suggest that fire departments may ...

Jan 01, 0001

It Takes Leadership to Improve Safety

The very first initiative in the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives is Define and advocate a cultural change within the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety Leadership Culture the Southwest Way

In a recent letter to the editor of Spirit Magazine, Southwest Airlines`` official publication, the writer described how shocked he ...

Jan 01, 0001

Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Approved by Senate Appropriations Committee

On June 26, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the fiscal year (FY) 2015 Homeland Security Appropriations bill (S. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: A Lesson in Regaining Public Trust

Several years ago, our division manager and department director went to meet a couple property owners to discuss issues they ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Community Relations in the Fire Service

Recently, I attended a conference where leaders in fire service discussed the state of our profession and how leadership had ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: We Are More Alike Than You Think

When you look at the fire service from the 30,000-foot level, it seems like we spend a great deal of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Taking Responsibility for a Positive Public Perception

Just about anywhere you go, fire departments find themselves under increasing public scrutiny as economic pressures remain high or even ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Explains Concerns about Field EMS Bill

The origins of the modern EMS delivery model can be traced to the mid-1960s when the National Academy of Sciences ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "It Depends"

My human resources director likes to use the phrase “it depends” when we address difficult issues; the issues might be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Cultivating Your Community Relationships

Is your organization``s brand identity well established within your community? That is, have you communicated your department``s characteristics, values and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Hose2Habitat Answers the Call

An excellent answer to the age-old question, "Hey chief, what should we do with the old fire hose?" is "Take ...

Jan 01, 0001

Building Key Relationships with Elected Community Leaders

Today, perhaps more than ever, it``s critical that chiefs work hard to strengthen community relations. One important way is to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: "Leadership Manager" and Other Abuses of English

Every year, our friends at Lake Superior State University publish an annual list of banished words, those overused words ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: The Value of a Solid Reputation

A good reputation is one of the most valuable assets we have. It takes years to build, but can be ...

Jan 01, 0001

How Would You Solve This Surprising Cause of Near Misses?

This article, originally published in a Near Miss Report of the Week, addresses the importance of communication.

Jan 01, 0001

Save a Life: NFPA 1582-Compliant Physicals

As a fire chief, I make decisions that affect the lives of our department personnel and community on a daily ...

Jan 01, 0001

11 Gifts for Your Members: Be a Leader, Be a Giver

Once you become a chief officer, you no longer put out fires, extricate trapped victims or provide emergency medical care; ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officer: A Personal Touch on Community Engagement

Recently I had an opportunity to speak candidly with a commissioner from another district about the importance of open communication ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: A Vested Interest

We know we provide a valuable service to our community, and community members rely on us just as we rely ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Serving the IAFC, Listening to You

I``m truly honored, humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve you, the members of our association, as your ...

Jan 01, 0001

Winning on the Hill: Walking the Talk

Fire chiefs are confronted every day with various issues that must be resolved. Some can be fixed at your level; ...

Jan 01, 0001

Public-Safety News: AT&T to Activate FM Radio in Smartphones in 2016

AT&T will ask Smartphone manufacturers to activate FM chips on its Android devices in 2016. AT&T joins Sprint as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Second Verse, Same as the First

No, this article isn’t about the song by Herman’s Hermits, nor is it a reference to Patrick Swayze in Ghost....

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Great Leadership Needs Great Followership

The question of whether leaders are born or made is one that has views on either side. However, there’s little ...

Jan 01, 0001

An Open Letter to Safety Officers

Brother and Sister Safety Officers, I know many of you personally, as I spent 12 years on the board of ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Serve First

Regardless of your personal faith or affiliation, this axiom has obvious application to fire and emergency services. I believe the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Embracing Grassroots Leaders

Leadership is perhaps one of the most fascinating and controversial topics in today’s fire service; no model fits every department ...

Jan 01, 0001

Help Those Who Answered the Call on 9/11: Support the Zadroga Act

On September 11, 2001, New York, Washington and the entire country came under terrorist attack. On that day and in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Have It Your Way: The New Vision 20/20 Materials Generator

Finally! After three years of research and testing, Vision 20/20 will soon release the new Fire Safety Materials Generator with ...

Jan 01, 0001

Leading with Generosity

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: America Is Still Burning

On page seven of AMERICA BURNING, you’ll find this statement: A consideration of equal importance is the need to change ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Prevention Week Is Just Around the Corner

Some fire departments spend the week visiting schools and citizen groups, while other stay in and welcome tour groups. I’d ...

Jan 01, 0001

What Have You Got Cooking This October?

Without exception, every department’s recognition of and activities in fire prevention increase with each passing year. The recognition of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

FireRescue GPO Adds New Fire Apparatus Contracts

FireRescue GPO has been serving members of the IAFC for over a decade, providing group, or cooperative procurement, solutions for ...

Jan 01, 0001

Responding to Active-Shooter Incidents: New InterAgency Board White Paper

The InterAgency Board has released a white paper, Integrating Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Services during Active Shooter/Hybrid Targeted ...

Jan 01, 0001

Looking for Research? Visit the New FSTAR Website

The IAFC is pleased to announce the launch of FSTAResearch.org. As the new flagship website of the Firefighter Safety ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Until Next Time

For the last seven years, I have served as the director at large for the EMS Section. One of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Do Your Officers Have the Tools to Do Their Jobs?

According to retired California State Fire Marshal Ronnie Coleman, a fire chief is a “…25-year job, with a 10-year master ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Are We Just Checking Boxes?

In the job description for these lieutenant positions, besides generic language such as “has the ability to lift X pounds,” ...

Jan 01, 0001

Numbers Matter

The fire service is generally an action-oriented profession. We’re doers, and we’re trained to take charge when everything seems to ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Affordable Care Act May Impact your Employee Benefits Budget!

The Cadillac Tax will force health insurance companies, or employers in the case of health-savings accounts (HSA) or self-insured plans, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Did YOU Know? National Campus Fire Safety Month

From a high of 20 in the 2006/2007 academic year, the number of campus fire-related deaths has dropped dramatically to ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: We've Made Much Progress; There's Still Much to Do

Just about 12 months ago, I had the honor of being sworn in as the 137th president of this International ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Let's Reduce Fire Deaths Together

It is an honor to serve as your new president, especially as the first woman to lead our great organization. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Remarks of Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, IAFC President 2015-2016, at FRI 2015

Good morning! There are no words to adequately express to you what an honor it is to stand before you ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Doing More, Providing More

The fire service has always adapted to the needs of its communities, often with the mantra of doing more with ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: What If No One Understands Your Message?

This seems tremendously obvious, but our industry can’t reduce fires and injuries if our audience doesn’t understand our safety message....

Jan 01, 0001

Congressional Update: Congress Considers Funding for DHS Programs

As Congress gets ready to go home for the summer recess, it has some important decisions to make in September. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Community Risk Reduction on a Shoestring Budget

Community risk reduction (CRR) is the identification and prioritization of risks, followed by the integrated application of resources to minimize ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Finding Leaders

Leadership. It’s easy right? You read a few books by people others believe are good (or great) leaders, attend a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Building and Protecting Your Reputation

So you’ve finally attained that coveted position as a chief officer. Congratulations. Time for that celebratory party, a few selfies ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Creating a Culture of Safety

As a recruit firefighter in the early 1980s, I had an officer who assembled the crew one day to run ...

Jan 01, 0001

Decisions: Encouraging People to Make Them

“A difference which makes no difference is no difference.” That quote, attributed to philosopher and psychologist William James, essentially says ...

Jan 01, 0001

Suspicious Activity Reporting: Weapons Discovery

Sometimes things just don’t feel right: the pieces don’t add up. What you do when faced with a situation like ...

Jan 01, 0001

Do We Really Need Policies?

A well-written policy manual will go a long way to protect the department and its staff. Drafting policies, however, is ...

Jan 01, 0001

Basic Practices Make Our Computers Safer

There have been reports in the news recently where computers and even entire databases have been hijacked by hackers, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: The Data Dilemma

In case you haven’t heard or observed lately, we’re very much living in a data-driven age. Where businesses may have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Supreme Court Upholds ACA: What It Means for the Fire Service

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in King vs. Burwell. This long-awaited decision is the second case ...

Jan 01, 0001

Use New Active Shooter-IED Guidance to Protect Your Community

A new report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Health Affairs, The First Responder Guide for Improving ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safe Building Codes Incentive Act: Ask Congress to Support It

As fire chief of Miami-Dade County during Hurricane Andrew, I know how important it is to prepare our communities to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Nominate Now: Ben Franklin Award for Valor

The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC/Motorola Solutions Ben Franklin Award for Valor. Since 1970, the award has ...

Jan 01, 0001

Nominate Now: Fire Chief of the Year

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year. The nomination period will be open ...

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Senate Considers Fiscal Year 2015 DHS Funding

This week, the United States Senate will consider the Fiscal Year 2015 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act (H.R. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Finding Benefits through Ceiling Fans

Being sustainable and reducing the operating costs for your station doesn``t have to be an involved or complicated effort. A ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: To Transport or Not to Transport, That is the Question

As a company officer or chief officer, have you ever heard your emergency medical technician or paramedic complain about a ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Your Association, Your Direction

In 2012, a survey of IAFC members was conducted to solicit input for our association’s strategic planning efforts. The results ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: REPLICA

Does your department deploy members with EMS credentials to wildland fires in other states? Do you provide EMS personnel to ...

Jan 01, 0001

What You`re Telling Us: 2014-15 IAFC Member and Leadership Survey

The IAFC issued a strategic direction survey in late December/early January and a total of 595 members and 97 IAFC ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Quick Savings through Lighting

One of the most popular ways to achieve energy efficiency and realize cost savings in your firehouse is through lighting ...

Jan 01, 0001

REPLICAting Success Across the United States

As we noted in the last issue of On Scene, efforts are underway to have all fifty states adopt the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Paramedicine to Reduce the Incidence of EMS Response

Have you heard the adage, “We are in the business to put ourselves out of business?” The surest way to ...

Jan 01, 0001

House Exempts Volunteers from PPACA

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act (H.R. 33), sponsored by ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighters Look Forward to New NFPA Standard to Address Portable Radio Failure

In December 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the results of a study testing the effects ...

Jan 01, 0001

SAFER Grant Applications: Deadline Is This Friday

This Friday, March 6, at 5 PM EST, is the deadline to submit applications for the SAFER Grant program. Congress ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Committee Application Deadline Extended to This Friday

The deadline to submit applications to fill immediate vacancies on several IAFC committees has been extended to Friday, March 6....

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: We`re Listening

This month, On Scene is focusing government relations and legislative issues—timely topics for the EMS Section. Late last year, we ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Brother- and Sisterhood

Growing up I had two brothers and one sister. We were about two years apart in age and in most ...

Jan 01, 0001

Welcome to the 114th Congress!

The 27th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner will be held on April 16: just a month and a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief of the Year Award - Call for Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year. The nomination period will be open ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Grassroots Leadership

Leadership. Ask a roomful of people to identify a leader and responses will range from very recognizable icons to the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Fire Prevention and Grassroots

Before we look at one of the best grassroots prevention efforts, let``s look at the definition and some history. A ...

Jan 01, 0001

Why You Should Use IAFC Frequency Coordination Services

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that almost all applications for two-way or paging radio-station licenses be reviewed by a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Suspicious Activity Reporting and the Fire Service: Elicitation

Example 1: National Capitol Region A uniformed firefighter was in line at a local coffee shop and was approached by ...

Jan 01, 0001

Department of Justice, Consent Decrees and the Fire Service

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently reached a consent decree agreement with the town of Davie, Fla., to resolve ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Dinosaurs

In previous articles, I’ve spoken about the need to establish and maintain relationships both inside and outside EMS and the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Maintaining Community Relevancy

Are we hearing what our communities are saying or are we just listening without acknowledgement and continuing to do business ...

Jan 01, 0001

Embracing the Whole Community

This summer, the IAFC, in partnership with FEMA, will launch a blended learning course called Whole Community Planning for Disaster. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: How Company Inspections Can Save Firefighters

Imagine going to work each day in one of the most dangerous professions in the world and possibly not knowing ...

Jan 01, 0001

Revaluating Your RIT Response

Some may recall the work done by the Phoenix Fire Department in reviewing the effectiveness of its rapid intervention teams ...

Jan 01, 0001

Suspicious Activity Reporting: Aviation Activity

What does aviation have to do with the fire department? Remote-controlled model aircraft (RCMA); unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); drones. No ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Constitution & Bylaws: Summary of Proposed Changes

The IAFC Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions (CBR) Committee proposes the following changes to the IAFC Constitution and Bylaws document. Proposal ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Checking Our Priorities

What are you and your department doing for the health and safety of your department members? This question troubles many ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Spotlight: The IAFC Reaffirms Its Human Dignity Position Statement

The IAFC Human Relations Committee’s (HRC) continuous effort to integrate the IAFC’s Human Dignity Position Statement’s centered approach throughout the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Scholarships Available through the IAFC Foundation

The IAFC Foundation is now accepting applications for its educational scholarships from qualified first responders. The deadline is June 1, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: The Need for Social Capital

The issues underlying the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner in New York City, as well ...

Jan 01, 0001

Three Techniques for Writing a Compelling Annual Report

An annual report provides a powerful, effective and efficient way to connect with your community. It enables you to demonstrate ...

Jan 01, 0001

World Police & Fire Games: Fairfax 2015

In August 2013, the World Police & Fire Games torch was passed from the organizing committee for Belfast 2013 to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Cultivating Community Relationships

Does your organization have a brand identity within your community that’s well established? Branding has been defined as "the communication ...

Jan 01, 0001

On-Board Device Distractions: A TSAG White Paper Abstract

Last year, an ambulance driver veered off the road, crashed into a guardrail and rolled over multiple times. The patient ...

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Considers Legislation to Extend Ambulance Add-On Payments

In order to meet a statutory deadline, Congress is in the process of considering legislation to extend ambulance add-on payments ...

Jan 01, 0001

2014 Explorer Scholarship Awards Announced

The IAFC Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2014 Fire Explorer Scholarships: Spencer David Blackwell, South County Fire Authority/Tracy ...

Jan 01, 0001

National Vicarious Trauma Toolkit Project Looking for Pilot Sites

Through a federal grant, Northeastern University in Boston is seeking four pilot sites to be part of a national-scope project ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Do You Plan for Competence?

"Who, John? Yeah, he``s a competent fire officer." What comes to mind when you hear someone described as competent? What ...

Jan 01, 0001

Be Political without Being a Politician: 9 Tips for Planning and Mindset

If we were to ask fire and EMS chiefs to identify the five most important skills they must bring to ...

Jan 01, 0001

FRI Wellness Zone: Finding Attendees` Health Issues While in Dallas

In an effort to raise awareness for firefighter physicals the IAFC, Life Scan Wellness Centers and the Safety, Health and ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Command and Tough Decisions

Much earlier in my career, when a chief officer arrived on the scene of a fire or other emergency, we ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Branding Through Prevention and Education

Recently, there seems to be a great deal of buzz in the fire service around the idea of branding your ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Fire Prevention Month, Every Month

Well, here we are: October, Fire-Prevention Month, right? I``m sure many of us have been very busy hanging banners outside ...

Jan 01, 0001

Be Political without Being a Politician: Build and Maintain Solid Relationships

Politics is all about relationships, which makes relationship building and nurturing one of a fire chief``s most important functions. Building ...

Jan 01, 0001

If Everything Is Important, Nothing Is

Most of us remember a tragic house fire in Stamford, Conn., on Christmas Day 2011. The fire claimed the lives ...

Jan 01, 0001

Get Ready for Fire Prevention Week

This year``s Fire Prevention Week campaign is "Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month." The campaign provides an ideal ...

Jan 01, 0001

Leading Your Community in Risk-Reduction Strategies

October is typically known for Fire Prevention Month and the increase of community education. This includes school visits, department open ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ebola and EV-D68: What EMS Needs to Know

"Ebola and EV-D68: What EMS Needs to Know" is a PDF alert made available from the IAFC``s EMS ...

Jan 01, 0001

OSHA Announces New Requirements for Reporting Severe Injuries

On September 11, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced new requirements for reporting severe injuries. For states covered ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Enhancing Fire-Based EMS

The EMS Section is constantly looking for opportunities to provide you with information to make your job easier, educate you ...

Jan 01, 0001

Be Political without Being a Politician: Gaining Buy-In

In the previous article in this series on managing fire service politics, we explored the need to build and nurture ...

Jan 01, 0001

Lifelong Learning in the Digital Era

Tomorrow``s illiterate will not be the man who can``t read; he will be the man who has not learned how ...

Jan 01, 0001

Engineering Your Way to Firefighter Safety

The main principle of engineering is critical thinking. During my engineering education, I spent plenty of time and money developing ...

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Participates with the NVFC Recruitment and Retention SAFER Workgroup

The IAFC``s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) has been invited to participate as a member of a SAFER (Staffing ...

Jan 01, 0001

Spotlight on Vietnam War Commemoration: Honoring Heroes 50 Years On

On August 13, Major General Peter M. Aylward (U.S. Army Retired) gave a Command Brief to the IAFC board of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Fire Chief of 2014: Chris Barron

What does it mean to you to be honored as this year``s Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year? To be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Department T-Shirts: Just Wearing Them or Living the Mission?

According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are over 1.1 million firefighters in the United States. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Engaging Younger Generations: What`s In It for Us?

As leaders of the fire service, we``re confronted with a multitude of challenges. These come in two predominate varieties: emergency ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Minimum Wage

At some point early in our working lives, we all probably earned the minimum wage. While the intent of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Invest in Knowledge

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. –Chief B. Franklin Have you heard this before? "We``re volunteer/combination. We``re just ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Slaying Two-Headed Dragons

(OK, one of them at least.) If you``ve been involved with combination departments for any length of time, you``ve witnessed ...

Jan 01, 0001

Career Fire Chief of 2014: Alan Martin

What does it mean to you to be honored as this year``s Career Fire Chief of the Year? It``s a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Be Political without Being a Politician: Working with Elected Officials

In this series on managing the political side of fire service leadership, the final set of tips address what you ...

Jan 01, 0001

More than Barbells and Burpees: Making of a Firefighter Athlete

The Firefighter Throwdown at FRI changed the expo floor, filling it with cheering applause and loud music. The athletes on ...

Jan 01, 0001

Do You Know the Research Center and Policy Institute?

Some of you may be familiar with the International Fire Service Research Center and Policy Institute, also known as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Resolve to Maximize the Value of Your IAFC Membership

Here’s one 2015 resolution that``s easy to keep: take full advantage of all that’s available to you as an IAFC ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "This Is How We Do"

While I borrowed my title from a Katy Perry song, I``m not a singer or lyricist nor do I pretend ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Team Building for Excellence

You``re leading a drill on strategy and tactics with a group of highly motivated firefighters. The scenario is the proverbial ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Soccer Teams and Community-Risk Reduction

As I was thinking about this article this weekend, I was sitting at home watching the Major League Soccer Cup ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Team Building Starts with Us

As company and chief officers, building a successful team starts with us. Just like the coaches and general managers of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Improvise, Adapt and Overcome

As we start 2015, one of the goals this year for On Scene is to look at the wicked problems ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Always Have Firefighter Rehab Services in Place

Always Have Firefighter Rehab Services in Place at All Working Fires. Objective: To ensure all firefighters who endured strenuous physical ...

Jan 01, 0001

Labor-Management Initiative: The Future of Diversity

Diversity is a concept that``s been in the background of many fire departments throughout the United States, but now it ...

Jan 01, 0001

Bringing Members Together through IAFC KnowledgeNet: Online Community Celebrates First Year of Success

At the IAFC, we hear time and again from you that one of the most valuable member benefits is knowing ...

Jan 01, 0001

Consolidation Offers New Models for Traditional Service

Some balk at trends in resource sharing and consolidation of services between fire departments as being untrue to the mission ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Finding Solutions for Stovetop Cooking Fires

As fire chiefs, it``s important we share innovative solutions that reduce community risk. I believe the phrase Noblesse Oblige says ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: Taking Our Bite at the Apple

Even those of us who are Team Android or pro-PC need to give credit where credit is due: nothing says ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Mission-Centered in Changing Times

We``re all familiar with the economic situation and the need to be more efficient, business-oriented and innovative. So why do ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: What`s Coming Next?

We all know that technology is advancing at an astonishing pace, and it``s certainly changing how we do business. Stop ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Implementing Property Security Programs during Economic Challenges

Fire prevention is also loss prevention, so during times of a slowing economy, the role of fire prevention in protecting ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officer: Facing the New Realities

In today``s world, shrinking budgets, increased competition and the availability of online information and resources means that fire and emergency ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Inspiring a Culture of Safety

Due to the inherent risk of our jobs, firefighters receive a great deal of training about safety. However, we often ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: "So, Coach?"

Organizationally, we``re as strong and successful as our company-level operations—in particular, our company officers. Company officers come almost exclusively from ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: At the IAFC, History Is Made Every Day

In preparing for the 140th anniversary of the IAFC, what’s most remarkable is how ordinary chiefs, in their ordinary course ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: What Direction Will We Take into the Future?

The fire service has never been as challenged as it is now, and I worry that the can-do attitude of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Nationwide SAR Initiative: Fire and EMS Training

Every day, in the course of their duties, law-enforcement officers observe suspicious behaviors and receive reports from concerned civilians, private ...

Jan 01, 0001

Facing New Realities: Innovation in the Fire Service

In this era of technological advancements, the fire industry continues to struggle with unknowns: Unknown budgets, policy uncertainty, changing regulations ...

Jan 01, 0001

Using Safety Resources: Fool Me Twice, Shame on Me!

The fire and emergency service at large has worked hard toward the safety of all its members. With threats that ...

Jan 01, 0001

Internships: Opportunities for Fire Departments and Recruits Alike

Economic realities have forced hiring freezes, layoffs and fire station closures. Fire departments respond to calls with staffing levels below ...

Jan 01, 0001

Eight Questions Fire Chiefs Should Ask in the New Political Landscape

Elections across the U.S. are over and new political leaders are being sworn in. On the local level, the election ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: There`s No "I" in Team

We``ve all heard it before: "There``s no ``I`` in team." We usually do pretty well with this. After all, unlike ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Always Have a Rapid Intervention Team in Place

Always Have a Rapid Intervention Team in Place at All Working Fires Objective: To cause the incident commander to have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Preparing Chief Officers

When someone describes the fire service as “100 years of tradition unimpeded by progress,” does it conjure nostalgic images of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Leading by Example Is Essential in Wellness/Fitness Matters

At one time or another, we``ve all been through the rigorous and stressful promotional interview/oral board scenario, where we``re asked ...

Jan 01, 0001

Asking the Right Grant-Funding Questions: A Look at Needs Versus Wants

As leaders of volunteer fire departments, we operate in different environments regarding budgets, sustainability and general day-to-day operations than our ...

Jan 01, 0001

Consolidated Communities: Efficiencies and Service Synergies

In the current economic realities, many communities are struggling with how to best provide the required number of first responders ...

Jan 01, 0001

Communication: A Key to Successful Succession Planning

Only after Harry Truman was sworn in as president did he learn that the United States possessed a weapon unseen ...

Jan 01, 0001

Bringing 911 into the 21st Century

The way the public communicates is always changing. This not only affects how people interact with each other, but also ...

Jan 01, 0001

Total Cost of Fire Up 38% from 1980: NFPA Reports $328 Billion Impact of Fire

The National Fire Protection Association has released an updated report on the Total Cost of Fire in the United States...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Building Up Your Team

As leaders, we have to work with a variety of internal personnel, from fire department ranks to intergovernmental department agencies ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Where Are They?

There are many facets of accountability on the fireground today. One key aspect is the accountability tracking of companies and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Reassess Your Behavioral Warning Systems

Most fire departments have access to resources for members and extended family requiring mental health and behavioral support. Traditionally, this ...

Jan 01, 0001

One Company`s SAFER Story: How You Can Do It, Too

Fire departments charged with training and retaining emergency-service recruits continue to face existing and emerging challenges. With a plethora of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Go or No-Go? Entering Active-Shooter Incidents

Fire and emergency services are once again in the midst of change; this time it has nothing to do with ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: Tell Your Story Before Someone Else Takes the Lead

The speed at which information moves isn’t slowing down any time soon; in fact, it’s getting faster. This makes it ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Build Your Team

What can you do to help build your team? It may be as simple as getting out of the way. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Build a Team, Meet a Common Goal

Firefighters hear how important teamwork is from their first day in the academy. Much of what firefighters do on a ...

Jan 01, 0001

The 113th Congress and the Fire Service: What You Need to Know Now

Despite all the political partisanship, last year was actually a pretty good year for the fire and emergency services. Congress ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Reduce the Impact of Fire One Smoke Detector at a Time

Is it possible to reduce the impact of fire on a community through leadership? Many would argue that responding faster, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officers: Are You Up to the Task of Leading?

The fire service has entered a new dimension that will significantly impact it: While the economy is improving, this improvement ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement: Adopt the Rules as Standard Operating Procedures

For many months, we``ve been discussing the IAFC``s Rules of Engagement, which were developed by the Safety, Health and Survival ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Learn How to Be the Next Leader and Coach

Coaching is face-to-face leadership that pulls together peoplewith diverse backgrounds, talents, experiences, and interests, encourages them to step up ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Develop a Firefighter Safety Culture

Fire chiefs in the current all-hazards fire service industry continue to be pulled further and further away from their organizations’ ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: Engaged to Politics, No Matter the Party

Since the IAFC was formed in 1873, the United States has had 27 presidents: 17 republicans and 10 democrats. In ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: See and Be Seen

It seems that every day we become busier. The more time passes, the more I become aware of the dangers ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: The Ladder the IAFC Built

The task for the IAFC now is the same as it has been since its inception 140 years ago: share ...

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Making a Good Impression?

In our department, a recently hired firefighter/paramedic told stories of how probationary firefighters at his previous department had been treated ...

Jan 01, 0001

Recruiting a Diverse Firefighting Force

For many years, the Rochester (N.Y.) Fire Department has faced the challenge of recruiting a diverse firefighting force that better ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Climbing the Professional Ladder, Helping Others Up

There comes a point in all our lives when we consider a change in our jobs; the reasons may vary ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Seeks Applicants for Committee Openings

IAFC Committees Communications Committee - This committee analyzes and provides guidance on wireless radio communication issues that impact the U.S. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Bill Metcalf Issues Challenges in His Farewell Address

One year ago, I stood before you in Chicago and took the oath of office to begin my term as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Keith Bryant Sets Goals for the Fire Service and His Term as IAFC President

I am sincerely honored, humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve our association in the capacity of president ...

Jan 01, 0001

Successful Succession Doesn`t Happen by Accident

The American fire service focuses its members on the tactics and strategy they confront daily in responding to all-hazard emergencies, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Collaborating on Traffic Incident Response: Building Relationships with Your Tow Operators

In the world of incident management, working together as a cohesive team results in a protected work environment for responders ...

Jan 01, 0001

Meet Your Candidates

Chief John Sinclair, Kittitas Valley (Wash.) Fire & Rescue, and Chief Nathan Trauernicht, City of Davis and UC Davis (Calif.) ...

Jan 01, 0001

Two New Active Shooter Resources Available

In the wake of this week’s active shooter incident at the Washington Navy Yard, responders now have two new resources ...

Jan 01, 0001

Knowledge is Power: Cooktop Safety

Fires originating from cooking appliances account for the largest shares of home structure fires and associated fire injuries in North ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Joins the VA to End Homelessness Among Veterans

IAFC members help build safe, stable communities—where everyone should have a place to call home. Firefighters and rescue teams are ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pegram and Carter Win VCOS FRI Scholarships

Chief Stephen Pegram of Goshen Township (OH) Fire & EMS, on the left, and Senior Group Captain Leonard William Carter, ...

Jan 01, 0001

You and ISO

Plainfield Fire Protection District Plainfield, Illinois Demonstrating the continued partnership between the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Buckman Wins the NVFC Lifetime Achievement Award

During a special banquet on May 10, the National Volunteer Fire Council presented Chief John M. Buckman III with the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Creating a Community Connection

Washington is just one of many places where elected officials are making decisions that affect your ability to uphold your ...

Jan 01, 0001

Behavior Health Is a Leadership Role

What exciting lives we lead. We participate in many events that other people only get to read about or watch ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: When No Progress Is Achieved, Consider Defense

If after completion of the primary search, little or no progress toward fire control has been achieved, seriously consider a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Act on Unsafe Practices and Conditions that Can Harm Firefighters

Act on reported unsafe practices and conditions that can harm firefighters. Stop, evaluate and decide. Objective: To prevent firefighters and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: <BR>National Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week is traditionally the time of year that fire/rescue departments hold open houses and other public-safety events. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Conduct a Risk Assessment and Implement a Safe-Action Plan

Conduct an Initial Risk Assessment and Implement a Safe Action Plan Objective: To cause the incident commander to develop a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Hazmat Training: Electronic Learning Community

Approximately 80% of fire-protection services within the United States are composed of volunteers or are combination departments. These departments’ members ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Consider a Defensive Strategy

If You Don’t Have the Resources to Safely Support and Protect Firefighters, Seriously Consider a Defensive Strategy Objective: To prevent ...

Jan 01, 0001

Greening the Fire Service Future

When Chief Mike Duyck, chair of the IAFC’s Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC), was asked what kind of reception his panel’s ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Future of the Fire and Emergency Service

The future of the fire and emergency service is very predictable. Look at the 2010 U.S. census; pay attention to ...

Jan 01, 0001

New Toolkit: Smart Choices in Smoke Alarm Placement

In an effort to reduce home fire fatalities, the IAFC has introduced an online toolkit, Smart Choices for Smoke Alarm ...

Jan 01, 0001

Communications Unit Leader Training Can Enhance Response Safety and Effectiveness

Five years ago, Congress created the DHS Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) with the mission to lead and unify efforts ...

Jan 01, 0001

Public Safety Communications Research Program: Creating a Pathway to Public-Safety Broadband

The passage of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which enables the development of a ...

Jan 01, 0001

D Block Revolutionizes Public-Safety Communications

Signed into law on February 22, the Spectrum Act gives public safety the means by which to construct a nationwide ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Membership Grows Ten Percent

During the first three months of 2012, IAFC membership grew 9.9% compared with the same period in 2011. IAFC President ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Expanding Command Ahead of Demand

If a mayday operation requires rapid, concise decisions and actions to increase firefighter survivability, then when should command be expanded—before ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement Can Save Firefighter Lives

The IAFC’s Safety, Health & Survival Section has developed a set of Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting that, when ...

Jan 01, 0001

Being SMART About Your Health and Wellness Goals

The National Volunteer Fire Council’s Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Health, available on the Safety and Health Week website, ...

Jan 01, 0001

New Directory Provides Links to Needed Public-Safety Broadband Information

The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council has issued a new resource to help local public-safety agencies and others looking at ...

Jan 01, 0001

Preventing IED Incidents: Secure Information-Sharing Platform Helps First Responders

Today, first responders increasingly face unconventional situations and threats they``re expected to effectively respond to. One example is incidents involving ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: Crew Integrity: People Should Stick Together

The topic of crew integrity is a dominant discussion point for fireground practices and conference presentations. Firefighting is rarely a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Sizing Up Your Community Risk

It has been well accepted in recent times that fire departments across the United States are being becoming all-hazard providers. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Specialized Services: Rapidly Changing Hazmat Response

The world of emergency response is ever evolving. A few short decades ago, the thought that the fire service would ...

Jan 01, 0001

Establishing an Effective Fire Investigation Unit

Most if not all fire agencies across the United States continue to encounter ongoing financial turbulence. During these challenges, difficult ...

Jan 01, 0001

Biloxi, Mississippi: Fire at a Two-Vehicle Accident

On a Sunday morning in mid-December, Firefighter Mathew Bigelow of the Biloxi (Miss.) Fire Department traveled home through the city ...

Jan 01, 0001

C-Kit Continues to Be an Important Tool in Hazmat Response

The IAFC Hazardous Materials Committee is urging responders to educate themselves on the Chlorine Institute C-Kit and the benefits if ...

Jan 01, 0001

Review 2012 Amendments to IAFC Constitution and Bylaws: Vote to Be Held at FRI Business Meeting

The following seven amendments to the IAFC’s constitution and bylaws will be brought to a vote by the membership at ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ethics and Leadership: One Decision at a Time

Earlier this year, I had the privilege to attend a keynote presentation by Stan Malm at the 2012 Southwest Fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Finding Solutions Is in Our DNA; Is It in Yours?

America’s fire chiefs are a breed unlike any other in our nation. Every day, we``re charged with understanding the risks ...

Jan 01, 0001

Managing Your Department through Transformation

The news from around the country continues to be pretty daunting. Difficult economic realities from the Great Recession continue to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Don`t Risk Firefighter Lives for What Can`t Be Saved

Do not risk firefighter lives for lives or property that can``t be saved. Seriously consider a defensive strategy. Objective: To prevent ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fiscal Preplanning Can Divert a Disaster of a Different Kind

At least 31 applied research projects from the National Fire Academy``s Executive Fire Officer Program, including the author``s, are dedicated ...

Jan 01, 0001

Mission Above Self: Ego Is the Least Important Part of This Equation

Today``s political climate ensures a completely different dynamic than we have been accustomed to in our careers. Elected officials and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Transforming the Fire Service Through Collective Leadership

The fire service has evolved into all-risk preparedness and response organizations focused on community service. But currently, our profession is ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Extend Vigilant, Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue Savable Lives

Extend Vigilant and Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue Savable Lives Objective: To cause the incident commander to manage search ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Advancing Your Education and Your Career

Wanted: Fire chief. Requirements: bachelor``s degree from a regionally accredited institution in fire science or closely related field`` master``s degree ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officer Program`s Entrance Criteria Are Changing

The National Fire Academy (NFA) has a policy in place that only allows students with bachelor degrees from regionally accredited ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer of the Year: For Lt. Kalmus of Austin, Safety Is a Way of Life

Lt. Kevin M. Kalmus, Austin (Tex.) Fire Department, is this year’s recipient of the FireRescue Magazine Company Officer of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Tears to Memphis

When I’m asked to write articles for magazines about behavioral health, depression, suicides or whatever mental-health issues firefighters face, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Preparedness: Our Unflinching Tribute to Courageous Heroes

On September 11, 2001, the meaning of preparedness changed. Before that day, planning to respond to a truly large event ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Maintain Continuous Awareness

Maintain Continuous Awareness of Your Air Supply, Situation, Location and Fire Conditions Objective: To cause all firefighters and company officers ...

Jan 01, 0001

Labor-Management Initiative: Strategic Planning: An Opportunity for Labor-Management Cooperation

Plans are nothing, planning is everything.—President Dwight D. Eisenhower and architect of the 1944 D-Day invasion to liberate France ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Can You Hear Me Now?

Hearing Conservation Program: Essential to Firefighter Wellness Firefighters are subject to many types of hazards and dangerous environments throughout their ...

Jan 01, 0001

Is Your Rapid Intervention Process Ready to Rock & Roll?

Not long ago, the world learned of a well-executed special operations mission of U.S. Special Forces—such precise operations don’t occur ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety, Health & Survival: SHS Section - Act Now

While the U.S. fire and emergency service has made inroads into reducing line-of-duty deaths over recent years—much of that progress ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Safety for Students with Disabilities

Fire safety for people with disabilities is an area that is growing and getting more attention. However, there’s a shortage ...

Jan 01, 0001

Model Code Adoption and Development: Many Challenges Lie Ahead

The availability of the 2012 I-Codes signals the start of the code development process for the 2015 I-Codes. The first ...

Jan 01, 0001

Initiatives for Improving Fire Prevention Bureau Customer Service

As the overall economy continues to struggle and our department budgets are under increased pressure, it may seem a very ...

Jan 01, 0001

Many Honored at FRI 2011: Awards and Scholarships

Fire Chiefs of the Year Volunteer Fire Chief: Chief Robert Perry, Union Fire Protection District, Peace Dale, R.I. Career Fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC Publication Captures the MABAS Success Story

National Mutual-Aid Model Shares History, Lessons Learned and Formula for Continued Success The IAFC has produced a new publication featuring ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Monitor Radios

Constantly Monitor Fireground Communications for Critical Radio Reports. Objective: To cause all firefighters and company officers to maintain constant awareness ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting for Public Events

Fire and emergency departments throughout the country will be very active this fall with public-relations events. The tenth anniversary of ...

Jan 01, 0001

NSEFO Conference at FRI a Huge Success

For the first time ever, the National Society of Executive Fire Officers (NSEFO) collocated its Annual Leadership Conference with Fire-Rescue ...

Jan 01, 0001

Top Recruiters for the 2010-2011 Hook & Ladder Season

Congratulations to our Hook & Ladder Top Recruiters for the 2010-2011 recruitment season! A special congratulations and thank you to ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Foundation Announces 2011 Scholarship Award Recipients

The IAFC Foundation is pleased to announce it will award $32,000 in emergency service scholarships this year to career and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Werner Joins Press Conference in Support of the D Block

Chief Charles Werner (Charlottesville, Va.) represented the IAFC at a November 15 press conference, arranged by Senator Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Economy Creates Opportunities for the Fire Service

For this issue, a diverse group of IAFC leaders was asked to anticipate challenges and opportunities for 2012; not surprisingly, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Sustaining a Reduction in Firefighter LODDs

Since 1977, the U.S. Fire Administration has recorded and analyzed firefighter fatalities in the United States annually. Through their comprehensive ...

Jan 01, 0001

Global Summit Sets Course for International Collaboration

More than 20 fire and emergency service leaders from around the world met in Zurich, Switzerland on October 10-11 to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Looking for Allies when Fighting Extreme Weather? Look to Public Works

Extreme weather can take its toll on the fire and emergency service. But when it comes to keeping communities safe, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Be Aware, Be Informed, Be Prepared: Getting Ready for Winter

Weather forecasters for the Washington, D.C., area tell us that this winter may bring extreme cold temperatures and significant amounts ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Report Unsafe Practices That Can Harm You

You Are Required to Report Unsafe Practices or Conditions that Can Harm You. Stop, Evaluate and Decide. Objective: To prevent ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: CO2 Incidents

Recent CO2 incidents that have been submitted to the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System exemplify the benefit of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act: Restoring Important Tax Provisions

Congress has not yet restored recently expired tax provisions, including the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA), that expired at ...

Jan 01, 0001

GIS Helps Virginia Recruit Volunteer Firefighters

In today’s fast-paced environment, the fire service is always looking for the quickest ways to produce the best results. The ...

Jan 01, 0001

EMR-ISAC: A Critical Information-Sharing Tool

On behalf of the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Fire Administration, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Institution of Fire Engineers: United States of America Branch Announces Its New Leaders

The Institution of Fire Engineers – USA Branch is pleased to announce the election of its officers for 2011. These ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief Jack McElfish Receives Prestigious AHA Mission Award

Award recognizes leadership and contribution to the mission of the American Heart Association Sandy Springs (Ga.) Fire Chief Jack McElfish ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Foundation Receives Motorola Solutions Foundation Public Safety Grant

The IAFC Foundation, promoting higher education and research in the fire services, has received a $50,000 grant as part ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: Remain Vigilant About Safety

As the fire and emergency service begins the New Year, the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System continues to capture ...

Jan 01, 0001

Occupied: How One Department Effectively Moved Out as Protesters Moved In

The Occupy Wall Street movement has spread across the U.S. and across borders from major cities to small towns. According ...

Jan 01, 0001

Consolidating Efficiencies of Service in New-Normal Times

Many local, state and even global governments are struggling with the weight of what has been termed the Great Recession. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: Roadway Safety

This month’s column complements the 2012 Near-Miss Calendar’s February topic. On a daily basis, first responders are placed in harm’s ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fit Like a Glove: When Technological and Cultural Innovation Collide

When Neil Armstrong planted his boot on the surface of the moon, it was because technological and cultural innovation collided. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Things That Go Boom

In January, I had the opportunity to attend Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings (IRTB) at New Mexico Tech (NMT) in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Labor-Management Initiative: Building Better Partnerships and Coalitions

During my 31 years on the Indianapolis Fire Department, I have noticed that our progress has often been driven by ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Can Your Rehab Withstand the Heat?

A recent report by the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre examined firefighter cooling in tropical field conditions. This ...

Jan 01, 0001

Research Begets Innovation for the Fire and Emergency Service

According to Wikipedia, innovation “is the creation of better or more effective products, processes, services, technologies or ideas that ...

Jan 01, 0001

Tax Armageddon Comes Early for Volunteers

Inside the Beltway, a new term will be repeated throughout the 2012 election season: “Tax Armageddon.” This doomsday-inspiring term refers ...

Jan 01, 0001

Lead Federal Agency for EMS: Debate or Distraction?

Recently, Americans have been granted a breather from debates as the presidential candidates have agreed to focus their attention elsewhere....

Jan 01, 0001

Moving Fire and Emergency Service Communications Efforts Forward

Two key communication issues dominate the attention of fire chiefs: Creating a nationwide, broadband system Narrowbanding UHF and VHF radios ...

Jan 01, 0001

Gaining Perspectives on the Economic Outlook

IAFC On Scene is in the process of a year-long, progressive survey to evaluate national trends in budget and community ...

Jan 01, 0001

Measuring What Matters Most

Performance measurement isn’t a new concept, particularly in the business world; processes and outcomes in business are the driving force ...

Jan 01, 0001

A New Day For Public-Safety Frequency Coordination

Since 1986, the Federal Communications Commission has required almost all applications for dispatch radio licenses to be examined by certified ...

Jan 01, 0001

Partnership Launches Reality-Based Safety Podcasts

A strategic partnership between the IAFC’s Safety, Health & Survival Section, the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Caldwell Retires: IAFC Thanks Alan Caldwell for Nearly 20 Years of Service

Alan Caldwell, senior advisor for government relations at the IAFC, will retire from the association effective May 10. Caldwell, who ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: The Inherent Environmental Benefits of Fire Sprinklers

Anyone who understands fire-sprinkler systems also understands they’ve had a positive impact on our environment for over 135 years without ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Determine the Occupant Survival Profile, Part 2

Determine the Occupant Survival Profile, Part 2 Objective: To cause the incident commander to consider fire conditions in relation to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: PPE Culture

PPE is designed to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses resulting from contact with physical, electrical, mechanical, chemical and even radiological ...

Jan 01, 0001

Data Analysis: Key to Successful Department Operation

According to Answers.com, data analysis is the “process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of highlighting ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pinnacles and Pitfalls of Recruitment: An EMS Perspective

Recruitment quite literally means engaging in the process of finding new employees, members or personnel. In and of itself, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Applying Lessons from the Battlefield to the Fireground

It’s been said that those who don’t learn from history are destined to repeat it; in other words, if we ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Categorizing Risk from Fire Suppression Products on the Local Environment

In early 2010, the IAFC’s Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC) assumed the responsibility of exploring environmental solutions in fire service operations. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Determine the Occupant Survival Profile, Part 1

Determine the occupant survival profile. Objective: To cause the incident commander to consider fire conditions in relation to possible occupant ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: Crew Resource Management

Infusing crew resource management (CRM) principals into the culture of the fire and emergency service is crucial to improving safety. ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Art of Collaboration

Every evolving, complex incident has a potential to outpace resources and overwhelm a local jurisdiction; disasters don’t stop at a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Why Regional Collaboration Is Paramount

The current economic situation has eroded tax bases, compressed fire and emergency service budgets and thus forced many to examine ...

Jan 01, 0001

Collaborating on a Statewide Basis: Interview with OEC Director Chris Essid

Chris Essid is director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC). OEC was created by ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Extend Vigilant and Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue Savable Lives

Extend Vigilant and Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue Savable Lives Objective: To cause firefighters to manage search and rescue ...

Jan 01, 0001

Responding to Tennessee Floods and Storms

On April 27, the line of severe thunderstorms and tornados that struck much of the southeastern United States made its ...

Jan 01, 0001

Tuscaloosa: In the Aftermath

Tuscaloosa—in the first 20 minutes after the April 27 tornado, it was reported that thousands of homes and buildings were ...

Jan 01, 0001

When Disaster Strikes?

A larger-than-normal number of devastating events have plagued the U.S. landscape throughout the early part of 2011. While parts of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Why Should I Belong to the EMS Section?

I’ve been asked that question a number of times by both IAFC and non-IAFC members. In today’s economic environment, it’s ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Safety as a Legacy

In preparation for this article, I reviewed the minutes of our safety committee for the last several years, looking for ...

Jan 01, 0001

The neXus Project: Solutions for Moving Forward at the Crossroads

It``s said so frequently, it’s almost a cliche: “The fire and emergency service is at a crossroads.” But it’s true, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Six Years and a Lasting Legacy: A Case Study in IAFC Program Success

As the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System approaches its sixth anniversary, the lessons learned from the delivery of this ...

Jan 01, 0001

Members Answer the Call to Action: Grassroots Advocacy

When talking about IAFC’s government relations efforts in Washington, people will often speak broadly of the association or specifically about ...

Jan 01, 0001

Lead, Educate and Serve

The IAFC strategic plan articulates the association’s goals to Lead, Educate and Serve. Each quarter the board evaluates the alignment ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Are You Ready to Step Up?

As company officers, we’re responsible for managing small emergency incidents and the first few minutes of large incidents when we’re ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Constitution and Bylaws Amendments to Be Presented for Vote by Members at FRI Business Meeting

In March, the IAFC’s Constitution, Bylaws & Resolutions (CBR) Committee considered the following formal amendments of the IAFC’s constitution and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting and the Training Environment

As summer heads into full bloom, so do its temperatures. Our working environment is affected by the summer’s heat and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Is Your Fire Station Hosting a MRSA Open House?

A recent study by the University of Washington School of Public Health has shed light on the dangers potentially lurking ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Number-One Killer of Firefighters: Cardiovascular Disease

 Do you have an annual physical? What if we told you that you’re probably already being tested to determine if ...

Jan 01, 0001

Training with New Technology

For many businesses, travel and training are among the first things cut when the economy slows. The fire and emergency ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Hazmat Committee Presents Awards at Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference

The IAFC’s Hazardous Materials Committee announced its award recipients at the opening general session of the International Hazardous Materials Response ...

Jan 01, 0001

Metro Chiefs Take Action in Charlotte

The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), a section of both the IAFC and NFPA, held its 2011 annual conference ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Provides Public Safety Testimony on D Block

Public Safety Alliance Continues Push to Create an Interoperable Public-Safety Network Chief Jeff Johnson, immediate past-president of the IAFC and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Go Teams Program Expands: 23 New Members Provide Additional Response Capability

The IAFC has officially completed the expansion of the Go Teams, a response group created and administered by the IAFC ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Courage to Be Safe

The Courage to be Safe course, part of the Everyone Goes Home: Life Safety Initiatives Program, distinguishes between two distinct ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: Chief Officers and Their Unique Perspectives

Chief officers bring a unique perspective to the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System because of their different, more global ...

Jan 01, 0001

IMSA/IAFC Frequency Coordination

The IAFC, with its communications partner the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA), was designated in 1986 by the Federal Communications ...

Jan 01, 0001

Project 25 Technology Interest Group Update

Project 25 and Multiple Vendors Sourcing A key objective of Project 25 is a healthy competitive environment. There are today ...

Jan 01, 0001

Changes to Intrinsically Safe Standard Can Affect Your Radio Coverage

When the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) learned a new version of the intrinsically safe (IS) standard affecting land ...

Jan 01, 0001

Narrowbanding Resources

The Federal Communications Commission Narrowbanding Mandate requires all nonfederal radio licensees operating 25 kHz systems in the 150-174 MHz and ...

Jan 01, 0001

A Plan for Fire Service Communications in the 21st Century

The shared vision of public-safety practitioners is a nationwide public-safety broadband network—a powerful 4G network that would give the fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

COML Training Improves Emergency Communications

Emergency responders and public-safety professionals in jurisdictions across the United States are communicating more effectively during large-scale emergencies and planned ...

Jan 01, 0001

Strategic Planning for Nationwide Interoperable Emergency Communications

This year, the United States will mark the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The events of that ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act Introduced in the House

Recently, Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Representative James Langevin (D-RI) introduced the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2011 (H.R. 1792)....

Jan 01, 0001

Bomb Arson Tracking System: Expanding the Fire Department Toolkit

The Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) is an invaluable tool to help U.S. fire departments and fire marshals in their ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Foundation Scholarship Deadline Is June 1

Fire service professionals who want to further their professional education can apply for educational scholarships with the International Association of ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Foundation Receives Donation from 1-800-BOARDUP

At the Welcome Reception at FRI in Atlanta, Chief Jack McElfish, IAFC Foundation treasurer, accepted a generous donation on behalf ...

Jan 01, 0001

Remembering 9/11: A Decade of Healing and Change

I think it’s fair to say that on September 10, 2001, the U.S. fire and emergency service—for the most part—hadn’t ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: EMS Scene Safety

The National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System is more than just a repository of data. It’s the voice of real ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Advancing Fire-based EMS

John and Roy riding Los Angeles County Fire Department Squad 51 on the television show Emergency introduced many of us ...

Jan 01, 0001

Labor-Management Initiative: Getting Along with Your Labor Partner in a New Department

When I retired from the City of Miami Fire Department almost three years ago, I felt I had a solid ...

Jan 01, 0001

Community Paramedicine: A New Way of Life in EMS?

EMS is in virtually every fire department across the United States in some form, and while the demand for fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Medical Marijuana: An Evolving Challenge to First Responders

On a daily basis, we face many challenges in EMS; from budgets to customer complaints to employee issues, there is ...

Jan 01, 0001

Drug Shortages: Fire Departments Caught in the Middle of a Crisis

Imagine hearing this radio traffic: Rescue 5 to Regional Hospital: We have a 53-year-old male in severe chest pain for ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting and Communication

As fire chief, you receive the following as part of an after-action report: After a recent third alarm was brought ...

Jan 01, 0001

What`s Out, What`s In: Five-Year Forecast by You

While real change can be slow, trends can change dramatically in five years. IAFC On Scene asked IAFC members which ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Next Five Years: Forecasting the Future for EMS, Emerging Technology and Hazmat Response

To get a picture of the future of the fire and emergency service, we asked members in several disciplines to ...

Jan 01, 0001

A Stronger Fire Service Future Through Inclusiveness

The issue of diversity and inclusiveness is a touchy topic, but open discussion can both help facilitate discussion and be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Charleston Fire Department: Five Years Later

June 18 will mark the fifth anniversary of the Sofa Super Store Fire. The City of Charleston Fire Department (CFD) ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Introduces New Medical Exam Resource

Who better to ask a question about a specific health issue``s impact on a medical exam than a doctor who``s ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "Rampart, This Is Squad 51"

Not to date to some members, but many in the fire and emergency service clearly remember the title of this ...

Jan 01, 0001

How Much Spectrum Do You Need to Fight a Large Wildland Fire?

In 2003, a large wildland fire in San Bernardino County, Calif., called "The Old Fire," caused $42 million in damage ...

Jan 01, 0001

T Band and the Fire Service

Change is coming to T band, so agencies need to plan for interoperability when there’s a mixture of narrow and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: An Adaptive Challenge

It seems that on almost a daily basis, we read about another firefighter or EMT/paramedic line-of-duty death. While we ...

Jan 01, 0001

Power Couple: Near-Miss Reports and Rules of Engagement

While all of the components of the Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Health and Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Extend Limited Risk to Protect Savable Property

Extend LIMITED Risk to Protect SAVABLE Property. Objective: To cause the incident commander to limit risk exposure to a reasonable, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Effective Interagency Collaboration

We all know what it’s like to be sitting at our desks, working on daily administrative tasks that require focus ...

Jan 01, 0001

Interdisciplinary Medical Teams and the Challenges They Face

We have all seen, heard and breathed the saying that it takes teamwork to succeed. However, how that belief translates ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: A Look in the Mirror

With the recent Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), EMS could be facing some significant changes in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Renaissance Responders

In 2010, the number of structure fires in the United States was less than half of what it was 30 ...

Jan 01, 0001

Hobart, Indiana: Pulling a Small Child from a Burning Home

On December 10, while off duty, Chief Brian Taylor responded to a mutual-aid request for the city of Lake Station, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Killeen, Texas: Swiftwater Rescue

On March 19 in Killeen, the weather was pleasant, but the area was expecting heavy rain. The technical-rescue team members ...

Jan 01, 0001

Des Plaines, Illinois: Holiday House Fire

One evening in December, during a family holiday gathering in a townhouse in Des Plaines, a gas can was accidentally ...

Jan 01, 0001

Coventry, Connecticut: Fire and Explosion in a Winter Storm

On October 29, the worst blizzard to hit Connecticut in 50 years began. What followed were seven days without power ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chesterfield, Virginia: Swiftwater Rescue

An opening quote in a Free Lance-Star article on September 18, 2011, by rescued Colonial Beach Volunteer Firefighter Jim Jett, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Burleson, Texas: High-Angle Tower Rescue

On August 3, 2011, shortly before 8 pm, the outside temperature was above 105 degrees and winds at the top ...

Jan 01, 0001

Biloxi, Mississippi: Two Small Children Pulled from Burning Home

Shortly after noon on February 14, several units of the Biloxi (Miss.) Fire Department responded to a structure fire report; ...

Jan 01, 0001

Colorado Fire Crew Faces Perfect Storm in Dramatic Rescue: 2012 Ben Franklin Valor

On February 23, North Metro Fire Rescue District responded to a call that truly reminds us of how seconds matter....

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Bill Addressing Drug Shortage; Awaiting Presidential Approval

In the past five years, fire departments and EMS agencies across the country have experienced a tripling in shortages of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: What`s In a Name?

A name defines who we are, and in fire and EMS, we use all kinds of names. There are names ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Managing Administrative Processes

We all probably joined the fire and emergency service for pretty much the same reasons: to help others, to have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Labor-Management Initiative: The Assets of the Labor-Management Relationship

In A Fire Service Wish List from the IAFC Board of Directors (IAFC On Scene, December 2011), the IAFC ...

Jan 01, 0001

Bullying in the Fire Service

In the United States, we see more and more students who have suffered continual bullying take their own lives. As ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Community Health?

We hear it all the time: Our EMS resources are stretched to the limit. Our medical calls for service are ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: Stop, Look and Listen; This Is a Hazmat Call

Recognizing that you``re operating on the scene of a hazardous materials emergency is key to keeping responders safe during operations ...

Jan 01, 0001

Eyes Wide Open: One Community`s Efforts to Face the Future of Fire

As wildland fires in the west consume more acres and resources and environmental changes brings dryer weather to places like ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "Knowledge Itself Is Power"

"Ipsa scientia potestas est." This Latin phrase meaning "Knowledge itself is power" is attributed to Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626). He ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: 5,000 Reports and Counting

Near-Miss report #12-217 describes a routine operation of backing an apparatus into the bay and potentially trapping two members between ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: The Basics of Modern Fire Behavior

Over the last decade, the fire service has seen a renewed emphasis on going back to basics. This movement can ...

Jan 01, 0001

Embracing a Sea Change in Mobile Communication

More than 50% of fire and emergency service officers have a tablet and over 90% have a smartphone, according to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Building a Community for Homeland Defenders Through Education

A famous quote from John F. Kennedy is inscribed in the ceiling of the US Embassy to Canada here in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant Environmental Impact Statement

On May 13, the U.S. Forest Service released the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the use of fire retardant ...

Jan 01, 0001

Stay Alert When Considering Anti-Sleep Products

It’s not surprising that as more communities are stretching public-safety resources to the limit that responders are looking for ways ...

Jan 01, 0001

Survey Says: Fire and Emergency Service Going Mobile

If you are reading this article on a mobile device, you’re not alone. In fact, each day more people are ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Forever Changed

Ten years ago, the face of EMS was forever changed on September 11th when we lost the Twin Towers, a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Always Remember, Never Forget

The morning of September 11, 2001, was one of those defining moments in which we all remember where we were ...

Jan 01, 0001

When It Comes to Health, Safety First

Training in the fire service can lead to a safer operation on the fireground. Hose lays, ladders and protective equipment ...

Jan 01, 0001

Proving the Value of Fire Prevention

How do you prove a negative? That’s really the struggle fire-prevention experts face. How do you prove that you prevented ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Al Gillespie Sworn In as IAFC President, Outlines Vision for the Year Ahead

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, the members of the IAFC, as your president and chairman of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Time for a Truce

On a recent listserv I belong to, a question was posed about the five most pressing things in EMS that ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Is Obesity an Overbearing Burden on the Fire Service?

Two recently published studies, funded by the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, focused on the impact of obesity in the ...

Jan 01, 0001

A Fire Service Wish List from the IAFC Board of Directors

 Gifts come in all shape and sizes: from gadgets to make our life easier to the blessing of family and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Congress 2012: Welcome to the Land of Confusion

When I was originally asked to write on the 2012 political environment, one of my colleagues suggested I write a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: I Spy with My Little Eye?

Another article in this issue of On Scene asked a number of fire and EMS leaders what they felt the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Abandon Your Position and Retreat

You are required to abandon your position and retreat before deteriorating conditions can harm you. Objective: To cause firefighters and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Reputation Management

Does it seem lately like every time you pick up a newspaper, watch the evening news or read the Daily ...

Jan 01, 0001

When Wild Weather Works Your System

All one has to do is look at very recent weather events to see the impact and challenges the fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

EMC Adopts New Subcommittee Structure

In 2011, the Emergency Management Committee (EMC) invested a significant amount of time and effort examining the progress made on ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: The Death of the 24-Hour (or More) Shifts

A question was recently posted on a fire service listserv asking what the length of shifts for departments that provide ...

Jan 01, 0001

Tea Leaves and the Crystal Ball: Perspective on the Future

Every day, as leaders we do what we were trained to do: we look into the future and play the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Developing Leaders from Within Your Department

I was speaking to a new friend several months ago and we began discussing some of the current problems company ...

Jan 01, 0001

Mentoring as a Mandate for Successful Fire Service Leaders

Successful organizations are built on the wealth of their human capital. Nothing is of more critical mass to an organization ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Real Importance of Succession Planning

Do you sense a lack of bench strength in your organization? Do you believe that when you head out the ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Dialog Continues: IAFC Members Weigh In on Succession Planning

The February 1 issue of IAFC On Scene focused on the topic of succession planning, a topic many in the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Crunch Time in Washington

This is an election year, which means that most productive work on Capitol Hill will end around June 1, when ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Al Gillespie at the White House

In February, IAFC President Al Gillespie joined U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and other public-safety leaders at the White House ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: The Blue Campaign

In EMS, we get to see people at their best and worst. It’s rewarding to deliver a healthy baby or ...

Jan 01, 0001

Be Prepared: Hurricane Season and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Hurricane season is still more than two months away, officially, but your agencies may already be making plans. As you ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Get SMART about Data Collection and Analysis

Decreasing budgets have forced the fire and emergency service to defend its expenditures and prove its value like never before. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Making Your Case: Why Data Counts

The fire service in the United States does a generally poor job of collecting and managing data about the work ...

Jan 01, 0001

Make Better Decisions: Put Your Data to Work

Welcome to the age of thinking data-first. What does that mean to a fire chief? Data-informed fire chiefs are ready ...

Jan 01, 0001

Retention and Recruitment Program Honored at 2011 VCOS Symposium in the Sun

Manchaca Fire/Rescue (MVFD) serves the areas just south of the city of Austin, Tex., to the Travis County boundary line. ...

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Election 2012

The 2012 VCOS election will be conducted by electronic ballot, not mail ballot. There are four open seats for at-large ...

Jan 01, 0001

FLSS Member Needed for Ad Hoc Committee on Iron and Steel Fire Tests

The board of the Fire & Life Safety Section is looking for a section member who would be interested in ...

Jan 01, 0001

FLSS Board of Directors Election Uncontested

On April 4, the Fire and Life Safety Section announced the opening of the nomination period for the annual election ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Reporting: Unexpected Weather Events

Over this past spring, regions all across the nation have been dealing with severe weather events. Though many affected by ...

Jan 01, 0001

Mutual Aid Stakeholders: Building Relationships, Building Plans

For three days in May, 42 states, 2 territories and 5 tribal agencies gathered for the sixth annual National Mutual ...

Jan 01, 0001

Responding to a Really Bad Day: Denver Interagency Continuity of Operation Exercise

May 9 was a bad day for the city of Denver. At least, it was in the scenario presented to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Update: Texas Wildland Fires

So far this fire season, almost 3 million acres of Texas land have burned. More than 450 homes have been ...

Jan 01, 0001

MABAS and the Floods of 2011: Being Ready When, Not If

As April began, both the Ohio River and the Mississippi began to rise. By mid-month, they were approaching flood stage ...

Jan 01, 0001

Go Team Deployment: Atlanta and Tuscaloosa

IAFC Go Team members are given a primary FEMA region to support; our primary assignment is to support FEMA Region ...

Jan 01, 0001

What the IAFC Does for You

The IAFC is an organization in motion. As the economy began its downward trend in 2008, the IAFC began to ...

Jan 01, 0001

The View from Alabama Part 2: What the SERP Chair Learned

The Alabama Mutual Aid System Advisory Council was scheduled to meet on April 27, the day of Alabama’s tornado outbreak. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Go In Together, Stay Together, Come Out Together

Go in Together, Stay Together, Come Out Together Objective: To ensure firefighters always enter a burning building in teams of ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Need for Training: Tested Under Extreme Conditions

We often hear from our troops, “Training again, man that’s all we do!” and “Why do we need this?” Such ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and Kidde Partner for Home Fire Safety

Efforts Aimed at Improving Smoke Alarm Placement in the Home Recognizing the need for improved education and awareness about home ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Awards Program: EMS Section Announces Award Winners at FRM 2011

The IAFC’s EMS Section recognized a number of IAFC members for their contributions to fire service-based EMS at Fire-Rescue Med...

Jan 01, 0001

Finding Valor to Lead

In fire and EMS, heroism and valor takes many shapes. And though saving lives is certainly going to always be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Igniting Change to Reduce Injuries and Promote Wellness

Fire departments in the Pacific Northwest are advancing science while they improve the health of their firefighters. IGNITE is a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: An Ounce of Example Is Worth a Pound of Advice

An article with a title like this can certainly cover a lot of ground in the fire service. For our ...

Jan 01, 0001

Drinking from the Fire Hose: Effectively Using Knowledge Management

Ever try to drink from the fire hose? That’s what it is like these days as each of us gets ...

Jan 01, 0001

Now Is the Time: Establishing a Federal Agency for EMS

In February of this year, just before the EMS Today conference, President Obama’s staff asked leaders in the fire and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Pouget Takes the Helm: Frederick County Names First Female Fire Chief and Director

July 22 was a historic day for the Frederick County (Md.) Division of Fire & Rescue Services as they welcomed ...

Jan 01, 0001

Challenges of Budgeting for Health Insurance Costs

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) creates budget concerns for government employers and fire departments as well as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Organizational Excellence

Organizational excellence, like beauty, is often in the eyes of the beholder. However, increasing demands for public transparency require successful ...

Jan 01, 0001

Exceptional Leaders: Strength, Purpose, Results

Leaders can be an organization``s greatest asset or its biggest liability. Any leader can be good, but the challenge is ...

Jan 01, 0001

Succession Planning: Ensuring Organizational Success

One of the most challenging dimensions of organizational leadership is succession planning. John C. Maxwell writes: "When all is said ...

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Fiscal Year 2014 Appropriations Bill

On January 16, Congress passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 113-76). The $1.012 trillion bill is ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pursuing Your Degree and Need Funding Support? Check Out IAFC Foundation Scholarships

The IAFC Foundation is accepting applications for its educational scholarships from qualified first responders; the deadline is June 1. Scholarships ...

Jan 01, 0001

On the Cutting-Edge: Suicide Intervention and Prevention

In October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation held a summit, "Generating Strategies and Materials to Support Suicide Prevention and Intervention ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Managing Relationships Inside and Out

Our society is more connected today than it has ever been, with the use of email, social media and text ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Evolution Is a Must to Survive

Over 150 years ago, Darwin``s theories of evolution suggested creatures evolve to adjust to changing conditions, which allows them to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Have Times Really Changed?

Kurt Lewin, recognized as a pioneer of social, organizational and applied psychology said, “If you want to truly understand something, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Winds of Change

An old Chinese proverb states, "When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills." As ...

Jan 01, 0001

Providing Good Customer Service Inside Your Organization

In today``s fast-paced, competitive marketplace, we all know that businesses must provide quality products backed by great customer service to ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Thanks to a Retiring Leader

One of the themes of my term as IAFC president is the issue of succession planning and leadership development in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Your Policymakers, Your Community and You

More and more often, we hear about fire chiefs and their executive teams struggling in their relationships with policymakers—whether a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Federal Firefighter Presumptive Disability Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

On Dec. 12, Representatives Lois Capps (D-Cal.) and Pat Meehan (R-Pa.) introduced the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2013 (H.R. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Emerging Issues

There are many catch phrases about the past, and I``m not sure if we``re supposed to never look back or ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Looking to Your Future

As a company officer, have you asked yourself where to next? Is my next promotion taking me to the fire-prevention ...

Jan 01, 0001

Labor-Management Initiative: Leadership Canons

Leadership canons—I``m not talking about guns here! I``m talking about principles or rules. Webster’s Dictionary defines cannon as a mounted ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Is the Fire Service Becoming Too Safety Conscious?

Is the fire service becoming too safety conscious? Lately, this is a question that seems to be discussed on a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Are You Ready for Some?

No, not football. As I write this month``s article, the worst flooding that the state of Colorado has ever experienced ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Ready? Set? Not Exactly.

Do you remember the story from last year about the man whose jet ski broke down in New York City``s ...

Jan 01, 0001

Transitioning into the Fire-Rescue Service

The cost of recruiting, hiring, testing and training new recruits runs into tens of thousands of dollars, and a loss ...

Jan 01, 0001

Teaming Up for Hazmat Rail Response

Thousands of shipments of hazardous materials traverse the United States every day, travelling via one of the nation’s rail carriers. ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Tailboards and Pole Holes

The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation has done a truly remarkable job in the creation of a state memorial to fallen ...

Jan 01, 0001

USFA and FEMA`s Whole Community

The effects of natural and manufactured disasters have become more frequent, far-reaching and widespread than ever before. As a result, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Being All-Hazard Ready

In December 2003, the Gilmore Commission issued its fifth report; the commission studied public-service readiness to the tragedy of 9/11 ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Are You Prepared to Handle Any Response?

A toxic chlorine leak has occurred at the local chemical company. A tornado has just touched down in the residential ...

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC at 140: Helping Responders Help Responders

One of the benefits of any association is taking the lessons learned from any specific knowledge base or interest group ...

Jan 01, 0001

A Common Bond Between Military and Fire Service Vets

As a military veteran myself, November always makes me think of Veterans Day, a time when we pause to recognize ...

Jan 01, 0001

Searching for Missing Children with Special Needs

They were gone in an instant: Mikaela Lynch, 9, got out through an iron gate in her backyard that was ...

Jan 01, 0001

From Problems to Possibilities: 7 Tips for Focusing on Opportunities

Whether you think you can or think you can``t – you``re right. This quote, attributed to Henry Ford, illustrates perfectly ...

Jan 01, 0001

A Phoenix On the Rise: Near-Miss Changing For the Better

The National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System Program (Near-Miss) was launched in 2005 to capture the actual experiences of firefighters ...

Jan 01, 0001

From Past to Progress: Applying Knowledge to Move Us Forward

What will it take to be a successful leader in the future? A crystal ball would be helpful here, but ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: A Lost Leadership Partner

One of the hallmarks of any profession is the commitment to continuous learning: sharing experiences, lessons learned and best practices; engaging ...

Jan 01, 0001

Obama Administration Releases Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Request

On March 4, the Obama administration released the president’s fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget request. The proposed budget meets the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Relationship Excellence: 9 Cutting-Edge Steps to Building Trust

One of the biggest issues in interoperability is ensuring that first responders can communicate with each other, that the equipment ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Decisions, Decisions

We’ve heard that life is all about choices, and we``re often faced with making all kinds of decisions. Some are ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Transforming Culture through Cutting-Edge EMS

Cutting-edge EMS is often defined by the latest research of clinical intervention, technology or resuscitative advancement. However, despite cutting-edge advancements ...

Jan 01, 0001

Relationship Excellence: 9 Tips that Prepare You to Excel

Although the fire and emergency service relies heavily on technology, people are still needed to plan, develop, operate and maintain ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Prevention and Safety Grants: Application Period Opens

The application period for FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant program opens Tuesday, February 18, at 8 a.m. (EST). ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire-based EMS Programs Driving the Bus

Although the term community paramedicine is becoming well known in the U.S. fire service, in Arizona we have added the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Exercise Your IAFC Voting Rights!

Voting is now open in the IAFC elections. This year, you``re voting for IAFC 2nd vice president and for proposed ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: The Role of Data - Focusing on the Right Need

Data-driven is a term that can be overused, misunderstood and even scoffed at sometimes. After all, don’t we already know ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fifth-Graders Gives Back to Their Community

Ms. Kathryn Lubeck’s 5th-grade class at Morikami Park Elementary School in Delray Beach, Florida, decided to take their research of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Politics: To Be or Not to Be Involved

Most of you remember how politicians and the general public saw the fire service in America after 9/11. It’s clearly ...

Jan 01, 0001

Board Affirms Current IAFC Organizational Structure

On March 7, the IAFC board of directors unanimously approved a motion to affirm the association’s current organizational structure as ...

Jan 01, 0001

2016 Legislative Outlook

It’s only springtime, but it’s already been a wild political year. Few pundits thought Donald Trump would be the Republican ...

Jan 01, 0001

SAR: Putting It All Together, Part I

The IAFC’s committee on Terrorism and Homeland security has focused on highlighting the criteria for Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) through ...

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet for EMS: A Game Changer

On February 22, 2012, the law authorizing FirstNet was enacted. FirstNet is tasked with building a nationwide public-safety broadband network, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Bonding and Building a Fire Service Team in 21st Century

In the 1970s, influenced by NBC``s television series Emergency! and Dennis Smith``s national bestseller Report From Engine Co. 82, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet Consultation Schedule

The law that established FirstNet requires it to consult with federal, state/territory, tribal and local public-safety entities to ensure that ...

Jan 01, 0001

IRS Exempts Volunteer Fire Departments from PPACA

Taxes and firefighters are two words that aren``t often said in the same breath. However, fire chiefs last year shifted ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC 2014 Does Bring Some Changes: "And the Issue Would Be..."

Changes don``t come easily for many, whether as basic as a change in a marketing color scheme to major changes ...

Jan 01, 0001

How to Write a Compelling Annual Report: Post Webinar Q&A

Q: How long is too long for an annual report? A: It depends on both your audience and your content. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Accidents, Mistakes, and Bad Decisions

A firefighter sideswipes a car with the fire apparatus when pulling out of a tight parking spot. Is this event ...

Jan 01, 0001

Drone Use in Public Safety

Drone use in public safety is a growing area of interest, particularly for fire departments, search and rescue and arson ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Cancer Support Network Publishes Paper

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network, in collaboration with a number of other organizations, the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section ...

Jan 01, 0001

Taking Care of Our Own: The Legacy of Ryan White

In a letter recently submitted to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the IAFC advocated that ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Safety Baton Has Been Passed

One of the highlights of Fire-Rescue International 2015 was the celebration of 10 years of the IAFC’s Safety, Health and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Stepping Up to Lead

It’s Tuesday morning, August 24: as I’m sitting in the Denver airport, destination Atlanta, I’m thinking about my responsibility as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Collaboration: The Human Element

Collaboration has found increasing importance in emergency services in the recent years, as doing more with less has become the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Reducing Fire Deaths and Injuries

Last October, the American Red Cross, with the endorsement of the IAFC, launched the Home Fire Campaign nationwide to reduce ...

Jan 01, 0001

Interfering with Natural Selection

We in the fire and life safety business tend to grouse about the public failure to heed our prevention message. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Interviews with the 2015 Fire Chiefs of the Year

Chief Charles Addington II, Volunteer Chief of the Year. What does it mean to you to be honored as 2015 ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Best Bang for Your Buck

From a financial and staffing perspective, a combination fire department provides the best bang for the buck, but the management ...

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Education & Training Opportunities

The IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section offers many specialized opportunities for leadership training throughout the year. Here’s a quick ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Workplace Violence

Recent mass shootings around the United States have, as they often do, revived conversations about the Second Amendment, gun laws ...

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Issues Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security: National Terrorism Advisory System has released a new bulletin. The text of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire-based EMS: How Can I Help You?

Historically, countless changes have been made in the interest of improving the delivery and services the fire service provides. We ...

Jan 01, 0001

ACA`s Impact on Your Health Insurance Costs

As you``re likely aware, the Cadillac Tax is an attempt to engage consumers in reducing the costs of their own ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ensuring Qualified Candidates for Your Next Vacancy

Why do we need suggestions on career development and succession planning? To allow our organizations to continue ensuring we have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Relationship Modes for Fire Officers

To reach the first level of supervision in their organizations (for example, lieutenant or captain), people typically have to work ...

Jan 01, 0001

Community Paramedicine: An Evolving Perspective

Whether your department serves a rural, suburban or urban community, it’s undeniable that you have community members who could benefit ...

Jan 01, 0001

Scheduling Medications and Patient Care

From drug shortages to tight budgets, fire departments often face many challenges when trying to keep medical supplies fully stocked ...

Jan 01, 0001

How You Eat an Elephant: First Course

Last month, we acknowledged the complex, monumental task of addressing the current issues facing the fire service. The wicked problems ...

Jan 01, 0001

Taking Care of Internal Hazards

The term all-hazards has become synonymous with the mission of the fire service over the last couple of decades. We ...

Jan 01, 0001

How Do You Eat an Elephant?

A year ago, in the January 2015 issue of IAFC On Scene, then-IAFC President Keith Bryant reminded us in Fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Future EMS Delivery Models

Executive leaders in the fire service sat down August 26, 2015, with leadership from American Medical Response (AMR) to discuss ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: What Don`t We Know?

EMS has many challenges, and in today``s environment, it``s imperative that leaders understand their role in their organizations and communities ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Stop Wearing Your Trophy

You just got back to the station from battling a heavily involved structure fire. You go through the motions of ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: Stop, Collaborate and Listen

Even the greatest leaders in the world can``t predict every conflict that may arise on any given day. But the ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Are You Paying Attention, Chief?

Are you paying attention, Chief? I mean really paying attention? While we’ve been focused on and even struggling to keep ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firehouse Reputation Management: Five Quick Tips

We live in an era of citizen journalism; just about everywhere you go, someone with a smartphone is trying to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Following the Light: Guiding Principles to Live and Work By

As fire chiefs, we should be—and in most cases are—held to a higher standard than anyone else in our organizations. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Capital Purchasing and Sustainability

For those of you who do capital purchasing, how often have you looked at different options with the ability to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Leadership 101

At this point in your fire service career, you``ve probably attended leadership conferences or classes, read leadership books, watched leadership ...

Jan 01, 0001

Arsonists Among Us

Firefighter arson—this predicament certainly isn``t new to the fire service, but it has huge potential to damage a department``s reputation. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Approaching Diversity with Dignity

The IAFC has adopted a Human Dignity Statement, which updates two older statements on diversity and inclusion. The new position ...

Jan 01, 0001

Mentoring Program Off to a Good Start

The IAFC``s Company Officer Mentor Program is off to a rousing start, with eight IAFC company-officer members currently enrolled in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: On the Right Path

We talk a lot about developing and empowering our employees, creating succession plans and offering educational opportunities to improve their ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Taking Time to Grow

At what point in a fire service career does a firefighter begin their education in leadership? Most would argue that ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Professional Development Can Be a Two-Way Street

Perform a web search on "fire officer development" and you``ll quickly see how a new company officer can become overwhelmed ...

Jan 01, 0001

Labor-Management Initiative: Building Successful Relationships

Whether you represent labor or management, getting along with others and working within alliances are paramount to building a successful ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: We Need to Read More

With the current challenges the fire service faces today, with ever-increasing responsibilities and danger, we need all the help we ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: Who Will Lead Us Next?

The fire service has had smart, experienced, bold leaders at the helm since the first splash of water snuffed out ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Are You Prepared for the Affordable Care Act?

A few years ago, we watched with interest the debate about reform of the healthcare system and the subsequent passage ...

Jan 01, 0001

A New Milestone in the Officer Development Program

This year the IAFC introduced Executive Chief Officer-Level II at Fire-Rescue International, which also marked the final level of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Meet the New IAFC Officers Installed at Fire-Rescue International

Chief William R. "Bill" Metcalf, EFO, CFO, President & Chairman of the Board Chief Metcalf was installed as IAFC president and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Defining Relevance for the Fire and Emergency Service in 2013

After more than 30 years in the fire service, one of the most common clichés I hear is, "It isn``t ...

Jan 01, 0001

Senate Wildland Provision Will Add Planes to USFS`s Fleet

In recent years, plane crashes have posed a major threat to the safety of wildland firefighters. This year alone, two ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: New Year, New Challenges for EMS

The elections are over, the end of the year is almost here and before you know it, 2013 will be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officer: Chief, Are You Prepared to Answer Today`s Tough Questions?

To say that over the last few years the fire service and its leadership has been under attack would be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Ensure Accurate Accountability

Ensure Accurate Accountability of Every Firefighter``s Location and Status Objective: To cause the incident commander and command-organization officers to maintain ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Are We Just Giving Lip Service to Firefighter Safety?

I think we all can agree that there``s much more emphasis on safety today than in years past. But it``s ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: New Beginnings

As I write this column, today is Election Day in the United States. So today``s a good day to think ...

Jan 01, 0001

Walking the Walk on Succession Planning:IAFC Completes Succession Plan Process in Bittersweet Transitions

In 2009, the IAFC undertook comprehensive staff reorganization aimed at building greater efficiency and aligning member needs with staff resources ...

Jan 01, 0001

Why Fire Accreditation in These Hard Times?

Public safety, in terms of funding, typically consumes more than 80% of a municipal operating budget. This high percentage reflects ...

Jan 01, 0001

Formula Helps Determine When to Repair, Replace Fire Apparatus

In the article Formula Helps Determine When to Repair, Replace Fire Apparatus, a Virginia department unveils a new approach ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: EFO - It`s Not Just About Fire

During a recent discussion about the Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP) at the National Fire Academy (NFA), I was asked ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Top Ten Recommendations for Safety Program Guidelines

Last week, I had lunch with two good friends and colleagues. These 35-plus-year fire-department veterans and I share a common ...

Jan 01, 0001

Interest-Based Bargaining: A Starting Point for Negotiations

Peter Drucker, the organizational leadership guru, has said that one can "either be the architect of change or the tenet ...

Jan 01, 0001

LMI Technical Assistance: A Success Story

We have been asked to share an overview of our experience with the IAFC/IAFF Labor-Management Initiative (LMI) Technical Assistance process. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Help When You Need It Most: IAFC/IAFF Labor-Management Technical Assistance Program

As my IAFF cofacilitator and I completed delivering the first module of the four-day IAFC/IAFF Labor-Management Initiative program, a participant ...

Jan 01, 0001

LMI Guiding Principles: Promoting Cooperation Between Labor and Management

In 2008, Steve Westermann, president of the IAFC, and Harold Schaitberger, general president of the IAFF, signed the IAFC/IAFF Labor-Management ...

Jan 01, 0001

Seven Rules for a Successful Fire Department

Recently, I read an article about seven rules for a successful NFL team; as I read, I couldn``t help applying ...

Jan 01, 0001

New, Free Guide Clears Up Confusion About Residential-Sprinkler Water Supply and Usage

In communities across the U.S. and Canada, a growing number of one- and two-family homes are being built with fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Incident Commanders: Maintain Two-Way Communication, Obtain Progress Reports and Revise the Action Plan

Maintain Frequent Two-Way Communication and Keep Interior Crews Informed of Changing ConditionsObjective: To ensure that the incident commander obtains ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Working Together as a Family

All my life, folks have told me that the fire service is like family. Boy, were those folks right! One ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pension Debate: Are We Out of Touch?

Organizations, like people, have personalities. As city manager, I was asked to meet with each of our employee unions in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Experience Versus Higher Education

When I started writing this article, I thought back to the earlier days in my career and the coffee-break conversations ...

Jan 01, 0001

Seatbelts: A Fire Chief`s Nightmare

Many fire chiefs have struggled for decades with the age-old question: "How do I get my firefighters to follow the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Overcoming Family Squabbles with Our Brothers and Sisters in Law Enforcement

"If you don``t like change, you``re going to like irrelevance even less."—General Eric Shinseki, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army...

Jan 01, 0001

Uniting on the Money Issues that Divide Our Families

We``re proud that the fire service is like a family. We eat together, sleep together and celebrate holidays together. We ...

Jan 01, 0001

Learn and Educate: Fireplace and Stove Glass Safety

The Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association (HPBA) has developed a suite of educational resources to help prevent burns that may ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Chris Barron Wins the John M. Buckman III Leadership Award

Chief Chris Barron is the 2012 winner of the John M. Buckman III Leadership Award, sponsored by Provident Insurance. Barron ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Blue Campaign: Combating Human Trafficking in Our Own Communities

(This article first appeared in the March 15, 2012, On Scene as the issue``s EMS column. Curtailing human trafficking remains ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: An Apple a Day

We all know the old saying that an apple a day will keep the doctor away. But, in this day ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Emerging Role of the Fire Service

News headlines demand that fire departments "Reduce staffing, cut costs, operate efficiently, do more with less, wear more than one ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: When Vanity Interferes with Safety

Over the years, I``ve heard many flawed excuses for not wearing personal protective equipment—everything from "a Nomex hood is dangerous ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Opportunity: Transforming Community Wellness

Most fire departments across the globe have within their missions a primary responsibility to protect life in their communities. The ...

Jan 01, 0001

Being the Eyes and Ears: Suspicious-Activity Reporting

Suspicious-activity reporting (SAR) is the basis of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security``s See Something, Say Something program. This program ...

Jan 01, 0001

Community Planning: Ensuring What You Need Will Be There When You`re Called

Preincident planning of commercial and industrial properties is an important function for the fire and emergency service. Planning for apparatus ...

Jan 01, 0001

Building Community, Building Resources

I recently surveyed several new fire chiefs, asking what was lacking in their education and preparation for becoming a fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Effective Campus-Safety Programs: Adapting to a Unique Community

Environmental health and safety (EHS) programs typically comprise several major disciplines: laboratory safety, occupational health and safety, environmental compliance, emergency ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Safety on College Campuses

Every fall, a mass migration happens in college towns everywhere as students start moving into residence halls, fraternities, sororities and ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Man in the Arena: All Our Small Actions Add Up

As fire-code officials, we hear the same questions asked by our own peers every day: "Why doesn``t the code require ...

Jan 01, 0001

Coalition for Current Safety Codes: Advancing Public Safety in the Built Environment

The International Code Council and the IAFC share a common mission of working hard every day to protect public health ...

Jan 01, 0001

Go Team Program Changes: New Federal Funding Guidelines, IAFC Solutions

The federal government has enacted a program change affecting the funding process for Go Team deployment. Under the new process, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Affordable Care Act Call to Action

Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA) and Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) worked together to introduce bipartisan legislation (H.R. ...

Jan 01, 0001

2015: By the Numbers

Growth, engagement, new opportunities—2015 was an exciting year at the IAFC. Click the image for a larger version (pdf).

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Service: Not Done Changing Yet

When you’re finished changing, you’re finished. ~Ben Franklin In Fred McChesney’s Washington Post op-ed (9/4/2015), he advocates that because the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Stay Vigilant in Light of Paris Attacks

Due to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, the IAFC recommends its members maintain a high level of vigilance and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor: Nominations Now Being Accepted

The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC and Motorola Solutions`` Benjamin Franklin Fire Service Award for Valor. Since ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Firefighter and Public Safety in the Built Environment

In July 2014, the ICC board of directors decided to sunset the activities of the Code Technology Committee by reassigning ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Bet You`ve Seen a Lot

In 2013, I attended Fire-Rescue International in Chicago, mostly to attend the SHS``s Section membership meeting—the section board``s annual opportunity ...

Jan 01, 0001

Education and Accreditation: To Serve, Meet the Requirements

A senior fire official I know once surprised me by saying that the National Fire Academy was a "bunch of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Why Near Misses Matter

Every day across the United States, firefighters and EMS providers expose themselves to dangerous conditions and situations. Things go wrong ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Learn to Love to Learn

Leaders aren``t born with leadership skills; true leadership skills must be developed. Our ability to be a good leader at ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Offers Condolences on Wildland Fire Deaths

It’s with heavy hearts that the members of the International Association of Fire Chiefs express our condolences on the tragic ...

Jan 01, 0001

OSHA`s Combustible Dust Firefighting Paper: "What`s in It for Me?"

We all understand that many materials are inherently combustible on their own—and there are ways to make them burn better. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Are We Playing Whack-A-Mole?

Are you familiar with the game called Whack-a-Mole? Found in game rooms in places like restaurants, malls and bowling alleys, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Case Study: Conscious, Critical Thinking

Many firefighter near misses and line-of-duty deaths share common elements. If we review these events as they relate to fireground ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Navigating Inevitable Change

A few years ago, Fire Chief and then IAFC President Jack Parow stated that the fire service saw 50 years ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: From Horse-Powered to Horsepower - What Will Fire Trucks Look Like in 2050?

In 1900, the automobile was the star of the 28th annual IAFC meeting. A majority of the show``s agenda was ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Facing the New Safety Realities as First Responders

In recent months, we``ve seen many incidents where fire and EMS personnel have been put in harm``s way. We``ve been ...

Jan 01, 0001

Labor-Management Initiative: Five Fitness-for-Duty Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

A labor organization has two goals: safety and fair compensation. We want to make sure everyone goes home and our ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: We Play Like We Practice

"Practice doesn``t make perfect, it reduces the imperfection." – Toba Beta, Master of Stupidity Football coach Vince Lombardi, when he ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: An Idea that Created Leaders

The key to moving any industry forward is taking an idea—be it simple or complex—and transforming it into something tangible. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Equipping Ourselves Now for the Fire Service of Tomorrow

The foundation of our careers has come from influences inside and outside the fire service. Every inspection, plan review, investigation, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Case Study: Research. Amend. Share.

As I review firefighter safety literature, I``m encouraged by the volume of information and anecdotes related to firefighter life safety. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Be a Better Leader for Tomorrow

Our parents try to instill in us as children the importance of education. We all choose different career paths, and ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Evolution in Fire Service Concepts

The economy, competition and a changing business environment require companies to diversify, change their business plans and adapt. Television networks ...

Jan 01, 0001

From Reactive to Proactive: Why We Must Address Active Shooter Issues Now

Those of us who chose the fire and EMS side of public service over law enforcement probably never considered we ...

Jan 01, 0001

A New Concept in Preparing Fire Chiefs

At many leadership-training programs conducted by the IAFC, new chiefs have indicated that when they walk into the office for ...

Jan 01, 0001

Leading from Within

The manner in which first responders answer calls has been likened to a major league pitcher being asked to jump ...

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet Update: D Block One Year Later

Title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 provided public safety with the needed ...

Jan 01, 0001

Making a Difference in the Counterterrorism Community

The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) has announced the standup of the Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team (JCAT), where public-safety professionals—fire service, ...

Jan 01, 0001

When Perception Is Reality, Image Is Everything

Over the course of the past several years, the fire service has been subject to increasing scrutiny. Economic pressures, evolving ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Reduce Utility Costs for Big Savings with Little Investment

When it comes to reducing operating costs for existing facilities, there is low hanging fruit to consider. Reductions can be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near-Miss Case Study: Sense-Making

In July``s article, we reviewed close calls and how they relate to a risk/benefit assessment and failure of firefighters or ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Making an Excellent Difference

With every promotion in the fire service comes a changing of the guard—an opportunity for someone to move up, to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Using Social Media in Fire and EMS

Many departments have taken advantage of the popularity of social media to connect with their communities and improve their public ...

Jan 01, 0001

Closing the Experience Gap Using Crisis Decision Training

Many think decision-making in crisis is essentially information management―that more information, presented in a better way, will result in a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Prevention and Mitigation Begins at Construction and Maintenance

Economic conditions have forced many fire departments to find innovative methods to do more with less. Most departments have faced ...

Jan 01, 0001

An Inconvenient Truth

As I write this column, the events in Yarnell, Ariz., are very fresh and raw. Just three days ago, 19 ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Changing When Change Is Hard

This is a very volatile time in the fire service and not an easy time to be a fire chief. ...

Jan 01, 0001

International Fire Code: Important Changes You Need to Know

The International Code Council (ICC) conducted hearings April 21-30 on proposals to several international codes, including the International Fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

NFIRS: What You Report Matters

"Speak with data…" is a saying in research and engineering that reinforces the need for data to support any position, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Meta-Leadership: Seeing Beyond Ourselves in Multidiscipline, Multijurisdictional Incidents

March 2010: a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, Calif., discovered an unattended piece of luggage next ...

Jan 01, 0001

New World Issue for Fire/EMS Leadership

The fire service is a victim of its own success! We``ve been very successful in educating the public about fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Spread the 811 Word: A Letter from the IAFC President and PHMSA

Dear IAFC Member, The IAFC and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) ask the nations fire service leaders ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Radio Discipline

A frequent contributing factor in firefighter casualties is too much radio traffic. This can have a significant impact on situational ...

Jan 01, 0001

How Accreditation Can Drive Fire, EMS Success

The United States has been besieged by economic pressures not felt since the 1920s and 1930s, and the fire service ...

Jan 01, 0001

Updating Policies and Practices: Recognizing the Need

We already know that practice makes perfect, and we also know it works. Over the past year, thanks to an ...

Jan 01, 0001

Cost of Fire: Economic Issues of Fire Prevention and Firefighting

The total cost of fire in the United States, based on the NFPA``s latest annual report, estimates $328 billion in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Getting Homebuilders on Board with Home Fire-Sprinklers

There``s been a lot of media coverage about code battles won and lost since the ICC``s 2009 International Building Code ...

Jan 01, 0001

Defining Teams and Team Building

Look It Up Take a look at team in a dictionary. That``s where a picture of a firefighter group should ...

Jan 01, 0001

Check Out the New Countering Violent Extremism and Active Shooter Portal

To counter violent extremism and prevent active-shooter events, DHS is working with government and civilian partners to better understand the ...

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet: Reviewing 2014 Progress and 2015 Priorities

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) took several important steps forward this year in our efforts to deploy a nationwide ...

Jan 01, 0001

IRS Shrinks Clothing Taxes: What You Need to Know

Is that old fire department t-shirt in the back of your closet really taxable income? The volunteer and combination fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Lame Duck or Productive Duck?

As 2014 starts winding down and winter is fast approaching, Congress is increasing its workload. Immediately after the mid-term elections, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Tax Reform: Not a Nickel-and-Dime Issue

Since January, the Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives and the Finance Committee in the Senate have ...

Jan 01, 0001

House Proposes FY 2015 Funding Levels for USFA and AFG Programs

On June 28, the House Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Subcommittee approved its draft of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 U.S. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Affordable Care Act Causing Concern for Fire Departments

In discussing historic healthcare legislation on March 10, 2010, former House Speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stated, "But we have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Making Cents: How Tax Reform Could Impact the Fire Service

The 114th Congress is off to a fast start, with the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance ...

Jan 01, 0001

Patching Patients and Ambulance Payments

Just as fire departments are trying to beat the clock when treating patients, Congress is trying to beat the clock ...

Jan 01, 0001

The ACA and Ambulance Transport Revenue

The Wicked Problem in Healthcare The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to solve wicked problems. The ...

Jan 01, 0001

President Obama Proposes Cuts to Major Fire Service Programs

On February 9, President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2017 Budget, his final budget proposal. This proposed budget contains cuts ...

Jan 01, 0001

NFPA 1917: The Search for a Safer Ambulance

Ambulance accidents causing serious injuries and fatalities are too common. Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows ...

Jan 01, 0001

Your Ambulance Reimbursement Methodology Is Going To Change!

Threats can turn into opportunities with strategic planning. A potential threat to your ambulance reimbursement rates needs your action now....

Jan 01, 0001

Calling for Changes on 911 Location Accuracy

Over the years, the American public has come to expect reliable 911 service. When citizens call 911, they``re usually in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Developing the Future with Vision

If you’re reading this article, at some point in your life you’ve made a decision to improve yourself, not only ...

Jan 01, 0001

Where Will Your Next Chief Come From?

It seems like more and more fire departments have to look to the outside for their next fire chief, for ...

Jan 01, 0001

Is Your Department Prepared for Mass-Casualty Events?

Despite only accounting for 5% of the global population, an outstanding 31% of the world’s mass shootings occur in the ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Home Structure Fire Remains a Serious Concern

According to the latest statistics from NFPA, only 4% of all fire department responses in 2014 were to fires. Some ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety Tips Help Prevent Burns from Gas Fireplaces and Stoves

According to a 2012 Hearth Consumer Survey, nearly 11 million existing households have a gas fireplace with a glass front, ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Fighting Fire Through Research

Since the bygone era of Benjamin Franklin`s Bucket Brigade in Philadelphia, our number-one job in the communities we serve is ...

Jan 01, 0001

Watering Liberty's Tree: Combatting Complacency in the Fire Service

The traditions of the fire service are part of what make it so attractive as a career and calling: From ...

Jan 01, 0001

New Emergency Response and Preparedness Standard at OSHA

In the wake of significant multiple-firefighter LODDs in recent years and recognizing an opportunity to do more to safeguard emergency ...

Jan 01, 0001

Government Relations for Company Officers

The typical day within a fire station has very little discussion of government structure, funding mechanisms and political views, but ...

Jan 01, 0001

GIS Use to Improve Response of Emergency Services

On September 27, 2008, near Andrews Air Force Base, first responders were delayed in getting to the crash site of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Got That App? Technology Driving Prevention

Google cars drive themselves now, devoid of human assistance, and Apple watches track biometrics, among other thing. I’ve written before ...

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet: Reviewing 2015 Progress and 2016 Priorities

As we look back on the past year, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is pleased by the many accomplishments ...

Jan 01, 0001

Improving Wireless 911 Location Accuracy Through Innovation and Collaboration

You know the importance of mobile wireless communications to public safety. Most people call 911 from their mobile phones because ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pilot Program Will Mitigate Effects of Wildland Fires

FEMA has announced a new pilot program to support communities’ recovery after wildland fires. FEMA will make Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding available for areas impacted by wildland fires following a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration made between ...

Jan 01, 0001

Grassroots Efforts Leads to Towns County WUI Success

Wildland fire in our own backyards is something most of us think will never happen, but it only takes one match, hot ashes dumped in the yard or a bonfire that we were sure was out to bring a disaster ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ready, Set, Go: Behavioral Change and Those Who Make It Happen

For the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS)—a Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) partner and a prominent force behind the effort to create behavioral change—part of behavioral change comes with understanding the term wildland fire. It's typically associated with wildland/urban interface (WUI) areas of moderate to heavy forest ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ready, Set, Go: Continued Community Efforts

The IAFC's Ready, Set, Go! (RSG!) Program successfully continues to help fire departments educate residents about wildland-fire risk and what they can do to potentially reduce property damage and improve personal safety as well as the safety of emergency responders. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety in the Wildland/Urban Interface: A Week to Remember, Reflect and Learn

This summer, the wildland fire community marks the 20-year anniversary of the South Canyon Fire accident and the one-year anniversary of the Yarnell Hill Fire accident. Though separated by 19 years, these accidents are bound together by several tragic commonalities. Both ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: A New EMS Award Program – In the Wildland World!

As leaders, we know the importance of recognizing our personnel for a job well done. From a simple thank you to a departmental memo or press release to an actual award or medal, there are a variety of ways to ...

Jan 01, 0001

When Community Education Leads to a Saved Life

On May 13, the City of Lompoc (Calif.) Fire Department responded to an early morning fire at an eight-unit apartment complex. Upon arrival, firefighters found a well-involved apartment unit with fire threatening to extend to adjacent apartments and the second ...

Jan 01, 0001

Addressing Wildland-Fire Risk in the Built Environment: A Cohesive Strategy

In 2000, the Colorado Springs Fire Chief Manuel Navarro challenged staff to "never let the public tell me that they didn't know we lived with a wildfire risk." Since then, Colorado Springs has taken an interactive approach to addressing wildland-fire risk ...

Jan 01, 0001

Senate Wildland Provision Will Add Planes to USFS's Fleet

In recent years, plane crashes have posed a major threat to the safety of wildland firefighters. This year alone, two crashes claimed the lives of six wildland firefighters. On Nov. 30, the U.S. Senate addressed this important issue by unanimously accepting ...

Jan 01, 0001

Texas Learns About Wildland Fire’s Year-Round Challenges

There’s an old joke that Alaska, the largest state in the United States, was going to divide into three equal parts, thus making Texas the fourth largest state. Alaskans may be making a point in this example, but no one ...

Jan 01, 0001

Wildland Fire Research: Mitigating the Effects of Ember Storm Conditions

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center has the unique distinction of being the only facility capable of subjecting full-scale buildings to ember storm conditions like those experienced in an actual wildland fire. The facility is ...

Jan 01, 0001

Regular Training and Outreach for the Irregular Event

While local fire departments are becoming increasingly engaged in wildland-fire response, many personnel based in structural firefighting aren’t receiving the necessary training in wildland firefighting for an effective and—most importantly—safe response. You may call them grass fires, forest fires, swamp fires, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership - Applied Research and Hazmat Issues

Applied research is a form of systematic inquiry involving the practical application of science; it refers to the scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical problems. Those of us that are enrolled in or have graduated from the ...

Jan 01, 0001

A Potential Game Changer for the Next Call

The pipeline incident may have happened more than six years ago, but it’s a vivid memory that hasn’t faded for ...

Jan 01, 0001

How Research Changes Response

Let’s go back to the early 1980s: the fire service was just starting to respond to a new emergency response, ...

Jan 01, 0001

A Game without Rules

Imagine yourself playing on a football team in the NFL. However, imagine that there are no written rules. The coaches ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteers and the 114th Congress: Where Are We Now?

The first half of the 114th Congress is rapidly coming to a close and it’s been quite a session! Some ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Response in POVs Poses Risks

As a young volunteer firefighter, still in high school, I can remember driving at high speed, flying along curved rural ...

Jan 01, 0001

2012 President's Award Reflects Historic Achievement

Each year, the outgoing IAFC president honors individuals from the fire and emergency service who have contributed in a significant ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Metcalf Presents 2014 President's Awards at Fire-Rescue International

For decades, almost since the very beginnings of the fire-protection profession, we have learned through the school of practical experience ...

Jan 01, 0001

Where Is the Financial Evidence?

Before you change over your entire department to a different EMS model, do you have the evidence you need to be successful?

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Compton Honored with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Chief Dennis Compton has been named the 2016 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Safety: The Company Officer's Dilemma

Whether you're a company officer in charge of a three-person company, a station or an entire shift, the top priority ...

Jan 01, 0001

Maintaining Our Most Valuable Resources

Safety, effectiveness and efficiency are definitely concerns we evaluate constantly. It’s through addressing these three basic concerns that you, as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Finding Facts is the Mission; Preventing Cancer is the Goal

How many times have you been excited to hear about a newly released study on firefighter cancer only to put ...

Jan 01, 0001

Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med

At Fire-Rescue Med, the IAFC's EMS Section honored two fire departments with the annual Heart Safe ...

Jan 01, 0001

Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Nomination Period Now Open

The highest national award for valor by a public-safety officer is awarded annually by the president or vice president of the United States.

Jan 01, 0001

Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Nomination Period Now Open

May 31 marked the opening of the 2015–2016 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor nomination period.The highest national award ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Applied Research and Hazmat Issues

Applied research is a form of systematic inquiry involving the practical application of science; it refers to the scientific study ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Fighting Fire Through Research

Since the bygone era of Benjamin Franklin``s Bucket Brigade in Philadelphia, our number-one job in the communities we serve is ...

Jan 01, 0001

NFPA, IAFC and NVFC Launch 2016 Safety Stand Down Quiz Sweepstakes

As part of the 2016 Safety Stand Down, the "Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz" Sweepstakes is back. Hosted by ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Endorses Creation of a National Firefighter Cancer Registry

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today voiced strong support of bipartisan legislation to create a ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Declares Support for National Fire Service Cancer Initiative

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Board of Directors has adopted a position statement in support ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: The IAFC's Unsung Heroes

I want to thank the EMS Section for allowing me to hijack this month's EMS column to acknowledge the unsung ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Preparing for "The First Five Minutes"

The topic of this year``s Safety Stand Down is “The First Five Minutes! Stretching the Initial Hose Line—Water on the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Let's Call Things by Their Proper Names

This year the fire service will hold its’s sixth Wingspread Conference. These conferences, which are held just once a decade, ...

Jan 01, 0001

House of Representatives Passes PREPARE Act

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today applauded House passage of the PREPARE Act (H.R. 3583). ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pilot Departments for National Recruitment and Retention Program Named

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has selected the departments that will participate in the IAFC's ...

Jan 01, 0001

Board Updates and Ways to Get Involved

As we approach 1,000 paid members in this relatively new EFO Section (EFOS), I want to provide you with some ...

Jan 01, 0001

Check Your Bus Ticket First

If you're like me, it's hard to determine what the real facts are about implementing mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) or ...

Jan 01, 0001

Driving Community Leadership

Often we think of the fire department as a standalone entity with a single goal, albeit with a wide mission ...

Jan 01, 0001

Hot Spots in Wildland Fire Funding

Wildland fire suppression is a costly endeavor; everything—from air tankers to personnel and hand rakes to bulldozers—costs money. At $2.1 billion, last year was the costliest year ever when it comes to wildland fire suppression. In fact, federal wildland fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Emergency Service Priorities Heard on Capitol Hill

Fairfax, Va. - The top elected leaders of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) met this week with key ...

Jan 01, 0001

Condolences for Chief Hilton, IAFC President 1990-1991

It is with great sadness that the IAFC expresses its sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of retired ...

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

Fear and Intimidation Don't Deter the Fire Service

IAFC board members, members and staff are being harassed and lied to by representatives of a Nevada-based union that is ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: IAFC Affirms Current Organizational Structure

It’s healthy for organizations to take a close look at themselves and consider whether they are best positioned to carry ...

Jan 01, 0001

EFOS Elections: Two Division Board Seats on Ballot

Two division representatives on the EFO Section board are up for election this year. Any EFO Section member in good ...

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

Narcan for Everyone (iChiefs Article)

Firefighters and EMS providers should all become familiar with Narcan and consider carrying it in their EMS bags.

Jan 01, 0001

Watering Liberty's Tree: Combatting Complacency in the Fire Service

The traditions of the fire service are part of what make it so attractive as a career and calling: From ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Home Structure Fire Remains a Serious Concern

According to the latest statistics from NFPA, only 4% of all fire department responses in 2014 were to fires. Some ...

Jan 01, 0001

Narcan for Everyone

Drug overdose deaths have steadily increased; they now lead all causes of injury-related deaths, having surpassed motor vehicle crashes several ...

Jan 01, 0001

Big Data and Medical Hotspotting to Enhance Community Health and Prosperity

During election season at all levels of government, we as constituents are inundated with ideas from incumbents and their opponents ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Board Approves Technical Amendment to Bylaws

Last year, IAFC members overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the IAFC Constitution and Bylaws which establishes minimum qualifications for section ...

Jan 01, 0001

Kidde, Craig Morgan and Fire Service Organizations Kick Off "Step Up and Stand Out"

Kidde Fire Safety has teamed up with Craig Morgan, Country Music star and former first responder, Firehouse, the International ...

Jan 01, 0001

Unmanned Aerial Systems Task Force Begins Work

Technology continues to expand and elevate the capabilities for emergency responders. Most recently, one of those technology advancements for fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Community Wildfire Readiness: National Need, Local Tools

CWR provides the fire service and other targeted groups with the tools, resources, guidance and support to prepare for the threat of wildland fire.

Jan 01, 0001

Planning for a Chemical Emergency

In December 1984, a gas that’s used in the production of insecticide was accidentally and unknowingly released upon the public. ...

Jan 01, 0001

All-Hazards Planning: Team Approach

When developing an all-hazards emergency operations plan for your jurisdiction, one of the key things to remember is not to ...

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 ...

Jan 01, 0001

Managing Diversity and Inclusion

The fire service continually hears about the importance of diversity and how important it is to an organization and its ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ready, Set, Go! Program Announces 2016 Award Winners

RSG honor outstanding efforts by both volunteer and paid/combination departments and state-level agencies for using the RSG!

Jan 01, 0001

2016 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) announced the names of the individuals who have been accepted ...

Jan 01, 0001

Local First Responders Adapting to New Terror Threats

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

Jan 01, 0001

Nominate Now: Fire Chief of the Year

Fairfax, Va. - Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year. Since 1996 ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ben Franklin Award for Valor: Nominations Now Being Accepted

Fairfax, Va. - The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC/Motorola Solutions Ben Franklin Award for Valor. Since 1970, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Partnership Announces 2016 Wildfire Mitigation Awardees

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Jan 01, 0001

AIG, IAFC Announce Funding to Support Wildfire Awareness and Preparedness Program

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Jan 01, 0001

Diversity, Inclusion and Safety

If the past is prologue, there’s much to be learned about the effect of diversity and inclusion on safety.The ...

Jan 01, 0001

Advantages of Diversity and Inclusiveness

If you think that diversity is only about race, gender, religion, age or sexual orientation, you’d be mistaken. It’s also ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Time to Lead on Diversity and Inclusion

When a 26-year-old woman emerges from her Louisiana firefighting academy in April, she will be the only female firefighter in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Mentoring in a Diverse Organization

Over the past 25 years, mentoring has been used in both formal and informal settings. One reason organizations use mentors ...

Jan 01, 0001

Video: Chief Tim Wall details free resources available to help chiefs run their volunteer and combination departments

Chief Tim Wall details many of the free resources available to help chiefs run their volunteer and combination departments in this ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officers in 2015 and Beyond

The IAFC has recognized the progression of leaders within the fire service and recognizes the benefits of beginning the leadership ...

Jan 01, 0001

We Need Comprehensive WUI Fire Prevention

On November 9, the White House hosted the Fire Chiefs`` White House Roundtable: Climate Impacts on the Wildland Urban Interface ...

Jan 01, 0001

SAR: Putting It All Together, Part II

January 2013: three weeks before President Obama’s second inauguration As planning continued for the upcoming inauguration, the fire departments of ...

Jan 01, 0001

We Don't Know What We Don't Ask

I joined fire service leaders from the IAFC, the U.S. Fire Administration, the International Association of Firefighters, FEMA’s Grants Directorate, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Fiscal 2016 Funding for Critical Fire Service Programs

Fairfax, Va. - Today, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to fund the federal government through the end of fiscal year ...

Jan 01, 0001

AIG and IAFC Announce Funding to Support Community Fuels Mitigation Programs for Local Fire Departments

RSG fuels mitigation grants assist local departments establish or enhance community fuels mitigation programs, educate resident about wildfire readiness and encourage personal action.

Jan 01, 0001

Call to Action: Call Congress in Support of the Zadroga Act

Fairfax, Va. - Congress is expected to recess by December 18 and is working on end-of-year legislation to fund the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Active Shooter, Hacktivist Resources Available

Fairfax, Va. - In light of recent mass casualty events both nationally and internationally, the IAFC urges fire departments to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Recruitment Tips: Beyond Open Houses

It’s common knowledge that many departments are currently facing a shortage of volunteers. The fall season is often a time ...

Jan 01, 0001

Can Diversity Save the Volunteer Fire Service?

I don't need to recite the statistics; we all know the problem. We need to be honest with ourselves and ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, VCOS, Kidde Home Safety Team Up with Country Music Star to Recognize Volunteer Firefighters

Country Music star and former first responder Craig Morgan joined representatives of Kidde Fire Safety, the International Association of Fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: IAFC, VCOS, iWomen to Partner on SAFER Grant

As the first woman president of the IAFC and former chair of the IAFC Human Relations Committee, I am proud ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: How's Our Message?

In late summer, I watched several hours of coverage over several weeks about the rampant flooding in Texas. Reporting on ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Receives Motorola Solutions Foundation Public Safety Grant

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has received significant grant award as part of the Motorola ...

Jan 01, 0001

What's on Your Website?

I think it’s fair to say that over the past 20 years, the fire service as a whole has improved ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Urges Bipartisan Wildland Fire Suppression Funding Reform

Fairfax, Va. – Testifying before a House Agriculture Committee panel, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) this week reaffirmed its strong support of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and urged the administration and Congress to address the increasing ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC to Develop Rail Safety Program Thanks to ALERT Grant

Fairfax, Va. - With support from a new $2.6 million federal grant, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) will ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Fire Prevention Week Revival

As firefighters, we’re proud to show off our fire apparatus, equipment and PPE. We have campaigns to change the batteries ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Prevention Key to Eliminating the LODD

What can we do to minimize or even eliminate the LODD? In one word: prevention. A constant commitment to this singular idea by every chief officer in every fire/rescue department worldwide is the key.

Jan 01, 0001

Virginia Beach Crew Receives Highest Honor for Complex Mass Casualty Rescue

Fairfax, Va. - It's spring break for a family when a scenic ride home from a day at Virginia Beach ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chiefs from Texas and Virginia Named IAFC Fire Chiefs of the Year

Fairfax, Va. & The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Pierce Manufacturing today announced the 2015 winners of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Austin Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr Installed as IAFC President

Fairfax, Va. - Austin Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, a fourth-generation firefighter, was installed today as president and chair of ...

Jan 01, 0001

FirstNet Fire Update

As vice chair of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board, I am pleased to provide this update to fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Education and Today's Complex Fire and Emergency Service

Even new fire service members have very little inspiration to attain more education; they simply want to slay the dragon. ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Heart of a Firefighter: Listen to Your Body!

On April 14, while getting ready for a trip to Washington for CFSI the next morning, I began to not ...

Jan 01, 0001

Don't Be Left Out in the Cold... or the Wind, or the Rain or the Snow

A recent report from the National Climatic Data Center, “Billion Dollar U.S. Weather/Climate Disasters,” clearly shows what a year we ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, NVFC Release Report on POV Safety for ESO Responses

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) today released a ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Welcomes Company Officers as Official IAFC Section

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is pleased to announce the formation of the IAFC Company ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Applauds FirstNet Leadership Appointments

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today issued the following statement regarding the creation of CEO ...

Jan 01, 0001

Marketing and Branding – Your Number is 9-1-1 - Do You Know Theirs?

It goes without saying: "We can take comfort in knowing our customers will immediately call 9-1-1 when they need us." ...

Jan 01, 0001

New Rules for High-Hazard Flammable Trains

On May 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued final rulemaking that addresses the ongoing hazards and risks associated ...

Jan 01, 0001

What's Keeping Your Personnel from Promoting?

More and more departments have to conduct nationwide searches for the executive-level chief officers. Is this a bad thing or ...

Jan 01, 0001

Bruce Johnson Receives Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award

Bruce Johnson, Senior Regulatory Engineer in the Codes & Advisory Services department received the Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award. The award honors those who have dedicated themselves to saving lives and property through the development of codes, fire-prevention ...

Jan 01, 0001

Leadership Development: An Obligation

This in-depth article compiles research and recommendations from experts in the arena of leadership development.

Jan 01, 0001

Regional Collaborations

After surveying the community, you’re reassured that the community will support your organization, but their expectations involve planning and response ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Jenkins Elected IAFC 2nd VP

Fairfax, Va. - The unofficial results of the IAFC election have been returned; they show that Chief Tom Jenkins, Rogers ...

Jan 01, 0001

Suspicious Activity Reporting: Misrepresentation, Theft, Loss and Diversion

Often during the course of a terrorist planning cycle, an attack plot combines multiple activities. Misrepresentation and theft/loss/diversion are often ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: What Don't We Do?

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that when people don’t know who to call, they call 911. We respond to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Any Call Any Time

As company officers, we must be prepared for any call at any time. Most of us graduated from the fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Remain Alert for Suspicious Activity

Fairfax, Va. - Recent attacks and ongoing threats to law enforcement, military, and other government personnel by terrorist groups and ...

Jan 01, 0001

FRI 2015 to Convene Thousands of Fire Service Leaders in Atlanta

Fairfax, Va. - More than 10,000 fire and emergency service leaders, experts, exhibitors, guests and industry partners from around the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Preplanning for All Hazards

NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, sets guidelines to develop preplans for specific locations. As written, nothing limits 1620 to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: There's Always Something

It seems not a day goes by without another problem, issue or challenge for fire and EMS rearing its ugly ...

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Performance Metrics—The Value of Leading AND Lagging Indicators

Assessments of performance in an organization are sometimes driven by stories, reports and observations of failure. This approach to decision-making ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Principles of Effective Organizational Structures

Most if not all fire departments around the globe operate in a quasi-military fashion: top down leadership, with clearly defined ...

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Compass Seeks Performance Measure Suggestions

Fairfax, Va. - The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) recently announced a call for measures as part of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "The Walking Dead"

This very popular television show is about post-apocalyptic life after the human population suffered a significant event from a biological ...

Jan 01, 0001

Industry Experts, First Responders to Address Hazmat Issues in Baltimore

Fairfax, Va. - The 2015 International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference will be held May 28-31 at the Hilton Baltimore. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Building Equity at the Kitchen Table

Most fire service professionals are adept at overcoming challenges encountered on the fireground. Using the knowledge, skills and abilities imparted ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Not a Politician? Think Again

I’m not a politician. I don’t get involved in politics.Recognize these statements? Have you ever heard them come from ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Wins 2015 Gold Circle Award for Association Marketing Excellence

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today announced it has been recognized by the American Society ...

Jan 01, 0001

2015 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today announced the participants accepted into the third-year of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and USFA Release National Safety Culture Change Initiative Report

Emmitsburg, Md. - The IAFC and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) have released the National Safety Culture Change Initiative (NSCCI) report. ...

Jan 01, 0001

RSG Awards Presented at WUI 2015

The IAFC’s Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Program presented their awards to four recipients last month at the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) 2015 Conference in Reno, Nev. The winners successfully incorporated the RSG! Program in their prefire mitigation or preparedness outreach and have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Relevant to the Community!

While preparing to write this article about how we in the fire service maintain our community relevance, I have to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Suspicious Activity Reporting: See Something, Say Something—But To Whom?

Does your department know how to report SARs? Bomb. Fuse. Convention. These three words, written in the margin of a ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Leaders Hit Capitol Hill for U.S. Fire Service Priorities

Fairfax, Va. - The top elected leaders of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) are meeting this week with ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Oklahoma City April 1995 – A Look Back

Oklahoma City, April 19, 1995, 9:01 AM. Yes, it was 20 years ago. When people find out I’m with the ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President: There Is a Real Chemical Weapons Threat

Fairfax, Va. - Fire Chief G. Keith Bryant, IAFC president and chairman of the board, testified today before a panel ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, NVFC Encourage Departments to Create a Culture of Safety

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have announced the theme for the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Onieal Honored with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Fairfax, Va. - National Fire Academy (NFA) Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal has been named the 2015 recipient of the James ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President: First Responders Must Be Prepared for Chemical Weapons Threat

Fairfax, Va. Fire Chief G. Keith Bryant, IAFC president and chairman of the board, testified before a U.S. House ...

Jan 01, 0001

FireRescue1, Fire Chief Announce Premier Media Partnership with International Association of Fire Chiefs

San Francisco - FireRescue1.com and FireChief.com, leading online resources for the firefighting community, have announced a strategic content and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rail Transportation of Hazardous Materials

The fire service continues to experience concerns related to the various hazards that face our communities; responders face ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President: FirstNet is Critically Important to Public Safety

Fairfax, Va. - G. Keith Bryant, IAFC president and chairman of the board, today testified before the U.S. Senate Committee ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association Announces the Kick-Off of the Everyday Hero Recruitment Campaign

Cromwell, Conn. - Today, the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Avoiding Complacency in Your Leadership Role

Great leaders work most of their careers to become who they are and to get where they are, either as ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Supports Bill to Protect Volunteer Incentives

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today applauded bipartisan legislation that would protect incentives for volunteer ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Urges Full-Year Fiscal 2015 Funding of FEMA

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today issued the following statement: "The IAFC is urging ...

Jan 01, 0001

What Company Officers Need to Know to Save Lives

Whether a plan for a terrorist attack is homegrown or originates overseas,important knowledge that may forewarn of a future ...

Jan 01, 0001

How to Write a Compelling Annual Report: Post Webinar Q&A

Dr. Pat Lynch's post webinar Q & A from her "How to Write a Compelling Annual Report" presentation

Jan 01, 0001

SAFER Grant Application Period Now Open

Fairfax, Va., - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opened its application period for the SAFER Grant program today. ...

Jan 01, 0001

President Obama Proposes FY 2016 Budget

On February 2, President Obama released his fiscal year 2016 budget. The $4.066 trillion request must now be considered by ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Executive Development Institute 2015

Fairfax, Va. - Based on the success of the first two Fire Service Executive Development Institutes (FSEDI), the IAFC received ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Addresses FCC on 911 Accuracy

Fairfax, Va. - Fire Chief G. Keith Bryant, IAFC president and chairman of the board, today appeared before the Federal ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Saving Firefighters from Themselves

Several weeks ago, I attended the RESCUES stakeholder meeting at IAFC headquarters with fellow practitioners and academic professionals who are ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Offers Federal Policy Changes to Fight Wildland Fire

Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today recommended several federal policy changes before a U.S. House Transportation Committee panel to help FEMA play a more beneficial role in the fight against costly wildland fires. In 2013, wildland ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Fire Service Culture—The Good and the Bad

At the IAFC strategic planning meeting in January 2013, a group was formed and tasked with identifying the most critical ...

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Do You See What I See?

Are We Paying Attention: Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activities

Jan 01, 0001

Tackling Fire Service Suicide: A Reality Check

We Are Our Brothers' and Sisters' Keepers

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Applauds Bill to Protect Volunteer Fire Departments

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives`` passage of legislation, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Changes in Federal Wildland Fire Protection Program Impact Local Fire Departments

Fairfax, Va. – Earlier this year, through an agreement between the General Service Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the Wildland Fire Protection Program (WFPP) was transferred to DLA's control in May 2014. The WFPP provides access to local and ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Take Time to Reflect, Connect and Protect

To say that there``s no shortage of issues, challenges and problems that we as fire chiefs and chief officers continually ...

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes FY 2015 Funding Bill

On Saturday, the Senate passed a $1.1 trillion bill (H.R. 83) to fund most of the federal government through fiscal ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Testifies Before U.S. Congress on Medical Countermeasures

Today, Chief Al Gillespie, IAFC president and chairman of the board, testified before members of Congress urging the U.S. government ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Making of a Volunteer in a Volunteer/Combination Department

Here's a deeper look at what volunteers are seeking through their service to their communities with your fire department.

Jan 01, 0001

Firehouse.com Article on VCOS 20th Anniversary

An article by Janet A. Wilmoth posted on November 13, 2014. "VCOS Celebrates 20 Years" (Photo is of ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Announces Gift to Firefighter Cancer Support Group

Clearwater, Fla. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) announced it will ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Ebola in the United States - Do I Have Your Attention?

The latest concern to public health—the diagnosis of Ebola—is now within our borders and therefore an obvious concern to America``s ...

Jan 01, 0001

Grassroots Recruiting: Increasing the Ranks with Decreasing Budgets

It will be no surprise to any of you that one of the primary chronic problems facing volunteer and combination ...

Jan 01, 0001

AFG Program Application Period Opens November 3

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that the FY 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Grant application period will open ...

Jan 01, 0001

Exploring "Living in the Line of Duty"

In "Living in the Line of Duty," the authors, Chief Dennis Rubin and Kimberly Vásconez, discuss the challenges ...

Jan 01, 0001

iWomen: No Place for Sexual Assault in Fire Service

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services (iWomen) today released a frank and powerful ...

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Resources Available for Ebola Preparedness

Fairfax, Va. - With the announcement yesterday of a patient in Dallas who has been diagnosed as having Ebola, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Supports Bill to Preserve Surplus Equipment Program

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today applauded legislation that would protect two federal programs that ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and Pierce Manufacturing Honor 2014 Volunteer and Career Fire Chiefs of the Year

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, today ...

Jan 01, 0001

Succession Planning or Succession Program?

When chiefs see the phrase succession planning, many think they need to develop a plan for who will succeed them. Building a succession program is a better approach.

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: ICS—Now More Than Ever

Emergency Medical Services:

Jan 01, 0001

"What is a FSEDI?"

At FRI this year, it seemed like everywhere you looked, there was someone with a name badge ribbon "FSEDI." Actually, ...

Jan 01, 0001

¿Hablas Español? Engaging Your Spanish-Speaking Community

Communicating with non-English speakers presents a challenge to first responders, whether it's an emergency situation or not. In conjunction with National Hispanic Month (which begins September 15), the Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Program and Austin (Texas) Fire Department is releasing ...

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from NFPA

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today accepted an Ice Bucket Challenge from the National Fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Annual Conference Delivers in Dallas

Fairfax, Va. - Fire and emergency service leaders, exhibitors, guests and industry partners from around the globe took over the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Metcalf Presents 2014 President`s Awards at Fire-Rescue International

Every year at Fire-Rescue International, the IAFC president honors individuals from the fire service who have contributed in a significant way during the president`s term. Here are the presentations Chief Bill Metcalf made in Dallas in August.

Jan 01, 0001

The Time Is Now: Leading with Character, Courage and Resiliency

The other evening, as I was watching our local professional basketball team in a playoff game, I observed a homemade ...

Jan 01, 0001

National Spotlight on Ethics: IAFC Ready to Respond

Fire and EMS leaders should also investigate if guidance and resources are available at the state level.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Share, Listen, Let Go

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival:

Jan 01, 0001

Leave Your Mark: Fire-Adapted Community Leaders

The IAFC’s Community Wildfire Readiness (CWR) Program addresses a key component of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and supports local fire department initiatives to establish and enhance local-level fire-adapted efforts.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Keith Bryant Sworn In as IAFC President and Chairman of the Board

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has installed Chief G. Keith Bryant, fire chief of Oklahoma City ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Honors Kaua'i Fire Department for Overnight Rescue of 121 Hikers

Fairfax, Va. - The daring two-day rescue of 121 hikers stranded by a sudden flash flood along the Kalalau Trail ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC VCOS and TargetSolutions Announce Winner of 2014 Training Officer Recognition Award

Fairfax, Va. 8212; Every year that TargetSolutions attends Fire-Rescue International (FRI), it`s special. The IAFC`s annual conference, scheduled this ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Throwdown Hits Dallas for Fire-Rescue International

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) will host the second-ever Firefighter Throwdown at Fire-Rescue International 2014...

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC to Commemorate Vietnam War Veterans

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is proud to serve as a commemorative partner in the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Calif. Fire Marshal Earns Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award

Fairfax, Va. - California Fire Marshal Tonya L. Hoover will be honored with the 2014 Excellence in Fire and Life ...

Jan 01, 0001

"Everyone and Their Brother"

Everyone's talking about firefighters killed in the line of duty. Some died necessarily; doing what was expected and following training policies, they took a risk based on the size-up and it didn't work out. Not all LODDs are avoidable, but most are.

Jan 01, 0001

Marc Sampson Receives 2014 FLSS Scholarship

Marc Sampson of City of Longmont Colorado has been named recipient of the FLSS/IAFC Foundation Scholarship to attend the 2014 Harvard Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies program. "We are pleased to make the award announcement to Marc Sampson and ...

Jan 01, 0001

FSEDI Participants Complete First Week of Yearlong Executive Development Program

Fairfax, Va. - Twenty-two members of the 2014 Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) have completed the first week of ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC: Education Through Planning and Training in Enhancing Crude Oil Shipment Safety

The IAFC today responded to the U.S. Department of Transportation's May 7 Emergency Restriction/Prohibition Order requiring all railroads operating trains ...

Jan 01, 0001

Communicating Safety Measures to Your Community in an Emergency

Is your department ready to order a public evacuation if a wildland fire threatens your community? Do you have the ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Welcomes Executive Fire Officers as Official Section

Fairfax, Va. - The organization formerly known as the National Society of Executive Fire Officers (NSEFO) has received unanimous approval ...

Jan 01, 0001

Sinclair Recognized with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Fairfax, Va. - Fire Chief John Sinclair, Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue Department in Ellensburg, Wash., has been named the ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Leaders Ask Administration, Congress to Support Fire Service Priorities

Fairfax, Va. - IAFC leaders met recently with key U.S. administration and congressional leaders to raise awareness in Washington about ...

Jan 01, 0001

TRIPwire: Bomb Prevention at Your Fingertips

From local bomb threats to last year``s Boston Marathon bombings, first responders are the first line of defense against improvised ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Tells House Subcommittee of "Major Problems" with Preparedness Grant Proposal

Fairfax, Va. - IAFC President and Chairman of the Board Bill Metcalf today testified before the U.S. House of Representatives ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Member Offers NTSB Ideas to Plan for the Safe Rail Transport of Crude Oil and Ethanol

Fairfax, Va. - Assistant Chief Rick Edinger, vice chair of the IAFC's Hazardous Materials Committee, today testified at the National ...

Jan 01, 0001

Officers Selected for Fire Service Executive Development Institute for 2014 Session

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) announced the cadre of students accepted into the 2014 session ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Feed Your Lawn—Feed It!

Fire & Life Safety:

Jan 01, 0001

Write Successful Grant Applications: Ten Steps for Fire-Service Grant Funding

Funding is uppermost in our thoughts as we strive to serve our communities. Now`s a good time to consider your funding needs and how to meet them, and this guide will help you in that process.

Jan 01, 0001

New PSA Showcases the Power of Resident Actions to be Fire-Adapted

Fairfax, Va. - The opening general session at the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Conference provided the backdrop to debut a public-service ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and IBHS Announce Funding to Support Wildfire Preparedness Program

Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) have announced that IBHS will provide additional funding for a grant program that provides Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) members with resources to implement the RSG ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Ready, Set, Go! Awards Honor Outstanding Outreach Efforts

Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Program has announced the winners of its inaugural awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievements by indiviudals and departments in implementing and maintaining a successful RSG program in the community. They honor ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, NFPA Sign Memorandum of Understanding with UK's Chief Fire Officers Association

March 13, 2014 - As wildland fire risk to people and property continues to be a growing international problem, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Continues Growth of Next-Generation Fire Service Leaders with Support from Motorola Solutions Foundation

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today announced it has received a grant as part of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pierce to Partner on IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award

Fairfax, Va. - Pierce Manufacturing, a long-time supporter in recognizing excellence among fire service leaders, has partnered with the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Will G. May Jr. Named as IAFC's National Wildland Fire Coordinator

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has named Will G. May Jr. as its new national ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officers: White Helmets & Battlefields—A Military Approach to Incident Command

Executive Fire Officers:

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Is Your Fire Department All-Hazards All the Time?

Fire & Life Safety:

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: A Sensitive Subject?

At the risk of offending good friends and a portion of the IAFC membership, I feel compelled to bring up ...

Jan 01, 0001

Near Miss Reporting System Relaunched to Turn Lessons Learned into Lessons Applied

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is relaunching the Near Miss Reporting System to provide a more interactive user ...

Jan 01, 0001

Now Available: Medical Evaluation Implementation Guide

The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival (SHS) Section has developed A Fire Department's Guide to Implementing NFPA 1582 (pdf, 9MB), ...

Jan 01, 0001

Check out the new Near Miss Reporting System

VCOS is a proud supporter of the Near Miss Reporting System. The Near Miss website is being relaunched over ...

Jan 01, 0001

Doing It Differently—Back to the Future at Symposium in the Sun

This year, VCOS Symposium in the Sun``s theme was "Do It Different: Back to the Future." Our new hotel, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Who's In Your Network?

Emergency Medical Services:

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, NVFC Encourage Departments to "Train Like You Fight"

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have announced the theme for the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Treasury Clarifies Treatment of Volunteer Firefighters According to PPACA

Today, the Treasury Department issued a clarification that fire departments will not have to provide health insurance to volunteer firefighters....

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Bill Metcalf, IAFC president, interviewed on Fox and Friends about effects of the PPACA on volunteer fire departments

Watch the interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BtNEaJtYiA&feature=youtu.be For more information about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, visit the IAFC``s Government ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Safety Call to Action: New Research Informs Need for Updated Procedures, Policies

Given the recent proven research by Underwriter Laboratories and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, this call to action ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Flu Vaccine Options—Boost Your Department Participation

Emergency Medical Services:

Jan 01, 0001

National Fire Service Organizations Address Volunteer Fire Service Concerns With the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), ...

Jan 01, 0001

What the IAFC Does for You: Key Resources and Making Your Voice Heard

Before you pack up 2013, take a look back at some of the IAFC?s work that influenced member`s work and careers this year and that can help you shape a successful year ahead.

Jan 01, 0001

Five Wicked Issues We Can No Longer Ignore

The future fate of the fire and emergency service depends on finding solutions to the macro-level problems underlying the many challenges we face on a daily basis.

Jan 01, 0001

How Will You Use Public Safety Broadband?

Public safety organizations like the IAFC are working with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as they build the nation``s ...

Jan 01, 0001

NIOSH Respirators User Notice: Chemical Warfare Agents

IAFC members should take note that The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued a Respirators User ...

Jan 01, 0001

FIRE 20/20 Introduces Free Diversity Recruitment Video for Volunteer and Combination Departments

Why I Chose Fire™: Next Generation is a free volunteer firefighter recruitment video designed to encourage qualified, inclusive, diverse and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officers: Leading with Integrity—An Ethical Approach

Executive Fire Officers:

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief Tells Congress the Nation Has More Work to Do on National Preparedness

Today Chief Jim Schwartz, chair of the IAFC's Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Asks IRS to Clarify Treatment of Volunteer Firefighters Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), has issued official comment (pdf) on the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) deliberations in ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: We Need You!

The IAFC is the professional association representing fire and emergency service leaders in the United States, Canada and worldwide. We``re ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and TransCanada Partner for Pipeline Safety

TransCanada and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have commenced a four-year partnership aimed at improving pipeline safety awareness ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Bill Metcalf Installed as IAFC President and Chairman of the Board

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has installed Chief William R. "Bill" Metcalf, EFO, CFO, fire chief of ...

Jan 01, 0001

NFPA 704 "Diamond" and OSHA GHS Labels

When OSHA announced that it was updating its Hazard Communication Standard to include the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: A New EMS Award Program - In the Wildland World!

Emergency Medical Services:

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC at 140: Persistence in Practices, Policies in Fire Protection

The IAFC at 140:

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Launches Bugle Brief

Beginning August 8, the IAFC will offer a new resource called Bugle Brief, which offers leadership lessons and management ...

Jan 01, 0001

Battalion Chief Sean DeCrane Earns Fire & Life Safety Award

Sean DeCrane, battalion chief and director of training for the Cleveland (Ohio) Department of Public Safety``s Division of Fire, has ...

Jan 01, 0001

PHMSA Emergency Recall: Propane Tanks

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued an emergency recall order of 55,000 propane tanks manufactured by ...

Jan 01, 0001

Call to Action: Stand Up for Safety

The International Association of Fire Chiefs, under the leadership of its Safety Health and Survival Section (SHS), has announced ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: The Value of the Near-Miss Reporting System - A Firsthand Account

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival:

Jan 01, 0001

Mentoring Program for Future Chiefs

The International Association of Fire Chiefs has launched a new mentoring program targeted to company officers as part of its ...

Jan 01, 0001

Don't Miss Out: Make the IAFC a Safe Sender

The IAFC is calling on its members to make sure IAFC communications are recognized as safe by your internet service ...

Jan 01, 0001

House Considering FY 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Update: This bill passed the U.S. House of Represenatives on June 6, 2013. The Senate still has to consider its ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates Recognize National EMS Week

Sunday May 19, 2013 marks the beginning of National EMS Week and presents an opportunity to honor the men and ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and IBHS Urge Congress to Enact Federal Building Code Measure

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) joined the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in calling upon the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Brame Recognized with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Brame (Retired) from North Las Vegas has been named the 2013 recipient of the James O. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Open the Doors! Being Neighbors to Those We Serve

First responders and our firehouses are vulnerable to threats and security is an issue, so some of us have closed the doors, putting up a barrier between those we serve and us; we need to find a safe balance. The first step is to simply open our door ...

Jan 01, 0001

Condolences for Boston and Texas Tragedies

On behalf of the IAFC, I want to say to all the first responders, their families and communities: We're with ...

Jan 01, 0001

Smoke on the Horizon: IAFC Pushes for Congressional Action on Wildland-Fire Issues

Here are congressional efforts that should be on your radar screen if your service area faces the threat of outdoor fires or is located in the wildland-urban interface.

Jan 01, 0001

Police, Fire and EMS Leadership Meet to Improve Response to Gun Violence

On Tuesday, April 2, 2013, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs ...

Jan 01, 0001

President Obama Releases Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request

Yesterday, President Obama released his Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 budget request. The $3.8 trillion proposal includes a number of changes ...

Jan 01, 0001

New Study Evaluates Effectiveness of Crew Sizes in High Rise Fires

A major new study released today by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), concludes that firefighting crews of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Mapping the Future of Fire-Rescue International

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is pleased to announce the locations set to host Fire-Rescue International (FRI) through ...

Jan 01, 0001

Update: Get The Facts Straight on Smoke Alarms

On Friday, March 22, a national TV network began airing what is expected to be a weekend-long focus on smoke ...

Jan 01, 0001

Regional Wildland-Fire Management Action Plans Available

As work within the National Cohesive Wildland-Fire Management Strategy continues, three regions—Northeast, Southeast, and West—have finalized their regional action plans. The plans were submitted to the Wildland Fire Executive Council (WFEC), a national-level advisory group. developed in support of the federal interagency ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Adapted Communities Coalition Announces Release of Wildfire Report and Video

Today, the Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) Coalition has released of a new report, Lessons Learned from Waldo Canyon and a companion video, “Creating Fire Adapted Communities: A Case Study from Colorado Springs and the Waldo Canyon Fire.”   In the wake of last summer’s tragic ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: Technology versus Tradition

With 80% of the fire service consisting of volunteers, recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters can present significant staffing and response challenges if not properly addressed. Most departments perform recruitment activities, but are th ...

Jan 01, 0001

Diving In: A New Chief's Perspective on Assuming Leadership

Advancing professionally can be both exciting and nerve-wracking; what makes anyone jump into the deep end of this pool? On Scene talks to a new chief about the decision to take the plunge and his continuing professional journey.

Jan 01, 0001

First Class: Officers Selected for Fire Service Executive Development Institute

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) announced the inaugural cadre of students accepted into the Fire Service Executive Development ...

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC Resource Helps Fire Departments Take Control of Their Public Image

The IAFC has launched the much-anticipated Taking Responsibility for a Positive Public Perception (pdf, 2MB), the result of the association's ...

Jan 01, 0001

National Organizations Support Fire Sprinkler Legislation

On January 26, the world watched a great tragedy unfold as 235 people were killed in a nightclub fire in ...

Jan 01, 0001

From Passive to Active Recruiting: Recruitment Findings from Connecticut

Here are some key lessons learned from the Connecticut Volunteer Workforce Solutions Program.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Legislation to Reauthorize USFA and the FIRE and SAFER grant programs

As part of the conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2013 (H.R. 4310), ...

Jan 01, 0001

New Insurance Planning Guide Focuses on Department Sustainability

The Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the International Association of Fire Chiefs is pleased to announce the availability ...

Jan 01, 0001

What the IAFC Does for You: 2012 Accomplishments

Each year, the IAFC takes a moment to highlight important association accomplishments over the past 12 months. As always, members have led the way on many issues and initiatives that support the work of the fire and emergency service in North America ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Highway Safety and Traffic-Incident Management

One of the top priorities of the IAFC has always been the safety of our firefighters on emergency incidents, including those on our highways. Having worked on an engine company that responded to interstate 90 near Chicago, I know first-hand ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fighting Fire Through Prevention: Effective Public Education

By Meri-K Appy<br>Vision 20/20`s strategic plan for fire prevention focuses efforts in a collective and sustained way. Effective public education is a top priority in the strategic plan and is at the heart of two of the core strategies: prevention ma ...

Jan 01, 0001

2012 President's Award Reflects Historic Achievement

Each year, the outgoing IAFC president honors individuals from the fire and emergency service who have contributed in a significant ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: The Fire Service on the Cusp of Greatness

The following is adapted from the inaugural address of Chief Hank Clemmensen, IAFC president and chairman of the board, delivered ...

Jan 01, 0001

Educational Requirements Are a Must for Today's Fire Chief

Let’s get right to it: without a college degree or advanced professional certifications, such as Chief Fire Officer (CFO) or ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Retirement - Remembering the Past, Living for the Future

The dispatcher``s voice breaks the station``s silence. She announces this is the final alarm for Lt. Wilson and congratulates him ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Continuum

... Continuing the work started by the previous IAFC presidents. Imagine if your fire department had a new fire chief ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: The PAL Report - A Commander's Situational-Awareness Tool

There has been an alarming increase in near-miss and close-call reports about losing situational awareness to fireground hazards. Firefighters can ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Flying Cars and Picture Phones

I was born in the 1950s; I won``t say exactly when, but Harry Truman was president. Commercial jet travel wasn``t ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Rules You Can Live By

The condemned man was led up the steps of the gallows. As the rope was placed around his neck, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Unwanted Email: Stopping the LODD Notification Before It's Needed

Another email hits my inbox. The subject line says “LODD,” and I shake my head, wondering what we can do ...

Jan 01, 0001

National Education Agenda: Addressing the EMS Community's Challenges for 2012

There are three hot topics around EMS education right now: The requirement for paramedic training from an accredited program by ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Death and Taxes: Remembering Fire Service Leaders Are Citizens Too

Half of the title of this column could be "Your Government at Work" instead of "Taxes" and the other half ...

Jan 01, 0001

SAFER Volunteer Workforce Solutions: Helping To Solve Recruitment and Retention Issues

The SAFER Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) program continues to move forward in its effort to help solve the recruitment and retention issues faced by volunteer fire departments in the United States.

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Who We Are

What makes people want to be who they are? As members of the fire and emergency service, we’re part of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Texas Learns About Wildland Fire's Year-Round Challenges

There’s an old joke that Alaska, the largest state in the United States, was going to divide into three equal ...

Jan 01, 0001

Retention Begins with You

Retention starts in the fire chief’s office. If you as leader of the organization fail to recognize the volunteers as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Perception, Politics and Professionalism in Volunteer Departments

The focus of every department is getting new recruits in the door. Get them in, get them trained, get them ...

Jan 01, 0001

Answering Hawaii's Mutual-Aid Challenges: Deploying Resources Across Islands

Hawaii has long been a desirable visitor destination and a very attractive state to live in; its seven islands make ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Together We Can

Here’s a radical thought: city managers and fire chiefs have something in common. No, it isn``t because they must have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Eyes on Mesa and Its Groundbreaking Innovations

Mesa, Ariz., is the 38th largest U.S. city, and the Mesa Fire/Medical Department (MFMD) serves almost half a million people. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Incident Commander's Rules of Engagement: Rapidly Conduct a 360 Size-Up of the Incident

Previous articles summarized the rules of engagement for firefighters. This article begins the incident commanders`` rules. You``ll recognize that several ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Declare a Mayday as Soon as You Think You're in Danger

Declare a Mayday as Soon as You Think You Are in Danger. Objective: To ensure firefighters are comfortable with and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: It's All About Attitude

The primary responsibility of all fire chiefs is organizational safety—providing a safe work environment for their members. The fire chief ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Jack of All Trades

“Jack of all trades, master of none.” This two-part phrase—according to the well-respected Wikipedia—was actually two separate statements that were ...

Jan 01, 0001

I'm Bullish on the Economy!

Everywhere we turn, there’s more “bad news” about the economy. Just try a Google search on the word economy. If ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: The Crystal Ball

In my office is a gift I received several years ago at a department director``s Christmas party. The gifts were ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "Beam Me Up, Scotty!"

There has been a lot of discussion about the D block in the fire service, and we have put forth ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: A Big Step into a Small World

Just days ago, I had the opportunity to witness our world grow smaller. As I write this column, I``m flying ...

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Summit Update: Latest Progress and Next Steps

In March, the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the IAFC held a national Summit, “Constructing a National ...

Jan 01, 0001

Meet One of the World's Largest Volunteer Fire Departments

Australia is one of the most fire-prone regions on the planet—and protecting its most populous state is the New South ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "Let's Be Careful Out There"

Sgt. Esterhaus on Hill Street Blues always ended his briefing with, “Let’s be careful out there.” In light of recent ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: All Hazards, All Prevention

Since the dawn of time, or as my grandchildren say, "Back when you were a kid Poppa," man has had ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Award for Excellence: There's an App for That

The IAFC presented awards to the winner and two finalists of the 2011 Fire Service Award for Excellence during Fire-Rescue ...

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Prepared? Updated "Terrorism Response: A Checklist and Guide" Is Now Available

Imagine that you, the fire chief, get a call from the FBI advising that they have a credible threat of ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: Taking Up the Challenge as IAFC President and Chairman of the Board

It’s with great honor and humility that I start my term as the president and chairman of the board for ...

Jan 01, 0001

CPC Launches New Fire Marshal Designation

The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) has launched the Fire Marshal (FM) designation. The designation was created following the whole ...

Jan 01, 0001

Illinois Fire Inspectors Association Executive Director Emeritus Earns Fire & Life Safety Award

George Michehl, fire marshal of the Buffalo Grove (Ill.) Fire Department and executive director emeritus of the Illinois Fire Inspectors ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fighting the Fire Storm with Fire Education

IAFC On Scene - With recent major wildland fires in the American South, Southwest and Mountain states, fire life-safety education officers can play an increasingly important role in the fire service. The RSG Program helps with this effort.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service-Specific Annual Medicals Could Save Your Budget

The loss of a firefighter to cancer is always a cost that's too high a price to pay; but cancer is ...

Jan 01, 0001

A New Outlook on Education

In today's world, it's not always true that you get a simple answer when you ask a simple question. That's ...

Jan 01, 0001

President's Letter: What the IAFC Did for Me

As I look back over my 20 years as chief of department and a member of the IAFC, I can ...

Jan 01, 0001

The View from Alabama Part 1: An IMAS Advisor's Perspective

I can’t tell you firsthand about how the storms affected Alabama and its state emergency response plan. What I can ...

Jan 01, 0001

CPSC's New Product Safety Database Will Help Keep Your Communities Safe

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched a new website that offers information about dangerous products. Firefighters, fire officers ...

Jan 01, 0001

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival: Don't Risk for What Can't Be Saved; Extend Limited Risk to Save What Can

DO NOT Risk Your Life for Lives or Property That Cannot Be Saved Objective: To prevent firefighters from engaging in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Consumer Fireworks: Are They Really "Safe and Sane?"

The consumer fireworks industry wants the American public to believe that their products are safer than ever before. Fireworks manufacturers ...

Jan 01, 0001

Diversity Is So Close and Yet So Far

We know that debate related to diversity has been raging across our countrynot only in our firehouses, but also in industry, schools and neighborhoodsfor too many years. And yet, there still isnt a bright-line answer. We also realize that this issue ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Master of Disaster: Being Ready for the Unexpected

We've seen a number of large disasters recently, not just in the United States, but across the world. From record ...

Jan 01, 0001

NPSTC Adds Public Safety's Voice to Working Group Assessing Interference Potential to GPS

LightSquared, which has spectrum in the 1.5 GHz band adjacent to the spectrum used by all global positioning system (GPS) ...

Jan 01, 0001

What?s Happening with PSCR's 700 MHz Broadband Public Safety Demonstration Network

Broadband technology has the potential to revolutionize the way public safety performs its mission. Newly available 700 MHz spectrum will ...

Jan 01, 0001

Communications & Technology in the Fire and Emergency Service

This issue of On Scene provides IAFC members with an update on communications-related issues that are currently affecting the fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Registration Now Open for NSEFO's Annual Leadership Conference, Collocated with FRI

The National Society of Executive Fire Officers will hold its annual “Polishing the Gold” Leadership Conference Aug. 23–25 at the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Parow Gives Hill Testimony on Public-Safety Communications: Are the Needs of our First Responders Being Met?

Chief Jack Parow, IAFC president and chairman of the board, testified earlier this week before the House Committee on Homeland Security at a hearing on the Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011 (H.R. 607). The bill is sponsored by ...

Jan 01, 0001

John Mueller Wins 2010 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award

New York Deputy State Fire Administrator John Mueller has been named recipient of the 2010 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award. "John has spent his career improving life safety and public safety in the built environment to the benefit of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ed Comeau wins the 2009 Award for Excellence in Fire & Life Safety

Mr. Ed Comeau is the third annual winner of the Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award. This year, the judges felt that Mr. Comeau best exemplified the award criteria of an individual whose service, professional abilities and leadership were ...

Jan 01, 0001

Michael T. Love wins the 2008 Award for Excellence in Fire & Life Safety

Division Chief Michael T. Love of Montgomery County (MD) Fire & Rescue is the second annual winner of the Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award. Chief Love, on his own initiative, recognized the need for much better collaboration among fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Ozzie Mirkhah Wins First Annual Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award

The FLSS board of directors is pleased to announce that Azarang (Ozzie) Mirkhah, PE of the Las Vegas (NV) Fire Rescue Department is the first winner of the new Excellence in Fire & Life Award, sponsored by the International Code ...

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