International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) News

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) guide walks fire chiefs and other officials through wildfire planning using the four phases of emergency management: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Using case studies from all parts of the country, the guide details successful best practices already in use, giving fire departments new to wildfire planning a leg up and the ability to get started without reinventing the wheel. Wildfire risk  In 2018, federal wildfire su...

To raise awareness of occupational cancer risks and firefighter contamination, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety Health & Survival Section, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have launched the ‘Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz’ Sweepstakes. The informative and interactive online quiz emphasizes the importance of the 2019 Safety Stand Down theme, ‘Reduce Your Exposure: It’s Everyone&r...

Members of the fire and emergency services pledge to serve and protect their communities from hazards of all kinds. Yet instances of bullying, harassment, and discrimination within the emergency services ranks persist. These actions are detrimental to the fire service, putting members in danger, discouraging people from joining or staying in the service, and tarnishing the reputation of the entire fire service community. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), International Association of B...

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) announces the 2019 Safety Stand Down theme. This year’s ‘Reduce Your Exposure: It’s Everybody’s Responsibility’ campaign will take place June 16-22, focusing on increasing understanding of occupational cancer risks and implementing recommendations in the Lavender Ribbon Report, developed by the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) and the NVFC. Firef...

Registration and course selection are now open for the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Training Summit. The Summit will take place June 14-15 in Portland, OR, and is open to all volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, department leadership, and other fire department personnel from across the United States. This two-day seminar is an opportunity to share ideas and best practices, network, and participate in valuable training. The conference will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton...

VFIS and the IAFC's volunteer-combination officer section are pleased to announce Avon (Connecticut) Fire Department as the 2018 VCOS-VFIS Illness and Injury Prevention Award recipient. The Avon Fire Department has successfully undertaken and implemented a comprehensive health and wellness program for all members. It begins with compliant annual physical exams, and includes physical performance qualifications which determine which job tasks each member can and should perform. Wellness and fitn...

The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has named the seven recipients of this year's Wildfire Mitigation Awards. These individuals and organizations have earned the highest commendation for innovation and leadership in wildfire mitigation for their outstanding dedication to solving many of the most complex challenges posed by wildfire. Established in 2014 and co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National F...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released its first unmanned robotics guidance for first responders and others. NFPA 2400, Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Used for Public Safety Operations was developed by representatives from public safety departments with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. NFPA 2400 is an all-encompassing standard that applies to all public safety departments that...

This year, the award was given to Chief Jake Rhodes of the Kingman Fire Department in Kingman Arizona. It was presented during the 2018 International Association of Fire Chiefs annual conference in Dallas, Texas. Chief Rhodes was selected as the award recipient after he successfully implemented a bold new medical and physical program that helps deliver on the promise of making sure that everyone across his organization is mentally and physically fit for the long haul. Health and Wellness Progr...

Metropolitan Fire Chiefs from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom participated in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Urban Fire Forum (UFF) at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Mass. NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley welcomed the chiefs and provided an overview of the association’s Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem, reinforcing the critical role urban fire chiefs play in ensuring safe communities. Special guests at the Forum included the President of the Canadian Associ...

At the recent International Association of Fire Chiefs conference in Dallas, Texas, the Center for Public Safety Excellence conducted its annual professional credentialing and designation process. This program is voluntary and designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence across seven measured areas including: education, experience, professional development and contributions, association membership, involvement in community and technical competence while identifying a plan...

The Lavender Ribbon Report provides 11 actions that can be taken to mitigate the risk of cancer for firefighters The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to develop and release the Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer. This report provides 11 actions that can be taken to mitigate the risk of cancer for firefighter...

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced the winners of the 2018 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year awards, sponsored by Pierce Manufacturing. Volunteer Fire Chief, Herbert Leusch, of the Glen Echo Fire Department in Bethesda, Maryland, and Career Fire Chief, Joanne Hayes-White, of the San Francisco Fire Department are this year’s honorees. A selection committee appointed by the IAFC reviewed nominations for active chiefs of departments that have shown exemplary contribu...

NFPA-IAFC-NVFC unveil joint fire service safety initiative The “Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz” Sweepstakes is back as part of the annual Safety Stand Down campaign. Hosted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety Health & Survival Section and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the interactive online quiz emphasises the importance of the 2018 Safety Stand Down...

NFPA’s James M. Shannon Medal awarded to Jim Dalton in recognition of his work The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced Jim Dalton as the 2018 James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal for his career long commitment and passion for fire safety culminating with his efforts that led to the passage of the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. NFPA’s Fire and Public Safety initiatives The James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal was established in honor of Jim Shannon, who ser...

Metro fire chiefs meet in San Antonio to talk on key topics and issues  The Metropolitan “Metro” Fire Chiefs Association, a section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) held its 2018 annual conference in San Antonio, Texas May 4-10. More than 120 Metro chiefs from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States attended the conference and elected the Association’s 2018-2019 off...

The Wildfire Mitigation Awards are sponsored by the NASF, the IAFC, the NFPA, and the USFS The Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee has announced the 2018 Wildfire Mitigation Award winners. Established in 2014, the awards are the highest commendation for innovation and leadership displayed by individuals and organisations committed to wildfire mitigation. The Wildfire Mitigation Awards are sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), the International...

Both honorees are highly accomplished individuals with impressive career, educational, and certification credentials The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announces the 2017 winners of the annual “IAFC Fire Chief of the Year” awards at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) in Charlotte, N.C. Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Wade of the North Lenoir Fire & Rescue Department in Kinston, N.C. and Ca...

Kidde announced the winner of the “Step Up and Stand Out” contest at the Firehouse Expo in Nashville, Tennessee. The honor goes to Bob Love, Assistant Chief of North Hays County Fire Rescue in Dripping Springs, Texas. The contest is part of a national campaign developed by Kidde and national fire service organizations to raise awareness of the need for fire department volunteers and recognize those who have already stepped up to support their communities. Kidde, a renowned manufactu...

Winners are honored for their dedication and leadership in fire and emergency services The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced the 2014 winners of the annual “Fire Chief of the Year” awards at Fire-Rescue International. Volunteer Fire Chief Chris Barron of the Manchaca Volunteer Fire Department in Manchaca, Texas and career Fire Chief Alan J. Martin of the Tuscaloosa Fire & R...

The Pierce booth showcases the company’s history of innovation and highlights its 100th anniversary Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, recently desplayed six custom fire and rescue vehicles at the 2013 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire-Rescue International (FRI) Conference and Exhibition at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. The Pierce booth #4431 showcased the company’s history of innovation and highlights its 100th ann...

A recent NFPA study found that in 2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 2.1 million false alarms The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) released the Fire Service Guide to Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarms, a free 17-page downloadable PDF document that offers guidance to members of the fire service to reduce unwanted fire alarms.  Fire departments are often faced with challenges presented by unwa...

2012 Career Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran,of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Departmentin Atlanta, GA. Fire Chief Magazine, part of Penton Media, Inc.’s Public Infrastructure Group, and Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) company, today announced the 2012 winners of the annual “Fire Chief of the Year” awards. Career Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department in Atlanta, Ga. and Volunteer Fire Chief Jona Olsson of the...

2011 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year, Robert Perry, of the Union Fire District in South Kingstown, R.I. Chief Robert Perry has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 40 years. He has served as the chief at the 300-member Union Fire District since 2004. Fire Chief Magazine, part of Penton Media, Inc.’s Public Infrastructure Group, and Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced the 2011 winners of the annual “Fire Chief of the Year&rdq...

Pierce Dash CF apparatus headlines a display at Fire Rescue International that includes nine Pierce vehicles Visitors to the Pierce booth experienced the NFFF Full Throttle Support 3 program, featuring a sweepstakes for the chance to win a custom one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle and the opportunity to donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation Company , displayed nine fire and rescue vehicles at the...

The IAFC have established a new task force to ensure it reaches its goals The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have recently established a new task force; the Company Officer Task Force has officially began convening and has continued to discuss issues.The goal of the task force is to "integrate and grow company office engagement within the work of the IAFC and help to develop future fire service leaders." With a focus on identifying how the IAFC c...

EMS award programme launhed by CFSI and MedicAlert will boost the morale of the professionals from the industry The Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Awards Programme recognised fire departments that have implemented best practices in EMS. The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the MedicAlert Foundation have announced the establishment of a new awards programme to recognise fire departments from across the country for outstanding achievements in EMS services....

IAFC has supported PSA and its allies in Congress for  D Block The D Block is the critical building block in creating a nationwide public safety communications network. On behalf of the leadership of America's fire service, the IAFC reaffirms its support for the efforts of the Public Safety Alliance and its allies in Congress to pass legislation to allocate the D Block of the communication spectrum to public safety. This effort is key to the development of a nationwide...

IAFC Senior Advisor Alan Caldwell  received NPSTC 2010 award for his excellent professional work The award honors an individual in public-safety communications who has demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct. IAFC Senior Advisor Alan Caldwell was named the 2010 recipient of the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council's (NPSTC) Richard DeMellow Award. The award honors an individual in public-safety communications who has demonstrated...

Firefighters should be aware of the 'silent killer' CO gas which causes various lethal diseases Carbon monoxide poisoning is a danger at every fire, but this "Silent Killer" is often present without symptoms, making awareness, proper diagnosis and treatment difficult. Masimo, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), jointly announced the launch of "The Silent Killer" educational campaign aim...