IAFC On Scene: July 1, 2007

This year in Atlanta, Fire-Rescue International is bringing together global leaders in fire, medical and life safety. This year’s conference theme, "Building a Better Fire Department," is highlighted with several new and dynamic programs. Continuing FRI’s focus as the premier professional development conference for the fire service, this year’s program includes the inaugural offering of the IAFC’s Company Officer Leadership Symposium and the Fire District Commissioners Workshop—Building a Better Leadership Team.

The Company Officer Leadership Symposium is a new and exciting three-tiered approach to company officer leadership development. This year’s program, representing Tier I, includes 22 hours of education dedicated to the newly or soon-to-be promoted company officer.

A significant part of the program is to provide the company officer with access to some of the best and brightest leaders in today’s global emergency services. Faculty for this year includes Chief Kelvin Cochran, Chief Ronny Coleman, Chief Billy Goldfeder, Chief John Salka, Dr. Bill Lowe PhD, Ms. Linda Willing, Ms. Mary Sovick and many more.

Topics include aggressive fireground operations, organizational culture in the fire house, the company officer’s role in health and safety, handling the ever-present personnel issue, ethical dilemmas, leading diverse teams, effective writing and of course discussion on operations at the all-too-common single family dwelling fires.

The Company Officer Leadership Symposium is on track to becoming a foundational building block for tomorrow’s emergency services.

Another exciting first at FRI 2007 is the Fire District Commissioners Workshop. This gathering of elected officials and chief fire officers creates a unique opportunity for networking and dialogue among policy-makers at the political and department level.

Topics include the elected official’s role in NIMS, concerns and opportunities in succession planning for emergency service leadership, roles and responsibilities between policy-making and operations and understanding the value and complexities of political relationships.

Faculty for this event includes Fire Commissioner Jeff Dyar (Colorado); the Honorable John Oceguerra, majority leader of the Nevada State Assembly; and Kristi Rolwagen, deputy director for Emergency Preparedness for Minneapolis, among others. This first-time event is certain to become a permanent building block for future FRI events.

With the great city of Atlanta as our host, participants at FRI 2007 will have lots to see and do. An evening at the Atlanta Aquarium will be filled with wonders from under the sea, along with great opportunities for developing new friendships and professional networks.

Saturday morning’s Fit to Fight 5K Run and Walk is a challenge to us all to stop talking and to start walking (or running) for firefighter health and safety.

Add to all these events great keynote speakers and a fantastic exhibition hall and Fire-Rescue International 2007 is sure to be a true building block for a better fire service.

Spouse/Partner Program

You know the FRI expo floor is unmatched for meeting with national representatives from the industry’s leading manufacturers. This is the place for doing your departments business and researching the latest products and services. But the FRI Expo also includes:

Expo Hours:

• Friday, August 24, 10:30 am – 5 pm
• Saturday, August 25, 10 am – 5 pm

Fit to Fight 5K Fun Run/Walk: Saturday, August 25, 8 am

Attention all members: Show us your commitment to health and wellness in the fire service; register for the Fit to Fight 5K. This race is perfect for walkers and runners of all fitness levels. Registration is $20 ($25 on site) and includes a race t-shirt and refreshments at the finish. Get your morning started off right and join us for fitness and fun. For details, go to www.iafc.org/5K.