VCOS Election

I have been a proud member of the VCOS for over twelve (12) years now. I am running for re-election to the Board as a Member-At-Large. In the past two years I was extremely active attending all Board meetings and related events. In part, I was assigned to last year's election committee and oversaw the VCOS portion of the elections. The Chair also appointed me to serve on the IAFC FEMA Task Force Committee representing the VCOS - much work has been done, but still more needed.

I have seen the many positive effects that the activities, reports, training, and related products of the VCOS have had on our Nation's volunteer and combination Fire Service. The Board has lead these activities and have a lot to be proud of. I have always had respect for the Board and wanted to be involved, but only when I could contribute. Serving as a part-time Fire Chief of a Volunteer Department and having a career as well, I could not, in good conscious, do it all. I'm retired from my career Department and have the time to dedicate as a productive member of the board, not just a resume builder.

I've had the pleasure of serving as the VCOS representative to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's Board of Director's Advisory Committee and have worked well with many VCOS Board members. This past November, I termed out after twelve (12) I years in that role and still remain active in other roles with the NFFF.

As a past recipient of the VCOS Scholarship to FRI, I value the focus of education that the VCOS instills. I've attended Symposium in the Sun each year and find this to be the very best conference in the Country.

Proudly serving as the CT Director to the New England Division Board of the IAFC.

I'm eager to remain at the Board level and make significate contributions as the Board is known and respected for.

I am seeking reelection to the IAFC VCOS Board to continue advancing the important work already underway and to ensure that key initiatives reach their full potential. Over the past term, we have made meaningful progress, but several critical projects remain unfinished-most notably the development of a VCOS Hall of Fame to recognize the legacy and contributions of volunteer and combination officers who have shaped our profession. Additionally, I remain committed to strengthening resources and strategies that support limited-staffed fireground operations, ensuring departments of all sizes can operate safely, effectively, and with confidence in increasingly complex environments. The fire service continues to evolve, and with that comes the need for thoughtful leadership in guiding consolidation efforts and supporting agencies through transitions in governance, staffing models, and service delivery. I am passionate about helping departments navigate these changes while preserving their identity and commitment to community service. Furthermore, enhancing member benefits remains a priority¬ ensuring that IAFC VCOS members see tangible value through professional development opportunities, relevant programming, and expanded access to tools that support their success. Reelection will allow me to build on this momentum, finish what we've started, and continue advocating for the needs of volunteer and combination officers across the nation with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and service.

My name is Joe Florentino, and I respectfully ask for your support and vote for an at-large board member position with the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS).

I currently serve as the Fire Chief for the City of Josephine, Texas, where I have had the opportunity to lead the transition to a municipal fire department and continue building a strong combination system. I have been a firefighter for the past 36 years, beginning my journey as a volunteer on Long Island, and throughout my career I have worked within both volunteer and combination departments. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities unique to our service.

I believe the strength of the fire service lies in our people and the diversity of our organizations. As we continue to evolve, it is critical that we collaborate, share best practices, and develop forward-thinking strategies that support both volunteer and combination departments.

Serving the fire service has always been more than a job to me-it is a commitment. I am passionate about giving back to the profession and supporting others in their success. If elected, I would be honored to work alongside the VCOS Board to represent and advocate for our members while helping guide us through the challenges ahead.

I humbly ask for your vote and support. In return, I am committed to serving with integrity and doing my very best to support you and the mission of VCOS.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Chad Hoefle began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with the Stillman Fire Protection District in 1996, when the organization was fully volunteer. As the district evolved into a combination department, Hoefle grew with it, advancing through the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain while also serving as a Paramedic Educator for a Rockford-area hospital.  He was appointed as the district’s first full time Deputy Chief/Training Officer when the position was created, and in 2009, he was selected to serve as Fire Chief.

Chief Hoefle is known for his strong focus on firefighter safety, training, and building a culture where people take ownership in the department and in each other. A key focus of Chief Hoefle’s leadership is recognizing and honoring the families of firefighters, as he believes they are an essential part of the mission and the success of the fire service. He credits the success of Stillman Fire to its members, often saying, “This is not my department, it’s theirs. I’m just fortunate to be in the position I’m in.”

He is actively involved with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, where he has served for many years as a Memorial Weekend escort for families of the fallen and as a Big Buddy at Comfort Zone Camp for children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. He has been invited to speak nationally on fire service topics and has contributed to Fire Engineering.

Chief Hoefle has been actively involved with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Board for well over a decade, ultimately serving as President. He now serves as a past president and continues to teach and consult when asked. He is also involved in several other state and local organizations.  Chief Hoefle continues to pursue professional development through the National Fire Academy and regional training programs, with a commitment to strengthening both his own department and the fire service as a whole.

Chief Hoefle lives in Stillman Valley with his wife, Micki. They enjoy spending time outdoors and especially value the time they are able to spend with their adult children. Of all the roles he has held, being a husband and father remains the most important to him.

Chief Hoefle is seeking to serve on the Volunteer and Combination Officer Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs to give back to the level of the fire service that has the greatest day to day impact. Having spent his career in a combination department, he understands the critical role volunteers play and the difference they make in communities across the country. Because he has lived it, he continues to actively engage with volunteer and combination departments to help strengthen them through leadership development and shared experience. His focus is to support officers with real world tools they can take back to their departments and put to work immediately.

I am seeking election to the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section Board of Directors to help advance its ability to support and develop effective leaders within the volunteer and combination fire service.

As a millennial Fire Chief with more than twenty years of experience in a combination fire-rescue system, I bring a unique perspective on the evolving challenges facing our organizations. I have also experienced firsthand how VCOS serves as a vital resource, advocate, and guiding force for departments navigating an increasingly complex environment. As a Board member, I would work collaboratively with current leadership to build on this strong foundation while identifying innovative opportunities to expand the Section’s impact.

I am particularly interested in advancing the priorities outlined in the 2025 Strategic Plan, which provides a clear and forward-looking roadmap for VCOS. Its focus on critical thinking, strategic partnerships, and advocacy aligns closely with my professional values, and I am eager for the opportunity to help implement this vision.

I am also deeply passionate about VCOS’s focus on health and wellness, recruitment and retention, and leadership development. My experience as a recruitment and retention coordinator, safety officer, and training officer—along with my involvement at the state, regional, and national levels—has provided me with a well-rounded perspective to contribute meaningfully to these efforts.

Serving on the VCOS Board would be a meaningful opportunity to give back to an organization that has played a significant role in my development, while helping ensure it continues to support and strengthen fire service leaders for years to come.

Kenneth W. Richards, Jr. MS, EFO, CFO has been a member of the Fire Service for 50 years, starting in 1976 at the age of 14 as a Junior Firefighter in Old Mystic, CT. Ken has served as the career Fire Chief / Fire Marshal of the Old Mystic Fire Department for 32 years. He is the past President of the New England Division of The International Fire Chiefs Association (NEDIAFC), and a 33-year member of the NFPA. Serving as a member of the Fire Service Training Technical Committee for 22 years and its Chair for the past 15 years. Chief Richards earned his Bachelor of Science in Fire Technology from Charter Oak State College and holds a Master of Science in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is also a 1999 graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, a Certified Chief Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a Fire Officer IV NFPA Standards and a Fire Instructor III NFPA Standards.

I am writing to express my strong interest in serving on the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) board. I have been a volunteer firefighter since the age of 16, and more than two decades of service in volunteer fire and EMS have shaped my commitment to strengthening the departments that protect our communities. Throughout my career, I have gained a deep understanding of operational effectiveness, leadership development, and the importance of strong support systems for our members.

My experience has been profoundly influenced by numerous critical incidents, including the tragic
line-of-duty death of Firefighter Brice Trossbach in Maryland. I was heavily involved in the recovery and investigative efforts following his passing; an experience that reinforced my dedication to improving preparedness, enhancing safety practices, and ensuring responders have the training and resources they need. These moments have driven my passion for building more resilient organizations and advocating for the well-being of our firefighters.

I am seeking a position on the VCOS board because I believe deeply in its mission and the vital role it plays in supporting volunteer and combination departments nationwide. I have led recruitment and retention initiatives, developed comprehensive training programs, and championed mental health and wellness efforts. These experiences have equipped me with practical insights and a collaborative leadership style that I am eager to contribute at a national level.

I am committed to helping VCOS continue to address evolving challenges: recruitment, funding, safety, and responder wellness and to ensuring that volunteer and combination fire chiefs have the tools and support necessary to serve their communities effectively and safely.