The 2023 Retention and Recruitment Achievement Award, William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award, John M. Buckman Leadership Award, Chief Robert T. Bettenhausen Scholarship, Chief James P. Seavey, Sr. Scholarship to Symposium in the Sum applications and nominations are now open.
VCOS 2023 Retention and Recruitment Achievement Award
The 2023 Retention and Recruitment Award is a joint venture of the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the IAFC and VFIS to recognize a department that successfully achieved its retention and recruitment goals from June 1, 2022 –May 31, 2023. You do not need to be an IAFC or VCOS member to apply, however you must apply on behalf of a fire and emergency services organization.
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All nominations are due by 5 PM ET on September 27.
The winner will be notified by the beginning of October.
The award will be presented at the 2023 Symposium in the Sun, November 9-12, 2023.
2023 William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award
This award is a joint initiative of the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section of the IAFC and VFIS.
Award Criteria: Your department must have developed and implemented an Injury, Illness or Vehicle Safety Prevention program and/or experienced a significant and verifiable reduction in incidents during the period from June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023. Typical of programs that may qualify include: physical and physical fitness, wellness, cancer prevention, and vehicle safety. You do NOT need to be an IAFC-VCOS member to apply.
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All applications are due by 5 PM ET on October 4. The award will be presented at the 2023 IAFC-VCOS Symposium in the Sun November 9-12, 2023.
Winners will be notified by the beginning of October.
The award will be presented at the 2023 IAFC-VCOS Symposium in the Sun November 9-12, 2023.
2023 John M. Buckman III Leadership Award
The award, sponsored by Provident Insurance, recognizes a chief officer of a volunteer or combination fire department who stands out on the local or regional level as a true professional who has demonstrated leadership, integrity, and outstanding values within the fire service. The annual award is presented each November at the Symposium in the Sun in Clearwater Beach, FL. Nominees must be an IAFC member to win this award.
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Nominations are due by 5 PM ET on September 27.
Winners will be notified by the beginning of October.
2023 Chief Robert T. Bettenhausen Scholarship
Chief Robert T. Bettenhausen was a co-founder and was the first secretary/treasurer of the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS). He served in that position from 1994 to 2007, after which he was bestowed the title emeritus secretary/treasurer. Chief Robert T. Bettenhausen served as the fire chief and fire marshal of Tinley Park Fire Department. The Chief Robert T. Bettenhausen Scholarship to Symposium in the Sun is in honor of his many contributions to his community and the fire service as a whole.
The winner will be given a complementary conference registration and receive a $1,500 scholarship presented at the Symposium in the Sun conference.
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The application period closes 5 PM ET on September 27.
The award will be presented at the 2023 IAFC-VCOS Symposium in the Sun November 9-12, 2023.
2023 Chief James P. Seavey, Sr. Scholarship to Symposium in the Sun
About the Chief James P. Seavey, Sr. Scholarship
This scholarship seeks an individual that embodies the ideals of Chief James Perrin Seavey, Senior.
Someone that has made it their goal to ensure the health and wellness of their sisters and brothers physically, mentally and spiritually.
Chief James P. Seavey, Sr. was a VCOS At-Large Board Member who passed away Sept. 4, 2018, after a courageous five-year battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Throughout his career, Jim’s passion was elevating morale, empowering members to exceed expectations, and providing through example unparalleled selflessness at every opportunity. Jim is remembered for his extraordinary devotion to family and for often undertaking duties that transcended traditional roles. While he shared in human weakness, he was unwavering in his values, commitment, and ethos. He was a faithful soul and he joined in a strong love for God.
The Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer, which he researched and co-authored, was a timely example of Jim’s national influence. Setting out 11 actions that can dramatically reduce deaths of first responders from cancers caused by the very fires they fight, it was published by the International Association of Fire Chiefs- Volunteer and Combination Officers Section and the National Volunteer Fire Council.
“When we lost Jim last year, it was felt by the VCOS and the fire service. We promised to carry on the fight for him,” said Chief Charles Flynn, Chair of the VCOS. “the Chief James P. Seavey, Sr. Scholarship is one way we are continuing to carry out his mission and honor his memory.”
The winner will be given a complementary conference registration and receive a $1,500 scholarship presented at the Symposium in the Sun conference.
Apply Now
Application period closes 5 PM ET on September 27.
The award will be presented at the 2023 IAFC-VCOS Symposium in the Sun November 9-12, 2023.