As we approach 1,000 paid members in this relatively new EFO Section (EFOS), I want to provide you with some updates on what your board has been doing since September 2015.
IAFC Election
In the upcoming IAFC election, the board had some good conversation about the two candidates and decided to endorse Chief Gary Curmode for 2nd Vice President. Gary had been very active as a board member representing the Missouri Valley section in the old National Society of Executive Fire Officers (NSEFO) before it became the EFO Section. We believe that as an EFO grad, he can represent the fire service nation well over the next three years.
Section Election
Our section has two seats up for election this year: the Great Lakes Division and the Western Division. If you're interested in representing either division, go to information on how to throw your hat into the ring.
You will receive, if you haven’t already, an email about the elections and the importance of voting for those who will represent you from your region. Please be active in this section and vote when the time comes.
Strategic Direction Plan
The section just completed our first Strategic Direction Plan. It was presented to the entire IAFC Board on April 14, 2016, and was unanimously approved. This provides the section with a strategic direction for the next 2 years. I encourage everyone to go to the website and review this document to see where your section is going.
On Scene: IAFC’s Member Newsletter
Every month, IAFC On Scene publishes a column written by an EFOS board member, most often published electronically on the first of the month. I encourage any of you who have a great idea to develop an article and submit it to our section for consideration for On Scene or other publishing opportunities.
EFO Symposium
This section again is very active in managing the EFO Symposium at the NFA. This year, the Symposium will be held September 8-10; in 2017, the Symposium will move back to the spring, when it was held in the past. Registration is open, so sign up to attend this great reunion and educational opportunity.
Fire-Rescue International
If you’ll be in San Antonio for FRI this year, please stop by the EFO Section booth in the exhibit hall and talk to a board member.
Representing You on IAFC Committees
Members of the EFOS board currently sit on three IAFC committees, representing you and this section.
- IAFC Elections - Vice Chair Harold Phillips
- Succession Planning - Past NSEFO Chair William Bingham
- New Section Efforts - Southwestern Rep. William Hyde
New EFO Committee: Professional Development
Your EFO Section has established a joint committee to look at professional development for the fire service. Members from the EFOS, Volunteer and Combination Officers Section and Company Officers Section, along with members of the IAFC Professional Development Committee and other invited guests, have agreed to join forces in this initiative. Our objective is to look at what each group is doing so as to not duplicate efforts. We’ve only had two meetings so far, so we’re in the discussion phase; I’ll keep you updated as we solidify our goals and objectives.
Pat Kelly
Chair, EFO Section