Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is pleased to announce the formation of the IAFC Company Officers Section (COS). COS aims to integrate and grow company officer engagement within the IAFC and to help company officers develop the leadership skills necessary to meet today’s challenges and prepare them for promotion to chief officer.
COS is the tenth section of the IAFC. IAFC sections provide members with specialized opportunities to network and share information with those of similar interests. Sections share their expertise throughout IAFC membership and the fire and emergency service through publications, education, webinars, conferences and online discussions.
The journey to become a section began in 2011 when IAFC President Jack Parow created the IAFC Company Officer Task Force. Because of its success, the task force became the IAFC Company Officer Leadership Committee (COLC) and now an official IAFC section.
“The formation of the IAFC Company Officers section was the major recommendation of the IAFC Company Officer Task Force back in 2011,” said Section Chair Mike Jaffa, captain, Santa Fe County (N.M.) Fire Department. “To see it come to fruition is a testament to all the hard work of COLC members, past and present, as well as the IAFC board of directors, who have encouraged us along the way.”
Creation of COS is supported by the IAFC Strategic Direction, which calls on the IAFC to equip current and future fire and emergency service leaders to meet evolving and emerging challenges and opportunities.
IAFC President and Chairman of the Board Keith Bryant welcomed COS as a new IAFC section.
“Having company officers as an official IAFC section strengthens our voice inside and outside the fire service and will help us achieve our mission, which is to provide leadership throughout the U.S. and the international community through information, education, services and representation," Bryant said.
To learn more, visit IAFC.org/CompanyOfficers.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
Learn more