Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the IAFC Company Officers Section (COS) have released a new publication exploring the importance of succession management in the fire service and offers simple steps fire chiefs can take to prepare their fire department for the future.
“Succession Management for the Fire-Rescue Service – Understanding and Applying the Process” is a user-friendly 34-page guide providing steps for departments to start their own plans and includes a history of succession management in the fire-rescue service.
The guide includes:
• History and data related to succession management in the fire-rescue service
• Succession management basics
• Survey data
• Sample documents from fire departments
Chief Thomas Jenkins, IAFC president and chairman of the board, commended the Company Officers Section for spearheading the project and creating a valuable resource for IAFC members and the fire and emergency service.
“The guide is designed for departments of any size to help them create their own succession management program,” Chief Jenkins said. “It’s a useful tool to help fire-rescue organizations better serve their members and communities through meaningful succession management planning.”
Captain Randall Hanifen, Company Officers Section vice chair, said although COS was responsible for developing the guide, its creation represented a collaborative effort by a group consisting of fire-rescue and associated members whose ranks vary from firefighter to fire chief. Other contributors include individuals from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National Fire Academy, as well as consultants whose work centers on succession management in the fire-rescue service.
“We thank everyone who helped develop, review, and revise the document and the hundreds of fire-rescue professionals who responded to the survey which provided valuable information shared in this report,” Captain Hanifen said. “COS is proud to present this important resource to the IAFC and the fire and emergency service.”
“Succession Management for the Fire-Rescue Service” is available for purchase on Amazon.
Additional Resource: Succession Planning for Fire and Rescue Organizations
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.
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