Jan 01, 0001

Reducing Stairs in Residential Buildings Higher Than Three Stories Creates Escape Hazards for Occupants and Inhibits Vital Emergency Response Operations

Fire, Life and Safety Section submits a position statement.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Funding for Wildland Fire and Hazmat Programs

On Friday the U.S. Senate passed legislation to fund federal wildland fire and hazmat programs through September 30. The House previously passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 4366) on March 6. The bill will now go to President Biden for signature.

Jan 01, 0001

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Celebrates 106th Anniversary

Congratulations to the IAFF on their 106 years of service representing more than 343,000 career firefighters and paramedics.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief John S. Butler Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action

IAFC President Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action

Jan 01, 0001

Wildfire Mitigation Awards Announced

Wildfire Mitigation Awards have named the individuals and organizations chosen to receive honors this year

Jan 01, 0001

Elevate Your Leadership Skills with ODP - Leadership Development Certification Series Online Courses

IAFC and Columbia Southern University announce first series of online courses for Company Officers I – II – III

Jan 01, 0001

Chief John S. Butler Appoints Stephanie Holloman to the IAFC Human Relations Committee

Stephanie Holloman of Orange County Fire Authority appointed to IAFC HRC

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Seeks Proposals from Technology Organizations with Specialized Expertise in System Consolidation

Services sought to leverage IAFC’s existing technology stack, with potential consideration for additive solutions

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officers Section Board Nomination Period is Open

Company Officers Section (COS) announces the opening of their board nomination period.

Jan 01, 0001

2024 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

IAFC and Motorola announce the12th year FSEDI participants

Jan 01, 0001

Important NIST Findings on Firefighter Gear: Understanding the Risks of PFAS

Are firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?

Jan 01, 0001

Lion, IAFC Proudly Partner for Saudi Aramco Cohort 24 International Fellowship Program Graduation

IAFC continues partnership to provide a host environment for the Fellowship Program.

Jan 01, 0001

Statement from IAFC President, Chief John S. Butler

IAFC President, Chief John S. Butler announces appointments

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Chaplains for Federal Fire Service Agencies: Q and A

The important roles that chaplains play within the first responder community

Jan 01, 0001

Department of Labor seeks to expand, establish protections for today’s emergency response workers

Proposal to update standard and expand safety & health protections for emergency responders.

Jan 01, 0001

Straight Talk about FirstNet: First Responder-Designed and First Responder-Led

FirstNet Authority is working to facilitate coordination of this spectrum amongst public safety representatives

Jan 01, 0001

Help Improve the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Today!

The IAFC is conducting a study on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the US Fire and EMS.

Jan 01, 0001

FLSS Scholarship for the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Learn about an opportunity for scholarships and complimentary registration to attend the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Celebrates 150th Anniversary at Southwestern Division Annual Meeting

Engaging Dialogue Will Delve into the Future of Fire and Emergency Services and Local Community Concerns

Jan 01, 0001

National Fire Service Organizations Urge Congress to Protect America's Fire and Emergency Services

National organizations calling on Congress to ensure that vital fire service grant programs are reauthorized

Jan 01, 0001

It’s Fire Prevention Week – Ask Congress to Join the Fight

IAFC has developed talking points to help you advocate for the protection of the AFG and SAFER programs

Jan 01, 0001

Celebrating 150 Years of IAFC: A Legacy of Fire Service Excellence

We invite all our members to participate in the 150th year celebration.

Jan 01, 0001

A Potential Federal Government Shutdown: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

IAFC is monitoring the situation in the U.S. Congress for potential shutdown of federal government operations.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Scholarships and Awards

VCOS 2023 awards

Jan 01, 0001

Chief John Butler Installed as IAFC President

Fire Chief John Butler installed as IAFC President during the final General Session at FRI 2023

Jan 01, 0001

Hilton Head Island Fire Department Honored with Ben Franklin Award for Valor

The IAFC and Motorola are proud to honor Hilton Head Island Fire Department with the Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief of the Year Awardees Announced

2023 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees during FRI 2023

Jan 01, 0001

Transformative Partnership Formed Between IAFC and Columbia Southern University

IAFC and CSU proudly announced a groundbreaking collaboration that delivers on one of the key goals

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit

Checkout this new interactive web-based geospatial Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit.

Jan 01, 0001

Training: Batteries in the Fire Service, Tall Mass-Timber Buildings & Fire Department Concerns, and Codes that Safeguard Construction

Training on operational response and code requirements for batteries in buildings and energy storage systems

Jan 01, 0001

Be Part of IAFC's History: Submit Your Biography Now!

Submit your biography for inclusion in IAFC's 150th-Anniversary Commemorative Book

Jan 01, 0001

Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med 2023

Two fire departments were recognized for their success in improving cardiac arrest survival rates in their communities

Jan 01, 0001

Spanish-Language Hazmat Instructor - Independent Contractor Opportunity

Seeking a minimum of two (2) independent contractors to serve as Spanish-speaking Hazmat Safety Instructors

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Presents Historical Memorabilia as a Part of Their 150th Anniversary Celebration Plans

The IAFC will celebrate 150th anniversary at a press conference on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 3:30 PM ET

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Week 2023 - May 21-27

This annual campaign brings the EMS community together to celebrate the accomplishments of EMTs and paramedics

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Testifies at Congressional Hearing

Chief Donna Black testifies to support the reauthorization of the AFG and SAFER programs

Jan 01, 0001

Vector Solutions and IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Now Accepting Nominations for the 2023 Training Officer Recognition Award

The award, which is now open for nominations, acknowledges exemplary conduct by a training officer for their innovation and effectiveness when delivering training.

Jan 01, 0001

Help Improve Mutual Aid & Multi-Agency Coordination – Participate Today!

We ask that you please share any relevant documents your agency has and complete the brief feedback form on your agency’s mutual aid to help inform best practices and assist us in developing this resource for the entire public safety community.

Jan 01, 0001

URGENT: TAKE ACTION: The Senate Considers Legislation to Reauthorize the AFG and SAFER Grant Programs Starting Tomorrow (Wednesday)

Please contact your Senators and ask them to vote for S. 870, the Fire Grants & Safety Act, without any amendments

Jan 01, 0001

First Responder Wellness Week: 5 days of health and wellness

Join us March 27-31 as we partner with Lexipol to launch the first annual First Responder Wellness Week

Jan 01, 0001

Please Take Action: Ask the Senate to Protect the FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs!

Update on legislation to reauthorize funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Ready to be an IAFC Officer?

Call for 2nd VP Candidates, Apply by February 1

Jan 01, 0001

President Biden Signed a $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Bill; Fire Service Grant Programs Funded Through 2023

Updates regarding the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Status of AFG and SAFER Grants – Funded for Fiscal Year 2023

On December 22, the H.R. 2617 bill was passed which includes funding for the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Releases Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

The Senate Appropriations Committee released its Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

Jan 01, 0001

How do our fire and building codes address changing technologies?

The creation of the 2024 I-Codes and NFPA codes, changes were proposed as it relates to changing refrigeration systems

Jan 01, 0001

Call to Action: IAFC Asks Fire Chiefs to Call Congress to Save FIRE & SAFER Grant Programs and USFA

The IAFC asks that members contact their U.S. Representatives & Senators to ask them to pass S. 4882 this year

Jan 01, 0001

It’s the Holiday Season: Health Update from the IAFC

The the best ways to stay healthy over the coming winter months

Jan 01, 0001

Financial Education Survey: Help Develop Resources for Fire Chiefs

Complete a short survey to help us develop financial education and resources for fire chiefs.

Jan 01, 0001

Hurricane Ian Situational Awareness Resources for Fire and Emergency Service Leaders

Relevant hurricane/authoritative situational awareness resources for use by leaders in the fire/emergency services.

Jan 01, 0001

Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to Address International Association of Fire Chiefs Conference

IAFC is honored to announce that the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas will address the IAFC membership during upcoming conference.

Jan 01, 0001

CDC Reduces Quarantine and Begins Planning for Autumn - Implications for Fire Chiefs

CDC is streamlining existing COVID guidance to reduce the impact of the virus on schools, employment, and the health system.

Jan 01, 0001

President Biden Releases Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request

President Biden released his $5.8 trillion budget request for Fiscal Year (FY 2023)

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Rural EMS Grant Application Period Ends on February 14

Eligible IAFC members are encouraged to review the grant announcement and Notice of Funding Opportunity to apply for these grants.

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Urges Organizations to Implement Cybersecurity Measures Now

CISA is urging senior leaders at every organization in the U.S. to become aware of critical cyber risks and take urgent, near-term steps to reduce the likelihood and impact of a cyberattack.

Jan 01, 0001

Supreme Court Decision on Vaccine Mandates: What It Means for Fire Departments

The Supreme Court blocked a temporary emergency standard by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Announces FY 2021 Fire Prevention & Safety Grant Application Period: January 18 – February 18

IAFC members are encouraged to start reviewing the application materials on the FEMA FP&S website.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID-19 Firefighter Survival Informational Stand Down

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) urges all first responders to join in a COVID-19 Firefighter Survival Informational Stand Down.

Jan 01, 0001

AFG/SAFER Webinar Schedule Posted

FEMA has webinars scheduled throughout the month of January to help fire departments develop applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Announces SAFER Grant Application Period: Jan. 3 – Feb. 4, 2022

The application period for the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants application period will begin on JAN 3.

Jan 01, 0001

Needs Assessment of US Fire Service

Fifth Needs Assessment shows some progress but continuing gaps in fire department resources.

Jan 01, 0001

Application Period Extended for FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program

The application process for the FY 2021 AFG Program is extended to January 21, 2022.

Jan 01, 0001

House Passes Build Back Better Act; Senate Action Still Required

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) by a vote of 220-213.

Jan 01, 0001

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Application Period Opens Today

The AFG program is designed to help fire and EMS departments improve their baseline capabilities for protecting the public.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and EMS Departments Not Included in CMS and OSHA Vaccine Requirements

Despite new federal regulations regarding COVID vaccine requirements, fire & EMS departments remain covered under OSHA.

Jan 01, 0001

Five Tips for the New Volunteer Officer

Putting in the work includes a sharp focus on certifications, training, professionalism, positivity and decision-making.

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Releases FAQs on HIPAA, COVID-19, and the Workplace

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Jan 01, 0001

September 11, 2001: A Day That Changed Us All

Chief Mike Metro of Los Angeles County Fire Department (retired) reflects on September 11th.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Exchange is Accepting Applications

Five applicants will be selected to participate.

Jan 01, 0001

First On Scene: Leaders Reflect On Their 9/11 Experiences, How Public Safety Has Evolved

Chiefs Pfeifer and Schwartz, Commissioner Cassano and FBI Special Agent Combs came together for the first time during Fire-Rescue International 2021

Jan 01, 0001

Walking the Walk: How FDs are Setting the Example to Cure ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome’

Fire service leaders share what works at their departments.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Fire Management Assistance Grant Program and Policy Guide

The new FEMA document explains the FMAG declaration process; eligibility; and the grant management and close-out process.

Jan 01, 0001

OSHA Issues Emergency COVID Standard for Fire and EMS Agencies

OSHA releases new guidance for employers to protect their employees from COVID-19

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recognizes Michael Metro with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Chief Michael Metro, Ret., was named the 2021 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award.

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Stays 4.9 GHz Spectrum Order

The IAFC has engaged with the FCC on multiple occasions requesting that the Sixth R&O relating to the 4.9 GHz spectrum be vacated.

Jan 01, 0001

President Biden’s FY 2022 Budget Includes Increases for Federal Fire Programs

Congress will now spend the summer deliberating the FY 2022 appropriations bills with the aim of passing them before the October 1 start of the fiscal year.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Issues New COVID-19 Operational Guidance: All-Hazards Incident Response and Recovery

FEMA will be offering webinars in early to mid-June to discuss the pandemic operational guidance. For more information on these webinars, please go to the FEMA website.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Releases TIP Rules

CMS has issued it guidance on reimbursing EMS agencies for providing treatment-in-place services.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Resources for Preparing for Civil Unrest

To help fire departments provide service to their communities and protect their personnel, the IAFC has both compiled and developed some resources.

Jan 01, 0001

J. Robert "Rob" Brown Appointed as CEO/Executive Director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs

​Mr. Brown served 38-years in the fire and rescue service – 20-years as fire chief – and joined the IAFC as a full member in 1987.

Jan 01, 0001

Driving to Extend Ambulance Payments

Congress is considering legislation to preserve the ground ambulance extender payments. Chief should contact their members of Congress to urge them to support the bill.

Jan 01, 0001

FireRescue GPO Becomes a Part of Sourcewell

Continue to meet your procurement requirements and save money in the process while purchasing the brands your firefighters rely on every day.

Jan 01, 0001

Leading Through Uncertainty

Perhaps the most important thing for leaders to do in times of uncertainty is to show up and be present.

Jan 01, 0001

More Information About Microsoft Exchange Vulnerability

CISA strongly encourages partners to immediately disconnect any Microsoft Exchange systems suspected of being compromised.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chiefs Urged to Take Immediate Steps to Check for Microsoft Exchange Vulnerabilities

Fire chiefs are urged to contact their IT departments -- without delay -- to ascertain their departments’ vulnerability.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Public Statement Against Violence and Hate

A response to the events of the last year and recent days.

Jan 01, 0001

State-by-State Listing of Vaccine Priority Available

IAFC urges members to contact their governors in support of providing all fire and EMS personnel with priority access to COVID vaccines.

Jan 01, 0001

Urge Your Governor to Prioritize Fire and EMS for COVID-19 Vaccines

IAFC members are asked to urge their governors to prioritize fire and EMS personnel for access to a COVID-19 vaccine

Jan 01, 0001

Checkout IAFC’s newly refreshed Career Center and Gain Access to Quality Candidates

IAFC’s Career Center utilizes a modernized platform to provide user with an easy to use job search experience.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Seeks to Strengthen Retirement for Firefighters

House proposes changes to improve firefighters' retirement plans

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Urges Expanded Support for Nonprofit Fire Departments

IAFC urges the SBA to assist private nonprofit fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Issues Data Collection Waiver

If your agency hasn’t started preparing for CMS’ data collection efforts, it’s not too late!

Jan 01, 0001

Critical Infrastructure Workers and Potential COVID-19 Exposures

Critical COVID-19 information regarding civilians working for the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC's COVID-19 Resources Available for Fire Service Leaders, First Responders

Since the earliest days the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAFC has been working around the clock providing fire and emergency service leaders with the information and resources they need to protect first responders and serve their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

National Emergency Declaration: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

President Trump on March 13 declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, invoking the Stafford Act.

Jan 01, 0001

Rural EMS Grants Available: How to Apply

The SIREN grant program is open to any licensed EMS agency, including non-transport agencies, which serves a rural community and is a governmental or nonprofit organization.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Increases Funding for Fire Service Programs

Federal funding for programs important to fire service come out well in Homeland Security appropriations bill.

Jan 01, 0001

FAA Reauthorization Package Contains Fire Service Provisions

Provision should help Congress and the FAA to identify and remove obstacles fire departments face in using UASs.

Jan 01, 0001

Senate Reauthorizes AFG/SAFER and USFA

Sunset date for AFG/SAFER grant programs pushed out to 2024.

Jan 01, 0001

House Passes AFG-SAFER-USFA Reauthorization Bill

Bill authorizes $750 million each for FIRE and SAFER grant programs. Sunset date: 2024

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Discourages the Practice of Self-Dispatch to Emergency Locations

In major disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, the fire service needs to be disciplined in its response, ready and available.

Jan 01, 0001

New Publication Explores Importance of Succession Management in the Fire Service

Guide provides steps for departments to start their own succession plans and includes a history of succession management in the fire-rescue service.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Try a KISS Succession Plan

It’s been said you never know what a job entails until you’re in it. As the fire chief, exposing those coming up behind you to what you do is a major step in minimizing the gap.

Jan 01, 0001

Check Your Bus Ticket First

If you're like me, it's hard to determine what the real facts are about implementing mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) or ...

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. Congress Proposes 10% Cut to AFG and SAFER Grant Programs

The bill will cut the Federal Emergency Management Agency's grant programs by 10%

Jan 01, 0001

Reducing Stairs in Residential Buildings Higher Than Three Stories Creates Escape Hazards for Occupants and Inhibits Vital Emergency Response Operations

Fire, Life and Safety Section submits a position statement.

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for the 2024 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award

The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award through May 17. Since 1996, this prestigious award has recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief.

Jan 01, 0001

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Celebrates 106th Anniversary

Congratulations to the IAFF on their 106 years of service representing more than 343,000 career firefighters and paramedics.

Jan 01, 0001

iDELP Chort 3 Announced

President John Butler announces the names of the individuals who have been accepted into the iDELP program as fellows in Cohort 3

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief John S. Butler Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action

IAFC President Testifies on the Fire Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Calls for Immediate Action

Jan 01, 0001

Chief John S. Butler Appoints Stephanie Holloman to the IAFC Human Relations Committee

Stephanie Holloman of Orange County Fire Authority appointed to IAFC HRC

Jan 01, 0001

2024 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

IAFC and Motorola announce the12th year FSEDI participants

Jan 01, 0001

FRM 2024: Why You Can't Afford to Miss It!

FRM, for leaders to gather key information and build better situational awareness, leading to better decision-making

Jan 01, 0001

Important NIST Findings on Firefighter Gear: Understanding the Risks of PFAS

Are firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?

Jan 01, 0001

Lion, IAFC Proudly Partner for Saudi Aramco Cohort 24 International Fellowship Program Graduation

IAFC continues partnership to provide a host environment for the Fellowship Program.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Chaplains for Federal Fire Service Agencies: Q and A

The important roles that chaplains play within the first responder community

Jan 01, 0001

Straight Talk about FirstNet: First Responder-Designed and First Responder-Led

FirstNet Authority is working to facilitate coordination of this spectrum amongst public safety representatives

Jan 01, 0001

Help Improve the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Today!

The IAFC is conducting a study on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the US Fire and EMS.

Jan 01, 0001

FLSS Scholarship for the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Learn about an opportunity for scholarships and complimentary registration to attend the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Jan 01, 0001

Federal Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee Votes on Recommendations

New recommendations are being considered for ambulance services and improve the disclosure of charges and fees for ground ambulance services

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Celebrates 150th Anniversary at Southwestern Division Annual Meeting

Engaging Dialogue Will Delve into the Future of Fire and Emergency Services and Local Community Concerns

Jan 01, 0001

It’s Fire Prevention Week – Ask Congress to Join the Fight

IAFC has developed talking points to help you advocate for the protection of the AFG and SAFER programs

Jan 01, 0001

City of Golden (CO) Fire Department and Goochland County (VA) Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services Selected for Deccan International/VCOS “Analyst” Grant!

IAFC, VCOS and Deccan International announce departments selected to receive grant

Jan 01, 0001

A Potential Federal Government Shutdown: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

IAFC is monitoring the situation in the U.S. Congress for potential shutdown of federal government operations.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Scholarships and Awards

VCOS 2023 awards

Jan 01, 0001

Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award

St. Paul, Minnesota’s Director of the Department of Safety and Inspections, Angie Wiese, honored with the 2023 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award

Jan 01, 0001

Transformative Partnership Formed Between IAFC and Columbia Southern University

IAFC and CSU proudly announced a groundbreaking collaboration that delivers on one of the key goals

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit

Checkout this new interactive web-based geospatial Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit.

Jan 01, 0001

Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med 2023

Two fire departments were recognized for their success in improving cardiac arrest survival rates in their communities

Jan 01, 0001

Spanish-Language Hazmat Instructor - Independent Contractor Opportunity

Seeking a minimum of two (2) independent contractors to serve as Spanish-speaking Hazmat Safety Instructors

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Presents Historical Memorabilia as a Part of Their 150th Anniversary Celebration Plans

The IAFC will celebrate 150th anniversary at a press conference on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 3:30 PM ET

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Testifies at Congressional Hearing

Chief Donna Black testifies to support the reauthorization of the AFG and SAFER programs

Jan 01, 0001

Vector Solutions and IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Now Accepting Nominations for the 2023 Training Officer Recognition Award

The award, which is now open for nominations, acknowledges exemplary conduct by a training officer for their innovation and effectiveness when delivering training.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate, Now What?

Great news for members of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the entire fire service community! The Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate with an overwhelming vote of 95-2. This is a significant achievement and deserves to be celebrated.

Jan 01, 0001

URGENT: TAKE ACTION: The Senate Considers Legislation to Reauthorize the AFG and SAFER Grant Programs Starting Tomorrow (Wednesday)

Please contact your Senators and ask them to vote for S. 870, the Fire Grants & Safety Act, without any amendments

Jan 01, 0001

First Responder Wellness Week: 5 days of health and wellness

Join us March 27-31 as we partner with Lexipol to launch the first annual First Responder Wellness Week

Jan 01, 0001

Submit Your Nomination for the 2023 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award

The IAFC is now accepting nominations for the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year Award through June 9. Since 1996, this prestigious award has recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief.

Jan 01, 0001

North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Receives Safer Grant

NCAFC Grant Will Assist Communities in Recruiting and Retaining Volunteer Firefighters

Jan 01, 0001

President Biden Signed a $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Bill; Fire Service Grant Programs Funded Through 2023

Updates regarding the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Status of AFG and SAFER Grants – Funded for Fiscal Year 2023

On December 22, the H.R. 2617 bill was passed which includes funding for the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Releases Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

The Senate Appropriations Committee released its Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

Jan 01, 0001

Call to Action: IAFC Asks Fire Chiefs to Call Congress to Save FIRE & SAFER Grant Programs and USFA

The IAFC asks that members contact their U.S. Representatives & Senators to ask them to pass S. 4882 this year

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for 11th Year

UPDATE: The 2023 FSEDI application period is closed. Applicants will be notified in the near future.

Jan 01, 0001

NVFC, VCOS, ISFSI Release Operational Training Guide for Fire Departments

A training program that meets the needs of the community and the individual firefighter with safety

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC is pleased that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation to fund AFG

Senate committee has approved a AFG/SAFER legislation that funds the programs through 2032

Jan 01, 0001

Financial Education Survey: Help Develop Resources for Fire Chiefs

Complete a short survey to help us develop financial education and resources for fire chiefs.

Jan 01, 0001

The 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™ is October 9 – 15

Celebrating Fire Prevention Week with a toolkit page with social media cards, templates, logos, and activities.

Jan 01, 0001

Emerging Leader Scholarship and Alumni Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarship available for an all- expenses paid opportunity for a future fire service leader to attend the Symposium in the Sun.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. House Passes Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation

Updates on U.S. house passing next generation 9-1-1 legislation.

Jan 01, 0001

Pet Therapy Response Team; From 9-1-1 Dispatch to FD "Stress Relief" Visits

Fire & EMS departments across USA should consider starting Pet Therapy “stress relief” visits.

Jan 01, 0001

Comparable Differences: Apples and Oranges When Comparing Fire Departments

Just because you have a fire department, and so does your neighbor, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have “comparable” departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Propane Emergencies: Responding to Flammable Gas Incidents

The basic steps and processes outlined in this article should be utilized by departments of all sizes, from small rural to large metropolitan departments.

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Rural EMS Grant Application Period Ends on February 14

Eligible IAFC members are encouraged to review the grant announcement and Notice of Funding Opportunity to apply for these grants.

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Urges Organizations to Implement Cybersecurity Measures Now

CISA is urging senior leaders at every organization in the U.S. to become aware of critical cyber risks and take urgent, near-term steps to reduce the likelihood and impact of a cyberattack.

Jan 01, 0001

More Than $1B Available for Firefighters Grants

Grants totaling more than $1 billion are available for firefighters. FEMA is accepting applications for all three of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program's FY21 grants, with the first due approaching on January 21.

Jan 01, 0001

Supreme Court Decision on Vaccine Mandates: What It Means for Fire Departments

The Supreme Court blocked a temporary emergency standard by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Announces FY 2021 Fire Prevention & Safety Grant Application Period: January 18 – February 18

IAFC members are encouraged to start reviewing the application materials on the FEMA FP&S website.

Jan 01, 0001

AFG/SAFER Webinar Schedule Posted

FEMA has webinars scheduled throughout the month of January to help fire departments develop applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants

Jan 01, 0001

Education Revisited

The environment firefighters work in today has many ingredients for educational success, which is a game-changer from the fire station decades ago.

Jan 01, 0001

Save the Date: 3rd International Fire Operations Conference & Exhibition

A platform for academicians, researchers, managers, subject matter experts & students to share their research findings/best practices with the global audience.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Announces SAFER Grant Application Period: Jan. 3 – Feb. 4, 2022

The application period for the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants application period will begin on JAN 3.

Jan 01, 0001

Needs Assessment of US Fire Service

Fifth Needs Assessment shows some progress but continuing gaps in fire department resources.

Jan 01, 0001

Application Period Extended for FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program

The application process for the FY 2021 AFG Program is extended to January 21, 2022.

Jan 01, 0001

Reflect and Remember: How ‘Campfire Moments’ Help us Connect

It’s critical for our relationships and emotional health to gather with friends, family and colleagues to share successes, challenges and losses

Jan 01, 0001

FAA Reinterprets Guidance to Allow State and Local Governments to Conduct UAS Training as part of Public Aircraft Operations

This training must be limited to non-federal entity’s own aircraft and crews.

Jan 01, 0001

Senators and Representatives Introduce Bill to Incentivize the Installation of Fire Sprinklers in Older High-Rises

This bill amends the tax code to create a new incentive for the owners of high-rise buildings (buildings over 75 feet tall) to install sprinklers in their structures erected before fire codes required sprinklers.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Asks for Review of Fire Management and Suppression Draft Resource Types

Comments are due by 5:00 PM ET on December 10. The IAFC requests that its members review these resource typing documents and submit comments.

Jan 01, 0001

House Passes Build Back Better Act; Senate Action Still Required

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) by a vote of 220-213.

Jan 01, 0001

Putting on the White Shirt

Remember why you do it and what it means.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Online Community available via Mobile App

Access IAFC's online community via mobile app.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC-VCOS Releases the 2021 Yellow Ribbon Report Update on Responder Behavioral Wellness

The contributors hope that you use this report to assist your public safety personnel in managing the traumatic stresses they are confronting every day.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Will Reimburse COVID-19 Vaccination Expenses for Children

As part of the effort to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to children between ages 5 and 11, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said that it could reimburse expenses for vaccination programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Application Period Opens Today

The AFG program is designed to help fire and EMS departments improve their baseline capabilities for protecting the public.

Jan 01, 0001

House Sends Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework Funding Wildfire Initiatives and Authorizing the ALERT Grant to the President’s Desk

The IAFC was very pleased that this package includes the authorization of the ALERT grant program.

Jan 01, 0001

Leadership Anxiety

Whatever the specific answer is to help take care of our leaders, it will come in some form of us taking care of each other.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and EMS Departments Not Included in CMS and OSHA Vaccine Requirements

Despite new federal regulations regarding COVID vaccine requirements, fire & EMS departments remain covered under OSHA.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Calls for Congress to Take Action to Address National Wildland Fire Problem

Deputy Fire Chief Rich Elliott, Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue and Chair of the IAFC’s Wildland Fire Policy Committee, testified on October 26.

Jan 01, 0001

Five Tips for the New Volunteer Officer

Putting in the work includes a sharp focus on certifications, training, professionalism, positivity and decision-making.

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Releases FAQs on HIPAA, COVID-19, and the Workplace

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Jan 01, 0001

Resiliency

Our ability to accept the habitat of complex leadership, stay positive during trials, and focus on getting through the particular issue of the day is what resiliency and leadership are all about.

Jan 01, 0001

COVID Variants, Vaccinations, and Victims: A Short Update on the Pandemic

While this COVID wave spread through America and Canada, the impact on the fire service continues at a high level as we mourn the deaths of our co-workers, family, and friends.

Jan 01, 0001

HHS Announces Availability of $25.5 billion in COVID-19 Provider Funding

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that $25.5 billion soon will be available to help EMS providers with the costs of providing COVID-19 response.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chiefs Encouraged to Recognize 20th Anniversary of 9/11

IAFC resources for fire and EMS departments that would like to hold 9/11 remembrance ceremonies.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Department Exchange is Accepting Applications

Five applicants will be selected to participate.

Jan 01, 0001

Ego and Leadership

This article is a look at how our ego affects leadership, especially in the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Position on COVID-19 Vaccination of Fire and EMS Personnel

The IAFC is committed to the health and safety of our fire and EMS department personnel.

Jan 01, 0001

How To Get Employees to Take Ownership

When employees take ownership in the workplace, it leads to a culture of accountability and trust. Learn what it means to take ownership at work and how to get your employees involved.

Jan 01, 0001

CISA Recommendations for Protecting Information from Ransomware-Caused Data Breaches

Data breaches, often involving sensitive or personal information, can cause financial loss to the victim organization and erode customer trust.

Jan 01, 0001

FRI Chief Chat: 'The Future of the Fire Service is Full of Uncertainty, but That’s OK'

East Hartford, Conn., Fire Chief John Oates encouraged chiefs to embrace several key strategies to lead successful fire departments into the future

Jan 01, 0001

Preventing the Preventable: Renewing Fire Prevention and Life Safety Education as Firefighter Survival Tools

Fire prevention and life safety education have long been recognized as an effective way to establish "fire-safe" behavior among people of all ages and abilities.

Jan 01, 0001

CSB Releases New Safety Video on Aghorn Operating Investigation Entitled "Silent Killer: Hydrogen Sulfide Release in Odessa, Texas"

The CSB also made two recommendations to federal and state regulators, OSHA and the Railroad Commission of Texas, addressing the requirements for protecting workers from hazardous air contaminants and from hazardous energy.

Jan 01, 0001

First On Scene: Leaders Reflect On Their 9/11 Experiences, How Public Safety Has Evolved

Chiefs Pfeifer and Schwartz, Commissioner Cassano and FBI Special Agent Combs came together for the first time during Fire-Rescue International 2021

Jan 01, 0001

Members of Congress Introduce Legislation with Housing Benefits for Volunteer Fire and EMS Personnel

The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act (S. 2316/H.R. 4377) was introduced by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-MN) and Representative Cynthia Axne (D-IA). Both bills have bipartisan support.

Jan 01, 0001

DOJ Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Nominations Due July 31

Fire and EMS chiefs are encouraged to nominate members of their departments for this esteemed award.

Jan 01, 0001

Walking the Walk: How FDs are Setting the Example to Cure ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome’

Fire service leaders share what works at their departments.

Jan 01, 0001

FireRescue GPO is Now Part of Sourcewell

The IAFC is pleased to continue to support FireRescue GPO through this integration, and Sourcewell is now the sole cooperative purchasing partner of the IAFC.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Fire Management Assistance Grant Program and Policy Guide

The new FEMA document explains the FMAG declaration process; eligibility; and the grant management and close-out process.

Jan 01, 0001

OSHA Issues Emergency COVID Standard for Fire and EMS Agencies

OSHA releases new guidance for employers to protect their employees from COVID-19

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recognizes Michael Metro with James O. Page EMS Achievement Award

Chief Michael Metro, Ret., was named the 2021 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award.

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Stays 4.9 GHz Spectrum Order

The IAFC has engaged with the FCC on multiple occasions requesting that the Sixth R&O relating to the 4.9 GHz spectrum be vacated.

Jan 01, 0001

Pascrell Legislation Would Authorize $1B Fire Station Construction Grant Program

The legislation would create a $1 billion grant program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Jan 01, 0001

President Biden’s FY 2022 Budget Includes Increases for Federal Fire Programs

Congress will now spend the summer deliberating the FY 2022 appropriations bills with the aim of passing them before the October 1 start of the fiscal year.

Jan 01, 0001

CAP and IAFC — Stronger Together

Imagine having the capability of calling on an organization that operates the nation’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft and public service drones.

Jan 01, 0001

One Great Save: San Diego’s Justification and Journey to Acquire the S-70i™ FIREHAWK® Helicopter

You only need one great save to justify every penny of investment I’m about to describe.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Issues New COVID-19 Operational Guidance: All-Hazards Incident Response and Recovery

FEMA will be offering webinars in early to mid-June to discuss the pandemic operational guidance. For more information on these webinars, please go to the FEMA website.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Fact Sheet About Reimbursement for Public Vaccination Campaigns

Funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and eligible private and non-profit medical facilities carrying out vaccination administration activities.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Releases TIP Rules

CMS has issued it guidance on reimbursing EMS agencies for providing treatment-in-place services.

Jan 01, 0001

Leadership Lessons Learned During a Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis has heightened the awareness of mental illness as a real physical illness, not a character weakness or a choice.

Jan 01, 0001

Four Important Mental Health Leadership Lessons

We need to make mental illness recognized as a physical illness and a priority in our profession.

Jan 01, 0001

The April 2021 Talking TIM Webinar is Here

Learn how local agencies can apply NextGen TIM innovations.

Jan 01, 0001

Webinar: Unaware, Unwilling or Unable? Identify and Manage 3 Types of Underperforming Employees

District Chief Sobieski offers strategies for handling performance issues and details how to develop a performance improvement plan.

Jan 01, 0001

Driving to Extend Ambulance Payments

Congress is considering legislation to preserve the ground ambulance extender payments. Chief should contact their members of Congress to urge them to support the bill.

Jan 01, 0001

Webinar: Making a Dynamic Professional Development Program for Fire Leaders

This onversation will help you identify needs, find motivators, and explore the necessary components to establish a successful program for your organization.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Issues Repayment Notice

CMS is looking to recoup payments made to agencies under its Accelerated and Advanced Payments program from 2020

Jan 01, 0001

FCC Refers Carriers to Enforcement for Failing to Meet Key 911 Location Accuracy Deadline

Vertical location is critical to helping first responders quickly locate 911 wireless callers, particularly in buildings taller than three stories.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases NIMS National Qualification System Implementation Objectives Fact Sheet for Public Engagement

FEMA will host two, 30-minute webinars to discuss the draft implementation objectives and answer related questions.

Jan 01, 0001

Webinar: Lessons Learned from Fukushima

This presentation will share experiences and lessons that will greatly benefit decision makers and responders who have to prepare for wide area environmental remediation to respond to and recover from radiological contamination events.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases Audit-Related Guidance for Entities Receiving COVID-19 Public Assistance Funds

Fire and EMS chiefs are encouraged to review this document to help them maximize their cost recovery through the FEMA Public Assistance program while meeting all the reporting requirements.

Jan 01, 0001

FireRescue GPO Becomes a Part of Sourcewell

Continue to meet your procurement requirements and save money in the process while purchasing the brands your firefighters rely on every day.

Jan 01, 0001

Ebola Resources Continue to Be Relevant

The IAFC encourages fire chiefs to review its recommendations for potential responses to Ebola patients

Jan 01, 0001

Medicare Holds Claims Pending Congressional Action

Medicare announced it will hold claims until Congress delays pending rate cuts

Jan 01, 0001

Narrowing the ‘Digital Divide’: Funding Tech Projects In Rural Areas For Enhanced Training

How a unique partnership created more reliable connections for fire response and training

Jan 01, 0001

America’s First Responders Deserve Better Support From Federal Government in Preparation for Future Biological Events

Upcoming Commission Meeting to Explore Needs of First Responder Community During Biological Events

Jan 01, 0001

Leading Through Uncertainty

Perhaps the most important thing for leaders to do in times of uncertainty is to show up and be present.

Jan 01, 0001

CDC Releases New Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals

The CDC has released new guidelines for individuals who have received their COVID-19 vaccinations. Everyone is encouraged to review these guidelines and do their part to help control the spread of COVID-19.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Releases 4 Emergency Medical Services Resource Typing Documents

Resource typing is a key component of NIMS and enables organizations from across the country to work together during incidents of all types and sizes.

Jan 01, 0001

More Information About Microsoft Exchange Vulnerability

CISA strongly encourages partners to immediately disconnect any Microsoft Exchange systems suspected of being compromised.

Jan 01, 0001

2021 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

This is the ninth year that the Motorola Solutions Foundation has provided the IAFC with a grant to fund the program.

Jan 01, 0001

Accepting Failure or Faking Perfection? It’s Time to be Realistic About our Success and Failures

We must review our incidents with honesty or we’ll never be able to improve as a fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Ending Harassment in the Fire Service is Everyone’s Responsibility

Company officers rHarassment is a systemic issue, meaning it’s not simply an isolated issue between two peopleepresent the intersection of all the department’s policies, training and actions

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA FAQs Include Information of Reimbursement for Participation in Public Vaccine Programs

The reimbursement would take place through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program.

Jan 01, 0001

Living up to Our Oath: We Must Take Care of Others and Ourselves

Following a difficult year, firefighters must continue to focus on helping our fellow members cope

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Public Statement Against Violence and Hate

A response to the events of the last year and recent days.

Jan 01, 0001

City Officials – How Must Your Cities Change in the Future?

Our goal to protect our staff and citizens should be unwavering.

Jan 01, 0001

The One Thing!

My journey and my most important advice.

Jan 01, 0001

State-by-State Listing of Vaccine Priority Available

IAFC urges members to contact their governors in support of providing all fire and EMS personnel with priority access to COVID vaccines.

Jan 01, 0001

Urge Your Governor to Prioritize Fire and EMS for COVID-19 Vaccines

IAFC members are asked to urge their governors to prioritize fire and EMS personnel for access to a COVID-19 vaccine

Jan 01, 0001

I Picked A Bad Week to Stop

My Initial COVID-19 Response and the Lessons I Learned

Jan 01, 0001

CDC Panel Recommends Initial COVID Vaccine Priority for EMS

IAFC urges the CDC to also provide all firefighters with priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Jan 01, 0001

Raising the Bar for Fire Service sUAS (Drone) Pilots

The utilization of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) by U.S. fire departments has grown exponentially over the last six years.

Jan 01, 0001

Checkout IAFC’s newly refreshed Career Center and Gain Access to Quality Candidates

IAFC’s Career Center utilizes a modernized platform to provide user with an easy to use job search experience.

Jan 01, 0001

Social Media Policies – Avoiding “Headlines” And Litigation

5 Simple Rules for Developing a Fire Department’s Social Media Policy

Jan 01, 0001

A Decade of Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival

August marked the 10th anniversary of the International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) adoption of the Rules of Engagement.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Seeks to Strengthen Retirement for Firefighters

House proposes changes to improve firefighters' retirement plans

Jan 01, 0001

Community First

When it comes to impactful decisions, always keep in mind my systematic approach.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Leadership in the Fire Service: Observations Part 2

Part Two of a Two-Part Series Discussing Executive Leadership with Dr. Denis Onieal.

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Releases COVID Reporting Rules

CMS released new rules for COVID funding recipients

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Supports Vaccine Prioritization for First Responders

IAFC supports prioritized COVID-19 vaccine access for fire and EMS personnel

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Comments at COVID-19 Vaccine Meeting

IAFC urges HHS to prioritize fire and EMS personnel for receiving COVID-19 vaccines

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Urges Expanded Support for Nonprofit Fire Departments

IAFC urges the SBA to assist private nonprofit fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Social Media and the Fire Department

Proper use of social media can strengthen the mission of the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Chemical Safety in Shared Communities: What Fire Chiefs Can Do

Learn four things fire chiefs can do to keep communities safe.

Jan 01, 0001

Managing the Economic Challenges of COVID-19

How is your department managing the economic fallout from COVID-19?

Jan 01, 0001

Good Policies Support A Culture of Trust

Trust between firefighters and their officers, or lack of it, is part of fire department culture.

Jan 01, 0001

Running A Firehouse During A Pandemic

How does a fire department tackle PPE shortages head-on?

Jan 01, 0001

CMS Provides COVID Support Payments to EMS Agencies

Increased response costs during COVID-19 can make it very difficult for a fire chief to manage their budget, but not impossible.

Jan 01, 0001

Building a Fire Department Sustainability Program Starts with Policy

Fire departments are not businesses, but we don’t have to look far to find examples of private sector management practices adopted into the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Expectations Memos: Building Understanding and Rapport

Expectations memos can be a handy tool in building high performing teams and productive employees.

Jan 01, 0001

$100 Million AFG COVID-19 Response Application Period: Deadline May 15

FEMA will begin accepting Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program applications for COVID-19 response at 8 AM ET, Tuesday, April 28.

Jan 01, 0001

What Does it Take to Become a Fire Chief?

Even if you’re not sure you want to become a fire chief, applying some of the suggestions here will enable you to become better at what you do now, in the future, and as you mentor other members.

Jan 01, 0001

Leadership in Tough Times

The current crisis with the coronavirus, while scary, doesn’t mean we should abandon our usual leadership practices.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief, Begin Your Day by Asking the Right Questions

There are so many things a chief must decide in a day, so start with simple questions.

Jan 01, 0001

Are Your Firefighters Members or Employees?

As you look at the policies, standard operating procedures or guidelines, how are you describing your firefighters or civilian personnel?

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Departments Eligible for CARES Act Loan Programs

Under the CARES Act, all "private non-profit organizations" are eligible for purposes of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, including any entity exempt under IRC 501(c).

Jan 01, 0001

Economic Task Force Created to Help IAFC Members Navigate Challenging Times

IAFC Economic Task Force to help members navigate these challenging economic times.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC's COVID-19 Resources Available for Fire Service Leaders, First Responders

Since the earliest days the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAFC has been working around the clock providing fire and emergency service leaders with the information and resources they need to protect first responders and serve their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

National Emergency Declaration: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

President Trump on March 13 declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, invoking the Stafford Act.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Launches Coronavirus Task Force

The Task Force will be monitoring COVID-19 and developing recommendations for ways that fire departments can protect their members while continuing to serve their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

Incident Data Utilization Survey

The IAFC is conducting a research survey on how Fire Departments are leveraging their incident data.

Jan 01, 0001

Essential Hazmat Training Criteria for Responders, Leaders

Do you know your training programs strengths? Weaknesses?

Jan 01, 0001

Humility for Leaders

How do you view the concept of humility?

Jan 01, 0001

A Collaboration to Help Establish Safer, Bully-Free Departments and Healthy Workplace Environments

Members of the IAFC Bullying, Harassment, and Workplace Violence Prevention Work Group curriculum sub-group traveled to the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to develop an introductory course curriculum and a Train-the-Trainer (TtT) program to be launched as a pre-conference at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jan 01, 0001

Five Es for Us!

By getting ahead of the call, you will be keeping your community and your firefighters safer.

Jan 01, 0001

Seven Ways to Make Community Risk Reduction a Focus of Your Department

An ever-present concern for any fire chief is our role in reducing the impact incidents have on our community.

Jan 01, 0001

FRI 2019 Highlights: VCOS Interview

Chief Charles Flynn and Chief Al Yancey, Jr. on IAFC TV during FRI 2019

Jan 01, 0001

Make Your Voice be Heard

The Importance of Educating Elected Officials About Fire and EMS Issues

Jan 01, 0001

Are Your Firefighters Good Hotel Employees?

In the past, customer service was taught at the fire station and learned on the job by observing senior firefighters. However, this is doing the firefighter and the community a disservice.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Service Urged to Commemorate Flag Day

Led by the NFF and supported by major labor unions and veterans’ organizations, we are asked to fly the Flag of the United States of America in a show of unity, democracy and civility on Flag Day.

Jan 01, 0001

Fighting Fire with Tax Policy

Whether you are already engaged with your members of Congress or have not yet ventured into the political world, now is a great time to get involved. We need you to add your voice to the discussion.

Jan 01, 0001

President Signs Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations with Increases for Fire Service Programs

2019 appropriations bill signed into law which funds federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Department of Transportation. The bill included a number of increases for fire service programs.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Fire and EMS National Emergency Safety and Survival Alert

All fire chiefs and officers are urged to immediately issue a safety and survival alert in their departments to minimize the risk to firefighters operating on highways.

Jan 01, 0001

5 Things I Learned from Dad to Help Grow Volunteer Membership

Over the holidays, my dad told me the church he attends is growing. I was surprised because over the past 25 years, membership in American churches has dropped 15%. Sound familiar? In the past 30 years, volunteer firefighters have declined by 12%.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Human Capital: Harassment in Our Workplace

Sexual harassment, one type of abuse, is a prominent and prevalent topic these days, but on-the-job abuse includes all types of bullying and discrimination.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: One Fire Department’s Response to an Active-Shooter Incident

If your department received this call, are your members and department trained, equipped and prepared to respond?

Jan 01, 0001

Taxing Times in Congress

Urge your members of Congress to support fire sprinklers and volunteer and combination fire departments!

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Are We Killing Our Own Diversity?

Every fire department has their notable firsts. Firsts are important to its history. What are your department’s firsts in terms of diversity and inclusion?

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Life Safety: Experiencing Home Fires – Still a Real Problem

School visits, department open houses and old messages don’t resonate with average community members. Public apathy is still a real problem. Are we missing the mark on public education?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Seconds Matter

What is your department’s mutual-aid plan for when the big one hits?

Jan 01, 0001

Teaching and Technology: A Recipe for Safe Cooking

We know that cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and fire injuries in America, with $1 billion lost annually in property damage. An interest in technology that limits the high-end temperature of electric-coil elements is growing as a result.

Jan 01, 0001

Code? What Code?

If code officials know what responders face, they can address those concerns and work on future code language to improve conditions. If code officials communicate trends, responders can make informed decisions in the field. Communicating is key!

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: “Fire Prevention” Is Outdated!

Am I suggesting the fire service do away with fire-prevention activities? Absolutely not! But are you doing a disservice to your responsibility to protect your community by using the label “fire prevention?”

Jan 01, 0001

Metro Chiefs Adopt Positions at Urban Fire Forum

Urban Fire Forum (UFF) held last week at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Mass.

Jan 01, 0001

Does Your Department Need a Chief People Officer?

In departments staffed by volunteers, morale is the most important aspect. While creating a course to help volunteer leaders learn more about the business of running a department, our team came up with the idea for a “Chief People Officer.”

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: The SIMPLE Way of Accountability

No organization can flourish without the right people in place, doing the right things at the right time. It’s our responsibility to set our members up for success; we must define our expectations and hold employees accountable for those results.

Jan 01, 0001

Human Relations: Managing within the Context of a Fire Organization

Most fire departments are structured around a traditional model and leaders have a firm foundation to build on; this article focuses on continuous training, team spirit and influence.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: The Business Side of the Fire Department

Many who become firefighters do so to help their communities and experience the excitement of fighting fires. But as firefighters move up the ranks, the required skill set changes from pulling hose or cutting open a roof to managing a business.

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Service: Let’s Buckle Up!

Does your department have a policy that providers must be restrained when the ambulance is moving? If providers need to remove their restraints, is it policy for the ambulance to pull off the road and completely stop while treatment is rendered?

Jan 01, 0001

Planning Approaches: Operational and Financial Planning

This series has addressed the elements of a fire department’s planning approach. This third entry in the series briefly introduces the concepts of tactical/operational planning and financial planning.

Jan 01, 0001

Avoid Mission Failure: Prepare Your People for Success

The exodus of senior leaders and their experience creates a critical need to prepare the upcoming generation to lead. Although succession planning is challenging, the reward is an agency prepared to meet its mission with confidence and competence.

Jan 01, 0001

Planning Approaches and Alternatives: Are You Planning Effectively for Your Organization’s Future?

Do you know what standards of cover and cooperative-efforts planning are and how to use them to improve the effectiveness of your planning initiatives?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Opportunity Missed!

It's said we should leave an organization better than we found it. How can we do that if we don’t seek out a next generation of members who come in the door prepared to take the organization to that next level? Or if we don't nurture that in them?

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Reverse-Engineering Succession Management to Grow Your Career

Few departments have successfully implemented a succession-management program, so to have the greatest success in promotions and job performance, aspiring chiefs and officers must know how to reverse-engineer succession management.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Life Safety: Why Pursue Our Professional Credentials?

What’s the common denominator between obtaining coaching credentials and working for our fire service professional credentials? What value do these provide?

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Human Capital: Building a Desire to Serve

Leaders look for talented personnel with traits that cause them to serve others in a way that garners trust and respect. But what do they do when members want to choose who and how they'll serve?

Jan 01, 0001

Who’s Really Responsible for Health and Safety in the Fire Service?

It's the responsibility of each first responder and of the department to ensure responders know what's expected of them to be safe; in an ideal world, this would be enough to ensure everyone's taken care of, but is it?

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: What Does Changing the Culture for Safety Mean?

Some hope to achieve a safety culture by admonishing their members to be safe or have a safety mindset and letting the rest figure itself out. What does it mean to be safe or have a safety mindset? Just exactly how do we achieve that?

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Evolution

For a profession that prides its self on such catchphrases as "100 years of tradition unimpeded by progress," the fire service has proven itself to be very resilient and adaptable to change.

Jan 01, 0001

Human Relations: Mutual Respect Starts with a Conversation

I often ask, “Why can’t everyone just get along?” Is inappropriate behavior and comments by firefighters a product of cultural, gender or social differences, or is it just that someone is being an insensitive and unprofessional jerk?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: EMS Performance Metrics

We invested considerable time and funds toward data extraction. The fruit of this labor has been accurate reports and ultimately the best decisions.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: The Four Dynamics of the Fire Service

Our personnel failures occur in each of these environments and knowing these four dynamics exist is the first step on the road to change.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Tipping Over

The life of an on-call/volunteer firefighter often becomes a balancing act. We need department cultures that recognize the importance of family and the wellbeing of our members.

Jan 01, 0001

Feeling Blessed to Pass the Torch

Not only is the fire service not immune from the speedy pace of retiring Baby Boomers, but given the demographics, culture and traditions, we may be at even greater risk. This article is adapted from one that ran recently in the VCOS newsletter.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: Respect

Why do people like me cherish respect? Because of my children. I want my children to be respectful of their peers, their employers, their clients and themselves.

Jan 01, 0001

Resuscitating the Ambulance Fee Schedule

If your patient was the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule, you’d be preparing to start CPR. Congress just brought us an AED and a drug box, and it’s time to get to work.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety and Health: All-Hazards Response and Scenario Planning

All-hazards response isn’t a new concept, so what’s the point of talking about it yet again? It’s not about the past; it’s about scenario-planning for the future.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: More Than Just Response

While we often find comfort in our response duties, we must also focus on prevention as well, such as inspections, public education and emergency management. These CRR measures provide exponential benefit to our communities and organizations.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Embrace Technology

It’s no longer acceptable for fire chiefs to be technology-averse. We must wake up, dig deep and begin to understand the technology that surrounds our profession more deeply than ever before.

Jan 01, 0001

Could Your Department Website Be a Legal Liability?

For many departments, their websites are places where the community can understand the department’s mission, find contact information and gather the latest news and information. Don’t you want to be accessible to every individual you serve?

Jan 01, 0001

Benchmarking for Improvement: ISO and ESCI Team Up

The Community Fire Service Performance Review for Structural Fire Protection is next in ISO’s continuing effort to help communities improve their fire protection services through partnerships and training, and the ESCI report is proof of that goal.

Jan 01, 0001

The Gold Standard: Are You Ready to Shine?

Today’s fire service leaders must develop professional competencies to lead their organizations into the future, fully engaging in their communities, becoming certified and credentialed and embracing lifelong learning.

Jan 01, 0001

Excellent Firefighters: We’re Not Promoting Through Testing Difficulties

There’s no question the fire service needs standards, but are our standards so stringent that we’re promoting the academic and passing over vocational candidates?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Atypical Innovation

Innovation isn’t always packaged in the shiniest wrapping and it doesn’t always cost money. Sometimes, it’s packaged in as research that provides perspectives leading to innovative solutions.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: Trust in the Fire Service

A lack of trust is the kryptonite to any fire-rescue organization. Without trust, an organization can’t provide the public service required.

Jan 01, 0001

FY 2017 FP&S Grant Application Period Opens Feb. 12

Begin Preparing Your FY 2017 FP&S Application Now.

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Delays “Cadillac Tax”

“Cadillac Tax” now set to take effect in four years in 2022.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Managing Your Key Relationships

I personally invite you to take advantage of a golden opportunity to hone your skills with the IAFF/IAFC Labor-Management Alliance: join us for the LMA Conference April 5-6 in Denver at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center: IAFC.org/LMAconference.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Labor-Management Relations – Building Our Teams

Labor and management. Two groups of people who don’t always agree, but must come together to meet the overall goals and mission of the organization. How do you view labor and management?

Jan 01, 0001

LMA Update: A New Era of Cooperation and Collaboration

Over the life of the IAFC’s and IAFF’s partnership, the Labor-Management Alliance has gone through several iterations. One constant is the organizations’ dedication to building strong labor-management relationships.

Jan 01, 0001

Chiefs, Union Leaders Come Together as LMA Conference Returns

For any fire department that has labor-management relationships or new people in leadership roles, the 2018 LMA Conference is the place to be.

Jan 01, 0001

It's Time We Build a Uniform Officer Ride-Along Standard

Is it time to consider developing, adopting and using a formal officer/job-sharing or ride-along program standard?

Jan 01, 0001

Choose Your Next Officer with These Key Evaluation Areas

A key factor to ensuring a successful and highly reliable organization is finding those who are committed to excellence and embody the epitome of the organization’s vision.

Jan 01, 0001

Enhancing Fire-Rescue Human Capital: Succession Planning and Implementation

The time has come for today’s leaders to embrace, develop and implement succession planning and management. Let’s examine the foundation, the method and the outcomes and challenges associated with it.

Jan 01, 0001

Reminder: FY 2017 AFG Application Period Closes Feb. 2

Don't wait until the last minute to submit your AFG Grant application.

Jan 01, 0001

Senate Reauthorizes AFG/SAFER and USFA

Sunset date for AFG/SAFER grant programs pushed out to 2024.

Jan 01, 0001

House Passes AFG-SAFER-USFA Reauthorization Bill

Bill authorizes $750 million each for FIRE and SAFER grant programs. Sunset date: 2024

Jan 01, 0001

What’s in Your Disaster Plan?

As Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria hit different areas, we watched challenges play out through the media. While many areas still work to get back to a place of normalcy, we should look at those challenges and ask, “What’s in my disaster plan?”

Jan 01, 0001

Reaching the Community with Hands-Only CPR

While the death rate is declining, the best way to affect out-of-hospital cardiac-arrest incidents is to ensure that AEDs are readily available and that members of the community are trained in CPR.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Let’s Better Connect with the Communities We Protect

Fire chiefs must be able to answer the question, “What are you doing to connect to the people you protect?”

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Maintaining Relevance through Culture and Action

Any organization’s leadership will tell you that a key ingredient for sustained success is maintaining a positive relationship with the customer. It’s essential to achieve this, and the most stable path is through positive culture.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Public-Relations Campaigns are Tools for Relevance

What makes us relevant in our communities? Our quick response, willingness to take risks and professional competence? How do we show them how relevant—and indispensable—we are?

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Life Safety: Community Relations

In today's environment of public suspicion, gaining and maintaining public consent to operate has become an ongoing top-management concern for most fire agencies and fire-prevention divisions.

Jan 01, 0001

Mobile Integrated Healthcare Handbook is Released

The MIH Handbook will provide a step-by-step process to evaluate whether mobile integrated healthcare is right for fire departments and the steps to implement such a program, tailormade to the needs of the department’s local EMS systems.

Jan 01, 0001

Bringing Back Fun in the Firehouse

I remember the days of riding the back step and so much more. I won’t call them the good old days; we were lucky to have survived them unscathed. But oh, was it easy to recruit and retain new members; the volunteer firehouse was the place to be.

Jan 01, 0001

Recruit the Best and Retain Them Longer

It’s no surprise that the recruitment and retention of volunteers has become a hot topic and one that many fire departments are constantly trying to overcome. Recruiting new members and retaining seasoned individuals is becoming a challenge.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: The Relationship Between Human Resources and Community Awareness

A public-safety organization's HR responsibilities include attracting applicants, retaining members, motivating members, planning for succession development and offering relevant training. The challenge for us is to get it right.

Jan 01, 0001

Integrating Veterans in the Fire and Emergency Service

At my FRI session, we discussed bringing veterans into our firehouses. The idea seems simple, though it can lead to worrying about what-ifs. But why don’t we have a fire or EMS job for every veteran who meets our requirements and wants one?

Jan 01, 0001

ICS Is Not Just for Operations

ICS is an excellent means of organizing resources, providing accountability and allocating them to meet challenges; it’s a time-proven approach to dealing with emergencies. But we shouldn’t ignore that, at its base, it’s simply a management tool.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Make Community Interaction Count

On the heels of Fire Prevention Week, it’s easy to appreciate the interaction and trust we have within our communities; the week is a magnificent example of harnessing tragedy to make positive change.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Community Relations – Whose Job Is It Anyway?

In the fire service, whose job is community relations? Most folks would probably say the fire prevention and education division or the PIO. The real answer is much larger than these two.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Senior SAFE Program – Protecting Our Seniors

Though the trend in fire deaths has decreased for the older adult population, older adults still face the greatest relative risk of dying in a fire.

Jan 01, 0001

Emotional Intelligence, or Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

Traditionally, intellectual capacity has been seen as a primary indicator of one’s ability to succeed. Emotional intelligence is now also considered a crucial element in individual and professional success.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Community Members Help Reduce Risk

Community education needs be at the forefront of our minds. If we can educate our communities in risk reduction, lives will be saved.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Make a Decision

Many chief officers have prepared for and experienced many types of fireground situations. Countless lives have been saved based on quick, decisive actions. How do these processes transfer to administrative decisions these same officers must make?

Jan 01, 0001

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit: A Resource for Fire Departments

Exposure to the trauma of others is an occupational challenge for first responders. Organ-izations can mitigate the negative impacts of vicarious trauma—and it’s their duty and responsibility to do so. The VTT was designed to help.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Discourages the Practice of Self-Dispatch to Emergency Locations

In major disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, the fire service needs to be disciplined in its response, ready and available.

Jan 01, 0001

New Publication Explores Importance of Succession Management in the Fire Service

Guide provides steps for departments to start their own succession plans and includes a history of succession management in the fire-rescue service.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Professional Development for the Entire Organizational Chart

One of the questions many training officers and fire chiefs struggle with is how to structure professional and career development programs within their departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Leadership Development

Leadership development—what does that really mean? Can you develop people into becoming good leaders, or are leaders just born to be leaders?

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Complex Coordinated Attacks – More than Active-Shooter Events

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the seventh article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

An Evolution in Transparency: In Our Departments and Communities

It’s time to introduce our personnel to the public we serve. People have seen our folks in action. They’ve invited them into their homes at their time of need. But who is it that’s stepping across the threshold?

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Try a KISS Succession Plan

It’s been said you never know what a job entails until you’re in it. As the fire chief, exposing those coming up behind you to what you do is a major step in minimizing the gap.

Jan 01, 0001

Do You Need a Drone in Your Department?

The key to a successful and sustainable drone program is to have a supporting infrastructure in place before that first flight.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Body-Armor Purchasing Decisions

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the sixth article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Your Role in Departmental SOGs

Many think that all a company officer needs to do is apply the SOGs/SOPs and discipline those who don’t abide by them. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Jan 01, 0001

Split Personalities: What's Your Organization’s Culture?

Understanding your department’s internal personality will help you understand how its external image is perceived. Bad attitudes, poor morale, sloppy attire: If you don’t recognize it, others quickly will.

Jan 01, 0001

Yes, Bullying, Harassment and Violence are Alive in the Firehouse

In the midst of discussions of brotherhood, courage, honor and self-sacrifice, the revelation that a firefighter committed suicide as a reaction to cyberbullying was for some eye opening, for others validation of their lived experience.

Jan 01, 0001

Terrorism & Homeland Security: Ballistic Protection – Not as Simple as It Appears

The fire service is integral to homeland security, and chiefs must know the hot issues. To help, the T&HS Committee offers an in-depth look at the issues as well as the resources available from the IAFC. This is the fifth article in the series.

Jan 01, 0001

Human Relations: If We Build It, They Will Come

There are many untapped, talented people who would be ready to play on our team and work for our mission if we would just prepare the workplace to recognize and harness their diverse and varied talents.

Jan 01, 0001

EMS, We Have Some Work to Do

As if fire-based EMS doesn’t have enough issues with its name brand of service delivery, I want to tell you about two new challenges.

Jan 01, 0001

Safety & Health: Risk Reduction—A Global View

When considering risk-reduction programs, fire departments typically target the residential populations in their communities. There’s good reason for this approach.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Incorporating Performance Metrics into Agency Culture and Analysis

Performance metrics help to establish expected performance levels. Without them, organizations may drift along with no perception of quality performance. Without substantiating data, any perception they do have is ultimately just an opinion.

Jan 01, 0001

Medical Equipment Failures

When medical devices fail and death or serious injury occurs, your department is required to report it. This article tells you how.

Jan 01, 0001

What ESCI’s Purchase of Fields Consulting Group Means for You

As you may know, Fields Consulting Group was purchased by Emergency Services Consulting International, the consulting arm of the IAFC. In doing so, we have expanded our services extensively.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Innovation Is Peer-Driven

After years in the industry, I can tell you the companies serving the fire service are in fire houses, eagerly working with the fire service. But adopting technology in the fire service is a whole different animal.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Things Have Changed

As chief officers, we must find innovative ways to involve our members that allow them to learn and be heard. New technology is out there and will continue to grow quickly, so we must embrace it.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Innovation in Officer-Development Training

Fairfax County (Virginia) Fire and Rescue serves rural, suburban and urban environments, and with such varied needs, ensuring a highly trained and effective officer corps becomes even more critical.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Alternative Funding for the Fire Service

In today’s economy, we’re still working to make ends meet and stay within our budgets. It’s never been more critical to examine alternative funding streams to supplement existing budgets, support essential services and purchase new technology.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: The Company Officer’s Role in Obtaining Funding

It’s pretty easy talk to our crew and gather ideas on what we need, helping the department find the resources to purchase the items is another story altogether.

Jan 01, 0001

ESCI Acquires Fields Consulting Group

Emergency Services Consulting International, the consulting arm of the IAFC, expands its services and product line with the acquisition of Fields Consulting Group.

Jan 01, 0001

A Whole-Community Approach to All-Hazards Planning

Whole-community planning allows public-safety officials to develop plans that serve the community’s needs. Public safety's goal should be to lead the community toward risk-management that includes residents more in disaster response and recovery.

Jan 01, 0001

All-Hazards Doesn’t Mean Plan for Everything

Many fire service leaders are knighted to the position of emergency manager as well as fire chief. In this role, we’re tasked with conducting all-hazards planning. But just what does this mean?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: All-Hazards Experience Is the Worst Teacher

As I was standing alongside a road, watching a mile-wide flame front from a fast-moving wildland fire move rapidly toward me, a friend pulled up and said, “Fire first gives the test, then provides the lesson.”

Jan 01, 0001

Small Departments Aren’t Exempt from Being All-Hazards Ready

When we think of the term all-hazards, images come to mind of expansive incidents with vast resources distributed to handle any problem that arises. Few small departments can field such assets, but they’re not exempt from the responsibility.

Jan 01, 0001

Community and Department Needs First

I’m asked from time to time about how I've survived the changing landscape of our community and not encountered the issues other neighboring chiefs have. While I have no magic solution, I can offer these suggestions.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: All-Hazards on the Street

It’s now post-post-9/11 and everyone has a different idea about what to call us and our activities. Probably the most common formulation today is all-hazards. So what does all-hazards mean to us?

Jan 01, 0001

The Elephants—Better Known as the Undiscussables

Is there an issue or problem in your department that keeps rearing its ugly head but nobody wants to discuss it or attempt to fix it? These unnamed elephants are issues everyone knows about but is afraid to discuss. So what do you do?

Jan 01, 0001

In Your Leadership Toolkit: Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is recognized as a necessary component of leadership. Fire and emergency service leaders must keep this tool sharp and use it effectively in the firehouse and on every call. How sharp is the tool in your kit?

Jan 01, 0001

HELP Yourself This Tax Season

Tax season can be a time of frustration. The HELPS program offers an excellent way to decrease your taxable income while still retaining strong benefits for fire and emergency service retirees.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Forecasting—An Inexact Science

Can anyone with certainty forecast the future? It isn’t likely, but with some research and knowledge, we can predict how current trends may change what we see and how we act 5 to 10 years from now.

Jan 01, 0001

SAFER Application Period Open January 9 to February 10

SAFER application period open January 9 to February 10. Start planning your FY 2016 SAFER Grant application now by reviewing the technical assistance tools offered by FEMA.

Jan 01, 0001

The Color of Protection

Law-enforcement officers are under attack and becoming targets. Responding alongside law enforcement places us in areas of risk; their risk is our risk. Action must be taken to protect ourselves, but what steps can we take to do that?

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Developing Relationships

When someone new is elected in your community, you introduce yourself and educate the newly elected person on your mission, your dedication to the community and your needs. Just like you do back home, that’s what we’ll be doing at the federal level.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Maintaining Relevance in Communities

A community's perception of the fire and emergency service is often affected by its perception of the chief and his members. What do your relationships reflect?

Jan 01, 0001

How an Empty Salt Shaker Leads to Firefighter Death

Yes, anyone can fill the salt shaker, but as one chief pointed out, this particular, insignificant task is assigned to someone. I believe the way he said it was, “Filling the salt shaker was someone’s job.”

Jan 01, 0001

Us Versus Them: Can We All Get Along?

“Can we all get along?” Those words were spoken nearly 25 years ago by Rodney King during the Los Angeles riots that followed the trial of police officers accused of beating King during his arrest. The quote is often misstated and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Motorola Solutions Foundation Public Safety Grant Funds 5th Year of Fire Service Executive Development Institute

Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has received a significant grant award as part of the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s public safety grant award program. The grant will make it possible for the IAFC to provide a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Proving Risk Reduction Works: The Case in Point

Proving what we do works for our communities has always challenged fire and emergency services. Nevertheless, pressure to prove that our performance affects outcomes for the better has never been greater.

Jan 01, 0001

Integrated Reporting Tool Launched at FRI 2016

Cloud-based event-reporting and analysis tool access to internal and nationally-collected data to support operational changes and necessary training.

Jan 01, 0001

NWS Watch, Warning and Advisory Survey for Decision-makers

NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) is conducting a survey that is gauging how decision-makers, such as fire department officials, use NWS watches, warnings and advisories. Your feedback will play an important role in any decisions on how to improve NWS ...

Jan 01, 0001

If Not Now, When?

Training is about today. Education is about tomorrow: what the next community need is and where the fire and emergency service fits in.

Jan 01, 0001

Why So Many Unhappy Firefighters?

The fire service is one of the most rewarding and exciting careers available. So why are there so many unhappy firefighters?

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety- Leading Your Team to Success

Job satisfaction often hinges on the quality of relationships. Yet in today’s rapidly evolving, 24/7 workplaces, it’s not always clear what we should do to create satisfying work experiences and happy team members.

Jan 01, 0001

The Lawsuit Litmus Test

Anyone in public service knows that legal action or a lawsuit may be just the next call or the next shift away.

Jan 01, 0001

What to Do When Internal Candidates Don’t Get the Promotion

Fostering a pool of both interested and qualified personnel allows chiefs to select their command staff and local administrators or governing boards to draw from for their next fire chief.

Jan 01, 0001

5 Notable Traits of High-Performing Management Teams

Five attributes are consistently seen in high-performing management teams, consistently resulting in optimized performance, innovation, growth in capabilities and influence and measurable results.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership- Taking Management Decisions to the Field

What does it really mean to manage a department? It takes leaders at all levels throughout an organization to put forward ideas and work together to meet the department’s management demands.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership- Delegation and Communication

Proper communication facilitates good management; this is often easier to say than to do.

Jan 01, 0001

Conducting Effective Evaluations

Effective employee evaluations create an atmosphere of trust; employees know what expectations the agency has and employers have a forum to ensure those expectations have been communicated.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter- Let’s Always Look Out for Each Other

When the wall collapses, we’ll be there for our brothers and sisters. We should be there for them, too, even before the wall comes down.

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership - Success as a Leader Means Never Being Satisfied

The most important attribute of being a leader is just this—the continued drive for personal and professional success in all aspects of life.

Jan 01, 0001

Five Core Competencies of Executive Leadership

Just as a mechanic requires a precise set of skills to fix cars, leaders require a certain array of competencies to enact effective leadership.

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Let`s Make a Deal?

Some of you may be familiar with the TV game show Let``s Make a Deal, currently hosted by Wayne Brady ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: The Fire Service`s Role in Healthcare Delivery

The healthcare system in our country is undergoing tremendous change. Driven by unsustainable costs, policy makers are reengineering healthcare in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Culture Change Through Grassroots Leadership

When applied to common areas in the fire service, grassroots leadership can take on a powerful form and gain momentum. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Supporting Our Departments` Grassroots Leaders

Leadership in today``s fire service is constantly challenged at a variety of levels. Leaders in fire and rescue departments everywhere ...

Jan 01, 0001

Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Approved by Senate Appropriations Committee

On June 26, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the fiscal year (FY) 2015 Homeland Security Appropriations bill (S. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: A Lesson in Regaining Public Trust

Several years ago, our division manager and department director went to meet a couple property owners to discuss issues they ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Community Relations in the Fire Service

Recently, I attended a conference where leaders in fire service discussed the state of our profession and how leadership had ...

Jan 01, 0001

Taking Responsibility for a Positive Public Perception

Just about anywhere you go, fire departments find themselves under increasing public scrutiny as economic pressures remain high or even ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: "It Depends"

My human resources director likes to use the phrase “it depends” when we address difficult issues; the issues might be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Cultivating Your Community Relationships

Is your organization``s brand identity well established within your community? That is, have you communicated your department``s characteristics, values and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Hose2Habitat Answers the Call

An excellent answer to the age-old question, "Hey chief, what should we do with the old fire hose?" is "Take ...

Jan 01, 0001

Building Key Relationships with Elected Community Leaders

Today, perhaps more than ever, it``s critical that chiefs work hard to strengthen community relations. One important way is to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Embracing Grassroots Leaders

Leadership is perhaps one of the most fascinating and controversial topics in today’s fire service; no model fits every department ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Prevention Week Is Just Around the Corner

Some fire departments spend the week visiting schools and citizen groups, while other stay in and welcome tour groups. I’d ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: What If No One Understands Your Message?

This seems tremendously obvious, but our industry can’t reduce fires and injuries if our audience doesn’t understand our safety message....

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Community Risk Reduction on a Shoestring Budget

Community risk reduction (CRR) is the identification and prioritization of risks, followed by the integrated application of resources to minimize ...

Jan 01, 0001

Decisions: Encouraging People to Make Them

“A difference which makes no difference is no difference.” That quote, attributed to philosopher and psychologist William James, essentially says ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Finding Benefits through Ceiling Fans

Being sustainable and reducing the operating costs for your station doesn``t have to be an involved or complicated effort. A ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Quick Savings through Lighting

One of the most popular ways to achieve energy efficiency and realize cost savings in your firehouse is through lighting ...

Jan 01, 0001

Three Techniques for Writing a Compelling Annual Report

An annual report provides a powerful, effective and efficient way to connect with your community. It enables you to demonstrate ...

Jan 01, 0001

If Everything Is Important, Nothing Is

Most of us remember a tragic house fire in Stamford, Conn., on Christmas Day 2011. The fire claimed the lives ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Minimum Wage

At some point early in our working lives, we all probably earned the minimum wage. While the intent of the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Improvise, Adapt and Overcome

As we start 2015, one of the goals this year for On Scene is to look at the wicked problems ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Mission-Centered in Changing Times

We``re all familiar with the economic situation and the need to be more efficient, business-oriented and innovative. So why do ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: There`s No "I" in Team

We``ve all heard it before: "There``s no ``I`` in team." We usually do pretty well with this. After all, unlike ...

Jan 01, 0001

Consolidated Communities: Efficiencies and Service Synergies

In the current economic realities, many communities are struggling with how to best provide the required number of first responders ...

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Fire Officers: Are You Up to the Task of Leading?

The fire service has entered a new dimension that will significantly impact it: While the economy is improving, this improvement ...

Jan 01, 0001

Creating a Community Connection

Washington is just one of many places where elected officials are making decisions that affect your ability to uphold your ...

Jan 01, 0001

Greening the Fire Service Future

When Chief Mike Duyck, chair of the IAFC’s Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC), was asked what kind of reception his panel’s ...

Jan 01, 0001

Sizing Up Your Community Risk

It has been well accepted in recent times that fire departments across the United States are being becoming all-hazard providers. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Establishing an Effective Fire Investigation Unit

Most if not all fire agencies across the United States continue to encounter ongoing financial turbulence. During these challenges, difficult ...

Jan 01, 0001

Managing Your Department through Transformation

The news from around the country continues to be pretty daunting. Difficult economic realities from the Great Recession continue to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fiscal Preplanning Can Divert a Disaster of a Different Kind

At least 31 applied research projects from the National Fire Academy``s Executive Fire Officer Program, including the author``s, are dedicated ...

Jan 01, 0001

Looking for Allies when Fighting Extreme Weather? Look to Public Works

Extreme weather can take its toll on the fire and emergency service. But when it comes to keeping communities safe, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Be Aware, Be Informed, Be Prepared: Getting Ready for Winter

Weather forecasters for the Washington, D.C., area tell us that this winter may bring extreme cold temperatures and significant amounts ...

Jan 01, 0001

Gaining Perspectives on the Economic Outlook

IAFC On Scene is in the process of a year-long, progressive survey to evaluate national trends in budget and community ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: The Inherent Environmental Benefits of Fire Sprinklers

Anyone who understands fire-sprinkler systems also understands they’ve had a positive impact on our environment for over 135 years without ...

Jan 01, 0001

Collaborating on a Statewide Basis: Interview with OEC Director Chris Essid

Chris Essid is director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC). OEC was created by ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: A Look in the Mirror

With the recent Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), EMS could be facing some significant changes in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Renaissance Responders

In 2010, the number of structure fires in the United States was less than half of what it was 30 ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Managing Administrative Processes

We all probably joined the fire and emergency service for pretty much the same reasons: to help others, to have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire and Community Health?

We hear it all the time: Our EMS resources are stretched to the limit. Our medical calls for service are ...

Jan 01, 0001

When Wild Weather Works Your System

All one has to do is look at very recent weather events to see the impact and challenges the fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Real Importance of Succession Planning

Do you sense a lack of bench strength in your organization? Do you believe that when you head out the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Challenges of Budgeting for Health Insurance Costs

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) creates budget concerns for government employers and fire departments as well as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Organizational Excellence

Organizational excellence, like beauty, is often in the eyes of the beholder. However, increasing demands for public transparency require successful ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety: Managing Relationships Inside and Out

Our society is more connected today than it has ever been, with the use of email, social media and text ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Are You Prepared to Handle Any Response?

A toxic chlorine leak has occurred at the local chemical company. A tornado has just touched down in the residential ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Services: Decisions, Decisions

We’ve heard that life is all about choices, and we``re often faced with making all kinds of decisions. Some are ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Prevention and Safety Grants: Application Period Opens

The application period for FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant program opens Tuesday, February 18, at 8 a.m. (EST). ...

Jan 01, 0001

Politics: To Be or Not to Be Involved

Most of you remember how politicians and the general public saw the fire service in America after 9/11. It’s clearly ...

Jan 01, 0001

SAR: Putting It All Together, Part I

The IAFC’s committee on Terrorism and Homeland security has focused on highlighting the criteria for Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) through ...

Jan 01, 0001

Accidents, Mistakes, and Bad Decisions

A firefighter sideswipes a car with the fire apparatus when pulling out of a tight parking spot. Is this event ...

Jan 01, 0001

Drone Use in Public Safety

Drone use in public safety is a growing area of interest, particularly for fire departments, search and rescue and arson ...

Jan 01, 0001

Collaboration: The Human Element

Collaboration has found increasing importance in emergency services in the recent years, as doing more with less has become the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Fire-based EMS: How Can I Help You?

Historically, countless changes have been made in the interest of improving the delivery and services the fire service provides. We ...

Jan 01, 0001

How You Eat an Elephant: First Course

Last month, we acknowledged the complex, monumental task of addressing the current issues facing the fire service. The wicked problems ...

Jan 01, 0001

How Do You Eat an Elephant?

A year ago, in the January 2015 issue of IAFC On Scene, then-IAFC President Keith Bryant reminded us in Fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Future EMS Delivery Models

Executive leaders in the fire service sat down August 26, 2015, with leadership from American Medical Response (AMR) to discuss ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Capital Purchasing and Sustainability

For those of you who do capital purchasing, how often have you looked at different options with the ability to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Arsonists Among Us

Firefighter arson—this predicament certainly isn``t new to the fire service, but it has huge potential to damage a department``s reputation. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Defining Relevance for the Fire and Emergency Service in 2013

After more than 30 years in the fire service, one of the most common clichés I hear is, "It isn``t ...

Jan 01, 0001

Why Fire Accreditation in These Hard Times?

Public safety, in terms of funding, typically consumes more than 80% of a municipal operating budget. This high percentage reflects ...

Jan 01, 0001

Formula Helps Determine When to Repair, Replace Fire Apparatus

In the article Formula Helps Determine When to Repair, Replace Fire Apparatus, a Virginia department unveils a new approach ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pension Debate: Are We Out of Touch?

Organizations, like people, have personalities. As city manager, I was asked to meet with each of our employee unions in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Overcoming Family Squabbles with Our Brothers and Sisters in Law Enforcement

"If you don``t like change, you``re going to like irrelevance even less."—General Eric Shinseki, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army...

Jan 01, 0001

Uniting on the Money Issues that Divide Our Families

We``re proud that the fire service is like a family. We eat together, sleep together and celebrate holidays together. We ...

Jan 01, 0001

Being the Eyes and Ears: Suspicious-Activity Reporting

Suspicious-activity reporting (SAR) is the basis of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security``s See Something, Say Something program. This program ...

Jan 01, 0001

Community Planning: Ensuring What You Need Will Be There When You`re Called

Preincident planning of commercial and industrial properties is an important function for the fire and emergency service. Planning for apparatus ...

Jan 01, 0001

Building Community, Building Resources

I recently surveyed several new fire chiefs, asking what was lacking in their education and preparation for becoming a fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Medical Service: Not Done Changing Yet

When you’re finished changing, you’re finished. ~Ben Franklin In Fred McChesney’s Washington Post op-ed (9/4/2015), he advocates that because the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Navigating Inevitable Change

A few years ago, Fire Chief and then IAFC President Jack Parow stated that the fire service saw 50 years ...

Jan 01, 0001

When Perception Is Reality, Image Is Everything

Over the course of the past several years, the fire service has been subject to increasing scrutiny. Economic pressures, evolving ...

Jan 01, 0001

Environmental Sustainability: Reduce Utility Costs for Big Savings with Little Investment

When it comes to reducing operating costs for existing facilities, there is low hanging fruit to consider. Reductions can be ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Making an Excellent Difference

With every promotion in the fire service comes a changing of the guard—an opportunity for someone to move up, to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Using Social Media in Fire and EMS

Many departments have taken advantage of the popularity of social media to connect with their communities and improve their public ...

Jan 01, 0001

NFIRS: What You Report Matters

"Speak with data…" is a saying in research and engineering that reinforces the need for data to support any position, ...

Jan 01, 0001

New World Issue for Fire/EMS Leadership

The fire service is a victim of its own success! We``ve been very successful in educating the public about fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

How Accreditation Can Drive Fire, EMS Success

The United States has been besieged by economic pressures not felt since the 1920s and 1930s, and the fire service ...

Jan 01, 0001

IRS Shrinks Clothing Taxes: What You Need to Know

Is that old fire department t-shirt in the back of your closet really taxable income? The volunteer and combination fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

House Proposes FY 2015 Funding Levels for USFA and AFG Programs

On June 28, the House Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Subcommittee approved its draft of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 U.S. ...

Jan 01, 0001

The ACA and Ambulance Transport Revenue

The Wicked Problem in Healthcare The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to solve wicked problems. The ...

Jan 01, 0001

Your Ambulance Reimbursement Methodology Is Going To Change!

Threats can turn into opportunities with strategic planning. A potential threat to your ambulance reimbursement rates needs your action now....

Jan 01, 0001

Where Will Your Next Chief Come From?

It seems like more and more fire departments have to look to the outside for their next fire chief, for ...

Jan 01, 0001

Is Your Department Prepared for Mass-Casualty Events?

Despite only accounting for 5% of the global population, an outstanding 31% of the world’s mass shootings occur in the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Watering Liberty's Tree: Combatting Complacency in the Fire Service

The traditions of the fire service are part of what make it so attractive as a career and calling: From ...

Jan 01, 0001

New Emergency Response and Preparedness Standard at OSHA

In the wake of significant multiple-firefighter LODDs in recent years and recognizing an opportunity to do more to safeguard emergency ...

Jan 01, 0001

Government Relations for Company Officers

The typical day within a fire station has very little discussion of government structure, funding mechanisms and political views, but ...

Jan 01, 0001

Let's Call Things by Their Proper Names

This year the fire service will hold its’s sixth Wingspread Conference. These conferences, which are held just once a decade, ...

Jan 01, 0001

Check Your Bus Ticket First

If you're like me, it's hard to determine what the real facts are about implementing mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) or ...

Jan 01, 0001

Watering Liberty's Tree: Combatting Complacency in the Fire Service

The traditions of the fire service are part of what make it so attractive as a career and calling: From ...

Jan 01, 0001

Planning for a Chemical Emergency

In December 1984, a gas that’s used in the production of insecticide was accidentally and unknowingly released upon the public. ...

Jan 01, 0001

All-Hazards Planning: Team Approach

When developing an all-hazards emergency operations plan for your jurisdiction, one of the key things to remember is not to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Diversity, Inclusion and Safety

If the past is prologue, there’s much to be learned about the effect of diversity and inclusion on safety.The ...

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes Fiscal 2016 Funding for Critical Fire Service Programs

Fairfax, Va. - Today, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to fund the federal government through the end of fiscal year ...

Jan 01, 0001

Don't Be Left Out in the Cold... or the Wind, or the Rain or the Snow

A recent report from the National Climatic Data Center, “Billion Dollar U.S. Weather/Climate Disasters,” clearly shows what a year we ...

Jan 01, 0001

Regional Collaborations

After surveying the community, you’re reassured that the community will support your organization, but their expectations involve planning and response ...

Jan 01, 0001

Preplanning for All Hazards

NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, sets guidelines to develop preplans for specific locations. As written, nothing limits 1620 to ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Principles of Effective Organizational Structures

Most if not all fire departments around the globe operate in a quasi-military fashion: top down leadership, with clearly defined ...

Jan 01, 0001

Suspicious Activity Reporting: See Something, Say Something—But To Whom?

Does your department know how to report SARs? Bomb. Fuse. Convention. These three words, written in the margin of a ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Avoiding Complacency in Your Leadership Role

Great leaders work most of their careers to become who they are and to get where they are, either as ...

Jan 01, 0001

How to Write a Compelling Annual Report: Post Webinar Q&A

Dr. Pat Lynch's post webinar Q & A from her "How to Write a Compelling Annual Report" presentation

Jan 01, 0001

Succession Planning or Succession Program?

When chiefs see the phrase succession planning, many think they need to develop a plan for who will succeed them. Building a succession program is a better approach.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival: Share, Listen, Let Go

Firefighter/EMT Safety, Health & Survival:

Jan 01, 0001

4 Tips for Using Social Media to Engage Your Community

Don't have a dept social media presence? If even one member of your dept does than you do!

Jan 01, 0001

Write Successful Grant Applications: Ten Steps for Fire-Service Grant Funding

Funding is uppermost in our thoughts as we strive to serve our communities. Now`s a good time to consider your funding needs and how to meet them, and this guide will help you in that process.

Jan 01, 0001

Now Available: Medical Evaluation Implementation Guide

The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival (SHS) Section has developed A Fire Department's Guide to Implementing NFPA 1582 (pdf, 9MB), ...

Jan 01, 0001

National Fire Service Organizations Address Volunteer Fire Service Concerns With the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), ...

Jan 01, 0001

Five Wicked Issues We Can No Longer Ignore

The future fate of the fire and emergency service depends on finding solutions to the macro-level problems underlying the many challenges we face on a daily basis.

Jan 01, 0001

Open the Doors! Being Neighbors to Those We Serve

First responders and our firehouses are vulnerable to threats and security is an issue, so some of us have closed the doors, putting up a barrier between those we serve and us; we need to find a safe balance. The first step is to simply open our door ...

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC Resource Helps Fire Departments Take Control of Their Public Image

The IAFC has launched the much-anticipated Taking Responsibility for a Positive Public Perception (pdf, 2MB), the result of the association's ...