Winning Personalities
Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu once wrote, “Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time’ is to say ‘I don’t want to.’”
This week at the IAFC‘s Fire-Rescue International, FIRE CHIEF recognized four men — two fire chiefs, one emergency vehicle technician and one former chief — who each took the time to make a difference during his career.
The first two men are the winners of the 12th Annual Fire Chief of the Year Awards, which recognize one career and one volunteer/combination fire chief from nominations received from across the country. This award gives us the opportunity to hear about and publicize fire chiefs who are dedicated to their departments and committed to their communities. Each recipient is presented with a sculpture titled “Taking Command,” created by sculptor/firefighter Michael Roche.
The career category had a number of outstanding nominees this year, and it is Chief Russell Tarver, regional fire chief and commander of the U.S. Naval Forces, Japan, who takes the honor of 2007 Career Fire Chief of the Year.
Tarver, the first winner from the IAFC‘s Federal & Military Fire Services Section, is based in Yokosuka, Japan. He oversees 18 fire stations that provide protection for more than 45,000 personnel and 40 home-ported ships of Forward Deployed Naval Forces at 29 different sites.
“This leader is the best I‘ve ever seen,” said Rear Adm. J.D. Kelly in his handwritten letter of nomination. “[He] leads the most diverse command the USN has — let‘s recognize him!”
The 2007 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year is Michael D. Varney, Ellington (Conn.) Volunteer Fire Department. Varney was instrumental in developing improved communication systems throughout Connecticut and integrating GIS technologies into response protocols.
Chief Heather Burford of the Ridgefield (Conn.) Fire Department wrote that Varney immediately offered assistance to her as a newly appointed fire officer in developing internal officer development programs, “which I implemented with great success.”
“[Varney] balances family life around the fire service; in today‘s world [this] is not an easy task,” wrote Chief Tim Wall, chair of the IAFC‘s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section. “He brings inspirations, knowledge and professionalism to the fire service. I find him very unselfish with a quiet demeanor.”
Along with the IAFC‘s Apparatus Maintenance Section, FIRE CHIEF also co-presented the 2007 Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award this week. The recipient is Mike Stankus, master EVT with Auburn, Wash. The letter of nomination spoke of Stankus‘ commitment to classes and certification.
You can read more about these three outstanding leaders in the October issue of FIRE CHIEF.
Finally, in 2000 FIRE CHIEF published “Legacies,” a series on industry leaders who had a profound impact on the fire service. This week, we add another name to that list. Chief Charlie Dickinson, deputy director of the U.S. Fire Administration, is the recipient of the 2007 Legacy Award for his forthrightness and commitment to improving the U.S. fire service.
Each man we recognized took the time and made the commitment to improve the path he pursued. That‘s why we took the time to recognize their efforts.
