In 1873, in response to fires that nearly destroyed Chicago, Portland and Boston, New York City Fire Chief Eli Bates invited a group of chief engineers to attend a demonstration of his department‘s three new aerial ladders.

Over dinner, Chief John S. Damrell suggested the formation of a national association of fire department chiefs. Their mission would be to “bring forward an exchange of ideas and introduce new machinery that would facilitate the working of fire departments.” The result was the International Association of Fire Engineers, later renamed the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Next week the IAFC celebrates its 135th anniversary at FRI in Denver. The mission of the association has expanded to meet the evolution of fire and emergency services, yet the original mission is still the heart of the IAFC: networking and education.

In the FRI Conference brochure, IAFC President Steve Westerman references the question continually asked of chiefs and officers, “Do you have what it takes?” While the answer to that question lies within you, as does education, there is also immeasurable value in sharing or networking with your peers.

A few months ago, the Task Force report on the nine firefighters that were killed in Charleston, S.C., in 2007 was released by the City of Charleston. Among recommendations, the report called for more attention to fireground tactics, code enforcement and leadership skills. This comprehensive report is also a reminder to every fire chief and every officer of their personal responsibility to be trained and prepared to face the challenges of today‘s fire and emergency services.

In 1998, the 125th Fire-Rescue International was held in Louisville, Ky. Besides the Annual Apparatus Maintenance Section Workshop, there were six pre-conference programs for attendees.

Ten years later, the pre-conference and conference has expanded to a full five days of educational programs. The first day of pre-conference has 14 programs offered, including several two-day workshops. Networking opportunities abound among the educational sessions, during the division and committee meetings, and during social events. The exhibit portion offers two days of apparatus and state-of-the art equipment to help your purchasing decisions.

There‘s little question that the Fire Department Instructors Conference is the premier training conference for firefighters, but if you want a conference for leaders and aspiring leaders, it doesn‘t get any better than FRI this year. Of all the Fire-Rescue International conferences I have attended — starting in 1986 — I think this year has the best line-up of educational programs I have seen.

If you are in Denver for FRI next week, please stop by Fire Chief’s booth (#3021) and say, “Hi!” Let us know if we‘re right or wrong that this is the best FRI program line-up in 135 years!