Last weekend, I delivered a presentation on fire service trends at the Buffalo Trace Regional Fire Academy in Maysville, Ky. More than 400 firefighters — primarily volunteers with ages ranging from 18 to 70 — were signed up for the three-day academy.

Because Kentucky firefighters are required to meet certain hours for state certifications, State Fire Commissioner Ron Davis said the state provides the regional training at no charge. One of the most popular classes at the academy was a two-day basic firefighting course for new firefighters and seasoned firefighters who want to brush up on their skills. Also among the 16 classes being offered were highway crash–site management, occupant protection and an eight-hour firefighter survival course.

The evening before my presentation, I had the opportunity to meet several firefighters at a nearby pub. They shared with me a number of their concerns as volunteer firefighters who are trying to balance work and family, and over the need for more training in the current economy. One training officer explained that the lack of jobs has sent volunteers out of the region, some driving 50 to 60 miles each way to work. “There’s no time to train and even less time to respond to calls,” he said.

Recruiting and retaining members and balancing budgets are universal problems, and managing them can be very stressful. In fact, firefighter stress was one of the trends I identified in my presentation.

Recently I heard a fire chief say that volunteer firefighters are most susceptible to emotional stress because “when they respond to a call, they know the people they are working on in their town.” When I shared that comment with the volunteers, they nodded in agreement.

After my presentaion, a young firefighter came up to me and told me he once had to help cut his brother and a friend out of a car after a bad accident. The brother survived, but the friend was killed. I told him that he had a long career ahead of him and I hoped he would learn how to deal with the stress he would encounter.

Of course, support of family and friends goes a long way to relieving some of that stress. To that end, FIRE CHIEF once again will be gathering names and contact information of firefighters and emergency personnel who either are serving our country overseas or are veterans recovering back home.

If you know firefighter, EMT, paramedic or other first responder who would appreciate receiving a holiday card or package from fire departments or fire families here in the U.S., send his or her contact information to me, and we will post it on our Web site.

It’s time to remember those who are away from home for the holidays and let them know we care.

Once again, October has proved to be a busy month. My notebook is filled with interesting information and quotes from a wide range of sources across the country, some from group discussions and therefore unattributed. Here are my tricks and treats to think about this Halloween weekend:

Ergonomics. “We’re seeing Kevlar belts being worn with suspenders to help take the weight off of the shoulders,” said Ken Busch of Scott/Honeywell, during a turnout gear presentation.

Story-telling. “To be successful in the environment we are in, you have to be able to tell our story. The mantra we deal with over and over is efficiency, efficiency, efficiency,” Chief Adam Thiel, Alexandria (Va.) Fire Rescue, said.

Prescreening. “Why is the concept of mental health not in our curriculum at the entry level of our fire academies?” asked Deputy Chief Pat Kenny of the Western Springs (Ill.) Fire Department.

Safety. “Why don’t [manufacturers] build something to tell when gear is about to exceed the capacity to protect a firefighter?” asked Chief Alan Brunacini (Ret.).

Global outlook. “If we want to look for apparatus models that really work … look at the rest of the world and how they are doing it,” Thiel continued.

Common sense. “You can’t change without trust,” said one chief during a discussion about changing cultures, unions and consolidations.

Staffing. “Are city managers decreasing their personnel, too?” asked a cash-strapped chief.

Attention deficit. “You’re lucky if you have even five minutes of attendees attention,” quipped one chief.

Change. “When you have a downturn in the economy, it forces us to think differently — whether we like it or not — and it creates a lot of anxiety.”

CCR. “What kind of CPR are they going to do on you if [EMTs] do that on the public?” asked Deputy Chief Chuck Montgomery of the Glendale (Ariz.) Fire Department while explaining the increased benefits of cardio cerebral resuscitation over CPR.

Going the distance. “Why is it OK in a rural area to respond in 10 minutes, but it’s not OK in a suburban area?”

Opposites. “When things are going good, the authority having jurisdiction goes up, and when things are going bad, it goes down.”

Firefighting? “Nothing in the laws says we have to put it out.”

Volunteerism. “How do you cut a volunteer fire department? Citizens Emergency Response Training is filling the gap for police and fire….”

Agreement. “The classic answer to all public service officials’ questions about cutting budget or service is the same: ‘it all depends ….’”

Vision. “There’s a difference between a growth and a survival mode.”

Mind’s eye. “Mental health is a key component of overall firefighter safety,” Kenny continued.

Volunteer stress. “Mental wellness is critical for firefighters, and it’s worse for volunteer departments because they know the local people.”

Superheroes. “Take the cape off before it chokes you.”

Five keys to success. “Vision: Do you know where you want to go? Values: Will your values take you there? Will you be satisfied when you get there? Action: Do you act to insure success and eliminate failure? Attitude: Do you reject psychological blocks from the past or imposed by others? Connections: Can you establish strong ties and relationships with people?” By Dr. Joseph Mancusi

Reminder. Change your clock and change your batteries.

The Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association held their annual joint meeting earlier this month. The event gave several fire chiefs the opportunity to speak up on issues facing their departments — and some of those chiefs pushed back on FEMSA/FAMA members.

Rob Brown, chief of the Stafford County (Va.) Fire Department and chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Economic Task Force, provided insight on fire department budgets. The IAFC created its economic task force following the economic downturn to provide fire chiefs with information and guidance. In his presentation, Brown encouraged the manufacturers and vendors to understand and work with fire-service leaders during a tough economy. “We need vendors to be our partners,” Brown said.

Brown suggested focusing on the increasing costs associated with NFPA standards, lower-cost options for equipment and apparatus, and renewable resources and the environment. “It’s a lot easier to ask for a piece of equipment that is environmentally friendly,” he said.

Brown also encouraged the fire service to break from tradition thinking and be more open to technological advances. Citing the changes in pilots’ helmets from World War II designs to the high-tech helmets fighter pilots wear today, Brown suggested that the fire service hasn’t moved far from the leather helmets of 60 years ago.

During the buyers’ roundtable, moderated by CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb, six metro, urban, suburban, volunteer and Canadian fire chiefs shared their opinions with the FEMSA/FAMA members.

“We’ve been cutting for so long there’s nothing left to cut,” Richmond (Va.) Fire Chief Robert Creecy said. “We’re browning out on a day-to-day basis. It’s the leanest of times. Richmond has been recession-proof, and now it’s worse than during the Great Depression.”

Conversely, Jeff Johnson, chief of Tualatin Valley (Ore.) Fire & Rescue and current IAFC president, said based on the government structure, TVFR controls its own money and currently is involved in $77 million worth of fire-station construction.

The chiefs on the panel all agreed that they are more involved in the purchasing process because of current economic conditions.

“It’s very important that we are closest to the work,” Alexandria (Va.) Chief Adam Thiel said. “My role is to really show everybody where the box is and stay within.”

Chief Tim Beckett from Ajax, Ontario, Canada, said his department is running its trucks a lot longer, and his council has suggested buying standard apparatus or even buying demo units. “We’re looking at practical versus bells and whistles,” he said. “We’re seeing an increase on our maintenance side, too.”

Chief Joseph Chornock, Germantown (Md.) Volunteer Fire Department, also has had to rethink apparatus purchases. “By purchasing all the apparatus alike our maintenance and mechanical costs are reduced. We don’t have to stock all kinds of parts,” he said. “It’s good for our firefighters, too, because different pumps operate differently.”

The chiefs on the panel all agreed that the fire service needs to re-think the business of emergency response and manage public expections. The chiefs anticipate more mergers and consolidations and more cooperation and collaborations on equipment purchases.

“Local money will be used to solve local problems, but local money will never solve national problems — a lot of fire chiefs need to learn to share,” Johnson said. “We have got to continue to think better about our business and use data and science to solve our problems. Apparatus and radios got better in my 32 years. What’s going to change our fire service is science and technology.”

The meeting gave FAMA/FEMSA members a lot to think about: smaller apparatus, leasing vehicles and response to routine calls and activated fire alarms. Lack of money changes everything.

Verna Wilson intently rubbed a piece of paper over a large brass plaque, while Elizabeth Desideri held the paper in place.

Wilson’s son, 30-year-old Shawn Patrick Blazer, was one of eight Forest Service contractors killed in a helicopter crash on Aug. 5, 2008. His name was among those listed on the 2008 fallen firefighters’ plaque unveiled at the NFFF’s memorial weekend.

I attended my first memorial weekend this year. I had shied away from going in previous years because I cry easily and I feared the sadness — when I hear the Last Alarm or bagpipers playing Amazing Grace, I crumble. But when I finally went, it wasn’t the sound of bells or the bagpipes that touched me — it was the overwhelming compassion from volunteers who want to make a difference to the families who had just lost loved ones.

Anita Reynolds, who works for the Fairfax County (Va.) Fire Department, has volunteered for four years. Her tasks ranged from spraying for the annoying bees to passing out tissue packets to drying the chairs before the early morning ceremony. “We try and make [the families’] weekend as smooth and problem-free as possible,” Reynolds said.

Chief Bob Dipoli first volunteered in 1990, serving as an escort or caretaker for a family. “I was coming for the Executive Fire Officer program, and they were looking for uniformed escorts to assist a family from upstate New York,” Dipoli said. He became the escort coordinator and eventually became one of the presenters of the American flag, medal and a red rose, given to each new family during the ceremony.

At the ceremony, 457 motorcycles led by a police escort rode up from Fredericks, Md., under a large American flag suspended from two aerial ladders to place a wreath at the memorial.

I also met Frank and Stephanie Thompson, whose son Brandon Thompson was killed in the Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire. “Last year was a blur for me,” Frank Thompson said. “I bought my tickets several months ago and told [the NFFF] I was coming back.”

Stephanie Thompson said that being able to talk to other survivors made a big difference in her ability to get through the grief.

“Two of our sons are police officers and we worried about their safety,” she said. “Being a firefighter, we thought Brandon would be fine.”

During the candlelight program, Dennis Compton addressed the 2,000-person gathering. “We will help in any way to help you to re-build your lives,” he said. “We are here to help and support you — it’s that simple.”

In the benediction of the candlelight service, Chaplain Ted Wilson, Oklahoma City Fire Department offered, “The amount of pain corresponds with the love that we have.”

And there was no shortage of love at the memorial. The survivors of fallen firefighters returned to share, this year’s new families came for healing and firefighters came for the remembrance.

“You are now part of our fire-service family and we are here to support you,” said Helen Worthen, whose son Eric Reiner died in 1998. “The light is a symbol of light and hope and we share that with you.”

I found inspiration in the memorial weekend’s spirit of unity. But I still struggle to understand preventable line-of-duty deaths. I propose that that the fire chief of each line of duty death be present at the Memorial weekend and escort to the family of the fallen firefighter. Watch the family members sign the remembrance banner, do a rubbing of the brass plaque or brick with their loved one’s name and escort them to receive the tri-fold American flag, the medal and the long stem rose.

“We can sleep because they do not,” Rep. Steny Hoyer said. “We don’t hope they are; we know they are.”

Is firefighter safety important? Ask Verna Wilson, Frank and Stephanie Thompson, and Helen Worthen. Buckle up, slow down and leave call response to the physically fit.

As the nation gathers to remember the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, some will relive a parent’s worst fear — the loss of a child.

Al and Maureen Santora are among the parents who lost a son on 9/11. Christopher Santora, 23, was an FDNY probie firefighter on Engine 54. Christopher, the family’s middle child and only son, was following in his father footsteps; Al Santora is a retired FDNY deputy chief.

Christopher was supposed to go off duty at 9 that fateful morning. He lived with his parents, who were expecting him home. But at 9:20 a.m. they received a call for all firefighters to report back for duty. “I knew he wasn’t on his way home,” Al Santora said.

Christopher turned up on the list of missing the next day. Al began making the rounds at Ground Zero, hospitals and the morgue trying to locate Christopher or members of his engine company. Maureen was confident that her son was alive, but had amnesia; it was just a matter of finding him.

Fifteen firefighters from Christopher’s station were killed. The Santoras attended the first funeral. And they continued to attend funerals; the Santoras knew the fathers and sons of the fallen. All the while, Maureen remained confident that Christopher would be found.

But by November, the Santoras reluctantly agreed to set a date the next month for Christopher’s memorial service.

And then two days before the service, the city notified the Santoras that there had been a mistake and the first funeral they attended was in fact their son’s body. The city exhumed the body and the Santoras buried their only son.

“It’s a miracle that I would find my son,” Maureen Santora said. “I buried him. I visit him and feel his presence. It would have been very different if we never found him and I feel for the 1,100 people who were not found.”

Only five of the 15 firefighters from Engine 54 were found. Remains still are being found and the pain continues.

“Buildings can be replaced, but you can’t forget the human element of this tragedy,” Maureen Santora said. “For those who lost people, families are still split apart and the fragmentation still is going on.”

The Santoras attended the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation’s Memorial Weekend in 2002. And they continue to participate.

“It’s the parents who are forgotten — everything was so focused on the widows or the children,” said Cathy Hedrick, the mother of a fallen firefighter who now works in corporate relations for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “We actually find that the parents are more involved with NFFF programs because parents don’t move on; widows and children do.”

Christopher will always be 23 years old to the Santora family. Al and Maureen tell their grandchildren about their Uncle Christopher and his intelligence, resourcefulness and his wonderful sense of humor.

Sept. 11 is a difficult day for the Santora family, so this year, in honor of Christopher, Maureen decided to host a family gathering at the themed Jekyll and Hyde restaurant in New York City, complete with wait-staff in monster costumes.

“Christopher would have loved it and he would think it was fun,” said Maureen. “I’m sure we will be forced to laugh because getting through Sept. 11 is tough and we know he’ll be smiling with us.”

President Dwight Eisenhower once said, “There’s no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were.”

The nation hasn’t gotten back to the way it was, either.

My rusty shorthand got a real workout last week at Fire-Rescue International in Dallas. After reviewing the notes from general sessions, meetings and conversations, I found several quotes worth repeating.

Jimmy Faulkner, a presenter at the IAFC’s Apparatus Maintenance Section workshop, asked attendees what they should do first when they get a new fire truck.”Weigh it.” he said. ”Before you start putting your stuff on that new rig, you better to make sure it complies with state restrictions.”

Also at the apparatus maintenance workshop, AMS Liaison Chief Fred Windisch offered some advice. “A fire chief can’t do his or her business without properly maintained, safe-operating apparatus,” he said.

At the Green Designs session, David Acomb, AIA, of Rick Swisher Architect, cautioned attendees to “not develop within 100 feet of any wetlands.”

The 2009 International Benjamin Franklin Fire Service Award for Valor was present at Thursday morning’s general session. As recipient Nicholas DiGiacomo received his award to a standing ovation, an IAFC staffer commented that the Miami-Dade firefighter was “the face of modesty.”

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano addressed the crowd at that same general session. “We need to be a culture of preparedness and we need to recognize that safety and security is not just the responsibility of a federal agency, a city or department,” she said. “Every citizen and every family has a role to play here. It’s as simple as being able to mitigate the spread of the flu, have an emergency kit in the home and take some CPR classes from the Red Cross. The whole notion is to get out of this business of people assuming that somebody is going to take care of us.”

Newly sworn-in U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran recognized the staff of the USFA, the Atlanta and Shreveport fire departments he previously served, and his family. To his mother, Jane, he said, “You gave me my life and inspired me.”

Former FEMA Director R. David Paulison, who is joining Motorola’s Government and Enterprise Funding Programs as a spokesperson, said of his new position, “It’s all about making sure fire departments know about the availability of funds and grants”

John Linstrom a longtime FIRE CHIEF columnist and author of “Unintended Consequences,” said “Every 10 years we should be detoxing firefighters [but] how do we do it without going to a long detox program?”

As with any conference, seminar or trade show the sharing of ideas, problem-solving and networking is always invigorating and this week, in particular, a great way to start a new fall season.

The first general session at Fire-Rescue International certainly had plenty of good — and even some history-making — news.

Fire Chief magazine announced the winners of the 14th annual Fire Chief of the Year awards. The Career Chief of the Year Award was presented to Chief Randy Bruegman, Fresno (Calif. Fire Department and the Volunteer Chief of the Year was presented to Chief James P. Seavey Sr., Cabin John Park (Md.) Volunteer Fire Department. Co-presenting the award with me was Wilson Jones, president of Pierce Manufacturing, sponsor of the awards.

Bruegman, a 30-year veteran of the fire service, began his career as a volunteer in Nebraska and progressed to serve as chief in California, Illinois and Oregon. He is author of three fire service text books and served in a variety of national leadership roles for the past 18 years, including past president of the IAFC. In addition to his role in Fresno, Bruegman currently serves as president of the board of directors for the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Seavey began his career as a junior member and volunteer in 1976. He has served as chief of Cabin John Park Fire Department since 1992. Seavey has served on the board of the National Volunteer Fire Council, IAFC’s Eastern Division and as chairman of the Maryland State Fireman’s Association.

Following the Chief of the Year awards, Motorola Vice President Kelly Kirwan presented the Ben Franklin Award for Valor. Kirwan told the moving story of how Firefighter Nicholas DiGiacomo, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, risked his own life to save of two people trapped below deck in a burning boat. DiGiacomo offered his own SCBA and suffered injuries while trying to extricate the two.

Miami-Dade’s Special Operations Chief Ray Barreto placed the medal around DiGiacomo’s neck, while the audience gave a standing ovation.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano was on hand to thank the fire service for its commitment to their communities. “When something happens, they are not going to call Washington, D.C.; they’re calling you and their local departments.”

Napolitano said DHS is now the third-largest agency in the federal government with over 210,000 employees from what used to be twenty-two separate agencies. She acknowledged that fire and emergency services are experiencing hardships and stated that since 2001, over $4 billion has been appropriated for the Assistance to Firefighters and SAFER Grants.

Napolitano also asked for “input and assistance” from the U.S. fire service for a quadrennial review within the government and created a Web site specifically for input: homelanddialog.org.

“This is a place to input comments or thoughts about DHS,” Napolitano said. “We’re at a level where we’re sculpting the strategy for the future.”

Napolitano also made history at the conference by swearing in the new U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran. Cochran, former chief in Atlanta and Shreveport, La., took the oath of office to “…support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies.”

In his address, the new U.S. fire administrator recognized and thanked the USFA staff for their work and efforts for the fire service. Cochran then recognized the staff of the Atlanta Fire Department, the Shreveport Fire Department and then introduced his family in attendance.

Cochran will be the keynote speaker for Friday morning’s general session.

The attendance appears to be down at the individual sessions, but the exhibits open Friday morning and traffic is likely to pick up.

Out of all the host cities for the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire-Rescue International, Dallas just might be my favorite. It’s certainly not because of the 100-plus-degree temperatures, but rather because I’ve been to Dallas the most for FRI. I like the Dallas Convention Center (especially the sculptures in front of the building) and I like the easy atmosphere of the Big D.

Next week’s FRI program promises an interesting array of programs and activities, and it’s been tough for me to choose my top-five “Don’t Miss” programs for 2009. But here goes:

1. 1] Presentations by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and the swearing-in of the newly appointed U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran during Thursday’s general session, beginning at 8:30 a.m.


2. 2] The presentation of FIRE CHIEF’s 2009 Fire Chief of the Year Awards, also during Thursday’s general session. This is the 14th year of the Chief of the Year awards, sponsored by Pierce, and the editorial advisory board selected well-deserving recipients.


3. 3] “WK50: International Solutions for Tough Times,” on Thursday featuring speaker Chris Gannon and presented by the Institution of Fire Engineers and the IAFC. Gannon has been characterized as a “fire mercenary” and an international Robin Hood for the fire service for his ability to establish and develop fire departments where none existed before. According to IFE Coordinator Bill Kehoe, Gannon’s presentation is applicable to chiefs of any size department. “Gannon will inspire everyone going through some tough times to gain a new appreciation for what they can do.”


4. 4] Newly added programs throughout the conference. Topics include “Point and Counterpoint on Presumption Laws and the National League of Cities’ TriData Report: Assessing State Firefighter Cancer,” “Maintaining First-responder Capabilities During H1N1 Pandemic,” and “What does Ricci v. DeStefano Mean to Your Department?”


5. 5] The IAFC Foundation’s Fit-to-Fight 5-kilometer run on Saturday. There will also be a 2-kilometer walk or a 1 mile fun run. Proceeds will support the foundation’s scholarship program for chiefs and officers to further their education. The event is sponsored by FIT, ARA Safety.

And, of course, don’t miss stopping by to see the FIRE CHIEF staff at Booth 1602.

The recent appointment of former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran as the new U.S. Fire Administrator might not have had stirred much excitement among some chiefs and officers who are busy struggling with budget, staffing and training issues. What difference can this administrator make in three years that could help fire departments across the nation?

Well, hang on to your helmets, because Cochran has quite a track record and a strong vision for the national fire service.

Cochran made up his mind to become a firefighter when he was a little boy. He achieved that goal in when he joined the Shreveport (La.) Fire Department in 1981. Cochran became that department’s chief 19 years later, a position he held until he became chief in Atlanta in January 2008. Cochran attended Wiley College and holds a master’s degree in industry/organizational psychology from Louisiana Tech University. He also attended the National Fire Academy.

Three years ago, the Chicago Fire Department invited Cochran to be the keynote speaker at its Life-Safety Conference on Large-Scale Incident Evacuation. Cochran gave a passionate and empowering speech about the lessons learned after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, to which Shreveport responded.

Cochran didn’t hide his frustration in his address. “We realized that the lack of knowledge of the National Response Plan and the lack of knowledge of the NIMS in the state and local level contributed to where it should have been,” Cochran said. “I believe we had plenty of time to be a little further ahead of the game to implement NIMS. We have been dealing with communication [issues] since Oklahoma and the Murrah building.” He said first responders saw it again on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as last year when Katrina hit. He encouraged awareness of three Cs — communication, coordination and cooperation — and encouraged attendees to conceptualize their city’s planning.

Current Shreveport Chief Brian Crawford worked with Cochran for 25 years and refers to him as his mentor. Crawford joined the department in 1984, but didn’t have contact with Cochran until he became a training officer.

“From the very beginning as a firefighter, I was very impressed with Cochran’s knowledge and cordialness,” Crawford said. “Kelvin brings the highest level of credibility and is so well-known through his presentations and as president of the IAFC’s Metro Chiefs’ Section.”

According to Crawford, “When he was the chief of Shreveport, Kelvin had command and control, but the reality was his empathy for the job and for the people in the fire service.”

In 2000, Crawford became the assistant to the chief and the mentoring got tougher. “I’m a very analytical person, whereas Kelvin looks at the human side and the psychological part of being a fire chief,” Crawford said. “I wouldn’t have learned that in the classroom.”

Cochran had an order of priorities that were instilled in everyone in the department and referred to “Anytime you have to make a decision in the community or in the office always think:

1) The citizen always comes first

2) The department is right behind the citizen

3) The groups in the department — firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, division of labor,

4) … then “yourself.”

“A lot of time when people make decisions that chart is flipped upside down,” Crawford said. “When things happened in the department, they found that chart got inverted and people were thinking about themselves and not the citizens and the department.”

Crawford said that Cochran also believed that the Shreveport Fire Department had equity in the community and deserved to be number one. “Kelvin would remind us, ‘Don’t risks that because once you lose it, it takes a long time to recover,” Crawford said.

“People gravitate to him because they have messages of hope and inspiration. Kelvin has a vision for the national fire service and he’s not going to be deterred.”

Over the past several years, there have been many good, constructive changes to the U.S. Fire Administration, but I’d bet money on the priorities Administrator Kelvin Cochran and Deputy Administrator Glenn Gaines set for the U.S. fire and emergency services.

What does it take to be nominated for FIRE CHIEF’s Career Chief of the Year Award? Here’s what fire service members had to say about the nominees for the 14th Annual Career Chief of the Year Award.

Chief Timothy Bosman, Riverview (Mich.) Fire Department, “is by far, the best chief I have been associated with,” wrote Deputy Chief Mitch Jensen. “He is diligent, dedicated and always puts his men and the city of Riverview foremost in his life.”

Chief Herman Brice, Palm Beach County (Fla.) Fire-Rescue, “is a fire service leader who sets the standard for integrity, honesty, commitment and passion concerning our mission,” wrote 2005 Chief of the Year Chief Smokey Dyer.

Chief Rob Brown Jr., Stafford County (Va.) Fire & Rescue, “is a visionary leader who sees beyond the confines of his own department and feels compelled to act when he sees a need or an opportunity, even when it requires additional time and effort on his part,” wrote IAFC EMS Section Chair Chief Gary Ludwig.

Chief Randy Bruegman, Fresno (Calif.) Fire Department, “is an individual that has demonstrated uncommon leadership initiative that includes service as fire chief in four different jurisdictions, an accomplished author and lecturer, and member of numerous professional organizations whose primary purpose is to continuously develop and improve the fire service,” wrote 1997 Career Chief of the Year Cliff Jones.

Chief Joseph Florentino, Little Elm (Texas) Fire Department, has a “calm demeanor [that] guides us through decisions of the effective use of our funds and that includes his constant question of ‘Is there value added to this project?’” wrote IAFC Volunteer & Combination Officer Section member and 2000 Volunteer Chief of the Year Fred Windisch.

Chief Ronald David Fowler, Monroe (N.C.) Fire Department, “has secured grants to increase fire service, and has been a tireless advocate of fire prevention and the importance of smoke detectors … also took the department from a 5 to a 3 on the ISO rating scale,” wrote Monroe Police Chief Debra Duncan.

Chief Dennis Jones, Tampa (Fla.) Fire Rescue, “diligently looked to every facet regarding emergency management, fire and EMS operations to ensure reliable safety elements for the citizens of Tampa,” wrote Asst. Chief Scott Ehlers.

“Whether it’s seeking appropriations to assure the best possible preparedness for a county of 1.8 million people, mentoring young professionals in the fire service so they may be prepared to assume leadership roles in the future or comforting an individual who has come to need the services, Chief Joseph Lello [Broward (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire & Emergency Rescue] instills his spirit to better humankind in all those he touches,” wrote Weston (Fla.) City Manager John Flint.

Chief Larry Mullikin, Salina (Kan.) Fire Department, “is doing more than just managing his department — he’s developing other leaders within it,” wrote his director of human resources. “On more than one occasion I have heard him reference the importance of giving his employees opportunities to learn and to lead.”

“In addition to the tremendous impacts Chief John O’Hayre [North Metro (Colo.) Fire Rescue] made for North Metro Fire Rescue District, he also made notable contributions to the advancement of the fire service on a regional, state-wide and national basis,” wrote Deputy Chief Joseph Bruce.

Chief Randall Olsen, Midwest City (Okla.) Fire Department “is always more than willing to mentor our young leadership students and spends an unprecedented amount of time with these young people,” wrote Midwest City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bonnie Cheatwood.

Chief Daniel Qualman, South Metro (Colo.) Fire Rescue Authority, “has built a legacy of ethical leadership that transcends the organization that he now leads,” wrote Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association President Christopher Riley. “He continues to serve the kind of leader that others wish to emulate; a blend of personal humility and professional will.”

Chief Dave Ralston, South Whatcom Fire Authority, Bellingham, Wash., possess abilities “to inspire, build consensus and bring individuals and communities together [that] were chiefly responsible for the successful synthesis of four diverse agencies into one effective, efficient fire authority,” wrote Fire Commissioner Paul Guy.

Chief Gary Weaver, Department of Public Safety, Sylvania, Ga., “donates time annually to work with the burn survivor children at Camp Oo-U-La,” wrote Mayor Margaret Evans.

Chief Jaimie Wood, Navy Region SW Regional Fire & Emergency Services Department, San Diego, shows out “superb management and oversight of one of the region’s top “customer service” programs, [which] has resulted in fire personnel receiving more awards and recognition for services than any other region,” wrote Rear Adm. L.R. Hering for the IAFC’s Federal & Military Fire Section.

The 2009 Career Chief of the Year will be named at the opening session of the International Fire-Rescue International in Dallas, Aug. 27.