First responders have encountered several unprecedented challenges in 2020, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, pandemic-related illness and loss of life, protest-related unrest and violence, catastrophic wildfires, hurricanes, and significant fis…

The IAFC is conducting a survey to locate, map, and define the Aerial Helicopter Firefighting Capabilities around the world. This data will be used to help show the capabilities that exist and to provide information of those capabilities.
Helicopters h…

The IAFC Wildland Policy Committee is collecting feedback and information from members concerning the impacts and effectiveness of COVID 19 related guidelines in wildland fire response and fire camps.
This information will be used to improve not only C…

Before I delve into the topic of COVID-19 and how it affected my city, my departments, and my staff, I want to give a brief background about the International Falls Fire/Rescue/EMS, our departmental structure, and my role within it. International Falls…

As fire chief for over five years, making decisions is as routine as reading emails. Not a day goes by that a decision must be made. When it comes to impactful decisions, I always keep in mind my systematic approach. 

How will it affect the c…

The IAFC Wildland Policy Committee is collecting feedback and information from members concerning the impacts and effectiveness of COVID 19 related guidelines in wildland fire response and fire camps.
This information will be used to improve not only C…

Providing emergency medical care is a significant component of the fire and emergency service’s mission. Despite the prominent role EMS plays in fire departments, Lifepaks and syringes often are replaced with pike poles and ladders when the public co…

Chantilly, Va. ‐ For the ninth year, the IAFC has received a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation (MSF) to fund another year of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). FSEDI is a program developed by the IAFC to provide new an…

As fire chief for over five years, making decisions is as routine as reading emails. Not a day goes by that a decision must be made. When it comes to impactful decisions, I always keep in mind my systematic approach.

How will it affect the communi…

How much longer do we need to wear these masks?” might be voted the question most often asked of fire and EMS chiefs. Many of our imaginations see the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine signaling a swift return to our normal, pre-COVID lives. In reality, ch…