The Official Magazine of the International Association of Fire Chiefs 150 Years of the IAFC Women in the Fire Service Page 14 The Future of Firefighting Page 16 Legislative Update Page 18 And much more! Summer 2023 Page 9Published For: INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS 8251 Greensboro Drive, Suite 650 McLean, VA 22102 Tel: 703.273.0911 www.iafc.org CEO and Executive Director Rob Brown Director of Marketing & Communications Rosario Ortiz Davis, MBA, CAE Published By: MATRIX GROUP PUBLISHING INC. 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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 7 A Message from the IAFC President and Board Chair COVER STORY 9 150 Years of Leadership and Education FEATURES 14 Why Sisterhood Is a Game Changer 16 The Future of Firefighting and Emergency Services REPORT FROM WASHINGTON 18 Legislative Update: What’s In Focus WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE IAFC 22 A Message from the IAFC CEO and Executive Director 21 INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 14 09As we move forward, we will continue to track our progress using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and a dynamic SIP dashboard. This will allow us to identify areas where we need to improve and adjust as necessary. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are also looking toward the future with a focus on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In the pages of this issue of iCHIEFS, you will find articles and insights from some of the most innovative and forward-thinking leaders in the fire service today. From predictions for the future of firefighting and emergency services to strategies for advancing women’s leadership in the fire service, to the latest legislative updates from Washington, D.C., this issue is packed with valuable information and insights that will help you stay informed and engaged in the rapidly evolving world of fire and emergency services. As always, we are committed to providing our members with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in their roles as leaders in the fire service. We are proud to celebrate our 150th anniversary with all of you, and we look forward to continuing to serve our members and the communities they serve for many years to come. We Are Better Together — We Belong Here! Fire Chief Donna Black, EFO, CFO IAFC President and Board Chair the forefront of advocating for policies and practices that improve the safety and well-being of firefighters and the communities they serve. At the same time, we recognize that the fire service is constantly evolving and presenting new challenges. We must embrace the idea of doing things differently and be willing to change if we are to create sustainability and resiliency in our service to others. We believe this requires a commitment to exploring new technologies and approaches to fire and emergency services, while also maintaining a focus on the fundamental principles of leadership, education, and service that have guided us for the past 150 years. Today, I am pleased to report work is under way on the strategic initiatives outlined in the IAFC’s 2023–25 Strategic Initiative Plan (SIP). This strategic plan is built around four key pillars: lead, educate, serve, and include, which represent the essential elements of effective leadership in the fire service, and which we are committed to advancing in all aspects of our work. We have been strategically and intentionally building the groundwork for these efforts with the aim of being an advocate for leadership, policy, management, and service delivery, providing training, education, and professional development opportunities, offering relevant and timely services, products, and resources, and promoting acceptance, fairness, and equal treatment for all members and stakeholders. OUR ASSOCIATION IS celebrat- ing 150 years! It is only appropriate that I share our IAFC Vision Statement as adopted by the Board of Direc- tors through our Strategic Planning Process: “Igniting Global Leaders for a Safer Tomorrow.” As we reflect on our organization’s rich history of leadership and education, this reminds us that we must look toward the future with a focus on innovation and inclusivity. Since our founding in 1873, the IAFC has been dedicated to supporting fire and emergency service leaders at all levels, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Over the past century and a half, we have listened and adapted to meet the changing needs of our members and the communities they serve. As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, it is important to reflect on the rich history and traditions that have made the IAFC the premier organization for fire and emergency service leaders. From our early days as a small group of fire chiefs recognizing the need for an association and conference, to our status as a global organization with thousands of members around the world, we have always been guided by a commitment to excellence and a dedication to service. Throughout our history, we have remained committed to providing the highest quality leadership education and training for all levels of officers, ensuring our members have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles. We have also been at Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation // A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTYears By 1873, many major U.S. cities were going from volunteer to paid fire departments. Also, cities such as Portland, Maine (1866), Chicago, Ill. (1871), Boston, Mass. (1872), and Baltimore, Md. (1873), had experienced major fires. Several of these chiefs were corresponding with each other and agreed to meet in New York City in June to view a history of innovation, ingenuity, and respected leadership. Today, IAFC has 11,000 members from 26 countries worldwide, proudly representing all ranks, department types, and positions in the fire and emergency service. As we celebrate our sesquicentennial anniversary, we honor those who established a solid foundation for this longstanding organization. T he International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is the voice of America’s fire service. Members of Congress, the media, cities and counties, and the public regularly call upon the expertise of the IAFC. As one of the oldest national fire service organization in the nation, the IAFC boasts a rich // COVER STORY of Leadership and EducationNext >