California Fire Chiefs Association 2009 Conference

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The California Fire Chiefs Association recently held their annual conference in Riverside, California.  The focus of the event was how to lead in difficult times.  The economy and how it affects the fire service was one of the main topics of discussion, with CFCA President Sheldon Gilbert addressing California's fire chiefs about the importance of protecting their revenues, supporting the state's mutual aid system, and looking for new revenue sources.

The conference itself was changed to reflect the current economic climate.  Its coordinators worked to reduce the cost of attendance by combining it with their Annual Legislative Day Conference, which is usually held in May.  They also eliminated the pre-conference workshops. 

Speakers included Directors from the U.S. Forest Service and FEMA.  USFS Director of Fire and Aviation Management Tom Harbour spoke to the chiefs about wildland firefighting, and stressed the importance of national, interagency cooperation.  He explained the need for cooperation among state and local agencies in speaking to the Federal Government about funding and resources for wildland firefighting, saying, "When we speak with one voice, we are effective."

Justin Dombrowski, FEMA Director of Disaster Operations Division, Region 9, talked to the fire chiefs about the future direction of FEMA and its support of local fire departments.  He explained that FEMA and the White House are particularly concerned about the H1N1 virus, saying, "For us, we have looked at and identified staffing to put some people in every state around the country to be able to help support the state and help support you folks on what your needs are with this H1N1."

Fire chiefs in attendance were excited to be a part of the conference.  In explaining his goals for participating, Lompoc Fire Department Battalion Chief Robert Kovach said, "Not only to network with other fire chiefs, but to hear all the current issues and concerns going on in the fire service."  Ontario Fire Department Deputy Chief Dave Carrier said, "We want to be on the cutting edge of what's going on, and we want to be able to bring back any new ideas that we can to our own organization."

The convention featured displays, where fire service vendors presented the chiefs with the latest in technology and services available to them.  It also featured a Grand Banquet, where Marin County Fire Department Fire Chief Kenneth Massucco received the "California Fire Chief of the Year" award.

California Fire Chiefs Association Conference - 2008

Interview with USFS Director of Fire and Aviation Management Tom Harbour



Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com