Columns

Western Fire Chiefs Association, IAFC, partner with Constellis to make Fire Chiefs aware of two new products being used to combat COVID-19

Author: Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 4/01/2020
The Western Fire Chiefs Association, along with the IAFC, have partnered with Constellis to make Fire Chiefs aware of two new products that are being used to combat the COVID-19 virus. One is a Rapid Test for the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The second is a UV-C Disinfectant for vehicle or station cleaning. Both of these products have been reviewed by multiple bodies of experts and shown to have great value to the Fire and EMS service. read more

Wildfires and the Pandemic – What’s Ahead

Author: Bob Roper, Senior Policy Advisor, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 4/01/2020
The COVID-19 virus is presenting a unique challenge to our communities and first responders. Historically, communities and first responders prepare for a wildfire and then respond to the fire’s complexities. This has been a rather localized practice with a localized involvement. As wildfires have grown in size and scale, we are much more reliant on neighboring resources and in some cases multi-state/international response. History has shown that there has always been some type of “reserve capacity” available in the system to combat the challenges. read more

First Due & IAFC provide NO COST COVID-19 self-reporting solution for Public Safety

Author: Jeffrey D. Johnson, CEO, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 3/30/2020
I am excited to make our readers aware of a solution that our friends at First Due, in partnership with the IAFC, are providing to public safety agencies nationwide at NO COST. First Due is releasing a version of Community Connect for COVID-19 specifically designed to help us track and manage Coronavirus and high-risk/functional needs occupants within our communities. We've heard from many of you how difficult read more

Super Tech On Wildfires - After Action Report

Author: Chief Kim Zagaris, WFCA Wildfire Policy and Technology Advisor
Published: 3/26/2020
Hats off to Orange County Fire Authority, Chief Brian Fennessy, his team, Intterra and all their collective partners! Out of the view of many of us in the wildfire community, this team has been quietly testing a quantum leap in real-time fire progression analysis which is virtually (pun intended) changing the way incident commanders view wildfire growth. At a minimun, you will want to read the FIRIS After Action Report (AAR) Executive Summary to see the incredible leap forward this pilot represents. read more

FREE Operations Focused Webinar: Coping with COVID-19 - Thursday, March 26

Author: First Responder Network Authority and FirstNet, Built with AT&T
Published: 3/24/2020
As Fire, EMS and other first responders work around the clock to assess and mitigate the COVID-19 spread nationwide, we stand with you. And we're here to help. Join us this Thursday (10:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. CT / 1:30 p.m. ET) to learn directly from first responders on the front lines about how they're handling street operations; dealing with potential infections among their own; preparing and sanitizing their stations and equipment; and ensuring they have the technology to effectively communicate. read more

National Emergency Declaration: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

Author: The International Association of Fire Chiefs
Published: 3/16/2020
President Trump on March 13 declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, invoking the Stafford Act. Here is what it means for the fire and emergency service: Up to $50 billion in additional funding becomes available for state and local governments through the Disaster Relief Fund. read more

If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make it Your Farewell

Author: Fire Chief Gary Ludwig, IAFC President and Chairman of the Board
Published: 2/11/2020
I am pleased today to kick off my IAFC Presidential initiative, 'If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make It Your Farewell', to raise awareness throughout the fire and emergency service about the fatal risks of firefighters ignoring signs of a cardiac event. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 41% of firefighter deaths in 2018 were attributed to sudden cardiac death. read more

IWCE Leader of the Year: A Call to Vote

Author: Chief Jeffrey Johnson (Ret.), CEO, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 2/05/2020
It is a great honor to share my nomination for the 2020 International Wireless Community (IWCE) "Leader of the Year" award. The award recognizes an executive and thought leader whose outstanding leadership has resulted in the implementation and success of critical communications in their business and beyond. Popular vote over the course of two months ultimately decides the winner. It is a privilege to be nominated alongside many talented executives, including a great supporter and friend of the Western Fire Chiefs, TJ Kennedy, founder of The Public Safety Network. Amongst the nominees is an individual Mr. Kennedy and I believe deserves recognition, and ultimately the award ... read more

Cardiac Incident? Share Your Story and Save Others

Author: The International Association of Fire Chiefs
Published: 12/05/2019
In February 2020, Chief Gary Ludwig, IAFC president and chairman of the board, will launch his presidential initiative, If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make it Your Farewell, which endeavors to reduce the number of firefighter cardiac deaths in the fire and emergency service. read more

California Cities Charging Hundreds Of Dollars For Medical Emergency 911 Calls

Author: Kristine Lazar, KCAL-TV CBS 9 Los Angeles
Published: 11/25/2019
A growing number of California cities are now charging an extra fee when people call 911 for a medical emergency, forcing some to shell out hundreds of dollars in addition to their ambulance bill. read more