Posts in category: People

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has announced that Ben Brook will be its new Chief Fire Officer from September.

Ben Brook has been appointed after a rigorous recruitment campaign to replace the current Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos who is retiring in September 2021.

Ben joined Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service from West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service with over 20 years’ experience in a range of roles from Integrated Risk Manager in 2014 to Strategic Enabler in 2016 while working his way through the ranks to Assistant Chief Fire Officer in 2019.

In his current role in Warwickshire, Ben has led the cultural change programme and is a key ambassador for diversity and inclusion within the service. Ben is also a key influencer and has spoken at several national events about the key operating principles of the fire service.

In addition to his role, Ben is also the national lead for the Fire Sector Federation, where he provides national leadership on behalf of the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Ben Brook said: “I am delighted to be taking this role and to continue the work in making Warwickshire’s Fire and Rescue Service the outstanding service that the Warwickshire communities deserve. I will be working with an incredibly dedicated team who share my commitment to making our communities safer.

“As we move forwards, I will be focusing efforts on establishing a service that is inclusive, reflecting the needs of our communities and creating opportunities for all to play their part in our work.”

Councillor Andy Crump, Portfolio Holder for Fire and Rescue and Community Safety at Warwickshire County Council said: “I am delighted to see Ben take on this new role in September and I know that he will do his utmost to lead Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in making our communities safer and protecting people in times of emergency across the county.

“Ben has consistently demonstrated the skills and qualities of a CFO since being with us in Warwickshire and moreover, he continuously lives and breathes excellent values and behaviours. Ben is a great and compassionate leader, and I’m convinced he will take the Service from strength to strength, with our County Council, our partners and our public.” 

More information about Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service can be found on the website:   https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue 

Bosch Building Technologies have announced the appointment of a new CEO. Thomas Quante assumed the role of President of the Bosch Building Technologies division on June 1, 2021. As a board member for the division, he was previously responsible for the international system integrator business as well as for the fire alarm systems business within the global product business. Quante succeeds Dr. Tanja Rückert, who will become Chief Digital Officer of the Bosch Group on July 1, 2021.

“In the field of safety, security and building technology, we are operating in a very exciting and dynamic market environment. Due to the growing integration of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, we see enormous potential for innovative AIoT solutions and intelligent services that provide even more energy efficiency, comfort, security and safety for our customers. I am very pleased to be playing a key role in shaping this development,” explains Thomas Quante.

Quante, who has a degree in business administration, began his career in 1994 at Robert Bosch GmbH and has worked as an executive with strategic and operational responsibilities in various Bosch divisions in Germany and abroad. Quante has broad experience in the B2B sector as well as in-depth market and customer knowledge in building and security & safety technology. Joining Bosch Building Technologies in 2012, Quante initially headed the international business for professional communication and audio systems based in Burnsville, USA. In 2015, he became a member of the board for Bosch Building Technologies, where he played a key role in establishing and successfully developing the international system integrator business.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is pleased to present the 2020 Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to Chief Dennis (Denny) Compton, former Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is a great honor to present this award to Denny. His dedication to our Fire Hero families and his fellow firefighters is immeasurable,” said Troy Markel, Chairman of the Board Directors.

“We are grateful for his leadership and his many years of extraordinary service to our cause. He has helped to guide us through many critical moments and the impact of his efforts will long be felt throughout the Foundation and the fire service.”

The award recognises Mr. Glatfelter’s contributions to the Foundation, honoring his legacy by recognizing individuals who have had a significant impact on the NFFF’s missions and whose unique leadership encouraged substantial support for the Foundation.

Tony Campisi, President/CEO of Glatfelter Insurance Group said: “Denny is a worthy recipient of this award, named for our founder and mentor. Art’s dedication to the NFFF has lived on through Denny’s leadership and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”

Chief Compton has been a member of the fire service since 1971, rising through the ranks to become Assistant Fire Chief of Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department and later Fire Chief of Mesa (AZ) Fire Department. He has served in many roles throughout his career, including author, advisor, instructor, and mentor. He has held leadership positions within several organizations, including the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) National Advisory Council (NAC).

In 2006, Chief Compton joined the NFFF Board of Directors. Former Board Chairman Hal Bruno then nominated him to serve as Chair in 2008, recognizing that the Foundation would greatly benefit from Chief Compton’s passion, leadership, and fire service relationships. He would serve as Chairman of the Board from 2008 to 2019 and under his leadership, the Foundation expanded its services and programs in support of Fire Hero families and the fire service.

It is Chief Compton’s compassion for the families of fallen firefighters that drove some of his greatest impacts on the Foundation. He oversaw changes to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend, increasing programming available for Fire Hero families during their time in Emmitsburg.

Through this programming, Fire Hero families could learn how the NFFF was available to support them as they transitioned to their new normal and beyond. He took an active, personal role in developing the weekend’s messaging and encouraged Board members to take an active role, as well. It was under his tenure that the Memorial Service was broadcast, offering an opportunity for those not in Emmitsburg to share in honoring the profound loss experienced by Fire Hero families.

Chief Compton’s leadership served as a catalyst, building strong bridges between the Foundation and the national fire service organizations. When Chief Compton stepped into the role of Chairman, NFFF was transitioning post-9/11, working to find ways to take the Everyone Goes Home® and Life Safety Initiatives deeper into the culture of the fire service.

His relationships throughout the fire service – with International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), and many others, helped these programs to broaden their reach. Through his leadership with the TAMPA 2 Summit, he built a coalition of partners to address the fire service’s biggest challenges. He reconvened a study of line-of-duty death classifications, starting a conversation that continues today about how deaths due to cancer and behavioral health are recognized.

While serving as Mesa’s Fire Chief, Chief Compton had responded to the World Trade Center and Pentagon in the aftermath of 9/11. This work influenced his tenure with NFFF, raising his awareness that cancer and behavioral health was a growing, pressing challenge for the fire service. His relationships helped to strengthen ties between the NFFF and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), where programs such as the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs continue to raise funds to support the FDNY Counseling Service Unit and services provided to local firefighters.

He led the start of the National Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance, engaging fire service, research, academia, and government together to find ways to understand and address firefighter cancer. This work has grown into numerous efforts, from research funded by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to awareness programs run by local fire departments across the country.

Chief Compton also helped the NFFF to work through growth and change. He recognized that behavioral health and wellness programs were critical to the fire service, but that the NFFF needed to stay focused on its core missions. He spearheaded the creation of the NFFF’s affiliate First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), helping to develop its Board and organizational structure. His work on the National Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance has transitioned to become a focal point of the FRCE.

Over his career, Chief Compton has been the recipient of many awards and honors, including the George D. Post National Fire Service Instructor of the Year Award, the Mason Lankford National Fire Service Leadership Award, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dr. John Granito Award for Excellence in Fire Service Leadership and Management Research. He is a charter member of the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame.

Educational charity and membership body, IIRSM, is delighted to announce the winners of its Risk Excellence Awards 2021.

COVID-19 has seen the basic concept of risk and safety elevated as something we must take seriously. It has impacted every corner of the world, governments, organisations, the economy, communities and most importantly, individuals.

The submissions this year were exceptional, and given the past 12 months, the initiatives and hard work demonstrated have proved to be more critical than ever.

Entries were submitted from across the globe by individuals and organisations of all sizes from a wide range of industries.     

The winners and highly commended for the ten categories are as follows:

The Risk Excellence Awards took place online on Thursday 20^th May, with hundreds watching from their homes and offices around the world.  Guests were entertained by World and European relay champion Derek Redmond – one of Britain’s most famous athletes, who also hosted the awards.

Andy Hawkes, CEO of Cardinus Risk Management, the awards headline sponsor said “After a challenging year, the risk management profession has really shown what it is capable of. Whether working from home or out and about under COVID-controls, the profession has risen to meet difficult circumstances. We are incredibly proud to support the IIRSM Awards, which continue to showcase the best of the best in risk management.

The judges had a difficult task this year and would like to congratulate everyone as the submissions were of exceptional quality.  Well done to all the winners, finalists, and to all those who submitted. We hope to see you back in 2022.”

IIRSM would like to thank its headline sponsor Cardinus Risk Management, and its supporting and awards sponsors and partners Avetta, Barnett Waddingham, healthcare rm, HSE Recruitment, Sureteam and WSH Asia.

The 2022 awards are open for entries from 1 October 2021 and the awards ceremony will take place again in May 2022. Please visit www.iirsm.org for more details.

During its annual spring meeting, the National Volunteer Fire Council has announced the appointment of a new CEO. The board voted to appoint Sarah Lee as CEO until the fall meeting, at which time an evaluation will occur to make the position permanent.

Lee joined the NVFC as Fire Corps director in 2005 and has served as deputy chief executive since 2006. The transitional role of interim CEO had been held by NVFC first vice chair Kevin D. Quinn since March, after the passing of longtime CEO Heather Schafer.

The board held elections for its four officer positions as well as five Executive Committee seats. The remaining seats on the Executive Committee are made up of the chair of the Legislative Committee and the chair of the EMS/Rescue Section.

The 2021-2023 National Volunteer Fire Council officers and Executive Committee are as follows:

• Chair: Steve Hirsch (KS)
• First Vice Chair: Kevin D. Quinn (RI)
• Second Vice Chair: Dallas Renfrew (TX)
• Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Cash (NC)
• Executive Committee: Paul Acosta (CO), Bob Guthrie (CT, chair of the Legislative Committee), Brian McQueen (NY), Bill Offerman (IL), Eric Quinney (WY, chair of the EMS/Rescue Section), Bob Timko (PA), Reid Vaughan (AL)

Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, has employed Johnny Martin to develop new business for Kentec’s new Ekho wireless fire detection systems.

In this newly created role Johnny will educate and support Kentec Installation Partner (KIP) customers about Kentec’s newly added stable of wireless fire alarm systems. Sammy Steel, newly appointed Head of UK Sales, Kentec Electronics says Johnny’s 25-year career in the fire industry with the last 15 years specialising in wireless makes him the perfect fit for this job: 

“I am so very pleased to have Johnny join our team of experienced fire business development managers.” She says. “Johnny brings with him a wealth of knowledge from the detector, and in particular wireless systems side, which compliments the team very well.”

Johnny says he cannot wait to get back out on the road and hopefully it will not be too long: “I am very excited to be at Kentec, a company I have admired for a long time and particularly happy to be able to work with such an incredible product like Ekho, which in my opinion, with its self-healing mesh technology and incredible battery life is the best wireless system on the market today.”  Johnny further adds: “I am very happy to come and see anyone who is looking at wireless fire detection and give them a demonstration on Ekho.”

Ekho is a range of wireless devices, which is backed by approvals from both LPCB and RED (Radio Equipment Directive), that work with both Kentec’s award winning Taktis fire detection and world-renowned Syncro AS fire detection panel. For more on Ekho see www.kentec.co.uk

The Home Office has appointed an independent advisor on fire policy – the first role of its kind.

Roy Wilsher started his role as Expert Advisor on Fire & Rescue Service Reform on 12th April. He will provide support to the Home Office’s Fire Strategy and Reform Unit in developing a White Paper on Fire Reform.

He will offer valuable operational insight and work with stakeholders on the upcoming White Paper on fire reform. He will also help the Home Office to respond to findings from an imminent consultation on the White Paper.

Roy is coming into this role having served as the first ever Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and under his leadership has driven improvement and development throughout the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services.

Fire Minister Lord Greenhalgh said: “I’m very pleased that I will be joining forces with Roy in our ground-breaking work on fire reform.

“Roy’s operational experience and independent insight will be invaluable in helping us develop the White Paper on Fire Reform, with his long career in the Fire and Rescue Service informing his day-to-day duties.”

Roy Wilsher, Expert Advisor on Fire and Rescue Service Reform, said: “The Fire and Rescue Service is a great institution with fantastic people who serve their communities.

“I have spent my whole working life in that service and I am really pleased to be asked to assist with the government’s reform agenda to ensure the Fire and Rescue Service adds even more value in future.”

Roy began his career when he joined the London Fire Brigade as a firefighter in 1981 and rose to the rank of Assistant Commissioner for Community Fire Safety. He later became the Chief Executive for the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

Prior to becoming NFCC Chair, Roy was Chief Fire Officer for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, where he represented Fire and Rescue in a range of government and sector forums and was the first line of advice to Ministers during major incidents.

The White Paper on Fire Reform will set the direction for English Fire and Rescue Services in three areas: professionalism, people and governance.

It will seek to deliver a set of reforms to ensure Fire and Rescue Services operate effectively and efficiently, put the public first and meet the needs of the communities they serve, whilst adapting to societal changes.

Wilson James, the leading provider of safe, secure, customer-led solutions across security, construction logistics, and aviation services, has appointed John Hannan to its operational board as Head of Health & Safety, Wellbeing and Sustainability.   Hannan joins Wilson James following a 15-year career spanning the construction and rail sectors, including working on projects for Thameslink, Crossrail, Heathrow and the Hinkley Nuclear site.

Hannan will be responsible for steering the safety and environmental direction for Wilson James, to support the business goals and ensure the company remains at the forefront of health and safety, wellbeing and sustainability.

Hannan’s focus in the short term, will also be on supporting clients as they welcome their workforces back on-site in a safe and secure manner after the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. In particular, concerns around skills fade following long periods of furlough has been identified as a pain point.

Hannan’s appointment comes following several investments in health and safety at Wilson James including the Listening EARS initiative – a 24/7 network of peers (known as EARS) support and and signpost people to mental health resources and the behavioural safety programme which is a business initiative to promote safe choices and engagement throughout the business.  As part of the investment, Wilson James employees are upskilled to equip them with the talent they need to promote an accident and injury-free environment.

On his appointment Hannan, said: “My appointment to the board reinforces Wilson James’ commitment to health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability and I will bring my unique expertise  to the company, and its clients’ operations, to ensure the highest standards are met.”

The International Assocation of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have appointed J. Robert “Rob” Brown, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. 

As CEO/Executive Director, Mr. Brown will be responsible to assure that the Association builds upon our near 150-years of success at the forefront of the fire, rescue and emergency services profession and that the Associations advocacy, leadership, education and service initiatives are laser focused on the success and support of members worldwide. Additionally, Mr. Brown is responsible for the overall leadership, management and continuity of IAFC corporate operations and serves as President and CEO of subsidiary company, Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI), working with ESCI Chair, Chief Chris Christopoulos.

After retiring as fire chief, Mr. Brown joined the IAFC staff in 2015, before leaving two years to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia as Chief Regional Coordinator of Emergency Management and Homeland Security in Northern Virginia and the National Capital Region (NCR). Following that, Rob returned in 2018 to lead the international outreach programs.

In August of 2019, with a strong reputation as a change agent and success in crisis leadership, Mr. Brown was appointed by the IAFC Board as Interim CEO/Executive Director to lead the Association through significant leadership, fiscal and organizational transformation challenges.

Appointment unanimously agreed by IAFC board

 “It is because of Rob’s history as a change agent, his in-depth and diverse understanding of fire/EMS leadership along with his success in exceeding all goals set during this period by the IAFC board of directors, that the board unanimously agreed that Rob is the right choice to continue working with us to bring the IAFC to the next level” stated Chief Ken Stuebing on behalf of the IAFC Board of Directors. Rob’s understanding and embracing a renewed “focus on the members” culture aligns perfectly with the 2021 and beyond goals set by the board. 

About Rob Brown
Mr. Brown served 38-years in the fire and rescue service – 20-years as fire chief – and joined the IAFC as a full member in 1987. In 2012, as fire chief of a metropolitan city, Mr. Brown was invited to join the IAFC/NFPA Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. During his fire service career, Mr. Brown has served as President of the IAFC Missouri Valley Division; Treasurer, Director-at-Large and International Director of the IAFC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section; President of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs; and Chair of the Northern Virginia Fire Chief’s.

Mr. Brown holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and is a master’s degree candidate in Intelligence and National Security at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security in Washington, DC. Mr. Brown is a graduate of the United States Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program and held Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Commission on Professional Credentialing, while actively serving as fire chief.

Mr. Brown and his wife of 31-years have four sons and make their home in McLean, VA (Fairfax County), where Mr. Brown serves as Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee for the McLean Citizens Association.