Donna Black named IAFC CEO, effective March 23, 2026

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPeople

IAFC leadership change and start date

Donna Black has been appointed CEO of The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), effective March 23, 2026.

The IAFC announced the appointment in a statement.

Black has more than 29 years of fire service leadership experience, beginning in 1997 as a volunteer firefighter and progressing through volunteer and career ranks.

She has served as Fire Chief for the Town of Duck, North Carolina, since 2006.

Over the past year, she has also served as Acting U.S. Fire Administrator.

Experience, education and quotes

Black served as IAFC president and Board Chair in 2023 and was the second woman elected to that role in the association’s 153-year history.

Chief Trisha Wolford, President and Board Chair, said: “Donna Black’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to the membership make her exceptionally qualified to serve as IAFC’s CEO.

“Her appointment reflects both her achievements and IAFC’s ongoing commitment to lead, educate and serve.”

Black holds degrees from Ithaca College – B.S. – and the University of Georgia – M.A.

Her credentials include the National Fire Academy, Chief Fire Officer, and UNC Chapel Hill.

Black said: “I am honored to serve the IAFC.

“The organization supports fire and EMS leaders, and I look forward to working with members, partners, and staff to advance its mission.”

Black will take up the role on March 23, 2026.

US Senate backs firefighter cancer PSOB expansion in National Defense Authorization Act

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsHealth and Safety

NDAA adds PSOB presumption for firefighter cancer

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by Congress includes statutory text titled the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes provision, which amends the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits programme.

The change is set out in Section 1098 of the bill and adds a new subsection on “exposure-related cancers” to the PSOB law.

For firefighters, the provision directly addresses occupational cancer linked to repeated exposure to carcinogens encountered during emergency response, training and post-incident activities.

The statutory presumption recognises firefighter cancer as a potential line-of-duty injury for PSOB purposes when the eligibility conditions set out in the law are met.

What the bill changes in law

The bill states that “the exposure of a public safety officer to a carcinogen shall be presumed to constitute a personal injury” sustained in the line of duty and resulting in death or permanent and total disability, if the statutory conditions are met.

The bill defines “carcinogen” as an agent classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under Group 1 or Group 2A and “reasonably linked to an exposure-related cancer”.

Eligibility time limits in the statute

The presumption applies if the exposure occurred while the public safety officer was engaged in a line of duty action or activity.

The bill states the public safety officer must have begun serving “not fewer than 5 years before the date of the diagnosis” with an exposure-related cancer.

The bill states the officer must be diagnosed “not more than 15 years after the public safety officer’s last date of active service”.

The bill states the exposure-related cancer must “directly and proximately” result in death or permanent and total disability.

When the presumption does not apply

The bill includes an exception stating that the presumption “shall not apply” if competent medical evidence establishes the carcinogen exposure “was not a substantial contributing factor” in the death or disability.

Cancers listed in the bill

The bill defines “exposure-related cancer” as a list that includes bladder cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, malignant melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer and thyroid cancer.

The definition also includes “any form of cancer that is considered a WTC-related health condition” under the World Trade Center Health Program statute.

The bill also includes “any form of cancer added” through future updates.

Updates, evidence base and petitions

The bill requires that “from time to time but not less frequently than once every 3 years” the Director must review the definition of exposure-related cancer and update it where appropriate.

The bill states updates must be based on competent medical evidence showing significant risk to public safety officers from engagement in public safety activities.

The bill lists examples of evidence sources that may inform updates, including recommendations, risk assessments and scientific studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Toxicology Program, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The bill also states that any person may petition the Director to add a form of cancer to the definition, with a 180-day referral requirement for petitions that satisfy the content standard described in the statute.

Backdated applicability and claim window

The bill states the amendment applies to claims predicated on the death of a public safety officer on or after 1 January 2020 where the death is the direct and proximate result of an exposure-related cancer.

The bill also states it applies to a disability claim filed on or after 1 January 2020 where the disability is the direct and proximate result of an exposure-related cancer.

The bill adds that an individual seeking to file a claim predicated on the amendment is allowed to do so “within 3 years of the date of enactment”.

IAFC welcomes inclusion in the NDAA

Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford, President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, said: “The IAFC is grateful to see the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act included in the NDAA and on its way to being signed into law.

“This long-overdue reform ensures that the families of fire, law enforcement, and EMS personnel who die or become disabled from occupational cancer receive the federal benefits they deserve.

“By including occupational cancers in the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program, Congress is honoring the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes and standing firmly with the families they leave behind.

“We commend the bipartisan champions, including Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon and Carlos A. Gimenez, the bill’s House sponsors, and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Kevin Cramer, the bill’s Senate sponsors, who advanced this critical measure and thank lawmakers in both chambers for their commitment to our nation’s fire and EMS personnel.”

IAFF calls it a turning point for PSOB

General President Edward Kelly, International Association of Fire Fighters, said: “We know the devastation occupational cancer has brought to our profession.

“When a fire fighter dies from job-related cancer, that is a line-of-duty death – and it is long past time the federal government recognized that truth.

“Congress’s passage of the Honor Act marks a significant turning point.

“This legislation ensures our fallen are honored, and their families are not left behind.”

Kelly added: “This was a truly bipartisan effort, and I want to thank those lawmakers on Capitol Hill – both Republican and Democrat – who stood with us on this critical legislation.

“I also want to thank President Trump, whose support was crucial in passing what is easily one of the most impactful pieces of legislation in our union’s history.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Fire and rescue leaders, occupational health teams and HR functions may want to brief staff on the statutory time limits, particularly the five-year minimum service requirement before diagnosis and the 15-year limit after the last date of active service.

Departments supporting bereaved families may want to check how the bill’s applicability language linked to 1 January 2020 interacts with the additional three-year filing window tied to the date of enactment.

Services with exposure recording systems may also want to review how the bill defines carcinogen and how the PSOB presumption can be rebutted through competent medical evidence, as this will shape the documentation expected in claims.

This article was informed by the bill text and statements from the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

FEMA Reform white paper sets out IAFC recommendations for US response system

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

IAFC sets out FEMA Reform priorities

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has released a white paper on FEMA Reform setting out recommendations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council in the US.

The report was issued on Friday 31 October 2025 and focuses on how FEMA should organise its work to support local fire and emergency medical services (EMS) departments.

According to IAFC, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council was created by President Trump through Executive Order 14180, Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

IAFC stated that Chief Josh Waldo, IAFC President for 2024–2025, established a dedicated task force to provide recommendations to the federal FEMA Review Council.

The organisation explained that this work comes as the Trump Administration develops proposals to change FEMA and the wider homeland security framework.

IAFC reported that the task force’s purpose is to shape reforms so that FEMA’s operations meet the needs of local fire departments.

The report stresses that local fire and EMS departments are first on scene at incidents and last to leave.

It adds that FEMA’s role is to assist these local responders by supplying resources that support an effective all-hazards response.

Task force draws on IAFC committees

IAFC said Fire Chief Jim Schwartz chaired the DHS/FEMA Reform Task Force formed to develop the white paper.

The task force brought together representatives from IAFC components including the EMS Section, Metro Chiefs and Volunteer and Combination Officers Section.

IAFC added that terrorism and security issues were represented through the Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee and Emergency Management Committee.

Urban operations were covered by the Urban Search and Rescue Committee and Communications Committee.

Wildland and hazardous materials risks were represented through the Wildland Fire Policy Committee and Hazardous Materials Committee.

The report underlines the importance of the US Fire Administration (USFA) in collecting and processing national data through systems such as the new National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).

It also points to USFA’s role in preparing senior leaders through the National Fire Academy.

The task force recommends consolidating federal EMS programmes, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services, within USFA.

The report further calls for the position of US Fire Administrator to be elevated to Deputy FEMA Administrator.

Data, leadership and EMS consolidation

IAFC’s paper states that FEMA must remain focused on helping local fire and EMS departments prepare for all hazards, rather than limiting attention to specific incident types.

The report notes that systems such as NERIS enable national-level data collection and analysis to underpin decision-making and leadership development.

According to IAFC, moving federal EMS programmes into USFA would align data, training and operational support for EMS with fire service structures.

The task force argues that this approach would reflect the central role EMS plays in many fire departments’ missions.

The white paper also links leadership development at the National Fire Academy to future decision-making capacity within FEMA and USFA.

IAFC sets out these structural proposals as part of its broader FEMA Reform recommendations for the Review Council.

Grants and mutual aid in focus

IAFC’s report examines FEMA’s role in response as well as preparedness.

The paper highlights the National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) System as a core FEMA responsibility during disasters and national emergencies.

It stresses the importance of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in providing a standard framework and shared terminology for multi-agency operations.

The report states that improving the national mutual aid system is necessary to coordinate and deploy the closest available resources to escalating disasters.

It notes that better reimbursement of local agencies is needed when they provide staffing and equipment to incidents outside their home state or jurisdiction.

The task force emphasises the value of FEMA-administered grants such as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programme, including Fire Prevention and Safety grants, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programme.

According to IAFC, these grants build local fire department capabilities that are deployed to all hazards.

The report adds that the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) and Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) support investments in training, equipment, intelligence and specialist responses for terrorism risks.

IAFC states that as the Trump Administration places more responsibility on state and local governments for disaster response, it must maintain funding for these grant programmes so local fire and EMS departments can meet that challenge.

Next steps for federal review council

IAFC said Chief Schwartz previewed the report at a FEMA Reform Council listening session in Asheville, North Carolina, on 22 September.

The paper was approved by the IAFC Board of Directors and sent to the FEMA Review Council’s staff on 24 October.

IAFC confirmed that it will continue to advocate for local fire and EMS needs as the FEMA reform process progresses at federal level.

Fire Chief Jim Schwartz, Chair of the IAFC DHS/FEMA Reform Task Force, said: “FEMA is an essential partner with fire and EMS agencies across the country before, during, and after a disaster.

“While much of the current discussion has been on disaster aid, we cannot ignore the crucial investment in preparedness as a major contributor to our effectiveness.”

Fire Chief Josh Waldo, IAFC President (2024–2025), said: “Fire and EMS departments are the backbone of the nation’s emergency response system.

“I created the IAFC DHS/FEMA Reform Task Force to make sure that local fire and EMS chiefs have a voice in the Trump Administration’s efforts to reform FEMA.

“I thank Chief Schwartz and the members of the task force for developing recommendations that we can take to our elected leaders in Washington,”

Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford, IAFC President and Board Chair, said: “As the Trump Administration considers FEMA reform, it is important that any changes they propose meet the needs of the nation’s fire and EMS departments.

“FEMA provides essential training and funding to local fire departments and provides NIMS as a framework for the response to national emergencies.

“Resources like the National US&R System and the U.S. Fire Administration must be preserved.

“I look forward to taking the FEMA Reform task force’s message to the Trump Administration and Congress to make sure that local fire and EMS departments voices are heard in this national dialogue.”

Implications for US fire and EMS leadership

The IAFC report on FEMA Reform focuses directly on how federal structures, programmes and grants shape the daily work of US local fire and EMS departments.

Fire chiefs and senior officers are central to this discussion, as the task force’s recommendations address FEMA’s support role, leadership development at the National Fire Academy and the proposed elevation of the US Fire Administrator.

Emergency and disaster response managers are affected through the report’s treatment of the National Urban Search and Rescue System, NIMS and mutual aid arrangements for deploying the nearest available resources.

Government departments working on homeland security and emergency management will need to consider IAFC’s call for consistent funding across AFG, SAFER, SHSGP and UASI to sustain training, equipment and specialist capabilities.

Training officers and instructors are directly linked to the report’s emphasis on USFA and the National Fire Academy as platforms for data-driven leadership and EMS integration.

Procurement officers and grant managers in fire and EMS departments may need to align local investment plans with any future federal decisions informed by the IAFC task force’s recommendations.

IAFC begins search for new Chief Executive Officer to guide future direction

by Americas - Featured NewsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

IAFC begins search for new Chief Executive Officer

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced the start of its recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

According to the organisation, the role will lead the IAFC through a period of transformative change while advancing its mission to lead, educate and serve the fire and emergency services community.

Applications are open to qualified individuals and to those recommending potential candidates.

The IAFC said the position is based in the greater Washington DC area and requires on-site presence.

The CEO will work closely with the President of the Board of Directors and other senior leaders to oversee all aspects of IAFC operations.

Role and responsibilities

According to the job description, the CEO will be responsible for business operations, strategic planning, personnel management, financial oversight and public engagement.

Responsibilities include executing strategic direction, approving business plans, formulating policies and maintaining relationships with federal agencies and partner organisations.

The CEO will also act as a public spokesperson for the organisation and will represent the IAFC in collaboration with allied and international associations.

The IAFC stated that the role includes extensive travel commitments, including international trips that may exceed 50% of total time.

The successful candidate will ensure the organisation’s activities reflect its mission, vision and values in all daily operations.

Required experience and qualifications

The IAFC has outlined detailed requirements for applicants, including a bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, public administration, business or a related field.

A master’s degree or professional designation such as CAE, CFOD, SPHR or PMP is preferred.

Applicants must have at least 20 years of experience, including a minimum of 10 years in a senior leadership position within a non-profit or public organisation.

Previous experience as a chief executive or senior leader in a professional association is considered advantageous.

The IAFC noted that the role requires strong leadership, analytical and communication skills, with demonstrated success in building high-performing teams.

Candidates should also show a commitment to continuous learning, technological proficiency and effective public relations.

The IAFC added that applications can be submitted via the recruitment partner Truity Partners using the reference number 41698.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This leadership transition is relevant for senior fire and rescue officers, association members, training institutions and policy advisors involved in emergency service governance.

The IAFC plays a major role in shaping standards, leadership development and international cooperation across the sector, and its new CEO will influence the strategic direction of those efforts.

The position’s emphasis on operational oversight, government engagement and educational outcomes could have practical implications for collaboration between departments and associations globally.

Chief Trisha Wolford named new IAFC President in historic move

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPeople
Josh Waldo (left) and Trisha Wolford (right) pictured during the IAFC leadership transition. Image: IAFC

IAFC names Chief Trisha Wolford as 149th president

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced that Chief Trisha Wolford has been appointed as its 149th president.

According to the IAFC, she becomes only the third woman to hold the position in the association’s 152-year history.

Her appointment follows Chief Josh Waldo, who served as president over the past year.

The IAFC said: “We proudly welcomed the 149th President of our association—and only the third female (all within the last 10 years) in our 152-year history. Congratulations to Chief Trisha Wolford!

“Thank you, Chief Waldo, for your outstanding service and leadership over the past year. Congratulations to our incoming President, Chief Trisha Wolford—we’re excited about the many great things to come!”

The association noted that Wolford follows in the path of Chief Donna Black and Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr.

Reflections on leadership transition

Chief Waldo, who became president at the 2024 Fire-Rescue International Conference, set a tone of collaboration during his leadership.

At that time, he said: “I promise to do my best every day to represent the needs of our association on whatever issues face us.”

He added: “We must continue to build and strengthen our existing relationships and look for opportunities to forge new ones.”

Chief Wolford spoke about the handover on the Better Every Shift podcast in September 2024.

She said: “Yeah definitely looking forward to it, supporting Josh.

“If it was not for Josh I would not be sitting here.

“I would not have the opportunity to grow my career because he just took a huge leap to bring me in.

“Full circle right, we’re all the way back around. I’m like here I am Josh, I’m your Deputy again working for you.”

Challenges of a one-year presidency

Wolford acknowledged the challenges of a one-year presidency, which limits how much can be achieved.

On the podcast she said: “Josh has some great initiatives.

“It’s hard to get anything done in a four-year term.

“But one year, there’s over 12,000 members in the IAFC.

“We definitely feel that members should be first and they should be heard.

“You like to talk to people, you like people, and we like taking care of people.

“It’s in the details.”

Key priorities identified by Wolford

Wolford outlined several priority areas that will guide her leadership year.

She said: “Taking care of people, codes and standards, legislative needs, lithium-ion batteries, cancer, suicide, mental health.

“We acknowledge we can only get so much done.

“The IAFC is in a great spot, it’s got great leadership.

“[We’re] just trying to build on what John Butler did.

“Steve comes behind me so we’ll try and set him up really well.

“The end game is how do we do more for the newest firefighter coming into our world to really make them love a 25-year career, be proud of who they are, take care of their families and be healthy.”

Balancing optimism and concern

Wolford spoke candidly about the pressures of leading the IAFC.

She said: “I’m excited to see where Josh can get and where I can pick up.

“There’s excitement and fear.

“Of course you fear losing one of your members, but my fear is being disconnected.

“I don’t want to get so far away from what we say the floor, the bay floor, the engine bay floor, and forget why we support and do what we do.

“Fire Chiefs are always worried about how thin they can spread themselves.

“If there was one class I would want to take it’s like how do I create more personal bandwidth.”

About Chief Trisha Wolford

Wolford is the Fire Chief of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Maryland, one of the largest combination fire departments in the United States.

According to the IAFC, she is the 12th Chief in the department’s history, leading over 1,000 career firefighters, 500 operational volunteers, 950 administrative volunteers, 34 communications operators and 58 civilian support staff.

She began her career in 2006 as a firefighter in Anne Arundel County before moving into roles in law enforcement, fire investigation and tactical medic support.

Her leadership posts have included positions in Montana’s Bozeman Fire Department and Washington’s Spokane Fire Department.

She returned to Anne Arundel in 2019 to serve as Chief.

Wolford holds an MBA, a Master’s in Management and Organisational Leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University.

She completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and graduated from the IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute.

She also holds CFO and CFM designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

In addition, she currently serves as the IAFC’s 1st Vice President and Secretary of the IAFC Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Executive Board.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Wolford’s appointment highlights the ongoing leadership transition within one of the most influential fire service organisations in the United States.

Her stated priorities, including legislative needs, standards, mental health, and lithium-ion battery risks, reflect issues that are also under discussion among global fire services.

The IAFC presidency rotates annually, meaning Wolford’s approach will shape discussion and policy direction for the next year, while also setting the stage for her successor.

Her career background in both operational and leadership roles may be of particular interest to international fire professionals considering the pathways to high-level leadership within complex organisations.

Trisha Wolford appointed as IAFC president: Summary

Chief Trisha Wolford has been appointed president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

She is the 149th president of the IAFC.

She is the third woman to hold the post in 152 years.

Her appointment follows outgoing president Chief Josh Waldo.

Waldo became president in 2024.

Wolford spoke about the transition on the Better Every Shift podcast.

She said Waldo helped shape her career.

She said IAFC members should be heard and prioritised.

She identified mental health, lithium-ion batteries, codes, standards and legislative issues as priorities.

She also highlighted the need to support new firefighters.

Wolford leads the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Maryland.

She has more than 15 years of experience in fire service.

She has also worked in Montana and Washington.

She returned to Maryland in 2019 as Fire Chief.

She holds an MBA and other advanced leadership qualifications.

She currently serves on IAFC boards.

Wolford now leads a membership of more than 12,000.

Her presidency will last one year.

Rapid City firefighters receive Ben Franklin Award for Valor after high-risk rescue

by Americas - EventsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

IAFC recognises firefighters for high-risk rescue

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has named four members of the Rapid City Fire Department as recipients of the 2025 Ben Franklin Award for Valor.

According to the IAFC, firefighters Kyle Steen, Nick Jasnoch and Morgan Helton, along with Fire Chief Jason Culberson, were honoured for their actions during a vehicle extrication and high-risk gas leak.

The IAFC said the incident took place on 9 April 2024 at 10:41pm in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Emergency crews were dispatched after a vehicle, travelling at an estimated 117 miles per hour, became airborne for more than 50 feet before colliding with a three-storey apartment building.

The IAFC reported that the crash damaged the building between the second and third floors and struck the main gas line, causing a leak at explosive limits.

Actions taken by first responders

The IAFC said Steen, Jasnoch and Helton, collectively known as M1, were among the first to arrive at the scene.

It stated that they identified the severity of the gas leak and the condition of the surviving occupant in the vehicle.

The IAFC noted that the team removed the passenger and delivered life-saving treatment without protective gear or breathing apparatus.

It added that the passenger’s survival was due to the quick response of the firefighters.

The IAFC said Culberson coordinated the evacuation of 50 residents from the building, working with Pennington County Emergency Management and other agencies.

Recognition from IAFC leadership

IAFC president and board chair Chief Josh Waldo said: “The Ben Franklin Award for Valor, named after Benjamin Franklin, our nation’s first volunteer fire chief, is our most prestigious award, honouring firefighters who go above and beyond in the name of public safety.

“We are grateful to this year’s winners.

“Your training, leadership and bravery are a tremendous inspiration.”

Comments from Motorola Solutions

Frank Galvin, vice president of Motorola Solutions, said: “The heroes of the Rapid City Fire Department chose to put themselves at great risk to save lives in an extraordinary display of selflessness.

“The challenges M1 faced are a reminder of how complex and dangerous firefighting is as a profession.

“One issue can quickly escalate into another, requiring first responders to be observant, adaptable and quick to act.

“On behalf of everyone at Motorola Solutions, thank you for your bravery and congratulations on this well deserved recognition.”

Presentation of awards

The IAFC said medals of honour were given to Steen, Jasnoch and Helton on 14 August 2025.

It stated that the presentation took place during the Fire-Rescue International conference in Orlando, Florida.

The IAFC confirmed that Culberson received a plaque recognising his leadership during the incident.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The IAFC’s account of this incident highlights the operational risks faced when structural damage is combined with a hazardous materials release.

The response illustrates the importance of rapid situational assessment and coordinated action when managing multiple simultaneous threats.

The incident also shows the role of leadership in directing multi-agency cooperation during high-risk evacuations.

Recognition events such as the Ben Franklin Award for Valor may contribute to knowledge-sharing and awareness among emergency services.

Rapid City firefighters receive Ben Franklin Award for Valor after high-risk rescue: Summary

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced four Rapid City Fire Department members as recipients of the 2025 Ben Franklin Award for Valor.

The IAFC said firefighters Kyle Steen, Nick Jasnoch and Morgan Helton, along with Fire Chief Jason Culberson, were recognised for actions during a vehicle extrication and gas leak.

The IAFC reported that the incident occurred on 9 April 2024 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

It said a vehicle crashed into a three-storey apartment building at high speed, damaging the structure and striking the main gas line.

The IAFC stated that Steen, Jasnoch and Helton removed a passenger and delivered treatment without protective gear.

It confirmed that Culberson coordinated the evacuation of 50 residents.

The IAFC said medals were presented to the firefighters on 14 August 2025.

It stated that Culberson received a plaque recognising his leadership.

Fire Chief of the Year 2025 winners announced by IAFC in US

by Americas - Featured NewsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

US fire chiefs receive IAFC fire chief of the year awards for 2025

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has named Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Krushinski of East Franklin Fire Department in New Jersey and Career Fire Chief Jeremy Craft of Lehi Fire Department in Utah as the 2025 fire chief of the year recipients.

The IAFC said the programme recognises one volunteer and one career chief each year.

The awards were presented at Fire Rescue International in Orlando, Florida.

Nominations were assessed on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service and contributions to the fire service.

The association noted that the awards have been presented annually since 1996.

Volunteer fire chief honouree: Daniel Krushinski, New Jersey

According to the IAFC, Chief Daniel Krushinski has led the East Franklin Fire Department for more than two decades.

It said he is the top responding volunteer firefighter in a department that answers about 750 calls annually.

The association reported that he established a Water Rescue Team and secured rescue boats after lessons from Hurricane Ida.

It added that he promotes advanced certifications and in house training for members to ensure operational readiness.

His Duty Crew Program has drawn national attention as a model for volunteer recruitment and retention.

Career fire chief honouree: Jeremy Craft, Utah

The IAFC stated that Chief Jeremy Craft has focused on firefighter health and safety throughout his career.

It reported that he supported legislation in Utah for presumptive cancer coverage, early screening protocols and accountability measures.

According to the association, he built coalitions, briefed lawmakers and worked with fire service leaders to secure these reforms.

It said he shares best practices nationally and provides testimony at legislative hearings.

The IAFC added that his work is influencing health and wellness initiatives across the United States.

Award criteria and selection process

The IAFC explained that nominations are reviewed by a committee assessing defined leadership and service criteria.

It said the process examines operational leadership, innovation and professional development.

Integrity, public service and wider contributions to the fire service are also considered.

The association confirmed that one volunteer and one career chief are selected each year.

Recipients are formally announced during Fire Rescue International.

Presentation at Fire Rescue International in Florida

The IAFC said the 2025 awards were presented at Fire Rescue International in Orlando.

It noted that the event brings together fire and emergency service leaders from the United States and internationally.

The association stated that the awards segment is part of the conference’s annual programme.

It added that recognition at the event highlights the contributions of the recipients and their departments.

Details of the winners were shared during the conference.

IAFC and Pierce Manufacturing partnership and statement

The IAFC works in partnership with Pierce Manufacturing on the awards programme.

Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing, said: “We are honored to recognize two extraordinary leaders whose passion for the fire service and dedication to their communities set the standard for us all

“Chief Krushinski and Chief Craft embody integrity, innovation, and a commitment to serving others

“Pierce Manufacturing is privileged to join the IAFC in celebrating their remarkable achievements.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The fire chief of the year awards highlight leadership strategies and operational initiatives that can inform best practice.

The IAFC’s examples of training, community outreach and recruitment models provide transferable approaches for other departments.

Chief Craft’s legislative work on firefighter cancer prevention shows how departments can collaborate with policymakers on occupational health issues.

Fire chief of the year 2025 winners announced by IAFC in US: Summary

The International Association of Fire Chiefs named Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Krushinski and Career Fire Chief Jeremy Craft as the 2025 fire chief of the year recipients.

The IAFC said the awards recognise one volunteer and one career chief annually.

It added that the 2025 awards were presented at Fire Rescue International in Orlando, Florida.

Nominations were evaluated on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service and contributions to the fire service.

Chief Krushinski established a Water Rescue Team and obtained rescue boats after Hurricane Ida.

He also implemented advanced training and a Duty Crew Program recognised nationally.

Chief Craft advanced firefighter health and safety legislation in Utah.

He built coalitions, briefed lawmakers and promoted best practices nationally.

The IAFC partners with Pierce Manufacturing on the awards programme and issued a statement from its president.