Every year at the International Association of Fire Chief’s (IAFC) Fire-Rescue International conference, the outgoing IAFC president honors people and organizations who have significantly contributed to the fire service during the past year. Chief Donna Black from Duck (NC) Fire Department presented NFFF Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki with an IAFC President’s Award of Recognition at the conference’s general session this morning. This recognition holds a special significance as Chief Siarnicki prepares to retire at the end of the year.

In addition to the President’s Award of Recognition to Chief Siarnicki, Chief Black also honored the NFFF for its role in the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control. Chief Ernie Mitchell accepted the award on behalf of the NFFF.

The NFFF is honored to receive these recognitions from Chief Black as she completes her year as IAFC President. Chief Black has worked on several projects with the NFFF over the past year, including a presentation at last summer’s Firefighter Life Safety Summit. Chief Black discussed the implementation of the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives in her department.

Congratulations to Chief Black on a successful year as IAFC president. We look forward to working with the newly sworn-in IAFC President Fire Chief John Butler of Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue, 1st Vice President Fire Chief Josh Waldo of the Bozeman (MT) Fire Department, and 2nd Vice President Trisha Wolford of the Anne Arundel County (MD) Fire Department.