Perhaps one of the greatest challenges to the fire and emergency service is how to preserve our history and traditions in a way that also allows us to strengthen our service and move positively toward the future. It’s not an easy task, but it’s one that must be tackled–and one that I’m proud to say an increasing number of fire and emergency personnel are embracing.
As a leader of change in the fire service, the IAFC must also be aware of how we can bridge the past and the future of the association.
This August, the IAFC will mark its 135th year. Although this is a cause for celebration, it’s also an opportunity to examine whether, organizationally, we practice what we preach. The IAFC Board of Directors has created a Membership Task Force to review the IAFC constitution and bylaws to ensure they are relevant to today’s fire and emergency service and reflect sound 21st-century business practices. Although there have been some tweaks to these foundational documents, they remain largely unchanged from the original versions adopted in 1873.
Chief Larry Grorud, IAFC first vice president and an 18-year-member of the associations’ Constitution, By-laws and Resolution (CBR) committee, will lead the nearly 2-year effort that will encompass significant review of historical documents, new research and, most importantly, fire and emergency service feedback.
Chief Grorud will work with the CBR committee and a team of members representing the depth and breadth of the fire service. They will be joined by a small number of those who are not currently regular members, such as former and affiliate members. The diversity of these perspectives is critical to ensure the association is able to achieve its fullest potential both now and in the future.
Each member has a voice in the process; in fact, the final decisions rest solely with the IAFC members. Throughout the process, both members and nonmembers can provide unsolicited comments or suggestions at www.iafc.org/ getinvolved. The task force will also provide periodic updates of its work and opportunities to provide feedback on specific issues.
Given the gravity of this process, it is understandably lengthy and controlled by strict guidelines. The task force must bring final recommendations to the CBR committee for review and approval. If approved, the CBR committee will seek the support of the IAFC Board of Directors. Finally, the recommendations will be put to the membership for a final vote.
Concurrently, all IAFC divisions and many sections have also committed to thoroughly review their organizational structures. Key to this effort is how they continue to serve chief officers as well as engage the entire fire service community, particularly how they can support the cultivation of the next generation of leaders.
I recently had the privilege of reading the original hand-written ledger from the first gathering of the IAFC 135 years ago. It has been painstakingly preserved, and it was awe-inspiring not only to read, but to hold in my hand such a tangible connection to our history. These pioneers gathered to preserve the traditions and capabilities of the fire service, but in taking a new approach, they became authors of the next chapter in fire service history. They opened up the fire service for unprecedented discussion, opportunity and collaboration. We owe it to both those who came before us and those who will come after to ensure we do the same.
