“Leadership for Tough Times” was the theme of this year’s conference, and without question it was the talk of most everyone throughout the halls of the Dallas Convention Center.
Absent the thoughts of the tough times that lie ahead, FRI 2009 by all counts was a great success and a historical first in many rights for the IAFC and the fire service as a whole. It featured the first public presentation to the fire service by newly appointed Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, FEMA Director Craig Fugate, the swearing in of the new United States Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran and the graduation of the first Company Officer Leadership group.

On Friday afternoon, the fire service and Tri-Data researchers went head to head in a debate about the report released last April stating there was no connection between firefighting and cancer. Representatives from Tri-Data included Dr. Harold C. Cohen and Clara Kim. Chief Billy Goldfeder represented the fire service, with assistance from Dr. Sarah Pyle and IAFF representative Alex Forest.

I think it’s safe to say that the 2009 Fire-Rescue International show, despite the dwindling economy, has been a huge success. The amount of apparatus on display, as well as all the equipment, equalled, if not exceeded, the amount displayed in past years.

I think it’s safe to say that the 2009 Fire-Rescue International show, despite the dwindling economy, has been a huge success. The amount of apparatus on display, as well as all the equipment, equalled, if not exceeded, the amount displayed in past years.

Fire-Dex has made several improvements to the design of the 911 and 1910 helmets, including improvements in the formulation of the helmet outer shell, and is now manufacturing helmets at our location in Medina, Ohio.

Serious performance now comes at a great value. Built with a new, contemporary chassis,
G-XCEL™ features many of our innovative design features including extended back length in the
jacket and extra length in the knee and seat for excellent mobility.

The Lewis University’s online Master of Science in Public Safety Administration combines knowledge from many different academic disciplines and builds it into a comprehensive leadership curriculum.

Blazemark® is an innovative software tool that facilitates the management and allows for the sharing of pre plans.

The B.S and M.A. in Fire Science teach you the specialized technical, managerial, and communication skills needed to advance into leadership roles in the fire service.

The New Industry Exclusive Safety System from the World’s Largest Ambulance Brand. Designed specifically with your crew’s safety in mind, this locking system provides improved ergonomics and protection.

Response time to an emergency is critical — and so is the way you manage the emergency cycle. From the first alert to final dispatch, Motorola’s Fire Station Alerting solution can give you the control you need to respond quickly, when seconds matter.