“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.

Thursday’s keynote speech was delivered by Lt. Col. Greg Gadson who lost both his legs after his artillery unit was struck by an IED while on a tour of duty in Iraq.

Perhaps the biggest, most noteworthy event to take place at FRI, or any fire service conference for that matter, was the swearing in of Chief Kelvin Cochran as the new U.S. Fire Administrator by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The swearing in of this position has never before occurred at Fire-Rescue International.

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) has approved a total of 43 sessions and workshops at FRI for CEUs towards recertification for ISOs and HSOs.  Click here for a complete listing of approved sessions and workshops.

Wondering how you can make your Fire-Rescue International (FRI) experience even more memorable? FireRescue spoke with several multiple-time attendees to learn their secrets for maximizing this valuable educational and networking opportunity.

The Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a smorgasbord of fun facts about this city. Following are 10 that FireRescue found particularly interesting.

FireRescue Editor-In-Chief Tim Sendelbach recently had the privilege to speak with Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, a double above-the-knee amputee who will be the keynote speaker at FRI on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Even in these tough times, new opportunities present themselves. An airline fare war has broken out – good news for those looking to travel. On many routes, fares are 50% lower than 9-12 months ago. So as you make your travel plans for FRI, now is the time to act on of some great airfare deals to Dallas.

You want to attend FRI but in these economic times, you’re not sure how to approach your city manager. The best way to improve your chances is to be armed with the facts.