Chief Barton “Butch” Inks, who prioritized physical and mental health initiatives while leading the St. Paul Fire Department, retired after a 31-year career shaped by fire, EMS and loss
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
Don’t assume residents know what your department does; spell it out and explain how additional funding would positively impact community members
It’s time to think about how you want to make your mark on the fire service
Serving as a chief’s aide provides aspiring officers with hands-on experience and a unique perspective on fire department operations
The Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District’s team structure challenges the long-standing hierarchy of fire service leadership
FIRE CHIEF NEWS
- Pa. fire companies vote to merge into regional department
- Calif. firefighters launch scholarship program to break financial barriers into the fire service
- San Diego’s first Black firefighter to integrate firehouses honored at 100
- Texas county cuts ties with FD after fatal fire and fire truck crash
- Ill. FD continues teen cadet program after successful first year
- Md. paramedic in firehouse contamination case appeals protective order
- $2M grant helps N.M. FD increase firefighter staffing sooner than expected
- Nev. FD shows crisis response teams reduce ED transports and mental health holds
- S.C. house fire highlights FD’s shrinking response area amid financial troubles
- Colo. county live fire training disrupted as burn buildings close over safety damage
FIRE CHIEF DIGITAL EDITIONS
IAFC & FIRE-RESCUE INTERNATIONAL
WATCH & LEARN
How are you tapping into the pillars — training and certification, formal education, experience and leadership — to drive continuous improvement?
Utica Township Fire Protection District leaders told county commissioners the department has grown its volunteer ranks, improved training and is on track to be fully operational by 2026
Let us be grateful for the amazing organizations we work for and the quality of the people who serve our communities
For companies to thrive, their officers must prioritize member conduct, training discipline and career development
Assistant Chief (ret.) Jo-Ann Lorber underscores the power the delegation amid the expanding expectations of the fire chief
Fennessy announced his retirement from the Orange County (Calif.) Fire Authority and the tentative acceptance of the new federal-level director role
When resources run short during disasters, disciplined command becomes the key to prioritizing needs and coordinating aid
Eric Valliere will serve as CEO, and Lance Vinson will serve as chairman of the Board of Directors
Salt buildup can occur on just about any area of your fire apparatus or ambulances, but it is especially common on areas affected by road spray
A renewed focus on people, community connections and clear communication can help rebuild the recruitment pipeline