Clearwater, Fl. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) conducted another successful and sold-out Symposium in the Sun, with the theme of Operation—Mission Ready. More than 640 people attended.
During the conference, the following award and scholarship winners were recognized:
- The John M. Buckman III Leadership Award, sponsored by Provident Insurance, was awarded to Chief Rich Cowger, Columbus (Mont.) Fire Rescue. This award honors a chief officer of a volunteer or combination department who demonstrates exemplary leadership, integrity and outstanding moral values.
- The Retention & Recruitment Award, sponsored by VFIS, was awarded to Old Mystic (Conn.) Fire Department. The award recognizes success and excellence in the retention and recruitment of emergency service organization members.
- The Illness and Injury Prevention Award, sponsored by VFIS, was awarded to IAFC’s Safety, Health & Survival Section. This award supports the NFFF and USFA initiatives to reduce firefighter injuries and illness; it recognizes success and excellence in developing and implementing an injury- or illness-prevention program or a vehicle-safety program.
In addition, Assistant Chief Bob Love of North Hays County (Texas) Fire Rescue was recognized for winning the Step Up and Stand Out contest sponsored by Kidde for his dedication to the volunteer fire service.
Chief William Rector, Dundirk (Md.) Volunteer Fire Company, was awarded the $1,500 VCOS-sponsored scholarship to the Symposium.
The Gasaway Consulting Group’s $1,500 Emerging Leader Scholarship was awarded to Captain Jeff Gooch, Cranberry (Pa.) Township Volunteer Fire Company.
VCOS thanks the following sponsors who made these awards and scholarships possible:
- Provident Insurance
- VFIS
- Gasaway Consulting Group
- Kidde
Visit www.iafc.org/vcosSymposium and www.iafc.org/vcosWest for more information about these two conferences.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more
About Volunteer & Combination Officers Section
VCOS is the largest special interest section of the IAFC which provides chief officers who manage volunteers within a volunteer or combination Fire, Rescue or EMS delivery system with information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism. VCOS offers resources, training, advocacy, and information to volunteer and combination fire departments. Learn more