By Ted Czech
The York Daily Record
YORK, Pa. — Last year, Steve Buffington received a communications appointment at the local level; last week, he received another, this time on the international level.
Since last July, Buffington, deputy chief with York City Fire/Rescue Services, has been serving as chairman of the County Fire Chiefs Radio Committee, where he acts as a liaison between the fire chiefs and York County 911.
The relationship between some of the chiefs and 911 has been contentious at times, possibly due to problems that arose with the new system, which in turn delayed the fire and EMS cut-over date.
In the fall, the county staged a cut-over for police departments to move to the new system.
Eric Bistline, York County Emergency Services’ executive director, has announced that the cut-over date for fire and EMS onto the new P-25 digital trunk system will be midnight Wednesday.
Last week, Buffington received word that he had been chosen to sit on the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ communications committee.
John Senft, chief of York City Fire/Rescue Services, called the appointment notable because of the importance of communication technology and how quickly it can change.
“This is a big-time appointment here,” he said.
Buffington said he heard the committee had an opening and sent an application to the agency, which promotes values such as leadership, expertise and integrity among the fire service’s administrators.
“I thought with my involvement with county communications,
it might be up my alley,” he said of his chances.
Buffington believes he’ll have to attend quarterly meetings around the country as a member of the committee.
“I was rather pleased (to be chosen) because the whole communication thing is near and dear to my heart,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to network with colleagues from all over the world and bring back useful information to York.”
Buffington was promoted to deputy chief by York Mayor John Brenner in September 2006 when then-Deputy Chief Richard Halpin retired.
He started as a volunteer with the city’s Vigilant Fire Company back in 1976 when he was 16.
Copyright 2009 York Daily Record