SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) has announced changes to its leadership team ahead of the group’s Health, Safety & Apparatus Conference in Scottsdale, Jan. 12-15.
Assistant Chief (ret.) Eric Valliere will assume the full-time role of chief executive officer, where he will focus on expanding the association’s impact, enhancing member services and guiding strategic growth. In conjunction with this transition, Battalion Chief Lance Vinson will step into the role of chairman of the Board of Directors, providing leadership and vision as the Board continues its work in support of the mission of the FDSOA.
According to the FDSOA, “these changes position the association to move forward with even greater momentum. With Eric and Lance advancing in their respective roles, the FDSOA is confident in the path ahead and excited for the continued progress we will make in promoting firefighter safety, health, and operational excellence.”
Valliere shared his enthusiasm for the transition: “I am excited for the opportunity this new role provides. Keeping our firefighters safe and strengthening operational skills — while improving our processes and creating a balanced approach to risk management — are the pillars of my passion for the service of others. I look forward to advancing this important work in my new role, alongside our dedicated Board and management team, our committed members, and our partners.”
Vinson echoed this optimism: “The men and women of the fire service deserve more than talk about safety — they deserve leaders who live it. I am honored to accept the appointment as FDSOA chairman and am committed to building on the momentum we have created. This is an exciting time for our membership and our partners.”
Valliere recently retired as assistant fire chief over Emergency Services, managing Operations, EMS and Safety, for the Scottsdale (Arizona) Fire Department. In addition to serving as chair of the FDSOA until this recent move, Valliere also serves as the lead AZ State advocate for the NFFF’s Everyone Goes Home program, and as a member of the IAFC Safety Health & Survival Section.
Vinson entered the fire service in 2001, serving as a member of a rural volunteer fire department for seven years. He later took his first career assignment working as a firefighter at a DOE facility. He currently serves as a battalion chief with the Amarillo (Texas) Fire Department.
Learn more about the FDSOA Health, Safety and Apparatus Conference.
Watch Valliere and Vinson on the What Firefighters Want webinar:
