International Fire Chief Association | 5
belief that by coming together, those in
the fire service could better exchange in-
sight on products, practices and policies,
but also better effect change that would
prevent such tragedies from ever happen-
ing again. Given widespread support, this
led to the establishing of the National As-
sociation of Fire Engineers in 1873, with
Damrell as the first president. As mem-
bership and programs grew, it would be
rebranded as the International Associa-
tion of Fire Chiefs. Today, the IAFC has
grown to not only represent the world’s
leading authority on firefighting, but also
the greatest experts in emergency medical
services, terrorism response, hazardous
material spills, natural disasters, search
& rescue and public safety legislation.
The IAFC continues to serve as a vital re-
source that helps its members exchange
ideas, develop professionally and uncover
the latest products and services available
to first responders.
Though fire departments are un-
ceasingly deserving of respect as public
service entities tasked in the prevention
and extinguishing of fire as well as emer-
gency medical services, there can be no
overstating of the extraordinary impact
these professionals have made in respect
to commercial manufacturing, building
construction and community develop-
ment. The fire services touch so many
aspects of life that it would be difficult
to encapsulate in any one article, but for
