International Fire Chief Association | 7
an example, consider the changes which
have taken place in construction tech-
niques and building materials. The IAFC
was front and center in the creation of
new laws which helped define the first
National Building Code. The IAFC ad-
ditionally collaborated with the National
Builders Association, the National Build-
ing Inspectors Association, the Board of
Fire Underwriters and the American In-
stitute of Architects to develop the first
building code for universal application. In
terms of manufacturing, the IAFC helped
spur standardization in the production
of hoses, couplings, alarm systems and
so much more. The services fulfilled by
members of the IAFC have prompted ad-
vancement in a range of enterprises from
vehicle manufacturing and shoe & uni-
form manufacturing to communication
systems, software technology and the list
goes on. The fire services have made a
beneficial economic impact to a host of
industries, yet the significance of that is
overshadowed, if not obscured, by the
greater beneficial impact fire profession-
als have made through their dedication in
protecting property and protecting human
life. Protecting property, private citizens,
and also fire service personnel, is a penul-
timate concern of all IAFC members says
Chief Hank Clemmensen, the IAFC’s
2012-2013 President and Chairman of
the Board. “It is so important for all of us
to partner with private sector businesses,
especially when it comes to public safety
and preventing fires ... it is not something
we can do alone ... fire safety is every-
one’s fight,” says Chief Clemmensen.
Though Chief Clemmensen ac-
knowledges that private sector partner-
ship have been good, and have helped spur
the development of many important pro-
grams with positive results, he also says
that there are always challenges to be con-
fronted when dealing with change. “Noth-
ing is ever easy, especially if it means that
we have to do the right thing and create
change in the way we do business,” says
Chief Clemmensen while making a point
about enforcement of building codes and
fire safety regulations. He says changes
often prompt adverse response from those
who believe government is being too in-
trusive or too regulatory. “Some people
get upset, but
