October 2013
| Business World Magazine | 173
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 impor-
tant programs with positive results, he
also says that there are always challeng-
es to be confronted when dealing with
change. “Nothing 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 regula-
tions. He says changes often prompt ad-
verse response from those who believe
government is being too intrusive or too
regulatory. “Some people get upset, but
