IAFC Section Honors Commitment to Personnel Health and Safety
The Safety, Health and Survival Section Awards Program recognizes both organizations and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the overall environment of health and safety within their own organizations and within the fire service as a whole. The section awarded the honors below at Fire-Rescue International in Atlanta, GA.
“The individuals and organizations who have received these awards are literally on the cutting edge of leadership in safety in the fire service,” said Chief Matt Tobia, chair of the SHS Section. “It is our honor to recognize their achievements as examples for others to follow in doing everything possible to embrace the goal that Everyone Goes Home. We also thank our corporate sponsors and partner organizations whose commitment and support make it possible for us to celebrate these accomplishments.”
The 2011 "Alan Brunacini Fire Service Executive Safety Award" is presented to the chief executive officer of a fire department of any size or composition that has demonstrated a unique commitment to fire service health and safety. This years award recipient is Chief Rick Kane, Manheim Township Fire & Rescue, of Manheim Township, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Chief Kane’s accomplishments are significant since his appointment as the inaugural Chief of Department in Manheim Township. Kane has literally created a world class combination volunteer career organization whose primary mission includes both service to the citizens coupled with a equal commitment to the safety of operating members. Examples abound. Kane produced Standard Operating Guidelines for the entire department and color coded them to correspond to the level of risk to personnel. In addition to the establishment of standard operating guidelines that yield measurable results in terms of ensuring the safety of all personnel, Kane supervised the establishment of minimum training standards for all career and volunteer personnel. Training is one of the key cornerstones to the safety of personnel and Kane’s commitment in this area is exemplary. By setting the bar of excellence at a high level, Chief Kane has elevated the position of firefighter within his community to one of significant positive standing.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
About the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section
The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section (SHS Section) was established to provide a specific component within the IAFC to concentrate on policies and issues relating to the health and safety of firefighters.