The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) welcomed its 150th President during the annual Fire-Rescue International Conference on August 14.
Chief Steven Locke, of the South Burlington Fire Department (VT), was officially sworn in as IAFC president and Board Chair, succeeding outgoing President Chief Trisha Wolford.
Locke was joined in office by newly sworn executive leaders Chief Ernest Malone, First Vice President, and Chief Mike Snider, Second Vice President. Chief Wolford will continue to serve on the IAFC Executive Committee as Immediate Past President
As IAFC president, Locke will serve as the association’s official spokesperson and representative, preside over meetings of the Association and Board of Directors, and lead the organization in advancing the fire and emergency services worldwide.
“I intend to push hard to ensure we are living up to our vision statement: igniting global leaders for a safer tomorrow,” said ocke. “The IAFC must be the voice of fire service leadership. We must be engaged in every aspect of our profession, representing everyone from the largest metro departments to the smallest volunteer organizations across the globe.”
Locke was sworn in by his longtime mentor, Chief John Wood Jr., and introduced by his colleague and friend, South Burlington City Manager Jessie Baker.
Baker praised Locke, saying: “In all he does, Chief Locke creates momentum. He identifies areas for improvement and action, he moves them forward, he gets stuff done, and he delivers results. He doesn’t wait for change—but creates the change that improves any team in which he plays a role.”
IAFC Presidents serve one-year terms, providing strategic leadership and helping advance the Association’s mission to lead, educate, and serve the fire and emergency service community around the globe.
