Vector Solutions announce IAFC Training Officer of Year

Vector Solutions, the provider of technology solutions to help train, prepare and retain public safety professionals, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS), announced that Deputy Fire Chief Paul J. Wilson, Shelton Fire Department, has been awarded the 2025 Training Officer of Year Award.

Alongside the award presentation at Fire Rescue International (FRI), Vector Solutions will also debut the latest enhancements to its TargetSolutions and Vector Scheduling platforms.

Training Officer of the Year Award

Now in its 12th consecutive year, the Training Officer of the Year Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in developing and delivering impactful training programs.

Deputy Chief Wilson was selected for transforming Shelton’s training operations—from launching an in-house training structure and new member orientation to creating physical fitness initiatives and Fire-EMS pathway programs that strengthen recruitment and community education.

The award will be formally presented during FRI on Wednesday 13 August from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm ET.

Chief, Columbus Fire Rescue, Rich Cowger’s statement

Chief Rich Cowger, Columbus Fire Rescue and International Association of Fire Chiefs, Volunteer and Combination Officers Section shared: “We’re honored to award Deputy Chief Wilson’s bold and lasting contributions to firefighter training.

“His visionary leadership has elevated both departmental preparedness and community impact—setting a standard for innovation in training.”

At FRI, Vector Solutions will debut new enhancements to its TargetSolutions and Vector Scheduling platforms. These updates are designed to help agencies modernize operations, simplify scheduling and streamline training management.

TargetSolutions features

• Interactive to-do list: An intuitive dashboard provides progress insight into assignments and credentials. Search, sort and filter tools allow users to quickly find what they need from the homepage on any device more effectively.
• Multiple occurrence events: Allows administrators to manage multiple sessions of the same training event under a single entry—simplifying logistics and tracking.

Vector scheduling features

• Hourly minimum staffing: Supports hour-by-hour staffing adjustments to reflect real-world, flexible coverage needs.
• Enhanced shift bidding (coming soon): Empowers departments to set predefined rules for an automated and fair bidding process and manage recurring shift patterns—improving long-term staff planning across agencies.

Director of Solutions Engineering, Vector Solutions, Robbi King’s statement

Robbi King, veteran firefighter and Director of Solutions Engineering at Vector Solutions commented: “These latest enhancements reflect our continued focus on modernizing the user experience for departments across the country.

“Whether it’s streamlining manual workflows or delivering more flexible tools to meet daily needs, we’re committed to delivering solutions that work in today’s high-pressure environments.”

Vector Solutions will be exhibiting at FRI from August 13-15 in the Tech Zone (Booth #1449).

IAFC Training Officer of Year shared by Vector Solutions: Summary

Vector Solutions in partnership with the IAFC VCOS, has announced that Deputy Fire Chief Paul J. Wilson, Shelton Fire Department, has been awarded the 2025 Training Officer of Year Award.