Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs

Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs
Providing leadership and guidance to the regional fire service officer.
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The Association’s objectives will be to discuss and promote methods that offer efficiency and safety, inform members, legislators and the community about the need for and effects of legislation bearing upon the purposes of the Association, conduct and interpret research, develop surveys, cooperate with governmental, private, and not for profit organizations, and to develop, support, and participate in educational opportunities

A Week of Leadership, Learning and Fire Service Excellence The 98th Annual SEAFC/GAFC Leadership Conference delivered a ...
06/08/2026

A Week of Leadership, Learning and Fire Service Excellence

The 98th Annual SEAFC/GAFC Leadership Conference delivered a powerful week of leadership, learning, and fire service excellence in Savannah. With 430+ attendees and 112 exhibitors, the conference provided a dynamic platform for education, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas shaping the future of the fire service.

We also celebrated the installation of our 2026 leadership team:
• Chief Allen Baldwin — President, York County Fire Rescue, VA
• Chief Jennifer Smith— 1st Vice President, New Hanover Fire Rescue, NC
• Chief Steve Kyle — 2nd Vice President, Paducah, KY
• Chief Jay Cullinan — Immediate Past President, Spotsylvania, VA

The Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs proudly announces our 2026 Award Honorees.
These leaders exemplify the highest standards of service, integrity, and dedication to their communities and the fire service across the Southeast.

🔥 Career Fire Chief of the Year
Chief John Butler, Fairfax County, Virginia

🔥 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year
Chief Zachary Hottel, Woodstock, Virginia

🔥 Leadership Award
Chief Donnie Hall, New Hanover County, North Carolina

🔥 President’s Award
Jonathan McCrary, Chatham County Fire Department
Brian Goss, Smyrna, Tennessee

🔥 Service Award
Chief Donnie Hall (2021–2026)

🔥 H.D. Crossnine Award
Deputy Chief Chris Etheredge, Dothan, Alabama

All awards were presented last week at the 98th SEAFC/GAFC Leadership Conference in Savannah, Georgia.

A special thank‑you to the Savannah Fire Department and Chatham County Fire Department for their outstanding hospitality and support throughout the week. Our attendees felt welcomed and well cared for.

Together, we continue Honoring Traditions, Embracing the Future.

Greene County Fire Chief Rodney Wiggins takes the podiumOn September 4, 2024, Greene County Battalion Chief Chris Eddy w...
06/04/2026

Greene County Fire Chief Rodney Wiggins takes the podium

On September 4, 2024, Greene County Battalion Chief Chris Eddy was tragically killed in a re**er container explosion. Chief Rodney Wiggins is presenting this morning about the sequence of event leading up to the LODD and has made it his mission to educate and prevent another tragedy.

Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos interviewed by local mediaSmyrna Fire Chief and the Georgia State Director for the Southe...
06/03/2026

Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos interviewed by local media

Smyrna Fire Chief and the Georgia State Director for the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Brian Marcos discusses the significance and impact of the Leadership Conference with local NBC affiliate WSAV.

Difficult Conversations kicks off the afternoon sessionRyan Kunitzer is the Fire Chief of St. John’s Fire District locat...
06/03/2026

Difficult Conversations kicks off the afternoon session

Ryan Kunitzer is the Fire Chief of St. John’s Fire District located in the Charleston. He is presenting on handling the difficult conversations within the fire service.

Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos kicks off Day 2Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos discusses the Unintended Consequence: Turni...
06/03/2026

Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos kicks off Day 2

Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos discusses the Unintended Consequence: Turning Flawed Performance Evals into Career Roadmaps

Huge news and big thank youWe are pleased to announce and incredibly thankful for the huge announcement made by represen...
06/02/2026

Huge news and big thank you

We are pleased to announce and incredibly thankful for the huge announcement made by representatives of our Corporate Sponsor Lexipol. Your generous contribution of $41,000 is greatly appreciated!

Stepping off the sidelines-Leading from the frontCurrently serving as the Chief of the York County, Virginia Department ...
06/02/2026

Stepping off the sidelines-Leading from the front

Currently serving as the Chief of the York County, Virginia Department of Fire and Life Safety. Chief Allen Baldwin presents strategies and tactics on becoming a better leader.

A huge Thank you We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the sponsors of the 98th Annual Joint Leadershi...
06/02/2026

A huge Thank you

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the sponsors of the 98th Annual Joint Leadership Conference. Your generous support, partnership, and commitment to the fire service help provide valuable opportunities for education, leadership development, networking, and collaboration. Thank you for investing in the future of our profession and for helping make this conference a memorable and successful event for all attendees.

Why would anyone want to be led by you?Chief Keith Hopkins serves as the Fire Chief of the Mesquite Fire Department and ...
06/02/2026

Why would anyone want to be led by you?

Chief Keith Hopkins serves as the Fire Chief of the Mesquite Fire Department and addresses that question and more as our first afternoon guest speaker.

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P. O. BOX 243
Dothan, AL
36302

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