Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association

Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association The Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association supports the interests of Ohio's fire service and fire officers through education, advocacy, and networking.

🔥 FINAL SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ODC 2026! 🔥We are thrilled to announce our final round of premier speakers joining us J...
06/01/2026

🔥 FINAL SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ODC 2026! 🔥

We are thrilled to announce our final round of premier speakers joining us July 13–16 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton for ODC 2026!

From data-driven planning and facility construction to practical drills and leadership clarity, these final four sessions provide the actionable blueprints every fire service leader needs:

📊 “Community Risk Assessment & Action Planning: Our Experience”
• Presenter: Chief Chad Follick (Vandalia Fire Department)
• What you'll learn: Turn data into a shield. Discover how to effectively assess community risks and build practical action plans informed by real-world local successes.
🏗️ “The STRICT Model: A Template for Training Facility Construction”
• Presenter: Chief Josh Eberle (Findlay Fire Department)
• What you'll learn: Stop guessing about infrastructure. Get the exact step-by-step framework for designing, funding, and building a modern fire training facility.
🚒 “Improving the Company-Level Drill”
• Presenter: Captain Ed Tracey (Rochester NY Fire Department)
• What you'll learn: Maximize your crew's potential. Walk away with high-impact, engaging methods to elevate daily house drills and sharpen tactical readiness.
🎯 “Clarity in Leadership”
• Presenter: Chief Allen Scott (Plain Township Fire Department)
• What you'll learn: Eliminate confusion in command. Learn how transparent communication and crystal-clear expectations foster accountability and trust across an entire department.
Seats are filling up rapidly for Ohio's premier fire leadership event.

🎟️ Don't wait—secure your department's registrations today!
🔗 www.ohiofirechiefs.org/conference

Protecting Those Who Protect Ohio: June is National PTSD Awareness Month 🚒🚑Behind every uniform and badge is a human bei...
06/01/2026

Protecting Those Who Protect Ohio: June is National PTSD Awareness Month 🚒🚑

Behind every uniform and badge is a human being who routinely runs toward the emergencies others flee. For Ohio’s firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, the "job" means repeated exposure to critical incidents, severe trauma, and chronic sleep deprivation.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not a sign of weakness—it is a cumulative occupational injury.

The Reality in Our Stations:
🚒 1 in 5 firefighters and EMS professionals will meet the criteria for PTSD during their career.
🚒 First responders experience PTSD at rates nearly three times higher than the general population.
🚒Stigma remains the number one barrier keeping our members from seeking life-saving behavioral healthcare.

Treatment Works & Help is Available:
Psychological safety is as crucial as physical safety in our departments. Ohio is actively supporting first responders through initiatives like the State Post-Traumatic Stress Fund, which has allocated $40 million for treatment and care. Resources are available, including the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, the 1-888-731-FIRE helpline, and the ODPS Office of First Responder Wellness.

🚨Key Takeaway 🚨
Leaders, please check on your crews. It is time to normalize discussing mental health in the fire service.

05/31/2026

“Into the Unknown,” backed by Steve Buscemi and “Emergency!” stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe, aims to honor the legacy of EMS while sharing authentic stories from paramedics nationwide.

More details: https://trib.al/Q9vztjR

🚨 ATTENTION OHIO FIRE LEADERS! 🚨The application period for the 2026 Fire Chiefs’ Resource Symposium is now OFFICIALLY OP...
05/30/2026

🚨 ATTENTION OHIO FIRE LEADERS! 🚨

The application period for the 2026 Fire Chiefs’ Resource Symposium is now OFFICIALLY OPEN! 👨‍🚒🚒

Are you a newly appointed chief or an aspiring fire service leader? This is your chance to gain the "basic toolbox" of professional resources, administrative skills, and networking contacts essential for running a successful department.

📅 When: September 19-20, 2026
📍 Where: Salt Fork State Park Lodge & Conference Center
🛠️ Focus: Leadership foundations, legal issues, budgeting, and peer networking.

WHY APPLY?
✅ Get hands-on leadership development in a focused, two-day environment.
✅ Build a lasting mentor-type relationship with the OFCA Board of Directors.
✅ Receive a one-year complimentary membership to the OFCA upon successful completion.

HOW TO APPLY
Space is limited for this exclusive event. Interested candidates should submit their application and resume early to secure a spot to [email protected].

🔗 Visit https://www.ohiofirechiefs.org/resource_symposium for more details and to download the application. Registration deadline extended to JUNE 12.

Got a burning question that Google can’t answer? It’s time to "Ask the Old Men!" 👴🚒Before you try to reinvent the wheel—...
05/29/2026

Got a burning question that Google can’t answer? It’s time to "Ask the Old Men!" 👴🚒

Before you try to reinvent the wheel—or the fire hose—submit your toughest leadership dilemmas to our panel of wizened retired fire chiefs in InCommand magazine. These legendary sages have weathered decades of budget cuts, station politics, and bad coffee, and they are ready to share serious vintage wisdom on your modern problems. If your question is selected, you and their unfiltered, battle-tested answer will be featured in the next issue of InCommand.

👉 Submit your questions today to https://tinyurl.com/OFCAICASK and see if you have what it takes to stump the chiefs!

https://tinyurl.com/OFCAICASK

🚨 Are you ready to elevate your department's leadership? 🚨Don't wait—secure your spot at the 2026 Officer Development Co...
05/28/2026

🚨 Are you ready to elevate your department's leadership? 🚨

Don't wait—secure your spot at the 2026 Officer Development Conference (ODC 2026) before prices rise! Early-bird registration ends Monday, June 8th. ⏳

Join hundreds of fire service leaders at the Hilton Columbus at Easton from July 13–16 to connect, educate, and inspire. This year's lineup features high-caliber national keynote speakers who will deliver high-impact leadership tools:

• 🔥 Candace Ashby
• 🔥 Frank Viscuso

Take advantage of the discount, drive your department forward, and secure the best rate today. 🚒✨

👉 Register now at: ohiofirechiefs.org/conference

🚨 LEVEL UP YOUR LEADERSHIP 🚨The Officer Development Series returns on June 16! Don’t miss your chance to sharpen your up...
05/27/2026

🚨 LEVEL UP YOUR LEADERSHIP 🚨

The Officer Development Series returns on June 16! Don’t miss your chance to sharpen your upward-leadership skills in "The Shared Mission: Communicating for Organizational Success." Led by City Manager Jonathan Westendorf and Township Administrator Steve Kelly, this session offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from top-tier administrative executives. Whether you are navigating conversations with superior officers, briefing city executives, or presenting to elected officials, this course provides the tactical communication strategies you need to bridge the gap between the apparatus bay and the boardroom.

Register today, seats are going fast!

If you're unable to attend ODC this year, but still want a voice in the election of association officers, you can reques...
05/27/2026

If you're unable to attend ODC this year, but still want a voice in the election of association officers, you can request an absentee ballot! This year's election includes the following:

🚒 President-Elect
🚒 Vice President
🚒 At-Large Director

To receive an absentee ballot, email [email protected] to request one by May 31st. Ballots must be returned to the office and postmarked by June 30th.

🔥 MORE SPEAKERS FOR ODC 2026! 🔥We are excited to unveil more incredible featured speakers joining us July 13–16 at the H...
05/26/2026

🔥 MORE SPEAKERS FOR ODC 2026! 🔥
We are excited to unveil more incredible featured speakers joining us July 13–16 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton!

ODC 2026 focuses on equipping leadership with the tools to handle both the toughest operational moments and the critical behind-the-scenes challenges.

Here is who is taking the stage:

🚨 “Mayday Matters”
• Presenters: Chief Jeff Deeks (Cambridge Fire Department) & Assistant Chief Nick Hosford (Dayton Fire Department)
• What to expect: A deep dive into the ins and outs of responding to mayday incidents. Learn tactical command strategies and essential coordination steps for when things go wrong on the fireground.

🧠 “Fire Chief Burnout: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Cures”
• Presenter: Dr. Will Anderson, Assistant Chief for Millcreek Township (PA)
• What to expect: Leadership starts with longevity. Dr. Anderson will address the harsh realities of chief officer burnout, examining its root causes, organizational impacts, and practical, actionable solutions.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn from these industry experts and elevate your command skills.

🎟️ Secure your spot today! Space is filling up fast. Register now at the link below.
🔗 www.ohiofirechiefs.org/conference

Address

450 W Wilson Bridge Road, Ste 150
Worthington, OH
43085

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16144106322

Website

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