International Association of Fire Chiefs

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is a network of more than 12,000 chief fire and emergency officers. The Association was established in 1873. The Executive Director is Mark W. Light. The Deputy Executive Director is Mary Beth Michos.

Mission statement
"To provide leadership to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire officers and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community through vision, information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities."

Strategic plan
The IAFC's strategic plan for 2005-2006 consisted of nine goals
 * 1) Lead the fire and emergency services
 * 2) Provide the unified voice for fire, rescue, and all emergency services leadership
 * 3) Lead firefighter and life safety initiatives
 * 4) Promote human relations initiatives so that the IAFC and the fire service and diverse and inclusive
 * 5) Enhance and expand government relations initiatives and influence
 * 6) Advance the fire service as a critical element of homeland security
 * 7) Strengthen the association's financial resources
 * 8) Enhance the IAFC through expanded membership
 * 9) Advance fire officer and chief fire officer expertise

EMS section
On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, Ricky G. Davidson, M.D., organizing founder of the EMS Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), was awarded the James O. Page Award for his years of support and service to the emergency medical services community. Under Dr. Davidson's guidance, the IAFC gained recognition for its leadership in EMS such as spearheading the national observance of EMS Week and starting annual IAFC-sponsored EMS conferences.

National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System
The IAFC launched the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System August 12, 2005 at a press conference at the IAFC’s Fire-Rescue International conference in Denver, Colorado.