VCOS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Grant & Contract Management Team
- Senior Grants & Contracts Manager
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the at - Large Board
Job Titles:
- Director, Wildfire Programs Division
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the at - Large Board
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Conferences & Events
Job Titles:
- Business Operations Administrator
Job Titles:
- a / P & Facilities Manager
Job Titles:
- Deputy Chief
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Administrator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Grant & Contract Management Team
- Grants & Contracts Specialist
Job Titles:
- Director, Workforce Solutions Division
Chief Donna Black has been active in the fire service for over 20 years. She began her career in 1997 as a volunteer, earning her way through the ranks (as both a paid and volunteer firefighter), culminating in 2006 when she was selected as the fire chief for the Town of Duck.
Chief Black received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College and went on to obtain her Master of Arts from the University of Georgia.
She graduated the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program in 2011. While attending the EFO program, her study focused on evaluating and improving the operations of the Duck Fire Department. After collaborating with the town manager, and educating both the town council and community about fire operations, Chief Black justified the necessity of procuring career firefighter positions. These proactive changes increased the level of service for the town and shaped the Duck Fire Department into a thriving combination department.
Chief Black holds a post-graduate Certificate in Community Preparedness & Disaster Management from the Gillings School of Public Health at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and authored the Town of Duck's Emergency Operations Plan. She currently holds the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation.
Chief Black has served on several boards including the Volunteer Combination Officers Section, Council for Future Volunteer Firefighters (vice chairperson) and FRI Program Planning Committee. Most recently Chief Black was chosen to co-chair the Women Fire Chiefs Council. She continues to advocate for highly effective and inclusive volunteer and combination fire departments.
Chief Schrage earned a master's degree in Fire and Emergency Management Administration at Oklahoma State University, a baccalaureate degree in Fire Service Administration from Western Oregon University, and an associate degree in Fire Science from the University of Alaska. He completed the four-year Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Chief Schrage serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Fire Chiefs and is past president of the Western Fire Chiefs Association and the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association.
Chief Schrage is active in the community, serving on numerous boards and commissions. He is active in Rotary, has led major fundraising campaigns for the American Heart Association and the United Way, and served a medical mission in Weining, China. In his spare time, Chief Schrage and his wife, Mary, enjoy flying their family bush plane, big game hunting, beer making, and recreating at their remote cabin. Together they have raised three sons, Calvin, Benjamin and Aaron.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Fire Chief, Indianapolis Fire Department ( Indiana )
Chief Malone joined the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1986. He has been promoted through competitive promotion processes, and has held every Merit Rank in the department up to and including Battalion Chief. Chief Malone has served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief in the Operations/Suppression division of the department. His administrative assignments include, Assistant Director of Training, Fire Marshal, Division Chief of Executive Services and Assistant Chief of Fire.
His Current responsibilities as the Chief of Fire include; overall command and responsibility for all functions of the department. Additional duties include but are not limited to; the development of IFD policy relating to suppression operations, health and safety, training, special operations and emergency medical services. Additionally, the Chief of Fire has direct supervision of the Assistant Chief and Deputy Chiefs assigned to oversee the major functional bureaus of the department such as; Administration, Operations, Logistics, Community Risk Reduction, or other divisions/sections that may be initiated at the direction of the Chief of Fire. Chief Malone meets with other executive staff personnel to outline strategic planning initiatives which seek to identify the goals and objectives designed to position the department for a productive and sustainable future.
Chief Malone holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, and a Master's Degree in Management. Additionally, Chief Malone has completed a twelve-month program offered by Indiana University's Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Development and was awarded the designation as a Hoosier Fellow in 2011. Chief Malone is a graduate of the National Fire Academy completing 17 different onsite training courses through the United States Fire Administration.
Additionally, he has achieved the highly regarded and prestigious certification as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence becoming the first member of the Indianapolis Fire Department to achieve this designation. Chief Malone holds many certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Instructor II/III, NFPA Incident Safety Officer, Hazmat Technician, Basic Emergency Rescue Technician (BERT), Master Scuba Diver, Rope Rescue Technician IV, Fire Inspector I/II, Fire Investigator I, NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, & 800 and many more. He serves as a certified Incident Commander on the Region Five All Hazards Incident Management Team.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the Executive Committee
- CFO, EFO
Job Titles:
- CFO
- Chief
- International Director
Chief Yates is active in several fire service organizations, including: International Association of Fire Chiefs since 1986, New Jersey Career Fire Chiefs Association, New Jersey Fire Chiefs Association, New Jersey State Fireman's Association - Life Member, Mercer County Fire Prevention Association, Lawrence Road Volunteer Fire Company - Life Member, Lawrence Township Firemen's Relief Association - Secretary.
Jim has served in many capacities in his career, including: Section Chief - Mercer County Regional HazMat Team, Mercer County Deputy Fire Coordinator, President Eastern Division IAFC 2018-2019, Mercer County Fire Prevention Association - Charter Member, Assistant Professor - Fire Science Programs, Mercer County Community College, Trenton, NJ.
Prior to selection as an International Director, Chief Yates served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, Global Public Safety Solutions (GPSS),
Jim has an Associate Degree in Fire Science, is a graduate of National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program and is a Chief Fire Officer Designee (CFO), Commission on Professional Credentialing. Jim lives with his wife Ann in Yardley, PA.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Fire Chief, Rock Springs Fire Department ( Wyoming )
Chief Jim Wamsley began his fire service career in the industrial sector as a member of the Church & Dwight Co. Emergency Response Team at the Green River Plant in 1994. Wamsley became a certified High-Angle and Confined-Space Rescue instructor and earned his FF-I certificate, igniting a passion for service. Wamsley signed on as a volunteer firefighter for Sweetwater County Fire District #1 in 2002, advancing to the rank of volunteer Captain, and being appointed to Fire Chief of that agency, serving from 2006-2015. In 2015 Wamsley was appointed as Fire Chief of Rock Springs Fire Department. The Rock Springs Fire Department is a career fire department of 35 personnel operating out of three fire stations serving the City of Rock Springs and its 25,000 residents.
Chief Wamsley served on the Missouri Valley Division Board as the Wyoming Director, being elected to 2nd Vice President of the Division in 2014. Wamsley was president of the Missouri Valley Division in 2017. Chief Wamsley is the Chairman of the local Airport Board of Directors and a Board member of the Sweetwater Combined Communications Board, Vice-Chair of the Sweetwater County Ambulance Service Board and Co-Chair of the Sweetwater County Local Emergency Planning Committee. Wamsley also serves as the Chairman of the Senior Advisory Council for the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. Chief Wamsley was elected to serve as the International Director for the Missouri Valley Division in July of 2019.
Chief Wamsley is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, possessing an Associate's of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance from Western Wyoming Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Kaplan University. Wamsley is a native of southwest Wyoming and lives in Rock Springs with his wife Alisa.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the Executive Committee
- CFO, ECO, GIFireE / Fire Chief, Klein Fire Department ( TX )
Jason L. Catrambone, is a 30 year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as the Fire Chief Harris County Emergency Services District #16 (HCESD 16) Klein Fire Department in Klein, TX with the support of his wife Sarah and daughters, Molly and Callie. Chief Catrambone started his career which as a firefighter serving in the United States Marine Corps with his first duty assignment on the airfield in Iwakuni, Japan.
Chief Catrambone has served as an At-large Board Member on the International Association of Fire Chief's Volunteer Combination Officers Section (VCOS) from 2014 to 2021 and as the International Director for the VCOS since 2021. Chief Catrambone also held the position of President of the North Dakota State Fire Chief's Association from 2017 to 2019.
Chief Catrambone has volunteer, combination, and paid experience that has been gained both state side and around the world. He has started fire departments in Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan, and assisted with others in Asia and Africa.
His family history in the fire service can be traced back to the mid 1800's, and till this day there are still family members serving on that department in Massachusetts.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Fire Chief
- Fire Chief, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department ( VA )
John S. Butler is the Fire Chief for Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department. He formerly served as fire chief for Howard County (MD) Department of Fire and Rescue Services and was the first chief to have held every rank within that department. He is a paramedic and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Baltimore, a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University, and certificates from Harvard University, the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, and the Fire Service Executive Development Institute. Chief Butler serves as the International Association of Fire Chiefs President and Board Chair; holds the Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, Chief Training Officer, and Fire Marshal designations from the Commission on Professional Credentialing; is chairman of the NFA Board of Visitors; and is a board member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. He is a retired U.S. Marine with 20 years of active and reserve service, including two combat tours.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- First Vice President
Chief Josh Waldo was appointed as the 13th fire chief of the Bozeman Fire Department on August 24, 2015. In his role as Fire Chief, Chief Waldo oversees the day to day operational, planning, and community risk reduction efforts of 49 employees, working out of three fire stations.
Job Titles:
- Senior Membership Manager
Job Titles:
- Assistant Executive Director / Chief Programs Officer
Job Titles:
- Director, Government Relations & Policy
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Assistant Deputy Chief With the Calgary Fire Department
- Chief of Emergency Services With the City of Red Deer
Chief Ken McMullen joined the Fire Service in 1997 as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in the M.D of Rockyview, Alberta. He was promoted through the ranks, becoming a full-time Training Officer and later to Fire Prevention Officer. In 2003, Chief McMullen began work as a Provincial Fire Safety Officer with the Alberta Fire Commissioners Office. Within the FCO, he was able to utilize his skills as a certified Fire Investigator and Inspector, where he conducted over 500 investigations in a 6 year period and was involved in over 55 fire fatality investigations.
joined the Fire Service in 1997 as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in the M.D of Rockyview, Alberta. He was promoted through the ranks, becoming a full-time Training Officer and later to Fire Prevention Officer. In 2003, Chief McMullen began work as a Provincial Fire Safety Officer with the Alberta Fire Commissioners Office. Within the FCO, he was able to utilize his skills as a certified Fire Investigator and Inspector, where he conducted over 500 investigations in a 6 year period and was involved in over 55 fire fatality investigations.
In 2009, McMullen became an Assistant Deputy Chief with the Calgary Fire Department. His previous employment within the fire service provided him with numerous invaluable experiences such as being a team leader with Airdrie Emergency Services, fulfilling investigations and inspection roles, assuming incident command in emergency situations, serving on a number of municipal, provincial, national and international committees and forging partnerships with other agencies to better the fire service as a whole.
Most recently, in February of 2018, McMullen became the Chief of Emergency Services with the City of Red Deer, where he continues to inspire with his leadership, mentoring and his community-based emergency services delivery model. Chief McMullen is active in many fire service organizations, including The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and more.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Relations Executive
- Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales
Job Titles:
- Chief
- CFO, MIFireE
- Chief for the Brighton Area Fire Authority
Michael O'Brian is the fire chief for the Brighton Area Fire Authority (Michigan). The combination department is responsible for fire protection over 74 square miles with five fire stations. Prior to serving as the fire chief, he was assigned as the deputy fire chief/fire marshal in the combination fire department.
Chief O'Brian is the international director of the Fire and Life Safety Section and has been serving as the president of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for the last three years. Chief O'Brian has a bachelor of science degree in public safety administration from Eastern Michigan University where he serves as an adjunct instructor with Fire Staff and Command.
Fire Chief O'Brian serves on multiple NFPA and International Code Council technical committees as well as the chair of the ICC's Fire Code Action Committee. Chief O'Brian is a passionate advocate on firefighter health and wellness throughout the country.
Mr. Brown has served 38-years in the fire and rescue service - 20-years as fire chief - and joined the IAFC as a full member in 1987. In 2012, as fire chief of a metropolitan city, Mr. Brown was invited to join the IAFC/NFPA Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. During his fire service career, Mr. Brown has served as President of the IAFC Missouri Valley Division; Treasurer, Director-at-Large and International Director of the IAFC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section; President of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs; and Chair of the Northern Virginia Fire Chief's.
Mr. Brown holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri and is a master's degree candidate in Intelligence and National Security at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security in Washington, DC. Mr. Brown is a graduate of the United States Fire Administration's National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program and held Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Commission on Professional Credentialing, while actively serving as fire chief.
Mr. Brown and his wife of 31-years have four sons and make their home in McLean, VA (Fairfax County), where Mr. Brown serves as Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee for the McLean Citizens Association.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Grant & Contract Management Team
- Grants & Contracts Specialist
Job Titles:
- Director, Safe Energy, Transportation & Hazmat Division
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Fire Chief, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department ( Colo. )
Chief Croom currently serves as the Fire Chief and Emergency Manager for the Castle Rock (CO) Fire and Rescue Department, an internationally accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. He has been with the Department for thirty-six years as both a volunteer and career firefighter, has experience working for private EMS agencies as an EMT, Paramedic, and a Communications Technician, and has served as an instructor at local, state, and national conferences.
Chief Croom is a 2011 graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and holds the Chief Fire Officer and Chief EMS Officer designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Professional Credentialing.
Chief Croom has been a member of the IAFC since 1998, serves on numerous boards, committees, and teams including the Douglas County Emergency Telephone Service Authority (9-1-1), the Douglas County Incident Management Team, and as a Threat Liaison Officer (TLO) and fire service liaison to the Colorado Information Analysis Center.
He's received numerous awards and commendations to include the Center for Public Safety Excellence Ronny Jack Coleman Leadership Legacy Award in 2021, American Legion Post 1187 Commendation for Public Safety Service in 2017, the Pinnacle 2012 Emerging Leader Award from Fitch and Associates, and the 2010 Terrorism Liaison Officer Plank Owner Award from the Colorado Information Analysis Center. He holds memberships with multiple professional associations including the Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Emergency Managers, National Association of EMS Physicians, and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.
Chief Croom has been married to his wife, Jody, for over 30 years, and has three adult sons, Norris IV, Carson, and Brogan.
Job Titles:
- Analyst
- Program Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Assistant Chief
- Member of the at - Large Board
Job Titles:
- Chief
- CFO, EFO / Fire Chief, City of Staunton Fire & Rescue ( VA )
As an accomplished fire chief with over twenty-eight years of proven career fire services, emergency management and leadership experience, Chief R. Scott Garber has served as the City of Staunton's Fire Chief for the past twelve years. As the fire chief, Scott is responsible for ensuring the City's 19.7 square miles, composed of both urban and rural landscape, is protected and prepared for all types of hazards and emergencies. Through his leadership and progressive fire services management, pre-planning and emergency response tactics, Chief Garber oversees the department's tactical response for an average of 4,500 calls annually.
Chief Garber earned his Bachelor's of Science (BS) degree in Management and Organizational Development from Eastern Mennonite University. In 2008, Chief Garber received both the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and completed the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy. Chief Garber is also a 2015 graduate of the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Leading Educating and Developing (LEAD) program and Virginia Commonwealth University's Virginia Executive Institute.
Chief Garber currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs and was the 2022-2023 President. Chief Garber served as the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA) President from 2019 - 2020. Scott continues to serve on the VFCA Legislative Committee as an integral member working to preserve, protect and enhance the invaluable service provided by today's modern and ever-changing fire and rescue services. Scott served on the VFCA Board of Directors from 2010 until 2021.
Scott received the 2014 Governor's Virginia Fire Service Award for Excellence in Virginia Fire Service Management, the 2015 Governor's Virginia Fire Service Award for Excellence in Virginia Fire Service Training, and the 2021 Governor's Virginia Fire Service Award for Virginia Career Fire Chief of the Year. Also in 2015, Scott received the John B. Noftsinger Alumni Award for Public Service from James Madison University. Scott was presented with the 2020 Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Glenn A. Gaines Leadership Legacy Award. He was awarded the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs 2022 Career Fire Chief of the Year.
As a native of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, Scott is dedicated to the protection and safety of the citizens and firefighters of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Scott is also an adjunct instructor for the Heavy & Technical Rescue Division, and Fire Officer 3 & 4 curriculums for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. He is also a technical rescue instructor for Spec Rescue International. In his spare time, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife, Tonya, and their son, Eston. Tonya recently retired after 31 years as an elementary school teacher and Eston is in his second year at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Executive Director / Senior Advisor
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the CEO & Executive Director
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Fire Chief, Belle Chasse Volunteer Fire Department ( La. )
Chief Roy Robichaux has been with the Belle Chasse Volunteer Fire Department since he began as a volunteer in 1972. He worked his way up through the ranks within the department, becoming the fire chief in 1978. The Belle Chasse Volunteer Fire Department covers approximately 27 square miles of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana and is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River south of New Orleans. Since 1978, the department has grown from a one-station, total volunteer department to a combination department with five stations.
Chief Robichaux earned a bachelor of science degree in Engineering Technology from Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA. He has completed several classes offered by the National Fire Academy including Community Fire Protection Planning, Commanding the Initial Response, and Fire Fighter Safety and Survival. In 2010, Chief Robichaux retired from ConocoPhillips where he was the fire chief and emergency response superintendent at the Alliance Refinery for 23 years. He currently serves as Superintendent of Fire Departments for Plaquemines Parish Government. As superintendent, he oversees the parish's seven fire departments. One of his many accomplishments during his tenure is having assisted each department in transitioning from total volunteer to combination departments.
Chief Robichaux joined the IAFC in 1978 and currently serves as Southwestern Division International Director on the IAFC Board of Directors after serving as division president, division secretary-treasurer and division state (LA) vice-president. He has belonged to several IAFC sections and has agreed to serve as a board advocate to the Industrial and Fire Safety Section.
Chief Robichaux is active in many fire service organizations, including the Louisiana Fire Chiefs' Association, the Louisiana State Firemen's Association, the Louisiana Fireman's Supplemental Pay Board, and the Plaquemines Parish Emergency Planning Committee.
Additionally, Chief Robichaux served as an adjunct instructor at LSU Industrial Fire Chief's School, University of Nevada Fire Protection Training Academy, and at Williams Foam School.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Fire Chief, Hutto Fire Rescue ( TX )
Scott Kerwood is a life-long student of the fire service. He currently serves as the Fire Chief for Hutto Fire Rescue in Hutto, Texas. He also works as an adjunct instructor for Capella University where he teaches Masters and Doctoral classes in homeland security, fire, and emergency management operations, and serves as an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. Scott has a bachelor's degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University, a master's degree from the University of Oklahoma in Public Administration, and a doctorate degree in Public Policy from Walden University. Scott is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Office Program, is a credentialed chief fire officer, chief emergency medical services officer, and fire marshal from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and is a designated Fellow in the Institution of Fire Engineers. Scott is Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health and Survival Section Executive Board and past Executive Board member of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. He also serves as the Principal member for the IAFC on NFPA 1500: Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. Scott also currently is a member of the IFSTA Executive Board, being first elected in 2013 and then re-elected in 2016 and 2022.
Scott began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter in 1978. He has worked in various locations with various fire departments, served in many fire department roles, has taught for several different organizations and colleges including the NFA, and serves on several fire service professional organizations.
Scott is blessed with a beautiful family that includes his wife Alissa, his son Ahrens (yes, like the fire truck!), daughter-in-law Vanessa, and granddaughters Ivy and Penelope. Scott, Alissa, and their bulldog Boomer enjoy traveling, genealogy, and American Indian studies. Most importantly, Scott is a cancer survivor! In 2018 Scott was diagnosed with cancer that was directly related to his fire service career. Following surgery and ongoing treatment he is blessed to be here today!
Job Titles:
- Assistant Executive Director / Chief Operating Officer
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the at - Large Board
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the at - Large Board
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Chief for the City of South Burlington
- Fire Chief, South Burlington Fire Department ( Vt. )
Steven Locke is the fire chief for the City of South Burlington, Vermont. Prior, he was fire chief for City of Burlington since 2016, a career department with 79 full time personnel operating out of five stations. As well, with the town of Hartford, Vermont, Fire Department for 23 years. He rose through the ranks of that department and was appointed Fire Chief in 2008. The Burlington Fire Department provides fire, paramedic level transports, technical rescue and hazardous material response capabilities.
Locke became a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designee through the Center for Public Safety Excellence in 2009. Additionally, he serves as a mentor and team leader for agencies seeking accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
Locke has an associate's degree in fire science, a bachelor's degree in fire administration and a master's degree in fire service leadership. He completed the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program in 2007.
Professionally, Chief Locke has served as President of the Vermont Career Fire Chiefs' Association and of the New England Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Chief Locke is married to Suzan Locke, and has two adult children.
Job Titles:
- Government Relations Manager
Job Titles:
- Chief
- CFO, EFO, CHPP / Fire Chief, Clay Fire Territory ( Ind. )
Chief Schabbel holds a master's degree in organizational leadership and a bachelor's degree in fire service management. In addition, Chief Schabbel completed the Executive Management Program at the University of Notre Dame, earned an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, and completed the Executive Leaders Program at the United States Naval Postgraduate School..
Chief Schabbel is an Executive Fire Officer (EFO) graduate and has received Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence..
Chief Schabbel continues to serve on numerous state and national fire service boards and committees. In 2007 Chief Schabbel received Indiana's first "Fire Chief of the Year" award by the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association and received the 2008 Gary Briese Safety Performance Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety and Survival Section. Additionally, Chief Schabbel received the IAFC Great Lakes Division President's Award in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Technology & GIS Integration Manager
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Second Vice President
- Fire Chief of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Maryland
Trisha Wolford is the Fire Chief of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Maryland, one of the largest combination fire departments in the country. Chief Wolford is the 12th Fire Chief in the history of the Department. Anne Arundel County is 580 square miles, covered by 31 fire stations, which serves a population of over 600,000 community members. Chief Wolford is responsible for over 1000 career firefighters, approximately 500 operational volunteer firefighters, 950 administrative volunteers, 34 fire communications operators, and 58 civilian support staff.
Chief Wolford was hired as an entry level firefighter by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department on January 26, 2006. Chief Wolford operated as a firefighter/paramedic until her assignment to the Fire Marshal's Office in 2011. She spent seven months training at the Anne Arundel County Police Academy and was sworn in as a law enforcement officer in May 2012. She was then assigned to the Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit where she promoted to Lieutenant in 2014. With her law enforcement and paramedic background, Chief Wolford was a member of the Anne Arundel County Tactical Medic SWAT program for four years, providing medical attention to the Anne Arundel County Police SWAT Team.
In December 2015, she accepted the position of Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal with the Bozeman Fire Department in Bozeman, Montana. She was responsible for administrative services, public education, code enforcement, fire investigation, fire inspections, company inspections, and city Fire Marshal duties.
In 2017, Chief Wolford joined the Spokane Fire Department (WA) as the Assistant Fire Chief overseeing full operations of the department. She directly supervised Deputy Chiefs managing Operations, Training, Support Services, Human Resources, and the Fire Marshal Division. On January 28, 2019, she returned to Anne Arundel County to fulfill her dream of becoming Fire Chief in her home department.
Chief Wolford received a Master's Degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from Western Governor's University in 2020 and her MBA in 2022. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV and received her Paramedic certification from Anne Arundel Community College in 2009. She continues to be a Nationally Registered Paramedic. Chief Wolford is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and a graduate of the IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) and holds a CFO and CFM designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). Chief Wolford is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Human Relations Committee, Chair of the Professional Development Committee and a Board Member for the IAFC's Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association.