The path to becoming fire chief is often challenging and unpredictable. With that in mind, how can you best prepare to become a five-bugle chief? Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Chief Trisha Wolford and Prince William County (Virginia) Chief (Retired) Mary Beth Michos share their experiences and address key elements of preparation, including formal education/training; political and policy development skills and experience; public speaking and communication; work history and reputation; teachable potential, succession planning and job shadowing participation.
- PUB DATE: 6/27/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: IAFC.org

VIDEO: Public safety departments across the country are ditching dated restrictive grooming and appearance standards. It's an effort to modernize policing with hopes of boosting morale and bolstering recruitment and retention efforts. As of June, the City of Montgomery is part of the national trend, allowing officers and firefighters to grow facial hair and show tattoos while in uniform.
- PUB DATE: 6/27/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WSFA-TV NBC 12 Montgomery

It’s a scene of utter devastation. Smashed automobiles, derailed train cars and piles of rubble are scattered across an apocalyptic landscape. Hard-hatted responders cling to nylon ropes alongside a gutted high-rise. In the distance, an industrial fire sends flames and smoke into an otherwise bright blue sky.
- PUB DATE: 6/27/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Governing.com

Storm Lake (IA) Fire Department pumper. Spartan Metro Star cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Waterous 1,250-gpm pump; UPF Poly 1,500-gallon tank; 25-gallon foam cell.