When you’re the fire chief everyone expects you to have the answers. This includes your bosses in local government and most importantly the firefighters you lead. Fire chiefs tend to think they know where the fire is going, whether it’s the burning building threatening to take out the whole block or an internal crisis that presents a serious challenge for a department.

In a new National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) documentary featuring San Diego Fire-Rescue, Chief Brian Fennessy talks about one critical incident the department faced where he didn’t envision the difficult path it would take. The lessons learned from the June 24, 2015 stabbings of Firefighter/Paramedic Ben Vernon and Firefighter Alexander Wallbrett during an EMS response have now brought key changes to how the department addresses the psychological well-being of its firefighters and paramedics.

JEMS:
EMT and Paramedic Stabbed While Treating Drunk Man
Video Released of Stabbing of San Diego Firefighters
How One Paramedic is Recovering from PTSD

“In my mind they get healed, it turns into a pretty good story and we recognized them publicly for the heroics and life goes on,” Chief Fennessy told the producers of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) video San Diego Fire-Rescue: Leadership So Everyone Goes Home. “Pretty naïve on my part. It certainly was not like that. Both suffered from varying degrees of PTSD, one very significantly.”

Another important attribute of firefighters and fire chiefs is quickly adapting to overcome the obstacles that prevent them from putting out the fire. In this case SDFD, working with other government agencies and the San Diego Fireman’s Relief Association, was able to put in place a counseling program to meet the needs of not just Vernon and Wallbrett, but the entire department.

The theme of firefighters adapting to the many challenges faced by a modern, progressive department runs throughout the 36-minute documentary. The video also looks at SDFD’s efforts to prevent cancer, heart disease and strokes, all killers of firefighters in numbers higher than the general population.

“These are not just local problems for San Diego Fire-Rescue. Trying to both prevent and deal with the consequences of PTSD, cancer, heart disease and stroke are key challenges for the entire fire service,” said Victor Stagnaro, NFFF’s managing director.  “Chief Fennessy and his department’s willingness to openly share their own struggles and successes will help guide firefighters throughout the country dealing with the same problems.”

In addition to honoring the nations firefighters who die in the line of duty and providing resources to support their families, NFFF has made prevention of firefighter deaths and injuries a key part of its mission. San Diego Fire-Rescue has been working closely with NFFF to support these efforts.

The documentary also shows how firefighter training impacts decision making at the emergency scene, with a focus on keeping both the public and firefighters safe. The video takes you inside a November2015 house fire where Engineer/Paramedic Joe Zakar and Engineer Dallas Higgins rescued two young children. Zakar believes the initial training they received as firefighters provided the foundation for get

As the founder of the Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services (VFIS) and co-founder of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, Arthur J. Glatfelter made a difference in the lives of countless firefighters across the nation. Through his generous support of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and his dedicated service on the Board of Directors he also demonstrated his compassion for the families of those who died in the line of duty.

In appreciation for Art’s extraordinary achievements, the NFFF has created the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to recognize exceptional service to the NFFF by men and women who continue to support his legacy.

The annual nomination period will run from January 1 to February 1. All paperwork, the narrative and the on-line nomination form must be submitted electronically to the NFFF at GlatfelterAward@firehero.org.  The award will be considered annually, but may not be awarded each year. 

Submission Guidelines  

• The candidate must be nominated by someone other than her/himself.

• Candidates may be submitted posthumously. 

• An organization may be nominated for the award, but must be nominated by an individual who is not a part of the organization. 

The nomination narrative must address: 

• The individual or organization’s support for NFFF’s prevention and support missions

• The nominees’ significant impact  

• Documentation of the unique aspects of the candidate’s leadership 

• How the candidate’s contributions have encouraged philanthropic or other substantial support for the NFFF   

• The nomination form is available here.

The Selection Committee will be composed of the Board of Directors of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. There is not a process for appeal of the Board’s decision.  

If awarded, the recipient(s) of the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award will be honored at an event selected by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. 

The recipient(s) are eligible for financial support as necessary to attend the event to receive their award.

Smithville (MO) Area Fire Protection District rescue-pumper. Spartan Gladiator cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Waterous rear-mount 1,250-gpm pump.

Smithville (MO) Area Fire Protection District rescue-pumper. Spartan Gladiator cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Waterous rear-mount 1,250-gpm pump.