IAFC News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2003

Contact: IAFC at 703-273-0911

 IAFC ANNOUNCES NEW COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH ICC AND NFPA

 Fairfax, Va., Thursday, June 12, 2003…The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today announced the signing of new collaborative agreements with both of the predominant national fire code organizations, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and   the International Code Council (ICC).

Separate Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the IAFC and each of the two code organizations have now been officially approved by the IAFC Board of Directors.  The purpose of the MOUs is to formalize the cooperative relationship that has long existed between the IAFC and the code organizations, and to allow for more direct input and participation in the code process by representatives of fire service leadership.

Specifically, the agreements now state that IAFC members will play a more prominent role in serving on code and standard development committees with both the NFPA and the ICC, and will take a more active position as participants in the ongoing code development process with both organizations.  Further, the staff and executives of the IAFC and both code organizations will proactively seek new ways to enhance and strengthen their collaboration as a means of better utilizing the expertise of the fire service all across the nation.

The IAFC will make up the majority of the code organizations’ membership on oversight committees for fire service issues, and will make recommendations to the organizations on code development issues, certification and training.  The IAFC will also participate in regional code action committees that will develop and review code change proposals related to fire and life safety.

According to IAFC President Randy R. Bruegman, “These agreements signify the fact that the IAFC has taken a more aggressive role in promoting fire prevention and life safety by ensuring that fire chief officers have a greater degree of involvement with the code development process.  The new agreements pave the way for the members of the IAFC to have a greater voice on those issues that we know will save lives in the future.  We look forward to helping to lead and influence that process.”

 About the International Association of Fire Chiefs

The International Association of Fire Chiefs is the professional association for senior fire and emergency service leaders around the world with a membership of more than 12,000 fire chiefs and associated officials.  A truly international organization, the IAFC counts among its members representatives from more than 30 foreign countries including Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

 The mission of the IAFC is 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.

 Please contact the IAFC Membership Services Department at 703-273-0911, ext 343, to receive information on how to become a part of the premier organization representing the leadership of the nation’s fire service.

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