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Commonwealth Chief • April 2019 PRESIDENT's AWARD

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Commonwealth Chief • April 2019 PRESIDENT's AWARD The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc. - April 2019 “TRAINING TOMORROW’S LEADERS” 2019 PROVES TO BE HUGE SUCCESS! Nearly 2,000 attendees/exhibitors Look for Conference highlights throughout this edition STAUNTON’S GARBER INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT Blocking Vehicles Being Hit More Often Here In Virginia And Across The Nation By Distracted Drivers see pg. 31 Study: Police Officers And Firefighters Are More Likely To Die By Suicide Than In Line Of Duty see pg. 38 VFCA & Its Professional Interest Sections R. Scott Garber, President (540) 332-3885 David Hutcheson, 1st Vice President The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc. - April 2019 (757) 651-7641 Keith Johnson, 2nd Vice President (571) 465-0119 Tony McDowell, Past President INSIDE THIS ISSUE (804) 501-7580 James H. Johnson, Treasurer PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (434) 395-1089 Page 3 Rick Tally, Division 1 (804) 247-4705 Allen Baldwin, Division 2 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS (540) 419-3358 Andrew Baxter, Division 3 Page 4 (434) 970-3240 Billy Chandler, Division 4 CHIEFS FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS (276) 275-4584 Page 19 Vance Cooper, Division 5 (757) 385-8592 John Prillaman, Division 6 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (540) 375-3080 Page 21 Robert Dubé, Division 7 (703) 746-5241 FIREFIGHTERNEARMISS.COM QUARTERLY REPORT Kevin Duck, At-Large #1 (757) 435-1835 Page 26 Jeff Terwilliger, At-Large #2 (757) 365-6308 MOTIVATION FOR THE FEDERAL FIREFIGHTER Jeff Payne , At-Large #3 Page 30 (757) 890-3618 Rob Clemeons, At Large #4 (703) 257-8465 ON THE MOVE & ODDS AND ENDS Renee Stallings, Adm. Professionals Page 37 (757) 365-6308 Todd Spruill, Company Officers (804) 308-4558 STUDY: POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO DIE BY Kevin Good, Federal / Military SUICIDE THAN IN THE LINE OF DUTY (703) 806-6600 Jay Davis, Life Safety/CRR Page 38 (434) 970-3247 R. Christian (Chris) Eudailey, Executive Director UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM PROGRAM GUIDELINES (540) 809-9397 Page 42 Tiffany Bradbury, Administrative Assistant (540) 293-1251 Bill Smith, Editor (757) 810-1690 Commonwealth Chief is published quarterly for the members of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA). Comments about the articles should be sent to the editor. BLOCKING VEHICLES Statements and opinions expressed by paid advertisements do not necessarily reflect BEING HIT MORE those of the Commonwealth Chief or VFCA. Publication of advertisements does not imply OFTEN HERE IN endorsements by VFCA of the products or statements. The Association reserves the right VIRGINIA AND ACROSS to accept, reject or edit articles and to place advertising where layout space is available. THE NATION BY Commonwealth Chief is published in January, April, July and October. Deadline for articles, DISTRACTED DRIVERS ads, graphics and other information for publication is on the 1st day of the previous PAGE 31 month. Submit high-resolution text and graphics to the VFCA by email to editor@vfca. us. For information call (888) 818-0983. “Perfecting Your Vision 2020 and Beyond” SAVE THE DATE February 19-23, 2020 Virginia Beach Convention Center Sponsored by the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Visit www.vfca.us for info PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE During the opening ceremony for the 2019 Virginia Fire & Rescue why they are here. And when you know yourself, it Conference, I spoke about how those of us in the fire service have a becomes easier to live a life that’s true to your core natural calling to help others. Through the career paths we have chosen, values. we have been afforded the good fortune to serve the public without “Knowing Your Why” encourages trust! expecting anything in return. Throughout our career in the fire service, we People who know their why report a surprising will all, undoubtedly, be faced with situations where doing the “easy thing” increase in synchronicity in their lives. With all far outweighs “doing the right thing!” I am a firm believer that regardless this comes a deepening of trust and faith in other of the situation or the scenario we are confronted with, the best course of people, hence they consider themselves an integral action we can always take is to simply, “Do the Right Thing!” “Doing the part of the fire service. Right Thing” is not always the easiest thing to do, especially in the face of the ever-changing environment in which we work. “Knowing Your Why” infuses an element of grace in your life! Throughout your tenure with the fire service, have you ever thought People living their life with a purpose often report about what your purpose is in the fire service? Some of us spend our to be living their life with grace as well. When you entire careers trying to figure out the purpose of our existence to our commit to living your life with a purpose, amazing profession. Some people fail, while some people succeed. There are things can happen. even those people that know their purpose, but still they get diverted. Scott Garber So, how, with the ever changing demands of the fire service, do we “Knowing Your Why” helps you find a flow in life! 2019 VFCA President always “Do the Right Thing?” People who find their purpose tend to live in the Staunton Fire Department flow of the universal stream of consciousness. They In my humble opinion, it starts with “Knowing Your Why!!!” When you allow things to happen and change in their life rather know your purpose, or your why, you tend to live a more meaningful than fighting against it. They tend to challenge existence than those who don’t. You tend to live each day to the fullest, themselves and battle against their fears. because you know who you are, where you’re coming from, and where you’re going. “Knowing Your Why” makes life even more fun! When people know their purpose and why in life, “Knowing Your Why” helps you stay focused! they enjoy every minute of it. They are able to Examining this on a more micro-level, knowing your fire service take pleasure in living a purpose-driven life, and purpose, makes it easier to focus on what matters the most to not just are better at tackling every situation in a creative you; but also your fire service colleagues; your department and your way. Even the dullest thing becomes beautiful and community! By keeping the focus on one particular goal, your “why,” creative when you’re motivated by purpose. you are able to find your direction and stay away from the distractions!!! The benefits of living a purpose-driven life and “Knowing Your Why” makes you feel passionate about your goal! career are clear. When you live your life with a Knowing your purpose helps you find your true passion, and that sense of purpose, you begin living positively and passion becomes an important driver for you to achieve something start seeking out new opportunities. You start extraordinary. Whether it is a childhood dream or a newly adopted experiencing everything that you feel will make a lifestyle, the passion will push you to reach your goals. difference, and making a difference in this profession “Knowing Your Why” gives your life clarity! can mean everything to someone. People who know their purpose in the fire service are unstoppable! Relationships are also affected in a positive way They are true to their purpose and shape their life accordingly to serve. when you live life with purpose. You seek out new People who don’t know their purpose in life are not clear about what relationships, nurture the existing ones, and build they want, and therefore waste their time on futile things. stronger connections with the people around you. “Knowing Your Why” makes you feel gratified! You become more helpful to the people you love When you have a purpose in the fire service, you express it constantly and become a role model for your family, friends and base your decisions, thoughts, feelings and actions around that and co-workers. You tend to live your life with more overarching purpose. A person who knows their purpose tends to make curiosity, try to stay away from destructive habits, a greater impact through their work, which encourages a feeling of and try to seek out good ones that will help you gratification. create a difference in our fire service. “Knowing Your Why” enables you to live a value-based life! So if you are still looking for the purpose of your With purpose come values, which are an integral aspect of our fire life, don’t put it off any longer – make it a priority! service. Values are the rules that guide our decisions in life and help “Knowing Your Why” will allow you to lead a define our goals. They are what tell us when we’re on the right path or purpose-driven life and will allow you to always “Do wrong path, and help us find and connect with others who share our the Right Thing!” way of viewing this profession. It is an honor to serve as the VFCA President during “Knowing Your Why” makes you live with integrity! the 2019-2020 term. If I can assist you in any way, Knowing your purpose in life helps you live life with integrity. People please do not hesitate to call. who know their purpose in life know who they are, what they are, and Commonwealth Chief • Visit Your Association on the Web at www.vfca.us 3 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS Many thanks are in order for helping to make this conference a success. First and foremost are the vendors who fill the exhibit hall year after year and make a financial commitment to ensure the success of the conference.
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