Last evening began with cool lake breezes and a fire-boat salute and ended with moonlight and fireworks as 25 of FIRE CHIEF’s previous Chiefs of the Year gathered to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the awards and to welcome the 2010 honorees into the fold. During the dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, Volunteer Chief of the Year Timothy S. Wall told the audience of fellow chiefs, IAFC and Pierce representatives, and other dignitaries that he attributes his career success to listening. And it was a message worth hearing. Wall — who is chief of the North Farms Volunteer Department in Wallingford, Conn. — spoke fondly of growing up in a large family and his early involvement with the fire service. “The Wall family is in its fourth generation of firefighters,” Wall said, noting his brother, who is an assistant chief, and a nephew who recently became a career firefighter. Career Chief of the Year Thomas W. Carr Jr. came out of retirement to help the Charleston (S.C.) Fire Department recover from tragedy. There, he was reminded that fire departments are about more than just firefighters. “It’s the power of the government and bringing people together. I’m just now beginning to understand the impact,” he said. “We bought apparatus, we bought new equipment; we have great training; we have FIRE grants and SAFER Grants. You can have all the stuff in the world, but if you don’t have the people to do the job, nothing is going to change. In Charleston, there’s a lot of good people.” As he did during his long career with Montgomery County (Md.) Fire & Rescue, Carr shared his award-winning experience with several members of the Charleston Fire Department. He brought several members of the department to the Fire-Rescue International, including two female firefighters to attend the iWomen’s Conference. “As with many things we do in Charleston, anyone interested in attending a conference puts their name in a hat and names are drawn,” Deputy Chief John Tippet said, adding that this year is the first time any member of the department has attended FRI. “That way no one can talk about favoritism.” Charleston Mayor Joe Riley was in Chicago for the awards dinner. He praised Carr and his work with the Charleston department and thanked him for Montgomery County’s response and following the 2007 Super Sofa Store fire. Riley also made a point to thank all the chiefs and officers in the room for their support during the very dark days after the death of nine firefighters in the store fire. Jim Johnson — president of Pierce, which sponsors the awards — presented Wall and Carr with their class rings, solidifying their inclusion in this elite group of chiefs. The Chicago Fire Department provided a magnificent salute from their dive-rescue boats. Even Mother Nature did her part with a full moon. We could not have provided a more perfect way to honor the role of fire chiefs today.
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Reason to Celebrate
