2020 Chief Sandy Davis Safety Officer of the Year Awarded

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), in conjunction with the IAFC Safety, Health & Survival Section, and MSA are pleased to announce the winner of the 2020 Chief Sandy Davis Safety Officer of the Year Award is Battalion Chief/Health & Safety Officer (HSO) David Picone of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Picone is the first certified HSO in the department’s history, and since his certification has developed over ten policies specifically governing the health and welfare of the department members. The department has developed a strong Behavioral Wellness Program under the leadership of Chief Picone. The program includes a peer support network and chaplain teams, a family support network, spousal peer support team, and the first ever Chaplain Facility Canine Program. All together, these efforts have reduced the stigma of seeking help.

Picone also developed a relationship with the risk management division, proving invaluable for members filing behavioral health and cancer claims. A seamless process was developed that is now copied by departments all over southern California.

Outside of SDFD, he started the first ever H&S Section of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association and pushed to not only bring training to the area, but to have an HSO on every department.

The Safety Officer of the Year Award is named for Sandy Davis, a chief of safety who dedicated his career to the Shreveport (La.) Fire Department and the Louisiana Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He made it his mission to increase firefighter awareness about the importance of wearing PPE. It is with that same dedication that Chief Picone has devoted himself to the health and safety of the members of the SDFD.

Firehouse Seeking Nominations for 2020 EVT of Year Award

Firehouse is pleased to announce the ninth annual Call for Nominations for the Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award with a submission deadline of Nov. 13.

Firehouse, in partnership with the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), is pleased to announce the ninth annual Call for Nominations for the Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award. The selection criteria focus is on leadership, professional development, integrity and a commitment to the safe operation of emergency vehicles for the responders and the community. The nomination letter should emphasize a nominee’s implementation of safe procedures, advanced education in the field and service above and beyond.

“FDSOA is proud to support the EVT of the Year Award,” said Rich Marinucci, executive director, FDSOA. “The FDSOA is committed to improving the transportation and equipment that fire departments rely on for quality service. Without EVTs, this would not be possible.”

The 2020 EVT of the Year Award is sponsored by Spartan Motors.

Anyone can nominate an EVT that meets the following criteria:

• Be a member in good standing of a state or local EVT association as of Jan. 1, 2020.
• Have at least five (5) years full-time employment in the maintenance of emergency vehicles.
• Be working toward or passed any of the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission tests.
• Be working toward or passed any of the Automotive Service Excellence tests.
• Foster professionalism through participation in a local, state or provincial maintenance/emergency vehicle technician association.
• Adhere to the education of safety practices and procedures in his/her profession.

Click HERE to nominate an EVT

Special Opportunity for 2020! Fire Leadership Challenge (FLC) is hosting the IAFC’s Officer Development Program—Online. This is the first time this program has been available in this format. Last year we held the ISO Academy in conjunction with FLC and enjoyed being a part of this outstanding leadership conference. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of FLC and earn CEUs and your Officer Development certificate. See the FLC flyer (attached) for complete details or visit www.fireleadershipchallenge.org for more information. 

Download Flyer Here