Page 6 - InCommand Volume 36

Chief Mark Kidd
OFCA President
The fire service in Ohio will face many new challenges in the days ahead. The ability to leverage technology and
to collaborate effectively will allow the OFCA to expand its role in advocating for the betterment of the fire service.
Check out www.ohiofirechiefs.org for Upcoming Events and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
A Message from the OFCA’s President
It feels odd that I am sitting at a computer writing an article for this quarter’s InCommand Magazine. It seems like only yesterday that I was beginning my journey at the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association. As I
move towards the last chapter, I know that I have grown considerably with the help of many people within the organization. I am ready for the challenges that face Ohio’s fire chiefs, and I cannot tell everyone how humbled I am to be afforded the chance to lead our premier, professional, proactive Association. Thank you for this opportunity!
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the work of Chief Rick Anderson. I doubt that he anticipated serving in such difficult times. He showed a sense of calm and exhibited the leadership characteristics many of us tried to emulate as we weathered the uncertainty of COVID and other difficulties we faced over the past year. Chief Anderson, you have my gratitude and continued respect for your accomplishments during the trying times of your presidency. I aspire to maintain the standards that you and other past presidents have established!
Perseverance was one of the greatest accomplishments of the
Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association during this challenging time. With
the contributions of current and retired chiefs, we were able to establish guidelines, build best practice documents, and offer words
of encouragement to lighten the burden felt by those who led the fire service across the state. The OFCA prioritized responding to the needs of our members. Our vast and resourceful inter-professional network ensured that each fire chief would have valuable support services available to them. Knowing there was always a fellow fire chief who had your back was a comfort I experienced during the pandemic!
The fire service in Ohio will face many new challenges in the days ahead. The ability to leverage technology and to collaborate effectively will allow the OFCA to expand its role in advocating for the betterment of the fire service. We will strive to provide opportunities for fire chiefs and for those who aspire to be chiefs. These include our annual Ohio Fire & Rescue Officer Development Conference, the Fire Chief Resource Symposium, the Ohio Volunteer Fire & Rescue
6 InCommand OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • www.ohiofirechiefs.org