Page 37 - InCommand Volume 30

Candidate
for 2nd Vice President (Running Unopposed)
Candidate
for Sergeant-at-Arms (Running Unopposed)
Chief Colin S. Altman Miami Township Fire-Rescue
To the Nominations & Elections Committee;
I am pleased to submit my name and qualifications for consideration for election to 2nd Vice President of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association. I believe that I can continue to make a positive impact for the Association and work to advance our priorities.
I am proud to have been a member since 1999 (membership number 2289) and have a history of participation beyond general membership. The OFCA is already the premier voice of Ohio’s fire service, and I believe my participation in an executive committee position will allow me to continue to strengthen the organization.
I have been the Chief of Miami Township Fire-Rescue in Greene County since 1994. During this time, I have directed the needed transition from a volunteer department to a combination volunteer/ paid department. I have focused on volunteer recruitment and retention, safety and training, and sound fiscal management. I am proud that our paid staff is designed to supplement, and not replace, our volunteer members. Through this dedication to our volunteer base, I became involved with the OFCA’s Volunteer Committee, first as a member, and then for the last five years as Chair.
I believe that the best way to effect positive change with the Association is through active participation. If given the honor to serve as 2nd Vice President, I would work to continue and build on the positive work already under way:
• Continue the current efforts to grow the membership of the Association as well as encourage the active participation of current members
• Work to advance our legislative agenda and to promote the needs of Ohio’s fire service
• Continue and expand the outreach to the volunteer and volunteer combination sectors and work on programs to assist with recruitment and retention
• Work with relevant committees to develop and enhance programs focused on the recruitment, retention, promotion and professional development of diverse talent for Ohio’s fire service.
I appreciate the committee’s consideration and look forward to the opportunity to serve the Association in a new role. I believe I possess the necessary skills and experience to help advance our goals and vision.
Chief Matthew G. Noble, OFC
Orange Township Fire Department
My experience with the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association began by becoming a member in April 2002. Five years later in 2007, I was elected to serve as the South Central District Director. I currently serve in the position of Sergeant-at-Arms. During my tenure on the board, I have served the association in a lot of different ways including: as a conference committee member; chairing the County Champion Program, providing up-to-date fire service-related information to association members; helping to make decisions which have advanced the Association and its importance to its members; and meeting with legislators on various bills affecting the fire service both at the State and Federal level.
As Sergeant-at-Arms, I plan to continue playing an integral part in strengthening the Association. As mentioned above, one of the responsibilities of the Sergeant-at-Arms is the County Champion Program. The County Champion program was developed to establish an information network and allow the Association to provide a more personal touch, thereby improving communication. Since filling the position, I have continued to work to find interested members in each county who can help the Association fulfill the responsibilities of the County Champion program.
My future goals include fulfilling the responsibilities of the President of the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association. Continuing to fulfill the responsibilities of the Sergeant-at-Arms position, as well as sitting on the Executive Board, has allowed me the opportunity to continue advancing the Association while becoming more involved and familiar with the issues affecting the fire service. All of this experience will better prepare me to take on the role of President in the future.
APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 • www.ohiofirechiefs.org I n C o m m a n d 37