Page 30 - In Command Volume 18 - Ohio Fire Chiefs Association

Candidates for Director-At-Large
CHIEF KEVIN D. HARDWICK, OFE/OFC Glendale Fire Department
Please accept this as my interest in the At Large Director position for the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association. I can bring to the table a very diverse package with experience from cadet, volunteer, part time, combination, and career fire departments. Being a part of small private fire companies to large township have allowed me to under- stand the view of all of those types of departments. I am currently the Fire Chief of an incorporated village that was nearly disbanded. We have taken this department and turned it in to one of the premier departments in our area. We currently have a staff over 50 people strong, lowered our ISO rating to a 2, and returned the department to distinction of a department of 150 years of tradition should have.
I would like to see the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association get stronger and develop the chiefs all over the state in
to the best they can be. I was completely grateful to have taken the Ohio Fire Executive program and believe
the knowledge gained was a huge benefit for me. I wish I would have had this program many years ago. Now
the Ohio Fire Chief designation is something that we can show our communities on our increase in the profes- sionalism we know we already have had. My mayor and council people see that designation as a demonstration of the top of our profession. The Ohio Fire officer program would be the next logical step. These are examples of how we can work together for the entire state to make the fire service better. I would like to see the association continue to move ahead with other ideas.
I believe in the fire service and the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association. They are an important part of our lives in Ohio. My background and experience offer a wide view when looking ahead and I want to help make a difference in making this the top state fire chief’s association in the country.
Thank you for your consideration. Kevin D. Hardwick, OFE/OFC
JOSEPH L. KITCHEN, OFC
I am pleased to have the opportunity to submit my name for nomination for the Director at Large position on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association.
As my attached resume reflects, I have over twenty six years of experience in the fire service in the State of Ohio, and have served in multiple and various roles during my career.
I have been an active member of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association since 2002. Currently, I serve as the N.W. Ohio representative on the Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation Board. I am the OFCA County Champion for Allen County, and I am a member of the “Health and Safety Committee.” Additionally, I am a member of the OFCA Marketing sub-committee. In December of 2016 I was appointed to fill the unexpired Director at Large position by the OFCA Board of Directors.
As an OFCA Board member I would love to work closer with the office staff to enhance our social media programs and work to get our message out to younger fire officers throughout Ohio. I believe I could help to grow our organization and ensure that our mission of being the Premier, Professional, and Proactive fire service leadership organization is being met.
Finally, I believe that I bring a passion for the fire service, a dedication to leadership, and a positive attitude. I am confident that I will continue to represent our organization well and bring new energy and ideas to the association. If I am not elected to the Board I will continue to serve the OFCA to the best of my ability for the duration of my tenure as Fire Chief.
Respectfully,
Joseph L. Kitchen, OFC
30 InCommand APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2016 • www.ohiofirechiefs.org