Thank you for taking a moment to visit our website and welcome. I hope you’ll find our site full of current and useful information. Our organization provides the networking and resources necessary to make firefighting safer. The ISFSI is committed to preparing our firefighters to protect their communities with the goal that everyone goes home! We represent all ranks, from line firefighters to fire chiefs. Our only focus is on excellence and safety through training.

As our new board of directors takes office, there are some unique challenges facing the modern instructor. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation rolled out the “Everyone Goes Home” Program some time ago. The ISFSI and virtually every other fire service stakeholder group has endorsed the program and made the 16 line of duty death reduction initiatives a priority. Yet in the last couple of years, we’ve only seen our line of duty deaths increase. This speaks to a fundamental element of human nature; the changing of behavior. I believe the fire service instructor will be the catalyst that makes a difference in the reduction of line of duty deaths!

Addressing the line of duty death issue in the United States and worldwide is not dependent on technology; it’s not something that the Chiefs will fix with a policy or directive. We, as individuals, will make the difference. Fire Instructors have a tremendous power to influence our firefighters. We get to make the first impression when new candidates join the service. We teach the right way to operate. We make that initial “value imprint” on our new firefighters. The ISFSI and our instructors serve as the infantry in this battle for change.

There is a change looming in fire service education. The days of lecture-based, death-by-powerpoint courses are coming to a close. Educating our firefighters is far more than teaching outlines, slides and handouts. Education is a unique blend of art and science and our organization serves those who believe in educational excellence. Our members include some of the best instructors in the world who are ready to mentor and share information to make the fire service better, even if that means rethinking our methodology.

Technology is also forcing change in our fire service. Our younger generations have grown up with technology and expect continuous and portable learning content. The ISFSI is committed to navigating this evolution in educational technology and making resources available to its members to guide them through this maze of theory, concepts and technology.

Finally, the ISFSI stands shoulder to shoulder with other fire service stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and abroad. We represent the instructors perspective on legislative and regulatory issues and provide representation on standards committees and steering groups. We’re in the room for the debates on grant funding and safety standards.

As the ISFSI enters this new chapter, we enter a period of action. I believe now and always that the instructor is the most influential position in the fire service. Like it or not, you leave a legacy with every firefighter you train. When we stand together as trainers and advocates for firefighter safety, we are unstoppable. We are career firefighters, volunteers, officers, chiefs, auxiliary members...we are one fire service! If you are not a member, I encourage to join and contribute. If you are already a member, pitch in! Contact a board member in your area of expertise and join the battle. If you feel you are not heard, contact me.

Working together we can make a difference!

Stay safe!

Eddie Buchanan