John Morrison of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department was recently awarded the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Morrison was not only recognized for his dedication to the Town of Vienna and participation on the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team, but he also developed a Volunteer Management System, providing departments with a source for operational, training, and administrative data, the IAFC said. The Volunteer Management System tracks hours, duty shifts, class registration, volunteer training and certifications, equipment management, yearly physicals, and more. This system united all 12 Fairfax County volunteer fire departments into a single portal that allows for the sharing of resources, metrics and information.
Through his innovative development of solutions and dedication to his work, Chief Morrison exemplifies the standards exhibited by a Fire Chief of the Year, the IAFC stated.
Morrison was nominated by Fire Chief John Butler, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, who said, “Chief Morrison’s involvement in all aspects of the volunteer fire and rescue service sets him apart and displays his natural leadership abilities to find creative, unique and common-sense solutions to problems that volunteer systems experience across the country. His innovative methods have become best practice and have undoubtedly contributed to the continued success of the volunteer fire and rescue service, in partnership with the FRD.”
Since 1996, the Fire Chief of the Year award has recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief for their leadership, innovation and contributions to the fire service. The IAFC presents the awards in partnership with Pierce Manufacturing. The program’s media partner is FireChief.com. The IAFC is located in Chantilly.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by one’s peers for an award, especially the IAFC’s Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year,” Morrison said. “I’d like to express my appreciation to Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. for their support of this prestigious program. I wouldn’t be here without the support I’ve received from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, especially Chief John Butler, Congressional Fire Services Institute Executive Director Bill Webb, the members and leadership of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and my incredibly supportive family.”