Our nation’s fire instructors have their work cut out for them. Due to ever restricting budgets, they have to give our nation’s firefighters the highest quality training on the fewest resources possible. This makes for tough choices when deciding which training manuals to buy. With big name publishers now providing their own lines of fire service training materials, it’s easy to forget which one started it all.

IFSTA has been committed to creating and improving fire training techniques for almost 80 years. From the first “Red Book” written in the early 30’s, they’ve stayed true to their mission. It’s important that Western Fire Chiefs Association recognizes IFSTA’s accomplishments as a fellow non-profit organization in the fire service. They are a great example of leadership to us all.

“IFSTA is not an organization where a single person plays the leadership role. IFSTA is you. Our network of support spans the globe, with a common vision to foster better communication, develop safer practices through our materials, and a commitment to do the right thing” (ifsta.org).

Their dedication to the fire service along with the validation process is why IFSTA remains above the rest. Year after year, leading fire service professionals join together to validate and improve training techniques. “Written by firefighters, for firefighters” – That’s what makes IFSTA special. It’s about experts collaborating with one another to contribute their unique perspective for the greater good. The incentive isn’t monetary gain or glory – It lies in their obligation to serve.


Jeffrey Johnson, Chief Executive Officer
Western Fire Chiefs Association


If you would like to learn more about joining an IFSTA committee, please visit the link below.

 http://info.ifsta.org/about/ifsta-validation-committees-2 

Currently, IFSTA is accepting applications for their Fire Department Safety Officer Committee.