Thomas Olshanski, a widely respected figure in the fire service, has passed away. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Tom had a remarkable 50-year career in the fire service, holding roles at both local and national levels. For over two decades, he served as Director of External Affairs at the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), where he spearheaded public information strategies and supported thousands of Public Information Officers (PIOs).
Tom’s contributions extended beyond policy; he was instrumental in preparing safety plans for major events such as the 1994 World Cup, the Olympics, and national political conferences. He also played a key role in emergency responses to significant national events, including the September 11th attacks.