New IAFC President Sworn In At 2024 Fire-Rescue International Conference

Dallas, TX - Attendees at the third general session of the 2024 Fire-Rescue International Conference witnessed the swearing-in of Chief Josh Waldo of Bozeman, Montana, as the new International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President and Board Chair.

Chief Waldo officially took office along with 1st Vice President Trisha Wolford (Anne Arundel County, Maryland) and 2nd Vice President Steven Locke (South Burlington, Vermont). Waldo will now be the official spokesperson and representative of the IAFC, preside over meetings of the Association and Board of Directors, and fulfill many other duties attached to his new office.

"I promise to represent our IAFC with the utmost levels of professionalism as your President," Waldo said during his acceptance speech. "I promise to do my best every day to represent the needs of our association on whatever issues face us. And I promise to carry and wave the IAFC flag every chance I get over the next year […]. I am confident [that] with your help and support, I will be leaving this IAFC just a little better than I found it."

President Waldo was sworn in by his longtime friend and supporter, Miss Vickie Pritchett, a dedicated IAFC member and the Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach at the National Fire Sprinkler Association. Miss Pritchett praised Waldo for his dedication to duty and deep understanding of the needs of those in the fire and emergency services. Chief Waldo cited relationships, both personal and professional, as the driving force behind the success of both the IAFC and the fire service as a whole.

"[We] need to continue to speak with One Voice, to unite on common issues facing our fire service," Waldo said in his closing remarks. "We must continue to build and strengthen our existing relationships and look for opportunities to forge new ones. Relationships are how we get things done at all levels - from the firehouse kitchen table to the halls of Congress."

IAFC presidents serve for a term of one year. Waldo will continue to serve as Bozeman's Fire Chief during his tenure and will also continue in his role as Chairman of the IAFC's Program Planning Committee. He will also continue his work as a board member of the Montana State Fire Chiefs Association and the Western Fire Chiefs Association.