marcb@deltanet.com
Mark is a Battalion Chief with the Corona Fire Department, located at 815 W. 6th Street, Corona CA, 91720. His office telephone number is 909-736-2225.
Mark held the position of Operations Officer with the Corona Fire Department when he was awarded his scholarship. At that time he was responsible for a 5.4 million dollar portion of the overall budget to implement and administer fire suppression. He also was overseer of the EMS and Disaster Preparedness programs, coordinated master plan updates and sat on the training committee. He holds an AA in Fire Science with Chaffey College, an AA in General Education with Riverside Community College, and at the time of his award, Mark was completing his Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration at the University of La Verne, CA.
My philosophy of leadership is the accomplishment of goals (vision) through others. It is the ability to help individuals or organizations surpass themselves and their abilities and to motivate them to exceed and succeed in their personal as well as the organizations goals. I believe a leader develops visions for his or her organization and a roadmap on how to get there. A leader views roadblocks only as hurdles and overcomes them and continues on and remains on course. A leader must get commitment on the visions with others in the organization so all travel the same road. The traits to be a leader are the same ones our friends from the Wizard of Oz went in search of: heart or compassion like the Tin Man; brains or wisdom like the Scarecrow; and, courage to make decisions like the Lion. And finally, like Dorothy, to have faith in yourself.
Ron is the Fire Marshal with the Wichita Fire Department, located at 455 N. Main, 11th Floor, Wichita, KS 67202. His office telephone number is 316-268-4466.
Ron has served the Wichita Fire Department, the largest fire department in the state of Kansas, since 1975. He holds a BA in Education from Wichita State University and, at the time of his YLD award, was pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He views his most substantial professional achievement as the completion of the NFA's Executive Officer Program.
My philosophy is based on seven principles. Among those are the primary tenets to make others feel important, promote a vision, and admit mistakes. I believe that a combination of formal education and experience are essential for people in leadership positions.
Christopher is an Acting Battalion Chief with the Santa Barbara City Fire Department, located at 121 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA. His telephone number at work is 805-965-5254.
Chris began his career with the Santa Barbara City Fire Department in 1982. In 1990 he was promoted to Relief/lead Captain; five years later he was promoted to Captain Engine Company/HazMat, and became Acting Battalion Chief in 1998. Chris has an A.S. in Fire Science with the Community College of the Air Force, and a second A.S. in Business Administration with Allan Hancock College, where he is currently a fire technology instructor. Chris earned his B.S. in Fire Administration at Cogswell Polytechnic College, CA.
My philosophy of leadership is to empower the "team" and value each individual, encouraging and helping them to visualize opportunities, and helping to make each work day interesting and fun. A leader is a proactive, collaborative problem-solver. By acknowledging my commitment to professionalism, the YLD scholarship recognition will benefit my department and will impact others to lead by my positive influence. I can provide greater direction and balance the higher I go in my organization and in the Fire Service. I will continue to train and lead.
Franklin is the Fire Chief of St. Paul's Fire District, located at PO Box 65, 6488 Hwy 162, Hollywood, SC 29449. His telephone number at work is 843-889-6450 or 843-889-8874.
Franklin began his career in the fire service in 1974 and advanced through the ranks, attaining the position of Chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau. He then switched careers to law enforcement, where he served for six years before returning to the fire service. At the time of his award, Franklin was a Battalion Chief with the Mt. Pleasant (SC) Fire Department, held an AA in Public Service with Trident Technical College, a BA in Criminal Justice with Shaw University, and was completing his Masters of Public Administration with the University of Charleston.
Leadership to me is to set an example for the personnel under my supervision as well as those in the various associations I participate in. I need to set the example of caring and being dedicated to the furtherance of progressive, modern and efficient management and operation of an organization. I need to set this example by further educating myself continuously, formally and technically. In doing this I would hope to lead others to follow and hopefully surpass my goals to carry emergency services into the future.
John is a Captain with the Rochester Fire Department, located at 150 S. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14614. His telephone number at work is 716-428-6739.
John joined the Rochester Fire Department in 1985 and progressed through the ranks to the position of Captain in 1995. His most substantial, as well as gratifying accomplishment was the upgrading of EMS training and delivery in his department, which included training all members to Certified First Responder level and equipping all units with automatic defibrillators. He holds a BS in Organizational Management with Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY, and a BS in Fire Science with University of Maryland University College, MD.
I believe in a few simple concepts with regard to leadership. I like to lead by example when possible and appropriate. I firmly believe that a successful example provides confidence, and promotes motivation in others. As a leader, I try to encourage "my" firefighters/officers to offer their insight and opinions for my consideration. I recognize that no one person can solve all the problems in an organization, and therefore it is important to solicit different ideas from as many "good" sources as possible. I strongly believe in the concept of Total Quality Management (TMQ), particularly with regard to team building, and group problem solving. Whenever possible, I try to use the concept of empowerment and encourage my officers to do the same. Lastly, I do not endorse the idea that labor and management are, by definition, adversarial. I think that labor and management should work in conjunction toward common goals.
Cindi is the Assistant Coordinator of Emergency Services with the Stafford County Department of Emergency Management, located at 1300 Courthouse Road, PO Box 339, Stafford, VA 22555-0339. Her office telephone number is 540-658-8661.
Cindi joined the Stafford County Department of Emergency Management in 1990 as a Paramedic Technician. Within three years she was promoted to EMS Supervisor/Captain, and in 1997 became the Assistant Coordinator of Emergency Services. Cindi earned her AAS in emergency medical service from Northern Virginia Community College and is currently completing a degree in business and public administration of emergency management at George Mason University. Cindi is a Certified Emergency Manager.
My philosophy is simple, I lead by example. I would not ask or expect anything from my personnel that I do not expect of myself. I promote a "We Can" attitude and I think proactively. The YLD Foundation Scholarship is an investment in my future potential. The financial support I receive will enable me to acquire my degree. I believe this degree will provide the opportunity for my advancement to upper management that is not possible without it. If given the opportunity, I will put my new management concepts, knowledge and philosophies into daily practice, such as "management in motion" and "management by example."
Victoria is currently the Program Director at Fire Med Training Group, located at PO Box 21223, Oakland, CA 94620. Her telephone number at work is 510-420-6904.
As a Firefighter-I and EMT-IA certified Assistant Lieutenant with the all-volunteer Office of Emergency Services Fire Department in Alameda County, CA, Victoria played a key role in initiating a new EMS program at the time of her award. Her immediate goal was to achieve her Paramedic certification, which would greatly increase her ability to contribute to her organization's EMS program development.
My philosophy of leadership is to develop and promote strong character traits as well as physical skills. Exercise always produces an increase in strength, and practice produces skill and confidence. Exercising self-discipline, responsibility, pride in accomplishment, dedication, and team loyalty, produces strength in these areas also. Some may have more natural ability, but all individuals have the potential. I see the development of that potential as an essential element of leadership. I believe that the best leaders are those who not only organize and motivate personnel, but also evoke their best efforts, ability, and desire in a continuing growth process. Any leader who is able to produce leaders is a strong leader. He or she has been given a special gift and has a responsibility to use it. Recognition is not an issue. Responsibility is.
Allen is the Assistant Chief and Safety Officer with the Bell Township Fire Department located at PO Box 245, Salina, PA, 15680. His telephone number at work is 724-697-4873.
At the time of his award, Allen was active in three completely volunteer departments, providing leadership and training. Holding an AAS in Fire Science Technology from WCCC in Youngwood, PA and a B.S. in Fire Administration from Empire State College, NY, Allen was pursuing graduate work in Safety Science at Indiana University, PA. Among his many accomplishments, Allen was most honored to serve as an adjunct faculty member for the National Fire Academy, delivering more than 70 presentations in 36 states.
I believe in leading by example in a participatory setting whenever possible. There are instances, such as emergency response and command, that do not allow, or restrict this methodology. My organizations have always promoted and encouraged education, primarily because as Chief I made it a priority. My example of continuing my education while belonging to three departments, working full time and other interests can serve as a model that others can do so, to the benefit of all.
After serving as a volunteer for several years, Don joined the Dunedin (FL) Fire Department as a fire fighter/EMT in 1978, became a paramedic/lieutenant with the Seminole Fire Rescue in Seminole a year later, and in subsequent years became the EMS Director And Training Director at Seminole. Don hold two AS degrees, a BS in Journalism, and a Master of Science in Education with Iowa State University. He has held academic positions with Iowa State University, St. Petersburg (FL) Vocational-Technical Institute, the St. Petersburg (FL) Junior College, and the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. In 1983 he received Fire Fighter of the Year at Seminole Fire Rescue, and in 1987 and 1988 was nominated for Instructor of the Year with the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.
My basic philosophy of leadership is that it can be learned. Leadership is not something only a blessed few are born with, BUT it takes an effective educator to teach leadership. Leadership should be humanistic. Human Resource Development may be a buzz word but I sincerely believe it identifies the challenge that confronts us. There is much wasted talent in the world of Emergency Services and we need to cultivate that talent in order to make a difference. Leadership is finding the GOOD in everyone and then helping them to their BEST!
Mike is a Firefighter/EMT with the Frederick County Department of Fire Rescue, located at 340 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702. His telephone number at work is 301-694-1720.
Mike feels that his most substantial achievement was his work as the chairperson on his volunteer company's fire prevention/education committee, where he was able to expand the functions of this committee from a group that was active only one week a year (Fire Prevention Week) to a committee that provided educational programs and activities for the community on a year round basis. This provided not only a needed service to the community in a professional manner, but also improved the image of the local fire department. At the time of his award, Mike was completing his bachelor's degree in Fire Science at University of Maryland University College.
My basic feelings on leaders and leadership is that leaders need to develop the skills and talents of the personnel under them. By allowing subordinates to grow professionally, it allows employees to achieve greater satisfaction on the job, and to aspire to higher positions within the organization.
Learn about other YLD Scholarship Award Recipients!
If you have any questions about the application process or award criteria, please contact Mike Hildebrand at yld@chesapeake.net