Selected by The International Association of Fire Chiefs, Will May has been chosen to represent local fire departments to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Chief May joins the executive board on February 24, 2014. He will work with the National Association of State Foresters representative to give voice to all local governments and local fire departments in the United States that have wildfire fighting duties.

The NWCG
Founded in 1974, the NWCG establishes national standards for wild-fire programs. It works as a federal interagency to communicate these policies, maintain the standards, provide guidelines, and support the efforts of the National Incident Management System. It also represents the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Association of State Foresters, in addition to the Inter tribal Timber Council and the USDA Forest Service. Chief May’s position adds the IAFC.

Chief May
Chief May retired from Florida’s Alachua County Fire Rescue Department in 2010. He was fire chief and emergency services director. He had served with the City of Gainesville, Florida Fire Department for 15 years. He served in the U.S. Navy for 28 years and retired as a chief warrant officer. He has been a member of the Florida Fire Chief’s Association (FFCA) since 1986 and served as president 2003 to 2004.

As well as being a member of the Wildland Fire Policy Committee of the IAFC since 2003, he served as representative of the IAFC to the Wildland and Urban Interface Mitigation Committee.

As a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program and member of the IAFC’s Technology Council, Chief May understands the importance of local departments having the fire tankers, water tenders, brush trucks, and other vehicles needed for containing and fighting wildland fires. In addition to fire truck repair and refurbishment, companies such as Firetrucks Unlimited can design and custom build brush trucks to fit your department’s specific needs, while remaining within your specified budget.

The IAFC
May knows that members of the IAFC are exceptionally knowledgeable about all aspects of firefighting, EMS, natural disasters, search and rescue, and dealing with hazardous spills. Members serve on the front line of these emergencies and have the necessary knowledge and experience needed for the most effective policies and safety legislation. Members of the IAFC have been working together to evaluate the latest and best products available to fire departments and exchange information and ideas since 1873. In addition to sharing information about service and technology, the IAFC helps first responders enhance their leadership and professionalism through education and a worldwide network of communication and idea sharing with other emergency responders.

The IAFC’s policy on wildland fire is: “To safely and effectively extinguish fire when needed; use fire where allowable; manage our natural resources; and as an international community, to live with wildland fire.”

They accomplish this by utilizing international efforts and cooperation to reduce wildfires. They encourage educating the public on preparedness and prevention techniques. They promote firefighter and public safety programs improve each department’s ability to combat wildfires and address the needs and best policies from the perspective of the local governing bodies that make decisions on funding and equipment purchases.