Firehouse is proud to announce the newest members to be inducted into the Firehouse Hall of Fame: Christopher Hebert and Dave Iannone. They will be honored during the opening ceremonies at the FireFusion Conference on Nov. 6, 2024, at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC.
Hebert and Iannone launched Firehouse.com on Dec. 25, 1998, developing the first website dedicated to the fire service. When the site launched, it connected firefighters from around the world in a unique community, provided up-to-date information on breaking news and provided a wealth of training information including some of today’s most sought-after instructors and authors.
“I couldn’t think of a better time to honor both Chris and Dave for all their dedication to launching the fire service media’s first website than at the launch of FireFusion in Charleston this year,” said Peter Matthews, editor-in-chief of Firehouse. “Dave and Chris allowed the brotherhood and sisterhood of firefighting to connect like it never had before when they dreamed up Firehouse.com. Today, the technology they embraced 26 years ago is what keeps us moving forward today. They were pioneers.”
Hebert began his fire service journey in 1988 with the Greenwich, NY, Volunteer Fire Department, joining their explorer program at age 13. In 1994, he became a live-in member of the Hyattsville, MD, Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) while attending college. Over the years, he rose through the ranks at HVFD, serving as captain and treasurer. In 1998, alongside Iannone, Hebert co-founded Firehouse.com.
Two years later, he joined the Washington D.C. Fire Department, starting at Engine Company 13 in the city's Southwest section. Hebert was promoted to technician in 2003 and has dedicated 21 years to this role.
“When we first discussed the creation of Firehouse.com, a major focus was on line-of-duty deaths (LODDs). Before 1998, these tragic events were only highlighted when the U.S. Fire Administration released their annual report. I was always struck by the number of deaths and the lack of coverage they received unless there were local news stories,” Hebert said about the launch. “I wanted a way to report on these deaths to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and to tell their stories. Additionally, if by sharing these stories we could help prevent future LODDs, then we would be making real progress. As we shared these stories and technology continued to evolve, I found new ways to leverage that technology to further the fire service, reigniting my passion to make a positive impact wherever I can.”
Iannone has been immersed in the fire service since age 12, starting as a cadet with the Hyattsville, MD, Volunteer Fire Department. After joined the department as a regular member, he rose to the ranks of president and lieutenant.
“From its inception, the site featured breaking news, comprehensive training resources, a vibrant discussion forum, e-commerce, and more,” Iannone said. “Firehouse.com also played a pivotal role in raising millions of dollars in support for families of fallen firefighters and bolstering early interest in federal AFG and SAFER grant programs.”
Iannone said the collaborations with key fire service organizations, including the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Congressional Fire Services Institute, and the National Volunteer Fire Council helped the website become a mainstay in every fire station with an internet connection and was checked multiple times a day at every firefighter’s home or workplace.
The partnership with Firehouse magazine and Firehouse Expo proved pivotal, Iannone recalled. “This collaboration enabled us to build a foundation that has since grown into a vital hub, offering a wealth of critical resources and fostering a strong community connection among firefighters nationwide.”
Today, Iannone is the CEO of First Arriving, a company providing recruitment and retention services to the fire service, along with dashboards/digital signage and website services, and he continues to spearhead innovative initiatives in creative, marketing, and web-based solutions for the fire service. Hebert continues to make significant contributions to the public safety community as vice president of operations for First Arriving.
“Ever since I first heard the sirens of fire trucks echoing through my neighborhood as a child, my fascination with the fire service began,” said Iannone. “At just 12 years old, I penned a letter to our local fire chief expressing my eagerness to join the department, and from that moment onward, my dedication has only grown stronger. The opportunity to serve not only locally but also nationally and internationally has fueled and deepened my passion for this noble profession.”
Lifelong commitments to the fire service
Both have dedicated over half of their lives to the fire service, continuing to champion efforts in technology.
“You know what’s great about the fire service? Passion is ever evolving. A conversation with a fellow firefighter, a lecture from a fire service leader, or even something seen or read outside of the fire service can ignite a spark inside you to be better, do better, and leave the fire service better than you found it,” Hebert said.
Upon being notified about being the 2024 Hall of Fame induction, Hebert said “I am super stoked to be selected for the Firehouse Hall of Fame. This distinction reflects not just my efforts but also the incredible team that has supported me from the beginning and throughout my time at Firehouse.com. The recognition reaffirms my passion for the fire service and inspires me to keep pushing forward, making contributions, big or small, wherever I can. Thank you for this recognition.”
Iannone called the news of the Hall of Fame induction a “profound honor.”
“From our inception, we steadfastly dedicated ourselves to establishing Firehouse.com as a premier online destination serving firefighters across the nation and around the globe,” Iannone said, noting from the beginning that their goal was to provide crucial information, training resources, and a platform for a fire service community that enhanced firefighter proficiency and safety.”
Looking to the future
Iannone called the 1998 launch of Firehouse.com straightforward, with the focus on how to revolutionize the means by which firefighters received critical information.
“Our objective was to offer the most current news, essential training, and invaluable resources that empower firefighters to connect, improve safety, and strive for excellence,” Iannone said. Over time, we’ve observed a remarkable transformation at the nexus of the internet and firefighting. From podcasts and videos to active social media participation and expanded training options, the landscape has expanded far beyond our initial vision for Firehouse.com. This evolution underscores our commitment to continuously innovate and adapt, ensuring that we provide firefighters with the tools and knowledge they need in an ever-changing world.”
Hebert is excited to see where the fire service goes, hoping that the next generation of firefighters steps out of the comfort zone to become innovative and creative, adding “make waves while innovating.”
“The old fire service adage ‘100 years of tradition unimpeded by progress’ should be wiped away, and thankfully, for the most part, it has,” Hebert said. “This progress has taken pioneers and innovators who were willing to take risks, get uncomfortable, and push forward, knowing that what they were doing was best for the fire service, regardless of the noise surrounding them. I hope the next generation continues this spirit of innovation, so we don’t end up with ‘150 years of tradition unimpeded by progress.’”
Memorable Firehouse.com career highlights
Reflecting on their careers with Firehouse.com, both agreed that their extensive coverage of the tragic Worcester Cold Storage warehouse fire on Dec. 3, 1999, was the most memorable time.
The night the fire happened, the small staff posted 24-hour coverage of the fire and the recovery of missing firefighters, and the memorial service that was held a week later.
“We were almost a year into Firehouse.com when this tragedy struck. Here was our opportunity to tell the story of not only the fire but each of the six firefighters lost. At the time, our staff was very small, just Dave and me. Knowing we wanted to report accurately and provide the best fire-service perspective, we drove to Worcester the following morning,” Hebert recalled. “The folks at The Telegram, Worcester’s daily newspaper, carved out a small space in their busy newsroom for the two young guys from Maryland covering the story from a firefighter’s perspective.”
For Hebert, the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, hit close to home as the attack unfolded at the Pentagon, just outside of Washington D.C. where he was called to the intense scene.
“This was two-fold as I had an obligation as a firefighter in the Washington D.C. Fire Department, where we were recalled to fight the fire at the Pentagon. At the same time, I wanted to ensure my other obligation to inform the fire service in real-time about the events unfolding in New York and D.C. was met. Fortunately, the great team we had assembled rose to the occasion and excelled in my absence. Telling the stories in the days, weeks, and months after 9/11 and helping to raise millions of dollars to support the families of fallen firefighters will stay with me forever.”
Iannone said that the ability of Firehouse.com to reach a large audience, from coast-to-coast and beyond, will always resonate with him.
“Nothing compares to the profound impact of aiding families who have lost loved ones in service and ensuring the fire service community remained informed about the outcomes and lessons learned from these tragic events,” Iannone said. “These efforts remain a testament to our enduring commitment to the firefighting community and honoring those who bravely serve.
“To be acknowledged alongside revered figures in the fire service content realm fills us with deep humility. It underscores our ongoing mission to uphold the highest standards of service and support for the firefighting community,” Iannone said.
Hebert and Iannone join past Firehouse Hall of Fame inductees:
Rich Adams
Steve Austin
Francis L. Brannigan
Alan Brunacini
Hal Bruno
Robert Burke
Dr. Harry Carter
Robert “Butch” Cobb
Dennis Compton
Vincent Dunn
Harvey Eisner
Barry Furey
Paul F. Hashagen
John Norman
John J. Salka, Jr.
Tom Shand
Ronald Jon Siarnicki
Dennis Smith
James Smith
Charles Werner
Mike Wilbur
Janet Wilmoth
