The International Fire Relief Mission recently named five fire-industry professionals from various disciplines to serve three-year terms on its advisory board. The board members will help IFRM achieve its goal of improving firefighter safety by providing donated fire and EMS equipment to firefighters in developing countries. The new advisory board members are Robb Chapman, William “Jim” Dunn, Jennifer Jesty, Wayne Martin, and Christina Spoons.
“Because of their special skills, commitment to firefighting and belief in IFRM’s purpose, these five individuals rose to the top of a long list of well-qualified applicants,” says Ron Gruening, IFRM president and CEO. “We are grateful for the tremendous response we received from our call for nominations. Narrowing the field was very difficult, but we are confident that these new board members will have a profound and lasting impact on IFRM’s ability to make fire fighting safer in areas of the world where it is an extremely dangerous profession.”
First and foremost on the board’s agenda will be helping IFRM secure operating capital. Equipment donations from fire departments across the country are pouring in, Gruening says. Likewise, requests for assistance from fire departments in dire financial situations are coming into IFRM almost daily. “IFRM’s biggest challenge is securing the operating capital necessary to collect and ship that donated equipment to the firefighters who desperately need it,” Gruening says.
The five new advisory board members and their areas of expertise are:
- Robb Chapman is a wildland fire leader whose vast knowledge and contacts will help IFRM better meet the wildland fire-fighting needs around the world.
- William “Jim” Dunn is a former volunteer firefighter who holds a leadership position with a major fire-apparatus dealership. His experience with prominent nonprofit organizations will greatly help IFRM.
- Jennifer Jesty is a paramedic and volunteer firefighter from Nova Scotia, Canada. Her dedication to fire-service organizations will enhance IFRM’s position in the industry.
- Wayne Martin is a former fire chief, instructor and fire association president. His track record of successful fund raising will help IFRM garner the resources it badly needs.
- Christina Spoons is former firefighter and EMT whose long list of credentials includes work with NFPA and the American Red Cross. She has the ability to help IFRM in nearly every aspect of its operation.
IFRM is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization who's mission is to collect donated new and used fire and EMS equipment, deliver it to fire departments in developing nations and educate members of those fire departments on the equipment's safe and proper use. IFRM is a nonreligious, nonpolitical group dedicated to saving firefighter and civilian lives. IFRM members do not draw a salary and all of the money raised is used to fulfilling the group's mission. IFRM was formed in 2007 by retired emergency-response professionals. For more information, visit its website at www.ifrm2007.com.
