By Scott Roseberry
The iPhone was introduced to the world in 2007. That same year, many in the fire service started to embrace the potential of technology to enhance the safety of our communities and firefighters. At Fire-Rescue International (FRI), a focus group recommended to the IAFC board of directors to start a Technology Council. The decision was unanimous, and the first meeting for the IAFC Technology Council was held in May 2008 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Today, the Tech Council has a straightforward mission – to serve as a knowledge center for technological developments that affect the fire service. The council provides a forum for information and knowledge exchange among different stakeholders, including firefighters, fire chiefs, industry experts, public safety organizations and technology-focused vendors. In short, the council and its partners work to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical fireground applications. One example: The webinar “How Technology Enables Safer Communities,” hosted by Microsoft, focused on enhancing firefighter safety and community protection through technological advancements.
Technology Summit International
Since its inception, the Tech Council has made significant strides in areas such as data analytics, common operating pictures (COP), wearables and geographic information systems (GIS). However, the council still saw a gap in knowledge among fire service professionals related to available technology and its potential to make their departments more effective and efficient. So, in 2021, the council sought to fill this void with the launch of a new endeavor that culminated in Technology Summit International (TSI).
TSI is the premier conference dedicated to advancing technology in the fire service. TSI delivers practical and actionable insights that help fire departments integrate cutting-edge solutions to enhance safety, efficiency and decision-making. Unlike some conferences, TSI focuses on real-world applications, featuring live demonstrations, case studies, and collaborative discussions that empower fire service leaders to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Through its Innovation Award and emphasis on networking, TSI fosters collaboration between departments and industry leaders, ensuring that technology is developed and implemented with the fire service’s unique needs in mind. As the fire service faces increasing challenges and opportunities in data, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, and connected fire apparatus, TSI plays a crucial role in shaping the future of emergency response. TSI 2025 will be held in Dallas in December. Learn more about the event.
Understanding that not everyone has the budget or means to travel to Dallas, the Tech Council has helped local associations bring TSI to you. In March 2024, the council helped the New England Fire Chiefs produce Technology Summit New England.
Additionally, the council was recently in Indianapolis to help the Indiana Fire Chiefs produce Technology Summit Indiana. These types of events bring the highlights of TSI to a conference center near you to help you and your communities harness the advantages of emerging technology.
Tech Talk Tuesday
Staying ahead of emerging trends is critical for operational efficiency, firefighter safety and community impact. The newest initiative from the Tech Council seeks to help you stay ahead of these emerging trends by bringing innovative and technological partners to your home or office. Partnering with the IAFC and FireRescue1, the Tech Council has launched Tech Talk Tuesday (TTT). TTT will air live via YouTube on the first and third Tuesday of every month. TTT will provide a dynamic platform for industry leaders, technology influencers, and fire departments to showcase innovations and best practices. Follow TTT on Facebook and LinkedIn. [Watch the first T3 episode here.]
Looking to the future
As the fire service continues to evolve, technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for improving safety, efficiency and effectiveness. Fire service professionals need to engage with technology to shape its future rather than react to it. The IAFC Technology Council provides a platform for that engagement, and the door is open for those who want to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the next generation of fire service technology. If you’re passionate about driving innovation and making a tangible impact, consider joining the conversation because the future of the fire service depends on the steps we take today.
Learn more about the IAFC Technology Council and how to join.
WATCH | ‘Do the next right thing right’: Kevin Sofen talks tech fundamentals
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Roseberry is a battalion chief with the Garland (Texas) Fire Department who has more than 25 years of experience in the fire service. He has a bachelor’s degree in emergency management and a master’s degree in public administration. Roseberry holds the designations of Executive Fire Officer, Certified Public Manager, Chief Fire Officer, Fire Service Chief Executive Officer and Chief Fire Executive. He is the chairperson of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Technology Council and a member of the FEMA Region 6 Regional Advisory Council and serves on the Department of Homeland Security First Responder Resource Group. Roseberry is a frequent presenter at the IAFC’s Fire-Rescue International and Technology Summit International.
