https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuXTJsnt2WM
Own Your Story: The American Firefighter in the Media
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
Firefighters historically shy away from talking about themselves, but why? Whether it’s as an individual, a company or a department, the challenges and celebrations you face directly impact your ability to serve the community; when someone else talks about those, they paint the narrative for you. The challenges you face locally are the same across South Carolina, across the country, and across the globe. Are you paying attention to who’s talking about firefighters, where, and most importantly, why? Firehouse magazine Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews is joined by Honor Supply Co founder and owner Chance Craven and West Columbia Fire Department Battalion Chief Marc Aloan to discuss the American firefighter in the media for the Fire Service Improvement Conference Friday night roundtable talk.
We’re excited to talk shop with our guest speakers, fellowship, and enjoy a good meal. Be sure to join us on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia for the roundtable.
Speakers
Peter Mathews – Editor-in-chief of Firehouse
Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department.
Chance Craven- Honor Supply Co.
You didn’t start this journey to impress people.You became a firefighter because you responded to a calling. You don’t need to justify your work to anyone — your commitment and trust in the one who called you are enough.It doesn’t matter if they approve of you working to get better. Don’t let fear of man distract you from your mission. Stay focused and keep pushing forward. Ignore whatever they’re calling you.
BnC Marc Aloan – West Columbia Fire
Marc Aloan is a career Battalion Chief with the West Columbia Fire Department (SC) and creator of The Fire Inside blog. He has been immersed in the fire service for 20 years, in both volunteer and career departments, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He is a nationally recognized speaker and published author with work in culture and professional development. He holds a B.S. in Fire Protection Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University.
Register
Registration Opens October 1, 2024 for Association members.
$50 fee per SCSFA member for the entire weekend. Non-members will have a higher fee.
Registration for SC State Firefighters’ Association MEMBERS ONLY will open October 1, 2024. (Staff will verify membership before final rosters are completed)
Open enrollment to include non-members will open November 1, 2024.