TargetSolutions, the leading provider of computer-based training management applications for public safety agencies, and the International Association of Fire Chief’s (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) presented Deputy Chief Steve Malone of the Manhattan (IL) Fire Protection District with the 2016 Training Officer Recognition Award winner on Thursday at Fire-Rescue International 2016.
Malone, 32, accepted the honor during a special ceremony for VCOS members.
“This is a huge honor,” said Malone, who was instrumental in the implementation and standardization of training programs for the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 19 (MABAS 19) in Illinois. “To see what determination and hard work can lead to is amazing. Without the support of my department, Chief, and MABAS Division this would have been 10 times harder.”
David Piper of Orland Fire Protection District in Illinois is part of the MABAS Division 19 and he recognized the exceptional contribution put forth by his colleague Malone.
“Deputy Chief Steve Malone exemplifies the position of training officer,” Piper wrote when nominating Malone. “Steve’s drive to ensure that all members of his organization as well as the members of surrounding communities are trained to the highest level are unprecedented. Steve has been a driving force to develop a training program that meets local, state and national requirements for his department.”
MABAS Division 19, which is made of 12 departments, is benefitting from Malone’s efforts. But Malone credits Piper for his help in assisting with the creation of the program that is scheduled, delivered and tracked with TargetSolutions’ online training management system.
“We had a vision of developing a training program vs. just going out and doing training,” said Malone. “Training officers need to look at the direction they want to go and develop a true training program that is achievable. What we’re doing in our division is great because we’re standardizing things. To see the end result is rewarding and seeing how well everyone is doing is a testament to how the training program is going.”
This is the third year in a row TargetSolutions and the VCOS have teamed up to present the award, which is designated each year for an individual who goes above and beyond to demonstrate innovation in firefighter training.
Capt. Chip Everett of Oshtemo Township (MI) Fire Department and Asst. Chief Brad Pinsky of Manlius (NY) Fire Department won the prestigious award in 2014 and ’15, respectively.
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