Names in the News

William Hicks receives the 2012 FDIC Volunteer Service Award from Conference Director Diane Feldman.

>> WILLIAM HICKS is the recipient of the 2012 FDIC Volunteer Service Award. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Safety, Security & Emergency Management at Eastern Kentucky University, and has worked for FDIC for 14 years. He is also chief of the Whitehall (KY) Volunteer Fire Department. FDIC Volunteer Coordinator Jim Pharr said about him: “From the time he was a student working the floor until now, Bill Hicks continues to work countless hours to ensure the success of volunteers at FDIC. His work starts long before the conference starts, preparing equipment and rosters so that work is coordinated throughout the week. His attention to detail ensures that people are in place and ready for whatever task is needed. He strives to ensure volunteers get to work in sessions they desire but sometimes has to ‘recruit’ for the less popular classes. Regardless, the job is done and done well. In short, Bill is the heartbeat of the volunteer group.”

>> JOHN BRUNACINI and COLE HUTH were appointed as chief of training and captain, respectively, of the Clay Fire Territory’s (CFT’s) (St. Joseph County, Indiana) Training Division. Brunacini retired as a captain with the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department (PFD) and was the manager of the PFD Command Training Center. He is also an internationally known instructor as well as coauthor of the “Blue Card” command training program. Huth has served more than nine years with the CFT and is a certified paramedic. He has also served with the City of Chicago (IL) Fire Department. www.clayfd.com.