FDIC Conference Director Diane Rothschild recently spoke with Chief Jason Hoevelmann, Florissant Valley (MO) Fire Protection District, who will be keynoting on “Adapt and Act!” at FDIC International 2024 Opening Ceremony Day 2, about the whole FDIC “experience.”
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DR: How long have you been teaching/attending FDIC International?
JH: I have been attending FDIC for 18 years—proudly, 13 of those as an instructor.
DR: How did you get into instructing in general?
JH: I starting instructing at the volunteer department that I grew up in. I wanted to share what I was learning. I enjoyed sharing and learning while instructing and I found that it pushed me to research and get out of my comfort zone.
DR: Who are your role models and why?
JH: I have several role models and to list them would be very difficult. However, there are many who everybody would recognize and many who nobody would know. All of them were honest with me, they listened to me, and they put me in line when I needed it. They also set the example for me to emulate that has served me well.
DR: What sets your experience at FDIC International apart from attending other conferences?
JH: There is nothing like FDIC anywhere in terms of the diversity of topics and the amount of experience and knowledge that is available for me to take back and share and practice. Additionally, the networking is second to none. It is the best place to fall back in love with the job and to reestablish my relationship with the fire service and what I love to do.
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DR: What was your reaction to being selected as the keynoter?
JH: I was shocked. I still feel like the new guy and do not feel like I am on the same level of the icons and legends I have followed and respected for so long. I was truly humbled and honored to be asked to provide a keynote. At the same time, I was nervous too. I respect that part of FDIC so much because of the caliber of those who have presented them before. I am excited and grateful for this opportunity.
DR: What do you think is the most pressing issue facing the fire service today and why?
JH: I think that the easy response is recruiting, and it certainly is a significant challenge. I also believe that the fire service has been challenged to do more and we are expected to provide services that other agencies will not or cannot do. Providing those services is crucial, but we cannot allow those ancillary responsibilities to diminish our primary responsibility to protecting life and property from fire.
DR: What is your advice to first-time FDIC attendees?
JH: Soak it all in. Get to as many classes as possible and talk to the instructors. Ask them questions, listen to them wherever you see them. They are a wealth of knowledge and more than willing to talk. Also, commit to buying at least one book each time you attend. They are loaded with great insight and experience. Making the Opening Ceremony is a must; make yourself get up those two mornings and experience both sessions (Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.). Finally, network and introduce yourself to somebody you have never met before and build a network and make new friends. The brotherhood/sisterhood is alive and well at FDIC; don’t miss out on it!
Thursday, April 18, 2024, 8:00 am-10:00 am
Opening Ceremony Keynote
“Adapt and Act!”
Chief Jason Hoevelmann, Florissant Valley (MO) Fire Protection District
At no time in our history has change presented itself in our profession with such speed. New technology, scientific findings, pandemics, staffing issues, and funding shortages are creating significant challenges for the fire service. However, our mission must not be compromised: to protect life and property. President John F. Kennedy said, “There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long-range risks of comfortable inaction.” Those risks of inaction of our obligations to serve and protect can cost lives. Our duty to action begins before we ever set foot on an incident or cross a threshold of a burning building. Self-reflection and awareness offer us the ability to adapt and take the best and decisive actions for our mission and purpose. Purposeful action is not finite or saved just for the fireground. It must be a habit we draw on in those moments when our community most depends on us.
Jason Hoevelmann is chief for the Florissant Valley (MO) Fire Protection District and is a 28-year career firefighter. He is a contributor to Fire Engineering and serves on the FDIC Educational Advisory Board. He is the author of The New Company Officer (Fire Engineering) and No Exceptions Leadership.
