MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Public Information Officer, [email protected]
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) proudly announces that the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs (KSAFC) has been awarded one of the first Chief Alan Brunacini Special Project Awards. Jenn Johnson, KSAFC member and Director of the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute, stated that the funds will be used to support leadership training with the KSAFC.
“Our goal is to strengthen the skills and knowledge of fire service professionals across Kansas, improving community safety and resilience,” said Jenn Johnson. “The Brunacini funding will be used to expand leadership training opportunities for the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs. This funding will allow us to further develop leadership at the officer level in Kansas.”
At the KSAFC annual conference, fire service leaders emphasized the importance of mental health in the fire service. Priorities include firefighter resilience, PTSD awareness, suicide prevention, the significance of sleep and wellness, and the critical role of chief officers in maintaining firefighter health.
“The Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs exemplifies our Yvorra philosophy of developing leadership and we are proud to be a part of this important training initiative,” said Michael Hildebrand, President of the YLD Foundation.
With the Brunacini Award funding, KSAFC will bring in national experts on firefighter safety and health. These experts will provide essential resources and training to address pressing challenges, ensuring fire service leaders have the knowledge and tools to protect their personnel from emerging threats.
This is the inaugural year of YLD’s Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects Program. This prestigious initiative awards up to $10,000 to eligible individuals and organizations within the fire and emergency services community to support leadership development and training. KSAFC received $6,000 to enhance its leadership training efforts.
Each year, YLD recognizes emerging and developing leaders in fire, EMS, hazmat, emergency management, and homeland security by awarding scholarships. In 2024, YLD provided a total of $44,000 to seven individual recipients and two departments.
The application period for a YLD Scholarship runs from August 1 to October 30. For more information about YLD and its scholarship program, visit YLD.org.
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