MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Communications Manager, PIOMarkBrady@gmail.com
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) is proud to recognize 2025 Chief John M. Eversole Scholarship recipient Jeffrey Hennessy for his selection as a presenter at the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference, one of the nation’s premier educational events for hazardous materials professionals.
Hennessy serves as the Coordinator of Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Training for the Chicago Fire Department and was selected by YLD earlier this year to receive the Chief John M. Eversole Scholarship for Hazardous Materials Emergency Responders. The scholarship honors emergency responders who demonstrate leadership, professional development and a commitment to advancing the hazardous materials profession.
His selection as a conference presenter is another example of the leadership and dedication that distinguished him among this year’s scholarship recipients.
At the 2026 IAFC Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference, Hennessy will present “Leading the Mission: Management and Leadership Skills for Hazmat Operations.” His presentation will examine the Chicago Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team and the leadership principles required to manage complex hazardous materials incidents in one of the nation’s largest urban environments.
Conference attendees will learn about leadership roles, communication procedures and decision-making responsibilities during hazardous materials emergencies. The session will also explore incident command, risk management, multi-agency coordination and methods for evaluating team performance to improve operational readiness and safety.
“Jeffrey’s selection as a conference presenter demonstrates the type of leadership and commitment to professional excellence that the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation seeks to recognize and support,” said Michael Hildebrand, president of the Foundation. “The ability to share knowledge and mentor others is a hallmark of effective leadership, and Jeffrey continues to make a positive impact on the hazardous materials community.”
The Chief John M. Eversole Scholarship was established to support hazardous materials responders pursuing leadership development opportunities. Named in honor of the late Chief John M. Eversole of the Chicago Fire Department, the scholarship recognizes individuals dedicated to advancing the hazardous materials profession through education, service and leadership.
For Hennessy, being selected to teach and share lessons learned with peers from across the country reflects the Foundation’s mission of identifying and supporting emerging and established leaders who are committed to improving the fire and emergency services profession.
Since 1989, the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation has invested in the future of fire and emergency services leadership by providing scholarships and leadership development opportunities for firefighters, EMS personnel, hazardous materials responders, emergency managers and homeland security professionals.
Congratulations to Jeffrey Hennessy on this well-deserved recognition and for continuing to exemplify the leadership values championed by both Chief Eversole and the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation.
For additional information about YLD scholarships and special projects visit us at YLD.org.
