News

NVFC Joins Board of Organización de Bomberos Americanos

Published Date: 12.05.2011

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg participated in a board meeting of the Organización de Bomberos Americanos (OBA) in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico, from November 18-20. The OBA consists of fire service organizations from North and South America, including the NVFC.

Representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the U.S. attended the meeting. One representative is chosen from each country. During the meeting, the NVFC was approved as the active member of the OBA from the U.S.
 

Stittleburg began attending OBA meetings in 2008. OBA provides an opportunity for many nations throughout the Americas to discuss the fire service in their countries, share ideas, and explore common issues. Involvement with the OBA is part of the NVFC’s recent efforts to expand its international outreach and work with fire service organizations all over the world on issues of mutual interest.

“The international fire service community can learn so much from one another,” Stittleburg said. “It is amazing how many issues, concepts, and challenges transcend national boundaries and apply to the global fire service community as a whole. By coming together to discuss these topics, share ideas and solutions, identify best practices, and build better relationships, we are furthering the fire service around the world as well as in our own countries.”

While in Mexico, Stittleburg toured two combination fire stations in Tuxtla Gutierrez. He also accompanied Tuxtla Gutierrez firefighters on their parade bus on November 20 as Mexico celebrated Revolution Day, the annual anniversary of the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in 1910 to overthrow dictator Porfirio Díaz. 
 

The next meeting of the OBA will be held in Las Vegas, NV, in June 2012 in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) annual meeting. The NVFC will host the event, and the NFPA will cover the costs.

Learn more about the OBA at www.organizacionbomberosamericanos.org. The web site is in Spanish but Google translation is available – click here.

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