Virtual Summit 2021 - Officer Development & Leadership Success in the Volunteer Fire Service

This presentation focuses on the unique challenges faced by volunteer fire officers on the firematic (operations) side of the organization as well as the often-forgotten-about administrative side. The presentation strongly emphasizes the important role and the immense responsibilities that all officers have in taking care of their organization. Aspiring officers will be provided with a variety of ideas that can assist them in gaining support from their fellow members and all attendees will learn eight proven leadership traits that all fire department members can use to create and maintain a more unified and harmonious operation.

Tom Merrill

Fire Commissioner

Snyder Fire District

Tom Merrill is a 42-year fire department veteran and serves with the Snyder Fire Department, which is located in Amherst, New York (first ring suburb of the City of Buffalo). He served 26 years as a department officer including 15 years in the chief officer ranks. He was chief of department from 2007-2012 and currently serves as a Fire Commissioner for the Snyder Fire District. Tom has conducted various fire service presentations and keynote addresses throughout the country and also hosts a regular podcast sponsored by Fire Engineering titled “The Professional Volunteer Fire Department.” His book “The Professional Volunteer Fire Department” was published by Fire Engineering Books and Videos and was released in September 2023. Tom is employed full time as the Senior Fire Dispatcher in charge of the Town of Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office.