STILLWATER, Okla. – Dennis Compton, retired fire chief and former International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board chairman, was approved for emeritus status by the IFSTA Executive Board during the 90th IFSTA Summer Validation Conference, July 8, 2023.
Chief Compton started his career as a Phoenix, Arizona, Fire Department firefighter in 1971 where he retired as assistant fire chief. He then served as the Fire and Medical Department fire chief in Mesa, Arizona, from 1997 through 2002. Chief Compton’s accomplishments included improvements in firefighter tactics, safety, training, and incident command.
Chief Compton has more than 53 years of experience in the fire service. He was on the IFSTA Executive Board for nearly 40 years and served two terms as chairman. He led the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board, chaired the Congressional Fire Services Institute National Advisory Council, and provided other leaders with critical analysis and cogent solutions to the challenges faced in the fire and emergency services profession.
Chief Compton was the Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates Coalition cofounder and coordinator, served on the Board of the National Fire Protection Association, and has been active with several other organizations.
“Few individuals have had the enormous impact on IFSTA and the fire service as a whole over the past half-century than Dennis Compton,” said Mike Wieder, IFSTA executive director and Fire Protection Publications associate director. “Dennis was the longest serving member of the IFSTA Executive Board in the history of the organization, including two terms as chair. His efforts expanded well beyond IFSTA, including leadership roles with organizations including the Congressional Fire Services Institute, National Fire Protection Association, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and beyond. He is truly worthy of emeritus status with IFSTA.”
Chief Compton established state-of-the-art prevention and education programs, and a regional approach to emergency response. Chief Compton started the Mesa Connectors Program, which currently has more than 100 volunteers and has been extended to fire departments across the state. He also established the first Honor Guard/Pipes and Drums unit in Mesa.
Chief Compton is a well-known author and continues to be invited across the globe to speak about a variety of fire service issues, including management, leadership, Labor/Management Relations, strategic planning, and many other topics.
Even though semiretired, Chief Compton’s commitment to the fire service has not wavered. He has continued to dedicate his time, talents, and experience to teaching, counseling, and mentoring firefighters, fire officers, and other fire service leaders.
“Chief Compton has been a true leader for the fire service,” said Mary Cameli, IFSTA Executive Board chair and Mesa Fire and Medical Department fire chief. “He has set a great example for all of us to follow. The fire service is better today because of the positive impact Chief Compton has had across the nation.”
Compton’s emeritus status will be recognized during IFSTA’s next Summer Validation Conference, July 13-16.
Emeritus status may be bestowed upon a person who either has at least 20 years of service as an IFSTA delegate and is no longer active in their fire service or related career or upon a person who has been designated by the IFSTA Executive Board. These individuals retain the highest title held in their IFSTA participation.
WRITTEN BY: Sarah Palmer | FPP Marketing Specialist
The International Fire Service Training Association is an organization of fire service personnel who are dedicated to upgrading firefighting techniques and safety through training. Since 1934, IFSTA has been the worldwide leader of the fire service in developing fire and emergency responder training materials. IFSTA produces training manuals, eBooks, curriculum, test prep, workbooks, skill sheets, interactive courses, instructor resources and more. For IFSTA-FPP media inquiries, contact the IFSTA Marketing Department at marketing@ifsta.org or call 800-654-4055.
