Dennis Compton, retired fire chief and former International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board chairman, was awarded the 2023 Everett E. Hudiburg Memorial Award, as well as the 2023 John W. Hoglund Award, 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 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 52 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.
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 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.
Both of these prestigious awards are highly regarded within the fire service community. The Everett E. Hudiburg Memorial Award is the highest honor IFSTAⓇ may bestow to an individual who has made significant contributions to the training of firefighters. The John W. Hoglund Award is presented by the IFSTAⓇ Executive Board to an individual who has exhibited outstanding leadership and service to the board and IFSTAⓇ during their tenure as a board member.
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 Marketing Coordinator Erin Portman at erinfl@osufpp.org or call 800-654-4055.
