STILLWATER, Okla. – Paul Valentine, former International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board vice chair, received his IFSTA emeritus status award during the 2023 IFSTAⓇ Summer Validation Conference, July 8, 2023.
Valentine’s 20-year fire service career included serving as the Village of Mount Prospect, Illinois, fire marshal for more than 14 years. He also served as a divisional fire protection engineering manager for Jensen Hughes and Associates, and a senior fire consultant for Global Risk Consultants. Currently, Valentine works for Zurich North America as the large property risk engineering regional manager in Midwest Chicago.
Valentine was active with IFSTAⓇ for more than 20 years, beginning in 2001. During his tenure, he served as the Executive Board vice chair for several years. His contributions to IFSTAⓇ and the Executive Board are considerable. He coauthored several Fire Protection Publications textbooks and served on many IFSTAⓇ validation committees. Valentine remained active in other fire service organizations throughout his time on the Executive Board.
“We appreciate all Valentine has contributed over the years and the positive impact he has had, not only on the association, but also on many conference attendees, committee members and members of the Executive Boards,” said Mary Cameli, IFSTAⓇ Executive Board chair and Mesa Fire and Medical Department fire chief.
Valentine obtained a bachelor’s degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in management and organizational behavior from Benedictine University. Additionally, he is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and served as a fire instructor in several capacities in higher education.
His background mostly revolves around fire prevention, code enforcement and public education. During his time on the IFSTAⓇ Executive Board, he was recognized as a go-to expert and leader in these areas. Valentine is a widely recognized author and represented IFSTAⓇ as a leader with Vision 20/20 and several other national endeavors.
“Valentine’s 20-plus years of service to our organization, in a variety of roles, has played a significant part in the growth and success that we enjoy today,” said Mike Wieder, IFSTAⓇ executive director and FPP associate director. “We are very grateful for his dedication to our mission.”
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 Marketing Coordinator Erin Portman at erinfl@osufpp.org or call 800-654-4055.
