Jeff Fortney, former Fire Protection Publications lead senior editor and photographer, was awarded the 2023 Marvin L. Austin Distinguished Leadership Award during the 90th IFSTAⓇ Summer Validation Conference July 8, 2023.
“Jeff has always shown what great leadership and professionalism should be and has been an exemplary ambassador for IFSTAⓇ and FPP,” said Mary Cameli, IFSTAⓇ chair. “His positive attitude has resonated across the workplace and with all those who he came in contact with.”
Fortney began as a volunteer firefighter in Cornville, Arizona. He then served in the United States Air Force. He became an aircraft rescue and fire fighting practitioner, and later, an instructor. After the Air Force, Jeff continued his career as a fire instructor in Arkansas state training.
When he made a career change and came to FPP in 2002, Jeff knew that he was not finished giving back to the profession he loved, said Cint Clausing, FPP editorial program manager. Although fully qualified for all aspects of the senior editor position, Jeff’s strength was photography from early on in his tenure, Clausing said. That is what he is most known for in the organization, but he has also been a prolific contributor to the writing, validation, and editing of the manuals as well, Clausing said.
“With very few exceptions, a Jeff Fortney photo has appeared in every IFSTAⓇ-validated publication FPP has produced over the last two decades,” Clausing said.
Fortney has served as lead editor or writer on numerous manuals, including: Plans Examiner, 1st Edition; Incipient Industrial Fire Brigades, 1st Edition; Interior and Exterior Industrial Fire Brigades, 2nd Edition; Facility Fire Brigades, 3rd Edition; Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, 5th and 6th Editions; Company Officer, 5th Edition; Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th and 8th Editions; Active Shooter Hostile Event Response, 1st Edition; Fire and Life Safety Educator, 4th Edition; and Strategy and Tactics, 3rd Edition.
“Jeff is most deserving of this recognition for all of the work he has done as a writer and editor, committee liaison, mentor, and for the countless number of photographs that have been taken at those meetings through his 21-plus years of service to the organization,” said Mike Wieder, IFSTAⓇ executive director and FPP associate director.
The Marvin L. Austin Distinguished Leadership Award is presented by FPP staff to honor the recipient for their exceptional leadership efforts in connection with the annual IFSTAⓇ Validation Conference
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.
