Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson. (WNG File Photo)
SOUTHWICK – For the second consecutive year, Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson was selected to attend the FDIC (Fire Department Instructor’s Conference) from April 23 through April 28 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Anderson, a member of the Fire Chief’s Association of Massachusetts, was chosen through the association, along with Chief Mike Hazel of Tewksbury and Dennis Condon of Needham.
“Our goal was to try and find classes to bring back and help educate firefighters in Massachusetts,” said Anderson.
Over the course of three days, the three Chief’s from Massachusetts took close to 20 different classes that educated fire professionals about legal issues facing the fire industry, various leadership programs, as well as challenges firefighters face on a daily basis.
Besides going to different seminars throughout the three days, it’s also a time for fire service individuals to see the latest in fire equipment and the new products that companies are recently creating.
The FDIC features nearly 35,000 people during the three-day event and Anderson approached the conference differently from the first time he attended last year.
“Last year was really overwhelming, you’re doing a lot of walking,” said Anderson. “This year I had a better handle on how to scope it out.”
Having the opportunity to attend the conference twice, Anderson is pleased to continue to have the experience.
“I’m very privileged to be able to go for a second time,” said Anderson. “There’s so much great instruction out there, that’s where everyone goes to launch their educational programs.”
