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Kevin O'Connell

Dave Trebisacci

Last year around this time I began collecting information for the first issue of ProBoard Progress.  By the end of  September the first issue came to out. Although there have been a few bumps and glitches along the way, there has been an issue on schedule every quarter since then.

At the end of April I was offered a job with the fire department from which I had retired, the Louisville Fire Department in Louisville, Kentucky.  At the beginning of May I began my second career with the LFD as an Assistant Chief in charge of Administrative Services.  So, although my tenure as the Progress editor has been short, I have decided to give up my duties as the newsletter baron in order to see if you really can go back home.

The Board of Directors is committed to keeping the newsletter coming to you.  So, you will all still be getting information on the ProBoard’s progress from the ProBoard Progress.

I really enjoyed getting to know some of the ProBoard family better through interviews and research and will miss expanding those relationships. I am, however, leaving the ProBoard Progress in most capable hands. David Trebisacci, the ProBoard Program Manager, is going to take the helm. We will meet in July and discuss what has worked well from my perspective and where the Progress may be heading.  I know there will be some changes for the better. The official transfer ceremony can be seen on CNN. (maybe not)

Thanks for all of your notes of encouragement and suggestions after each issue came out.  Thanks also to those who helped with their willingness to be interviewed or send information to share.  I would also like to thank to the Board of Directors for their support of the newsletter, and my handling of it. 

Please excuse the sensational lead, or should I say mislead, to this dull story about my transition out of the newsletter business. If you want my opinion, Rachel Nix being named the Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy is the real story in this issue. The women who entered a career in the fire service, starting at the bottom and following the linear progression that defines most of our careers, have made it to the top ranks in small numbers over the years. She should be heralded for her accomplishment, and I am sure the Academy will be rewarded for their decision. Congratulations Rachel!

Hopefully I’ll see most of you in November at the ProBoard Accreditation Conference.

Regards

Kevin O'Connell