In June 1986, I first joined the staff of Fire Chief magazine. I had met Editor Bill Randleman, who asked me to write about our local fire district, through my dad's fire chief. By the time the article was published, I was hired as associate editor.

At that time, the chiefs making the news were Ron Coleman, Alan Brunacini, Warren Isman, Dave Gratz, William Clark and Charlie Rule, to name a few. In the '80s, a higher level of professionalism was on the horizon. Randleman wrote an editorial about a fire chief in Colorado with a master's degree and predicted that advanced education would become the norm.

But who will replace the retiring leadership? Phoenix-legend Brunacini retires this month having mentored a host of chiefs — 30 last time I heard! — from his department. The same holds true for Isman and Coleman. In the business world, we've seen how the Jack Welches, Peter Druckers and Tom Peters have served as icons of change who have influenced the American economy, but few stand out today. Where are the next leaders who will move the emergency services forward?

Today, TV sets have more than five channels, and specific situations require voices to direct and inspire. Today's motivators don't need a big auditorium, nor are they loud and large. They are active in smaller, specialized niches, which are also stronger. This new breed of leader has grown up with Sesame Street, coed sports, interracial schools and 9/11, which stunned first responders into an ugly world.

After more than 20 years of watching the fire service, I think three things have had an impact on its emerging leaders: politics, media and money. Aspiring leaders focus on their careers while investing time in areas that will produce results and networking opportunities: the Executive Fire Officer program, Commission on Fire Accreditation International, National Society of Executive Fire Officers, Volunteer and Combination Officers Section and state associations.

Politics

The FIRE Act has forced chief officers to be politically savvy. As part of the Congressional Fire Services Institute's annual dinner, chiefs have learned to march the hallowed halls of Washington, D.C., to make their presence known. The fire service manufacturers' joint effort, the Government Affairs Committee, is promoting local Home Day events that encourage chiefs to partner with industry leaders to make state politicos aware of the first-responder needs.

I personally think the power of the emergency services is taking hold within individual states, not nationally. As more states organize statewide response, the power and leadership will rest within each state's training and organizational skills.

Media

As information-delivery options morph exponentially, so does the demand for new faces. Unfortunately, quantity doesn't breed quality. Magazines find themselves struggling to create content that isn't outdated by four-week lead times. Dramatic pictures, more sidebars and to-the-point articles compete with an Internet that changes instantly for firefighters who teethed on personal computers and instant messaging. Weekly e-newsletters strive to deliver bullet points to the e-mail addicted. More “when I'm ready for it” information will increase. You pick up a magazine when you have time; you read e-mails and blogs or listen to podcasts at your convenience. Don't call us, we'll call you.

Money

The third area shaping leaders is money. Haves versus have nots; those with discretionary funds and those resolved to do the best with what they have. The haves — the metro departments and those in cities designated by DHS as terrorist targets — will have the most power. However, don't underestimate the departments with discretionary funds.

So where are our leaders of tomorrow? Here's one way to let us know. The 11th annual Fire Chief of the Year Award nominations are now open. While nominations must be made through the organizations and associations listed on page 90 or on our Web site, we urge you to contact an organization with which you're affiliated to put forth your recommendation for Volunteer or Career Fire Chief of the Year.

Who will lead the fire service through the next 20 years? Maybe it's your turn.

janet@firechief.com