The International Association of Fire Chiefs has established the International Fire Service Research Center and Policy Institute to build the capacity and adaptability of fire-rescue organizations.

Originally conceived in 2002 by a National Policy Center task force, the institute will collaborate with other research institutions from around the world to facilitate, coordinate, conduct and disseminate research projects and findings. It's anticipated that the results of the institute's work will be used to support the development of public-policy decisions affecting the leadership, management and operations of fire-rescue services.

“[The institute] was established … because of the importance of the fire-rescue services, the amount of resources used in the delivery of these services and the concern over the high rates of civilian and firefighter deaths in the United States.,” said IAFC President Chief Jim Harmes.

An international board of directors will manage the policy and direction for the institute. They also will provide direct and indirect financial support for the organization.

Officers were elected during the institute's inaugural meeting in May. Ernie Mitchell, former IAFC president and current director of the National Firefighter Technology Resource Center, was elected president of the institute. Chief Bruce Moeller of Sunrise (Fla.) Fire-Rescue was named secretary and Chief Bill Metcalf of the North County Fire Protection District, Fallbrook, Calif., was named treasurer.

Former Littleton, Colo., Fire Chief Bill Pessemier has been named the institute's chief executive officer and will manage day-to-day operations. Pessemier has been on the IAFC national programs staff for the past three years and is working to complete a doctorate in public affairs at the University of Colorado at Denver.

A list of the board of directors is available at www.iafc.org.