As the year comes to a close and with it, my 30-year career as Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), I want to extend my thanks and appreciation for the tremendous support I have received and the friendships I have had during this incredible journey.
While organizing files, I have read hundreds of memos, documents and letters that remind me of why I never considered working anywhere but CFSI. They addressed issues of firefighter health and safety, fire safety education, survivor benefits, cancer in the fire service, PTSD, fire protection systems, and a myriad of other issues. They were addressed to my colleagues, Administration officials, and members of Congress, and never made any reference to Democrats or Republicans. The work was always meaningful, and the interaction with both political and fire service leaders was fulfilling.
President Harry Truman once said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit. ” So much of what CFSI has been able to accomplish over the past 30 years is attributed to the collaboration of the national fire service organizations and the work of the CFSI staff. While I was one of many voices weighing in on important issues throughout the years, the unified voice of the fire service organizations is why we have prevailed.
I have many people to thank for helping me during my career, but I will start and end with the CFSI staff, both past and present. I hope they would all agree that I was not one to micromanage their work; instead, I entrusted them to perform the work commensurate with their job titles – and they delivered. My job was to listen, offer suggestions, and provide support – ok, maybe some directives on occasion, but not very often. As a result, CFSI has evolved into an organization that has accomplished great things for our nation’s fire and emergency services.
Who knows what the future holds in store? It unfolds quietly, shaped by opportunities and events both planned and unexpected. Though its path is unclear, the future invites us to keep moving forward, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Beyond spending more time with the grandchildren, learning new tunes on my guitar, and discovering new hiking trails, I don’t know what challenges or opportunities await me. But I am eager to find out.
In closing, thank you again for supporting me and the Congressional Fire Services Institute over the years. Who knows, I may see some of you at the 36th National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner. For the first time in decades, I will be able to enjoy the program from the ballroom and not backstage, where I would wear out the carpet from pacing back and forth because of speakers who exceeded their allotted speaking time!
Best to all of you and best wishes for good health and happiness in 2026!
Bill Webb
Executive Director