NYSAFC Hosts Annual Leadership Symposium

"The people here today are doers, not talkers," noted Battalion Chief Robert Burns of the Fire Department City of New York as he greeted the more than 50 students who attended NYSAFC’s Emergency Services Leadership Symposium from October 7-8, 2011, at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, N.Y.

Burns’ three-hour presentation "Under the Influence – The Power of Leadership" was the opening workshop of the two-day event, which also included the lectures "Strategic Leadership Class Outline" from Retired Deputy Assistant Chief John Norman, FDNY and "Leadership and ‘A’ Performance" from Chief Richard Marinucci, Northville Township (MI) Fire Department.

The association’s fourth annual symposium also included an evening networking reception where students could meet with their peers from all regions of the state and talk with the instructors in a casual environment.

"We were fortunate to have such high quality speakers and programs at this year's event, " said NYSAFC President Frank "Skip" Sylvester. "Members were engaged and we were encouraged at the interest and attendance." NYSAFC Executive Director Thomas LaBelle added, "This is one of the highest quality programs NYSAFC has ever held. Kudos to everyone who helped with the planning and to those who supported and attended this year."

To view more photos from this year's event, click here.


New York State Association of Fire Chiefs