Delaware Fire School Deputy Director Chad Ingram Selected for National Firefighter Safety Initiative

Delaware State Fire School Deputy Director Selected to Represent National Fire Training Organization on Firefighter Safety Initiative

DOVER, DELAWARE - The Delaware State Fire School is proud to announce that Deputy Director Chad Ingram has been selected by the Board of the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) to represent the organization on a national firefighter safety research initiative led by the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM).

The grant-funded initiative, conducted in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), will examine firefighter line-of-duty deaths and serious injuries, with particular attention to the role of firefighter training and preparedness.

The project will bring together fire service training professionals, researchers, and data experts to examine training records associated with serious incidents, identify potential gaps and emerging training needs, and develop practical recommendations to improve firefighter safety nationwide.

As NAFTD's selected representative, Ingram will serve on the project's review panel, contributing the perspective of state-level fire service training organizations and drawing upon his experience with firefighter training, emergency response, and injury review programs in Delaware.

"Chad's selection to represent the North American Fire Training Directors on this national initiative is an extraordinary recognition of his expertise and commitment to firefighter safety," said Matthew Dodds, Director of the Delaware State Fire School. "We are incredibly proud of Chad and the opportunity for Delaware to contribute to work that could have a lasting impact on the safety and preparedness of firefighters throughout the country."

Ingram currently serves as Deputy Director of the Delaware State Fire School, where he helps oversee statewide fire and emergency services training programs. He also co-leads a statewide injury review committee involving the Delaware State Fire School, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission's Investigative Division.

The committee reviews firefighter and emergency medical technician injuries occurring during emergency incidents, training activities, emergency responses, and other fire service operations. This work provides Ingram with direct experience examining operational safety concerns and identifying opportunities to improve firefighter training and risk reduction.

The national initiative is designed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement rather than assign fault to individual training programs, instructors, or agencies. Findings are intended to support the development of educational resources and recommendations that can be shared throughout the fire service.

"This recognition demonstrates that Delaware's fire service professionals have an important role to play in advancing training and safety practices at the national level," Dodds added. "We look forward to supporting Deputy Director Ingram's participation and bringing the lessons learned from this important initiative back to the Delaware fire service."

The Delaware State Fire School congratulates Deputy Director Ingram on this selection and commends his continued commitment to protecting the firefighters and emergency responders who serve their communities.
About the Delaware State Fire School!

About the Delaware State Fire School
The Delaware State Fire School provides fire, rescue, emergency medical services, and related training to Delaware's emergency services community. Through its three training divisions, the School supports the education, professional development, and operational readiness of emergency responders across the First State.

Media Contact Jason McCabe

PIO Delaware State Fire School

(302) 739-4773

Fire.School@Delaware

www.statefireschool.delaware.gov