2024 Annual Conference: Opening Symposium

Thursday, October 17th, 8:00 - 11:15 am

Observations from 30,000’ – Challenges and Opportunities for the Modern Fire Service
Chief Timothy E. Sendelbach, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (CO)

Session Description
As firefighters and fire officers we oftentimes view the problems we face day-to-day as local or unique, but the reality is that most of the problems we face in the fire service are shared by firefighters throughout the nation (volunteer, paid, urban, suburban and rural). This high impact, high-energy program will highlight the challenges faced by firefighters and fire officers throughout the nation while sharing critical insight as to the opportunities these challenges bring to current and future leaders of the fire service. This program is a no holds barred presentation designed to uphold the mission of our profession while challenging our daily routines and the decisions that accompany them.

Chief Timothy E. Sendelbach, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (CO)

 Tim is a 38-year student and educator of the fire and emergency services currently serving as the Fire Chief for Loveland Fire Rescue Authority. Chief Sendelbach has extensive leadership experience serving as a chief fire officer across seven states and through the private sector as a senior executive. 

Tim previously served as the Editor-in-Chief and Conference Director for Firehouse overseeing the content and editorial direction of Firehouse Magazine, Firehouse.com, Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World, and related products. Tim also served as the Editor-in-Chief for FireRescue Magazine and Firefighternation.com. 

Tim is a credentialed Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer with the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and has earned a master’s degree in Leadership from Bellevue University, bachelor’s degrees in Fire Administration and Arson, and an associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Care from Eastern Kentucky University. 

Tim has also served as the editor of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) publication The Instructor, and as a contributing author to numerous other publications including: The Volunteer Voice, Firehouse.com Members Zone, National Fire & Rescue, The Atlantic Firefighter, and the Fire & Emergency Television Network (FETN), for which he was the writer/developer of the featured “SURVIVAL!” program. In addition to his numerous accomplishments as a writer, Tim has been a featured speaker in 48 U.S. states, six Canadian and two Australian provinces. 

In 2015, Tim was recognized by Eastern Kentucky University College of Justice & Safety Alumni Society as a Distinguished Alumnus in recognition for his significant contributions and outstanding service to the Justice & Safety Community. In 2014, Tim presented the keynote address for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Life Safety Summit in Tampa, Florida, which was attended by 200 of the most influential leaders in the American fire service. In 2007, Tim presented the keynote address at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis and was also selected to serve on the City of Charleston Post-Incident Assessment and Review Team following the tragic loss of nine firefighters in the Sofa Super Store Fire. In 2002, Tim was awarded the prestigious Innovator of the Year Award from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) for his innovative training ideas and concepts in the area of firefighter safety and survival. In 2001, Tim was awarded the George Hughes Award from the Texas Association of Fire Educators (TAFE) for his accomplishments as a speaker and trainer in the state of Texas. 

Tim is a strong advocate for firefighter health and wellness and frequently competes in long distance triathlons and related fitness events around the world.