Best Practices for Developing and Implementing Technology

Eddie Buchanan is a retired Assistant Fire Chief with Hanover (VA) Fire-EMS and the Business Development Manager for Deccan International. He is a past president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and a past board member of the VCOS Section. He is the author of the Training Officer’s Handbook and Volunteer Training Officer’s Handbook from Fire Engineering and serves on their editorial advisory board.

Ms. Jill Cotton is President for the web-based inspections report management systems company, InspectionReportsOnline.net (IROL) based in Aurora, IL. She develops and implements marketing strategies, conducts and leads large group presentations, participates in trade show/conference sessions, and works directly with IROL customers for service and training. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from Marquette University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Aurora University. Contact Jill at jcotton@irol-llc.net.

Henry Charles began his fire service career in 2004 in Loudoun County, Virginia, steadily advancing to become the Captain of Data Analytics in 2021. Throughout his career, he specialized in technical rescue while developing a deep passion for leveraging data to drive informed decision-making. His data-driven approach became a defining feature, guiding decisions on apparatus, equipment, personnel, and training. Recognizing the transformative potential of data, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in business analytics from American Public University in 2022, graduating magna cum laude.

John M. Buckman III served as a German Township Fire Chief managing volunteers for 35 years. He is most proud of the title “pawpaw.” Leslie his wife has spent 29 years together. He currently serves as Education Coordinator for the International Association of Fire Chief Volunteer and Combination Officers Section. He is the Director of Government and Regional Outreach for IamResponding. He served as the Indiana Fire Academy Director for 15 years. He served as President of the International Association of Fire Chief in 2001-2002.

He has authored over 150 articles in various publications. In 1996 he was selected by Fire Chief Magazine as Fire Chief of the Year in 1996. He has published 4 books and 7 photography books. He received the Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Meritorious Service Award. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022 he received the Jimmy Seavey Health and Wellness award presented by the NVFC. and the Presidents Award from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.

He was one of the founders of the Volunteer and Combination Officer Section (VCOS) and the National Fire Academy Alumni Association. He has contributed to several “ribbon reports” published by the VCOS. He was asked to be one of the editors for the original Lavender Ribbon Report published by the VCOS and NVFC in 2019. In 2021 he along with Brian McQueen spearheaded the update for the Lavender Ribbon Report. He is a principal author of the Yellow Ribbon Report and the updated updated Training Volunteers white paper published by the National Volunteer Fire Council and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section.