Important Message from the NYSAFC Executive Board

The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs board of directors is both saddened and excited to announce that longtime Executive Director Thomas LaBelle will be stepping down from that position in early October. He has accepted a position as division chief of volunteer services with the Albemarle County (VA) Department of Fire Rescue.

Tom LaBelle has been with NYSAFC since 1995, and served as our government affairs executive, deputy executive director, and executive director/CEO. LaBelle has represented our organization to the membership and our partners in the fire service world for nearly 20 years. He has championed many of our legislative endeavors and has been the source of information and guidance to many fire chiefs in the Empire State. LaBelle has over 20 years of experiences in the emergency services, most recently serving as an assistant chief with the North Greenbush Fire District in Rensselaer County. In addition, he is a writer for a national fire service website and serves on national committees that address volunteer and combination department leadership issues.

With the Albemarle County (VA) Department of Fire Rescue, LaBelle will be responsible to ensure that the county continues to develop a vibrant volunteer fire and rescue force by working closely with all volunteer members and with the fire and emergency medical services board. The Albemarle County Fire Rescue system is a combination volunteer and career service that provides fire suppression, emergency medical, special operations, and community risk reduction services.

Several years ago, the NYSAFC board of directors began to actively plan for the eventual replacement of our executive director. The board is currently carrying out that plan to begin an orderly transition. Information regarding this position should be forthcoming within the coming weeks. It should be noted that LaBelle has agreed to assist us in this very crucial transition period.

Please join us in wishing Tom LaBelle and his family the very best and much success as he embarks on his new journey and career in the Virginia fire service.