History of the Pro Board

1. History of the Pro Board “2014 Pro Board Education Conference” January 17, 2014 Orlando, Florida National Professional Qualifications Board for the Fire Service (NPQBFS) Wayne Powell, Executive Director, National Fire Heritage Center ~ Emmitsburg, Maryland ~

2. Key Milestones of the Journey • 1966 – “Wingspread”– Statements of National Significance on the Fire Problem in the United States [including F.S. Professional Development]. • 1968 – Federal Fire Research & Safety Act --Expanded role of NBS/CFR (now NIST) and active consideration of a Presidential Commission to study and make recommendations regarding ‘America’s Fire Problem’ (P.L. 90-259). • 1970 – ‘Williamsburg Conference’ - Joint Council and a ‘push’ for Commissioner appointments [including F.S. Professional Development].

3. Milestones • 1971-’72 - Creation of the Joint Council of National Fire Service Organizations and the group’s creationoftheProBoard[Professional Development] plus the major push for ‘America Burning’ (national commission appointments). • 1973 – Landmark Report “America Burning” released [key, professional development]. • 1974 – Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act (P.L. 93-498) [with ProDev - on grander scale].

4. Milestones • 1975 – National Fire Academy starts (NFPCA and its NAFPC – today’s NFA/USFA). • 1976 – Wingspread II / and, every 10 years since [with the reoccurring themes of ProDev]. • ~ Closing Reflections on that Journey of Professional Development [which continues…].

5. Thoughts on the Journey • Parallels – society’s call for ever-increasing training, education, standards, certification, licensure, accreditation (individual and organizational) including in Law Enforcement at all levels (interesting - FBI Academy / FBI National Academy and state initiatives). • “The future is here…” – and, collectively we need to help those at all levels in our disciplines succeed with attaining professional qualifications.