To all of my FCAM colleagues,
My name is Stephen Coleman and I am the Chief of the Auburn Fire Rescue Department. I am a candidate for 1st Vice President of the Fire Chiefs Association of MA, an organization that I have been privileged to be an active member since 2009.
Today I am humbly asking for your support and vote as I seek to be your next 1st Vice President of this great association. I began my fire service career as a call firefighter in 1989 and achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a career member in 1995. I have served as a Firefighter/Intermediate, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief and now Chief of Department. I have served as a Chief Officer for 11 ½ years, the past 6 ½ as Chief.
I have served as an FCAM representative to the Mass DOT’s Traffic Incident Management program, the mentoring program and the Chairman of the website committee. I currently serve on the Board of Directors representing District 7. I have attended the past 5 FCAM Professional Development Conferences and had the privilege of speaking at two of them. I take great pride in being able to pass on information to my fellow colleagues and being a resource when I can for you. I have had the opportunity to assist many Chief’s in the state with their social media policies and initiatives and it was a pleasure. I take more pride in knowing that I belong to an association full of talented and experienced fire service professionals that can be a resource to me.
I have been able to meet some amazing people over the course of my career, especially through this association. I have had the opportunity to make connections and build relationships that will assist this association. Senator Michael Moore, the current Chairman of the Public Safety Committee is my Senator in the 2nd Worcester District. I speak with Senator Moore on a weekly basis and to have such access to the Public Safety Committee is a benefit to this association. I have the full support of my Town Manager, Julie Jacobson to seek this position. Mrs. Jacobson herself is a member of the Board of Directors for the MMA and will most likely seek the position of 2nd Vice President within the MMA. To have that type of access and relationship with the MMA is something that is critically needed to be successful in all of our legislative initiatives.
This upcoming election is a critical one for our association. With the retirement of our longtime Secretary/Treasurer Bill Dolan, who is so well respected and carries much of the institutional knowledge for our association, now more than ever our organization needs strong leadership to work with our new Secretary, Treasurer and Government Affairs Director to continue to move our organization and legislative agenda forward.
I just hope you give me the opportunity to continue to serve you in a new capacity as your 1st Vice President. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 774-200-7539 and I would be happy to speak with you. I look forward to your vote this April.
Sincerely,
Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.