One of the foremost authorities on fire prevention, and the author of the "America Burning" Report passed away Thursday.
Louis J. Amabili, 88, began his fire service career when he joined the Hockessin, DE, Fire Company in 1947.
In 1970, President Richard Nixon appointed Amabili to serve on the National Commission for Fire Prevention and Control. That committee, under Amabili's leadership, produced the 1973 "America Burning" report that focused on fire deaths, injuries and losses in the U.S.
"One of the first books I read in my fire service career was 'America Burning.' To see what we learned in the 1970s and yet still not fully applying in 2000 gave me the motivation and direction to push for change," said Lt. Daniel Byrne from the Burton, SC, Fire District.
"The report should be the foundation for today's fire service just as it is for prevention," the Firehouse fire prevention columnist added. "I could not imagine a fire service today without 'America Burning.' That report has saved thousands of lives and will continue to be the basis for change well into the future."
While attending a graduation for the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program in 2013, Amabili told Firehouse.com that members of the committee "put their heart and soul” into the report.
In 1964, he was appointed to be the first Director of the Delaware State Fire School. Upon his retirement in 1996, then-Gov. Thomas Carper named the facility “Louis J. Amabili Fire Training Center.”
Amabili served in a number of roles in the fire service, including being a charter member of the National Fire Academy Board of Visitors and he was the president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.
He became a member of the CFSI Board of Directors in 1994.
“Throughout his entire career, Lou Amabili was fully committed to the health and safety of the men and women who have served in the fire service," CFSI President William F. Jenaway said in a statement. "He was always willing and eager to share his knowledge with both aspiring and veteran firefighters and cared deeply about preserving the fire service’s rich heritage...His contributions to our organization and to the nation’s fire service will preserve his legacy as a legendary leader for many years to come."
"The fire service has lost a true gentlemen and a tireless leader," said Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach. "Lou's dedication and passion have helped shape the American fire service for more than 50 years and his contributions will continue to serve many generations to come. Thank you for your tireless service Lou, you will forever be remembered."
From 1980-1986, Amabili served on the National Fire Protection Association's Board of Directors and they released the following statement: "Lou was instrumental in developing a federal approach to fire safety, prevention and training. He was passionate about firefighter safety and mentored many of today’s fire service leaders. As a member of NFPA’s Board, he was a tireless advocate for eliminating civilian death and injury due to fire while reducing firefighter line of duty death and injuries."
Veteran fire service instructor and fire chief Harry Carter said that Amabili was an inspiration to him during his career.
"Over the years Lou went from being a leader and exemplar to us all to something much more personal and important to me," Carter said. "He became a dear friend, mentor, and source of inspiration and guidance. I was most fortunate to receive his kind words of support, guidance and inspiration as I moved through the leadership ranks of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors. He set the standard which all of us who followed him strove to emulate."
