The national fire service is mourning the loss of longtime National Volunteer Fire Council CEO Heather Schafer.
Schafer passed away suddenly Monday, March 15 - the 45th anniversary of the council's organization.
In 1994 she became the executive director of NVFC, responsible for managing all internal and external operations and helping develop the strategic vision for the organization.
Under Schafer, the NVFC grew immensely, from hundreds of members and a staff of two, to over 25,000 members and a staff of 11, the council stated in a press release.
"Heather has been with the NVFC for 27 years and her vision, innovation, and dedication has guided the organization through a period of tremendous growth," the council shared in a Facebook post. "She was an unwavering advocate for the volunteer emergency services community and will be greatly missed."
The NVFC secured federal grants that allowed the organization to offer groundbreaking programs and resources under her leadership, including the development of the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, Fire Corps, Share the Load program and Make Me A Firefighter program.
Schafer was able to develop many partnerships and collaborations that benefited the volunteer emergency services community and oversaw the NVFC’s advocacy efforts.
"Heather’s contributions to the organization cannot be overstated," read a statement from the NVFC. "Her guidance and vision will have a lasting impact on the NVFC and the volunteer fire and emergency services. Heather’s commitment, innovation, and passion for the organization’s mission has helped to shape the NVFC into what it has become."
Heather volunteered at her local fire department in Arnold, MD.
"The NVFC and the volunteer fire service will miss Heather Schafer and her commitment to the volunteer fire service. For over a quarter of century she has helped steer the NVFC in fulfilling its mission of keeping our volunteer firefighters safe," NVFC Chairman Steven Hirsch shared with Firehouse.
Fire service reacts to Shafer's passing
“Heather Shafer and I became friends the day we first met. Personally, she was a joy to get to know, and professionally, she was a pleasure to work with," Chief Dennis Compton recalled. "I remember many times when she brought a stabilizing effect to contentious issues during meetings and smaller discussions as well."
"When I contacted her after the Yarnell Hill fire near Prescott, AZ, a few years ago, Heather was incredibly helpful to me and the town of Yarnell. While Prescot had tragically lost their 19 Hotshots in the fire, the town had lost their fire protection facility and equipment in the fire. She helped me steer them in the right direction to secure some support and financial assistance for their volunteer fire department. Heather was the consummate professional and will be missed not only by the volunteer fire service, but by the leadership of the fire service as a whole. She was first class all the way," Compton said.
“I was deeply saddened when I learned of Heather’s sudden passing; it is a real tragedy. Heather has been an integral part of the American fire service community and under her leadership, the NVFC and the volunteer community, as a whole, has made great strides in their efforts to support volunteer members across the country," said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. "Heather was not only a colleague, she was also my friend, and I will truly miss her,”
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Heather. It's a loss for the NVFC and for the entire fire service," said Congressional Fire Services Institute Executive Director Bill Webb. "She was a close friend and a consummate professional, who cared deeply about the members she represented and served on the national level. But the loss is greatest for her family and her staff. My thoughts and prayers to each one of them."
"I first met Heather shortly after she signed on with the NVFC. We hit it off right away. She was a quick learner and she figured out how to navigate fire service politics in no time," recalled Steve Austin, past president of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association. "She had worked in the White House and maintained contacts there. Years ago, a group of us were scheduled for a meeting in Washington during the holiday season. Heather was a participant. During the day she surprised us and announced that she had arranged for us to visit the White House to see the Christmas decorations. She was a kind and caring person who contributed to the betterment of all of the fire service. She will be missed.
“The loss of our dear friend Heather leaves a big void in our fire service community. Her passion, leadership, and vision for the volunteer fire service will be greatly missed,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman of the Board of Directors Troy Markel.
