Kentucky fire chiefs gather in Bowling Green for annual conference

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Fire chiefs from across Kentucky gathered in Bowling Green this week for the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs’ annual leadership conference, a three-day event aimed at training, networking and improving fire service across the state.

“It’s all about recharging; filling your cup,” Bowling Green Fire Chief Justin Brooks said. “Because when you go back home, there’s plenty that empties it out. We want to make sure we don’t find ourselves empty in this profession.”

Brooks added that the event gives chiefs the chance to connect with each other before those relationships are needed in a crisis. “If we’re truly trying to serve, save and protect, we have the ability to make it better by making each other better—and then taking it back to our communities,” he said.

The conference, held at the Sloan Convention Center, brought together more than 100 chiefs and command officers, along with 30 vendors showcasing new fire equipment and technology. Training covered a range of topics including mental health, emotional intelligence, and tactics on the fireground.

Association Treasurer Bobby Bunnell said the combination of training and relationship-building is what makes the conference vital.

“We bring together over 100 chiefs and about 30 vendors. Chiefs are exposed to new innovations in equipment, and we have speakers for a day and a half of training,” Bunnell said.

He emphasized that networking is just as important as the sessions themselves. “The networking is one of the biggest things,” Bunnell said. “If you’re the chief in Bowling Green, you can call the chief in Louisville about a situation. You know who you’re talking to on the other end of the phone, and that makes a difference.”

This marks the 15th year Bowling Green has hosted the leadership conference, something both Brooks and Bunnell said is made possible by community support.

“We appreciate Bowling Green hosting us,” Bunnell said. “This is our 15th year here, and the venue has been a great fit.”