Forest Reeder
Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1978. He currently serves as Battalion Chief / Director of Training & Safety with the Pleasantview Fire Protection District and is the Director of Training for Southwest United Fire Districts. These responsibilities include the design, implementation and coordination of in-service training activities as well as a full-service fire training academy program.

Additionally, Forest is the author of the weekly drill feature at www.firefighterclosecalls.com and at www.fireengineering.com. He was the coeditor and contributing author of Fire Service Instructor, Principles and Practices, 1st edition published by Jones and Bartlett. He has instructed at FDIC for over 10 years and trains both locally and nationally on fire service training, safety and officer development related topics. Several articles on these programs have been published in major trade publications.

Forest holds many Illinois fire service certifications and a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University. He was awarded the George Post Instructor of the Year by the International Society of Fire Service Instructors at FDIC in 2008. Contact the Committee Chair for more information.

Tommy Fuqua
Prior to retiring Mr. Fuqua served as a Battalion Chief with Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department, where he worked for over 25 years. An Adjunct Instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Mr. Fuqua also teaches for the Virginia Department of Emergency Services, the National Fire Academy and in the Fire Science Program at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke. Mr. Fuqua has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Safety and Security Administration and a Career Study Certificate in Firefighting and Prevention. Mr. Fuqua’s tenure on the Virginia Fire Services Board began in 2000 and was recently elected as Chairman beginning fiscal year 2007. Contact the Committee Chair for more information.