Monarch Fire Chief Elected President of Area Fire Chiefs Association

, who , added a few more new job responsibilities to his plate on Tuesday when he was elected to preside over the Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chiefs Association (GSLAFCA).

Jefferson County fire protection districts-along with districts in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties, and St. Louis City-are included in the association.

Since 1958, the association allows fire chiefs to share best practices, fire education trends and certain committee work, such as handling of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). Previously, Vineyard served as the association's secretary.

As association president, Vineyard said one of his goals is to encourage fire chiefs to collectively determine how they can improve delivery of services to the region's communities. "I'd also like to get more chiefs actively involved in the association, and see what we can do on a regional basis to benefit everyone as a whole."

He said several other associations—such as those for leaders in fire training, emergency management services and fire marshals—act as subsidiaries, per se, to GSLAFCA. "The other groups work independently at times, but we also indirectly work together for special programs," he said.

Vineyard joined the Monarch Fire Protection District in December with 23 years of experience. He first joined GSLAFCA about eight years ago when he became chief of Mid-County Fire Protection District of St. Louis County.