Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome was appointed to the Human Relations Committee of the International Association of Fire Chiefs on Aug. 26 during the IAFC conference in Atlanta, Ga.

Chief Broome will serve a three-year term, during which he will assist the organization in researching interpersonal and intergroup adjustments relative to the diversity of IAFC members and then assist in creating a Value Centered Human Relations Approach to be implemented within national and international fire departments.

Since joining the Valdosta Fire Department in March 2014, Chief Broome has initiated several local programs, which include the Citizens Fire Academy, Fire Officer Training with the Georgia Fire Academy, EMT programs with Wiregrass Technical College, a Fire Safety newsletter, and a mentoring program for troubled youth, in addition to the hundreds of educational service hours that he and his VFD staff contribute to the local community.

The City of Valdosta congratulates Chief Broome for his service to the city and for his representation of his national and international peers through this IAFC appointment.