Former Scarsdale Fire Chief Named NYS Career Chief of the Year

Former Scarsdale Fire Chief Thomas Cain, who served as Scarsdale's Fire Chief from 2005-2016 was named the 2017 recipient of its New York State Career Fire Chief of the Year Award. The award was presented during the General Session of the NYSAFC 111th Annual Conference & FIRE 2017 Expo on June 15, 2017, at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY.

NYSAFC's Career Fire Chief of the Year Award honoree is selected for demonstrating exemplary leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public, and contributions to the fire service. Cain is recognized for his commitment and service to his department, county, and members of the fire service throughout the state of New York.

Cain began his fire service career as an explorer with the Fairview Fire District in 1979. He served as a volunteer firefighter with Fairview from 1982 to 1984, when he became a professional firefighter with the Scarsdale Fire Department. During his tenure with Scarsdale, Cain served as a firefighter, captain, municipal training officer, tour commander, and chief of the department from 2005-2016.

A member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs since 2005, Cain served on the association's Paid Officers Committee before being elected to its board of directors in 2012. He served on the board until his retirement as chief in 2016. Cain was also a member of the Career Fire Chiefs of New York State, where he served as a board member and treasurer, the Westchester County Career Fire Chiefs Association, the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and also served as a nationally certified fire service instructor level II.

Cain successfully completed the Advanced Fire Service Administration Program in 2002, an intensive course for fire service leaders developed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration. He earned a degree in fire service administration from the State University of New York/Empire State College.

While chief of the Scarsdale Fire Department, Cain's level of professionalism and dedication to his department and to the fire service of New York state was evident through his staunch advocacy for the advanced education and training of firefighters. This is exemplified through his strong support of efforts to obtain special operations training in Westchester County, as well as his active support of classroom and hands-on training programs delivered by NYSAFC throughout the Empire State for current and future fire service leaders.

To support our nation's fallen firefighters and their families, Cain was instrumental in launching and organizing NYSAFC's annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Stair climb events are held across the country to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). NYSAFC's first stair climb was held in 2015, and the event has continued to grow in the number of participants and funds raised in subsequent years.

For his dedication to the professional development and support of firefighters and fire chiefs on the local, state, and national level, NYSAFC proudly presents this award to Retired Chief Thomas M. Cain