CalChiefs Hosts First Zoom Webinar on IROC Transition to IQS—A Major Success

The California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) recently reached an important milestone in expanding member engagement and professional development opportunities by hosting its first-ever Zoom Webinar. The inaugural session focused on the critical transition from IROC to IQS, a topic of significant importance to fire service leaders across the state. The event was an overwhelming success, drawing more than 200 participants from agencies throughout California and beyond.

The transition to the Incident Qualification System (IQS) represents a major operational and administrative shift for departments that rely on robust qualification tracking for incident management personnel. Recognizing both the urgency and the complexity of this change, CalChiefs convened subject-matter experts to provide practical guidance, implementation strategies, and an open forum for questions. Participants received timely information to help their organizations prepare for and navigate the transition with confidence.

Attendance exceeded expectations, demonstrating both the demand for credible, up-to-date information and the value of a statewide platform where leaders can learn together. The webinar format allowed chiefs, command staff, training officers, and administrative personnel—many of whom may not be able to attend in-person events—to participate without travel, minimizing cost and time away from their agencies.

Beyond the immediate success of this session, the event marks the launch of a powerful new capability for CalChiefs. The Zoom Webinar platform will enable the Association to deliver timely, high-quality content on contemporary issues affecting the California fire service. From emerging operational challenges and legislative developments to leadership, technology, and EMS topics, CalChiefs can now connect experts directly with members in real time.

This initiative directly supports CalChiefs’ mission to inform, educate, and advocate on behalf of California’s fire service leadership. By leveraging virtual engagement tools, the Association can broaden its reach, respond quickly to evolving issues, and ensure that members have access to the information they need to lead effectively.

CalChiefs extends its sincere appreciation to the presenters, organizers, and participants who made this inaugural webinar a success. Based on the strong response, additional webinars are already being planned to address other high-priority topics.

As the fire service continues to evolve, CalChiefs remains committed to providing innovative, accessible, and relevant professional development opportunities. The success of the IROC-to-IQS webinar is a clear indication that this new platform will play an important role in strengthening communication, collaboration, and leadership across California’s fire service community.

Stay tuned for announcements of upcoming webinars and other learning opportunities from CalChiefs.