Booz Allen’s John Morrison Named Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year

By day, John Morrison helps keep federal government clients up and running, managing schedules, budgets, and compliance and functionality requirements as a senior lead technologist in Booz Allen’s Chantilly, Virginia office. In his out-of-office time, he plays another important role in community life. As chief of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD), he oversees department operations and more than 60 volunteers.

In honor of his service, Morrison was named 2019 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), in partnership with Pierce Manufacturing, a leading producer of fire apparatus and equipment.

“Tenacity, compassion, and an ability to inspire others”

Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing, called Morrison an “exemplary” leader and noted his ability to embrace his work “with professionalism, tenacity, compassion, and an ability to inspire others.” 

“I’m honored and humbled to receive this amazing award from the IAFC and Pierce Manufacturing,” Morrison said. “It takes a large and dedicated team to make a leader look good. No exception in this case. The members of the Vienna VFD are outstanding public servants.”

A tech innovator and lifetime leader

Morrison began volunteering for the VVFD at 16 years old, rising through the ranks as an EMT, firefighter, then chief since 2010. His 23 years of service include managing planning for national and international deployments, training volunteers as an instructor since 2005, and representing the Americas region on the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group’s Information Management Working Group.

He’s also put his technology skills to work creating and managing: 

• A web-based portal that digitizes paper processes and that’s been cited as a best practice in numerous FEMA and international audits
• A volunteer management system that unites all 12 Fairfax County volunteer fire departments into a single portal for information-sharing

“Through his innovative development of solutions and dedication to his work, Morrison exemplifies the standards exhibited by a Fire Chief of the Year,” said the award announcement on FirefighterNation.com.

Read more about John Morrison and careers at Booz Allen.