5th Vice-President Candidates

Adam Kutz - Storm Lake Fire Department

Hello fellow firefighters My name is Adam Kutz, I am a member of the Storm Lake Fire Department and am announcing my intention to run for 5th Vice President of the Iowa Firefighter Association. 

I have been a member of Storm Lake for 24 years and currently hold the rank of Assistant Chief.  I have certifications in Firefighter I and II with Hazmat. I have been President of the Storm Lake Volunteer Fire Association for 12 years and have full support of the association to pursue the 5th vice position. 

My wife Angie, my children Ashley and Andrew are great supporters of mine and everything I do with the Fire department and in the community.  We own and operate A&A Automotive and Tire in Storm Lake for 16 years and remain very active in various activities for other non profit associations in Storm Lake and Buena Vista County.

My goals as 5th vice president will be to find ways to increase membership not only in the Iowa Firefighters Association but find ways to assist individual fire departments with membership and work with state legislature to find incentives to attract new fire fighters and encourage them to stay on the departments. 

Thanks you for your support and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at aaauto8987@gmail.com.  I would be more than willing to listen to any input that you have and use it wherever possible.  

 

Thanks again,

Adam Kutz
Storm Lake Fire Department.

Jay Degenford - Edgewood Fire Department

Hello fellow IFA members,

I'm Jay (JD) Degenford, and I'm honored to announce my candidacy for the position of 5th Vice President of the Iowa Firefighters Association. With extensive experience, I've been an integral part of the Edgewood Fire Department since 1989, serving as an officer for 25 years, with 13 years dedicated to the role of Fire Chief.

In addition to my role in the fire department, I have actively contributed to my community. This involvement includes serving as a driver for the ambulance, being a member of the city council, and holding a position as a board member for the Edgewood Chamber of Commerce, where I previously served as the president. Edgewood's distinctive location, straddling two counties, led me to actively participate in both the Delaware and Clayton county associations, and I've had the honor of serving as the past president specifically in Clayton County.

My family includes my wife Janet, daughters Alicia and Emily, and their spouses Johnny and Mitch, as well as our seven grandchildren ranging from 17 to 2 years old. Notably, my family has actively participated in various department activities, with Johnny, my son-in-law, currently serving on the Edgewood Fire Department.

Recent adjustments in my responsibilities, such as stepping down as Fire Chief and transitioning out of the managerial position at Nutrien Ag Solutions, reflect my dedication to devoting time to the IFA board.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities within the Iowa Fire Service, I acknowledge that addressing issues like training and firefighter safety, recruitment and retention of personnel,  the prudent allocation of association funding, and protecting the state funding we currently have for the Iowa Fire Service is just a starting point. I am dedicated to increasing involvement among our association departments and members.

The Iowa Firefighters Association has a rich legacy, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success. I am grateful for the leaders who have paved the way before me, and now, it is my turn to give back. Your support in the upcoming September election is invaluable, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you all.

Sincerely,

Jay (JD) Degenford