Leadership Under Fire

As a youngster, Robert DiPoli had a fascination with fire trucks. Through a chance meeting early in his career, he heard the fire department was hiring and decided to take the exams and apply. Persevering, he entered the Needham Fire Department and began an ascent that led him to become department chief. He continued to rise through the ranks and ultimately became president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He has worked closely with the Massachusetts State Legislature, Members of Congress, and the Department of Homeland Security. Along the way, he learned much about leadership from the challenges and opportunities. He chronicles his rise through the ranks from garbage man to international leader and the leadership lessons he learned along the way.