Louis J. Amabili Dies

Louis J. Amabili a National Fire Service Legend and member of the CVVFA Emergency Responder Safety Institute has died after an illness. A member of the Delaware fire service since 1947, Lou gained national recognition in the fire service when President Richard Nixon appointed him to serve on the National Commission for Fire Prevention and Control in 1970, which produced the landmark report, AMERICA BURNING.

Lou joined the Hockessin (DE) Fire Company in 1947 and remained active in the fire service for more than 70 years. A graduate of the University of Delaware in 1949, he was appointed the first Director of the Delaware State Fire School in 1964 and served in that capacity through 1996. Upon his retirement, Governor Thomas Carper of Delaware signed a resolution naming the school the “Louis J. Amabili Fire Training Center.”

From 1973 to 1980, Lou served as President of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors; from 1978 to 1986, he served as charter member of the National Fire Academy Board of Visitors. In addition, Lou served on the NFPA Board of Directors from 1980 to 1986 and was chairman of the Fire Department Instructors Conference in 1979 and 1980.

"Lou's contribution to the fire service are immeasurable" said Steve Austin CVVFA/ERSI Project Manager. His guidance and wise counsel will be sorely missed" he added.