Below is the official press release from the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) regarding the passing of Edward "Big Ed' McCormack.

From FEMSA (www.femsa.org)

FEMSA is deeply saddened to report the passing early this morning of Ed McCormack. "Big Ed" was best known to most in the fire and emergency services industry as the former Executive Director of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) and former manager of the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC).

To his credit, Ed was also a retired Fire Chief, creator of the Massachusetts Fire Academy, and a staunch advocate for the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts (PFFM), representing the interests of PFFM in Washington, DC for years.

Personal notes of condolence may be sent to Ed's family in care of Mrs. Mary McCormack, 140 Hayden Rowe, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

The thoughts and prayers of all FEMSA members are with Mary and her family.