Legal Eagles Honoree: Sean DeCrane '82

Sean DeCrane '82 has devoted his career to protecting firefighters and strengthening the safety of the communities they serve. From his years in the Cleveland Division of Fire to his national and international work, his service has centered on helping firefighters return home safely and supporting families when tragedy strikes.

Sean retired from the Cleveland Division of Fire after more than 25 years of service, during which he held leadership roles including director of training and chief of operations. He now serves as assistant to the general president in the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Health and Safety Division. His responsibilities span industry standards and building code development, wellness and fitness initiatives, operational training, and behavioral health programs.

Throughout his career, Sean has advanced federal initiatives to improve firefighter safety. He also led the expansion of the IAFF Public Safety Officer Benefit Program, which helps surviving families of IAFF members navigate the application process for line-of-duty death benefits. This work provides practical support to families facing profound loss.

Sean’s experience includes serving as a research engineer associate at UL Solutions, where he supported strategic planning, project prioritization, and implementation for its Fire Research and Development Team. In that role, he worked with industry organizations and fire service professionals across Asia, Australia, and Europe.

His research collaborations with Underwriters Laboratories, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other organizations have focused on firefighter tactical operations and working conditions. He serves on the UL Fire Council and the UL Fire Safety Research Institute’s Advisory Board, continuing his commitment to turning research into safer practices for firefighters.

Sean is the son of Mary Patricia and the late Bernie DeCrane '60. He and his wife, Beth, are the proud parents of two daughters, Ali and Caitlyn. Caitlyn is married to fellow Edsman Sean Hearns ’00.