The Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) is a program developed by the IAFC and funded by a grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation (MSF) to provide new and aspiring 5-bugle chiefs with the tools they need to have a successful and productive tenure as a fire department leader. Program goals and objectives. The 2025 session is the thirteenth program funded by the MSF in conjunction with the IAFC.
Motorola Solutions Foundation is committed to helping public safety organizations improve relationship and understanding between the public safety departments and leaders and the citizens they serve.
Please complete the application before close of business 5 PM (ET) on Monday, December 30, 2024. Any inquiries can be directed to Mary Beth Michos at mbmichos@iafc.org or 571-926-4283.
Apply to FSEDI
Criteria and Guidelines
Applicants who apply for the 2025 FSEDI program must be new (a year or less in the position) five bugle fire chiefs and aspiring (currently applying for five bugle fire chief positions or in department's succession plan with the possibility of becoming chief in the next two years) chief officers who have demonstrated a commitment to career advancement and enhancing the fire-EMS service through their leadership. Applicants are required to have experience as a fire chief officer.
Participants must make a 12 – 18 month commitment to the program that includes
- A week-long introductory residency at a conference center in the Washington Metropolitan region.
- 2 additional four to five day sessions at a conference facility
- 4-6 month periods of self-study between sessions during which the participants will have access to mentors and executive coaches. There will also be opportunities for peer discussion in a private KnowledgeNet community.
- During the 3 on-site sessions experts from the fire and emergency service and the private sector will cover topics such as:
- Personal values, mission, vision ad strategic plan
- Emotional Intelligence
- It's all about relationships
- Ethical leadership
- Political Acumen
- Leadership in the new era
- Executive presence
- Emerging concepts in organizational design and delivery
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion – leading a diverse workforce
- Personal resilience and building a resilient department
- Effective use of science and data
- Budgeting and spend-management
- Labor-management relations
- Succession planning
- Storytelling
- Courageous and crisis communications
- Attending Fire-Rescue International August 12 - 15, 2025 in Orlando, Florida for the full conference. The individual or their department will be responsible for the registration and travel and onsite expenses. There will be opportunities to meet and network with members of all FSEDI programs. Cohort members are required to attend the Invitational FSEDI training session.
- Participate in FSEDI webinar series
- Completing a project that contributes to the enhancement of the fire and emergency service and actively participating in professional organizations at the state or national level.
- Actively participate in professional organizations at the state or national level.
- Maintain an ongoing relationship with peers, networking with members of the previous year's cohort and other alumni of the FSEDI.
- Join and be active with the FSEDI alumni after completion of the initial FSEDI program.
- Plan to remain active in the fire service for a minimum of 5 years.
This program is limited to 20- 24 participants. Applicants who are accepted may be awarded a scholarship to cover housing and meals while onsite if their department is unable to provide the funding. The individual or their department will be responsible for travel costs for the three onsite sessions in addition to the expenses incurred with attendance at FRI.
Program Goals
- Identify aspiring fire chiefs (Fire department CEO position) and provide them the education, tools and resources to be successful in achieving a chief position and experiencing a long successful tenure.
- Identify, educate and nurture, and promote the next generation of fire service leaders.
- Provide a more direct route for individuals to be active and engaged in the fire service at a regional, state and/or national level.
- Provide a developmental program that focuses on current and emerging issues challenging fire service leadership.
Objectives
Individual participants will:
- Develop an increased understanding of their personal values and purpose in life.
- Recognize the importance of improving their executive presence, behavior as a leader and social skills.
- Be prepared to apply for and go through promotion and chief position processes.
- Execute succession planning and high-performance team building skills.
- Demonstrate time, financial and data management skills.
- Strengthen political acumen and ethical decision-making skills.
- Develop an increased understanding of the legal issues.
- Understand organizational culture, how to effect cultural change.
- Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the fire and emergency services.
Questions?
Contact Mary Beth Michos by email or at 571-926-4283.