McLean, Va. – The Motorola Solutions Foundation has provided the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) with a grant to fund year thirteen of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) program.
For the last twelve years, the FSEDI program has provided new and aspiring chiefs with the mentorship, training, and tools they need to thrive during their tenure. The year long program is open to new and aspiring chiefs who have demonstrated a commitment to career development and enhancing the fire/EMS service through their leadership.
During the program cohort members meet three times for in-person sessions held in the Washington DC Metro area. Experts from the fire and emergency services and the private sector cover topics such as ethics, political acumen, DEIB, budgeting, crisis communications, and more. In addition, the participants receive mentoring, and coaching opportunities as well as learning and networking assignments between onsite sessions.
“As president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, I am honored to continue the important work of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI), now in its 13th year,” said IAFC President and Board Chair, Chief Josh Waldo. “Thanks to the ongoing support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, this program equips new and aspiring fire chiefs with the leadership tools they need to serve their communities effectively. This program is more than training—it’s an investment in the future of fire service leadership.”
“Having attended a number of valuable leadership and executive development courses, none have compared to the preparation for the position of Fire Chief better than the IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI),” says Chief David Gerboth, Salem OR fire chief and FSEDI 2024 member. “As a new Fire Chief, I constantly utilize the skills I learned at FSEDI, and I collaborate every day with members of my cohort and alumni throughout the nation. The curriculum, relationships, network, and support from FSEDI are the most powerful tools a Fire Chief [can have].”
"The Motorola Solutions Foundation is proud to continue our long-standing support of the IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Institute," said Karem Pérez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "This program plays a critical role in developing future fire service leaders, and we are committed to helping the IAFC uplift passionate, aspiring chiefs to help keep our communities safer.”
Twenty applicants will be chosen to participate in this year’s cohort. Officers accepted into the program will be eligible for a scholarship that covers the cost of housing, meals, and activities for the on‐site sessions if their departments lack the funding. Cohort members will also be expected to attend Fire‐Rescue International 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Expenses related to attending FRI are not covered by the FSEDI scholarship.
Applications are due by 5 PM (ET) on December 30. Inquiries can be directed to Mary Beth Michos at mbmichos@iafc.org or 571-926-4283.
Apply to FSEDI
About IAFC:
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) represents the leadership of fire and emergency service organizations throughout the international community. The IAFC provides leadership, education, and support to its members and works to advance the fire service profession.
About Motorola Solutions Foundation:
The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. With employees located around the globe, Motorola Solutions seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The Foundation achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships and fostering innovation. The Motorola Solutions Foundation prioritizes its funding on public safety education, technology & engineering education, disaster relief, and employee volunteerism.