IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute Available for Twelfth Year

McLean, Va. ‐ For the 12th year, the IAFC has received a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation (MSF) to fund another year of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). FSEDI is a program developed by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have a successful and productive tenure. Applications for 2024 are due no later than 5 PM ET on November 17, 2023.

"In my journey through the fire service, I have witnessed the impact of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI), and it fills me with pride to see it thrive for the twelfth consecutive year, thanks to the generous support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation.” said Fire Chief John S. Butler, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department and International Association of Fire Chiefs President, “As a former participant, I can attest to its power in shaping the future of fire service leadership. FSEDI equips new and aspiring chiefs with the essential tools they need to not only succeed but to excel in their vital roles. It's a beacon of knowledge, camaraderie, and growth towards safer communities and stronger fire service organizations."

The Motorola Solutions Foundation awards grants each year to organizations such as the IAFC to support advanced public safety programs that support enhanced relationships and understanding between fire service organizations and the citizens they serve. The FSEDI program is designed to identify and support the next generation of fire service leaders, which will help create safer towns, cities, and thriving communities.

“This year, the Motorola Solutions Foundation awarded over $4.8 million to programs that support first responder mental wellness, scholarships to families of fallen first responders, leadership development opportunities for underrepresented populations and more,” said Karem Perez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We are proud to continue the partnership with IAFC in support of its FSEDI program. FSEDI has been a catalyst for developing impactful and holistic leadership throughout the fire service. By better preparing future leadership, we're creating safer cities and thriving communities across the country.”

The members of the previous eleven sessions have been very successful in achieving promotions, fire chief positions, and appointments to regional, state, and national fire service committees and task groups. Approximately one‐third of the previous class of chief officers have achieved fire chief positions or promotion to higher executive levels. At the recent Fire-Rescue International Conference in Kansas City, Chief Brian Fennessy, Orange County (CA) Fire Authority Chief and member of FSEDI 2014, was recognized as the IAFC 2023 Chief of the Year.

The year-long program is open to new and aspiring chiefs who have demonstrated a commitment to career advancement and enhancing the fire/EMS service through their leadership. During the year, the cohort members meet three times for sessions conducted in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan region. Experts from the fire and emergency service and the private sector will cover topics such as ethics, leadership in the new era, emerging concepts in organizational design and delivery, effective use of science and data, budgeting and spend management, as well as labor-management relations, diversity and inclusion, and many more contemporary topics.

One member of a recent FSEDI cohort said, “There is hardly a day that goes by where I don't draw from either the experience or cohorts to help my decision‐making process. This program is impacting the fire service for future generations.” Members of the 2024 FSEDI cohort will have assignments to complete between sessions in addition to maintaining communications and networking via an online community. They will participate in mentoring and coaching opportunities. Members of the cohort will also be introduced to the members of the first eleven cohorts as part of expanding their professional networks.

The program is limited to 20 members. The program looks to have a diverse group representing all U.S. and Canadian regions, from various sizes and types of fire/EMS departments. Chief officers accepted into the program are eligible for a scholarship that covers the cost of housing, meals, and activities for the on‐site sessions if their departments don’t have the funding. Successful applicants also will be expected to attend Fire‐Rescue International 2024 in Dallas, Texas. All expenses related to attending FRI and travel expenses to the conference center are not covered by the scholarship.

To learn more and apply, visit. iafc.org/FSEDI. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Beth Michos via email or 571-926-4283.