Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has received significant grant award as part of the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s public safety grant award program. The grant will make it possible for the IAFC to fund a 4th year of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI).
Developed by the IAFC, FSEDI provides new and aspiring fire chiefs with the tools they need to have a successful and productive tenure. The members of the previous three sessions have been very successful in achieving fire chief positions and appointments to regional, state and national fire service committees and task groups.
The yearlong program is open to new chiefs (one year or less in the position) and aspiring chiefs (currently applying for chief positions or in department’s succession plan) who have demonstrated a commitment to career advancement and enhancing the fire-ems service through their leadership.
Members of the cohort meet three times over one year for sessions conducted at a conference center in the Washington Metropolitan region. Experts from the fire and emergency service and the private sector 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, and labor–management relations, and how to be successful in recruiting and hiring processes plus many more. This program differs from other executive level program in the fire service in that the focus is on real world and emerging issues around these subjects.
“FSEDI has truly prepared me to step into the role of fire chief,” said Chief Susanna Schmitt Williams, Town of Carrboro (N.C.) Department of Fire & Rescue, FSEDI 2014. “While I know I still have a lot to learn, I do feel many of the topics we discussed have set a good foundation.”
Members of the cohort will have assignments to complete between sessions in addition to maintaining communications and networking via an on-line community. They will participate in mentoring and coaching opportunities. Members of the 2016 FSEDI cohort will also be introduced to the members of the first three programs as part of expanding their professional networks.
“The information and the contacts made while participating in the FSEDI program were critical components in the preparation process that led to my being appointed fire chief in San Diego,” said Chief Brian Fennessy, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, FSEDI 2014. “As the new fire chief, find myself reaching into the FSEDI toolbox and successfully applying many of the lessons learned and resources the program provided.”
The program is limited to 20 members. It looks to have a diverse group representing all regions of the U.S. and Canada, from various size and types of fire-ems departments. Chief officers accepted into the program will be awarded a scholarship to cover the cost of transportation, housing and meals for the on-site sessions.
Information on applying for the 2016 FSEDI is available on the IAFC website www.iafc.org/fsedi. Applications (fillable pdf) are due no later than Monday December 14, 2015 at 5 PM ET.
“At a time when public safety is at the forefront of so many people’s minds in cities around the globe, we are proud to support programs that aim to improve safety and security in those communities,” said Matt Blakely, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We are also proud to support organizations that honor the families of fallen first responders and improve safety education in the United States and Canada.”
The foundation gave a total of $3.95 million to 90 organizations in 2015, which will benefit 675,000 first responders and community members.