Leadership News

Oregon firefighter honored with 2024 Ben Franklin Award for Valor

August 15, 2024

Engineer Manny Sharp (center) of the Medford (Oregon) Fire Department was announced the winner of the 2024 Ben Franklin Award for Valor at the IAFC’s Fire-Rescue International conference in Dallas. read more

2018 Fire Service Executive Development Institute Participants Selected

November 20, 2017

The program has become the premier development piece for chief officers transitioning to fire chief roles. read more
Women Fire Chiefs Council Supports Women Leaders

September 26, 2017

I attended FRI this year as I had before and looked forward to interesting ideas to implement in my department. But I’ll admit, each year I felt like the only woman chief present. This year marked a dramatic change in my outlook. read more
The Driving Force Behind Catalyst Leadership

September 2017

A catalyst is a driving force behind transforming one product into a more usable, valuable one. Without it, no change can take place. In leadership, how does a catalyst become the driving force behind change? read more
Executive Officer Leadership: Make a Decision

September 2017

Many chief officers have prepared for and experienced many types of fireground situations. Countless lives have been saved based on quick, decisive actions. How do these processes transfer to administrative decisions these same officers must make? read more
Company Officer Leadership: Personally Commit to Professional Development

September 2017

Until a few years ago, there were few options for professional development of midcareer members. True professional development, both education and training, was limited to chief matters. Through decades of effort, that's changing. read more
Don’t Train Your Firefighters to Be Leaders

August 17, 2017

How can we build relationships and invest the time and energy to make our firefighters successful? We need to leave the footprints behind that can create a path for their success. read more
Executive Officer Leadership: Professional Development for the Entire Organizational Chart

August 17, 2017

One of the questions many training officers and fire chiefs struggle with is how to structure professional and career development programs within their departments. read more
Those Who Lead: When Opportunity Knocks

August 2, 2017

What are the qualifications to be a leader? You don’t need a degree or particular classes to be a leader. A true leader has what it takes within, and this surpasses any other qualities of leadership. read more
An Evolution in Transparency: In Our Departments and Communities

August 2, 2017

It’s time to introduce our personnel to the public we serve. People have seen our folks in action. They’ve invited them into their homes at their time of need. But who is it that’s stepping across the threshold? read more
Community and Department Needs First

February 2017

I’m asked from time to time about how I've survived the changing landscape of our community and not encountered the issues other neighboring chiefs have. While I have no magic solution, I can offer these suggestions. read more