International Association of Fire Chiefs
You're the Fire Chief; Now What? Guidance for New and Interim Fire Chiefs

This document was developed by the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), in partnership with the Executive Fire Officers (EFO) Section of the IAFC, to provide guidance for a new or interim chief’s first 100 days. This new report lays out the key things a new or interim chief needs to know and be thinking about on the first day, during the first week, during the first month, and during months two through six. It also provides advice and warnings for a new or interim chief to help them avoid common mistakes.

VCOS and EFO strongly encourage you to download and add this crucial guidance to your toolkit and the toolkits of the future leaders of your organization.

Download the Guide

Additional Resources

From Appendix A: Sample 100 Day Plans -- Fitchburg Fire Department Fire Chief's 100 Day Plan

Download the Sample

From Appendix A: Sample 100 Day Plans -- Anne Arundel County Fire Department Fire Chief's 100 Day Plan

Download the Sample

SMART Training Template

Download the Template

Questions to Ask as a New Chief

Download the Questions

Sample Volunteer Orientation Expectations Document

Download the Sample

Officer Development Handbook

Get the Book

Professional Development Education & Online Resources

Download the Directory

iCHIEFS podcast "The 100 Day Plan: Succeeding as a new Fire Chief"

Listen to the Podcast

  • Topics:
    • Featured Leadership
    • Strategy
    • Section VCOS
    • Section EFO
    • Leadership
    • Featured Volunteer
    • Crisis Communication
  • Resource Type:
    • Guide/ toolkit/ template
  • Organizational Author:
    • Executive Fire Officers Section
    • Volunteer Combination Officers Section

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