For the tenth 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 2022 are due no later than 5 PM ET on Friday, February 11, 2022. 

“The Motorola Solutions Foundation aims to partner with organisations that align to our values of accountability, innovation, impact, diversity and inclusion,” said Karem Perez, Executive Director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We are proud to support organisations like the International Association of Fire Chiefs that embody these values while driving positive change in their communities.”

The members of the previous nine 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. 

The year-long program is open to new (a year or less in the position) and aspiring chiefs (currently applying for chief positions or in a fire department’s succession plan) who have demonstrated a commitment to career advancement and enhancing the fire/EMS service through their leadership. 

The cohort members meet three times for sessions conducted in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan region during the year. 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.

This program differs from other executive-level programs in the fire service because the focus is on real-world and emerging issues and application to the fire service real-world environment. There is also an emphasis on developing the individuals in the program as fire service leaders and creating professional networks. 

Chief John Butler, Fairfax County (VA) and member of FSEDI Class 4, said, “I’ve participated in a few professional executive development programs. None of them have resulted in the bond I have with my fellow FSEDI colleagues. Our alumni cohort offers lifelong friendships, thought partners, and continuous learning from each other. Participation in FSEDI opened doors for opportunities and my participation in many programs to make a difference in the international fire-EMS service”. Chief Butler currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the IAFC. 

Members of the 2022 FSEDI cohort will have assignments to complete between sessions in addition to maintaining communication and networking via an online community. They will also participate in mentoring and coaching opportunities. Members of the cohort will be introduced to the members of the first nine cohorts as part of expanding their professional networks. 

The program is limited to 20-24 members. The program looks to have a diverse group of cohort members representing all U.S. regions and Canada, from various sizes and types of fire/EMS departments. Chief 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. Successful applicants will be expected to attend Fire‐Rescue International 2022 in San Antonio, TX. All expenses related to attending FRI and travel expenses to the conference center are not covered by the scholarship.