WASHINGTON – George W. Foresman, Under Secretary for Preparedness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced today that DHS's U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in cooperation with three other partners, has selected eight (8) senior fire officials for fellowships to attend the Harvard University's Senior Executives in State & Local Government Program this summer at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. The 19-day program includes other State and local government leaders from across the country and focuses on exploring the interrelationships between citizens and government, analyzing policy options, and examining the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership.

"This program is considered of great value to state and local officials accepted to this intense educational experience," said Foresman. "Working with the other organizations, these individuals will be exposed to new and challenging perspectives and ideas by a very talented faculty, including elected officials. We expect these selected students to take back their new-found knowledge to assist their communities in preparing for all emerging threats and risks facing all residents of this nation."

The fellowship program for fire service leaders is a joint effort between the USFA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Each organization funds two fellows. The final element of the competitive selection process was held at USFA's National Emergency Training Center, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on April 12.

"As a former fire chief, I have great empathy for the challenges confronting today's fire executives. We at USFA are confident that this experience will assist those selected in developing their public policy and leadership skills to better serve their communities," stated Acting USFA Administrator Charlie Dickinson. "I am also confident that these eight fellows will represent the best of our fire services within this important forum of local and state officials."

The fellowships were awarded by Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government's admission committee, based upon recommendations of a nominating panel that included representatives of IAFC, IFSTA, NFPA, DHS/USFA, and former program participants. Those selected are:

• Kevin Brame, Deputy Chief, City of North Las Vegas (Nevada) Fire Department
• Eddie Burns, Fire Chief, City of Dallas (Texas) Fire Department
• Brian Crawford, Assistant Chief, Shreveport (Louisiana) Fire Department
• Stephen Dean, Fire Chief, City of Mobile (Alabama) Fire Department
• Dennis Ham, Battalion Chief, City of Atlanta (Georgia) Fire/Rescue Department
• William Hawley, Fire Chief, City of Allen (Texas) Fire Department
• Joseph Pfeifer, Deputy Assistant Chief, Fire Department of New York (New York)
• Kristin Rollwagen, , Deputy Chief, City of Minneapolis (Minnesota) Fire Department

For more information regarding this or any other program of the United States Fire Administration, and the National Fire Academy, please visit www.usfa.fema.gov.