CHANTILLY, Va. — For the ninth 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 2021 are due no later than 5 p.m. ET on Friday, December 11, 2020.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation awards grants each year to organizations such as the IAFC to support advanced public safety programs that support enhanced relationships and understanding between fire service organizations and the citizens they serve. The FSEDI program is designed to identify and support the next generation of fire service leaders, which will help create safer towns, cities, and thriving communities.
“This year, the Foundation’s grants will support programs that help millions of students, teachers, first responders, and community members around the globe,” said Karem Perez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We are thrilled to partner with organizations like IAFC that are actively making a positive difference in their communities.”
The members of the previous eight 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 (currently applying for chief positions or in department’s succession plan) chiefs who have demonstrated a commitment to career advancement and enhancing the fire/EMS service through their leadership.
During the year, the cohort members meet three times for sessions conducted in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan region. 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 on the subjects presented. There is also an emphasis on developing the individuals in the program as executives and creating professional networks.
One member of a recent FSEDI cohort said, “There is hardly a day that goes by where I don’t draw from either the experience or cohorts to help my decision‐making process. This program is impacting the fire service for future generations.”
Members of the 2021 FSEDI 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 cohort also will be introduced to the members of the first eight cohorts as part of expanding their professional networks.
The program is limited to 20 members. The program looks to have a diverse group representing all U.S. and Canadian regions, from various sizes and types of fire/EMS departments. Chief officers accepted into the program will be awarded a scholarship that covers the cost of housing, meals and activities for the on‐site sessions. Successful applicants also will be expected to attend Fire‐Rescue International 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. All expenses related to attending FRI and travel expenses to the conference center are not covered by the scholarship.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials response, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.