By Chloé Morrison
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Copyright 2007 Chattanooga Publishing Company
WALKER COUNTY, Tenn. — Walker County Fire Chief Randy Camp has qualified for the professional designation of chief fire officer, making him the only firefighter in this region to earn that distinction.
“It is definitely an honor to receive the CFO certification,” Chief Camp said.
Debbie Sobotka, deputy director for the Center of Public Safety Excellence, said in a prepared statement that Chief Camp is one of 506 chief fire officers worldwide.
“One thing I didn’t know that makes me really proud ... I’m the only one in the whole region (to get the certification),” Chief Camp said. “The closest (other recipients) are in Calhoun, Ga., or Bristol, Tenn.”
Chief fire officer is a voluntary program to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in the seven areas of experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competencies.
Applicants are required to establish a professional development plan and provide a letter of support from their supervisor.
Mrs. Sobotka said the board that reviews applicants consists of members from fire and emergency services, academia and municipal agencies.
“The portfolio took me about 45 hours to complete,” Chief Camp said.
In the same way that a lawyer takes a bar exam or an accountant acquires certification, it is important for firefighters to be educated, Chief Camp said.
“I would be an advocate of the CFO being a requirement,” he said, though he doesn’t think he will see it happen in his lifetime.
Chief Camp said he always tells his firefighters to continue their education because there is always more to learn.
“You always need to be in pursuit of excellence,” Chief Camp said. “I try to set that bar up for myself. Even though I’m fire chief, I still want to continue my education.”
Capt. James Yearout with the Walker County Fire and Rescue said Chief Camp leads by example and motivates the rest of the team.
“With our job, training is what keeps us alive,” Capt. Yearout said. “Anything you can do to improve your knowledge base might be what keeps you or somebody else alive.”