By FireRescue1 Staff
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Columbia Southern University (CSU) have announced a fire service education collaboration with CSU becoming the Officer Development Program (ODP) Educational Partner of the IAFC.
The newly developed ODP - Leadership Development Certification Series (ODP-LDCS) is designed to raise leaders who can skillfully handle modern fire service challenges. The series draws from the IAFC’s industry experts and CSU’s educational background, combining classroom and real-world experience.
Courses are delivered online and on site at IAFC Fire-Rescue International (FRI) and through the IAFC Division and State programs. Each IAFC ODP-LDCS program level can be completed 100% online or through a combination of online and on-site courses after the successful completion of an online examination.
For the first time, graduates of these new programs will be eligible to receive undergraduate college credit hours.
ODP-LDCS students can build their leadership skills, decision-making abilities and strategic expertise while receiving continuing education units to validate their professional development efforts.