McLean, VA – The IAFC and the Motorola Solutions Foundation have announced the names of those selected to participate in the 2026 Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). This is the 14th year the Motorola Solutions Foundation has provided the IAFC with a grant to fund the program.
The Fire Service Development Institute is a year-long leadership development program created by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools and training they need for a strong, successful tenure.
Throughout the year, the cohort will meet in person three times for intensive, all-day sessions focused on the core principles and skills of fire service leadership. Between sessions, they will communicate regularly, share information, and learn together through an online community hosted on the IAFC website.
They will also attend the Fire-Rescue International conference in Kansas City, MO, this August. The FSEDI cohort 2026 will meet for their first on-site session at the Maritime Conference Center in Maryland from February 14-20.
Since its inception, FSEDI has been considered one of the premier educational programs for individuals seeking to become successful chiefs and develop the next generation of national and international fire service leaders. Those accepted into the 2026 program are:
- Division Chief Peter August (North County CA Fire Protection District)
- Deputy Chief William Broscious (Charlottesville, VA)
- Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew (CA Dept of Forestry and Fire)
- Division Chief Steven Carter (Sunrise FD, FL)
- Deputy Chief Patrick Clarke (Hoffman Estates FD, IL)
- Assistant Chief Shawn Dunstan (City of Fairfax FD, VA)
- Chief Brian Evans (High Point FD, NC)
- Chief Michael Heffner (Kennewick FD, WA)
- Deputy Chief Steven Hord (Columbus FD, GA)
- Deputy Chief Joshua Jessup (Champaign FD, IL)
- Assistant Chief Corey Johnson (Williston FD, ND)
- Executive Deputy Chief Shannon Keesey (Orlando FD, FL)
- Deputy Chief Matthew Lopez (Annapolis FD, MD)
- Deputy Chief Claire McGrew (Oregon Department of State Fire Marshall)
- Assistant Chief Kelly Mullendore (Montgomery Co FR, MD)
- Battalion Chief Robert Rezende (San Diego FD, CA)
- Battalion Chief Jordan Saas (Lexington FD, KY)
- Assistant Chief Cerisa Speight (Howard Co FR, MD)
- Chief Lindsay Stromgren (Amherst FR, MA)
- Assistant Chief Michael Summers (Orange Co Fire Authority, CA)
- Deputy Chief William Vannoy (Fairfax Co FR, VA)
- Chief Daniel Wagner (Huntley Fire Protection Dist., IL)
- Chief James Wenzel (Rio Rancho FD, NM)
- Deputy Chief Michael White (Indianapolis FD, IN)
