Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today announced it has received a grant as part of the Motorola Solutions Foundation's Public Safety and Security Institute; the Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Through the grant, the IAFC will be able to accept 20 aspiring and new fire chiefs into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI), a program designed to give them the tools they need to have a successful and productive tenure as a fire service leader. This is the second year the IAFC is offering FSEDI.
FSEDI focuses on the real world of leadership in fire and emergency services rather than on standards and competencies offered in other programs. The sessions will be guided by experts from the fire and emergency services as well as private industry.
Participation in the Institute entails attending a six-day intensive program—a finishing school for new and aspiring fire service leaders. The following 5-6 months is a period of self-study; during this time, participants have access to mentors and executive coaches. There are also opportunities for peer discussions and networking.
The Institute attendees then come together for two days for additional sessions followed by continued mentoring and coaching. At the end of a year, there will be a final three-day session and debriefing.
Chief Bill Metcalf, IAFC president and chairman of the board, said, “After the success of last year’s program, we're grateful for the continued support from the Motorola Solutions Foundation. This grant will help FSEDI build on its successes in 2013, which included helping some of the inaugural members find chief or high-level positions. The Institute provides executive development based on real-world experience for new and aspiring chiefs to enhance their leadership abilities and reduce potential crises within their departments. It will also be used to develop programs and tools to disseminate leadership training throughout the fire and emergency service."
Matt Blakely, director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, also commented on the grant, saying, "Motorola Solutions is dedicated to helping people be their best in the moments that matter. The Motorola Solutions Foundation aligns itself with this mission by supporting programs like FSEDI that train people how to respond to potential safety problems or recover from the loss of a first responder. We are proud to see these valuable programs make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work."
For more information about the program and application process, visit the FSEDI webpage.
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 spills, 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.
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