The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President John Butler has recently announced the list of individuals selected as fellows for the third cohort of the IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program (iDELP).
This announcement marks a significant step towards nurturing leadership diversity within the fire and emergency services sector.
Established in 2016, the iDELP program is designed to develop leaders from under-represented groups through networking, professional development, and strategic involvement.
The aim is to enhance inclusivity within the IAFC, addressing the unique challenges related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the fire service.
The iDELP is a highly competitive programme that accepts only 15 fellows per cohort.
Candidates are required to be currently serving as a company officer or mid-level fire and emergency service chief fire officer.
Over an 18-month period, fellows engage with subject matter experts, tackle current and emerging issues, and devise solutions to benefit their sponsor organisations and the broader fire and emergency services community.
Under President Butler’s guidance, the programme has expanded to include formal learning objectives focusing on DEIB challenges and impacts.
This initiative is part of the IAFC’s commitment to preparing tomorrow’s fire and emergency services leaders through premier DEIB educational programmes.
The third iDELP cohort includes a diverse group of fire and emergency service professionals from across North America.
These fellows represent a range of roles and departments, including Battalion Chief Lance Blakey of the Charlottesville Fire Department, VA; Division Chief Steven Carter of Sunrise Fire Rescue, FL; Captain Rashawn Fulcher of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Protection District, CA; and many others.
This selection reflects the IAFC’s dedication to fostering a diverse leadership within the fire and emergency services.
The selection of fellows for the third cohort of the IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program (iDELP) represents a crucial effort in advancing diversity and inclusivity within the fire and emergency services.
By focusing on under-represented groups and emphasizing professional development, the IAFC is addressing the pressing need for a leadership that mirrors the diverse communities it serves.
This initiative not only prepares individuals for leadership roles but also enhances the capacity of the fire service to respond to a broad spectrum of challenges with empathy, innovation, and effectiveness.
