The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) recently announced that for the twelfth consecutive year, it has obtained a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation.
This funding will support another year of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). Source
The FSEDI program is an initiative by the IAFC. It aims to equip new and emerging chiefs with the essential tools to ensure a productive tenure.
Applications for the 2024 session must be submitted by 5 PM ET on November 17, 2023.
Fire Chief John S. Butler from Fairfax County, Virginia’s Fire and Rescue Department and International Association of Fire Chiefs President said: “In my journey through the fire service, I have witnessed the impact of FSEDI.
“It fills me with pride to see it prosper for twelve consecutive years, thanks to the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s generous support.”
He continued: “FSEDI provides the crucial tools for new chiefs to succeed. It’s a beacon of knowledge, camaraderie, and growth.”
The Motorola Solutions Foundation annually grants awards to organizations like the IAFC.
These grants foster advanced public safety programs that strengthen ties between fire service organizations and the communities they serve.
The primary aim of the FSEDI initiative is to nurture the upcoming generation of fire service leaders, thus ensuring safer and more vibrant communities.
Karem Perez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, stated: “This year, we awarded over $4.8 million to programs supporting first responder wellness, scholarships for families of fallen first responders, and more.”
Perez emphasized the fruitful collaboration with IAFC, noting that the FSEDI program has played a pivotal role in molding holistic leadership across the fire service domain.
Over the years, members of the previous eleven FSEDI sessions have achieved notable success.
Many have been promoted, attained fire chief positions, or been appointed to significant regional, state, and national fire service committees.
Chief Brian Fennessy of Orange County, California was honored as the IAFC 2023 Chief of the Year during the recent Fire-Rescue International Conference in Kansas City.
Open to determined chiefs eyeing career progression, FSEDI’s program is quite intensive.
Throughout the year, participants gather thrice in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region.
These sessions, conducted by experts from various sectors, cover contemporary topics including ethics, leadership, organizational design, and more.
An alumnus of the FSEDI program reflected on its significance, stating: “I often rely on the insights and experiences from FSEDI in my decision-making.
“This program is shaping the future of the fire service.”
The 2024 FSEDI cohort will have multiple assignments to complete between their sessions.
They will also engage in mentoring, coaching, and networking, ensuring a holistic development approach.
The FSEDI program has a cap of 20 participants, focusing on a diverse representation from US and Canadian regions.
Accepted chief officers might qualify for a scholarship covering housing, meals, and on-site session activities.
However, expenses related to attending the Fire‐Rescue International 2024 in Dallas, Texas, and travel costs to the conference center are not covered by the scholarship.
The Fire and Safety Journal Americas recognizes the immense value of the FSEDI program, made possible through the IAFC and the generous support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation.
This program plays a pivotal role in molding the future leaders of the fire service, ensuring safer communities.
With past participants achieving significant success and bearing testament to the program’s impact, it’s evident that initiatives like FSEDI are crucial for the sustained growth and evolution of the fire service industry.
