According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Motorola Solutions Foundation has extended its support for the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) program by awarding a grant for the thirteenth consecutive year.
This grant enables the IAFC to continue providing leadership development and mentorship for new and aspiring fire chiefs through FSEDI, a program designed to equip fire service leaders with critical training and resources.
The FSEDI program, now entering its 13th year, offers a year-long, structured training experience tailored for fire and EMS leaders.
Participants gain access to mentorship, workshops, and leadership tools designed to enhance their effectiveness in public safety and community service roles.
Participants in the FSEDI program attend three in-person sessions in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area over the course of the year.
The curriculum, led by experts from both fire services and private sectors, includes key topics relevant to fire service leadership, such as ethics, political awareness, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), financial management, and crisis communication.
Between in-person sessions, members engage in coaching and network-building exercises that reinforce their learning.
Chief Josh Waldo, IAFC President and Board Chair, stated: “Thanks to the ongoing support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, this program equips new and aspiring fire chiefs with the leadership tools they need to serve their communities effectively.
“This program is more than training—it’s an investment in the future of fire service leadership.”
FSEDI has earned commendations from its alumni, many of whom attribute their professional growth and effectiveness as leaders to the program.
Chief David Gerboth of Salem, Oregon, a 2024 FSEDI member, shared his experience: “As a new Fire Chief, I constantly utilize the skills I learned at FSEDI, and I collaborate every day with members of my cohort and alumni throughout the nation.
“The curriculum, relationships, network, and support from FSEDI are the most powerful tools a Fire Chief [can have].”
The Motorola Solutions Foundation has emphasized the program’s importance in leadership development within the fire service.
Karem Pérez, executive director of the Foundation, remarked: “This program plays a critical role in developing future fire service leaders, and we are committed to helping the IAFC uplift passionate, aspiring chiefs to help keep our communities safer.”
This year’s FSEDI cohort will comprise twenty officers who have demonstrated commitment to advancing their careers in fire service.
Accepted applicants will receive scholarships covering housing, meals, and other expenses related to the in-person sessions.
However, travel and associated costs for attendance at Fire-Rescue International 2025 in Orlando, Florida, are not included in the scholarship package.
Applications are open until December 30, at 5 PM ET.
Interested applicants may contact Mary Beth Michos at IAFC for further details regarding eligibility and application requirements.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation has renewed its grant to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to support the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) program for the thirteenth year.
FSEDI is a year-long program offering new and aspiring fire chiefs mentorship and specialized training.
The curriculum includes in-person sessions covering leadership topics such as DEIB, crisis communications, and budgeting.
Twenty applicants will be selected to participate in 2024 and will receive scholarships covering in-session expenses.
Applications close on December 30, 2024.
