| Harvie Cheshire, a Training Manager at TEEX has earned the title of Executive Fire Officer (EFO) |
The intensive, multi-year program provides senior fire officers in key leadership roles with a broad perspective on various facets of fire administration. Cheshire, Training Manager with TEEX's Emergency Services Training Institute, was accepted into the program in 2005.
To earn the EFO, Cheshire had to complete four graduate and baccalaureate-equivalent courses, including mid-term and final exams, plus a research project for each that applied the course theory and concepts to real-life situations. Each applied research project (ARP) was evaluated and graded in 10 categories. Progression through the program was contingent on successfully completing each course and research project.
The courses are accredited by the American Council on Education (ACE) and cover leadership and executive development, risk reduction, and fire service operations in emergency management.
Cheshire said the leadership classes were "thought-provoking" and reaffirmed that TEEX-ESTI is "on the right track" concerning training action plans and risk reduction.
"I appreciate Chief Les Bunte nominating me and encouraging me to complete this program, Cheshire said. "The program was very challenging, especially the workload involved. It was a lot of hard work, especially the ARP portion, but the experience I've had was helpful."
Cheshire's research projects included a study of compliance to the NFPA 1851 standard for cleaning and decontaminating bunker gear, preparedness issues for a potential train derailment during a football game at Kyle Field, and the effectiveness of critical infrastructure for fire and life safety at large, outdoor public events or concerts.
"Achieving EFO status is a great honor and a new chapter in my 30-year career as a fire service professional," Cheshire said. The EFO designation is also held by TEEX Executive Division Director Les Bunte.