22 Apr 2010
The programme will analyse policy options and examine the responsibilities of leadership

The fellowship programme for fire service leaders is a joint effort between the USFA, IFSTA, IAFC, NFPA, and Harvard.

Kelvin J. Cochran, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), announced that six senior fire officials have been selected for fellowships to attend the Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program this summer at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The 19-day program includes other State and local government leaders from across the country and focuses on exploring the interrelationships between citizens and government, analyzing policy options, and examining the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership.

"This year represents our 27th year in supporting and providing fellowships for senior fire executives to attend this superior program. USFA, along with Fire Protection Publications/International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), feel very strongly that this experience enables these fire and emergency services leaders to have important conversations between elected officials, careerists, and appointed executives.

Now more than ever we need to collectively examine and discuss the critical challenges faced by state and local governments. We believe that these senior fire executives will have a transformative experience, but will also represent fire and emergency services with a high degree of professionalism. The partnering organizations are delighted to award these fellowships," said Cochran. "Our cities and communities are confronted with significant challenges and the Harvard experience is a very valuable and unique experience to assist the fellows selected to exercise leadership."

The fellowship programme will provide a high degree of professionalism in fire services
The fellowship program for fire service leaders is a joint effort between the USFA, IFSTA, IAFC, NFPA, and Harvard. The final element of the competitive selection process was held at USFA's National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on April 6, 2010.

The fellowships were awarded by Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government's Admission Committee, based upon recommendations of a nominating panel that included representatives of the sponsoring organizations and former program participants. Those selected are:

  • Eugene Campbell, Assistant Fire Chief, City of Dallas (Texas) Fire Rescue Department
  • Otto Drozd, Fire Chief, City of El Paso (Texas) Fire Department
  • Joanne Hayes-White, Fire Chief, City of San Francisco (California) Fire Department
  • Ken Miller, Medical Director, Orange County (California) Fire Authority
  • Robert hemes/advanced/langs/en.js"> Simonds, Fire Chief, City of Saint John Fire Department, Saint John (New Brunswick) Fire Department, Canada
  • Randall Talifarro, Fire Chief, City of East Lansing (Michigan) Fire Department