Applicants Sought for 2009 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program
Application procedures have been announced for the 2009 Harvard program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. The program is once again sponsored through a partnership between the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications (IFSTA/FPP), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Department of Homeland Security - United States Fire Administration (USFA). Each organization will fund the tuition costs of two individuals for a total of eight fellowships.
USFA Administrator Gregory B. Cade in announcing the 2009 Program said, "My experience with the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government was by far one of the best professional development opportunities I have ever undertaken. "The curriculum, faculty, and setting were truly outstanding. Most importantly, as a former Fire Chief, I know the State and Local Government Program has provided me with experiences and tools to confront the many challenges facing fire and emergency services today. The program was and continues to be particularly valuable when examining and understanding the relationships between careerists, elected, and appointed officials."
Eight senior fire executives will be awarded fellowships to attend the annual program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. The three-week program is conducted on the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Mass. Selected Fellows will be assigned to attend one of the two session dates: June 7-26, 2009 or July 5-24, 2009. Fellows must be available to attend either session.
Applicants are responsible for travel costs to the final interview process in Emmitsburg, Md., and if selected, also to Cambridge. Housing will be provided at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg for the interview process in April of 2009. Fellows are expected to continue their professional contributions to the fire and emergency services in light of their State and Local Government Program experience.
The following criteria and guidelines have been established for the 2009 program:
- Application is open to senior fire executives who have demonstrated significant career accomplishments and have the potential to impact and initiate change. Attainment of a senior position is less important than demonstrated experience in facilitating significant change within a public sector setting.
- Preference may be given to applicants who are graduates of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, although program completion is not a prerequisite. Preference may also be given to applicants who have completed graduate-level degree programs or course work.
- Individuals whose organizations have been represented in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program during 2006, 2007, or 2008 will not be considered.
For more information, go to www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/harvard.