Ronny Jack Coleman Leadership Legacy Award

Honoring Leadership Through Service: Deputy Chief Darren Jaques, CFO, Receives the Ronny Jack Coleman Leadership Legacy Award

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) is proud to recognize Deputy Chief Darren Jaques, CFO, of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue (CO) as this year’s recipient of the Ronny Jack Coleman Leadership Legacy Award, honoring individuals whose leadership reflects a deep commitment to mentorship, professional development, and service to the fire and emergency services profession.

Leadership Rooted in Mentorship and Example

Throughout his career, Chief Jaques has demonstrated that leadership is defined not by title, but by presence, integrity, and the ability to elevate others. As one of the early credentialed leaders within Windsor Severance Fire Rescue, he helped establish a strong foundation for professional growth, mentoring members through the CPC designation process and encouraging a culture grounded in learning and accountability.

His mentorship often occurs beyond formal programs such as through everyday conversations, thoughtful guidance after challenging incidents, and steady support during career development milestones. Colleagues describe his leadership style as intentional and principled, emphasizing critical thinking, reflection, and long-term organizational health rather than short-term decision-making.

Expanding Impact Beyond the Organization

Chief Jaques’ influence extends well beyond his own agency. He has mentored candidates across the fire service, helping leaders from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds navigate the credentialing process with confidence. By encouraging individuals to recognize their unique experiences as strengths, he has broadened access to professional designation and strengthened the profession’s leadership pipeline.

His contributions also include co-authoring a mentoring handbook and helping develop processes that recognize work experience as part of the Fire and Emergency Services Analyst credentialing pathway. These efforts reflect his commitment to making professional development rigorous, inclusive, and accessible.

Advocacy and Service to CPSE

Chief Jaques has been a dedicated advocate for CPSE’s mission, serving as a CPC peer reviewer and CFAI peer assessor. Known for his thoughtful feedback and collaborative approach, he has supported candidates throughout the credentialing journey, helping them refine portfolios, understand expectations, and achieve professional growth.

His advocacy reinforces the value of credentialing as more than a recognition of past achievement—it is a pathway for developing future leaders and strengthening organizational excellence across the fire service.

A Legacy of Leadership

Beyond his professional roles, Chief Jaques exemplifies leadership through his involvement in community and family-centered initiatives, including coaching youth athletics, providing mentorship through faith-based leadership, and supporting community resilience during challenging times. These contributions reflect a leadership philosophy grounded in compassion, humility, and service.

The Ronny Jack Coleman Leadership Legacy Award honors leaders who inspire others through their example, and Deputy Chief Darren Jaques embodies that legacy. His dedication to mentorship, advocacy for professional development, and unwavering commitment to others continue to shape the future of the fire service and advance the principles of excellence that define CPSE.

This annual award recognizes an individual who holds a designation through the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) and has exhibited superior leadership and actions that have elevated the Fire and Emergency Service profession through mentoring, teaching, advocating, and sharing outstanding contributions.

Eligibility:

Any individuals currently designated through the CPC, including former CPSE board members and former CPC or CFAI commissioners, are eligible to compete for this award. CPSE staff, contractors and current members of the CPSE board, CPC, or CFAI are ineligible to compete for this award.

Previous Recipients