The Commission on Professional Credentialing (COC) has announced a scholarship program designed to offset the cost of applying for the Fire Officer (FO) designation, for those that need financial assistance and meet the eligibility requirements. The cost to cover the scholarship program is made possible by a generous donation from Pierce Manufacturing. The deadline for submitting an application for the scholarship is January 31.
The Fire Officer (FO) designation scholarship is open to all Company Officer level (either full-time or intermittent acting for a minimum of 12 months) personnel that have supervisory responsibility. An applicant seeking the FO designation scholarship must be an active member of a fire/EMS organization at the time of application and not be in a chief level position.
Scholarship Specific Requirements:
- Scholarship is open to first-time FO designees that are not currently serving in a chief position.
- Scholarship applicants shall submit an essay, no less than 500 words and no more than 1,500 words, demonstrating their desire and need for the scholarship.
- Recipients of the scholarship shall agree to mentor and provide assistance to members of their respective departments to promote a career excellence culture.
- Scholarship applicants shall submit a brief letter from their Fire Chief or Level I Officer verifying the support of the FO designee and their efforts for credentialing. This letter should include the department’s reason for not providing funding for the designation.
- Upon receiving official notice of the scholarship award, recipients have up to 90 days to submit a completed FO designation application to the CPSE office. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of scholarship.
CPSE will announce the scholarship recipients during the 2015 CPSE Excellence Conference in March.
Click here to download a copy of the scholarship application.
This year’s Excellence Conference launches a new showcase of the latest technology for fire and rescue departments. A great line-up of technology companies will present highlights of their systems and products during lunch on Wednesday, March 18, and attendees will have a one-stop look at some of the latest developments in data collection, time management, GIS technology, applications, and more. Conference exhibitors, including the technology companies, are:
- Esri (CPSE’s Corporate Sustaining Partner)
- Emergency Reporting
- FireHouse Software
- Deccan International
- Intterra
- Stats FD
- Power DMS
- Columbia Southern University
- International Association of Firefighters
- Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)
- National Fire Operations Reporting System (NFORS)
Company representatives will be available throughout the day at their display tables for one-on-one consultation and demonstrations on Tuesday-Thursday (March 17-19). If you are coming to Orlando for the Excellence Conference, plan to enjoy a buffet lunch and take time to visit with each of the vendors and learn about the latest technology solutions for your department.
In addition to the Technology Lunch, CPSE is hosting networking receptions on Tuesday afternoon in conjunction with the NFORS (National Fire Operations Reporting System) meeting and on Thursday evening as a fundraiser for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation (NFFF). Conference registrants as well as representatives from agencies going before the CFAI on Tuesday or Wednesday are invited to the Tuesday reception. Build your network with fellow accreditation managers, designated officers and friends from the industry while enjoying snacks and relaxing after a day of outstanding conference sessions.
On January 15, 2015, the 45-day public comment period for the CFAI Accreditation Model came to a close. CPSE received almost 40 submittals and over 900 comments with many departments and state consortiums submitting combined comments. One third of the total comments received pertained to Category V (Programs). The Model task group, led by Jerry Nulliner, is reviewing all comments and will have a next version of the model for review and approval by the Re-imagining Steering Committee and the CFAI over the next two months.
The model changes are one of four efforts being undertaken as part of the Re-imagining Project. In addition to research being conducted on technology used during the accreditation process and the community risk/standards of cover publication, Brian Dean and the Process task group assigned to review the process by which accreditation is accomplished and maintained have been busy.
Following a survey conducted in 2014, the Process group reviewed 86 pages of feedback from 180 respondents. They have distilled that feedback into six themes and over 30 recommendations. The themes for enhancing the accreditation process are:
- CPSE communication to agencies,
- CPSE training of agencies and peer assessors,
- The mentoring process,
- The annual compliance report process,
- The peer assessment process, and
- CFAI meeting operations.
Many of the recommendations are long-term initiatives. The near-term process enhancements are scheduled to be reviewed and approved by the Steering Committee and CFAI over the next two months.
The goal remains to publish the 9th edition of the Fire & Emergency Service Self-Assessment Manual in Summer, 2015. Agencies that convert to candidate status within 6 months of the publication of the 9th edition will be permitted to seek accreditation under the current (8th) edition.
The CPSE is seeking proposals to present special topic webinars during calendar year 2015. Topics should align with the designation technical competencies and/or accreditation performance indicators. If you’re interested in submitting a proposal, visit the forms page of our website and click on the Special Topic Webinar Proposal link. Deadline for submission – January 31, 2015.
This year’s Excellence Conference mobile app is set for a release date of February 10th. The app contains all the information you need to make your 2015 Excellence Conference a fun and rewarding experience. Using the mobile app enables conference attendees to preview conference sessions, learn about the speakers, contact other conference attendees, view floor plans of the Caribe Royale and much more. An added feature for this year is the ability for speakers to poll attendee responses during presentations and see the results during the session.
Full details on the mobile app release and how to download the app prior to the Conference will be released in late February.
With accredited agencies now in 35 states, CPSE enjoys meeting with and hearing from the state consortiums that represent these agencies.
On Wednesday January 14, Preet Bassi, CPSE CEO, attended the Great Lakes Fire Accreditation Managers meeting graciously hosted by the Addison, IL Fire Protection District. Chief Mark Puknaitis, Naperville, IL, led the meeting and invited Ms. Bassi to provide corporate updates and seek feedback from the approximately 30 attendees. With representatives from agencies in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin, the opportunity to learn firsthand the benefits these agencies garner from accreditation and credentialing, and some of the challenges they face, was invaluable.
CPSE staff looks forward to attending at least one of each state consortium meeting in-person during 2015. The CPSE Board of Directors recognizes the important role the consortiums play in supporting CPSE programs and providing critical feedback on process enhancements and growth opportunities.
If you are coordinating a state or regional consortium, be sure to update Tom Mawson in the CPSE office on the dates and locations of your group’s upcoming meetings in 2015. Contact Tom at tmawson@cpse.org. We will make plans to visit your consortium this year.
The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) met recently and conferred the 1000th CFO!
“Obtaining the 1000th CFO is an accomplishment we are extremely proud of and a milestone that has been years in the making. We look forward to the future as our designations continue to grow”, stated Steve Locke, CFO, Chairman, Commission on Professional Credentialing.
We are pleased to announce that Assistant Chief John Whalen has become the 1000th CFO designee. Chief Whalen has been in the fire service for 22years and has served as an Assistant Chief with Coral Springs Fire Department for the past nine years. In a letter from the Fire Chief, Chief Babinec stated, “I admire his commitment to the Fire/EMS service and value the contributions he has made and continues to make to keep our community safe.”
Congratulations Chief Whalen!
Visit the CPSE website for additional information on the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation program and to view a complete list of the current CFO designees.
Okeechobee County Welcomes New Fire Rescue Chief 
Mr. Ralph Franklin, CFO, has been selected to become Okeechobee County’s Public Safety Director and Fire Chief. He replaces Interim Chief David McCain who retired earlier this year. Chief Franklin was previously employed by Citrus County Fire Rescue serving as their Logistics Coordinator. Prior to that, he served in numerous positions at Pasco County Fire Rescue for 22 years before his retirement. He is also a graduate Columbia Southern University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. Additionally he holds the Chief Fire Officer Designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, numerous state certifications and is currently attending the U.S. Fire Administration’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
In addition to his duties as Chief Fire Officer for Okeechobee County, in his capacity as Public Safety Director he serves as 911 Coordinator and as supervisor for Okeechobee County Animal Control and Okeechobee County Emergency Management.
Brian Crawford Moves to Shreveport 
Plano Fire Chief Brian Crawford, CFO, has accepted an appointment as the city administrator for Shreveport, Louisiana. Crawford is returning to the city where he started his career. Before coming to Plano in December 2012, he worked for 28 years in Shreveport, where he started as a firefighter and worked his way up to fire chief and assistant chief administrator.
Crawford came to Plano with extensive emergency management experience with his involvement in hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike. In his two years working with the city of Plano, Crawford was instrumental in developing programs designed to improve service. He oversaw the process as Plano achieved accreditation in 2012. He implemented a new medical priority dispatch system, allowing the department’s emergency medical services to better decide who and what to send to an emergency. He added two rescue squads in the city’s two busiest fire stations to increase EMS response at a savings to the city. Chief Crawford also developed a Community Paramedic Program, providing in-home health care services to residents with chronic illnesses. The pilot project focuses on helping patients manage their medical conditions in an effort to reduce 911 calls.
“Brian has done a tremendous job in moving our Fire-Rescue Department to a new level,” said City Manager Bruce Glasscock in a press release. “His leadership will be missed.” Crawford will assume the duties of his new position, Chief Administrative Officer on Jan. 27. The city of Plano will undertake a national search to replace Chief Crawford.
Ensign Promoted in Glenview 
Ralph Ensign, CFO, has been promoted to fire chief of the Glenview, IL Fire Department. Also promoted were Paul Klicker to deputy fire chief; Jim Sincox and Joe Faehndrick both promoted to captain; Gary Schumacher, Mike Lynch and Eamon O’Dowd all promoted to lieutenant; and Steve Roberts, Derek Novak, Jeff Burdorf and John Holly sworn in as Glenview’s newest firefighter paramedics.
In addition to its all-suite lodging amenities in Orlando, the Caribe Royale Orlando, site of the 2015 Excellence Conference, offers guests a number of delightful diversions and quiet respite from the day’s activities. The Caribe Royale is located just 1.5 miles from the Walt Disney World® area and discount tickets are available at the resort when you arrive or in advance online.
Click here to learn about things to do in Orlando.
At the heart of the hotel is the 250,000 gallon free-form pool complete with winding 75-foot waterslide and two rejuvenating outdoor whirlpools. After a full day of conference activities and meetings, enjoy the sprawling pool-deck area dotted with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas and cabanas, and adorned by tropical foliage and swaying palms. Escape from the Florida sun and take a nap behind the cascading waterfalls.
Caribe Royale guests can rent beautiful cabanas on the pool deck. For just $25 per day you receive use of the cabana with upgraded comfy lounge chaises, free internet, a cooler of bottled waters, chilled towels, two free frozen drinks from the pool bar, use of two plush beach towels for the day plus a discount on services in The Island Spa!
While soaking up the warm Florida sun, guests at Caribe Royale can also sip a piña colada or savor the taste of a juicy burger from Calypso’s poolside restaurant and bar, which offers the very best in tropical drinks and grilled delights.
The Island Spa
The Island Spa offers nail, massage, and complete body treatments designed to put you at ease. Find peace of mind while professionals take you to the height of relaxation. The Island Spa is open daily but hours and pricing are subject to change seasonally. We encourage you to check out The Island Spa during your stay with Caribe Royale because sometimes you even need a vacation from your vacation.
Business Center
For your convenience, the hotel maintains two Business Center locations: the Reception Building and the Grand Caribe Convention Center. The Business Center offers a variety of services, from copying, faxing, packing/shipping, notary public, etc. There are also computer workstations and printers. Several types of office equipment are available for rental and a full range of office supplies are onsite.
Sports Facilities
If you’re away from home but up for a game of tennis, Caribe Royale offers a shared lighted tennis court. Use of the court is complimentary for guests with no appointment needed. Rackets and tennis balls are available for a nominal fee upon request at the fitness center for your convenience. Whether practicing your lay-up or playing in a pick-up game, you’re sure to appreciate the hotel’s newly surfaced and lighted full-size basketball court. The court is open to all guests of the Caribe Royale on a first come, first served basis, and basketballs are available for a nominal fee upon request at the fitness center for your convenience.
CPSE has several workshops scheduled for the next few months. Register today to reserve your seat at the workshop that meets your needs. Please pass these dates and locations on to your colleagues at adjacent fire departments to help us promote attendance at all workshops.
For course details and registration, go to: www.cpse.org/news/upcoming-workshops-events.aspx.
January 23, 2015
CFAI Peer Assessor Workshop
Virtual
January 27, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Alabaster, AL
January 27, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Brighton, MI
February 02, 2015
Data Analysis & Presentation
Peoria, IL
February 03, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Albuquerque, NM
February 05, 2015
Advanced Technology for Community Risk/Standards of Cover
Virtual
February 17, 2015
Data Analysis & Presentation
Key Biscayne, FL
February 17, 2015
Technical Competency – Writing to Achieve Designation
Virtual
February 23, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
San Antonio, TX
February 26, 2015
Nurturing Fire Service Leaders Through Mentoring
San Antonio, TX
March 17, 2015
2015 CPSE Excellence Conference
Orlando, FL
March 23, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Springfield, MO
March 23, 2015
DoD Only: Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Navy Region, JAPAN
March 24, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Barrie, ON Canada
March 30, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Brentwood, TN
April 14, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Columbus, GA
April 16, 2015
Risk: Controlling Your Game Board: Understanding Risk Analysis’ Connection to Resource Deployment
Virtual
April 21, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Seaside, CA
April 27, 2015
Data Analysis & Presentation
Concord, NC