Board of Directors, Commissioners, and Staff of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Michael “Mike” Worthington. Mike passed away September 25, surrounded by family and friends. Mike was 70 years old and passed away from complications after having a surgical procedure two weeks ago. Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years Ann; his grandchildren and his three children, Keith, Carolyn, and Janet.
Board President Randy Bruegman states; “I met Mike in 1992 while he was a corporate Vice-President for Motorola, he introduced me to the concept of continuous improvement and the influence that he has had on the development of accreditation and credentialing in the fire service today, while often unnoticed, was significant. Mike was one of those people that could sit down with a world leader or a waitress at the local restaurant and have the same level of interaction with both. He was a gentle man with such a loving spirit that immediately opened the door for him to create friendships throughout the world. There was another side to Mike that we were able to enjoy on the Board, and that was his keen intellect and business acumen. His influence can be seen throughout everything that we do today at CPSE, and the international fire service owes him a debt of gratitude for his leadership. On a personal note, he had developed close personal relationships with many in the fire service, and I speak for all of them today as we are deeply saddened by the loss of a great leader, and our dear friend”.
Mike was an integral and staple part of the CPSE family having served since 2003 as a member of the Board of Directors in the position of Secretary/Treasurer. Mike brought a unique set of talents to the Board having served as the Fire Chief for Pitt County, NC before moving on to Motorola where he enjoyed a 32 year career retiring as a corporate vice president and general manager of global market operations and strategic communications.
Since day one at CPSE, Mike thrived on being actively involved no matter the endeavor, no matter the task. It was not at all uncommon for Mike to “rally the troops”, no matter how big or small the task, to encourage everyone to do what was necessary to “lend a hand” to make the effort a huge success. His continued commitment to the fire service led to his involvement in the creation of the Great Lakes Fire Accreditation Managers Consortium.
CPSE CEO Preet Bassi shared “Mike embodied the pursuit of excellence encouraging CPSE to constantly grow and improve. I am lucky to have been under his tutelage over the past year; he had a great mind and even bigger heart. He would often proclaim that things, when going well, were fantastic. My team and I will truly miss Mike, as he was fantastic!”
Mike Worthington will truly be missed by everyone in the CPSE community.
Registration is now open and the Caribe Royale is waiting for your reservation. The 2016 CPSE Excellence Conference is returning to the Caribe Royale resort adjacent to the Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, on March 15-18, 2016.
We have lined up three outstanding keynote speakers:
- On Wednesday, March 16, Ron Siarnicki, CFO, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, starts the day with a presentation on life safety issues.
- Thursday’s keynote will be delivered by Shane Ray, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association and former State Fire Marshal for South Carolina.
- On Friday, our keynote speaker is Dr. Richard B. Gasaway who will address situational awareness issues.
This year’s conference will see the debut of our first “Accreditation Boot Camp.” The Boot Camp will offer a full track of basic-level sessions on the CFAI accreditation model and process. Boot Camp educational sessions are designed for departments beginning their accreditation journey or for departments with new accreditation team members.
Three other tracks of educational programming will be offered: Advanced Accreditation, Credentialing/Leadership, and General Topics.
Our annual fundraising reception on behalf of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) takes place on the evening of Tuesday March 15. Tickets for the reception will be $20 with all proceeds going to the NFFF. Tickets for the reception will be available for purchase online prior to the conference.
In addition to 72 hours of conference programming, you’ll enjoy numerous opportunities to network with colleagues and to view the latest offerings in technology and software for fire-rescue department. Plan now to enjoy a week in the Florida sun on March 15-18, 2016. Early-bird registration closes December 20.
CPSE has renamed its three-day workshop delivered to agencies seeking information about the self-assessment and standards of cover process. Reflecting changes in the accreditation model from the 8th edition to the 9th edition, the redesigned class is titled “Quality Improvement Through Accreditation”.
The redesign of the workshop is part of the Reimagining Project undertaken by CPSE to ensure that every facet of the accreditation model and process continued to push for excellence in the industry. Chief James E. White, CFO, Fire Chief Winter Park, FL and Mr. Jerry Nulliner, CFO, project lead on development of the 9th edition, are working, on behalf of CPSE, with professional instructional designers to develop the new workshop.
A major feature of the new class is its focus on the six “building blocks” of the process:
- Community risk assessment
- Goals and objectives
- Standards of cover
- Benchmark and baseline standards
- Strategic plan
- Self-assessment
CPSE invites anyone interested in participating in a beta test offering of the course, scheduled for November 9-11, 2015, in Lenexa, Kansas, to register today through the CPSE website. The first offering of the completed new class is scheduled for Anaheim, California, on December 2-4, 2015, followed by a second offering in Auburndale, Florida, on December 14-16.
Attendees of this revamped workshop will receive the new 9th edition of the Fire and Emergency Service Self-Assessment Manual (FESSAM), the new 6th edition of the Community Risk/Standards of Cover publication (set for release at the end of 2015), 24 hours of instruction from experienced accreditation peer team leaders, and multiple opportunities to engage and network with peers
The Rocky Mountain Accreditation and Professional Credentialing Consortium held their fourth quarter meeting on October 20, 2015. The meeting was held at the Keystone, CO Conference Center in conjunction with the Colorado State Fire Chiefs Annual Fire Leadership Conference. CPSE CEO, Preet Bassi, and CPSE Deputy Director and CPC Program Director, Debbie Sobotka, joined the consortium meeting. Consortium members also staffed an exhibit booth during the conference providing interested attendees with information on CPSE’s programs and services.
Preet Bassi, CEO, and Debbie Sobotka, Deputy Director, attending the Rocky Mountain Consortium meeting on October 20, 2015.
This group holds quarterly meetings throughout the state of Colorado and draws attendees from Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. During each meeting, the consortium conducts a training session and holds an open forum for agencies and accreditation managers. The approximate 30 attendees at the October meeting represented registered, applicant, and accredited agencies and credentialed officers. The consortium coordinator, Neil Rosenberger, CFO, FM, Division Chief and Fire Marshal at Fairmount Fire Protection District in Golden, CO, invited conference attendees who were interested in learning more about accreditation and credentialing to the meeting.
During this meeting, CPSE had the opportunity to brief the consortium on important corporate activities and provide updates. There was a great deal of curiosity regarding the 9th edition of the accreditation model and the upcoming Excellence Conference.
Neil Rosenberger finishes setting up the CPSE display booth at Colorado Chiefs Leadership Conference.
Accredited agencies and credentialed professionals have found that banding together to form regional consortiums is an effective networking opportunity. CPSE staff visited with all consortiums that have held in-person meetings this year and will complete their 2015 tour in Iowa later this month. CPSE looks forward to attending at least one of each consortium meeting in-person again during 2016.
Chief Ronny J. Coleman, past Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) was honored by receiving the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated years of service to improving professionalism and leadership within public safety during their gala held on October 10, 2015, in Tustin, CA. Members of the CPSE Board of Directors were in attendance to recognize and congratulate Chief Coleman on this prestigious award.
Chief Coleman has served in many elected positions in professional organizations, including President, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Vice President, International Committee for Prevention and Control of Fire (CTIF), and President, California League of Cities, Fire Chiefs Department. In 2010, he was appointed Chairman of the California State Firefighters Association Volunteer Committee. He served on the Public Safety Committee for the League of California Cities for almost 20 years.
He holds professional memberships in many other organizations, such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Fire Code Institute, Conference of Building Officials, International Code Council, National Fire Protection Association, and the Institution of Fire Engineers, USA Branch. He was elected as a Fellow of the IFE by the British Chapter. In the past he has served as a panel member on the re-constituted “America Burning” panel and was a member of the US Fire Administrations “Stakeholder Committee. He serves on the Fireman’s Fund National Committee and currently serves as the President of The National Fire Heritage Center. This He is also the Chair of the International Accreditation Services, Technical Advisory Committee on the Accreditation of Fire Prevention Bureaus for the International Code Council.
Derek Bergsten, CFO, CEMSO, CPC Commissioner
Calling all Chiefs! Whether you are a Chief of an accredited department or just beginning the process of self-assessment for your organization, take the initiative and set the tone for your support of the continuous improvement process. Pursuing and attaining the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation as the leader of an accredited department has many benefits for both the leader and the organization. The benefits that you will gain personally by going through the process include outlining a path for continued career and personal development along with showcasing your various leadership characteristics. I feel one of the most important benefits of attaining your CFO as the chief of an accredited department is demonstrating your personal commitment and support to the process of continuous improvement.
I have been fortunate to participate in many site visits of departments all across the country for first time accreditation or reaccreditation.. There is one question that is often asked by the Accreditation Manager of the department we are assessing; If this process helps our organization guide its improvement, why doesn’t the Chief of our department and members in leadership roles do the same for themselves? Professional credentialing can provide that clear guidance on how to chart the path for personal development in the same way as organizational accreditation.
I understand that there is never a great time to start because we are all busy, but what better way to set the example. How can we as a leader of our organization ask our members to make a commitment to continuous improvement when we (Chief Officers) do not make the same commitment? Please make the decision to support the process of continuous improvement for yourself and demonstrate your commitment to your entire organization.
Rick Bartee, CFO, Named as New Chief at Roseville
Bartee joins the Roseville (CA) Fire Department following a 34-year career with the Phoenix Fire Department, from which he’s retiring as assistant chief this month. He takes the helm at the Roseville Fire Department on Nov. 2. The Roseville Fire Department is an Accredited Agency.
Finalists from a nationwide search were invited to a daylong session of interviews with three panels: An industry panel comprising fire service professionals, a community panel including the mayor and community leaders, and a staff panel comprising city department heads. Bartee emerged as the top candidate among all three panels.
“Our panel was very impressed with Rick’s credentials, experience, and his leadership approach,” said Mayor Carol Garcia. “We’re looking forward to welcoming him and his family to Roseville.”
Acting City Manager Rob Jensen said, “Not only does Rick have the track record and expertise, he also has the people skills and drive to lead the outstanding group of fire service professionals in our Fire Department and to be a contributing leader in our region.”
At the Phoenix Fire Department, Bartee most recently managed the Homeland Defense Bureau, FEMA/Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, Fire/Police Joint Homeland Defense Bureau, All Hazards Incident Management Team, Strategic Planning and Special Events Planning, the Phoenix Fire Department’s Urban Area Security Initiative, and the State Homeland Security Grant Program grants.
North Shore Fire Rescue Celebrates Anniversary and Accreditation
On October 6, 2015, the North Shore Fire Rescue Department in Wisconsin celebrated 20 years since consolidation and their recent achievement of accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The celebration, held at the Wisconsin Club Country Club, included presentations by a number of speakers. Chief Robert Whitaker, CFO, opened up the event focusing on how he measures success for his department. In addition to discussing the cost savings and their recent accreditation, Chief Whitaker shared moving stories of saved lives and properties. Rob Henken, President of the Public Policy Forum, provided an overview of his organization’s reporton the cost savings of the consolidation. The seven communities that receive fire and emergency services from North Shore are Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Sherwood, and Whitefish Bay. The guest speaker for the evening, David Axelrod, former senior advisor to the President of the United States, focused on the topic of leadership. CPSE CEO, Preet Bassi, was invited to provide a few remarks on the department recently being granted accredited agency status. She focused on the level of community engagement evident throughout the accreditation process and the department’s own commitment to public education and continuous quality improvement. She congratulated North Shore and commended the Blue Ribbon Committee on Accreditation for financially supporting North Shore’s pursuit of organizational excellence. echoua
CPSE CEO, Preet Bassi, presents accreditation plaque to North Shore Fire Rescue Chief Robert Whitaker, CFO.
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.
October 26, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Bowling Green, OH
October 26, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Minnetonka, MN
November 02, 2015
Self Assessment and Community Risk/SOC
Savannah, GA
November 03, 2015
Data Analysis and Presentation
Anaheim, CA
November 09, 2015
BETA VERSION – Quality Improvement Through Accreditation
Lenexa, KS
November 12, 2015
Developing and Improving Organizational Professional Development Plans
E-Delivery
November 24, 2015
Motivation: The Secret Sauce Revealed
E-Delivery
December 02, 2015
NEW Quality Improvement Through Accreditation
Anaheim, CA
December 07, 2015
Nurturing Fire Service Leaders Through Mentoring
Burbank, CA
December 08, 2015
Credentialing-Pathway to Personal & Professional Excellence
Burbank, CA
December 14, 2015
NEW Quality Improvement Through Accreditation
Auburndale, FL
December 15, 2015
Technical Competency – Writing to Achieve Designation
E-Delivery
January 11, 2016
Data Analysis & Presentation
Charlotte, NC
January 13, 2016
Quality Improvement Through Accreditation
Southlake, TX
January 20, 2016
CFAI Peer Assessor Workshop – January 2016
E-Delivery
January 28, 2016
Exceeding Customer Expectations
Apache Junction, AZ