FEMA Selects Eight Fire Officials for Harvard Senior Executives In State & Local Government Program

Release Date: May 10, 2005
Contact: Tom Olshanski, (301) 447-1853

Washington, D.C. - Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response and Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), announced today that FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has selected eight senior fire officials for fellowships to attend the Harvard University's Senior Executives in State & 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.

"We are exceptionally proud to recognize these fire service leaders and to contribute to their advanced education," said Brown. "These individuals will not only receive excellent training, but they will take back their new-found knowledge to advance their contributions to their communities and to the fire service as a whole."

The fellowship program for fire service leaders is a joint effort between the USFA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and FEMA. Each organization funds two fellows. The final element of the competitive selection process was held at USFA's National Emergency Training Center, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on April 26.

"As a former recipient of this award, I am keenly aware of the sacrifice and commitment these individuals have made to the Nation's fire service," according to USFA Administrator R. David Paulison. "The fire protection of the communities these individuals represent will be enhanced by their efforts."

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 IAFC, IFSTA, NFPA, FEMA, and former program participants. Those selected are:

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.