Kelvin J. Cochran, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announced that, along with three other partners, six senior fire officials were selected 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.
“This year represents our 27th year in supporting and providing fellowships for senior fire executives to attend this superior program. USFA along with Fire Protection Publications/International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) feel very strongly that this experience enables these fire and emergency services leaders to have important conversations between elected officials, careerists, and appointed executives. Now more than ever we need to collectively examine and discuss the critical challenges facing state and local governments. We believe that these senior fire executives will have a transformative experience, but will also represent fire and emergency services with a high degree of professionalism. The partnering organizations are delighted to award these fellowships,” said Cochran. “Our cities and communities are confronted with significant challenges and the Harvard experience is a very valuable and unique experience to assist the fellows selected to exercise leadership.”
The fellowship program for fire service leaders is a joint effort between the USFA IFSTA, IAFC, NFPA, and Harvard. The final element of the competitive selection process was held at USFA’s National Emergency Training Center, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on April 6, 2010.
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 FPP/IFSTA, IAFC, NFPA, DHS/USFA, and former program participants. Those selected are:
- Eugene Campbell, Assistant Fire Chief, City of Dallas (Texas) Fire Rescue Department
- Otto Drozd, Fire Chief, City of El Paso (Texas) Fire Department
- Joanne Hayes-White, Fire Chief, City of San Francisco (California) Fire Department
- Ken Miller, Medical Director, Orange County (California) Fire Authority
- Robert Simonds, Fire Chief, City of Saint John Fire Department, Saint John (New Brunswick) Fire Department, Canada
- Randall Talifarro, Fire Chief, City of East Lansing (Michigan) Fire Department
