USFA Announces Fire Officials Selected for Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program

Emmitsburg, MD – Joined by three other fire service partners, U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell announced today that four senior fire officials will receive fellowships to attend the Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and 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 United States and other countries with a focus on exploring the interrelationships between citizens and government, analyzing policy options, and examining the ethical and professional responsibilities of exercising leadership.

In announcing the fellowships, Administrator Mitchell stated, "Our cities and communities are confronted with significant challenges regarding the daily delivery of services and meeting the expectations of the public. The Harvard experience is a very valuable and unique learning opportunity that assists the fellows in further developing and exercising leadership."

Fellowships for this program are provided by Fire Protection Publications/International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) administered the competitive selection process and coordinated the final phase which took place at USFA's National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland on April 30.

U.S. Fire Administrator Mitchell further commented that "USFA, along with FPP/IFSTA, IAFC, and the NFPA believe that these senior fire executives will also represent fire and emergency services with a high degree of professionalism. We encourage participation in the Harvard Program because the experience at the Kennedy School of Government enables fire and emergency services officials to have important conversations with elected officials and appointed executives. Now more than ever we need to think creatively together and enjoy dialogue with others regarding the critical challenges facing our communities and nation.  The sponsoring organizations are delighted to award these fellowships and the entire fire service benefits from the quality of leaders produced by the program over the years."

The selection panel included representatives of FPP/IFSTA, IAFC, NFPA, USFA, and former Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government program participants.

Those selected are:

• Claude Beauchamp, Director of Operations

Quebec National Fire Academy, Laval Quebec CANADA

• Martha Ellis, Division Chief

Salt Lake City Corporation Fire Department, Salt Lake City Utah

• Matthew James Fratus, Fire Chief

City of Rialto Fire Department, Rialto California

• Bertral Washington, Fire Chief

Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Nevada