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

Ready, Set, Go! Wildland Fire Program Now Available to All Fire Departments

Reno, Nev., March 30, 2011 - Today, the Ready, Set, Go! program was launched nationally at Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) 2011. Ready, Set, Go! offers tools and resources for local responders to teach individuals who live in high-risk areas how to best prepare themselves and their properties against wildland fire threats.

Today’s launch also unveiled the program’s online portal, www.wildlandfireRSG.org, which offers local program participants educational resources, tools to manage the program, news and connections with other program participants and partners.

“Ready, Set, Go! is a dynamic program which was embraced by the firefighters and the citizens of Pigeon Forge,” said Chief Tony Watson of the Pigeon Forge (Tenn.) Fire Department, one of nine fire departments that have spent the last year piloting the program. “Through public-service announcements, informational packets and community outreach, we prepared the public for the threat of wildland fire. Through wildland training with state and federal resources, we prepared our firefighters to be the ambassadors of this program. Community stakeholders have partnered with fire department resources, and their involvement continues to shape the structure of our area.”

Ready, Set, Go! provides fire departments and other public-safety agencies with the tools, resources and guidance necessary to deliver the wildland fire safety message to individuals at the local level. The program is a three-step process that teaches homeowners to create their own action plan of preparedness, have situational awareness and leave early in the event of a fire—all with the goal of significantly increasing the safety of residents and firefighters.

The three-step process is easy to remember and implement:

Ready – Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot. Plan escapes routes. Make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action.

Set – Act immediately. Pack your vehicle with your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media and your local fire department.

Go – Leave early! Follow your personal action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

“While this program can be implemented by any local response agency, we are encouraging fire departments to step up and lead this effort in their communities,” said Chief Jack Parow, president and chairman of the board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). “The fire service is uniquely positioned to understand the fire-risk environment and is typically a trusted voice that resonates with community members.”

Ready, Set, Go! was developed for national rollout by the IAFC with support from the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fire Administration, U.S. Department of the Interior, Firewise and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The program works in complimentary and collaborative fashion with Firewise and other existing wildland fire public education efforts. It amplifies their messages to individuals to better achieve the common goal we all share of fire-adapted communities.

About the International Association of Fire Chiefs

The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.

About Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) 2011

The WUI 2011 conference brings together the many stakeholders that are involved in combating the challenges of wildland fire. The most influential people in firefighting join with representatives from state and local governments and community planners to discuss the problems each group is facing and how collectively, new strategies can be implemented.