In 2009, FCAM established the Chiefs Mentoring Chiefs program to optimize and put to work the vast years of Fire Chief experience of current and retired Fire Chiefs in the Commonwealth. Fire Chiefs who volunteer to be Mentors are experienced; they are approved as a Mentor and provided with training for this role. There are over 40 current and retired Chiefs who are prepared to serve as mentors.
This program is not limited to members of FCAM. It is intended to assist fire service professionals including any Active Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief or Life Member of the Association (life members may be serving as interim Fire Chiefs) who seeks or requests assistance.
Mentoring Program Goals
- Advise retired, or near-retirement, Chiefs on: Benefits and job opportunities, strategies for transitioning, and understanding when it’s time to retire
- Establish relationships that will help them grow professionally and be more effective
- Help new Fire Chiefs integrate into the Chief community
- Maintain respect for stature as Fire Chief
- Provide immediate and relevant assistance to a chief in the middle of a crisis
Program Activities
The program activities are intended to facilitate the building of long-term mentoring relationships through four different types of activities.
New Chiefs’ networking and relationship-building
Initial and ongoing training for mentors
Assistance for Chiefs in crisis (not to be confused with Critical Incident Stress Management)
A web page containing knowledge and experience from other Chiefs
If You Find Yourself in Need of More Immediate Assistance
There are 3 Program Coordinators. The coordinators manage the calls for immediate assistance that have been routed to them through the FCAM Secretary. Program Coordinators then match your community’s circumstances and demographics with those of a trained Mentor available for advice.