The Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) is a program developed by the IAFC and funded by a grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation (MSF) to provide new and aspiring 5-bugle chiefs with the tools they need to have a successful and productive tenure as a fire department leader. Program goals and objectives. The 2026 session is the fourteenth program funded by the MSF in conjunction with the IAFC. Apply by 5 PM ET November 3.
Criteria and Guidelines
Applicants who apply for the FSEDI program must:
- Be new (a year or less in the position) five bugle fire chiefs and aspiring (currently applying for five bugle fire chief positions or in department’s succession plan with the possibility of becoming chief in the next two years) chief officers who have demonstrated a commitment to career advancement and enhancing the fire-EMS service through their leadership.
- Applicants are required to have experience as a fire chief officer.
***All selected FSEDI participants become an IAFC Member.
Participants must make a 12 – 18 month commitment to the program that includes
- A week-long introductory residency at a conference center in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area.
- 2 additional four to five day sessions at a conference facility
- 4-6 month periods of self-study between sessions during which the participants will have access to mentors and executive coaches. There will also be opportunities for peer discussion in a private KnowledgeNet community.
- During the 3 on-site sessions experts from the fire and emergency service and the private sector will cover topics such as:
- Personal values, mission, vision ad strategic plan
- Emotional Intelligence
- It’s all about relationships
- Ethical leadership
- Political Acumen
- Leadership in the new era
- Executive presence
- Emerging concepts in organizational design and delivery
- Artificial Intelligence & emerging technology.
- Personal resilience and building a resilient department
- Effective use of science and data
- Budgeting and spend-management
- Labor-management relations
- Succession planning
- Storytelling
- Courageous and crisis communications
- Leading a diverse workforce.
- Attending Fire-Rescue International August 12 – 14, 2026 in Kansas City, MO for the full conference. The individual or their department will be responsible for the registration and travel and onsite expenses. There will be opportunities to meet and network with members of all FSEDI programs. Cohort members are required to attend the Invitational FSEDI training session.
- Participate in FSEDI webinar series
- Completing a project that contributes to the enhancement of the fire and emergency service and actively participating in professional organizations at the state or national level.
- Actively participate in professional organizations at the state or national level.
- Maintain an ongoing relationship with peers, networking with members of the previous year’s cohort and other alumni of the FSEDI.
- Join and be active with the FSEDI alumni after completion of the initial FSEDI program.
- Plan to remain active in the fire service for a minimum of 5 years.
This program is limited to 20- 24 participants. Applicants who are accepted may be awarded a scholarship to cover housing and meals while onsite if their department is unable to provide the funding. The individual or their department will be responsible for travel costs for the three onsite sessions in addition to the expenses incurred with attendance at FRI.