How to Become a Fire Chief

Most often, fire chiefs are elected – which means they must campaign for the job – but a few are appointed directly to the position.

The road to a career as a fire chief can be a long one, but this guide aims to help those seeking the position navigate the most common steps along the way.

Very few fire chiefs earn their rank before working as a firefighter for years, often filling a number of roles along the way.

The first step for any prospective fire chief should be to secure a position as an entry-level firefighter.

Fire departments, like police departments and the military, operate using the chain of command structure.

Deliver value fast by accomplishing something significant.

Make sure you understand the role politics play in the successful implementation of a new idea, concept or program.

Implement what the group wants within reason and budget.

Advanced the Hopkinsville Fire Department into a leader among departments in Kentucky, with high training and evaluation standards and a Training Educational Institute license.

Former Acting Chief and Deputy Fire Chief brings 32 years of experience with RFD to new role.

“The Riverside Fire Department has been my life for more than three decades, so my roots with this organization run very deep,” Esparza said.

Esparza was one of three senior officials in the Riverside Fire Department to express interest in the Fire Chief position after Earley retired.

City Manager Barber sought to rotate the three through the Acting Chief job before naming a Chief.

In addition to keeping the department running smoothly, a fire chief needs to be able to work well with local officials and establish goodwill in the local community.

As a fire fighter, you must exhibit exemplary leadership skills to be successful in the role of a fire chief.

There are also actions you can take to develop fire chief management skills.

A formal education allows fire professionals to learn new techniques and advance their current abilities, as well as develop management skills for better community leadership.

Survival Skills for the Fire Chief examines the management mistakes fire chiefs often make that compromise their effectiveness and ability to manage and lead their fire departments.