Page 31 - Volume 20

OFE SPOTLIGHT
The Value of the Ohio Fire EI xecutive Program
t’s my honor to provide my perspective on what the Ohio Fire Executive (OFE) Program has meant to my career, along with the benefits of attending. I chose to apply and attend OFE because of the advice and encouragement of past
alumni. Their leadership and example have made a lasting impression. I considered the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program at the National Fire Academy, but with family obligations, the thought of four years with two consecutive weeks away from home each year did not appeal to me.
Looking back, no other professional development program has offered me the knowledge, skills, and abilities that OFE has provided. The program forced me out of my comfort zone and made me realize my shortcomings. It also reinforced the need for courageous leaders who can be adaptive to challenges and changes. Thanks to my classmates and instructors, each has provided me the ingredients necessary to succeed. I am forever grateful to them for sharing their time, talents, and expertise.
Throughout my career, I’ve made it a point to continuously improve myself as a way to add value to others. OFE taught me the importance of networking, navigat- ing complex issues, and self-management. Navigating complex issues may be the most important component of an executive fire officer. The diversity of our class afforded me the ability to see different perspectives. If the program were limited to only chief officers, students would only receive a chief officer point of view. With a mix of supervisory, managerial, and administrative officers in the class, the dialogue was meaningful and beneficial to each individual at their current rank.
The most common concerns I’ve heard from others considering the OFE program is tuition and the applied research paper. Do not let this keep you from applying! Some organizations can afford to send their personnel, while others cannot. Opportunities for scholarships exist thanks to the Dominion Foundation, the OFE Alumni Association, the Southwest Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association, the VFIS Scholarship, and the Ohio EMS Grant Program. The funding is there, but you must apply. Furthermore, the program is designed so you incrementally develop your research paper over time. You receive coaching throughout on the proper types of research, formatting, and executive-level writing skills. Overall, you can expect to devote nearly 20 hours per month during your 2.5 years. Trust me when
I say it’s worth every minute!
In closing, I know I’m a better person
and professional thanks to the OFE Program. If you’re a fire officer looking to grow as a leader and aspire to add value to your fire department and community, I strongly encourage you to attend the OFE Program. u
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • www.ohiofirechiefs.org InCommand 31
Asst. Chief Will Anderson, OFE, OFC
Author Bio
Will Anderson is the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Euclid in Cuyahoga County. A 22-year member of the fire service,
he began his career with the Painesville Twp. Fire Department in Lake County. He is a recent graduate of OFE Class 15 and
is also pursuing his Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and Policy. He is a state-certified Paramedic and Fire Instructor in addition to a Foundation Fellow and credentialed Ohio Fire Chief. He also serves as co-chair for
the OFCA’s Safety, Health, and Wellness Committee. Anderson lives in Ashtabula County with his wife and two children. This is his first article for InCommand.