St. Lucie County Fire District News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2007

Parrish, Duran Graduate from Executive Fire Officer Program

Two St. Lucie County Fire District Chiefs graduate from

U.S. Fire Administration Program.

Four others receive their Master's Degrees

St. Lucie County Fire DistrictInterim Chief Ron Parrish and Deputy Chief Carlos Duran recently graduated from a four-year Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP). This program is administered by the United State Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD

The EFOP is designed for senior officers in the fire and emergency services to help them improve their leadership and management skills.

In addition, Deputy Chief Chris Bushman, Captain Marti Newport, Captain Jen Chambers, and Lt. David Gould recently earned their Masters Degrees in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. They began the 18-month program in April 2004.

"This shows a commitment by all of these individuals to the Fire District and to the community," explained Fire Board Chairman Ed Becht. "The Fire District continues to have strong leadership with individuals continually improving their management skills."

Parrish has been a member of the St. Lucie County Fire District for over 21 years. He has served as Assistant Chief since April 2004.

Duran has been with the Fire District for 23 years, and has served as Deputy Chief for Operations since April 2004.

Chief Bushman began his career with the Fire District in 1979. He is currently Administrative Deputy Chief.

Captain Newport began her career with the Fire District in 1994. She is currently assigned to the Division of Professional Standards and Conduct.

Captain Chambers has been with the Fire District since 1998. She is currently Captain in the Division of Training and Safety.

Lt. Gould has been with the Fire District since 1997. He is currently on the Special Operations Team.

Nova Southeastern University is located in Ft. Lauderdale - Davie, Florida. The MPA Program focuses on leadership and management skills for those working in the public sector.

The EFOP helps officers understand the need to be proactive (rather than reactive); to help transform fire and emergency services to reflect diversity; to value research and to value lifelong learning.

The four-year EFOP program includes four core classes:

• Executive Development which focuses on leadership, research, and change. It helps participants enhance personal and team development.
• Leading Community Risk Reduction which focuses on reducing risk in a community and involves the four phases for emergency management -- preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
• Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in Emergency Management which prepares officers for administrative functions necessary to manage a fire and rescue department.
• Executive Leadership which focuses on individual self-assessment and development plans. This gives the participant a framework for future personal goals.

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