So anyway, I'm still here and continuing to learn some pretty amazing things about myself, since that's the jist of the fourth class in this program, Executive Leadership. One of the discussions, however, evolved around some of what I discussed in the first installment of this trip, that the NFA is underattended by the fire service. This is the same American Fire Service that complains when funding is being cut, and the same American Fire Service that complains that they don't get the respect that other professions do, and the same American Fire Service that complains that we can't get along between factions.

The secret about the NFA that some people don't seem to get is that it is a collection of minds that convene for a number of purposes, not one of which is to get an education. This education is mostly free to you, as within the rules and regulations, your travel is paid for, your tuition is paid for, your texts are paid for, and you have a room to sleep in when you are here. With the exception of meals, which are reasonable priced via a meal ticket purchase, the NFA covers all the bases.

Yes, we are talking about one or two weeks out of our already hectic lives, but put that in the scope of say, a semester's education at any college, and you'll quickly see that the effect of bringing you in and craming the information in is much more efficiently done this way than stretching it out over time. Not to ention that when you are here, you are immersed in the experience.

Educated fire service leaders notwithstanding, another benefit is the exposure to alternate points of view and the sharing of points of view perhaps you never knew existed. The diversity found in these classes is astounding and despite what I came here to actualy learn, I never go away from here without gaining answers to an existing problem or preventing a new one from popping up.

If you want to talk about professional respect, I'm sure that when I say that the instructors here are excellent and well-versed in their subject matter and the education you get from them is amazing. What I can't understand though, is that where the law enforcement community's leaders readily flock to the FBI Academy because it provides a higher level of education they can't get locally or on a state level, our fire service leaders generally can't seem to find the time to elevate their level of insight by taking some time out to go to our principal fire service educational program and even more importantly, to support it to their charges, and to promote it to the elected officials, especially at the federal level.

Each of you on FirefighterNation has an obligation and a duty to do the best possible to save lives and property. This obligation makes it incumbent upon you to gain an education that will help you and the rest of your team succeed. This duty requires you to seek the best practices in our industry. So how is it that if this is a true set of statements, we can't find the opportunity to enroll and attend the National Fire Academy, as well as support its mission both directly and indirectly?

As we have discussed in class, the Executive Fire Officer program should be required for chief officers, if not even for aspiring chief officers, such as those who qualify for the program as "key leaders". The issues that are discussed and related in this program are extremely beneficial for anyone who desires to be Chief of Department some day, but even more so, support my education and enlightenment as a leader of others. The roles we play and the issues we discuss are applicable not only in the fire service, but in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors as well. There are many other classes offered here that also can inspire you and enlighten you and you shouldn't believe for a minute that the EFOP is the only program here that can benefit you.

Take the time to learn more about the NFA, support it, and even if you don't go yourself (which I would hope you would do), at least support it to those of your colleagues who do desire to go.