Was it your goal to eventually be a fire chief when you first became involved in the fire service? As Chief's Clipboard columnist Ronny Coleman recently said, "Most people don't come to the fire department to become a training officer or safety officer."

Who would have thought 25 years ago that a bachelor's degree would now be a requirement for an entry-level firefighter? One chief wrote that when he received his degree many years ago, his chief told him, "That and 50 cents will buy you coffee."

A few months ago, I told you about a career "roadmap" for the fire service the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Professional Development Committee was preparing to publish. Well, that little book is now out. The IAFC Officer Development Handbook is 60 pages of vital information for anyone serious about advancing their career in fire and emergency services.

According to Chief Jim Broman, chair of the IAFC Professional Development Committee, the book began with "A single-minded vision to provide a clear roadmap for success as a fire service officer..." and that mission was accomplished.

The book offers a systematic program of development for a career in emergency services. The first chapter includes short sections on the "5 Ms" (Motivation, Mentorship, Measuring, Mapping and Maintaining) and should be read out loud to all entry-level firefighters -- volunteer or career. The introduction sets the stage for a career built on continuing education and professionalism.

The book takes readers through all officer levels -- supervision, management, administration and executive fire officer. Chapters correspond with NFPA 1021, Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, levels, as well as listing additional studies to be taken at an accredited institution of higher education.

It concludes with additional information on programs to enhance your education, including the NFA's Chief Fire Officer Designation, Executive Fire Officer and the Degrees at a Distance programs.

And the IAFC Officer Development Handbook has double benefits. First, if you or someone you know is interested in advancement, this book is a real asset. Second, every copy sold helps raise funds for the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Foundation, which provides scholarships to help advance the professionalism of fire and emergency services. To order a copy of the handbook at $15 per copy, call 703-273-0911 or download a form from the foundation Web site, www.iafcf.org.

Janet Wilmoth, Editor