The 2012 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program application procedures have been released and national and international senior fire executives who have demonstrated significant career accomplishments can now apply for the program. Sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications, the National Fire Protection Association, and the U.S. Fire Administration, the program awards fellowships to Harvard's annual training program held on its campus in Cambridge, Mass.

"Our nation’s fire executives need superior professional development experiences to increase their leadership capacity and the state and local program is a premier opportunity,” U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell said in a statement. “This program provides a world-class opportunity to explore and expand these relationships in ways that increase innovative leadership within state and local government settings."

According to the program guidelines, preference may be given to applicants who are graduates of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, although completion is not a prerequisite. Preference also may be given to applicants who have completed graduate-level degree programs.

Finalists must develop and present a five-year plan during their interview session, describing how they will use the opportunity if awarded to enhance fire and emergency-medical services.

Individuals who have had representatives attend from their organizations during 2009, 2010 or 2011 will not be considered, according to the guidelines. Application packages postmarked after Feb. 21, 2012, will not be considered. Questions should be directed to Mary Wingert at the U.S. Fire Administration.

Application Instructions

• Applicants must complete and submit the Harvard/Kennedy School of Government Application For Executive Education. Read the instructions before completing the application. It is recommended that the form be saved to a personal computer.
• For the question “Who will be the financial sponsor of your participation?” enter "IAFC/FPP-IFSTA/NFPA/USFA Fellowship."
• Make sure that you attach your essay responses (250 words or less for each question response) to the application.
• Enclose a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Enclose a letter of recommendation from your senior official. If the applicant is the chief, the letter should be written by the jurisdictional head (e.g., mayor or city manager). Otherwise, the recommendation should be from the fire chief.
• Please do not submit your application package directly to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Mail the application package (traceable mail with receipt is recommended) no later than Feb. 21, 2012, (postmark) to: Harvard Fellowship Program, International Association of Fire Chiefs, c/o Cynthia Cox, 4025 Fair Ridge Drive - Suite 300, Fairfax, Va., 22033-2868.