The U.S. Fire Administration, along with the Fire Protection Publications/International Fire Service Training Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association announced that six senior fire officials will receive fellowships to attend Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program this summer at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. The 19-day program includes state- and local-government leaders from across the U.S. and other countries, and focuses on the interrelationships between citizens and government, analyzing policy options, and examining the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership.

"USFA and our partner organizations feel very strongly that this experience at the Kennedy School of Government enables fire and emergency services officials to have important conversations between elected officials, careerists, and appointed executives,” Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines said publicly. “Now more than ever we need to collectively examine and discuss the critical challenges facing state and local governments."

The final element of the competitive selection process was held on April 26 at the USFA's National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. The fellowships were awarded by the John F. Kennedy School of Government's admission committee based upon recommendations of a nominating panel that included representatives from each partner organization and former program participants. Those selected are as follows:

• Deputy Chief Todd Bower, Denver Fire Department
• Asst. Chief Patrick Butler, Los Angeles (Calif.) Fire Department
• Chief Steve Cover, Virginia Beach (Va.) Fire Department
• Chief Daniel Kistner, Lufkin (Texas) Fire Department
• Chief John McKearney, Vancouver (B.C.) Fire Department
• Chief Brian Sturdivant, Milpitas (Calif.) Fire Department.