The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the winners of fellowships to Harvard University's 2006 Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program. The 19-day program includes other state and local government leaders from across the country and focuses on exploring the interrelationships between citizens and government, analyzing policy options, and examining the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership.

This year’s awardees are:

• Kevin Brame, deputy chief, North Las Vegas (Nev.) Fire Department
• Eddie Burns, chief, Dallas Fire Department
• Brian Crawford, assistant chief, Shreveport (La.) Fire Department
• Stephen Dean, chief, Mobile (Ala.) Fire Department
• Dennis Ham, battalion chief, Atlanta Fire/Rescue Department
• William Hawley, chief, Allen (Texas) Fire Department
• Joseph Pfeifer, deputy assistant chief, Fire Department of New York
• Kristin Rollwagen, deputy chief, Minneapolis Fire Department

"As a former fire chief, I have great empathy for the challenges confronting today’s fire executives,” said Acting USFA Administrator Charlie Dickinson. “We … are confident that this experience will assist those selected in developing their public policy and leadership skills to better serve their communities. I am also confident that these eight fellows will represent the best of our fire services within this important forum of local and state officials."

The fellowship program for fire service leaders is a joint effort between the USFA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Fire Service Training Association and the National Fire Protection Association. Each organization funds two fellows. The fellowships were awarded by Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government’s admission committee, based on recommendations of a nominating panel that included representatives of each organization and former program participants.

"This program is considered of great value to state and local officials accepted to this intense educational experience," said George W. Foresman, Under Secretary for Preparedness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "Working with the other organizations, these individuals will be exposed to new and challenging perspectives and ideas by a very talented faculty, including elected officials. We expect these selected students to take back their new-found knowledge to assist their communities in preparing for all emerging threats and risks facing all residents of this nation."

For more information about the Harvard fellowship program, www.usfa.fema.gov.