Assistant Fire Chief Mark J. Correira recently completed the Executive Fire Officer Program offered by the U.S. Fire Administration. Comprised of four courses, the program is designed to provide senior fire officers with a broad perspective on fire administration.
Each of the four courses, which include Executive Development, Leading Community Risk Reduction, Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in Emergency Management, and Executive Leadership, require a written research project that applies classroom knowledge to existing situations in students’ own communities.
From the Community Risk Reduction course, Correira applied theory and concepts to determine the need for a falls-prevention program for Edmonds’ elderly citizens. Citizens aged 62 and older make up over 19 percent of Edmonds’ population. In 2006, 73 percent of EFD’s trauma-related calls were to evaluate patients in that age group who had fallen.
Correira researched available funding sources to pay for a fall-risk reduction program, which resulted in award of a $1,500 grant by North Region EMS and Trauma Care Council. Stay in Step!—a guide that outlines fall-prevention steps—was designed and written to help protect seniors’ quality of life. Included are ways to help prevent fall injuries and reduce falling hazards. Please call 425-771-0215 to receive a copy of the free brochure.
“Application of the knowledge Correira acquired through the Fire Officer Program has ultimately benefited Edmonds,” Fire Chief Thomas Tomberg said. Correira also researched obstacles associated with implementing Emergency Medical Service transport fees, which became effective in Edmonds on Jan. 1. Other research projects included credentials and training requirements for Incident Commanders, and succession and replacement planning for Chief Officers.
The National Fire Academy offers a wide array of programs and courses for fire service and allied professions. Courses are delivered on campus as well as through coordination with State and local fire training officials and local colleges and universities.
Jeanne Startzman works for the Edmonds Fire Department.
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