The International Association of Fire Chiefs (www.iafc.org) announced that Benjamin M. Barksdale, Deputy Fire Chief of the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, has been accepted into the 2014 session of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI).
Now in its second year, the FSEDI is a year-long leadership-development program developed by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to advance and have successful and productive careers. Barksdale has been awarded a scholarship which will cover expenses associated with travel for three sessions to be held in Northern Virginia during the coming year.
“Ben” Barksdale, is a resident of Prince George’s County, 50 years-of-age and a 27-year veteran of the fire service. He was appointed to the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department in July 2011 after having previously served as the Chief Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief of Support Services in Arlington County, VA. He currently is the Commander of Emergency Services, responsible for all fire suppression and emergency medical services functions within the County.
“Ben Barksdale has demonstrated leadership qualities necessary to move the fire service forward today and into the future,” said Chief Bill Metcalf, IAFC president and chairman of the board. “The IAFC is proud to help enhance his leadership abilities and provide him the tools he need for a successful career as a fire service leader through the Fire Service Executive Development Institute.”
“Deputy fire Chief Barksdale is an accomplished fire service professional that I have had the opportunity to work closely with since July 2011 and before that on various projects within the National Capital Region,” said County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor. “He is the right person to be selected for this prestigious opportunity which will better prepare him for serving the citizens, visitors and business of Prince George’s County.”
The FSEDI is made possible through a grant by the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s Public Safety and Security Institute.
