Bend Fire Department Deputy Chief of Administration Bill Boos has been selected for the 2016 Fire Service Executive Development Institute, a year-long leadership development program that offers new and aspiring chiefs the tools they need to be successful and productive in their public safety careers.

Boos competed with new fire chiefs and chief officers from across the country to win a spot in the 2016 program. Along with being accepted into the program, Chief Boos has been awarded a scholarship which covers all associated expenses.

Bill Boos started his career in 1983 with the Sunriver Fire Department. In 1997, Boos was hired with the City of Bend Fire Department. Bill has held several positions within the Bend Fire Department with the ultimate goal of one day becoming chief. The opportunity to participate in this program will help bring him one step closer to achieving this goal.

“When Bill came to the Bend Fire Department we knew almost immediately that he had the natural leadership skills to advance in the department,” said Bend Fire Chief Larry Langston. “He has exceptional communications skills and is highly organized and trusted by his peers.”

“Bill worked his way through the ranks and was successful all along the way,” said Langston. “He’s now gained experience on statewide base on the Oregon Fire Chiefs board and is very involved in the legislative process representing the Oregon Fire Chiefs.”

“We are doing a lot of succession planning here at Bend Fire,” Langston said. “Bill is one of those individuals that has displayed the skills and is also interested in further training.”

The Fire Service Executive Development Institute was developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and funded by a grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation. The 2016 session is the fourth program funded by the Motorola Solutions Foundation in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

“Motorola Solutions Foundation recognizes the how these challenging times require a new breed of leader to head our local fire departments and national fire service,” said Matt Blakely, Executive Director of Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We’re proud to help support the education of these leaders to ensure they have the skills necessary to meet these complex and emerging issues confronting our communities.”

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, and public safety legislation. Since 1973, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Info: www.iafc.org.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. The Foundation focuses its funding on public safety, disaster relief, employee giving and education, especially science, technology, engineering and math programming. Info: http://responsibility.motorolasolutions.com