Chief/Company Officer Certificate Program
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The Chief/Company Officer Program (COP) is a collaborative initiative between UW Oshkosh and the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA), providing officers with broad perspectives on various facets of fire and emergency services administration.
Through six online educational courses, the COP framework helps officers strengthen their communication and leadership skills and gain a better understanding of public administration in fire and emergency services.
Upon successful completion of all six courses and having met the prerequisites for Fire Officer II, you are eligible to apply for Fire Officer III certification through ProBoard.

Admission Requirements
- One letter or reference from either your supervisor, fire chief, police and fire commission, city board or elected official
- Documentation of at least three years of experience as a fire officer or five years of experience working in a fire, EMS or EM department
* Certificates are only required if you are seeking the Fire Officer III certification - Copy of current Fire Officer I certificate*
- Copy of current Fire Officer II certificate*
Program Curriculum
Participants will learn a variety of leadership and management skills through the online program. Courses consist of reading, preparation and online work.
Course | Dates | Instructor |
---|---|---|
Leadership in the Public Sphere | June 6-July 3, 2021 | Mitchell Waite, PhD |
Written Communication | July 4-31, 2021 | Steven Peggs, MS |
Authentic Communication | Aug. 1-28, 2021 | Michele (Shelly) DeLisle, MS |
Personnel Management | Aug. 29-Sept. 25, 2021 | Ryan Weyers, MS |
Fiscal Management | Sept. 26-Oct. 23, 2021 | Mitchell Waite, PhD |
Community Risk Reduction and Strategic Planning | Oct. 24-Nov. 27, 2021 | Christopher Fischer, MS |
All dates are tentative.
For more information on the program or to apply, contact UW Oshkosh at (920) 424-1129.
Registration Information
Courses are offered throughout the year. The cost of each course is $499. Participants will need to purchase the required textbook, “Chief Officer, Principles and Practice” (Third Edition) by David J. Purchase, published by Jones and Bartlett. The textbook will be used throughout all six courses.
Register for specific individual courses
– OR –
Register for the FULL program (all six courses)
If you register for the FULL program (all six courses) before May 25, 2021, you will receive a discount of $499 off the total cost of the program.
Cost
Cost of each course is $499. If an individual registers for all six courses at the time of registration, they receive a discount of $499 off the total cost of the program.
Credit and debit card payments will only be accepted electronically. OCE may no longer accept credit and debit card payments via phone, mail, or fax.
Questions
For more information, contact Outreach Program Manager Cindy Brun at (920) 424-1458 or brunc@uwosh.edu.
Wisconsin Emergency Services Academy (WESA)
To learn more about additional education opportunities for firefighters, contact or visit …
-
- Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA)
- Wisconsin State Firefighters Association (WSFA)
- Wisconsin Technical College (WTC) System
- Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association (WFIA)
- Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM)
- Regional Emergency All-Climate Training Center (REACT)
- University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO)