Chief Officer Program

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The Chief 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.

Brian Bending, Oshkosh Fire Department fire inspector, and Chief Officer Program student

Program Curriculum

Participants will learn a variety of leadership and management skills through the online program. Courses consist of reading, preparation, and online work.

Admission Requirements

• Documentation of at least three years in an officer position or five years experience in a fire or EMS department. Please submit a resume with your fire/EMS experience.
• Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s fire chief, police and fire commission, city board or elected official.

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 online >> Authentic Communication
Register online >> Writing Effective Communications
Register online >> Leadership in the Public Sphere
Register online >> Personnel Management
Register online >> Fiscal Management
Register online >> Risk Assessment and Strategic Planning

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)

The Chief Officer Program is a collaborative effort among:

• UW Oshkosh
• The Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA)