Fire Chief Matt Arnold has been recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for graduating from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program earlier this year.
The internationally recognized two-year program provides a unique professional development opportunity for senior-level fire and emergency service leaders. The program aims to “inspire, educate, and empower current and future leaders in the fire service, fostering champions of public service within communities,” says Eriks Gabliks, superintendent of the National Fire Academy.
Acceptance into the EFO program is highly selective. Participants come from a broad cross-section of federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, and private sectors. Graduates of the program are enhanced decision-makers who are about to address complex problems through innovative collaborations.
Chief Arnold (sixth from left) with fellow May 2024 graduates of
the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program.
All graduates of the program must write and defend a capstone research paper that investigates a key issue or problem identified as important to their organization and community. Chief Arnold’s paper addressed solutions for effectively delivering fire services to the Sanford community as it continues to grow.
“This experience has challenged me to expand my knowledge of our community, its needs, and how we can best use the talents of this department to meet and exceed those expectations,” says Chief Arnold. “The EFO program has allowed me to build connections with fire service leaders across the country, which will be a huge asset as our operations expand.”
“We are proud that Chief Arnold has successfully completed the National Fire Academy’s EFO program,” says City Manager Hal Hegwer. “This achievement underscores his dedication to professional development and his commitment to improving our city’s fire protection.”
Chief Arnold joined the Sanford Fire Department in 2022. He has 25 years of leadership experience, with 14 of those in fire and emergency services. In response to Sanford’s steady growth, he has guided the hiring of new personnel, developed internal candidates for promotion, and overseen the construction of Sanford’s newest fire station.