The National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program will accept applications from November 2-30, 2026, or until the first 500 applications are received, whichever comes first.
The multiyear curriculum introduces emerging emergency services leaders to personal and professional skills in change management, risk reduction and adaptive leadership. Acceptance into the program is the first step in professional development as a career or volunteer fire and emergency medical services manager, covering education, training, experience and continuing education.
Applicants accepted into the program must attend one of four R6001 dates: May 3-14, 2027; June 14-25, 2027; July 26-August 6, 2027; or September 13-24, 2027.
The program is aimed at first- or mid-level officers and supervisors looking to jump-start professional development early in their careers or volunteer service. Participants build on foundational management and technical competencies, learning to address interpersonal and cultural sensitivity, professional ethics and outcome-based performance.
On completion, participants will be better prepared to grow professionally and meet emerging professional challenges, gain a national perspective on professional development, and have a network of fire service professionals who support career development.
The program includes five prerequisite courses, two 10-day courses at the NFA in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and a Professional Development Plan Project. A certificate of completion is awarded after successful completion of all courses and the project.
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution and be a current or acting supervisor in a fire or EMS organization. Career and volunteer officers who meet these criteria are eligible.
Applications must be submitted through the online admissions application portal starting November 2 at 12:01 a.m. The package must include an applicant essay of 1,500 words or less answering "Why are you the ideal candidate for the Managing Officer Program," a signed letter of recommendation from the head of department, a resume, an organization chart and a signed participant contract provided at the time of application. The contact for the program is Tina Crevier.