PGFD Assistant Fire Chief Receives Professional Designation

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief PIO, 240-508-7930

MEBrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

The Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department is pleased to announce that The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) met Tuesday, October 2, 2018, to officially confer on Assistant Fire Chief Gary L. Krichbaum the designation of “Chief Fire Officer” (CFO).

 “I congratulate Assistant Chief Krichbaum on attaining the designation of Chief Fire Officer,” said Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale.  “He joins an exclusive group of men and women who have demonstrated their dedication to the fire service and commitment to continued growth.”

Assistant Chief Krichbaum is one of about 1,300 CFO’s worldwide.  The CPC awards this designation only after an individual successfully meets all the organization’s stringent criteria.  The process includes an assessment of the applicant’s education, experience, professional development, technical competencies, contributions to the profession, association membership, and community involvement.  In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.  

The CFO designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential.  The CPC, an entity of the Center of Public Safety Excellence, Inc., administers the CFO designation program.  The CPC comprises individuals from academia, federal and local government, and the fire and emergency medical services professions. 

Krichbaum has over 24 years of service with the Department and currently serves as Commander of the Fire/EMS Training and Leadership Academy.