County Deputy Fire Chief Completes International Professional Designation Process

Acting Lt. Colonel Steven L. Hess of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department has successfully completed the process that awards him the professional designation of "Chief Fire Officer" (CFO). The Commission on Professional Credentialing met on May 5, 2010 to officially confer the re-designation upon Acting Lieutenant Colonel Hess. Acting Lieutenant Colonel Hess is one of only 693 CFO's worldwide.

The Chief Fire Officer Designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including: Experience, Education, Professional Development, Professional Contributions, Association Membership, Community Involvement, and Technical Competencies. Acting Lieutenant Colonel Hess received his original designation on July 11, 2007. To maintain the designation, individuals need to show they have continued to develop as a CFO in four areas: Professional Development, Professional Contributions, Active Association Membership and Community Involvement.

A Board of Review consisting of members of the fire and emergency services profession, academia, and municipal agencies review each application and recommends successful candidates for designation to the Commission.