Captains Justin Calhoun, Clint Foehner, and Tory Turner applied to and were accepted into the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy – a two year program sponsored by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. Foehner completed his first year and is looking forward to the second year and said, “It's helpful to learn more about the administrative side and how it all ties together to benefit the department. The fire service contains many moving parts. If Officers do not operate at their fullest potential, the machine will not work.”
Please join the San Marcos Fire Department in congratulating Captains Justin Calhoun and Tory Turner on their successful completion of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy in October of 2017. They have earned the professional designation of Certified Fire Executive (CFE) within the State of Texas. “The opportunity afforded to me to attend training that is on the Chief Officer level and was priceless to help me as I continue to advance in my career,” said Turner. Calhoun expressed appreciation to attend an upper level course that allowed him to have a better overview of how the fire department works at all levels.
Previous graduates were; Fire Chief Les Stephens, Assistant Chiefs Karl Kuhlman and Rick Rowell, Battalion Chiefs Jeff Clark, Aaron Crawford, John Koenig, Jim Matano, and Howie Minor, and Captains Andrea Acosta and Sean Garrison.
Three personnel received Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Certification after attending a week long advanced level professional development program in College Station to sharpen leadership skills of executives within the fire service. They are; Battalion Chiefs Aaron Crawford, John Koenig, and Howie Minor. Minor commented on the course, “Conflict will always be present. As leaders, we must learn to keep conflict manageable and not let the struggles interrupt the mission of the department.” Crawford walked away with the insight that leaders should guide and empower others to make smart decisions, and Koenig said, “Defining and understanding the ‘Why’ your organization exists allows one to determine how to meet the goals and expectations to support the mission.”
The SMFD is honored by their participation in the academies and the knowledge that will serve them well throughout their careers and their lives.
Battalion Chiefs John Koenig, Aaron Crawford, and Howie Minor are congratulated after receiving their Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Certification from Robert Barron of Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service and SMFD Fire Chief Les Stephens. Pictured from left to right are; Battalion Chiefs Koenig and Crawford, Robert Barron, Chief Stephens and Battalion Chief Minor.