The path to becoming fire chief is often challenging and unpredictable.  With that in mind, how can you best prepare to become a five-bugle chief?  

Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Chief Trisha Wolford and Prince William County (Virginia) Chief (Retired) Mary Beth Michos  share their experiences and address key elements of preparation, including: 

formal education/training,political and policy development skills and experience,public speaking and communication, work history and reputation, teachable potential, succession planning and job shadowing participation. 

Chief Michos also discusses the IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI), a program which prepares aspiring chiefs to apply for and go through promotion and chief position processes.