OWL VFD Chiefs Graduate from Virginia Fire Officer Academy

OWL VFD Department Chief Wayne Haight and Assistant Chief Justin Witt spent two weekends in Fredericksburg to complete the Virginia Fire Officer Academy (VFOA). The program featured lectures by fire service leaders from across state and VFOA staff. The information presented focused on various aspects of leadership challenges that chief officers may encounter.

“Safety Through Leadership” was the theme of this year’s program which was based on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. Improving leadership techniques, personal accountability, and fostering the cultural change required to improve firefighter safety were among the key aspects of the information presented.

Funding for the all-expense paid modular academy was made possible by Virginia Volunteer Workforce Solutions program which is a partnership between the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs aimed at the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.