Developed by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational & Research Foundation in partnership with the Illinois Fire Service Institute, the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Program is a premier leadership development program designed for current and aspiring chief-level fire service leaders.
This comprehensive blended-learning program prepares participants to lead today's fire service organizations through advanced education, strategic leadership development, and real-world application.
2027 Registration: Open Now
Application Deadline: September 14, 2026
→ Download the Tentative 2027 Course Schedule
The Chief Fire Officer Program provides more than 340 hours of instruction, including:
Throughout the program, participants will be challenged to think beyond their current roles, strengthen their leadership abilities, and demonstrate the competencies expected of today's Chief Fire Officers.
This program is designed for:
Because organizational structures vary across departments, every application is individually reviewed for admission.
Applicants must have approval from their Fire Chief (or designee), who acknowledges the department's commitment to support the participant in completing all coursework, assignments, and attendance requirements.
| Applications Open | May 11, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 14, 2026 |
| Mandatory Orientation | Prior to the start of the program (MABAS Readiness Center) |
The program begins with a mandatory in-person orientation at the MABAS Readiness Center.
Participants who successfully complete all coursework, testing requirements, and attendance obligations will receive an official Chief Fire Officer Program Certificate of Completion.
233 Hintz Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
1971 Brookdale Road
Naperville, IL 60563
Program Cost: $4,550
Tuition includes:
Thanks to generous funding from the Rice Foundation, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational & Research Foundation offers scholarship assistance for qualified students.
Participants who are self-funding all or a portion of their tuition and do not receive departmental tuition assistance or reimbursement may apply for a scholarship covering up to 50% of their out-of-pocket tuition costs.
Upon successful completion of the educational requirements and passing the final examination, approved scholarship recipients will be reimbursed for up to 50% of their eligible self-paid tuition.
Applicants must:
Scholarship applications are reviewed by the selection committee, and award notifications will be provided no later than one month before the program begins.
Barry Eggers
Phone: (815) 791-4485