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06/10/2026
Chief Fire Officer Applications Now Open!
Applications Close September 14, 2026
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Program
2027 Registration is Now Open
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
Program Overview
The Chief Fire Officer Program provides more than 340 hours of instruction, including:
- 12 comprehensive instructional modules
- 4 quarterly leadership discussions
- In-person and blended learning experiences
- Executive-level leadership development
- Practical application and peer collaboration
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.
Who Should Attend?
This program is designed for:
- Current Chief Officers
- Battalion Chiefs
- Division Chiefs
- Administrative Fire Service Leaders
- Fire Officers preparing for chief-level positions
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.
Important Dates
| Applications Open | May 11, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 14, 2026 |
| Mandatory Orientation | Prior to the start of the program (MABAS Readiness Center) |
Program Requirements
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.
2027 Class Locations
MABAS Readiness Center
233 Hintz Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
Naperville Fire Department Training Center
1971 Brookdale Road
Naperville, IL 60563
Tuition
Program Cost: $4,550
Tuition includes:
- All instructional materials
- Course resources
- Leadership sessions
- Educational programming
Scholarship Opportunity
Thanks to generous funding from the Rice Foundation, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational & Research Foundation offers scholarship assistance for qualified students.
Scholarship Details
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.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be responsible for paying their own tuition (fully or partially)
- Have no access to departmental tuition reimbursement
- Successfully complete the educational program
- Pass the final examination
Scholarship applications are reviewed by the selection committee, and award notifications will be provided no later than one month before the program begins.
Questions?
Barry Eggers
Phone: (815) 791-4485
