Chief Fire Officer

Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational & Research Foundation and the Illinois Fire Service Institute

2027 Chief Fire Officer Registration is NOW Open!

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This is a blended program developed by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational and Research Foundation and the Illinois Fire Service Institute for Fire Officers operating at the Chief Fire Officer level or aspiring to do so. This comprehensive program offers participants the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and go beyond existing limitations. The program consists of over 340 hours of instruction, comprising 12 modules and 4 quarterly Leadership discussions. Across those modules, attendees will be challenged to broaden their perspectives beyond their current roles and demonstrate readiness to serve as a top-notch Chief Fire Officer.

Click HERE for the Tentative Course Schedule for the 2027 Chief Fire Officer Program.

APPLICATION DATES

Opening Date: May 11, 2026

Closing Date: September 14, 2026

Apply Now!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Personnel seeking chief-level positions: This program is designed for Chief Officers and/or administrative personnel. However, because applicants may have diverse organizational structures and administrative responsibilities, each application packet will be reviewed for possible admission to the program. The sponsoring department’s Fire Chief and/or designee will be required to approve the students’ entrance into the program & acknowledge the commitment from the department's commitment and that each student in this course will complete all assignments and attendance requirements associated with the Program.

ILLINOIS FIRE CHIEFS' FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS

The CFO Program begins with an in-person Mandatory Orientation at the MABAS Readiness Center. An end-of-course certificate will be awarded upon completion of all educational and testing components.

2027 CLASS LOCATIONS

COURSE FEE

For those candidates enrolled in the Chief Fire Officer program, the tuition is $4,550. This fee includes all educational materials.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational and Research Foundation is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for our CFO Program, funded by a grant from the Rice Foundation.

Students who are self-paying all or part of their tuition—and who have no access to departmental tuition support or reimbursement—may apply for a 50% tuition scholarship. Upon completion of the educational portion of the program and successful passage of the final exam, approved applicants will be eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% of the out-of-pocket amount they self-paid.

Completed applications will be reviewed by the selection committee, and applicants will be notified of their status no later than 1 month before the program begins. This scholarship is available exclusively to self-funding students.

We are making every effort to make the program as paperless as possible.  Applications must be completed online through the link above.

Questions?

Barry Eggers

Phone: 815-791-4485

Email: beggers@illinoisfirechiefs.org