FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2021
Charlottesville Fire Chief, Dr. Hezedean A. Smith Earns Worldwide CFO and CEMSO Designation
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - On April 6, 2021, the Center for Public Safety Excellence conferred the (Renewal) Designation of Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Chief EMS Officer (CEMS) on the Charlottesville Fire Chief, Dr. Hezedean A. Smith.
The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC), associated with the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), has conferred the Designation (Renewal) of CFO and CEMSO on Charlottesville Fire Chief, Dr. Hezedean A. Smith. Chief Smith is one of 1,546 CFOs and one of 155 CEMSOs worldwide.
The program recognizes individuals who demonstrate continued excellence in seven measured components of experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence. Applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.
The CFO and CEMSO designation programs use a peer review model to evaluate candidates. The CPC, comprised of individuals from federal and local governments, academia, and the fire and emergency medical services profession, awards the designations after an individual successfully meets all of the organization’s criteria.
Achieving this certification signifies Chief Smith’s commitment to his career in the fire and emergency services. The CPC indicated that Chief Smith has demonstrated through education, leadership, and management skills that he possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the fire and emergency services profession.
The designations are valid for three years. Maintaining the designation into the future requires the recipient to show continued growth in the areas of professional development, professional contributions, active association membership, and community involvement. The recipient must also adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.
We congratulate Chief Smith on his continued dedication to the Charlottesville Fire Department and his commitment to professional excellence.
To learn more about the Center for Public Safety Excellence and its programs, visit www.cpse.org
Media Contact
Joe Powers
Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal
Charlottesville Fire Department
804-517-0564
powers@charlottesville.gov
