FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chardon Fire Chief achieves Ohio Fire Executive status
At left, Chardon Fire Chief Larry Gaspar recently graduated
from the Ohio Fire Executive program with other fire officials from our
area. At right, Chief Gaspar receives a proclamation of commendation from
the Chardon City Council for completing the 2 1/2 year program.
5/2006 - Chardon, Ohio
Fire Chief Larry Gaspar recently graduated from the Ohio Fire Executive
program during an official gathering at the Blackwell Inn at the Fisher Business
College of Ohio State University in Columbus. The program is administrated
by the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation of the Ohio Fire Chief's
Association, the statewide trade association for fire officers in Ohio.
His
graduating class is now one of an elite group of fire officials from around Ohio
that has completed the intensive, 2 1/2 year executive education program, which
is geared toward chief fire officers. OFE officials indicate that the
program "signifies one of the highest levels of achievement in the
profession". The program is designed to provide fire and EMS officers
with the educational experience focused on the development of executive skills
used by effective leaders.
Chief Gaspar spent five weeks doing
in-residence class work. During the interim between those weeks, the
program required in-depth participation in a significant number of learning
modules. In part, participants were required to read books and case
studies, write several papers, present in-class speeches, develop an
organizational strategic plan and complete a research project.
In
a recent article in the Geauga Times Courier, Gaspar was quoted as saying,
"Completing the OFE program has helped me be a better leader for my
department. Excellence in leadership positions is crucial when it comes to
providing emergency services to the community". He further indicated
that the Chardon Fire Department has a "very professional staff of fire
officers, firefighters, and paramedics that provide emergency services to the
City of Chardon, Chardon Township, and Claridon Township".
In
June, Chief Gaspar was honored by the Chardon City Council, as they issued him a
proclamation of commendation for his completion of the program. Gaspar,
who is a part-time fire chief position for Chardon, has been with the fire
department since 1986. He also holds certifications as a Career
Firefighter, Paramedic, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Arson Investigator, and
Technical Rescue Specialist. He is a full-time firefighter/paramedic for
the City of South Euclid.
Congratulations Chief Gaspar !!!
For More Information Contact:
Chardon Fire Department - Chief
Larry Gaspar
110 S. Hambden St. Chardon, OH 44024
Tel: 440-285-4665
FAX: 440-285-8320
Webmaster: Capt. John Blauch
