ACFD Deputy Fire Chief Selected for Leadership Development Program
Published on March 02, 2023
Tiffanye Wesley, Deputy Fire Chief of the Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD), has been accepted into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Deputy Chief Wesley competed with new fire chiefs and chief officers from across the country and Canada to become a member of the 2023 cohort program.
The Fire Service Executive Development Institute is a year-long leadership development program. It was created and implemented by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring fire chiefs the tools they need to have successful and productive tenures.
"I am incredibly proud of Chief Wesley on her selection into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute,” said Arlington County Fire Chief David Povlitz. “Chief Wesley has been and continues to be a trailblazer in the American fire service. Her leadership and vision have been inspirational to many firefighters not just in Arlington, but across the nation."
Tiffanye S. Wesley is a 29-year veteran of ACFD who has served in numerous positions, including being a Nationally Certified Bomb Technician and Bomb Commander and Station Commander for the largest and busiest firehouse in Arlington. She is the first African American woman to be promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in the department’s 80-year history.
As an internationally certified John Maxwell speaker, trainer, and coach, Deputy Chief Wesley presents classes all over the U.S. on leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her most popular sessions are “Buddy to Boss: Leading with Integrity and Respect” and, “Imposter Syndrome: Will the Real YOU Please Stand Up.” This ‘woman on fire’ is an inspiration to men and women all over the country because of her transparency and story of determination and commitment to her career in fire and rescue.
She is married to Eric Wesley, who is also a Captain in ACFD. They have four children, two of whom also work in public safety, and three grandchildren.
The 2023 FSEDI cohort members will meet four times in the coming year. The group’s first session will be at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Va., during the week of March 11–17. Another meeting will take place at the Fire-Rescue International Conference in Kansas City, Mo., Aug. 16–18. The cohort will communicate using an online community between on-site sessions.
The IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Program has become the premier career and leadership development program in the fire and rescue services thanks to the generous support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. Numerous chief officers from previous cohorts have been successful in achieving fire chief positions and serving as chief officers in several fire service organizations. This is the eleventh year that the Motorola Solutions Foundation has provided the IAFC with a grant to fund the program.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, and public safety legislation. Since 1973, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
The Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI)
FSEDI is a program developed by the IAFC and funded by a grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation to provide new and aspiring fire chiefs with the tools they need to have a successful and productive tenure. Individuals become alumni after they complete their year-long program and remain active members of FSEDI. Learn more.
About Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. With employees located around the globe, Motorola Solutions seeks to give back to the communities where it operates. The company achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships, and fostering innovation. The Motorola Solutions Foundation focuses its funding on public safety, disaster relief, employee giving, and education, especially science, technology, engineering, and math programming. Find more information on Motorola Solutions corporate and foundation giving.