The Fort Belvoir Directorate of Emergency Services-Division of Fire and Emergency Services (FES) and the Northern Virginia Fire and Rescue Leadership Development Institute (NVFR LDI) announced that Firefighter Jonathan Rankins has completed the Company Officer Leadership Program , and Capt. Timothy Gensimore completed the commanding officer charge. & Management Program. Additionally, Firefighter Ryan McCall and Firefighter/Medic Nicole Fazio completed the strategy and tactics program. A combined graduation ceremony honored the new leaders October 19, 2024, at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, VA.

NVFR LDI offers unique and important leadership courses for aspiring command and company level officers. Firefighting is a challenging and dangerous profession that requires comprehensive strategy and tactics to ensure the safety of firefighters and the community they serve. In Northern Virginia, the risk of wildfires and other emergencies is high, so it is crucial to have a well-planned and executed program to address these issues.

Historically, LDI has offered two programs, the Company Officer Leadership Program and the Command Officer Leadership and Management Program. Both are six-day residential programs where students must remain on campus for the duration of the program. Programs are designed to be challenging for students with minimal downtime. A primary objective of the program is to encourage inter-organizational communication and networking.

Fort Belvoir Fire Chief Kevin Good said once firefighters master the basics, it’s imperative they begin developing leadership skills.

“This training marks another great achievement that promotes these professionals’ leadership techniques, personal accountability and fosters the cultural changes necessary for the continuous improvement of our organization,” said Good.