The Leader's Toolbox: Officer Development Skills with the National Fire Academy's Chuck Burkell

Aug. 4, 2008

Some trying issues are tackled by Fire Chief Richard B. Gasaway and Chuck Burkell, the program manager for Executive Development Program at the National Fire Academy.

These two experienced fire service veterans offer assistance to the chief of a combination department, who is dealing with two issues. The career personnel are at odds the volunteers, which creates a stressful work environment. The chief also needs help stressing the importance of fire prevention and risk reduction.

They also discuss a trying issue with the training chief in a medium-sized department. How does he get the leadership to set the right example? Tune in for some tips in diplomacy.

Send any comments, suggestions, or topics ideas to [email protected].

Related Links

The National Fire Academy website



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About the Author

Richard Gasaway

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, CSP is an authority on human factors, situational awareness and the high-risk decision-making processes that are used in high-stress, high-consequence work environments. He served 33 years as a firefighter, EMT-paramedic, company officer, training officer, fire chief and emergency incident commander. Gasaway's doctoral research included the study of cognitive neuroscience to understand how human factors flaw situational awareness and affect high-risk decision-making. He authored six books, and his contributions on situational awareness and decision-making are featured and referenced in more than 400 publications. Gasaway's training programs have been delivered to more than 88,000 students.

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