Fire Department’s Ball completes chief executive officer training

Boerne Assistant Fire Chief Walter Ball recently completed the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) program hosted by the Texas Engineering Extension Service.

Ball was among 37 students representing 33 agencies across three states who participated in the 23rd FSCEO class. The intensive 40-hour program is tailored to senior fire service professionals and covers a wide range of leadership and management topics, including strategic planning, ethics, financial management and conflict resolution.

“I was seeking to broaden my understanding and efficiency as a senior executive officer, particularly in financial and strategic planning management,” Ball said. “Speaking to several mentors of mine, I was guided to seek this accreditation and knowledge. They found the coursework to be a pivotal pillar to success in their own roles.”

Ball said the program’s sessions on conflict management and strategic planning were especially impactful. He said the course also deepened his interest in the financial health of local agencies and how that knowledge can benefit both internal operations and public communication.

“We were exposed to the use of conflict as an avenue to effect positive growth and change,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of continued education and leadership training in the fire service.

“The fire industry, like so many others, is always evolving,” Ball said. “Senior leaders have an obligation to ensure optimal service to citizens, provide avenues for staff education, and act as fiduciary stewards for our community and city officials. Ongoing professional development is essential to meeting those responsibilities.”

To younger people starting their fire service career, the assistant chief said he always reminds firefighters they are a leader in the eyes of someone, and they should strive for not only individual growth but team growth as well.

The executive leadership course was hosted by the Texas Engineering Extension Service in College Station and facilitated by the Texas A&M Mays Business School. The FSCEO program is designed to equip fire service leaders with tools to meet the challenges of modern emergency response through advanced education in leadership, ethics, finance, and strategic planning.