Robert Collins is a 25-year veteran of the Fire Service whose current role is Special Operations Chief of Tampa Fire Rescue. He is married with one child and a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in several military campaigns including Somalia and Desert Storm. Certified as a Fire Officer IV and holding a CFO credential, he is a graduate of the IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program and currently serves on the IAFC Hazmat Committee. Collins’ Master’s Degree is in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Achieving the Fire Officer 3 and Fire Officer 4 designations are essential to making the transition from middle management to upper management and leading an organization. As Fire Officers three and four, you will begin to look through a global lens at the organization and decision-making as a leader. The Fire Officer 3 and 4 managerial principles, along with the experience gained at the Fire Officer one and two levels, will prepare you for the next steps in becoming an administrative-level chief officer. I am a lifelong learner and encourage everyone in the fire service to grow professionally as you grow in seniority. I am eager to assist you through this process.

The Florida Fire Chiefs Association continues its commitment to public safety excellence and executive development of fire service leaders with the (6) part series that make up the Emergency Services Leadership Institute. The course topics include Personnel Qualities, Leadership & Organizational Management, Human Resources & Labor Relations, Government Relations & Public Policy, Emergency Management, and Administrative Theory and Practice. Not only is the course curriculum applicable to the needs of current and aspiring chief officers, but the networking opportunities and the relationships made over the course of the 2-year cohort are priceless.

Timothy Mossgrove is a native of Wellsburg, West Virginia, he began his fire service career in 1982 and moved to Florida in 1986. Chief Mossgrove earned his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2013 and is a 2015 graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. Chief Mossgrove was awarded the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation in 2011 and Fire Marshal (FO) designation in 2016 from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

The Center for Public Safety Excellence has provided me an opportunity to bring together all the knowledge, skills, and abilities I have been able to gain while working the fire service. In doing so and achieving my professional designations brings a high level of professionalism into the fire service industry.

As a designee, I find it rewarding to be able to pass on and mentor others who want to seek a professional designation.

Ben Rigney serves as the Fire Chief for West Manatee Fire and Rescue District and has nearly 18 years of fire service experience. Chief Rigney is a graduate of the U.S. Fire Administration's Executive Fire Officer Program, has a Master's Degree in Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He also holds several certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Instructor III, Inspector II, Safety Officer, ESLI, CPSE Chief Fire Officer Designation, FASD Certified District Manager, and FPELRA Florida Certified Labor Relations Professional.

Currently, Chief Rigney serves as the Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association's President and co-owner of an online training provider, JBFires.com. He is passionate about assisting others in accomplishing their professional and personal goals.

JoAnne Rice as the Director of the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal JoAnne Rice oversees the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, Domestic Security, and the Florida Fire Incident Reporting System. Director Rice began her fire service career with Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) in 1990 as a firefighter/EMT, eventually promoted through the ranks to serve in every position and division of the department. During her career with GFR she was a member on the technical rescue and hazmat teams, SWAT Medic team, Health, and Safety Committee, Combat Challenge Team, and was a fire safety clown. After serving over 30 years, JoAnne retired from GFR in 2021 as the Interim Fire Chief.

Director Rice is a designated Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, has a master’s degree in Public Administration, a bachelor’s degree in health science, and two associate degrees in fire science and EMS. Additionally, she is a graduate of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) and NFPA Responder Forum programs and continues to be a firefighter and paramedic

Director Rice currently serves on the IAFC Human Relations Committee, NFPA Emergency Responders Advisory Committee, and is the host of the 30in, 30out podcast, a podcast about firefighter health and safety.

JoAnne is passionate about the fire and emergency services and is dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of our firefighters, the diversity, equity, and inclusion of the fire service, and promoting professional development to be better prepared to meet the unique challenges in serving our communities.

FSEDI Program Overview:
The IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) is designed specifically for new or aspiring fire chiefs and was one of the most beneficial programs I have ever attended. During the year long program, you are introduced to some of the most leading-edge programs presented by knowledgeable and experienced fire chiefs from around the country. In addition to all the new and innovative ideas you are provide an extensive overview of what you can expect as a fire chief. It answers questions about being a fire chief you would never think to ask, because you just don’t know, what you don’t know. This program truly prepares you to be a better #2 as well as gives you insight into what it takes to be a fully prepared, resilient fire chief.