The mission of the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) is to assist in the professional development of emergency service personnel by providing guidance for career planning through participation in the Professional Designation Program. The nine-member commission consists of individuals from the emergency services profession, federal and local government, and academia.

The commission is responsible for:

• Setting and maintaining the professional designation standards
• Making decisions concerning individual designation, organization operation and special programs and activities
• Overseeing a team of peer reviewers

CPC offers several designation programs, including Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Fire Marshal (FM) and Fire Officer (FO). CPC developed these designations using a model that looks at the "whole" officer. Achieving the designation requires a strong educational background; diverse participation in emergency services at the local, state and national level; and demonstrated involvement in the broader community and all validated by emergency services peers.

"After 33 years in the fire service, I was looking for a program that would bring a wide variety of training, education, experience, and public service into one complete package. Chief Fire Officer and Chief Medical Officer credentialing provided the mechanism to accomplish that. During a recent city commission meeting where I was recognized for accomplishing these designations, my city manager called this 'the highest level of achievement possible for a fire chief.'"

Jack Taylor, CFO, CMO
Chief, Emporia Fire Department/Lyon County EMS, Emporia, Kans.