Eight Fire Officials Selected For Harvard Senior Executives In State And Local Government Program

Release Date: June 15, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the names of eight senior fire officials who have been awarded fellowships to attend Harvard University's 2004 Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. This 19-day program for senior state and local government leaders focuses on exploring the interrelationships between citizens and government, analyzing policy options, and examining the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership.

"On behalf of President Bush and Secretary Tom Ridge, I am pleased to announce the individuals selected to participate in this very esteemed program this year," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "It has been an honor to work with other fire organizations to award these fellowships. This is yet another example of our ongoing dedication to America's firefighters."

Tuition costs are being provided by FEMA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Fire Service Training Association and the National Fire Protection Association. Each organization funds two fellows. These organizations and former program participants served as a nominating panel. FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration administered the competitive selection process.

Those selected are:

Division Chief Ruben D. Almaguer, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miami, Fla.
Deputy Chief Paul J. Berardi, Kansas City Fire Department, Kansas City, Mo.
District Chief Kim M. Berryman-Dages, Gainesville Fire Rescue, Gainesville, Fla.
Fire Chief Ira David Daniels, Fulton County Fire Department, Atlanta, Ga.
Deputy Chief Sandra K. Schiess, Independence Fire Department, Independence, Mo.
Deputy Chief/Operations Officer August B. Schwarz, City of Hoboken, Division of Fire, Hoboken, N.J.
Mr. Adam K. Thiel, Executive Director, Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Richmond, Va.
Deputy Chief Terry S. Welker, City of Clearwater Fire & Rescue, Clearwater, Fla.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.