Press releases

Three Edina fire supervisors receive public safety officer certification

Edina, Minn., June 3, 2010 – Edina Fire Training & Safety Battalion Chief Tom Schmitz, Fire Marshal Tom Jenson and Capt. Craig Essig were among 13 public safety leaders to complete the first offering of the Hamline Graduate School of Business Public Safety Officer Certificate Program.
 
The program was developed last year by professors at Hamline to provide senior emergency services leaders a masters-level educational experience in public safety. Topics covered during the seven-month program included the use of social media, human resources, budgeting and contemporary leadership issues. Participants also worked on small group projects to address and resolve a challenging leadership issue, and then presented their recommendation during the final class session.
 
Sessions included a variety of guest speakers, including State Auditor Rebecca Otto, State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl, Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendant Tim O’Malley.
 
“Not only was the coursework beneficial, but the networking that resulted from the program was great,” said Schmitz. “We were able to bounce ideas and make connections with fellow classmates and presenters from departments around the state, as well as with people ranging from State Legislators all the way down to others in the business such as [human resources] professionals”
 
In addition to the trio from Edina, select Chief Fire Officers and supervisors from Oakdale, Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View, Lino Lakes – Circle Pines – Centerville, St. Louis Park, Rogers, Richfield, Brooklyn Park, Fridley, West Metro Fire-Rescue District and Allina Medical Transportation completed the coursework.
 
For more information call the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0330.