Palm Coast Deputy Fire Chief Forte Awarded Designation of 'Chief Fire Officer'

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Palm Coast, FL - Palm Coast Deputy Fire Chief Gerard "Jerry" Forte was awarded the professional designation of "Chief Fire Officer" (CFO) by the Commission on Professional Credentialing.

On Tuesday, March 7, Deputy Chief Forte was recognized by the Palm Coast City Council and the CFO designation was presented by Fire Chief Michael C. Beadle. Forte is one of only 1,204 CFO's worldwide.

The Commission on Professional Credentialing awards the CFO designation to individuals who have completed the organization's stringent criteria. An assessment of the applicant's education, experience, professional development, technical competencies, contributions to the profession and community involvement are all considered before the designation is awarded. Applicants are also required to identify a future professional development plan.

Forte is a graduate of Daytona State College's fire science program. He also earned a bachelor's degree in public administration and a master's in public policy. He began his service with the Palm Coast Fire Department in 1992 and he has served as Deputy Fire Chief since 2009.

Showing exceptional leadership, Forte created the City's Emergency Management Matrix that tracks employee assignments during emergencies, he led the team for the ISO assessment to earn a rating of 2, and he served as operations chief of infectious disease during the Ebola outbreak. Additionally, he often stars in the City's public safety videos.

“The CFO program is not just about climbing the career ladder. The designation is about being a professional. Seeking this professional designation shows that you take what you do seriously with honor, purpose and dedication,” Chief Beadle said at Tuesday’s Council meeting. “It gives me great honor and pleasure to present Chief Jerry Forte with the ‘Chief Fire Officer’ designation.”

For more information, contact Communications and Marketing Manager Cindi Lane at (386)986-3708 or email clane@palmcoastgov.com.

Photos courtesy of the City of Palm Coast.

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