Local Fire Chiefs Complete Indiana Fire Chiefs Academy

This class is state mandated for all career fire departments and encouraged for volunteer departments.

Left to right: Pat Myers, Kendall Eberhart, and Cody Ratliff.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The Indiana Fire Chiefs Academy continues to shape the future of fire service leadership across our region.

This intensive, executive-level program is designed to prepare today’s chief officers for the complex challenges of leading modern fire departments, with a focus on strategic leadership, organizational culture, administrative responsibilities, risk management, and navigating today’s legal and political environments.

This 40-hour program, hosted by the Indiana Fire & Public Safety Academy, brings together experienced leaders committed to strengthening their departments and the communities they serve. Through a combination of National Fire Academy leadership principles and real-world application, participants are equipped to lead with purpose, adaptability, and vision.

Lawrenceburg Fire Chief Pat Myers, Deputy Chief Cody Ratliff, and Bright Fire Chief Kendall Eberhart recently completed the course. Their commitment to professional development reflects a shared dedication to advancing leadership, improving operations, and ensuring the highest level of service to their communities.

The Fire Chiefs Academy is part of Indiana’s Fire Chief Executive Training Program, developed to prepare current and emerging chief officers for the ever-evolving responsibilities of the fire service. Programs like this reinforce that leadership development does not stop once a title is earned—it is an ongoing investment in people, performance, and progress.

By continuing to prioritize training and growth at the executive level, departments like Lawrenceburg and Bright Fire are building strong, forward-thinking leadership teams. The knowledge and experience gained through this academy directly benefit firefighters, enhance organizational effectiveness, and strengthen the communities they proudly protect.

Investing in leadership today ensures these departments remain prepared for tomorrow.