From left: Firefighter/Medic Nicole Fazio; Firefighter Ryan McCall; Firefighter Jonathon Rankins; and Captain Timothy Gensimore, after completing Northern Virginia's Leadership Institute training, Nov. 1. This is one of the many collaborations between Fort Belvoir and Fairfax County.

Fort Belvoir Fire & Emergency Services welcomes new leaders

The Fort Belvoir Directorate of Emergency Services-Fire & Emergency Services (FES) Division and the Northern Virginia Fire & Rescue Leadership Development Institute (NVFR LDI) announced that Firefighter Jonathan Rankins completed the Company Officer’s Leadership Program and Captain Timothy Gensimore completed the Command Officer Leadership & Management Program. Additionally, Firefighter Ryan McCall and Firefighter/Medic Nicole Fazio completed the Strategy & Tactics Program. A combined graduation ceremony honored the new leaders October 19, 2024, at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, VA.

The NVFR LDI provides unique and important leadership trainings for aspiring company-level and command officers. Firefighting is a challenging and dangerous profession that requires comprehensive strategy and tactics to ensure the safety of firefighters and the community in which they serve. In Northern Virginia, the risk of fires and other emergencies is high, and therefore, it is crucial to have a well-planned and executed program to address these issues.

Historically, The LDI has offered two programs, Company Officer Leadership Program and Command Officer Leadership and Management Program. Both are six-day residency programs where students are required to stay on campus for the duration of the program. The programs are designed to be challenging to the students, with minimal downtime. A primary goal of the program is to encourage cross-organizational communication and networking.

Fort Belvoir Fire Chief Kevin Good said that after firefighters master the basics, it’s imperative for them to begin developing leadership skills.

“This training marks another great accomplishment that advances these professional’s leadership techniques, personal accountability, and fosters the cultural changes required for continuous improvement our organization,” Good said.

Paul Lara, Fort Belvoir Public Affairs Specialist