Officer Development Handbook

In 2011, the International Association of Fire Chiefs released the 2nd Edition of the Officer Development Handbook (ODH). Four levels of career development are delineated in the ODH based on specific duties at each level. Certification as a Fire Officer shows that a person has met the minimum standard as set by the NFPA, while the ODH lays out a more optimum standard reflecting a more holistic view of how a person has prepared to become an officer.

The Utah Fire Officer Designation Program (UFODP) uses the ODH as a basis to recognize firefighters or company officers' personal achievement through the following four areas

  • training
  • education
  • certification
  • experience

This recognition program for Utah fire professionals provides a coherent and attainable guide to career advancement. The idea behind the UFODP is that a person’s ability to perform well as an officer depends on more than a test; capability is built by years of varied and quantifiable learning and growing experiences.

Career Advancement

TO APPLY: Begin by viewing this slideshow to see instructions on completing the application.

New firefighters can use the UFODP to map out a path for career advancement. Fire departments can use the FODP to help define promotional qualifications.

Currently, two of the three levels of the Fire Officer Development program are available.

    • The application document is designed to allow you to enter all information directly into the fields provided once it is downloaded.  

Supervising Fire Officer lapel pin

DOWNLOAD application before completing it.

APPLY NOW

New online application process - no physical portfolio required.

Managing Fire Officer lapel pin

DOWNLOAD application before completing it. Note: Supervising Fire Officer Designation is a prerequisite.

APPLY NOW

New online application process - no physical portfolio required.

Applications are processed as received. There are no longer quarterly due dates.

Those receiving the designation will receive a framed certificate and pin.  The award is usually presented at a department or city/town event by the fire chief or city official.

 

 

If you have questions about the program or the application process, please email Chief Aaron Byington.