Jeff Steingart, chief of the Countryside Fire Protection District, has successfully completed the process that awards him professional designation of “Chief Fire Officer” (CFO).
The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) met June 4 to officially confer the designation upon Steingart. He is one of only 913 CFOs worldwide.
The CPC awards the CFO designation only after an individual successfully meets all of the organization’s stringent criteria. The process uses a comprehensive peer review that includes an assessment of the applicant’s education, experience, professional development, technical competencies, contributions to the profession and community involvement.
In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan. Steingart has vast knowledge of the emergency services profession and has far surpassed critical core competencies for personnel serving in senior fire service leadership positions.
The Countryside Fire Protection District is also one of 171 agencies that is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. This was first achieved in 1998.
Steingart has been a member of the Countryside Fire Protection District for 31 years, advancing through the ranks to the role of chief, which he has held for the past six years.
The Countryside Fire Protection District serves a 24-square-mile area that includes portions of Vernon Hills, Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, Kildeer, Indian Creek and unincorporated areas of Lake County.
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