Palm Coast battalion chief graduates from national leadership program

Palm Coast Fire Department's Battalion Chief Dave Faust graduated the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

By Observer Staff
| 11:00 a.m. December 20, 2023

Executive Fire Officer program graduates. Courtesy of Palm Coast

Palm Coast Observer
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Palm Coast Fire Department's Battalion Chief Dave Faust recently graduated the national Executive Fire Officer program.

The program, located the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, aims to comprehensively "inspire, educate and empower current future leaders in the fire service," according to a press release from the city. Over two years, program participants undergo three, six- to 10-day long residential exercises at the academy.

The program encompasses self-reflection on participants' leadership philosophies, organizational analysis and a focus on community relations, the press release said.

Faust first joined the PCFD in 2006 as a volunteer firefighter and in 2008 transitioned to a career firefighter, earning the rank of battalion chief in 2022. He graduated the national program on Dec. 8 and is now one of 460 executive fire officers in Florida.

"We celebrate Chief Faust for his exceptional academic and professional achievement," Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill said. "His commitment to serving others and mentoring our current lieutenant and driver engineers reflects his outstanding leadership qualities."