MADISON TOWNSHIP — Fire Chief Kenneth Justus of Madison Township has added a second major credential to his leadership record after completing a national evaluation process.
He recently earned the Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
“Professionally, it really does not change who I am. Personally, it makes me very proud that I was able to be evaluated and confirmed to have met their criteria for this credentialing,” he said.
The program granted Justus his CFO credential on May 6 and it will remain valid through May 5, 2029.
The Commission on Professional Credentialing awards the CFO designation to leaders who meet strict standards in education, experience and organizational leadership. Candidates must serve at the rank of Battalion Chief or above before they can qualify for consideration.
The CFO process required Justus to complete 10 separate components of verification measuring his qualifications, leadership background and professional experience.
It also included an interview with a fire chief from the State of Tennessee, who evaluated his accomplishments and suitability for the designation.
Rigorous evaluation process behind CFO designation
Speaking about the process, Justus said he feels you never stop learning and you never stop pursuing excellence.
“When I read about this credentialing process, I wanted to pursue it to validate that I have achieved a level of professional excellence,” he said.
Justus previously earned credentialing as an Ohio Fire Chief in January 2023 through the Ohio Fire Chief’s Association, a designation he continues to maintain.
The CFO credential requires candidates to earn a minimum of 150 points through education and professional experience. Educational achievements can account for between 25 and 150 points and may include an academic certificate. Experience points range from five to 60 and reflect length of time in the position.
Applicants must also provide an organizational chart confirming their placement within their department’s command structure.
According to the Center for Public Safety Excellence, the criteria provide a comprehensive framework for identifying individuals who exemplify excellence and leadership in the field. Education, experience and organizational context are all key components in developing effective leaders.
Through these standards, the Commission on Professional Credentialing ensures CFO designees are well-prepared to manage the operational, strategic and administrative demands of fire service leadership, strengthening overall professional excellence in the field.