EMMITSBURG, MD - Hank Lipe, Fire Chief of Hampton Fire Rescue recently participated in the 16th Executive Fire Officer Program Graduate Symposium on April 16-18. The symposium was held at the Department of Homeland Security/ Federal Emergency Management Agency/ US Fire Administration's National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

This annual event brought together almost 200 senior fire officials from across the United States and Canada for three days to discuss various facets of fire service leadership. The Symposium opened with a keynote presentation entitled "Integrity Based Leadership" delivered by Dr. James Reese of Williamsburg, Virginia. Department of Homeland Security personnel provided a number of program briefings.

A special presentation of the Broadway play "The Guys" written by Anne Nelson was staged. Following the play, a discussion was facilitated to examine how theatre and the arts can be valuable communication tools within everyday settings. Ms. Nelson and the other performers participated in the discussion. The symposium also featured peer presentations of outstanding Applied Research Projects by the authors. David Von Drehle of the Washington Post provided the closing presentation based on his 2003 book entitled "The Fire That Changed America."

Chief Lipe graduated from NFA's Executive Fire Officer Program in 1993. This prestigious academic program requires senior fire officials to meet stringent professional criteria for selection. The four-segment, advanced level program provides participants with a broad perspective on major aspects of fire administration. Participants must complete Applied Research Projects in their local organization.

Chief Lipe has also completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology with High College Honors from the University of Cincinnati. On August 20, 2003, he was designated by the International Association of Fire Chief's Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation as a nationally recognized Chief Fire Officer (CFO).

The US Fire Administration's NFA serves as the national focal point for advancing the professional development of fire service and rescue personnel through education and training programs.