Murrieta Fire Chief Matt Shobert was recently awarded the prestigious designation of Chief Fire Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. According to the CPSE, the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Designation Program recognizes fire officers who have demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievement throughout their career. The designation demonstrates that individuals have developed a strategy for continued career improvement and development. The highly competitive CFO designation assures departments that their leaders have the educational and technical competencies necessary to meet the demands of today’s society.
Serving as Murrieta’s Fire Chief since March, 2011, Chief Shobert is one of only 851 CFO designees nationwide, one of just 50 in the state of California and one of approximately 50 who have received the designation for a fourth time. Prior to being appointed Fire Chief in Murrieta, Shobert served as Fire Chief for the Hemet Fire Department as well as the Sedona (Az) Fire District. In 2007 Shobert graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer’s Program and was recently conferred Membership in the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE). Shobert also holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and an Associate Degree in Fire Science.
The many benefits of becoming a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designee enhance the stature and capabilities of not only the individuals who achieve this designation, but their organizations and communities as well. The National Professional Development Model, supported by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Program, maps an efficient path for fire service professional development. It is supported by collaboration among fire-related training, higher education, and credentialing.
To maintain the designation, individuals need to demonstrate they have continued to develop as a CFO in four distinct areas: Professional Development, Professional Contributions, Active Association Membership and comprehensive Community Involvement.
The Valley Business Journal is proud to recognize this significant accomplishment by public servant and Fire Chief, Matt Shobert.