Buffalo Grove Fire Department Leaders Receive International Designation


Fire Chief Mike Baker and Battalion Chief Shawn Collins of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department have successfully completed the process for the professional designation of “Chief Fire Officer” (CFO). The Center for Public Safety Excellence’s Commission on Professional Credentialing conferred the CFO re-designation to Chief Baker and CFO designation to Battalion Chief Shawn Collins. Chief Baker and Battalion Chief Collins are part of the 1,764 CFOs worldwide and the 123 CFOs in Illinois.

The Chief Fire Officer Designation is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competencies. Chief Baker received his original designation in July of 2013. To maintain the designation, individuals need to show they have continued to develop as a CFO in four areas of professional development, professional contributions, active association membership and community involvement.

“The Chief Fire Officer designation reflects the commitment to lifelong learning, skill development and community service. We are honored to receive these international designations recognizing our dedication to the proficiency and delivery of all hazard services to all who live, work or visit Buffalo Grove,” said Chief Baker.

Chief Baker has been a member of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department since 2013 and holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University as well as a Masters Degree in Emergency Management from Upper Iowa University. Battalion Chief Collins has been a member of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department since 2002 and holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University.

The Commission on Professional Credentialing, an entity of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc., (CPSE) administers the Designation Program. The CPC consists of individuals from academia, federal and local government, and the fire and emergency medical services profession. A Board of Review consisting of members of the fire and emergency services profession, academia and municipal agencies review each application and recommends successful candidates for designation to the CPC.
More information about CPC can be found at www.cpse.org.