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027-Leading From The National Fire Academy
Posted On 04 Mar 2014
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FirefighterToolbox Podcast/ Internet Radio Show Episode #027
Interview with Dr Onieal
About this Episode:
Intro Provided by: FDNY Battalion Chief Mike Meyers and Baltimore City FD Captain Josh Fannon.
In this episode I interview Dr Onieal on what it takes to be a great firefighter and leader. We also discuss how to get free training from the NFA and what new programs they have.
Denis Onieal, Ph.D, Superintendent, National Fire Academy
About Dr. Denis Onieal, Superintendent, National Fire Academy
Dr. Onieal was appointed Superintendent of the National Fire Academy in 1995. He completed a Bachelor of Science Degree from New Jersey City University in 1976, a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Fairleigh (Fair-Lee) Dickinson University in 1978 and a Doctor of Education degree from New York University in 1990. He taught in the Master and Doctorate programs in Education at NYU for five years and has written numerous articles in the fire field.
He joined the Jersey City Fire Department in 1971, rose through the ranks from firefighter to Deputy Chief, and then acting chief in 1995, leading a uniformed force of 620 firefighters and officers. He spent his entire time “in the street” as a line fire officer.
During his tenure, the National Fire Academy expanded its outreach program to work more closely with State and local training agencies to increase NFA training from 15,000 in 1995 to 110,000 today. The NFA curriculum has been completely revised to include college credit recommendation and continuing education units for all resident and off-campus deliveries. The Academy’s on-line training program trained over 45,000 people last year. In cooperation with over 100 colleges and universities, the NFA has standardized the Associate and Bachelor degree curriculum across the Nation. Recently, the NFA was authorized by Congress to expand into EMS curriculum, which is now under development. The NFA now offers courses from 10 minutes to 10 days in all professional development topics depending upon the students’ needs.
Beginning September 12th, 2001, he led the US Fire Administration’s team at the World Trade Center, working behind the scenes to help the New York City Fire Department re-establish their systems of command, control and on-site communications. In 2005, he was sent to Atlanta GA to lead the in-processing, training and dispatch of 4,000 firefighters to assist in the response to Hurricane Katrina.
About the FirefighterToolbox Podcast/Internet Radio Show
The FirefighterToolbox Podcast/Internet Radio Show is audio program for up and coming firefighters and leaders who want to become better at the ever evolving skill of firefighting and to continue growing into a better leader. We interview great firefighters and officers and others who can bring great ideas, insights and information and share it with us so we can take our skills to the next level. New episodes every Tuesday. (Most listen to it on the commute to work, working out, doing chores or as a company training.)
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Excellent podcast, very insightful.