Greenwich Deputy Fire Chief Completes Executive Training

Greenwich Deputy Fire Chief Laurence Roberts has achieved a rare distinction within the ranks of the firefighting profession.

The 15 1/2-year veteran of the department, the deputy chief for training recently completed a four-year training program with the National Fire Academy to become certified as an executive fire officer.

Roberts was recognized for the achievement at the Jan. 14 Board of Selectmen meeting where he was presented with his certification diploma by First Selectman Peter Tesei, who also serves as the town’s Fire Commissioner.

“This certification is a testament to his dedication, the research, the course work and his fire service,” said Fire Chief Peter Siecienski.

• To sign up for breaking Greenwich news alerts and more, click here.
  

The executive fire officer program is a four-year curriculum that provides senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and emergency services administration through graduate and upper baccalaureate level courses and research examine how to exercise leadership when dealing with difficult or unique problems within communities, according to the National Fire Academy.

According to Siecienski, less than one-half of 1 percent of firefighters in the country complete the program.

Roberts thanked both Siecienski and Tesei “for their support right from the start five years ago when I approached them to help in the application process.”

Roberts added, “I am happy to say I saw it to the end. I hope to use this opportunity to assist in town.”

Photo: from left, Assistant Fire Chief Robert Kick, First Selectman and Fire Commissioner Peter Tesei, Deputy Chief Laurence Roberts, Fire Chief Peter Siecienski. Credit: Barbara Heins.