Chief Metcalf achieves professional recognition

FALLBROOK – On Oct. 8, North County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Bill Metcalf was recognized by California State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover for achieving ‘Certified Fire Chief’ status. Chief Hoover presented Chief Metcalf with the official certificate and collar insignia during the FIRESCOPE Board of Directors meeting in Sacramento.

The process of certifying firefighters has its roots in the 1920 and has been modified many times over the following decades. In California, the certification process was initially implemented at the state level in the early 1970s. However, even with a comprehensive career ladder in place, a capstone to the certification process was missing.

The State Board of Fire Services recognized in the early 1990s that the missing element was a process that would recognize the skill levels necessary to be a fire chief. A study was conducted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the League of Cities to determine the required skill set. This work resulted in a certification process that was adopted by the State Board of Fire Services.

The Chief Officer Certification Program sits as a capstone for the certification and qualification system. Its achievement recognizes an individual’s accomplishments in the areas of education, experience, and tangible career accomplishments. Since its inception, only 25 other fire chiefs have achieved Chief Officer Certification – Chief Metcalf is the 26th.

Chief Metcalf acknowledged the achievement, saying: “One of the essential components of being a fire service leader is a life-long commitment to professional development. It is an honor to have my work recognized by the State of California and to join a small group of fire service leaders who have achieved this certification. In turn, I am glad to have the opportunity to put my education and experience to work serving the communities of Fallbrook, Bonsall, and Rainbow.”