In order for a Chief Officer to effectively build and lead an elite Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team, they must have a variety of skill sets and experience. Many ARFF Departments have found a need to go outside their own department to recruit Chief Officers to fill vacancies. There is no doubt that the fire service in general has a pool of highly qualified fire officers looking to start a second career or for an opportunity to complete their career in ARFF. If a department is well established and running smoothly, this is a wonderful way to introduce fresh blood and new ideas from an officer with a great deal of structural experience. If, however, an ARFF Department is in need of some immediate realignment, or team building, it is very difficult for a fire officer coming in from the outside to take on the task while trying to learn Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting. This starts them off with a distinct disadvantage, as the crew they are leading probably knows more about the business than they do. 

Recruitment of a competent and capable Chief Officer can come from qualified individuals within the ARFF Department or from a pool of experienced ARFF Officers looking for new challenges, opportunities and perhaps relocation. ARFF Professional Services can develop a program to recruit qualified executive officers through our nationwide search resources, or develop a competitive selection system within your organization.