PATRICK M. EGLOFF
WESTFIELD – Westfield Fire Chief Patrick M. Egloff was accredited this month by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission.
Egloff said he was proud to receive his chief credentials.
“I have work hard over the years on obtaining my education to help better myself and better serve my community,” Egloff said.
Egloff has an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Springfield Technical Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from Anna Maria College and a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Fire and Emergency services, also from Anna Maria College.
“Credentialing is a continuation of my educational attainment,” Egloff said. “I hope this shows my dedication to the position and lets the citizens of Westfield know they have a well-educated fire chief.”
Egloff joined the Westfield Fire Department in 1995 after serving as a firefighter at the 104th Fighter Wing for five years.
In a press release, the Commission stated that Egloff has demonstrated the required fire service experience, education, and certifications for accreditation. This accreditation is granted through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for the level of fire chief.
Palmer Fire Chief Alan Roy, who serves as chair of the commission said, “the program establishes requirements based on education, training, and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief. It establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department and their community.”
Egloff’s application was reviewed by a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission to determine if he attained a minimum level of credits for education, training, and experience. State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said “this program allows chief officers to document their efforts to develop and maintain the skills to be an effective leader and manager in today’s fire service. The process provides an equal opportunity for the volunteer, call, or full-time fire service leader to meet the minimum criteria for achieving fire chief accreditation.”
Egloff said this is a three-year accreditation. He will further his education and reapply in 2023.
“There is a huge educational component to fire service,” he said. “I am dedicated to providing the highest level of service to this community and have worked hard to continue my education and experience to bring a high level of professionalism to this position. I appreciate that this accomplishment recognizes my dedication to be the best fire service leader I can be for this community.”
Egloff said the Westfield Fire Department is almost fully staffed right now.
“We’re looking at some retirements in the next year, and we had a few hires last year because of retirements,” he said. “It’s a cycle. I feel really good about where we are headed and where we are right now. I’m proud of the department and I have a great command staff.”
According to the Commission press release, the program is open to all members of the fire service in the Commonwealth serving as chief of department. Additionally, any person holding the rank of Lieutenant or above in that department is also eligible to apply for credentialing. Participation in this program is voluntary and all eligible personnel are encouraged to participate.
