New Lenox Fire Protection District’s Battalion Chief Michael Parkhurst has successfully completed the process that awards him the professional designation of “Chief Fire Officer” (CFO). The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) met on August 3, 2021, to confer the designation. Battalion Chief Parkhurst is now one of only 1,554 CFOs worldwide.

The Designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.

The CFO designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential. The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) awards the designation only after an individual successfully meets all of the organization’s stringent criteria.

Achieving this designation signifies Battalion Chief Parkhurst’s commitment to his career in the fire and emergency services.

The professional designation is valid for three years. Maintaining the designation requires recipients to show continued growth to the areas of professional contributions, active association membership and community involvement as well as adhere to a strict code of conduct.

The Commission of Professional Credentialing, an entity of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE), administers the Designation Program. The CPC consists of individuals from academia, federal and local government, and the fire and emergency medical services profession. To learn more about the CPC, visit www.cpse.org.