The assistant chief of Chandler's Fire, Health & Medical Department was recently accepted into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI), being chosen from among new fire chiefs and chief officers across the U.S.

Assistant Chief Val Gale was chosen by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) for the institute's year-long leadership development program. The program is designed to give new and upcoming chiefs tools to help them have successful tenures in their leadership roles.

“This FSEDI program will be an excellent opportunity for Val to learn from some of the top fire service leaders and to network and learn with a group of fire chiefs and assistant fire chiefs from all around the nation," Chandler Fire Chief and past graduate of the FSEDI Tom Dwiggins said in a press release.

Gale, who began his career with the City of Chandler 20 years ago, will travel to the Washington, D.C. area for the FSEDI's first session. Gale will use scholarship funding to cover his expenses and the sessions, according to the city.

During his career with the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department, Gale previously served as engineer, captain, and battalion chief. He was named the 2008 Firefighter of The Year, 2002 Paramedic of the Year, and received the Medal of Valor in 1999. 

The IAFC, founded in 1973, represents firefighter and emergency responder leaders worldwide.