Battalion Chief Completes Prestigious Fire Program
Battalion Chief Michael Daniels of the Las Cruces Fire Department has completed a prestigious four-year program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Fire Academy.
The Executive Fire Officer Program is considered the flagship course of NFA and the U.S. Fire Service. The course requires eight weeks of in-person training at NFA headquarters in Emmitsburg, Md., the completion of several applied research papers and the defense of one of those papers.
Daniels’ applied research projects resulted in papers on Officer Development, Mobile Integrated Health and Mass Sheltering. His research on the City’s Mobile Integrated Health Program received a perfect score and was awarded the Outstanding Research Award in Community Risk Reduction.
The City’s Mobile Integrated Health Program is designed to help individuals who frequently call 911 but have no conditions that are considered life-threatening. Besides reducing the number of calls to 911, the program provides referrals and visitations to residents in need of health or social services.
Daniels received certification as an Executive Fire Officer during a virtual graduation ceremony held Thursday, Jan. 21. Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and New Mexico State Auditor Brian S. Colon joined Daniels in the virtual ceremony.
Daniels began his career at LCFD in 2006 and has been a paramedic for nearly 10 years. He became a battalion chief in 2015.
Daniels, pictured on right, received his Executive Fire Officer certificate from LCFD Interim Chief Jason Smith.
